Transcript Highlights:

• I heard two years ago when you talked about the impact of housing and its impact on school costs, and
• the impact of Housing and its<02:56:50.439><c> impact</c><02:56:50.800><c> on</c><02:56:51.560><c> school
• costs</c><02:56:52.520><c> and</c><02:56:52.920><c> and</c><02:56:53.080><c> that</c> its impact on school
• costs and and that its impact on school costs and and that they're<02:56:53.399><c> not</c><02:56:53.720

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a Ways and Means briefing opened by the vice chair, who introduced Jason Wong of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to discuss the national and regional economy. Wong focused on inflation, asking why it had fallen from about 9% in 2022 to the 2%–3% range, and what that meant for monetary policy and the risk of an economic downturn. He said the Fed’s target is 2%, noted that recent PCE inflation was about 2.4% and core PCE about 2.7%, and described the ongoing debate over whether interest rates should stay tight or be lowered further to protect the labor market. Wong explained that the improvement in inflation has been driven largely by goods prices, especially durable goods such as cars, appliances, and furniture, as well as non-durable goods like food. He said supply-chain disruptions during the pandemic caused major price spikes in 2022, but those pressures have eased and many goods prices are now at or below the Fed’s target. He also referenced the New York Fed’s Global Supply Chain Pressure Index, saying it showed extreme pandemic-era disruptions that have since receded. The main remaining inflation problem, he said, is in services, especially housing. Wong broke services into rent of shelter and all other services, explaining that shelter is a large share of household budgets and that housing inflation has a lag because rent measures often reflect older lease terms rather than current market rents. He said monthly Zillow data suggest market rents have cooled and may eventually feed through to official inflation measures. Members asked several questions about the chart’s time scale, the treatment of real estate, property taxes, and utilities, and Wong clarified that housing costs are counted in services and that the slides would be shared digitally. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• or public library, is school intended to be interpreted as private or public?
• So is the term school intended to be private and public, encompass them both? Yes. Okay. Great.
• or public library, is school intended to be interpreted as private or public?
• So is the term school intended to be private and private? Can you repeat the question?
• So is the term school intended to be private and public, encompass them both? Yes. Okay. Great.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> cover more territory so now any school cover more territory so now any school that<00:16:09.040>
• Cloud Tech High School on that day.
• So this was a great way to knit together a lot of schools across the state, colleges and high schools
• Cloud Tech High School on that day.
• So this was a great way to knit together a lot of schools across the state, colleges and high schools

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes public school, charter school, and private schools.
• That includes public<01:27:16.960><c> school,</c><01:27:17.280><c> charter</c><01:27:17.679><c> school
• ,</c><01:27:17.920><c> and</c> public school, charter school, and public school, charter school, and
• private<01:27:18.560><c> schools.
• As you know, with HR1, private schools.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> help schools or or something else. help schools or or something else.
• Schools need nursing homes need money.
• with the school district.
• committee with the routes to school committee with the school<00:59:09.280><c> district.
• </c> the Minnesota Safe Routes to School the Minnesota Safe Routes to School program<00:59:45.280><c>

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I was very fortunate her schooling.
• During my working School in Kyua Kona.
• So I went to law school at the Richardson School of Law and I became a public defender. a young woman
• It's when you're fresh out of law school and you have all this school debt, this loan debt, and you got
• It's when you're fresh out of law school and you have all this school debt, this loan debt, and you got

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom. Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed. Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:46.960><c> District</c> Sock Rapids Right School District Sock Rapids Right School District
• The location is Rapids High School.
• Music to our ears. travel mornings and after school leads travel mornings and after school leads to<00
• </c> I played high school football in Crosby. I played high school football in Crosby.
• </c> of graduating high school. of graduating high school.

Bills: HF1569 , HF460 , HF850 , HF707 , HF798 , HF852 , HF366 , HF365 , HF836 , HF866 , HF885 , HF959 , HF1196 , HF1788 , HF1349 , HF2272 , HF2652 , HF1251 , HF607

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: transportation, bond issuance, capital investment, infrastructure, road improvements, HF460, Sibley County, Highway 21, County State-Aid Highway, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, transportation grant, infrastructure improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, stormwater, public works, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• that represents all 331 school boards across Minnesota.
• </c> lot of this is we've had Charter School lot of this is we've had Charter School failures<00:47:20.559
• You know, I'm just kind of curious what the school boards—is it filed at the school board?
• You know, I'm just kind of curious what the school boards—is it filed at the school board?
• </c> actually come to the school actually come to the school board<00:58:54.160><c> Mr</c><00:58:54.440

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• school bus stop-arm cameras to private... ...enforcement statutes, we're going to expand the school
• For school speed zones, we're going to allow school speed detection systems to be positioned outside
• Well, does this apply to law schools and graduate schools? I don't know.
• Well, this is applied to law schools and graduate schools. I don't know.
• This bill requires schools to notify parents within five school days when a service is missed, such as

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and adoption of the special order report for the day. Members observed a moment of silence for several service members killed in the Middle East conflict, and the chamber also recognized visiting students, law enforcement, and later several guests in the gallery during farewell remarks. The House then moved through the special order calendar, taking up a series of bills on third reading. The first major measure was CS for CS for HB 981 on tributaries of the St. Johns River, which sponsors described as a community-driven plan to restore the Ocklawaha River while balancing conservation, recreation, and economic concerns. Representative Sapp opposed the bill, arguing it would harm rural communities, Rodman Reservoir interests, freshwater resources, property values, and local jobs without adequate funding or certainty. Representative Cross supported the restoration effort and its long-term environmental and community benefits. The House adopted an amendment updating planning references and expanding the advisory council, then passed the bill 107-3. The chamber next passed CS for CSHB 1389 on affordable housing and the Live Local Act after debate over state preemption of local authority, accessory dwelling units, and the removal of local opt-out provisions; supporters emphasized the statewide housing shortage and the need for more housing supply, while opponents argued the bill further limited local control. The bill passed 70-29. The House also passed CS for CSHB 1085, codifying the local government cybersecurity grant program and giving preference to fiscally constrained counties, by a unanimous 109-0 vote. CS for HB 273 on special districts passed after extensive questioning about downtown development districts, rural areas of opportunity, budget approval, and administrative caps; an amendment to remove the downtown district provisions failed, and the bill ultimately passed 88-? yeas as announced on the floor. CS for HB 989 on motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers passed 109-1 after sponsor testimony that it would prevent manufacturers from concentrating new vehicle inventory with one dealer group and protect competition and small businesses. CS/CS for HB 1329 on local government spending and budget transparency passed 82-28 after a lengthy debate over whether the bill would impose costs on local governments; a Cheney amendment to provide hardship assistance for smaller governments was adopted, and supporters framed the bill as improving public access to local budget information while opponents argued it duplicated existing transparency and could require new software or staff. The House then began consideration of CS/CS/CS/CS HB 1417, the Department of Environmental Protection package, with the sponsor outlining provisions on environmental regulation, septic systems, solar facility stormwater controls, coastal resiliency partnerships, and air-pollution permit timing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Safe Routes to School program plays a key role in this; however, it is severely underfunded.
• the safe rout of traveling to school the safe rout of school<00:11:07.279><c> program</c><00:11:07.639
• We are in strong support of this bill, particularly for the Safe Routes to School program.
• </c> recommends um uh 25 school recommends um uh 25 school zones<01:06:36.760><c> uh</c><01:06:36.880
• </c> money going to the safe R to schools money going to the safe R to schools fund<01:08:49.359><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and arts-related measures. HB 307 on special member plates drew written support from Protect Ohana, and HB 531 on a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center specialty plate received strong support from the Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society, both emphasizing cancer research, patient care, outreach, and public awareness. HB 706 would require skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, and HB 1231 would expand red light photo enforcement; both drew support from transportation and safety advocates, while the Judiciary raised concerns about citation volume, staffing, manual processing, and the need for consultation and a phased rollout. The committee also discussed HB 54, which increases penalties for repeated excessive speeding offenses; the Attorney General’s office supported the enforcement rationale and fingerprinting language, while the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it adds harsh penalties and jail time despite broader efforts to reduce excessive punishment. For the camera-enforcement bills, the Department of Transportation said the red-light and speed-camera programs would be expanded gradually, with existing intersections converted first and additional locations added over time, and noted that the system would require about $2 million and significant automation for the Judiciary. The Judiciary repeatedly asked for more time, public input on camera locations, and effective dates that would allow staffing and system changes. On HB 1166, which funds the automated speed enforcement program, DOT proposed technical amendments to make the citations non-moving violations and to align the statute with the red-light program; the Judiciary again said it had no position on the policy but needed time and consultation to absorb the workload. HB 235, a North Shore red-light imaging bill, drew similar Judiciary concerns and support from a testifier who said enforcement would improve compliance and reduce crashes. The committee also heard HB 1159 on commercial harbor evacuations, with Hawaii Emergency Management Agency supporting the bill as a way to give harbor masters enforceable authority to order vessels out during emergencies. The discussion focused on whether the measure would affect all commercial harbor users, including smaller fishing vessels, and whether it would conflict with Coast Guard authority; the bill’s proponents said it would let the state enforce orders already issued by the captain of the port and protect cargo lanes during crises. Finally, HB 17 on the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority was described by HCDA as a housekeeping and structural bill that would update its purposes, allow it to assist other agencies, and replace multiple county boards with a single program reporting to the 17-member board. DHHL supported the bill because of potential transit and infrastructure benefits for Kapolei and nearby homestead developments, and committee members discussed future financing tools such as improvement districts, TIF, and other mechanisms to fund infrastructure early in the development process.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:47.440><c> the</c> network as a told is the schools the network as a told is the schools the
• There's no K through 12 school that's gone down.
• There's a dozen schools &gt;&gt; So, excuse me.
• </c> schools out of 176? schools out of 176?
• ,</c><00:37:54.720><c> our</c> support our children, our schools, our support our children, our schools

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 KentuckyWired Communications Network Authority 00:01:20 Artificial Intelligence and Free Expression 00:38:40, 958, all

Summary: The committee questioned KCNA officials about the Kentucky Wired network refresh, focusing on whether the equipment truly needed replacement now and what the vendor end-of-support dates were for the network’s layer 1, 2, and 3 equipment. Senators and representatives pressed for invoices, purchase orders, and vendor documentation, and KCNA staff explained that end-of-support dates vary by specific model and component, not just by broad product family. KCNA agreed to provide a detailed list of components, part numbers, and support dates, and acknowledged that some requested documentation had not yet been produced. A major point of discussion was the timing of the system refresh. KCNA said the 10-year refresh schedule comes from the project agreement, specifically Schedule 19, Section 2.1B, which requires the first system refresh to be completed by September 3, 2026. Committee members argued the network equipment appears to remain in service life for at least the next two years and questioned why an upgrade would be needed immediately. KCNA responded that failing to complete the refresh could excuse the service provider from contractual obligations and could constitute a material breach or default under the project and bond documents. Members also asked about network capacity and the impact on schools and state users. KCNA said it would need to check with Quark for an exact utilization figure, while the chair cited prior testimony that schools account for about 80% of traffic and KCNA about 20%. The committee raised concerns about schools not connected to the network and the effect of KCNA’s actions on continuity of service, while KCNA disputed that K-12 service had been put at risk. KCNA also explained the contract and payment structure: the Commonwealth’s project agreement runs through Kentucky Wired Infrastructure Corporation/Quark, with KEDA-issued bonds and funds flowing through Quark in a waterfall structure. The meeting ended with KCNA agreeing to request underlying vendor invoices from Quark, provide the requested contract documents, and supply information on the status of the wholesaler replacement procurement and related litigation. No formal vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've watched areas that used to be cow pastures, that were 1A and 2A schools, that now have 15 high schools
• I've got a daughter in high school and a daughter in middle school, and I'm worried about the creep toward
• Christian nationalism in our schools in Texas.
• I'm also a public school teacher, so I'm doubly worried about that.
• I'm a retired Arlington ISD high school social studies teacher.

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have a lot of interactivity, both inside the museum as well as out on the road in schools and in
• </c><00:21:15.919><c> and</c> well as out on the road in schools and well as out on the road in schools
• They provide bots that they leave behind at those schools that they visit. So with that, Mr.
• </c> programming in over 150 public schools programming in over 150 public schools libraries<00:25:24.559
• </c> programming to more different schools programming to more different schools more<00:30:21.600><c

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or school facility.
• As I recall, within 302A-101, public schools include both Department schools as well as public charter
• schools.
• well as both Department schools as well as public<00:47:57.079><c> charter</c><00:47:57.400><c> schools
• </c> owner immediately adjacent to the school owner immediately adjacent to the school that<00:48:46.040

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with HB 1113, which would create an intensive mobile team pilot program in the Department of Health for chronically houseless individuals with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division strongly supported the bill, and written support was also submitted by several health and harm-reduction organizations. Members asked about the program’s size and coordination with existing services; the testifier said the team would use a low-caseload, 24/7 mobile model, coordinate with police, ERs, hospitals, housing, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other case-management resources, and continue serving participants even if they cycle through jail or hospital. The committee amended the bill to change the participant language from a maximum of 40 to “at least 40,” blanked out the appropriations section, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and then adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments by unanimous vote in both committees. The next measure, HB 1140, would appropriate funds for DLNR to clean up homeless encampments on department lands. DLNR testified in support, saying it conducts about 22 to 24 cleanups per year and the bill would help it address homelessness statewide. Members asked whether the funds would be used to sweep people out of areas; DLNR said its practice is to give notice, allow time to leave, and then clean up what remains, with storage procedures for personal property. The department also said people still present are told to move to the county area across the road. DLNR confirmed the bill is not in the governor’s budget, though it is in the governor’s legislative package. The committee then heard HB 1486, which would make it disorderly conduct to remain or loiter within 20 feet of a bus stop without intent to use bus services. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal enforcement is not the right tool, could lead to arrests of people who are simply tired or unhoused, and could create a cycle of repeated low-level cases and constitutional issues around questioning and intent. HPD supported the bill, saying officers would generally try to get people to move first, but could also use field questioning, citations, or arrests depending on the circumstances; HPD said such incidents can be documented and later used in ACT or other mental-health interventions. A private resident testified in support, describing bus stops near her home as occupied overnight and burdening nearby residents and small businesses. Written support came from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office, and one individual opposed the bill. Members also asked about neighbor-island impacts, property handling, and whether the bill could help connect people to services; HPD said it had not consulted other counties and would follow up. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 877, which would prohibit encampments within 100 feet of the property line of a K-12 public or private school or school facility. DLNR stood on its written testimony, and the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that the bill did not specify how violators would be removed, what would happen to property or the encampment, or whether the buffer zone applies only to public spaces. The AG suggested making violations petty misdemeanors and adding clearer definitions and due-process guidance. Members asked whether charter schools are included and whether private-property situations within the buffer zone should be clarified; the AG said public schools include charter schools and indicated the bill may need more specificity about private property and trespass situations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The price or the evaluation of the property will go into the school system to where it counts on their
• So it allows school districts to be able to maybe borrow more money against their bonding.
• I guess my one concern with that would be that you're kind of extending the credit of the school district
• And a lot of times the school districts—there's usually, in the Chapter 100 bonds that I've been associated
• with, the school district is actually... ...with, usually the school district has actually paid some

Committee: House Legislative Review

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, then heard testimony on House Bill 2516, which would allow a qualified family advocate to participate in a patient’s care during a 96-hour mental health hold. Representative Burns said the bill is intended to prevent facilities from using blanket HIPAA-based policies to exclude family members who often provide critical background, medication history, and discharge support. Members asked whether the bill assumes incapacity based on detention and whether a doctor could still deny family participation; Burns said the goal is to let physicians permit family input and that the advocacy role would end once the patient is released. No one testified for or against the bill, and the hearing was closed. The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 171, which would count property held in Chapter 100 bond arrangements toward a school district’s bonding capacity even though the property is tax-exempt while under municipal or other government ownership. Representative Faulkner said the change would help districts borrow more and noted an amendment was being considered to include all government entities, not just municipalities. Members raised concern that the proposal would extend school district credit without allowing the district to use the property’s tax revenue to repay the bond, though Faulkner said Chapter 100 projects are temporary and eventually return to the tax rolls. No public testimony was offered. After a quorum was established, the committee entered executive session and voted on House Bill 3205. The motion to do pass the bill was approved 6-0, with six ayes and no noes. The committee also postponed executive action on another measure until the following week, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a financially reckless bill that may lead public schools to not allow their schools to be used
• This is a financially reckless bill that may lead public schools to not allow their schools to be used
• This is a financially reckless bill that may lead public schools to not allow their schools to be used
• to not allow their to public schools to not allow their schools<01:20:03.400><c> to</c><01:20:03.520
• As some schools in New York have done, they've taken the students out on a regular school day and put

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee first took up a nongermane amendment to House Bill 71 that would require state vendors, through contract language, to comply with the New Hampshire Patient Bill of Rights. Representative Edwards said the amendment was revised after feedback from the hospital association and DHHS, applies only to new contracts or amendments, and includes a repeal date of November 30, 2026 so it would function only for the current budget cycle. John Williams of Legislative Affairs said the changes reflected work with DHHS procurement staff and with hospital stakeholders, including the removal of the term "addenda" in favor of "amendment" and clarification on prospective application. The committee did not vote on the amendment at that time, noting it would be attached later to HB 71. The committee then moved into executive session and acted on several bills. HB 67, which converts a pilot program for accessible voting machines in local elections into a permanent program, was amended to remove a $100,000 appropriation and adjust dates; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed unanimously, 25-0, and the bill was suggested for the consent calendar. HB 111, extending the Right-to-Know Ombudsman position, was retained and slated to be incorporated into HB 2 after a unanimous 25-0 vote, with the ombudsman noting the office could expire July 1 if the budget were delayed. HB 164, creating a process for a publicly accessible website for local records retention and access, was also retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote because it carries an appropriation. HB 216 was retained for further work because the committee could not get reliable cost information from the retirement system or the Labor Department; members said the fiscal note looked alarming, though the committee believed the actual cost might be near zero. HB 282, which raises the biennium cap on critical injury benefits for first responders from $500,000 to $1 million without increasing any individual benefit, was voted ought to pass 25-0 and will require a report. HB 619, dealing with solid waste issues and a possible self-funding accounting unit, was retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote. HB 650, an annual dedicated-funds cleanup bill that also caps a robotics fund at $1 million, passed ought to pass 25-0 and was placed on consent. Finally, HB 129, defining "evidence-based" in public education, was retained 25-0 while members continued working on language, and HB 133, concerning new resident driver’s license transfer requirements and DMV notices, drew a split policy discussion: the minority raised constitutional, administrative, and fiscal concerns, while the majority moved to retain it for HB 2 consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's over 1,100 grants to over 6,000 schools.
• Roughly, we're seeing about a 15% rate of unused from the schools, so schools that were provided grants
• Next, how many already awarded school projects, how many already awarded school projects and what dollar
• Roughly, we're seeing about a 15% rate of unused from the schools, so schools that were provided grants
• Chair and members, Ian Padilla, representing the Coalition for Adequate School Housing and the School

Summary: The committee first heard Issue 1 on trailer bill language to redirect funding for emergency demand-response programs. The Department of Finance proposed using about $26.9 million in General Fund originally set aside for the Distributed Energy Backup Assets program to bolster the Demand-Side Grid Support Program for summer 2026, and using about $70 million in CalCHAP interest to support ratepayer-funded demand response in summers 2027 and 2028. The CEC and CPUC said they are working on a transition from DSGS to ELRP or a successor program, while the LAO noted the General Fund money would otherwise revert to savings. Members pressed the administration on whether demand response remains important, whether DSGS has been successful, and whether the state should keep funding it through the CEC rather than shifting to a ratepayer-funded CPUC program. The CEC and CPUC said the programs are not directly comparable, emphasized different cost structures and enrollment metrics, and said a CPUC rulemaking is underway with a proposed decision expected in Q3 2026. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up Issue 2, a budget proposal tied to SB 254 and the new transmission accelerator. GoBiz and the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank described a five-year, roughly $26 million request to staff and administer the accelerator and manage Proposition 4 and AB 1207 funds for transmission financing. Members asked about state liability, ownership of financed lines, FERC revenue requirements, and whether the program would help underserved regions and offshore wind development. Staff explained that the accelerator would only consider projects already identified through CAISO’s competitive transmission planning process, and that state financing would be a small portion of large projects intended to lower overall costs to ratepayers. The LAO said it had no specific concerns but urged the Legislature to ensure the final language matches its intent. The committee also heard Issue 3 on petroleum market oversight. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested additional positions and funding to implement ABX2-1 and continue work on supply stabilization, refinery monitoring, and transportation fuels analysis. Members questioned why the work was funded through the Energy Resources Programs Account, whether existing staff from the paused price-gouging work could be reassigned, and whether the program had produced evidence of price gouging or improved supply conditions. CEC and Finance said the new positions are needed because the workload has expanded, while some existing staff remain on related analysis and reporting duties. The discussion ended without a vote in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, how many already awarded school projects, how many already awarded school projects, and what dollar
• There's over 1,100 grants to over 6,000 schools.
• Roughly, we're seeing about a 15% rate of unused funds from the schools, so schools that were provided
• Roughly, we're seeing about a 15% rate of unused from the schools, so schools that were provided grants
• Chair and members, Ian Padilla, representing the Coalition for Adequate School Housing and the School

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Riley is 16 years old, a junior at Texico High School.
• Her future goal is to graduate high school and become a doctor.
• It's the bill relating to restraint and seclusion in public schools.
• To restraint and seclusion in public schools?
• On the school board, we always accepted them or didn't.

Summary: The Senate convened, initially lacked a quorum, then established one and opened with prayer, pledges in English, Navajo, and Spanish, and the salute to the New Mexico flag. Members then moved through announcements and recognitions, including permission for cameras on the floor and gallery, and certificates honoring Santa Fe County Day and Soil and Water Conservation District Day. Senators spoke in support of both recognitions, emphasizing Santa Fe County’s history, cultural and economic contributions, and the conservation districts’ role in stewardship, agriculture, and conservation work across the state. The chamber also welcomed numerous guests, honorary lieutenant governors, student shadows, and seniors visiting the Capitol. The Senate confirmed two State Investment Council appointments. Mary Patricia Roman was confirmed 31-0 after debate highlighting her decades of global investment experience, leadership in private banking, and service on the SIC investment committee. John F. Bingaman was then confirmed 32-0 for reappointment, with senators citing his finance background, prior service as governor’s chief of staff, and role in state economic and early childhood policy. Members also discussed his leadership on the council and the importance of strong management of the state’s permanent funds. On legislation, Senate Memorial 3 passed 27-0. The memorial, developed with the Wild Friends civics and science program, invites state agencies to participate in an insect identification and education workshop with UNM’s Museum of Southwestern Biology and the Xerces Society. The Senate also received House messages and adopted several committee reports, including referrals and passage recommendations for multiple bills and memorials. Later, the chamber debated Senate Bill 145, which would consolidate certain federal audit reporting into a single submission and adjust audit requirements for smaller entities and acequias; supporters said it would streamline compliance without changing audit requirements, while opponents raised concerns about auditor business, oversight, and the risk of weakening scrutiny. The bill remained under debate in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seventy-seven percent of public schools have policies banning smart devices.
• If students had to relinquish the devices for the entire school day, how would that affect school?
• The message is clear: smart devices in school are not smart. Thank you very much.
• I would never graduate high school. I was trafficked for 31 years.
• I would never graduate high school. I would never graduate grammar school.

Bills: HB2963 , HB3005 , HB3287 , HB3288 , HB3289 , HB3290 , HB3344 , HB3712 , HB3862 , HB3874 , HB4196 , HB4308 , HB4901 , HB4984

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending. The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending. In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.