Transcript Highlights:

• 00:05:15.800> corporation<00:05:16.880> to<00:05:17.000> a Period of up to 10 years
• testimony from the ground owner that there's current leases there that won't expire for another 46 years
• won't expire for leases there that won't expire for another<00:07:40.160> 46<00:07:40.800> years
• > this<00:07:42.080> might<00:07:42.280> be<00:07:42.480> a another 46 years
• So, this might be a another 46 years.

Bills: HB2583, HB1591, HB1749, HB2423

Keywords: HB2583, Hawaii Micro-Lending Credit Enhancement Program, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, micro-loan, microloan, small business lending, small business financing, loan loss reserve, first-loss reserve, credit enhancement, partial guarantee, risk-sharing, community development financial institution, CDFI, working capital, inventory financing, equipment financing, leasehold improvements, startup loans

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Consumer Protection meeting was a decision-making session on a series of House bills, with no oral testimony taken. The committees first acted on HB 2583, recommending passage on amended, and HB 1591, recommending passage with amendments related to health care. They also recommended passage on amended for HB 1749 on cesspools and HB 2423 on biodiesel, with each recommendation adopted by the members present. The committees then considered a second agenda block that included HB 2080, HB 1520, HB 1576, HB 1711, HB 1785, HB 1802, HB 1838, HB 1842, HB 1853, HB 1976, HB 2104, HB 2218, HB 2246, HB 2270, HB 2289, HB 2361, HB 2551, and HB 2606. Most were recommended for passage unamended and adopted without objection. HB 1520 was deferred because the Senate bill had already crossed over. HB 1711 was amended to replace the option period established by the corporation with a period of up to 10 years. HB 2289 was amended to remove repeal of a ceiling and set a $1 million expenditure ceiling for the automated victim information and notification system special fund. Several members noted reservations on HB 1842, which involved transfer of the Westridge parcel near a rail station; concerns were raised about the property’s value, the long-term lease status, and whether the city would actually accept or pursue the transfer. HB 1853 was passed unamended, with the committee noting the Lions Association had suggestions that could be addressed later in conference. HB 2218 was passed unamended while adopting DLNR testimony to clarify collaboration with community groups in stewarding public lands and recreational areas. In each case, the stated recommendations were adopted, often with members voting no with reservation rather than in opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Twenty-five years, and within that 25 years I did five years with the Department of the Surgeon General
• the 25 years I did five years with the 25 years I did five years with the department<00:43:30.480
• , you know, a 5-year pilot program including not all of the state projects but two projects or two departments
• , you know, a 5-year pilot program including not all of the state projects but two projects or two departments
• , you know, a 5-year pilot program including not all of the state projects but two projects or two departments

Bills: SB2543, SB2014, SB2115, SB3095, SB3264, SB2114, SB2117, SB2246, SB2519, SB3055, SB3131, SB3144

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a second-year MPA student.
• programs, including CCAP. programs, including CCAP.
• older care and learning.
• legislation that was passed last year. legislation that was passed last year.
• when every child learns about that. when every child learns about that.

Bills: HF3665, HF3002, HF4217, HF4125, HF4174

Keywords: foster care, early childhood education, child care programs, placement plan, social services, extended foster care, kinship care, relative custody, permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar kinship assistance, independent living plan, transition services, youth aging out of care, medical assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, children youth and families, out-of-home placement, case plan, relative placement

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1379 would establish a two-year pilot program through the Ag's office to provide direct funding
• Has that been worked out to where that's feasible to put in place in this budget year?
• There's no, there's we are in a budget crisis this year, right?
• Currently, there are 5 certified human trafficking programs. 3 are urban, 2 are rural.
• It's either a suspended or deferred sentence as long as you make it to 10 years in a day.

Bills: SB1195, SB1245, SB1379, SB1420, SB1473, SB1534, SB1743, SB1769, SB1945

Keywords: nuisance, racing facility, racetrack, qualified defense, local property rights, noise regulation, legal claims, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, drug offenses, DUI penalties, residential treatment, human trafficking, victims, prevention, support services, Attorney General, pilot program, grant funding, public comment

Transcript Highlights:

• those seven consecutive years being in the same school district in the eighth year that they would be
• It's usually between five and seven years.
• So, that, it's very intentional, the seven-year, the seven-year mark in terms of wanting to really focus
• So, this year, just last week, the Board of Equalization said it's going to be a tough year on our budget
• Last year, a senator brought This and had no caps.

Bills: SB1302, SB1389, SB1401, SB1776, SB1809, SB1858, SB1985, SB2053, SB2148

Keywords: income tax, tax rates, revenue certification, Oklahoma Tax Commission, state budget, education, tax credit, school choice, private school, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, insurance, taxation, premium, home office credit, healthcare, teacher tax credit, income tax credit

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning April 1st, 2027, it removes the 2-year limitation on the recovery of overpayments.
• Beginning April 1st, 2027, it removes the 2-year limitation on the recovery of overpayments.
• This measure strengthens the integrity of the unemployment insurance program.
• Uh unemployment insurance program.
• So DHRD typically amends the amount every four to five years. We don't do it every year.

Bills: SB2119, SB3131, SB3069, SB3180, SB2137, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB2967

Keywords: reimbursement, public employees, travel costs, government travel policy, finance management, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, comptroller, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, public works special project branch, specialized public works, information technology modernization

Transcript Highlights:

• We passed this bill unanimously off the Senate floor last year.
• That is an improvement over the bill in past years.
• That is an improvement over the bill in past years.
• I did vote no on it in the House previously a couple years ago.
• completes an annual audit of the program to be published on their website.

Bills: S7020, S0308, S0692, S0474, S0572, S1106, S1650, S0350, S1442, S7032

Keywords: open government, sunset review, aquaculture, public records, exemption, Florida Museum of Black History, cultural heritage, education, Board of Directors, local governance, cybersecurity, data breach, data privacy, information security, local government, county, municipality, vendor contracts, third-party service provider, liability shield

Summary: The committee heard and voted on several measures. SB 308 on the Florida Museum of Black History was explained as implementing a prior task force recommendation by designating St. Johns County as the museum site, creating a board, and coordinating with a supporting nonprofit; it passed favorably. SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability was amended to bar local governments from imposing cybersecurity requirements on vendors beyond generally accepted best practices, and after testimony both for and against, it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 572 updated ethics law to include legally recognized foster parents and foster children in the definition of relative; after a technical amendment and support from the Ethics Commission, it passed unanimously. SB 1442 revised the long-range program plan to require more specific performance metrics and agency-specific measures; it also passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 1106, as amended by a strike-all, to require state agencies and certain educational materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” despite opposition arguing it would impose political language and conflict with federal and international terminology. SB 7020 reenacted a public records exemption for certain aquaculture and shellfish production records and passed with support from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. SB 474 expanded military leave and related benefits for public employees and officials, including members of the Coast Guard and Florida State Guard, and added three amendments before being reported favorably. SB 350, dealing with public records protections for crime victims and certain law enforcement victims, was heavily amended to add time-limited confidentiality for an officer’s name in some cases and then passed favorably after discussion about balancing transparency and safety. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to shift more fleet management responsibilities from DMS to individual agencies, while still requiring data reporting to DMS for legislative oversight. SB 1650 by Senator Gates was temporarily postponed. At the end of the meeting, members recorded votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• What I learned in my travels is that our storied 50-year history in interventional cardiology has been
• Through independent living programs that we provide, people learn to use the white cane, to use alternative
• Some of them are taking two years and three years.
• Last week when I called, I was told it will be one to two years more before I get actual support to learn
• Ares has been in business for 48 years. That was our best hiring year out of those 48 years.

Bills: SB1001, SB1011, SB1016, SB1052, SB1072, SB1100, SB1112, SB1113, SB1116, SB1118, SB1120, SB1121, SB1122, SB1123, SB1124, SB1125

Keywords: appropriation, economic security, blind individuals, older adults, state funding, medical examiners, sudden infant death, autopsy protocols, forensic pathology, public health, religious exemption, employment practices, COVID-19 vaccination, accommodation, discrimination, assisted living, health care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physician orders, informed consent

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then took up a series of health and human services bills. The first group focused on radiation protection in cardiac catheterization and other ionizing-radiation procedure rooms: SB 1120 would require at least half of procedure rooms in covered facilities to have a radiation protection system by July 1, 2027; SB 1118 would create a state grant program for rural hospitals to help pay for those systems; and SB 1121 would prohibit requiring lead aprons in rooms equipped with such systems, while allowing voluntary use with a real-time dosimeter. Physicians, nurses, and a hospital CEO testified that long-term radiation exposure and heavy lead aprons have caused cancer, cataracts, and orthopedic injuries, and that commercially available systems can reduce exposure to near zero. Some members raised questions about cost, vendor involvement, FDA clearance, and whether the bills should be discussed with stakeholders; the Health Systems Alliance of Arizona said it was neutral and wanted further stakeholder meetings. All three bills were adopted by 7-0 votes, with SB 1120 and SB 1121 amended. The committee then heard SB 1001, which would appropriate $1 million to the Department of Economic Security for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program. Blind and low-vision speakers described long waitlists, the need for independent living training, and how services help seniors remain at home rather than enter more costly care. The bill passed 6-0 with one member not voting. Next, SB 1072 proposed ongoing General Fund and Medicaid spending to raise reimbursement rates for home- and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, plus room-and-board funding and a workforce survey/reporting requirement. Providers testified that the system is underfunded, staff turnover is high, overtime is extensive, and many people wait for services; the bill passed 6-0 with one not voting. The committee also approved SB 1125, requiring the Department of Child Safety to annually seek MOUs with tribes and improve tribal access to information about placements and enforcement actions involving licensed group homes, after members asked about the stakeholder process and tribal participation. SB 1123, which removes the requirement that a supervising forensic pathologist be board-certified before delegating autopsy-related tasks to trainees, passed after Maricopa County said the change would help address training delays and workforce shortages. SB 1052, allowing mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in assisted living facilities under specified safeguards, drew support from the sponsor and an assisted-living operator but also opposition from a member concerned about off-label treatment in nonmedical settings; it passed 5-2. Finally, SB 1112, reducing the number of acquaintance witnesses required in court-ordered treatment proceedings from two to one and allowing a judge to waive the witness requirement in some cases, passed 5-2 after testimony from supporters who said the current rule often blocks treatment for seriously mentally ill people and from opponents who argued it weakens due process. The committee then began SB 1113, which would allow service of court-ordered evaluation and treatment documents by evaluation-agency employees or other court-authorized persons, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• year?
• Our company was founded over 75 years ago.
• It is not creating a new program or mandate.
• So... ...many years ago to make sure that they did not expire.
• only use it within the store that gave you the program, right?

Bills: S0386, S0528, S0806, S0696, S0930, S0874, S0898, S0826, S0838

Keywords: farm equipment, agricultural machinery, farm machinery, tractor, combine, harvester, implements, warranty, lemon law, defective equipment, repair rights, consumer protection, manufacturer liability, authorized service agent, replacement, refund, rural agriculture, urban agriculture, Florida Statutes, chapter 604

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 386, relating to farm equipment repair rights, was briefly explained by the sponsor as a lemon-law style measure for farm equipment; it passed without questions or debate. SB 528, aimed at strengthening Florida’s manufacturing sector by expanding Department of Commerce responsibilities, codifying the chief manufacturing officer role, creating a workforce development grant program, and requiring reporting, drew support from several appearance forms and was reported favorably. SB 806, a broader right-to-repair bill covering portable wireless devices and agricultural equipment, drew the most discussion: dealership and industry representatives opposed it, arguing existing manufacturer agreements already provide access to repair information and that the bill could force manufacturers into competition with dealers, while supporters framed it as pro-consumer and pro-repair access; it was still reported favorably. SB 696 on trademark registration modernization and SB 930 creating a Florida Retirement Savings Task Force were both explained as administrative/policy measures and passed without opposition. SB 874, which creates a professional licensure reciprocity path for out-of-state surveyors and mappers to address workforce shortages, also passed favorably. The committee then took up SB 826 on gift certificates, which the sponsor said is intended to target bank-branded “reward cards” that function like gift cards but expire, while not affecting loyalty programs. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association expressed concern about unintended consequences and asked to work on tighter definitions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said clarifying language would be added later. The committee also heard SB 838, as amended, on electronic payments for retail installment contracts; the sponsor said it would clarify that reasonable convenience fees for optional electronic payments are permissible, require disclosure, and preserve a fee-free option. Members raised concerns about what counts as a “reasonable” fee and whether the bill could authorize junk fees, but the committee substitute was reported favorably. Several votes were taken by roll call, with the bills above reported favorably and SB 898 temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request. Members later asked to be recorded as voting affirmatively on bills they had missed. The meeting concluded after the final vote on SB 838 and a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• The JET grant program provides funding for equipment used in career and technical education programs.
• Cypress Fairbanks for my 18 years. ...school year now, and I think that looking to go to an outside
• This is really important for a basic reason: when a child enrolls in an early learning program, any child
• After bouncing between six different early education programs, he finally reached the top of a two-year
• For this current fiscal year, we are sitting at about a little over 5,000 educators. a year.

Bills: HB322, HB126, HB3062, HB1481, HB2310, HB2674, HB121, HB2243, HB3627, HB1178, HB367, HB5515, HB126, HB121

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, higher education, mental health resources, substance abuse education, student policy, communication devices, school regulations, disciplinary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• My boy in four years, and it's routinely just disregarded by some of these judges.
• And so now in private practice, because I've been a lawyer for 40 years, in private...
• She placed my ex on community supervision for 10 years, and I'm thinking this is a win.
• I've been a cannabis consumer for about 50 years and an activist for the last 13 years.
• I've been using it for 50 years.

Bills: HB46, HB272, HB551, HB1661, HB2820, HB3181, HB4145, HB4157, HB46, HB272

Keywords: low-THC cannabis, dispensing organization, Texas Compassionate-Use Program, medical use, patient access, registration, healthcare, legislation, credit card fraud, debit card fraud, prosecution, illegal possession, state law, political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, election supplies, ballots

Transcript Highlights:

• So fast forward about two and a half years.
• We've learned that. in the state.
• I would say we've been at it three years. Three years, okay. Speaking to the microphone...
• I'm just thinking, three years, is that correct? Three years, okay. From the city. Right.
• Peter's, Missouri for years.

Bills: SB1757, SB1758, SB1898, SB2050

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been a transportation lawyer for over 20 years and was previously general counsel.
• We've been doing it for 28 years.
• Co-guardians have not visited the protected person in 31 years, per the 2022 report.
• I looked into my history and reflected on what happened 250 years ago, a year prior to the Declaration
• I think it's a great program and I'm glad to see it's going to be expanding.

Bills: SJR27, SB53, SB311, SB1164, SB2807, SB1574, SB 53

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, Texas Supreme Court, writ power, mandamus, quo warranto, certiorari, procedendo, extraordinary writs, Government Code Section 22.002, separation of powers, judicial authority

Transcript Highlights:

• After nearly 15 years of declining disciplinary incidents.
• These include the Rural Pathways Excellent Partnership Program.
• This bill raises the new instructional facility allotment program cap and expands program eligibility
• House Bill 120 introduces uh military pathway grant program and supports junior ROTC programs and connects
• Career ready and it it is a very, very great program.

Bills: HB6, HB120, HB210

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, they have programs. Programs passively for these veterans.
• Five years. About a five year?
• This program will establish a self-reliance program.
• The Transition Assistance Program, TAPS, is a couple days long.
• I learned that they're smarter than us, I'll tell you that.

Bills: HB4458, SB651, SB1227, SB1931

Keywords: veterans, service members, military transition, Texas Veterans Commission, pilot program, self-reliance, employment assistance, housing assistance, mental health services, career training, veterans service organizations, spouses and dependents, military families, Texas military forces, post-separation support, reentry services, workforce development, benefits navigation, transition assistance, SB 651

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a topic that happens year after year, and summer's coming.
• It will take two years per phase.
• Programs in prison.
• For college-level programs and those that are enrolled in college-level programs.
• As a part of this reinstatement, Pell-funded education programs have to be evaluated within two years

Bills: HB1826, HB2854, HB3006, HB4614, HB5261, HB5639

Keywords: mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, HB 2854, Pokuaa-Flowers Act, parole, mandatory supervision, electronic monitoring, releasee, parole officer, hospital visit approval, general hospital, law enforcement notification, DSHS, Department of State Health Services, corrections, public safety, liability immunity

Transcript Highlights:

• It is based on the success of similar programs in other states.
• reauthorize the program, even though they're only in the third year of a six-year program.
• Those safeguards have evolved as we've learned through the program throughout the years.
• Every year, beginning in March, U.S.
• They go through it year after year because U.S.

Bills: HB446, HB1609, HB4443, HB4464, HB4735, HB5476

Keywords: heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, employee rights, administrative penalties, training requirements, employee training, occupational health, employer penalties, worker rights, heat illness, volunteer firefighter, volunteer emergency responder, emergency medical services volunteer, EMS volunteer, firefighter, fire department, emergency services, declared disaster

Transcript Highlights:

• So the federal subsidies for wind and solar amount to billions per year, well over a billion a year.
• And the federal subsidies for wind and solar amount to billions per year, well over a billion a year
• So while the 312 program, which is in the tens of millions per year, is not large, it's also, you know
• Slide 12 shows, for fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025 up to April 4th, the number of applications
• Fund program.

Bills: SB913, SB1086, SB1087, SB1143, SB1534, SB1553, SB1718, SB1754, SB2004, SB2322, SB2448

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills, mostly related to economic development, tax incentives, and workforce programs. Senate Bill 1534 would direct a study by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission on health physics education and workforce needs; resource witnesses from the Workforce Commission and Coordinating Board testified, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1553 would authorize Kerr County to impose a hotel occupancy tax for tourism-related uses, and Senate Bills 1086 and 1087 would authorize similar county hotel taxes for Children’s County and Mason County; all three bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1754, which would prohibit county and local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power wholesale, with testimony sharply divided between landowners and policy groups opposing renewable subsidies and industry representatives and some senators arguing the bill would harm clean energy investment and local decision-making; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2322, which would exempt dispatchable electric generation facilities from the JEDI program’s compelling-factor test so they could qualify for school district tax incentives; testimony was mixed, and the bill was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 1718, which would add the NRA annual meeting to the state’s major events reimbursement program. The bill’s sponsor and NRA representatives argued the event brings substantial tourism and economic activity, while opponents said it would use taxpayer funds to subsidize an organization that opposes gun safety measures; the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events reimbursement program, with the committee substitute exempting it from the usual competitive site-selection requirement because of timing; testimony from the event organizers and Arlington tourism officials was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program at the Texas Workforce Commission to support college-and-career readiness and technical assistance in rural communities; witnesses from Texas 2036, Collegiate Edgination, and a rural school district supported it, and it was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 913 would repeal a special requirement that Alpine dedicate at least 50% of its hotel occupancy tax to advertising and promotion, and Senate Bill 1143 would require more coordination and reporting for youth workforce programs serving disconnected young Texans; both bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. At the end of the hearing, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess, subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the federal subsidies for wind and solar amount to billions per year—well over a billion a year for
• So while the 312 program, which is in the tens of millions per year, is not large, it's also, you know
• The program has increased. Slide 10 outlines a little bit how these programs work.
• For fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025, up to April 4th, the number of applications that we have received
• Taxpayer programs and incentives. Okay.

Bills: SB913, SB1086, SB1087, SB1143, SB1534, SB1553, SB1718, SB1754, SB2004, SB2322, SB2448

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal subsidies for wind and solar amount to billions per year, well over a billion a year, for
• So while the 312 program, which is in the tens of millions per year, is not large, it's also... ...you
• Slide 12 shows, for fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025 up to April 4th, the number of applications
• Slide 12 shows for fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year Slide 12 shows for fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year
• attest to the value of the program.

Bills: SB913, SB1086, SB1087, SB1143, SB1534, SB1553, SB1718, SB1754, SB2004, SB2322, SB2448

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee met to hear a series of bills and informational primers, with several resource witnesses from the Governor’s Office, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The chair opened by noting the death of Senator King’s son and asking members to keep the family in their prayers. Most bills were laid out and left pending subject to the call of the chair after brief author presentations and public testimony. The committee heard several local hotel occupancy tax bills: SB 1553 for Kerr County, SB 1086 for Childress County, SB 1087 for Mason County, and SB 913 for Alpine. Supporters, including the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and local officials, said the measures would allow counties or the city to use hotel tax revenue for tourism-related projects and local development. The committee also heard SB 1534, which would direct a study on health physics education and workforce needs in Texas; resource witnesses from TWC and THECB testified on the bill. All of these measures were left pending. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 1754, which would prohibit local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power at wholesale, with an exception for certain battery storage tied to dispatchable generation. The bill drew strong support from witnesses who argued counties should not subsidize wind and solar projects that can harm neighboring landowners and that renewables already receive substantial federal support. Opponents from the solar and storage industry argued the bill would remove a voluntary local economic development tool, raise power prices, and discourage investment. Senators also debated landowner impacts, grid reliability, and whether the bill was the right policy tool; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2322, a committee substitute related to the Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, which would exempt electric generation facilities from the program’s compelling-factor test so they can qualify for school tax limitation agreements. Supporters said the change would correct an unintended barrier for dispatchable generation, while Senator Johnson argued it would weaken the program’s purpose by subsidizing projects that would locate in Texas anyway. SB 1718 would add the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program; the NRA supported it, while gun violence prevention advocates opposed using state incentives for the organization. SB 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events program, and SB 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard SB 1143, a substitute bill aimed at improving transparency and coordination in programs serving opportunity youth ages 14 to 24, with witnesses supporting better reporting and workforce alignment. At the end of the meeting, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess subject to the call of the chair.