Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Gonzalez. Hart. Fong present. Mark Gonzalez. Hart present. Pacheco present. Pellerin. Solache.
• Assembly Bill 358, Alvarez; 574, Mark Gonzalez; 592, Gabriel; 730, Lee; 943, Michelle Rodriguez; 1123

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 30, 2025, for a regular order hearing on a large slate of bills. After opening remarks and quorum, the committee approved a consent calendar in two motions: one for bills eligible for the Assembly floor consent calendar and another for unanimous bills not eligible for floor consent. The committee also deemed the suspense calendar approved without further discussion. Several housing and shelter-related bills were presented. AB 1061 by Quirk-Silva would allow SB 9 duplex and lot-split provisions to apply in historic districts, with limits to protect individually listed historic sites and maintain street-facing appearances; California YIMBY supported the measure. AB 750 by Quirk-Silva would strengthen oversight of homeless shelters by requiring posted resident-rights information, standardized reporting, and penalties for noncompliance, including possible withholding of state funding. AB 712 by another member would increase penalties for public agencies that violate state housing law and bar indemnification demands against applicants when agencies break those laws; it was described as part of a fast-track housing package. The committee then took public comment, dominated by extensive opposition to AB 928. Dozens of individuals, many identifying with poultry, feed, gamefowl, agricultural, or related organizations, testified against the bill, saying it would harm their livelihoods, culture, religious practices, or constitutional rights and could kill birds. A few speakers also testified on other bills, including support for AB 1337 and AB 804 and opposition to AB 1337. After public comment concluded, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we'll call it Mark Russo, Justice of the Peace, and Victor Villarreal, judge.
• My name is Mark Rousseau. I'm a Justice of the Peace.
• All the different marks that it takes, it's about a six-month process, and it ensures procedural fairness

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1574 by Senator Zaffirini, which would codify the Texas Judicial Council’s Centers of Excellence Program for courts and judges. Testimony from judges and the Office of Court Administration emphasized that the program promotes transparency, procedural fairness, mentoring, and public trust. A committee substitute expanded eligibility to justices of the peace and municipal judges and removed a merit-pay reference to eliminate fiscal impact. After quorum was established, the committee adopted the substitute and later voted it out favorably, though it was not certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 2774 by Senator Hinojosa, which would amend the Tax Code’s retail trade definition to include industrial uniform and linen rental businesses so they qualify for the lower franchise tax rate. Supporters said the change would put rental textile businesses on equal footing with other rental industries and help Texas employers and customers. The bill was reported favorably to the full Senate. Members then considered SB 1211 by Senator Perry, which would broaden the existing fracking-related sales tax exemption for equipment used with non-fresh water sources, including recycled, produced, and brine water. The bill’s supporters argued it would conserve freshwater and reduce litigation over water definitions, while the Comptroller’s office discussed the fiscal note and production-related revenue effects. The committee also heard SB 2873 and SB 2900, both by Senator Kolkhorst and presented by Senator Nichols; SB 2873 would require electronic filers to file electronically, and SB 2900 would eliminate certain Comptroller-related advisory committees and boards. Both were later adopted in committee substitute form and reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HJR 4, sponsored by Senator Parker, proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit new taxes on securities transfers or financial transaction processing. Supporters said it would protect investors, especially retirees, and help position Texas as a financial center. The committee voted to report HJR 4 favorably to the full Senate. In each recorded vote after quorum was present, the measures passed with nine ayes and no nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Gonzalez? Mark Gonzalez present. Hart? Hart present.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with their treatment, increase their skill sets and coping skills around that, and that's made a marked
• difference in those housing units marked difference in those housing units when<00:50:28.520> you
• some years ago and is showing a marked some years ago and is showing a marked stride<00:51:04.680
• really think that will make a marked really think that will make a marked difference<01:02:23.160
• Hampshire but we're making marked Hampshire but we're making marked strides<01:06:25.039> we're

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• accept public comment on any bill placed on the suspense file by the committee today and for which Mark
• Mark Gonzales present. Hart. Hart present. Pacheco. Pacheco present. Pellerin. Salache.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 40.480> of<00:20:40.559> the Mark Bowman, executive director of the Mark Bowman, executive
• Thanks, Mark. Appreciate it. And yep, that was our seventh one. So that’s it.
• Thanks, Mark. Appreciate it. And yep, that was our seventh one.
• <00:24:41.120> Thanks<00:24:41.279> Mark. plan. Yes. Excuse me.
• Thanks Mark. plan. Yes. Excuse me. Thanks Mark. Appreciate<00:24:42.000> it.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09 Approval of Minutes 00:01:10 Welcome New Members 00:01:26 Information Items 00:01:49 COT Special Report 00:02:38 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:07:41 A. Department of Military Affairs 00:08:07 B. Department of Veterans’ Affairs 00:20:34 C. Kentucky Infrastructure Authority 00:25:54 D. Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 00:35:05 E. Transportation Cabinet 00:55:53, 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Haskins, Jenian, Nab, Coutab, Lec, Lichfield, Lewis, Mandelbomb, McFarland, Miller, Alisandre, Murray, Mark
• <00:09:57.760> Pearson,<00:09:58.640> Rombo, Alisandre, Murray, Mark Pearson, Rombo
• , Alisandre, Murray, Mark Pearson, Rombo, Sergeant,<00:09:59.920> Sidell,<00:10:00.800> Sers
• Fifty years ago, April 30, 1975, marked the end of the Vietnam War.
• I rise to note that today marks I rise to note that today marks 573<01:54:41.440> days<01

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I guess I just don't see the question mark there around an abortion.
• Sorry if I mispronounce the name, followed by Ash Bradley, followed by Mark Delago. Hi.
• Ash Bradley, followed by Mark Delagall, followed by Jules Rain. Good afternoon. Hello.
• Mark Delagall, followed by Jules Rain, followed by Barbara Myers. Good afternoon. Good afternoon.
• Thank you, Mark. Any debate on the bill as amended? Any debate? Okay, seeing none...

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice of major events such as a ward’s death or relocation to a more restrictive setting. Senator Jones and supportive speakers said the bill was intended to protect wards from abuse and isolation by bad actors, while still preserving good-faith guardianship. With no opposition testimony or debate, the committee voted 8-0 to report the bill favorably. The committee then considered CS for Senate Bill 1284, which would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize claims against the mother or against health care providers acting within the lawful standard of care. The bill drew extensive debate and testimony. Supporters argued it would give parents parity and fuller damages, including economic losses and mental anguish, when negligence causes the death of an unborn child. Opponents, including the ACLU, medical professionals, and reproductive rights advocates, warned it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice exposure, worsen physician shortages, and create speculative damages. The committee approved the bill 6-4. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 1288 on parental rights, with a strike-all amendment that would strengthen parental control over minors’ medical decisions, surveys, and biofeedback devices, while adding exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal statuses, and situations involving abuse or out-of-home placement. Supporters said the measure restores parents as primary decision-makers and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment without consent. Opponents argued it could block minors from confidential care for STIs, mental health, or abuse-related issues, and could chill school and medical screenings. The transcript ends during testimony and debate on this bill, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• outrage against Elon Musk and characterize him as a bad billionaire, but they are all googly over Mark
• outrage against Elon Musk and characterize him as a bad billionaire, but they are all googly over Mark
• outrage against Elon Musk and characterize him as a bad billionaire, but they are all googly over Mark
• elections is a problem, then whether the dollars come from Elon Musk, whether the dollars come from Mark
• Mark Zuckerberg is a billionaire. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Changes from the Senate bump offer language are identified by highlighted tick marks in the row numbers
• Changes from the Senate's bump language are identified by highlighted tick marks in the row numbers.

Summary: The appropriations chairs’ conference committee met to exchange and accept budget offers on several issues. The Senate accepted the House’s revised offer on transportation, tourism, economic development, infrastructure, and related projects. The House accepted the Senate’s Pre-K-12 education budget and projects offer with four project-level changes: adding $200,000 for Workforce Development and High School Classrooms, reducing the Crockett Foundation by $250,000, adding $350,000 for the North Florida after-school agriculture and arts project, and eliminating funding for Roosevelt Elementary School Program Enhancements. The House also accepted the Senate’s administered funds budget offer. The House then presented offers on Pre-K-12 education (SB 2510) and Health and Human Services/Health Care (SB 2514). For Pre-K-12, the House said some rows were closed, some Senate positions were accepted, some were modified, some House positions were maintained, and new positions were offered on rows 12 through 16. For Health and Human Services, the House moved to the Senate position on several lines, including a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, kept its position on some lines, and proposed new language on Medicaid redeterminations, PACE, Medicaid premium assistance, adult day training reimbursement, behavioral health teaching hospitals, and dental hygienists. The Senate then presented offers on Pre-K-12 education proviso and back-of-bill language, education capital outlay proviso and back-of-bill language, and Health and Human Services/Health Care budget projects and back-of-bill language. The Senate explained that its bump offers were reflected in spreadsheet columns, with some items closed and others marked with highlighted changes; for education capital outlay, the Senate accepted two House positions on rows 48 and 49 and proposed a new issue on row 50. No public testimony was offered on any of the items. The chairs indicated they would continue meeting later that day or evening, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate 2083, and an Act relative to the Conservation Land Tax Credit, with panelists Zachary Sheldon, Mark
• Today I'm joining Mark and Edith to encourage you to report favorably on S. 2083, Today I'm joining Mark
• I strongly encourage the committee to report favorably on these bills, and I'll turn it over to Mark
• I strongly encourage the committee to report favorably on these bills, and I'll turn it over to Mark
• My name is Mark Wamsley, and I'm the Conservation Director at Kestrel Land Trust, which serves the towns

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the co-chairs explaining committee procedures, testimony limits, submission instructions, and the new deadlines for acting on House and Senate bills. The committee then heard testimony on several bills related to agriculture, land use, environment, housing, transportation, and taxation, with legislators often taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was H. 3206, a bill to allow fossil fuel-free 529 college savings plans to qualify for the state tax deduction if MEFA does not offer a comparable option. Representative Steve Owens said the bill would not force MEFA or Fidelity to change existing plans, but would create a definition for fossil fuel-free funds and extend the deduction to qualifying out-of-state plans. The committee also heard strong local testimony on a Belmont home-rule petition, H. 3970, to change tax treatment for the Belmont Country Club under Chapter 61B. Belmont residents and officials argued the private golf course receives an unfair tax break that shifts costs to other taxpayers, while Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers supported the measure as a way to help the town recover revenue. Committee members asked about town meeting support, the club’s lack of payment in lieu of taxes, and the size of the tax savings. The committee next heard testimony on a vehicle miles traveled tax proposal, S. 1925, from Senator Barrett and economists Gilbert Metcalf and Christopher Knittel. They argued that declining gas-tax revenue and rising fuel efficiency, especially with electric vehicles, require a more stable transportation funding source; they also said a VMT tax could be designed to be revenue-neutral and mildly progressive, though members raised concerns about administration, fairness, EV disincentives, and the possibility of annual tax shocks. The largest block of testimony focused on the Ahead Act, H. 3194/S. 1973, which would double the deed excise fee and dedicate the new revenue to affordable housing and climate adaptation. Supporters from MACDC, MAPC, FICC, Boston Climate Action Network, CLF, 350 Mass, CHAPA, and a tenant advocate said the bill could generate about $300 million annually for housing production, vouchers, weatherization, resilience, and environmental justice communities, and that it links two urgent crises with a stable funding stream. The committee also heard testimony on the Conservation Land Tax Credit bills, H. 3147/S. 2083, which would raise the annual cap on the credit from $2 million to $5 million for three years and then sunset back down. Conservation groups and a landowner said the program has conserved thousands of acres and that the higher cap would reduce delays and help meet state conservation goals. Finally, the committee took testimony on the Fairness for Farm Workers bills, S. 2011/H. 3107 and S. 2012, which would extend overtime, minimum wage, breaks, and paid time off protections to farm workers and include a refundable tax credit to help farmers offset overtime costs. Senator Gomez and advocates described the bills as overdue civil rights and public health measures, citing low wages, long hours, dangerous conditions, and the racial history behind farm labor exclusions. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3240, a bill to give municipalities a local option vacancy tax on chronically vacant shopping malls, with the sponsor arguing it would help towns address blight, encourage redevelopment, and potentially create housing and tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's mark... That is correct.
• I haven't had many friendly amendments in my career, so let's mark that one.
• This now marks... ...his phone to record federal immigration officers.
• This now marks at least six deaths this year tied to ICE enforcement actions.
• This now marks at least six deaths this year tied to ICE enforcement actions.

Bills: SB100

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The other point I would make is, and I've talked with Mark Steinigal about this from DOPL, it's very
• Then I have you, Mark Steinegal, on the list, so if you want to come up...
• And then I have you, Mark Steinegal, on the list, so if you want to come up and be prepared.
• Mark Steinagle, Managing Director of the Department of Commerce. Great, thank you.
• She's been marking it down. And that's 106 now. So, okay, with that, Mr.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Mark Syvers with the California Housing Partnership.
• We're part of the coalition that Mark just mentioned and we're here to also advocate for the continuous
• Mark Fenstermaker for the California Council of Land Trusts.
• And Mark Tulleson, Chief of Staff with the High-Speed Rail Authority with me.
• Hello Assemblymember, my name is Mark Caswell, I'm an advisor to the Community Investments and Planning

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I25 in Denver County at signs to mark I25 in Denver County at mile<03:00:58.240> marker<03:00
• <03:01:21.439> the maintenance of the signs marking the maintenance of the signs marking the
• . >> Senator Rich is marked as a yes vote on the consent calendar for governor's appointments.
• Senator Rich wants to be marked. marked. marked.
• >> Senator<03:04:07.200> Rich<03:04:07.520> is<03:04:07.840> marked<03:04:

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received a series of messages on bills that had been correctly printed, engrossed, re-engrossed, revised, or transmitted from the House and Revisor. The chamber also introduced and laid over several resolutions, including SJR 22 on Plastic Pollution Awareness Week, SJR 23 recognizing Young Americans Bank and the Young Americans Center for Financial Education, and SR 006 for National Donate Life Month. The Senate then paused for personal privilege remarks recognizing military families and public safety telecommunicators, including a gubernatorial proclamation designating April 12–18, 2026, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. On the consent calendar, the Senate passed SB 20, concerning child care provider licensing and related regulatory changes, with four no votes, and SB 137, concerning administrative burden reduction, unanimously. The chamber also passed SB 140, exempting certain drugs from affordability reviews, by a 20-15 vote; SB 141, concerning optional wildlife-related motor vehicle registration fees and wildlife crossings, by a 28-7 vote; SB 143, updating the name of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee, by a 23-12 vote; HB 1332, concerning the legislative department cash fund, unanimously; HB 1333, concerning payment of legislative department expenses, unanimously; and SB 80, creating the cradle-to-career grant program, by a 31-4 vote. SB 90 was laid over until April 14. The Senate also adopted a third-reading amendment to HB 1331, reducing the appropriation further, and then passed HB 1331 on third reading by a 33-2 vote. In general orders, the Senate laid over HB 1071, SB 134, and HB 1084 to later dates. The committee then took up HB 1126, dealing with firearms dealer requirements, where the sponsor described new security, reporting, recordkeeping, and enforcement provisions; opponents argued it would burden small businesses and drive dealers out of state. Amendment L58, which would have required a small business impact analysis, failed, and the transcript cuts off amid debate on amendment L59, which would require a public stakeholder meeting before finalizing the rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Such a remarkable victory marked the Tigers' first state championship title.
• <01:51:41.440> the Such a remarkable victory marked the Such a remarkable victory marked the
• This past weekend marked the team's first Big Ten Conference match of the 2025-26 season.
• This past weekend marked the team's first Big Ten Conference match of the 2025-26 season.
• Urers, retired Akran Firefighter Mark Urers, retired Akran Firefighter Mark Harper,<02:07:01.599

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:04:04.200> the would look for and those ear marks the would look for and those ear marks
• , government in this case is the mark, and so 0.2% is a number that I think is around where industry
• uh uh government in this case as a mark uh uh government in this case is<01:31:24.560> the<01
• :31:24.719> mark<01:31:25.480> and<01:31:25.600> so<01:31:25.840> 0<01:31
• and so 0 2% is is a number is the mark and so 0 2% is is a number that<01:31:27.760> I<01:31:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Baker, I think the reason why marking them excused is in part, like, I hear what you’re saying from that
• <01:37:08.600> would<01:37:08.760> need<01:37:09.000> to<01:37:09.280> Mark
• teacher side they would need to Mark teacher side they would need to Mark excused<01:37:10.679><
• <01:40:39.840> left<01:40:40.080> little<01:40:40.360> black<01:40:40.639> marks
• some shoes that left little black marks some shoes that left little black marks and<01:40:41.320

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Hong of Lowell, would like to recognize today, April 17, marks the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian
• Hong of Lowell would like to recognize today, April 17, marks the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian genocide

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several ceremonial resolutions. On the Committee on Rules report, members adopted resolutions commemorating the Armenian Genocide and the 50th anniversary of Black April after suspending the rules. Representative Howard also recognized April 17 as the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian genocide, noting the Legislature’s prior designation of Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day and observing a moment of silence for victims and survivors. The House also welcomed visiting student athletes from Weston High School, including the boys’ indoor track and field team and the boys’ fencing team, both state champions. Later, the Committee on Ways and Means reported House 1, the fiscal year 2026 state budget bill, with a total appropriation of about $61.4 billion. The bill was read a second time and, on motion of Representative Mikelowitz, further consideration was postponed until April 28, with the matter laid on the table. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn today to meet again Tuesday at 11 a.m. The chamber then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE CHANGES FROM THE BOND AMOUNT ARE A HIGHLIGHTED TICK MARKS.
• THE CHANGES AGAIN ARE FROM THE BUMP LANGUAGE ARE IDENTIFIED BY HIGHLIGHTED TICK MARKS AND THAT CONCLUDES

Keywords: 999, senate, all