Video & Transcript : 'curriculum development' :
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on SB 481 (05/22/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- What are the needs of the development center fund at any time, right?
- What are the needs of the development<00:07:40.400><c> center</c><00:07:40.800><c> fund</c><00:07:41.680
- ><c> at</c><00:07:41.920><c> any</c><00:07:42.160><c> time,</c> development center fund at any time,
- development center fund at any time, right?
Summary:
The committee of conference met on Senate Bill 481, which concerns the sale of the Sununu Youth Services Center property and where the proceeds should go. The main disagreement was between the Senate version, which would send proceeds to the general fund if the sale occurs before June 30, 2027 and to the YDC settlement fund afterward, and the House version, which would send all proceeds to the general fund. House members argued the property sale is uncertain in timing and value, and that keeping the money in the general fund preserves flexibility and follows common practice for state property sales. Senate members said the House language conflicted with the intent of House Bill 2, which directed the property to be sold in 2027 and the proceeds to the settlement fund, and they noted the Senate’s general fund language was likely left in inadvertently from an earlier appropriation structure.
Members also discussed that the property is unique, potentially valuable, and may contain many buildings that could affect its sale and redevelopment. House members emphasized that victims’ settlement payments would still be funded through the established process and that the fiscal administrator would request whatever amount is needed. One member noted a direct conflict in House Bill 2 between sections referring to the general fund and to the settlement fund, and said the issue needed to be fixed. Another member observed that the relevant provisions may be session law and could become moot after June 30 of the following year.
After a brief Senate caucus, the committee voted to adopt the House position on the conference committee report. The meeting then turned to procedural matters, including adding a third name to the bill, signing requirements, and a deadline for signatures by 4:00 p.m. the following Thursday. No further business was raised, and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 9th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Retirement Committee; AB 2163, Jeff Gonzalez, from the Utilities and Energy Committee to the Economic Development
- Leadership Citrus Heights focuses on developing leaders who shape the future of Citrus Heights.
- strict proportionality requirements of Prop. 218, public water suppliers routinely hire experts to develop
- Her career has focused on economic development and expanding opportunity in many communities across the
Summary:
The California Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a reflection and pledge. The body handled routine procedural business, including dispensing with the journal reading, suspending rules for guest introductions and adjournment memories, and re-referring several bills to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including district staff, the Citrus Heights leadership class, and Rosie Rios, chair of America 250.
The main floor debate centered on AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward, a local government finance measure related to water rates and Proposition 218. Ward argued the bill would provide clearer legal standards for proportional water rates, reduce litigation, and prevent low-use customers from subsidizing high-use users. Assembly Member DeMaio opposed the bill, saying it would weaken taxpayer protections and allow overcharging. After debate, the Assembly passed AB 2180 on a roll call vote of 41-17.
The Assembly then adopted the second-day consent calendar, with AB 1853 and several other bills and resolutions passing 52-0. The chamber also held adjournment-in-memory tributes for former Santa Clara County Supervisor Rod Diridon Sr., praising his public service and transit advocacy. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until Monday, April 13 at 1 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 9th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Retirement Committee; AB 2163, Jeff Gonzalez, from the Utilities and Energy Committee to the Economic Development
- Leadership Citrus Heights focuses on developing leaders who shape the future of Citrus Heights.
- strict proportionality requirements of Prop. 218, public water suppliers routinely hire experts to develop
- Her career has focused on economic development and expanding opportunity in many communities across the
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development or damage to motor systems of a child's brain before
- Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development or damage to motor systems of a child's brain before
- interventions that optimize plasticity, ...and medical interventions that optimize plasticity of the developing
- With your permission, the Committee on Rural Economic Development will be meeting in Hearing Room 4 tomorrow
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Laura Mercer. Members also made several personal privilege introductions, including guests for National Women’s History Month, Father Andres Arango and Interfaith Day participants, Jeremiah Pate, and a proclamation recognizing March 25, 2026, as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Representative Simacek and others highlighted United Cerebral Palsy’s work, early diagnosis, and expanded services for people with cerebral palsy.
On the floor, the House announced committee substitutions and bill referrals, then moved into Committee of the Whole. Three Senate bills received do pass recommendations: SB 1092, described as ending probation or early release for people convicted of dangerous crimes against children; SB 1097, the annual claimant bill; and SB 1135, a government-related measure. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred those bills to engrossing.
The House then took up SB 1430, a tax corrections bill. Representative Calles raised concern that a provision might remove multiple tax exemptions, while Representative Olson said the measure was a technical cleanup and that any policy-changing language had been removed in committee. The bill passed 51-0, with nine not voting, and was sent back to the Senate. The House also received committee meeting announcements and adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representitives Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Turner to authorize and direct the Board of Regents, Louisiana Works, and Louisiana Economic Development
- This dynamic region is driving further growth and development, positioning itself as a hub for innovation
- This dynamic region is driving further growth and development, positioning itself as a hub for innovation
- House Bill 190 by Representative Schlegel, software and computer program standard of care, design, development
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of personal privileges and ceremonial recognitions. Members offered remarks honoring Representative Wright’s uncle, a Korean War veteran, and presented House Resolution 4 honoring former Speaker Joe R. Sauter, with several members and family members speaking about his service, humility, faith, and character. The chamber also recognized the Louisiana Federal Directors Association, celebrated Representative Bagley’s mother’s 96th birthday, welcomed Miss Natchitoches City of Lights, and later welcomed the North Shore Focus group at the Capitol.
The House received Senate messages on SCR 4, SCR 7, and SCR 8, all of which lay over, and enrolled H.R. 4 through 8. Members introduced several new measures, including resolutions on the death of Reverend Dr. William J. Shaw, support for a federal voter ID measure, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Day, a study of the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, and support for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education; these were assigned numbers and lay over. The chamber also adopted, without objection, several resolutions already on the floor, including H.R. 10 recognizing Funeral Director’s Day, H.R. 11 honoring the crew of Eve’s 40th anniversary, H.R. 12 for Nurse Practitioner Day, H.R. 13 on Dorothy Prevost, and H.C.R. 13 honoring Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans.
Committee reports and bill referrals were then taken up. New bills included a crime prevention and security district in Arlene’s Parish and consent-judgment appropriation measures. The House also received numerous committee reports, mostly favorable or with amendments, on bills dealing with court jurisdiction, child relocation, highway and bridge memorial designations, software standards of care, harmful material to minors, and ferry terminal naming. Several of these were ordered engrossed or had amendments adopted. The session ended with announcements about upcoming committee meetings, a reminder about interim emergency board ballots, and a motion to adjourn until Monday at 3:00 p.m., which passed without objection.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representitives Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Turner to authorize and direct the Board of Regents, Louisiana Works, and Louisiana Economic Development
- This dynamic region is driving further growth and development, positioning itself as a hub for innovation
- This dynamic region is driving further growth and development, positioning itself as a hub for innovation
- House Bill 190 by Representative Schlegel, software and computer program standard of care, design, development
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum present and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then used personal privilege remarks to honor a number of individuals and groups, including a moment of silence for Representative Wright’s uncle, Korean War veteran Melvin Truche, and a tribute to former Speaker Joe R. Sauter through House Resolution 4. Speakers described Sauter as a humble, faith-centered public servant and asked for a moment of silence and applause in his memory. The chamber also recognized the Louisiana Federal Directors Association, celebrated Representative Bagley’s mother’s 96th birthday, and welcomed Miss Natchitoches City of Lights and the North Shore Focus group.
The House received Senate messages on SCR 4, SCR 7, and SCR 8, which would commemorate St. Patrick’s Day and designate Capitol recognition days for the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and the Meat and Oyster Festival; all were laid over. The House also received and laid over several new measures, including resolutions on the death of Reverend Dr. William J. Shaw, voter identification and election integrity, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Day, a study of the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, and support for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. A new House bill was introduced to create the Regency Park Townhomes Crime Prevention Security District, and another to appropriate funds for consent judgments.
Several resolutions were adopted without objection, including House Resolution 10 designating Funeral Director’s Day, House Resolution 11 commending the crew of Eve on its 40th anniversary, House Resolution 12 recognizing Nurse Practitioner Day, House Resolution 13 on Dorothy Prevost, and House Concurrent Resolution 13 commending Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans. Committee reports were also received on a number of bills, including transportation and civil law measures, many involving highway and bridge designations such as memorial highways for Speaker Joe Sauter, Eugene Washington, Trevor Avenue, and others. The House also noted upcoming committee meetings, an open interim emergency board ballot deadline, and adjourned without objection until Monday at 3:00 p.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- understanding that the underlying purpose of the bill here remains the same: this is a requirement to develop
- we're planning ahead for the industries that are energy-intensive and trade-exposed and trying to develop
- a decarbonization plan, what we're... ...to develop a decarbonization plan, what we're seeing is that
- you're asking them to spend resources developing those plans, but nothing in the materials that we've
Summary:
The Environment and Energy committee met to executive three bills. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the period a non-certified person may review designs and inspect on-site wastewater treatment systems under supervision of a certified individual; the committee adopted a striking amendment making a technical correction to the definition of an on-site wastewater treatment system and then passed the bill 18-0 with three excused. ESB 6246 concerns no-cost allowance allocations for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act; the striking amendment added an Ecology-contracted independent third-party report due in 2028 on emissions and job leakage, revised reporting and disclosure provisions, required unaffiliated licensed professional engineers for certain assessments, and clarified penalty language. Members discussed leakage, third-party review, and costs to industry, and the bill passed 11-7 with three excused after the amendment was adopted.
The committee also took up ESSB 5975, which sets lead standards for certain cookware and adjusts the Safer Products for Washington process. Members described the bill as the result of multiple years of negotiation balancing public health concerns about lead exposure with industry concerns, and noted the striking amendment set specific 2030 and 2034 standards for pots and pans. After brief supportive discussion, the committee adopted the striker and passed the bill 18-0 with three excused.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight REVISED: 11:15 a.m. - New Start Time
Health and Human Services Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- stronger and more reflective of Oklahoma by emphasizing faith-based organizations and workforce development
- with that, although the bill It provides that the Oklahoma Department of Labor works with ODVA to develop
- wish it had an example, but I really want ODBA, since they know the programs the best, to be able to develop
- I think that that would happen when they're developing how they're going to look back.
Committee:
House Health and Human Services Oversight
Keywords:
HB3043, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, ODVA, seasonal employees, project labor, pro rata jobs, unclassified service, state personnel law, state employee benefits, paid leave, paid holidays, retirement benefits, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, temporary workers, veterans affairs, Title 72, Oklahoma Personnel Act, budget reporting
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 10th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Health Care & Wellness
Transcript Highlights:
- feedback from stakeholders such as hospitals, nursing homes, and managed care organizations when developing
- feedback from stakeholders such as hospitals, nursing homes, and managed care organizations when developing
- the network adequacy standard. hospitals, nursing homes, and managed care organizations when developing
- This occurs because we are often having to develop single-case agreements between the insurers and the
Committee:
House Health Care & Wellness
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- supporting survivors through partnerships with community-based organizations that help survivors develop
- Survivors develop new skills, continue their education, and find employment opportunities that allow
- Natural Resources, Energy and Water and additionally referred to the Committee on Rural Economic Development
- Natural Resources, Energy and Water and additionally referred to the Committee on Rural Economic Development
Summary:
The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized Dr. Gary Figgi as Doctor of the Day. Members also introduced guests and read a proclamation honoring the Arizona hotel industry for efforts to prevent human trafficking, with remarks emphasizing hotel training, law-enforcement partnerships, and a recent trafficking sting that led to multiple arrests.
On the floor, the House handled several procedural items, including committee substitutions and bill referrals. It then took up third-reading votes on HB 2091, HB 2122, and HB 2138, all of which passed and were transmitted to the Senate. HB 2091 passed 47-11 with 2 not voting, HB 2122 passed 48-10, and HB 2138 passed 54-4 with 2 not voting.
The House resolved into the Committee of the Whole and recommended do-pass on HB 2792 and HCR 2043. HCR 2043 drew brief debate about a congressional term limit convention, with one member noting opposition to the measure and concern about its broader implications. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and HB 2792 and HCR 2043 were referred to engrossing. The House then heard announcements about upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Just like we hear in other economic development activities across the state, the Department of Defense
- Madam Chair and members of the committee, at this time the rule for the fund is still in development.
- currently planning to use clean energy, clean and renewable energy, as they plan these infrastructure developments
- advances the rest of the world and our nation in planning for these types of improvements and developments
Summary:
The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee heard House Bill 29, which would appropriate $8 million to the military base impact fund. The sponsor and supporters said the money would help local communities around New Mexico’s military installations compete for federal grants and fund mission-readiness infrastructure such as utilities, roads, water treatment, and other defense-critical projects. Support came from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus, the Kirtland Partnership, and others, who argued the investment would strengthen military readiness, protect jobs, and bring federal dollars into the state. Committee members asked about the types of projects eligible, whether data centers or clean-energy projects could be involved, how water and local regulations would apply, and how the grant process would work. The bill was reported out with a due pass recommendation and no opposition.
The committee then heard House Bill 221, which would remove the $30,000 cap on the New Mexico income tax deduction for military retirement pay. The sponsor said the change would cost about $6 million annually but would help attract and retain military retirees, many of whom retire relatively young and may start businesses or remain active in the state economy. The Department of Veterans Services and the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus testified in support. Committee questions focused on how many retirees would be affected, the fiscal impact, and longer-term projections; department staff said the veteran population in New Mexico is gradually declining over time based on VA modeling. HB 221 also received a due pass recommendation with no opposition.
After both bills were approved, the chair announced the committee was nearing its dinner hour and adjourned the meeting.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- legislative intent, to provide for definitions, to require that the State Department of Education develop
- legislative intent, to provide for definitions, to require that the State Department of Education develop
- public charter schools to adopt certain policies, to require the State Department of Education to develop
- certain standards, assessments, and professional development, to provide for parental and community
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- project that she was working on that she won an award for was utilizing AI for drug discovery, developing
- weapons, and administrative 2373 income tax refund, school district gubernate, 2381 school districts development
- advance mathematics, 2425 auditor general state. 2425 auditor general state lands, 2426 state land development
- Speaker Pro Tem, with your permission, the Rural Economic Development Committee will not be meeting tomorrow
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. Members then introduced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. John Lynch, and recognized several guest groups in the gallery, including Arizona electric co-op representatives, March of Dimes participants, CRNAs, AEA retirees, a University of Arizona legislative fellow, and ACLU visitors. Attendance was recorded at 58 present, one absent, and one excused.
The chamber handled routine floor business, including temporary committee replacements, referral of HB 2677 from Judiciary to Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and the first reading and referral of a large number of House bills and one concurrent resolution. The bill list covered a wide range of topics, including education, appropriations, housing, taxes, health care, public safety, energy, water, labor, elections, and several measures related to abortion, firearms, and tribal affairs. Second reading of bills was also announced for another extensive set of measures.
During announcements, members promoted a blood drive, a Veterans Caucus coffee-and-donuts event and lunch with a Department of Defense speaker, and several committee meetings or cancellations. No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred beyond the procedural motions and the final motion to adjourn. The House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- project that she was working on that she won an award for was utilizing AI for drug discovery, developing
- weapons, and administrative 2373 income tax refund, school district gubernate 381, school districts development
- advance mathematics, 2425 auditor general state. 2425 auditor general state lands, 2426 state land development
- Speaker Pro Tem, with your permission, the Rural Economic Development Committee will not be meeting tomorrow
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 20th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Conference of State Legislatures, or NCSL, he sits on several committees related to energy, economic development
- And before that, he served as a consultant and development director for the Western Region of the Environmental
- She helped develop and guide programs and campaigns like the Fair Workplace Collaborative, the COVID
- In 1972, he became president and chairman of the McIntyre Company, developing more than 1,500 homes in
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief recognition of Senator Seyarto’s upcoming birthday. The pro tem introduced Matu LeMay of the Quebec National Assembly, who was visiting to discuss California-Quebec environmental collaboration, including their long-standing linkage of cap-and-trade markets. Messages from the Governor and Assembly were deemed read, journals were approved, and Joint Rule 62A was suspended to allow certain bills to be heard in Appropriations Committee with shortened notice.
The chamber then considered three gubernatorial appointments. Courtney Welch was confirmed to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board of Directors by a 29-1 vote, Janessa Goldbeck was confirmed to the California Veterans Board by a 28-0 vote, and Tom Huntington was confirmed to the State Parks and Recreation Commission by a 28-0 vote. The Senate also adopted the consent calendar, which included Senate Bill 607, by a 37-0 vote.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memorials honoring Elizabeth “Betsy” Hammer Carr, Alberto Ronel, William Louis “Bill” McIntyre Jr., and Joy Atkinson. Senators described their activism, public service, community leadership, and personal impact, with particular emphasis on Carr’s social justice work, Ronel’s health care service and the need for worker safety, McIntyre’s business and civic contributions, and Atkinson’s decades of mentorship and leadership for Black women in politics. Family members and guests were recognized in the gallery during the memorials.
The Senate announced that the next floor session would be Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9 a.m., with the chamber in recess until later that day for adjournment proceedings.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences Oct 21st, 2025
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences
Transcript Highlights:
- needed to consider the burden that reporting requirements have on companies and taxpayers when developing
- needed to consider the burden that reporting requirements have on companies and taxpayers when developing
- next remaining green one is the first recommendation for low-income, nonprofit low-income housing development
- The first recommendation for low-income, nonprofit, low-income housing development.
Summary:
The Citizens Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on October 22, 2025. Members approved the September 22, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously and reviewed a draft 2026 meeting schedule, tentatively setting meetings for May 6, August 4, September 15, and October 20, 2026, without taking a formal vote. The commission then worked through its commissioner comments on tax preference reviews, with Commissioner Forsyth recusing himself from the natural gas for transportation and energy sales to silicon smelters items.
The discussion focused on reconciling endorse/endorse with comment/does not endorse positions into final recommendations. The commission adopted comments for the liquefied natural gas preference, the natural gas for transportation preference, the energy sales to silicon smelters preference, several low-income housing and veterans-related preferences, and other reviewed tax preferences. Several comments emphasized reporting burdens, the need for clearer legislative guidance, and in the veterans’ item, the possibility that low use may reflect limited visibility of the preference. Staff also clarified the reporting requirements for the natural gas transportation preference and the rationale for continuing the LNG preference while asking the legislature to consider a Department of Revenue workgroup report.
All commissioner comment packages were ultimately adopted by roll call votes, with the relevant recusals noted. No members of the public testified in person. The chair invited written testimony by email or mail and thanked staff and members for their work. The next commission meeting was announced for May 6, 2026, at 10 a.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HB5696 creates the Reserve Municipal Management District, a 200-acre master plan mixed-use development
- The development will not only serve as a focal point for the community, anchored by the new Mansfield
- an... district with standard powers and duties of a MUD district with support for infrastructure development
- It establishes the Craver Ranch Municipal Management District for the development of 2,500 acres in northern
Bills:
HB103
Committee:
Senate Local Government
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Senate Economic Development Committee will come to order. The clerk will call the roll. Sorry.
- This is an economic development tool. This is an economic development tool.
- years into the program to ensure that the state of Texas has received more money from the hotel development
Committee:
Senate Economic Development
Keywords:
expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, surplus vehicles, law enforcement equipment, school districts, Texas Facilities Commission, economically disadvantaged areas, HB 5596, voter-approval tax rate, property tax, ad valorem tax, Tax Code, Texas municipalities, coastal municipality, eligible coastal municipality, municipal hotel occupancy tax, hotel occupancy tax revenue
Summary:
The Senate Economic Development Committee heard and laid out several measures focused on school safety, Texas-Taiwan relations, defense manufacturing, business formation, hotel tax policy, and NASA relocation. HB 1851 would allow surplus DPS vehicles and law enforcement equipment to be transferred to school districts in economically disadvantaged areas for use by school police and security personnel, with a two-year resale restriction. HCR 127 expressed support for the Texas-Taiwan relationship and trade ties, HCR 118 supported expanding warship manufacturing in Texas, HCR 141 urged Congress to move NASA headquarters to Houston, HB 346 (with a committee substitute) revised business filing and fee authority while making permanent a franchise tax exemption for new veteran-owned businesses, HB 2974 was an omnibus hotel occupancy tax and qualified hotel project bill, and HB 5596 addressed accountability for municipal hotel occupancy tax revenues in coastal communities. Witnesses generally supported the measures, including the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association on HB 2974 and resource witnesses from the Texas Veterans Commission and Secretary of State on HB 346; no opposition testimony was registered on the laid-out bills.
After public testimony, the committee took up pending business and adopted committee substitutes where applicable. HB 1851, HB 346, HB 2974, and HB 5596 were each reported favorably to the full Senate, with HB 346 and HB 2974 also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. HCR 127 and HCR 118 were reported favorably as well, and HCR 127 and HCR 141 were likewise recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also reported HB 4320 favorably, though the transcript repeats that motion several times. The meeting ended with the committee standing in recess until 7:00 a.m. subject to the call of the chair.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- continue the work on Kahon Lavi and also create a revenue stream for Maui to revitalize economic development
- continue the work on Kahon Lavi and also create a revenue stream for Maui to revitalize economic development
- , Māoa Learning LLC, Hawaiian Electric, East Oʻahu County Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hunt Development
- </c> Bureau, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farm Bureau,<00:28:55.279><c> Hunt</c><00:28:55.679><c> Development
Committee:
Senate Ways and Means
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee convened at 10:00 a.m. and opened with instructions about live streaming, one-minute testimony limits, and the possibility of reconvening on March 31 if technical problems interrupted the hearing. The committee then took up HB 300, which drew extensive testimony from state agencies, commissions, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Many agencies, including Budget and Finance, Education, Health, Housing, and others, said they stood on their written testimony and supported the measure. One witness from the Kohala Island Reserve Commission supported the bill and asked for funding for a CIP project at its Kihei site to consolidate offices and generate revenue for Maui. Several groups, including the Hawaii Oral Health Coalition and the Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis, supported funding for mandated oral health services and higher ABA provider rates for children with autism. In contrast, the Re-imagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition and Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice opposed $30 million for jail planning and additional incarceration-related spending, urging more investment in housing, mental health, youth programs, education, and restorative justice. The chair noted the testimony totals for HB 300: 186 in support, 91 opposed, and 52 comments.
The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 794 and HB 795. The Department of Budget and Finance supported HB 794, and the Tax Foundation was listed for HB 795 but was not present. No additional testimony was offered on either bill. After the testimony phase, the committee deferred all three measures—HB 300, HB 794, and HB 795—for decision making to March 31 at 10:00 a.m. in the same room.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that correct from the Texas Water Development Board? Did you want to testify on anything?
- We worked with him and the Water Development Board last session and a number of stakeholders to work
- political subdivision that would work for all the stakeholders and apply to all the Texas Water Development
- management, drought response, and flooding initiatives become more critical to sustain our economic development
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Keywords:
water resources, interlocal contracts, local government, collaboration, planning activities, wildfire response, firefighting equipment, emergency services, state database, Texas Forest Service, customer complaints, Public Utility Commission, water service, complaint process, utility regulation, SB 971, Texas Water Assistance Program, Water Code, rural political subdivision, rural water
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met on Texas Water Day and limited public testimony to two minutes. The chair emphasized the need to move quickly because of scheduling conflicts with other committees and noted the importance of water policy and related stakeholders. The committee heard several bills focused on water administration, rural utilities, emergency response, and public works contracting.
Senate Bill 790 by Senator Alvarado would let the Public Utility Commission create a simplified process for resolving tenant complaints over water or wastewater bill discrepancies; it was described as a way to avoid lengthy contested-case hearings for small disputes. Senate Bill 971 by Senator Sparks would clean up conflicting statutory definitions of “rural political subdivision” so Texas Water Development Board programs are applied consistently; Texas Rural Water Association testified in support. Senate Bill 767, also by Senator Sparks, would expand and improve a statewide database of fire-response equipment so departments, including volunteer and rural departments, can locate and share resources more effectively during emergencies; fire service witnesses supported the bill and suggested annual updates to keep the database current.
Chair Perry laid out Senate Bill 480 to clarify that local governments and special districts may enter interlocal agreements for water-related planning and research, including aquifer management and flood/water planning. He also presented Senate Bill 1066, which raises payment and performance bond thresholds for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public works contracts to $150,000, arguing the change would reflect inflation and help smaller vendors on lower-risk projects. Witnesses were heard on the bills, with no opposition recorded in the transcript.
The committee voted out all five bills favorably. SB 1066, SB 480, SB 767, SB 790, and SB 971 each received unanimous committee approval and were recommended to the local and contested calendar, with SB 767 noted as amended by a suggested annual-update requirement for the equipment database.