Transcript Highlights:

• And the other thing that that statement exposes is the fundamental flaw here: with insurance, you want
• I was struck by this statement.
• This really is just cruel. political statement that I guarantee you there will be consequences for this
• There will be consequences for this politically, but this is all this is—a political statement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, just as a general statement I will uh to set the context the rulemaking process when you introduce
• Um just as a a general<00:09:52.000><c> statement</c><00:09:52.480><c> I</c><00:09:52.720><c> will</c
• 53.279><c> uh</c><00:09:53.440><c> to</c><00:09:53.600><c> set</c><00:09:53.839><c> the</c> general statement
• I will uh to set the general statement I will uh to set the context<00:09:54.480><c> the</c><00:09:54.720

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the Legislative Budget Assistant audit of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification’s response to 12 findings, especially those tied to mental health workforce licensure. The executive director said 10 findings were substantially resolved, one fully resolved, and one partially resolved, with most issues tied to ongoing rulemaking. He explained that the office regulates 61 professions, has limited rules-drafting staff, and is working through a long rulemaking process while also adapting to frequent statutory changes. The committee discussed the first finding on license portability/endorsement, which the director said was the office’s highest priority and had been implemented through universal recognition rules adopted in 2023. Members asked detailed questions about how the office reviews other states’ licensing standards, whether it evaluates jurisdictions case-by-case or maintains a database, and how many jurisdictions qualify for endorsement in various professions. The director said the office initially reviewed all states and professions at once, now maintains and updates a list of substantially similar jurisdictions, and sometimes evaluates narrower jurisdictions such as counties, cities, or foreign countries. He noted that some professions, like nursing, have broad reciprocity, while others, including some mental health-related fields, vary widely and may have only a limited number of qualifying jurisdictions. He also said the office is exploring whether AI could help with research and tracking, though not with final verification. The committee then turned to expedited licensure processing. The director said the office now handles examination, review, and issuance or denial based on board-set criteria, rather than requiring every board to review every application, which has sped up processing. He said delays still occur with criminal background checks and FBI fingerprint processing because of paper forms, federal involvement, and back-and-forth with the Department of Safety when releases are incomplete or incorrect. Members raised concerns about broader state process bottlenecks and asked whether legislation could help streamline the system. A legislator said he was already working on related background-check language for another agency and believed the current draft may satisfy FBI requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• It seems like a statement. You said they would have lied. I don't know.
• Are you It seems like a statement.<00:43:00.400><c> You</c><00:43:00.560><c> said</c><00:43:00.720><c
• > they</c><00:43:00.960><c> would</c><00:43:01.040><c> have</c> statement.
• You said they would have statement.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up an amended bill, sponsored by Rep. Lily Walsh, aimed at requiring certain foreign principals involved in New Hampshire real estate transactions to file an affidavit electronically with the Department of Justice. Walsh explained that she revised the proposal after the first hearing by limiting it to leases longer than 14 days, removing notarization, allowing electronic filing, shortening notification timelines, and clarifying that lessors or agents would not have to verify the affidavit’s truthfulness. She asked the committee to recommend the bill ought to pass with amendment and also noted a technical correction to use “real estate licensee” rather than “realtor.” The main opposition came from a real estate practitioner on the committee, who argued the bill was burdensome, could create discrimination concerns, and would place real estate professionals in an improper enforcement role. He also questioned the bill’s practical effect and pointed to existing federal CFIUS procedures as a better mechanism for handling foreign investment concerns. Several members echoed concerns about whether the state had authority to regulate in this area, whether the bill would actually stop bad actors, and whether it could be enforced without discriminatory impacts. Representatives from New Boston Space Force Station testified in support, saying the legislation was critical to national security because proximity to the installation could allow adversaries to observe operations or interfere with radio frequency communications. They argued federal processes were too slow or ineffective and that state action could better push hostile actors away from the base. Committee members questioned the technical basis for the 10-mile buffer, whether it would really help, and why federal agencies were not handling the issue. No vote was taken during the exchange shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and may I just make a statement about that?
• Um and may I just make<00:55:48.079><c> a</c><00:55:48.240><c> statement</c><00:55:48.559><c> about</
• </c><00:55:49.200><c> Um</c><00:55:49.760><c> this</c> make a statement about that?
• Um this make a statement about that?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on a non-germane amendment to SB 302, a Senate bill originally requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners. Representative Patenza explained that the amendment was intended to preserve and separate out language developed for the governor’s budget proposal and HB 2 concerning a solid waste facility site evaluation committee, a moratorium, and related public-benefit/site-benefit provisions, so the policy would still have a vehicle if the budget language did not advance. He said the proposal reflects extensive work by the House, the governor’s office, and DES, and he was open to further changes to align with any budget conference committee outcome. Dr. Adam Finkele testified in support of the amendment and the underlying site evaluation concept, arguing that landfill siting decisions should be based on cost-benefit analysis that includes public harms, local impacts, and regional impacts rather than only private benefits. He praised the committee process and prior legislation requiring agencies to respond substantively to public comments, and said the new language improves on the governor’s version by moving the committee’s review earlier in the process and requiring more complete application information, including alternatives and impacts on nearby wells and aquifers. He also supported a three-year moratorium on new landfill applications, saying it would give the state time to address leachate, PFAS, waste reduction, and weak siting rules. Members asked about possible conference committee changes, the value of having a separate review body, and whether the new rules would invite litigation. Dr. Finkele said he would likely sue over the rules because he считает them too weak, but also said the legislature could fix the problems through other bills such as HB 77. He acknowledged that the site evaluation committee is not a perfect solution, but said it is a useful intermediate step between the agency and the courts and likely would meet only rarely if capacity need remains the main trigger for future landfill decisions. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I will conclude with that statement and I will take any questions if you have them.
• :46:56.000><c> conclude</c><00:46:56.400><c> with</c><00:46:56.560><c> that</c><00:46:56.800><c> statement
• </c><00:46:57.119><c> and</c><00:46:57.359><c> I</c> will conclude with that statement and I will conclude
• with that statement and I will<00:46:57.599><c> take</c><00:46:57.839><c> any</c><00:46:58.079><c> questions

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I acknowledge the arguments made by my colleagues and respect those wise statements.
• 58.319><c> wise</c> my colleagues and um respect those wise my colleagues and um respect those wise statements
• .<01:02:00.520><c> Basically,</c><01:02:01.520><c> my</c><01:02:01.839><c> understanding</c> statements
• Basically, my understanding statements.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now I'm just curious because I can't—I have the state statement from when this came out of Edna, but
• ><01:12:09.679><c> have</c><01:12:09.840><c> the</c><01:12:10.040><c> state</c><01:12:10.639><c> statement
• </c><01:12:11.520><c> uh</c><01:12:11.840><c> from</c> um I have the state statement uh from um I have
• the state statement uh from when<01:12:13.080><c> this</c><01:12:13.239><c> came</c><01:12:13.400><c

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is more than a funding mechanism, it's a statement about what Texas believes teaching should
• That gives you 30 seconds to close up your statement. Go ahead on, what is your name? Quinn McCall.
• Statement accountability without support breeds fear because that's really what's happened and Mike.
• That's why I'm making the statements I'm making as it relates to school districts being able to. have

Bills: SB451 , SB762 , SB1490 , SB1262 , SB1459 , SB1750 , SB1962 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2365

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: instructional materials, public schools, Education Code, adoption, rejected materials, local funds, open educational resources, Texas Education Code, school districts, open enrollment charter schools, funding restrictions, environmental regulation, business compliance, local authority, economic development, state preemption, local control, open education resources, SB 762, Texas public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• continued: The purpose behind that is to allow a 92-day supply provided that a prescription includes a statement
• prescription supply provided that a prescription includes<01:02:35.880><c> a</c><01:02:36.079><c> statement
• </c><01:02:36.520><c> by</c><01:02:36.680><c> the</c><01:02:36.799><c> prescriber</c> includes a statement
• by the prescriber includes a statement by the prescriber that<01:02:37.480><c> the</c><01:02:37.599>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• energy fund, which is a big deal to balance the budget, and I believe it is sort of on our surplus statement
• of on budget um and I believe it is sort of on our<01:09:25.640><c> Surplus</c><01:09:26.080><c> statement
• </c><01:09:26.520><c> yeah</c><01:09:27.319><c> represent</c> our Surplus statement yeah represent our
• Surplus statement yeah represent McGuire<01:09:29.279><c> yes</c><01:09:29.839><c> um</c><01:09:30.440

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Department of Labor on several House Bill 2 sections. Members discussed raising the annual elevator certificate fee, which had been $50 since at least fiscal year 2014; the commissioner said the Inspection Division generates more revenue than its costs, and members agreed to amend the fee to $75 and later voted unanimously to accept Section 137. The department also explained a proposed change to civil penalty/warning language in Section 139 to align enforcement across labor laws; that section was accepted unanimously. The commissioner then gave a detailed overview of the second injury fund, describing how it is financed by assessments on insurance carriers, how claims are reviewed for reimbursement, and how the fund is intended to reimburse certain workers’ compensation costs. Members questioned whether the program still serves its original purpose, whether it is revenue-neutral, and whether it should be sunset; the department said the fund is a mixed bag for the state and industry, but no sunset language was adopted. Sections 140 and 141 were then accepted unanimously. The committee next heard from the Judicial Council on Sections 125 through 127. The witness said the changes would streamline payment for indigent defense services other than counsel, reduce the number of bills requiring judge review, and expand the council’s ability to contract with providers for services such as translation and evaluations. He also explained a proposed fail-safe allowing the executive director to decline to process questionable invoices and send them to a judge instead. Members generally supported the streamlining, and Sections 125 through 127 were accepted unanimously. Toward the end of the discussion, members asked about the cost impact of changing the misdemeanor/felony threshold from $1,000 to a higher amount. The Judicial Council said felony cases are significantly more expensive than misdemeanors because they involve more hearings, more discovery, and more attorney time, with assigned felony cases costing several times more on average. No action was taken on that question in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the statement of there will be robust planning could be sufficient, but in the absence of staffing
• 05.680><c> the</c> groups that were signed on I think the groups that were signed on I think the statement
• 06.480><c> there</c><00:35:06.599><c> will</c><00:35:06.760><c> be</c><00:35:06.960><c> robust</c> statement
• of there will be robust statement of there will be robust planning<00:35:08.000><c> could</c><00:35:

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The president then backed up that statement during his inaugural address, saying, 'I will reinstate any
• rank the president then backed<00:59:54.319><c> up</c><00:59:54.520><c> that</c><00:59:54.680><c> statement
• </c><00:59:55.079><c> during</c><00:59:55.359><c> his</c> backed up that statement during his backed
• up that statement during his inaugural<00:59:56.200><c> address</c><00:59:56.480><c> saying</c><00:59

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You made a statement on the back of public employees.
• um</c><01:20:51.239><c> you</c><01:20:51.400><c> made</c><01:20:51.560><c> a</c><01:20:51.760><c> statement
• </c><01:20:52.600><c> um</c><01:20:53.040><c> you</c> question um you made a statement um you question
• um you made a statement um you concluded<01:20:53.840><c> with</c><01:20:54.040><c> on</c><01:20:54.199

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee met on February 12 and heard several bills. HB 97, relating to travel insurance, drew only brief testimony: the Insurance Division stood on written testimony, one industry witness supported the bill and requested a minor amendment, and no one else testified or asked questions. HB 226, relating to window tinting, received support from the Department of Transportation, while the Honolulu Police Department offered comments on the proposed amendments, asking for clearer language on what it means to roll windows down, when the requirement applies, how it handles bad weather, and what sanctions would apply for noncompliance. No further testimony was offered on that measure. The committee also heard HB 1179, relating to rural emergency hospitals. The Department of Human Services stood on written testimony, and Maui Health Systems strongly supported the bill, saying it would help critical access hospitals better serve kūpuna and provide long-term care beds. There were no questions or additional testimony. HB 420, relating to remedies and the contractor repair act, generated extensive and sharply divided testimony. Opponents, including attorneys representing homeowners and AARP Hawaii, argued the bill was anti-consumer, would weaken homeowners’ ability to recover for construction defects, and would shift costs and risk to consumers. Supporters, including builders, realtors, the Chamber of Commerce, and D.R. Horton Hawaii, said the bill would create a more balanced and efficient process, reduce unnecessary litigation, and help builders address legitimate defects more quickly. Testimony on HB 420 focused heavily on whether the contractor repair process and class actions help or hinder repairs. Opponents said the bill would delay or limit homeowner recovery, especially for life and safety defects, while supporters said current class-action litigation can prevent direct communication with homeowners and slow repairs. Committee members asked questions about when communication with homeowners stops and whether repairs could be made before a class is certified. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so there's no statement in the bill that says that somebody with a conflict of interest or a past
• c><00:52:43.800><c> there's</c><00:52:44.040><c> no</c><00:52:44.960><c> um</c><00:52:45.280><c> statement
• </c><00:52:46.040><c> in</c> And so there's no um statement in And so there's no um statement in the<

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 963, which would make crimes against elders age 60 and over strict liability offenses by removing the requirement that the perpetrator knew or should have known the victim’s age. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that removing the state-of-mind element would create unfair and subjective results and suggesting sentencing enhancements or broader vulnerability-based language instead. Supporters, including Sandy Wong and another testifier with elder-abuse experience, said the current knowledge requirement creates a loophole that lets offenders avoid the elder enhancement even when they target vulnerable older adults. No vote was taken on the measure in the portion provided. The committee also heard HB 384, which increases penalties for promoting minor-produced sexual images, extends probation terms for felony obscenity offenses, tolls the statute of limitations during a victim’s minority, and requires sex offender registration for certain felony obscenity offenses involving minors. The Public Defender opposed the bill as overly broad and warned of absurd results, while the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney supported it, saying the bill addresses sextortion and other exploitation cases where adults solicit images from minors and that the 3-year age-gap threshold preserves ordinary teen relationships. Committee members questioned whether the bill was aimed at adults only and whether the age-gap carveout was narrow enough; the prosecutor said it was intended to cover adult predators and not consensual peer conduct. No final action was reported. HB 1100, which renames the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program to use “low vision” instead of “visually impaired,” was supported by the Department of Human Services and disability advocates, who said the current term is derogatory and that the change responds to the blind community. The department said it was beginning work on administrative rules and expected to seek an appropriation, with implementation hoped for in 2026. The committee then heard HB 1283, exempting paternity proceedings from mediation when domestic abuse is alleged; the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and others supported it as consistent with divorce law and important for survivor safety. HB 689, creating safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement help, drew support from HPD, Emua Alliance, the Judiciary, and others, who said it would prevent traffickers from using prostitution charges to silence victims. Finally, HB 383, reinstating mandatory minimum jail terms for successive violations of protective orders and removing the court’s ability to suspend those minimums, drew opposition from the Public Defender, who said some repeat violations stem from mental health or substance use issues, and support from the Prosecuting Attorney, who argued the bill treats protective orders like temporary restraining orders and preserves judicial discretion within a misdemeanor framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of any other papers that are contrary to that statement?
• 00:10:38.480><c> that</c> papers that um are contrary to that papers that um are contrary to that statement
• <00:10:40.200><c> I</c> statement I statement I can<00:10:41.880><c> look</c><00:10:42.160><c> into</

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations. The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 4 requires that the property tax credit appear on Truth in Taxation statements.
• So, Madam Chair, if I could, the work done on the revenue statement from the Department of Revenue, if
• So, Madam Chair, if I could, the work done on the revenue statement from the Department of Revenue, if
• So, Madam Chair, if I could, the work done on the revenue statement from the Department of Revenue, if

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I agree it is a very clean bill, and I agree with your statements with respect to how this, if we're
• :26:22.239><c> to</c><01:26:23.000><c> the</c><01:26:23.520><c> the</c><01:26:23.920><c> um</c> statements
• with respect to the the um statements with respect to the the um um<01:26:25.199><c> how</c><01:26:25.360
• financial statements anyway right is<03:49:26.080><c> there</c><03:49:26.239><c> any</c><03:49:26.520
• So this is just intended to be a statement to say we are not the state that does that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline. The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it. Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• In my impact statement, I told him the best outcome for me would be to hear he had found ways to better
• Before making my brief statement, I want to say that I found it humbling to sit here and listen to these
• was listening to the interrogation of the mom, Ruth Nap, and what was done to elicit from her a statement
• statement statement fingering<02:06:18.880><c> this</c><02:06:19.119><c> poor</c><02:06:19.440><c> bugger
• she made and I to make the statement she made and I don't<02:06:35.760><c> think</c><02:06:35.920><c

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the surplus statement that we walk the committee through.
• We have the surplus statement that we walk the committee through.
• We have the surplus statement that we walk the committee through.
• the Surplus statement that we walk<00:21:17.919><c> uh</c><00:21:18.080><c> the</c><00:21:18.240><c>
• So when you had asked about the, you know, so I've summarized my initial statement.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this doesn't necessarily seem to me to be a specification of a policy change or a policy statement
• It's simply a statement that says we're going to tell you how to do your job.
• </c><00:23:58.880><c> or</c><00:23:59.120><c> a</c><00:23:59.799><c> policy</c><00:24:00.799><c> statement
• Yeah, thank you for the question, Representative, and just to respond to your first part of your statement
• I agree with you that um your statement.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all