Transcript Highlights:

• They also have quite a bit in lobbying and quite a bit in fundraising expenses as well, which I won't
• bit</c><00:34:17.679><c> in</c> it they also have quite a bit in it they also have quite a bit in lobbying
• 18.560><c> a</c><00:34:18.639><c> bit</c><00:34:18.800><c> in</c><00:34:18.919><c> fundraising</c> lobbying
• and quite a bit in fundraising lobbying and quite a bit in fundraising expenses<00:34:20.200><c> as<

Bills: HF1704 , HF1722

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• He said there are many places where the state is already working actively with communities as active
• He said there are many places where the state is already working actively with communities as active
• He said there are many places where the state is already working actively with communities as active
• He said there are many places where the state is already working actively with communities as active
• </c> the state is already working actively the state is already working actively with<01:09:10.480><c

Committee: House Finance

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 1602 HD1 drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Ulupono Initiative, and others, with testimony emphasizing the value of a dedicated grant writer who had secured nearly $9 million in federal funds and was pursuing additional grants. Members discussed how much time grant applications take and how the position helps position projects for implementation. The committee then moved on without objection. HB 1832, relating to aquaculture, received support from state agencies and industry groups, with one individual opposed. HB 1707 HD1, relating to agriculture, also drew broad support. A committee question focused on the bill’s definition of “necessary supplies,” and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said the language was broad enough to cover the inputs farmers need, including transportation-related costs, and would help reduce production costs and food prices. HB 2155 HD1, relating to agricultural statistics, prompted testimony in support of better data collection to help Hawaii compete for federal agriculture funding. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that its role would focus on production, import, and export data, distinct from the scientific data collected by another unit, and said it wanted an electronic system tied to existing manifest and GIS tools to avoid duplicative clipboard-based collection. HB 1831 HD1, relating to agricultural lands, was heard with support and no questions. HB 1650 HD1, relating to environmental assessments, drew opposition from several individuals who argued it would weaken environmental protections and resident input; no action was taken. The committee then heard HB 1652 HD1, relating to storm water management systems. The engineering industry supported clarifying that low-risk green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement should not be treated like detention or retention ponds subject to fencing and other safety requirements. Opponents, including family members affected by a drowning and other residents, argued the bill would weaken Act 281’s safety protections and increase liability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau questioned whether agricultural water infrastructure should be exempted from the fencing requirements and said the costs would vary by system, but the committee did not take final action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, they want to use hotel tax revenue to fund hunting, golf resorts, and... ...sporting activity
• Yes, 77 agreements for renewables versus other industrial or manufacturing activities.
• These events consistently draw tens of thousands of attendees, generating significant economic activity
• When the state is using taxpayer dollars to support an event hosted by a group that actively opposes
• I'll just say that the expansion of your convention activities here is just a sacrifice I'm going to

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

Committee: Senate Economic Development

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• is</c><00:26:15.600><c> part</c><00:26:15.679><c> of</c><00:26:15.840><c> an</c><00:26:16.159><c> active
• </c> recipient is part of an active recipient is part of an active investigation<00:26:17.120><c> concerning
• The need for health and active services for the elderly can be estimated.
• The need for health and active services for the elderly can be estimated.
• For lobbying, we never endorse political parties or candidates.

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re not necessarily going to go lobby in Washington for things to move out of D.C. and move to Oklahoma
• They are actively engaged.
• They are actively engaged.

Committee: House Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee (LEAD)

Summary: The LEAD Committee met with the Department of Commerce to review a high-level strategic plan for Oklahoma economic development. Commerce Director Bud presented a plan centered on the state’s competitive advantages: central location and logistics, low cost of doing business, energy availability, labor force, tax environment, and partnerships with tribes, local communities, universities, and workforce organizations. He said the agency must focus on industries where Oklahoma has a “right to win,” identifying aerospace and defense, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, and cybersecurity as priority sectors, with other sectors such as transportation logistics, automotive, finance/shared services, federal offices, bioscience, and broader IT treated as secondary or longer-term opportunities. Members asked about workforce, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, incentives, research and development, housing, and how Commerce should stay focused on its core mission. Commerce said CareerTech remains a major asset, but the state needs better coordination among agencies, universities, and workforce partners. Officials also said entrepreneurship should be encouraged within target industries, infrastructure readiness should be mapped and aligned to industry needs, and incentives should be evaluated against total cost of operations rather than compared only on percentage terms. They noted that the Incentive Evaluation Commission is comparing Oklahoma’s incentives with other states and that closing deals begins early, with the right people and partners involved from the start. The discussion also emphasized the need for stronger statewide marketing, better use of regional development staff, more robust research/data capabilities, and a stronger international strategy. Legislators raised concerns about Commerce being tasked with programs outside its core mission, and Commerce said it must administer those programs unless the Legislature changes the law, though it would like to streamline and reallocate resources where possible. The meeting ended with broad support for the strategic direction, appreciation for Commerce’s work on recent projects, and adjournment without any formal vote or action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pastor Ryu and the congregation of KCPC are active in community engagement, focusing on promoting education
• There are nearly 100 Mason students here in Richmond today for Mason lobby day.
• D-Love is a statewide branch of the Democratic Party of Virginia dedicated to activating and empowering

Transcript Highlights:

• With a $25 million appropriation, we can leverage both public and private construction activity to drive
• With a $25 million appropriation, we can leverage both public and private construction activity to drive
• that I'm also on the board of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, who does not do lobbying

Summary: The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee met on February 3 and first took up House Bill 153, the Low Carbon Construction Material Rebate Act, with a committee substitute that added an Environmental Product Declaration program and shifted administration to the Environment Department. Sponsor Representative Dixon said the bill would create rebates for buyers of lower-carbon construction materials, support local manufacturers, and reduce industrial emissions. Support came from the New Mexico Home Builders Association, Sierra Club, and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. Some members questioned whether the bill would actually lower housing costs or instead create future price pressure once subsidies expire, and raised concerns about rulemaking and whether some materials would be incentivized even without state help. The committee voted 7-4 to do pass the committee substitute and do not pass the original bill. The committee then heard House Bill 154, which would broaden and decouple New Mexico’s advanced energy tax credit definitions from federal law and add fusion energy and related components as eligible advanced energy products. Representative Dixon said the change would give the state more flexibility to include emerging technologies while keeping the existing credit structure and cap intact. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, a Santa Fe fusion company, a Los Lunas economic development official, and an online fusion company all testified in support, arguing the bill would provide certainty, attract investment, and help build a local supply chain. One member suggested future consideration of nuclear fission, while another questioned whether some renewable technologies were still appropriate, but the committee ultimately voted 9-2 to do pass HB 154. House Bill 184, a technical fix to the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, was then presented by Representative Small. The amendment adopted by the committee delayed the three-year moving average for distributions by one year and extended the time to use funds from two years to three years, with the sponsor saying this would better reflect the fund’s growth and give projects more time to complete. Witnesses from Western Resource Advocates, conservation districts, and Conservation Voters New Mexico supported the measure, saying it would strengthen successful outdoor, watershed, and conservation programs. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill unanimously. Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 20, which would create a study group to examine barriers to renewable energy transmission and project development. The sponsor said the goal was to bring agencies, stakeholders, and possibly courts together to identify ways to speed up renewable infrastructure while preserving environmental review and public input. Sierra Club, Western Resource Advocates, Defenders of Wildlife, and the League of Women Voters supported the memorial, but several members said it should be broadened to include all energy infrastructure or more clearly address transmission, permitting, tribal, federal, and military coordination. In response to those concerns, the sponsor asked to roll the memorial for further discussion and possible revisions rather than advancing it that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Calatayud, go ahead. that is into advocacy or community activism, particularly in higher education
• when I was at UCF as a student, I got involved with student government and specifically student lobbying
• Within Pinellas Technical College, we have over 1,200 employer partners that are part of our active job

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's put the fax machine lobby out of their misery. The same goes for PDF submission, etc.
• Anomaly detection is a technology that allows you to quickly spot unusual activities by learning what
• Of lawmakers, bureaucrats, and media that actively support the status quo, which in essence is on the

Committee: Joint Joint Economic Committee

Keywords: artificial intelligence, waste reduction, fraud prevention, government efficiency, improper payments, data reliability, oversight

Summary: The meeting was chaired by Chairman Schweikert and involved a comprehensive discussion on how to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for reducing waste, fraud, and improper payments within federal programs. Key witnesses, including Mr. Andrew Canarsa from the Council of the Inspectors General, provided insights on the potential of AI in enhancing government efficiency. The committee emphasized the importance of reliable data and thorough examination of AI application to avoid unintended consequences while addressing the estimated $162 billion in improper payments reported by the federal government. Concerns were raised regarding the recent firing of inspectors general and the impacts that could have on oversight and accountability processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, there are over 30 states actively introducing and passing legislation that will create an
• Because it's not actually barring activity by private financial institutions.
• Hill Country Institute, a faith-based Christian nonprofit, and I volunteer with the Citizens Climate Lobby

Bills: SB 21 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• IN GENERAL I STARTED ALMOST 3 DECADES AGO AND THE EDUCATION BUILDINGS WERE FULL AND PACKED WITH ACTIVITY
• SOME HAVE GONE TO TAKE PHOTO OPS IN THE LOBBY.
• WE ALSO HAVE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW THE RULES DURING THEIR INCARCERATION AND ACTIVELY TRY TO BETTER THEMSELVES

Transcript Highlights:

• , making sure that children are able to be fully integrated in their families, in school, other activities
• , making sure that children are able to be fully integrated in their families, in school, other activities
• </c><00:03:53.159><c> and</c><00:03:53.319><c> ultimately</c> school other activities and ultimately
• school other activities and ultimately to<00:03:54.000><c> improve</c><00:03:54.360><c> long-term</c>
• This slide just shows you some of the activities that we’ll be doing.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Because the stakes are so high with this conversion, we are actively in communication with our partners
• Importantly, all of the active homes that were part of those FFAs were successfully ported to either
• I mean, we are actively meeting and working to come up with those solutions.
• We've reduced our lobby hours in Solano, as an example. We're focusing solely on compliance.
• We've reduced our lobby hours in Solano, as an example.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> photography, Bruce has been an active photography, Bruce has been an active member<00:07:13.759>
• Bruce is also an active member of years.
• He was active in We Believe We Vote and active in civics and government in Stevens County.
• . activities. activities.
• Inflation, which economic activity.

Transcript Highlights:

• this piece of legislation is it's the court's responsibility not to delegate that, but to take an active
• That means the nine-gram includes the filler and active ingredients used to dilute fentanyl.
• That means the nine-gram includes the filler in an active ingredients used to dilute fentanyl.
• You know, there's been a lot of crime activity that has been reported, like rape and threats and all
• This type of judicial debate shows that courts are already actively redefining the law, which suggests

Bills: SB1039 , SB1061 , SB1068 , SB1069 , SB1099 , SB1127 , SB1148 , SB1271 , SB1426 , SB1448

Committees: House Judiciary , House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Keywords: attorney discipline, legal costs, reputation damage, state bar, court costs, fentanyl, drug offenses, narcotic drugs, criminal penalties, Arizona Revised Statutes, educational institutions, public order, disruption, concealed weapons, safety regulations, firearms, muffling devices, weapon regulations, Arizona law, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 5988 relates to the Department of Health opioid treatment program accrediting activities,
• However, these protections only work when the insurer actively participates in the process.
• Timelines and oversight are meaningful only for requests... ...actively participates in the process.
• The insurer had been actively involved throughout my... ...son's inpatient stay through weekly utilization
• I'm president of the Washington State Senior Citizens Lobby for the state of Washington, and we're here

Summary: The Health Care and Wellness Committee held a public hearing on several bills and a joint memorial. SB 5915 would update the health technology assessment program by adding technologies recommended for Medicare populations or in national guidelines to the review priority list, requiring broader evidence review for life-threatening or rare diseases, and setting timelines for posting and deciding review requests. Supporters, including rare disease advocates and providers, said the current process is outdated and too rigid; the bill was then held for later action. SJM 8002 urged Congress to strengthen original Medicare, oppose privatization, add benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, and reduce Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud. Supporters from labor and senior groups argued it would protect beneficiaries and send a message to federal officials; the memorial was also held after testimony. The committee also heard SB 5395 on prior authorization. Staff explained it would tighten notice requirements, require a licensed clinician—not AI alone—to deny requests based on medical necessity, add transparency around policy changes, and change how retrospective denials are treated. The prime sponsor and provider groups said the bill was a negotiated compromise meant to reduce delays and inappropriate denials, while insurers were generally neutral but sought a narrow amendment. Testifiers described prior authorization as a major source of delay and administrative burden, and the bill was held after public testimony. SB 5845 would require carriers to pay or deny clean claims within 30 days, set timelines for non-clean claims and information requests, and allow penalties for repeated noncompliance. Hospitals, physicians, and health systems supported it as a way to improve predictable payment, while insurers were neutral and asked for a narrow amendment; the bill was also held. The committee heard SB 6025, which would change the definition of fetal death so gestational age is calculated using the best clinically accurate age rather than the last menstrual period. Obstetric and nursing witnesses said the current law can force inaccurate records and unnecessary burdens on grieving families, while opponents objected to the bill’s abortion-related definitions. The bill was held after testimony. Finally, SB 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and charge fees to support that work. The department and the sponsor said the measure would preserve a patient-centered accreditation option amid budget pressure, and the committee closed testimony and held the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• They generate billions of dollars in economic activity and they up employee millions of Floridians.
• The specific gap are trying to fill is the transition process from active duty military, 2 veteran status
• Our PCs provide support for emergency operation centers during activations for hurricanes in deployments
• They were trying to land a very important drone manufacturing facility for their and active airport.
• I don't have people that can lobby against or for bills in the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:36:29.200><c> in</c> while Nema is knew um more actively in while Nema is knew um more actively
• This year, PRBA is active in 15 states working on portable battery EPR legislation that addresses the
• The part that gets me is when you go into, but not including, the cost for lobbying costs associated
• </c><01:15:43.639><c> costs</c><01:15:44.040><c> ass</c> the cost for lobbying costs ass the cost for
• lobbying costs ass associated<01:15:45.280><c> with</c><01:15:45.440><c> litigation</c><01:15:46.040

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and committee members, my name is Susan Myers, and I am an active massage therapist.
• I've had an active massage license since 1986.
• In fact, we lobbied very hard against this bill. We were adamantly against this bill.
• In fact, we lobbied very hard against this bill because, and I see my friend Carter back there, we were

Bills: SB246 , SB146 , SB300 , SB301 , SB309 , SM17

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and committee members, my name is Susan Myers, and I am an active massage therapist.
• I've had an active massage license since 1986.
• In fact, we lobbied very hard against... We were adamantly against this bill.
• In fact, we lobbied very hard against this bill because, and I see my friend Carter back there, we were

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 246, which would require licensure and inspections for massage therapy establishments. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill is intended to close a gap in oversight, improve sanitation and public safety, and help address human trafficking and prostitution concerns. Supporters from the massage therapy profession and industry groups said establishment licensing would create accountability and protect legitimate practitioners, while AMTA took a neutral position but supported the rulemaking process. Several senators raised concerns about privacy, home-based businesses, and whether mobile or traveling therapists would be affected; the department said the bill would apply to establishments, not individual therapists, and that home inspections would be governed by rules. The committee voted 8-0 to give SB 246 a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 300, an appropriation for CYFD computer hardware and software to improve compatibility with the national child welfare management system. The sponsor said the goal was to reduce delays and improve data sharing, especially in child welfare and ICWA-related cases. Members asked about the current system and how the funding would help, and the sponsor said the bill was aimed at better interoperability. The committee voted 8-0 to send SB 300 forward with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 146, which would amend the New Mexico Civil Rights Act. The bill and committee substitute would align the legal standard more closely with federal deliberate indifference language, reduce damages caps, shorten the statute of limitations, require 90 days’ notice, and bar double recovery under both the Civil Rights Act and Tort Claims Act. Supporters, including county and city representatives, law enforcement, AFSCME, and risk management officials, argued the changes were needed to control rapidly rising claims costs and protect public budgets. Opponents from the ACLU, civil rights, poverty, immigrant, and LGBTQ advocacy groups said the bill would weaken accountability, reintroduce qualified immunity-like protections, and make it harder for people harmed by government actors to seek justice. After a failed motion to table and a 5-5 vote on the committee substitute, the bill remained in committee and did not advance.