Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair now calls Eric Samuels with the Texas Homeless Network, testifying for the bill.
• Yes, Eric Samuels, President and CEO of the Texas Homeless Network, and I'm speaking on behalf of the

Bills: HB158 , HB714 , HB 1198 , HB1630 , HB1998 , HB3509 , HB3788 , HB3875 , HB3948 , HB3977 , HB4097 , HB4313 , HB4314 , HB4317 , HB158

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Wickheiser, and I am a Navy vet.
• I am, as Eric stated, the Executive Director of the Veteran Resilience Project.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric King, Eric King, waving against. John Pemrick Lewis, waving against.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with CS for SB 592, the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program. The bill was explained as revising condominium eligibility and grant rules, lowering the approval threshold to 75%, changing roof project rules, capping reimbursement at $175,000 per association, and excluding detached units. Two amendments were adopted, including one clarifying the three-story threshold and another adding wind-driven rain mitigation devices for sliding glass doors as an eligible improvement. A late-filed amendment to appropriate $500 million for the program was adopted on a roll call vote, but the bill itself was then reported favorably. Testimony generally supported the program, with members noting strong demand and the need for more funding, though one amendment drew concern from a window manufacturer and some members about product approval and fairness. The committee then approved CS for SB 622 on pari-mutuel permit holders, which would allow certain facilities to be leased to Hialeah permit holders and other same-class permit holders, with an amendment making the lessee eligible to apply for, rather than automatically receive, a license for inter-track wagering or Hialeah games. CS for SB 1404 on illegal gambling was also reported favorably after amendments added a declaratory judgment process for veterans organizations, strengthened ethics/revolving-door restrictions for Gaming Commission personnel, and then withdrew a late amendment concerning a Miami casino property. Prosecutors and the Gaming Control Commission supported the bill as a tool to target criminal gambling operations, while amusement machine operators and veterans groups raised concerns about overbreadth and uncertainty for lawful operators. SB 604 on residential swimming pool requirements was temporarily postponed after questions about how the new sale/transfer disclosure and safety-feature requirement would work in practice, especially for cash transactions and whether home inspectors would be involved. SB 1682, adding 911 dispatchers to the definition of first responder, was reported favorably with support from dispatchers and members who emphasized the trauma and public safety role of telecommunicators. SB 818 on utility relocation and SB 1228 on spring restoration were both reported favorably, with counties opposing the utility bill as a cost shift to taxpayers and the spring bill drawing support from JEA. The committee also approved CS for SB 948 on flood disclosures for tenants and condo buyers, and CS for SB 1742, a major condominium and cooperative association reform bill that would adjust reserve funding rules, allow temporary reserve pauses after milestone inspections, require substitute budgets over a certain threshold, permit lines of credit in lieu of reserves through 2028, expand disclosure and data reporting, and add conflict-of-interest and governance changes. The condo bill drew extensive discussion and testimony, with supporters praising the flexibility and transparency provisions and some owners urging additional relief for inland, lower-rise buildings; it was ultimately reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for local noticing, I'd like to ask Sheriff Eric Taylor from San Benito County.
• My name is Eric Taylor. I'm the sheriff and coroner of the County of San Benito.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on California’s emergency alert and warning systems, especially in light of recent Southern California wildfires and the January 9 evacuation alert that was mistakenly sent to millions of residents. Opening remarks emphasized the loss of life, the strain on first responders, the importance of timely warnings, and concerns that public trust in alerts has been undermined by delays, confusion, and over-alerting. Members repeatedly raised questions about how to improve speed, accuracy, coordination across jurisdictions, and public understanding of the difference between evacuation warnings and orders. Cal OES staff described the state’s alert and warning framework, including SEMS, the State Warning Center, IPAWS, WEA, and EAS, and said local governments retain primary responsibility for issuing alerts because they know local roads, shelters, and hazards best. They said Cal OES supports local agencies with training, technical assistance, testing, and backup alerting help when requested, and that local alerting authorities must test their systems every 30 days and complete FEMA-required training. Members pressed Cal OES on gaps in smaller or under-resourced jurisdictions, the lack of a statewide unified system, compliance monitoring, redundancy for people without reliable technology, and whether the state should take a more active role. Cal OES said it could assist smaller jurisdictions and step in during emergencies, but that a statewide system would require further analysis and funding. Sheriff Eric Taylor of San Benito County emphasized that local control is essential because counties differ widely in structure, geography, and alerting responsibilities, and he described the challenges of rural areas, limited cell coverage, and multiple platforms such as Nixle, Reverse 911, and social media. Nick Russell of Watch Duty said the nonprofit fills gaps by providing fast, geospatially detailed wildfire information from volunteers and public data, and argued that context and redundancy are critical because official alerts often arrive too late or lack enough detail. Members praised Watch Duty’s usefulness and asked about incorporating similar capabilities into state systems. Public commenters also raised the need for broader redundancy, including earthquake-warning partnerships, and wildfire survivors urged the committee to address the confusing patchwork of alerts and to honor prior compensation commitments to PG&E fire survivors. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only and adjourned after member questions and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:37.080><c> Consortium</c><00:24:37.600><c> of</c><00:24:37.720><c> states</c> center or Eric
• a Consortium of states center or Eric a Consortium of states that<00:24:38.200><c> share</c><00:24:38.520
• And with that, I will pass it to my colleague, Administrative Law Judge Eric Litman. be familiar with
• to my colleague administrative<01:26:30.239><c> law</c><01:26:30.440><c> judge</c><01:26:30.679><c> Eric
• Chairman, members, my name is Eric Litman.

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to call three together: we've got Jenny Glumac, Joel Johnson, and Eric Meyer.
• Eric Meyer will be next. Thank you, Mr. Johnson, please state your name. Thank you, Chair Green.
• Eric Meyers next, and Aaron Clemson after that.
• I’m Eric Meyer, founder and director of the Minnesota environmental nonprofit Generation Atomic.
• I’m Eric Meyer, founder and director of the Minnesota environmental nonprofit Generation Atomic.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Cell. I’m an attorney.
• My name is Eric Cell. I’m an attorney.
• My name is Eric Cell. I’m an attorney.
• My name is Eric Cell. I’m an attorney.
• Our attorney, Eric Cardell, touched on these topics.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Eric Morrison, absent. Representative Deshawn and Neil, absent.

Bills: SB309 , SB309

Committee: House Corrections

Summary: The House Corrections Committee met and considered Senate Bill 309 with Senate Amendment 1, which would end the Department of Corrections’ practice of deducting room-and-board charges from wages earned by incarcerated people. Supporters said the bill would help people in work release and other correctional programs keep more of their earnings for reentry needs, while still allowing deductions for child support, restitution, court costs, fines, and other court-ordered obligations. The sponsor also argued the current collection process costs the state more to administer than it brings in, citing roughly $40,000 in annual revenue versus about $137,000 in administrative costs. A Department of Correction witness clarified that the bill applies to level four work release only, affecting about 300 people, and would not change level five populations or Delaware Correctional Industries programming. He also said the funds are held in a non-interest-bearing account and then sent to the general fund. Public commenters, including a private citizen, the ACLU of Delaware, and the Tide Shift Justice Project, strongly supported the bill and argued that incarceration costs should be borne by the state rather than deducted from already low wages. After discussion, a motion was made to release the bill from committee and a roll-call vote was taken. The vote appeared to have enough support among members present, but because fewer than five members were present, the committee could not fully release the bill and instead would circulate it for additional signatures. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not sure, Eric, you've done that. I didn't say he didn't. I object, Mr. Chairman. Oh, okay.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Jansen.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Summary: The committee met with one item on the agenda: Senate Bill 623 by Senator Archuleta. The bill would implement a related constitutional amendment to provide property tax relief for veterans and their families by allowing eligible veterans to combine, or “stack,” the homeowners’ exemption with the disabled veterans’ or veterans’ exemption, and by removing certain property limitations tied to the exemption. The author and chair framed the measure as recognition of veterans’ service and a way to expand access to tax relief for veteran homeowners. The committee heard extensive testimony in support from veterans and advocates, including disabled veterans, combat veterans, representatives of veterans’ organizations, and county and health care advocates. Supporters said the bill would meaningfully improve benefits for veterans and their families. No opposition testimony was presented, and no committee member raised objections during the hearing. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Committee on Appropriations. The roll call vote was 3-0 in favor, with the bill held on call pending Senator Menjivar’s return so she could vote as well. The meeting then adjourned after the chair thanked the veterans and attendees.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Jansen.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Police Chief Darren Goodman, Ontario Police Chief Mike Lorenz, District Attorney Chief Investigator Eric

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and roll call confirmed a quorum was present. The session opened with a reflection on the value of smiling, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and standard announcements about gallery conduct. The journal was dispensed with, and there were no presentations, petitions, or messages from the Governor or Senate. Several procedural motions were approved without objection, including suspension of Assembly Rule 118 to allow guests in the rear of the chamber and re-referral of AB 621 from Judiciary to Privacy and Consumer Protection and back to Judiciary. Members then introduced guests, including San Bernardino County law enforcement leaders and representatives from the Santa Monica Rent Control Board. On the daily file, AB 246 was read and passed over, and the chamber took up the second-day consent calendar. Members added co-authors to ACR 43, recognizing Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, and HR 20, relating to unclaimed property. Both resolutions were adopted on unanimous 70-0 votes. The Assembly then announced its next session date and adjourned until Monday, March 10 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Eric Rine with MnDOT Government Affairs. I'll start by just thanking the concrete industry.
• thank you comments and ideas are as well thank you Mr<00:56:04.880><c> chair</c><00:56:05.200><c> Eric
• with mindak Mr chair Eric rine with mindak government<00:56:07.240><c> Affairs</c><00:56:08.240><c>
• I know Eric can probably speak to this too, but I think a recent MnDOT report said MnDOT needs about
• I know Eric can probably speak to this too, but I think a recent MnDOT report said MnDOT needs about

Bills: HF198 , HF269 , HF185 , HF303 , HF305 , HF189

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF198, shared time pupils, shared-time enrollment, nonpublic school, private school, public school, career and technical education, CTE, secondary credit, school funding, state aid, education finance, Minnesota Statutes 126C.01, compulsory attendance, school district, education policy, HF269, Spicer, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Eskola was sitting behind me in that little alcove in the House where people could sit.
• And and I happened to turn back and Eric Eskola was sitting behind me.
• </c><01:15:29.160><c> turn</c><01:15:29.520><c> back</c><01:15:29.920><c> and</c><01:15:30.160><c> Eric
• </c><01:15:30.480><c> Eskola</c> I happened to turn back and Eric Eskola I happened to turn back and
• Eric Eskola was<01:15:31.040><c> sitting</c><01:15:31.320><c> behind</c><01:15:31.720><c> me.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So, please be ready to come up after this one: Lenita Robinson, Eric Ross, Emily Rain Eatman, and Deborah
• The Chair calls Lenita Robinson, Eric Ross, Ebony Rayne Eatman, and Deborah Allen for our next panel.
• Eric Ross, shall you register to testify as Eric Ross on behalf of yourself on the revised congressional
• My name is Eric Ross from Congressional District 18.

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I have two witnesses testifying in support: Eric Harris and Hamid Panah.
• My name is Eric Harris. I'm with Disability Rights California.
• Eric Morrison Smith, Executive Director of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, in strong support.
• Eric Morrison Smith, Executive Director of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, in strong support.
• My name is Eric Anandho. I am the daughter of Hyman Aronjo.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assemblymember Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and peace officer groups, said it would address a growing and dangerous drug trend, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can worsen health harms. The bill was approved on a due-pass-as-amended vote and sent to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assemblymember Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; judicial and law enforcement groups supported it as a response to rising threats, while ACLU and criminal justice advocates said existing law already covers threats and the bill is unnecessary. It also passed to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 938 by Assemblymember Bonta, which expands vacatur and affirmative-defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses. Survivors and advocates testified that the bill would allow people coerced into crimes to tell their full stories and seek relief, while district attorneys and sheriffs warned it could sweep too broadly and affect public safety. The chair and several members strongly supported the measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assemblymember Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and is tied to a broader effort to remove involuntary servitude language from the state constitution; supporters framed it as a rehabilitation and dignity issue, while one member objected to the premise and cited the defeat of a related ballot measure. The bill was voted out to Appropriations but left on call pending additional votes. Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 704, which would allow people convicted of low-level offenses before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records after a waiting period. Supporters said the bill addresses the limits of expungement in the digital age and recognizes young adult brain development; prosecutors and police groups raised Brady/disclosure concerns and objected to treating 18- to 25-year-olds like children. The committee debated those issues at length before sending the bill to Appropriations. Lowenthal also presented AB 812, which would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters who serve on conservation fire crews; supporters emphasized rehabilitation, wildfire response, and reduced recidivism, and the hearing continued with support testimony and the start of opposition testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I have two witnesses testifying in support: Eric Harris and Hamid Panah.
• My name is Eric Harris. I'm with Disability Rights California.
• Eric Morrison Smith, Executive Director...
• Eric Morrison Smith, Executive Director of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, in strong support.
• My name is Eric Anandho. I am the daughter of Hyman Aronjo.

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assembly Member Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug-trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and law enforcement groups, said the bill closes a loophole and addresses a growing public safety threat, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can discourage people from seeking help. The bill passed on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assembly Member Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; supporters cited rising threats to the judiciary, while opponents said existing law already covers threats and aggravating factors. The committee approved it on a due pass vote to Appropriations. AB 938 by Assembly Member Bonta would expand vacature and affirmative defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses, and featured powerful testimony from survivor Susan Bustamante and vacature expert Jamie Beck. Supporters said the bill would let survivors tell their full stories and seek justice; opponents, including district attorneys and sheriffs, warned it could go too far by covering violent crimes and could affect public safety. The chair recommended an aye, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assembly Member Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and was framed as part of efforts to end involuntary servitude; supporters linked it to rehabilitation and racial justice, while one member opposed it as inconsistent with accountability and the will of voters. The measure was moved on but left on call pending additional votes. AB 704 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would allow people convicted of low-level misdemeanors before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records, with supporters emphasizing brain development and the limits of expungement in the digital age. District attorneys opposed it over Brady/discovery concerns and the destruction of records, but the chair recommended aye and it passed to Appropriations. AB 812 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters; supporters highlighted the rigor of fire camp work and rehabilitation benefits, while the district attorneys’ association opposed giving firefighters independent petition authority. Testimony on AB 812 was still underway at the end of the excerpt, and no final vote was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Cedar Leaf, the executive secretary of the Capital Area Architectural and Planning Board. Mr.
• Eric Cedar Leaf, executive secretary of the Capital Area Architectural and Planning Board, good afternoon
• > record and you may begin thank you uh record and you may begin thank you uh I'm<00:02:34.680><c> Eric
• doll</c><00:02:36.040><c> uh</c><00:02:36.360><c> executive</c><00:02:36.840><c> secretary</c> I'm Eric
• CED doll uh executive secretary I'm Eric CED doll uh executive secretary of<00:02:37.560><c> the</c>

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• John Hicks, Secretary of the Governor's Executive Cabinet and State Budget Director; Eric Gibson, Director
• Thank you, Eric. Uh, Mr.
• Assessments those Assessments in<00:12:02.040><c> thank</c><00:12:02.200><c> you</c><00:12:02.320><c> Eric
• uh</c><00:12:02.959><c> Mr</c><00:12:03.160><c> chairman</c><00:12:03.399><c> I'm</c> in thank you Eric
• uh Mr chairman I'm in thank you Eric uh Mr chairman I'm turn<00:12:03.720><c> it</c><00:12:03.839><c

Summary: The concurrent House-Senate meeting opened with a roll call and then received a briefing from Kentucky Emergency Management and the Transportation Cabinet on the February storms and flooding. Officials described the event as ongoing and statewide in scope, beginning in western counties and then heavily affecting Eastern Kentucky, including major impacts in Perry, Letcher, Clay, Bell, Martin, Pike, and other counties. They reported widespread power and water outages, nearly 600 people initially sheltered, more than 1,500 water rescues, over 250 National Guard members activated, and substantial mutual aid from other states and FEMA. They also said 73 counties had declared emergencies, 23 fatalities had been confirmed at that point, and individual assistance had already distributed $5.5 million to residents after the federal declaration was signed. The administration emphasized that recovery needs were still being assessed but were already significant. Kentucky Emergency Management said public assistance estimates were about $58 million and rising, with about 2,005 homes and 272 businesses inspected so far. Debris removal was identified as a major issue, and officials said they had requested Category A federal assistance for debris in four counties while continuing to seek more as assessments continued. They also noted that disaster recovery centers were opening and that teams were going door to door in affected areas. On transportation, KYTC reported 39 counties affected, a peak of 355 road closures reduced to 49, 18 damaged bridges, 94 bridges with debris on them, and 579 roadway damages, while continuing to clear roads and move supplies such as water, food, blankets, and heaters. Secretary Hicks then asked lawmakers to consider additional funding mechanisms. He said the current $50 million emergency cap in the budget was likely to be exhausted, with $21.5 million already allocated, and proposed either lifting the cap or creating a new “safe fund” for this disaster, similar to prior funds used after the western Kentucky tornadoes and the 2022 eastern Kentucky floods. He said the state could redirect about $25 million from an unused western Kentucky economic development allocation and about $20 million from an eastern Kentucky transportation allocation, for a total of $45 million, to help with this response. Members and officials also discussed debris disposal, with the Pike County landfill expansion identified as a possible site to receive some of the debris and reduce costs. Representative Fugate thanked the agencies for their response and described severe local impacts, including water outages, road slides, damaged water treatment plants, and heavy debris in homes and driveways.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Jansen.

Summary: The committee met with one item on the agenda: Senate Bill 623 by Senator Arreguín. The bill would implement SCA 4 by providing property tax relief to veterans and their families, including allowing eligible veterans to combine the homeowners’ exemption with the disabled veterans’ or veterans’ exemption and removing certain property limitations tied to qualification. The author described the measure as a way to recognize veterans and improve access to tax benefits. The bill received broad support in testimony from veterans and veterans’ advocates, including disabled veterans, combat veterans, and representatives of veterans organizations and health advocacy groups. Supporters said the measure would better honor service members and provide meaningful financial relief. No opposition testimony was offered, and no committee member raised objections during the hearing. The committee voted 3-0 to pass SB 623 as a due pass recommendation to the Committee on Appropriations. The vote was initially held open for Senator Menjivar, and the chair later noted that the committee had established a quorum and the bill had been moved out of committee.