Transcript Highlights:

• All the way from Kauai, I would like to introduce our HSTA chapter president, Sharon Toiki, who is also
• We also have our chapter vice president, Sharon Saitman, special education teacher at Wilcox Elementary
• </c> like to introduce our hsta chapter like to introduce our hsta chapter President<00:12:44.680><c>
• and we also kamaka heli middle school and we also have<00:12:53.440><c> our</c><00:12:53.880><c> chapter
• Vice President Sharon have our chapter Vice President Sharon saitman<00:12:57.079><c> special</c><00

Summary: The House convened with a roll call showing 48 members present and three excused, then deferred reading of the journal. There were no messages from the Governor or Senate communications. The session featured numerous introductions recognizing the annual secondary student conference, with members welcoming more than 150 students from 28 public schools, along with teachers, advisers, and other visitors from schools across the state. Under reports of standing committees, Representative Todd moved to adopt standing committee reports Nos. 23 through 29 and advance the accompanying House bills to second reading and referral to the designated committees; Representative Moriwaki seconded, and the motion carried. Members then offered brief positions on several bills, including one dealing with evidence preservation and parental notification, and another prohibiting fines, fees, or court costs against people adjudicated for offenses committed as minors. Testimony and comments reflected both support and opposition, with some members reserving their position and others opposing the measures; concerns raised included the need for clearer parental-notification standards and objections to eliminating penalties for juvenile offenses. The House also considered a bill limiting court-ordered community service for minors to no more than 72 hours, with some members reserving and others opposing. After discussion, the motion on the committee reports was carried by voice vote. There were no resolutions for action, and all other resolutions were referred to print. The House then adjourned until 12:00 noon Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• 169A, and railroads and other forms of motor carriers under chapter 218 or chapter 221.
• </c> uh the statutory reference in chapter uh the statutory reference in chapter 168<00:12:43.959><c>
• </c> Authority uh is spelled out in chapter Authority uh is spelled out in chapter 174<00:13:16.360><
• regulations in chapters uh 218 and<00:13:21.639><c> chapters</c><00:13:22.240><c> 221</c><00:13:23.240
• ><c> 218</c><00:15:15.639><c> or</c><00:15:15.800><c> chapter</c> either 218 or chapter either 218 or

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• That would be referenced in Chapter 267.
• That would be referenced in Chapter 267.
• Senator, this would not conflict with Chapter 381, which is our public health chapter, or analogous state
• That would be covered under Chapter 265 with regard to arts and culture.
• And actions related to anything in Chapter 265 and 267 is fine.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a new chapter. Where we define what programmable money is.
• This is a new chapter, Chapter 54, and it's called the Consumer Payment Rights and Transaction Act.
• because it's kind of self-explanatory, but it says it shall be a violation of the provisions of this chapter
• I do want to point out on Section 4, it specifically says nothing in this chapter shall be construed
• The only new language starts on pages 16 and 17, and that's the new chapter.

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• portions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which is undergoing a very gradual, very careful revision, chapter
• by chapter.
• Sections are added with the same bill number, same section or chapter number.
• by chapter.
• Sections are added with the same bill number, same section or chapter number.

Bills: SCR3 , SCR30 , SB2375 , HCR35

Committee: Senate Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill revises ... as chapters 5, 9, 49, and 50 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Chapter 9 of the Code of Criminal Procedure relates to trades, businesses, and occupations injurious
• Chapter 49 of the Code of Criminal Procedure relates to death inquests.
• Chapter 50 of the Code of Criminal Procedure relates to fire inquests.
• It contains large blocks of text without headings and inconsistencies within the text and chapters.

Bills: HB 1181 , HB3704 , HB1363 , HB1610 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB3223 , HB1317 , HB2884 , HB2176 , HB4027 , HB1664 , HB933 , HB2613 , HB3353 , HB2086 , HB4101 , HB3441 , HB4145 , HB3455

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's under Chapter of the Laws of 2025.
• And then to Chapter of the Laws of 2025.
• And that's been to chapter of law. Moved by Senator Mayer, seconded by Senator Myrie. In favor?
• Miller, Senator Mayer, Chapter 12, Krueger.
• And add to met a chapter of laws of 2025. Moved by Senator May, seconded by Senator Harckham.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Committee on Rules convened for its first 2026 meeting and considered a long list of Senate and Assembly bills, mostly moving them from committee to the floor. The transcript reflects routine motions, seconds, and voice votes on measures spanning election law, public authorities, public health, real property, insurance, labor, environmental conservation, general business, local tax, domestic relations, state finance, and New York City administrative code provisions, along with several chapter amendments and bills from 2025. No substantive debate or testimony is recorded in the excerpt; the discussion is largely procedural, with bill numbers and sponsors announced as they were reported out. Most items were approved without objection and reported to the floor, including Senate Print 324 and numerous bills such as 568, 1035, 1036, 1085, 8604, 8646, 8754, 8761, 8762, 8764, 8768, 8772, 8774, 8778, 8783, 8800, 8822, 8823, 8824, 8825, 8827, 8831, 8832, 8834, and 8835, as well as several Assembly bills. The chair noted that all bills would go to the floor, with seven to be taken up and returned to session shortly. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the same language appears in different parts of the bill to exempt Chapter 100.
• it depends on the sun to shine in order to operate. apply, but really want to focus you in on the chapter
• The first item that you mentioned was something having to do with Chapter 100.
• Can you clarify what your intention with the Chapter 100 tie-in that's there?
• 100, but to be able to go through an articulated discussion of what Chapter 100 looks like.

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The committee first took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 21, 22, and 1626, which would combine the bills and add a clawback/refund provision for construction work in progress in base rates if costs were imprudently incurred or a project is not placed in service in a reasonable time. Supporters argued Missouri should remove its CWIP ban to stay competitive with neighboring states and attract utility investment, while opponents warned about unknown costs and timelines for ratepayers. The substitute was adopted, and the committee voted the combined bill do pass by 12 ayes and 7 noes. The committee then considered House Bill 2711, as amended by a substitute, dealing with broadband-related property tax treatment. The sponsor explained the substitute narrowed the bill to new installations, added a seven-year sunset, and aimed to clarify assessment issues. Supporters said the measure would help expand broadband infrastructure and improve service in underserved areas, while opponents argued the tax break should not apply to upgrades within existing service territories and questioned whether the bill truly expanded access. The committee adopted the substitute and voted the bill do pass by 12 ayes and 7 noes. The remainder of the hearing focused on House Bill 2762, a broad solar/wind/water measure. The sponsor described provisions setting a $2,500 per megawatt tax on solar nameplate capacity, creating more uniform assessment rules, establishing setbacks for solar facilities, limiting eminent domain use, and including smaller sections on water district dissolution and wind turbine lighting. Testimony was mixed: solar developers, Clean Grid Alliance, Renew Missouri, and Missouri Farm Bureau supported clearer rules, grandfathering, and setbacks they viewed as reasonable, while landowners and local residents raised concerns about property rights, transparency, runoff, glare, noise, and the impact of large solar projects on neighboring farms and homes. No final action on HB 2762 was taken in the portion provided, but the chair said a committee substitute would be developed to address the solar issues more comprehensively.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the applicability of the chapter, page 7, where it talks about the chapter does not apply to number
• chapter 51, per person violates $5,000 per person per incident.
• chapter 51, per person violates $5,000 per person per incident.
• I'm a member of the San Antonio AGC chapter.
• The Private Prompt Pay Act is found in Chapter 28 of the Property Code.

Bills: HB2963 , HB3005 , HB3287 , HB3288 , HB3289 , HB3290 , HB3344 , HB3712 , HB3862 , HB3874 , HB4196 , HB4308 , HB4901 , HB4984

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending. The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending. In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1023, amending Title 32, Chapter 16, Article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• Senate Bill 1210, an act amending Section 32-30-30-201 and related provisions of Title 32, Chapter 30
• Amending Title 20, Chapter 7, Article 12, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 20-28-20-70.40,
• 135, Section 2, and Chapter 247, Section 247, and amending Section 42-159, Arizona Revised Statutes,
• Senate Bill 1452, an act amending Title 41, Chapter 1, Article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1010: An act amending Title 41, Chapter 4.1, Article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section
• SB 1010: An act amending Title 41, Chapter 4.1, Article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section
• SB 1439: An act amending section 9-500.07 and 11-269, Arizona Revised Statutes, amending Title 49, Chapter
• SB 1439: An act amending section 9-500.07 and 11-269, Arizona Revised Statutes, amending Title 49, Chapter
• Senate Bill 1010: An act amending Title 41, Chapter 4.1, Article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized several guests in the gallery, including a pastor, disability advocates visiting for Disability Day at the Capitol, and other constituents. The chamber also received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Psychologists Examiners and withdrew SB 1131 from the Education Committee. It then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider SB 1010 and SB 1439. SB 1010, relating to historic names and the renaming of Loop 202, was amended with a legislative intent clause clarifying that the underlying freeway segments would retain their existing names, including the Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway. The bill drew significant debate on the floor, with opponents arguing it politicized highway naming and could erase existing honors, while supporters said the amendment protected current segment names and was meant to honor Charlie Kirk. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report and passed SB 1010 on third reading by a vote of 16 ayes, 9 nays, 12 excused, and 2 not voting. SB 1439, relating to special plates, was also amended and advanced through the Committee of the Whole. During floor debate, Senator Sundareshan asked the sponsor whether he or affiliated companies had received compensation from the beneficiary organization, and the sponsor answered no. The bill then passed on third reading by a vote of 16 ayes, 12 nays, and 2 not voting. The Senate also announced upcoming committee meetings, heard a brief personal privilege statement about Ramadan and Lent, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's entitled 67, Chapter 26.
• As a result, I'm here today to present a single unified rule chapter that consolidates the previously
• approved rules into one comprehensive chapter for the newly established board.
• The revisions consist only of reformatting to merge the two rule chapters into a single chapter for the
• fees of an amount that is sufficient to defray all costs necessary for the administration of their chapter

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• She also is the advocacy chairperson for the Arizona chapter of the American College of Surgeons.
• SB 1056: An act amending section 47-08, Arizona Revised Statutes, amending Title 41, Chapter 4, Article
• SB 1236: An act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding sections
• SB 1238: An act amending Title 32, Chapter 25, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 5 relating
• House Bill 2206, an act amending Title 46, Chapter 2, Article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 29 present, and several guest introductions, including Scout groups from Phoenix/Levine, Dr. John Galgiani for Valley Fever Awareness, and Dr. Sarah Lee Davidson as Doctor of the Day. Senator Kavanagh read a proclamation recognizing Valley Fever Awareness and the work of the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence. The chamber also adopted a death resolution for Victor E. Hardy and observed a moment of silence. The Committee of the Whole considered SB 1036 on unemployment insurance, SB 1056 on reporting vacant state positions, SB 1236 on AHCCCS enrollment verification and presumptive eligibility, and SB 1238 on the physician assistant licensure compact. SB 1036, SB 1056, and SB 1238 were approved in Committee of the Whole, with SB 1036 and SB 1238 amended. During floor debate, SB 1036 drew criticism from Democrats as adding burdens and reducing benefits for unemployed workers, while supporters said it was aimed at preventing fraud; it later passed the Senate 17-12. SB 1056 also passed 17-12 after debate over whether automatic elimination of long-vacant positions would improve efficiency or harm agency staffing. SB 1238 passed with a conforming amendment and later the House version HB 2190 was substituted and passed. The Senate then took up several third-reading bills. SB 1126 on educational records passed 29-0. SB 1189 on campaign expenditures passed 27-2 after debate about political violence and campaign-related expenses. SB 1211 on sentencing passed 29-0. The chamber also reconsidered and substituted House bills for identical Senate bills: HB 2206 for SB 1333 and HB 2396 for SB 1368, both related to SNAP. HB 2206 passed 17-12 after debate over a proposed SNAP error-rate penalty and its impact on food access, and HB 2396 passed 17-12 after debate over restricting SNAP purchases. Finally, HB 2796 was substituted for SB 1236 and passed after debate over AHCCCS enrollment barriers. The Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh human services judges who are very similar to the administrative law judges to this uh to this chapter
• Uh in 2024 uh<00:04:45.360><c> chapter</c><00:04:46.160><c> 480.40</c><00:04:46.960><c> 40</c><00:04:
• um uh chapter 480.40 40 was created um which<00:04:50.639><c> establishes</c><00:04:51.440><c> some<
• . and that is to this uh to this chapter. and that is section<00:05:16.080><c> eight</c><00:05:16.880
• The newly added section 3 also contains a second change to chapter 13.46, subdivision 3.

Summary: The committee heard House File 2260, a Judiciary Committee clone of portions of the larger DHS policy bill, and adopted the A1 amendment, which was described as largely technical but also incorporating changes from the related human services bill. The bill was presented as covering several DHS-related policy areas, including background studies transparency, anti-kickback provisions for medical assistance and child care assistance, and personal data protections for human services judges. The amendment also added a number of provisions related to direct care and treatment, competency restoration billing and data sharing, fraud enforcement tools, behavioral health fund eligibility, and clarifications to prior law. Testimony from DHS Office of Inspector General legislative director Ardian Diddy emphasized that the bill would improve transparency in background studies, update investigative and arrest data access, extend a limited set-aside to similar provider types, and correct an effective-date error from last session. He also said the anti-kickback language would mirror federal Medicaid law for medical assistance and create a state-level prohibition for CCAP, giving DHS and law enforcement more tools to investigate fraud and misuse. Additional provisions would add human services judges to existing personal data protections for judicial officials. Diddy also explained amendment sections from the governor’s fraud package, including authority to act against entities convicted of fraud or theft, data-sharing improvements, and a disqualification from management and billing positions. Members raised questions about possible conflicts of interest involving DHS employees with outside LLCs and about the need for stronger safeguards against fraud. The chair and other members referenced recent fraud cases and said the bill would help prevent similar abuses. Christy Grumman of DHS testified on the judge privacy section, saying there are about 35 human services judges and describing a recent incident in which a judge received violent threats serious enough to require the family’s temporary relocation by the State Patrol. Representative Hudson supported the anti-kickback provisions as a needed codification of agency authority. The committee then approved the amended bill and recommended it be re-referred to the Committee on Public Safety, Finance, and Policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 279 and chapter 21 added federal language. Line 320 to 322, again federal language request.
• Line 279 and chapter 21 added federal language. Line 320 to 322, again federal language request.
• Line 279 and chapter 21 added federal language. Line 320 to 322, again federal language request.
• Line<00:02:18.959><c> 279</c><00:02:19.840><c> and</c><00:02:19.920><c> chapter</c><00:02:20.400><c>
• 21</c><00:02:20.879><c> added</c><00:02:21.280><c> federal</c> Line 279 and chapter 21 added federal

Committee: Joint Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the policy consideration. places in Chapter 13 and I'm just sort places in Chapter 13 and I'm
• c> so</c> Amendment changing section to chapter so Amendment changing section to chapter so it's<01:27
• </c><01:27:54.239><c> 15D</c> chap this newly created chapter 15D chap this newly created chapter 15D
• </c><01:28:24.840><c> in</c> 2.10 delete section insert chapter in 2.10 delete section insert chapter
• Eing, do you think chapter will be satisfactory to close that loop? Mr.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to address some of the constitutional issues surrounding Chapter 250 of
• Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024 violates the Massachusetts Constitution.
• I think Chapter 3, Sections 63 and 64, also indicate what...
• Let's say there is, as undoubtedly you know, a Chapter 3, Section 55A recodification council.
• I'm undoubtedly you know, a Chapter 3, Section 55A recodification council.

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on whether the Office of the State Auditor may constitutionally audit the Massachusetts Legislature under Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024 and what such an audit could include under generally accepted government auditing standards. Chair Cindy Friedman opened by explaining the background: voters approved Ballot Question 1 in November 2024, the law took effect in January 2025, and the Auditor then initiated audits of both chambers. The chair said the subcommittee was seeking expert testimony because the proposed audit scope, constitutionality, and possible bias concerns remained unresolved. Public testimony was invited, but no members of the public pre-registered; written testimony remained open for a short period after the hearing. The hearing then proceeded with invited experts on constitutional law/state government and auditing-related issues. Professor Lawrence Friedman testified that the ballot initiative’s approval by the Attorney General and by voters did not resolve constitutional questions, and he argued Chapter 250 violates the Massachusetts Constitution. He said the Legislature has constitutional authority to set its own rules and manage its proceedings, and that an executive-branch audit would intrude on legislative deliberation, speech and debate protections, and separation of powers. He also warned that even audits of supposedly administrative matters could become a vehicle for repeated document demands and litigation that would indirectly burden legislative functioning. In questioning, senators pressed him on the line between administrative and deliberative functions, the role of the Attorney General versus the courts, the possibility of retroactive audit scope, and whether prior legislative consent to audits mattered; he said prior consent would not bind future legislatures and that constitutionality is ultimately for the courts. Professor Ray La Raja also opposed the audit, framing it as a threat to institutional independence and representative democracy. He argued that allowing an executive-branch official to audit the Legislature without consent would upset separation of powers, chill internal debate, and create a precedent for broader executive intrusion. He said voters often support “transparency” reforms without fully appreciating institutional consequences, and that legislatures should defend their autonomy, especially amid what he described as broader executive overreach nationally. Senators asked about chilling effects, the practical distinction between administrative and core legislative functions, and whether the courts or the Legislature should resolve the issue; he said the courts would ultimately adjudicate disputes, but the Legislature should not waive its constitutional authority lightly. Jean Kempthorne took the opposite view, arguing the audit is permissible and should proceed. She said the state auditor is a constitutional officer accountable directly to the people, that the audit power can be expanded by statute, and that separation of powers does not require watertight compartments. She contended the audit would not displace core legislative powers because the auditor can only evaluate operations, report findings, and make recommendations. She also argued the Legislature itself already conducts audits of other branches, so it is inconsistent to claim an audit of the Legislature is unconstitutional. In response to senators’ questions, she said there are guardrails against truly intrusive requests, but that the administrative-versus-legislative distinction is not a workable bright line; she suggested disputes should be handled case by case, with objections, negotiation, or litigation if specific requests go too far. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2140, amending Title 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Chapter 18, relating to financial
• House Bill 2437, amending section 36-222, chapter 21.1, article 2.1, and section 41-619, relating to
• House Bill 2601, amending Title 28, Chapter 20, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, section 28-6902,
• House Bill 2968, amending Title 8, Chapter 4, Article 1, by adding Section 8469.03, amending Title 25
• House Bill 2968, amending Title 8, Chapter 4, Article 1, by adding Section 8469.03, amending Title 25

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result of the 2005 workers' compensation reform, Chapter 504.053 of the Texas Labor Code created
• Chapter 405 of the Texas Labor Code requires the workers' compensation research and evaluation group
• Chapter 405 of the Texas Labor Code requires workers' compensation requires the workers' compensation
• HB 4415 expressly waives sovereign immunity for these claims to the extent of liability under Chapter
• HB 4415 expressly waives sovereign immunity for these claims to the extent of liability under Chapter

Bills: HB875 , HB1667 , HB2369 , HB3844 , HB4415 , HB4479 , HB4483 , HB4676 , HB5118 , HB5400 , HB5545

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Keywords: workers' compensation, municipal construction, bidding requirements, small municipalities, contracting policies, first responders, PTSD, mental health, emergency services, medical expenses, injury claims, insurance carriers, opportunity youth, workforce development, employment, education, federal funds, employment discrimination, immunity waiver, public employees

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-7.
• Most of my comments will be based around Chapter 48, public buildings.
• Most of my comments will be based around Chapter 48, public buildings.
• This will move us out of Chapter 48 into Chapter 54, but it's a very similar comment related to the construction
• Moving away from Chapter 54, Chapter 15, this is related to our projects here.

Committee: Joint Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency

Summary: The task force met with a quorum and first reviewed a memorandum summarizing a survey of state agencies on possible statute revisions. Levi reported that 20 agencies submitted 70 proposals, with about 33 potentially becoming agency pre-file bills. Common themes included procurement, concessions, architect/engineering services, liability limits, and IT-related efficiencies. Members asked about sharing the survey results more broadly and about cross-agency coordination, especially with higher education and ITD-related issues. OMB then presented three topics from its survey responses: concessions, pre-qualification of architects/engineers/construction managers/land surveyors, and publication of legal notices. OMB said the current concessions law is too rigid because it requires award to the highest responsible bidder and does not fit newer concession models, and it suggested a best-value approach, a higher threshold, and standardized templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB said the law is fragmented across several statutes and should be consolidated and expanded for broader use. On legal notices, OMB described the current rate-setting and publication process, noted rising costs and shrinking newspaper availability, and proposed a collaborative effort to modernize notice delivery, improve accessibility, and explore online options. The task force discussed how to move these ideas forward, and a motion passed directing OMB to implement its suggestions and report back at the next meeting. The University of North Dakota then presented several proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND recommended raising the threshold for treating routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements as construction, arguing that the current $250,000 threshold forces unnecessary architect/engineer involvement and adds cost. It also proposed changes to bid advertisement language to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement criteria, a higher direct-hire threshold for design services, and an increase in the legislative approval threshold for privately funded projects. Members discussed the need for data, risk and complexity considerations, and collaboration with counsel and industry groups. A motion passed directing Levi and counsel to work with UND on bill drafts based on its proposals for a future meeting. DPI followed with a shorter presentation on credentialing and statutory cleanup. It suggested reviewing the department’s 23 credential categories for relevance, and said DPI and the Education Standards and Practices Board have discussed transferring some credentialing authority to ESPB. DPI also recommended removing outdated school safety patrol language, cleaning up waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so districts are not burdened by obsolete reporting mandates. Members agreed the screening itself should remain in place, while the reporting requirement could be reconsidered. The committee then recessed until the afternoon session.