Transcript Highlights:

• The committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will come to order. A quorum is present.
• The committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will adopt the calendar for the day and establish

Bills: HF3321

Keywords: legislative corrections, technical errors, legal consistency, Minnesota statutes, overhauling laws

Keywords: Senate Committee, local government, SB2183, SB2046, committee substitute, legislative measures

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government was characterized by the passage of several significant bills, including SB2183, SB2046, SB434, and others with recommendations for further consideration. Discussions involved voting on committee substitutes and the implications of various legislative measures. Senator Paxton and other members provided insights and moved bills forward with emphatic support, leading to their successful passing out of committee. Importantly, the bills addressed various local government concerns, showcasing the committee's focus on practical legislative solutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:39.639><c> experience</c><00:14:40.000><c> with</c> legislative experience with legislative experience
• None of the members of the council may be current or former legislators or the spouse of a current legislator
• </c> Constitution about the um legislative Constitution about the um legislative salary<00:41:19.240>
• or the spouse of a former legislators or the spouse of a current<00:41:26.079><c> legislator</c><00:
• </c><00:42:00.720><c> than</c> setting the salary of legislators than setting the salary of legislators

Bills: HF550

Keywords: redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Pursuant to the notice issued on February 5th, 2025, the committee will consider the committee funding
• It's a big part of what we do every week as we come together to consider legislation and deal with the
• Congress have simply rolled over and let a president seize power that the Constitution assigns to the legislative
• have been doing and funding worthwhile. projects and it may be that Congress will need to pass legislation
• administration is challenging him and I think we have to go with what the court decides but there is legislation

Keywords: fiscal responsibility, government waste, foreign aid, funding resolution, legislative oversight

Summary: The committee meeting addressed government spending and foreign aid, with a particular emphasis on perceived wasteful expenditures. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a funding resolution for the committee, which received unanimous support from the members present. The chair noted a quorum at the beginning of the meeting, signaling that the committee was ready to conduct its business. Discussions highlighted ongoing debates concerning fiscal responsibility and the necessity of legislative oversight, notably regarding foreign aid allocations and their implications for domestic fiscal health.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, more than 20 states have active legislation, with another 15 states expected to introduce legislation
• Today, more than 20 states have active legislation, with another 15 states expected to introduce legislation
• </c> about a legislator named Joe Rolette. about a legislator named Joe Rolette.
• </c> will be uh repealing the Legislative will be uh repealing the Legislative COVID-19<00:58:23.400>
• This legislation provides notice to suppliers of these terms by centralizing them in 16C and requiring

Bills: HF1458, HF2063, HF2164, HF1377, HF927, HF1059, HF1910, HF2232

Keywords: CPA, certified public accountant, public accounting, accountancy, licensure, license mobility, substantial equivalency, interstate practice, out-of-state accountant, NASBA, Uniform CPA Examination, board of accountancy, attest services, audit, tax preparation, financial advisory, consulting, accounting education, master's degree, bachelor's degree

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, the legislation doesn't specifically say that.
• This isn't cutting-edge legislation by any means.
• We're here because the legislation promulgated our past 6-4-12.
• We're here because the legislation promulgated our past 6-4-12.
• I think this is a good piece of legislation.

Bills: HB387, HB673, HB947, HB975, HB1102, HB1228, HB1229, HCR66, SB102, SB165, SB280, SB291, SB326, SB521

Keywords: engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, security cameras, abandoned property, blighted structures, property management, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, Department of Public Service, statutory entities, public administration

Transcript Highlights:

• In the House, this legislation is in direct response to alarming practices by certain state contractors
• involving the surveillance and investigation of... ...legislators, and specific Medicaid beneficiaries
• Legislation should take this session regarding nuclear.
• On November 7th, the A&M System formally submitted a notice of intent to the U.S.
• Bridge to Nuclear is proposing that the legislation...

Bills: HB 11, HB 14, HB 132, HB 1584, HB 1606, HB 5061, HB 1041, HB 2286

Keywords: licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism, critical infrastructure, emergency response, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting was a thorough exploration of multiple bills, most notably focused on innovative energy solutions and public safety enhancements. Key discussions centered around HB14, which aims to bolster the state's nuclear energy capabilities through the establishment of a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and a strategic necessity for Texas's growth. There was strong support for the bill, with various stakeholders highlighting its importance for the future energy landscape. Additionally, other bills like HB132 addressed the need for enhanced confidentiality protections regarding sensitive information, while HB1584 sought improvements in power restoration procedures during emergencies. Overall, the committee engaged with multiple viewpoints, balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.

Transcript Highlights:

• surveillance and investigation of legislators and specific Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as state
• This and other recent incidents have highlighted the urgent need for legislative action.
• This and other recent incidents have highlighted the urgent need for legislative action and statutory
• On November 7, the A&M System formally submitted a notice of intent to the U.S.
• A notice of intent to the U.S.

Bills: HB132, HB 11, HB14, HB132, HB1584, HB1606, HB5061, HB 1041, HB2286

Keywords: nuclear energy, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, energy policy, regulation repeal, state energy strategy, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and quickly reported several measures favorably, including HB 12, SB 1361, SB 1705, SB 1749, SB 1897, SB 2344, SB 2566, HB 3809, and HB 4215, with most sent to the Local and Uncontested Calendar. HB 12’s substitute clarified a limited midterm review of regulatory agencies tied to Sunset Commission recommendations. SB 2696’s substitute changed med spa regulation from a license to a certificate, with training instead of an exam, plus background checks, continuing education, and two-year renewals. HB 3809 dealt with battery energy storage decommissioning and recycling, and HB 4215 was reported without a substitute. SB 1978, concerning interconnection of electric facilities in ERCOT and federal jurisdiction concerns, was reported out on a 5-3 vote after debate, but then the chair later announced the bill was withdrawn and left pending subject to the call of the chair. HB 1899 was also reported favorably, with one nay. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 14, the advanced nuclear energy bill. Senator Schwertner described it as creating a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, a nuclear permitting coordinator, a development fund, a completion grant program, and a workforce development program. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from Fermi America, Dow/X-energy, CPS Energy, Paragon Energy Solutions, Bridge to Nuclear, Aalo Atomics, and the Texas Association of Business, argued that Texas should lead in advanced nuclear, citing future baseload demand, data centers, industrial power needs, supply-chain development, and long-term energy diversification. Opponents, including Public Citizen, Texas Nuclear Watchdogs, Sierra Club, and individual citizens, argued the bill would subsidize unproven, expensive technology, create grants rather than loans, and expose taxpayers to major risk while doing little to meet near-term energy needs. Several members questioned whether the state should fund projects that may not produce grid power for years, and whether the bill’s grant structure and new office were justified. The committee also heard HB 5061, which Senator Schwertner said would prohibit unethical surveillance and misuse of confidential information by state contractors, create a confidential reporting system through the State Auditor’s Office, authorize Texas Rangers investigations, protect whistleblowers, and impose penalties including contract termination, fines, and contracting bans. No public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. HB 132, sponsored by Senator Hughes, would extend confidentiality protections for sensitive information to hostile acts by foreign adversaries; it was also left pending after no testimony. HB 1584 was then laid out, with Senator Schwertner explaining it would require utilities to maintain and update priority restoration lists for critical facilities after Hurricane Beryl exposed communication failures, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the public who would like to submit comments electronically should refer to the public notice
• But yet they only have a newspaper that publishes the hearings' notices once a week.
• Digital notice in an area where there is no written newspaper was previously available, but now they
• The committee substitute makes the bill a legislative council draft. Mr.
• We noticed you haven't early voted yet."

Bills: HB3557, HB5578, SB973, SB974, SB2068, SB2073

Keywords: ad valorem tax, property tax, incomplete structure, human occupancy, tax exemption, HB 5578, Texas Tax Code, Section 6.062, appraisal district, county appraisal district, chief appraiser, budget hearing, public notice, notice of hearing, newspaper publication, website notice, social media notice, online newspaper, county government, property appraisal

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislative building itself was completed in 1928 and will turn 100 years old in 2028.

Bills: SB6313

Keywords: Capitol Centennial Stewardship, funding, gifts, grants, donations, legislative support, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and of course, both legislators.
• </c> to provide information to legislators. to provide information to legislators.
• </c> legislators as we can. legislators as we can.
• We have provided a copy of the report to the Office of the Legislative Auditor.
• We have provided a copy of the report to the Office of the Legislative Auditor.

Bills: HF3378

Keywords: human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I think it should be pretty rare that we mandate Legislative Management and do it.
• So this isn't asking the Legislative Management to do a study, but the department to do? Correct.
• And then it requires a report to the next legislative assembly.
• Okay, so we're good with the legislative intent. I would add that. With legislative intent.
• So it labels it legislative intent and then requires a report.

Bills: SB2399

Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first reconsidered House Bill 1612, the aerospace medical and mental health support center bill. Senator Cleary offered an amendment to reduce the general fund appropriation from $500,000 to $250,000 and require the university or project sponsors to find the remaining funding from other sources. The amendment passed, and the bill was then recommended do pass as amended, with members citing concerns about university funding, but others supporting the project as a one-time seed investment. The committee also discussed a possible future FMAP increase beginning October 1, 2026, which could reduce general fund costs by roughly $9 million, though members noted the figures were still preliminary and could be addressed later if needed. The committee then returned to Human Services budget items, including early childhood and child care funding, a community cultural center grant, and several other adjustments. Members discussed reducing the “best in class” amount, changes to child care grants and quality/infrastructure funding, and clarifying that prior child care assistance appropriations were in fact being spent. They also agreed to reduce the 1915(i) Medicaid waiver line by $2 million, with the understanding that the entitlement would still be funded as needed. The committee also considered taking guardianship funding out of House Bill 1012 because a separate bill, Senate Bill 2029, would move that funding elsewhere; members agreed that removing it from the budget could help the overall bill and could be restored if the separate bill failed. Several study amendments were discussed. Senator Cleary proposed adding a maternal health study related to prenatal services, doulas, midwives, and Medicaid, and members expressed support. The committee also discussed a software/case-management study proposal, but the department said it had not requested it and would not support it as presented, so members leaned against advancing it unless the department first evaluated it. Another amendment would authorize the department to work with the city of Grafton on a long-term plan for the LSTC campus and require a report back to the legislature; members supported that as legislative intent. The committee also agreed to remove a truancy study section for later conference discussion, and it reviewed other possible study ideas, including assistive technology, before adjourning to await updated long sheets and bill text.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they have two years and a whole other legislative session, because the legislature will come in January
• of developmental disability services to assist in the study, and Legislative Management shall report
• its findings and recommendations, together with any legislation necessary to implement its recommendations
• , to the 70th Legislative Assembly.
• Together with any legislation necessary to implement its recommendations to the 70th Legislative Assembly

Bills: SB2399

Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met to work through amendments and budget items in House Bill 2012/HB 1004, focusing first on long-term care, disability services, and behavioral health. Members discussed competing approaches to a four-plex for medically complex individuals, a value-based care payment withhold for nursing facilities, accreditation requirements for providers, a study of developmental disability services, and funding for Family Voices and Ann Carlson-related services. Several amendments were accepted or set aside after discussion, including a study amendment for disability services and a Family Voices grant amendment that was adjusted to remove “one-time” language so it could continue as an ongoing grant. The committee also agreed to keep or defer some items for conference committee, including the youth crisis stabilization pilot and other long-term care proposals. A major discussion centered on the state hospital project. Members debated whether the $330 million project should remain in the DHS budget or be moved to the OMB budget for construction management. After discussion of costs, alternates, and the role of a steering committee and BND loan language, the committee agreed to remove the state hospital funding and related loan language from the DHS budget while leaving the steering committee language in place. The committee also considered a proposed Altru grant for additional beds and settled on a smaller planning-focused approach, with a $1 million grant and a line of credit concept to be refined later. The committee then turned to behavioral health items, including QRTP funding, nursing home behavioral health training, and a youth crisis stabilization pilot. Members generally supported keeping the QRTP funding level, but were divided on the nursing home behavioral health training and the crisis stabilization pilot, with some preferring to leave those issues for conference committee. The division also reviewed the HHS block grant and underfunding structure, with Donna Ackland explaining salary, vacancy, and flexibility calculations; the committee discussed adjusting the underfund and revenue assumptions but did not finalize every number before moving on. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 1577 on wastewater treatment grants. Senator Davison moved to hoghouse the bill into a study-focused version using the proposed amendment language, and the motion passed. The committee then moved HB 1577 as amended with a do pass recommendation; the roll call passed with Senators Cleary, Davison, Dever, and Mathern voting yes, and Senator Magrum not recorded as voting. The meeting adjourned with plans to return later in the day to continue budget work.

Transcript Highlights:

• possesses the quote means of inquiry as founding father James Wilson put it to help inform our legislative
• However, upon noticing this hearing to authorize the issuance of a subpoena, Montero reached out and
• So I want to again work with my colleagues on legislation that I think the committee should be spending
• Two of the three who were noticed did that. Massport did not.
• And by the way, notice this within the same week that you made the request.

Keywords: oversight, subpoena, illegal immigrants, Massachusetts Port Authority, O'Hare Airport, legislative practices

Summary: The meeting was convened by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where robust discussions were held regarding the need for improved oversight within the Senate. The chairman emphasized the historical decline in oversight activities and proposed motions to authorize subpoenas related to an ongoing investigation involving the Massachusetts Port Authority and allegations of illegal immigrant sheltering at airports. This prompted a detailed examination of the current practices and measures needed to address such issues effectively, particularly in light of recent reports from O'Hare Airport. The committee engaged in deliberations that highlighted the importance of maintaining legislative oversight to safeguard national interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Legislative Auditor is here, and she's making her way up.
• Members, for the record, Judy Randall, Legislative Auditor. Thanks for having me here today.
• as to the compliance for legislators as to the compliance for internal<00:03:43.920><c> controls</c>
• </c><00:04:30.000><c> auditor</c><00:04:30.360><c> is</c> the leg legislative auditor is the leg legislative
• and legislative staff.

Bills: HF3

Keywords: legislative auditor, reporting, accountability, state finance, executive agency oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> know it behooves us all as legislators know it behooves us all as legislators to<00:02:15.319><c
• </c> fiscal note in the 2024 legislative fiscal note in the 2024 legislative session<00:03:13.159><c>
• And finally, as we prepared for fiscal to come in during the 2024 legislative session, the Legislative
• legislation legislation um<00:05:10.759><c> and</c><00:05:11.000><c> finally</c><00:05:11.759><c> um
• </c> legislative session uh the legislative legislative session uh the legislative budget<00:05:18.440

Bills: HF3

Keywords: legislative auditor, reporting, accountability, state finance, executive agency oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• From the custodians, the troopers, the parking attendants, the support staff, the legislative staffs,
• Please grant our requests for the wisdom of Solomon as legislators navigate the political journey and
• I know that I am asking for the miraculous, but that is what you, legislators, are asking for.
• We have the greatest legislative body in the country.
• He'll be there again this year with more blockbuster legislation.

Bills: SCR7

Keywords: legislature, adjournment, permissions, Texas Constitution, session, legislative authority, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was one of, if not the most important pieces of legislation that I... I ever created.
• I look forward to working with you as you move this important legislation forward. Thank you.
• Thank you so much for the opportunity to testify today on this critical piece of legislation, Senate

Bills: SB5, SJR3, SB 5, SJR 3

Keywords: dementia, research institute, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, funding, grants, state health initiatives, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, district apportionment, legislative rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Floor amendments will be shown on the screen, on I Legislate, and in today's folder on your Box account
• , and shown on the screen, on I Legislate, and in<00:05:32.160><c> today's</c><00:05:32.520><c> folder
• , legislative, and judicial departments<00:06:15.320><c> of</c><00:06:15.400><c> the</c><00:06:15.440
• </c> And I've bit my tongue on this to make sure legislation gets through this building.
• </c> tomorrow in legislator parking spaces. tomorrow in legislator parking spaces.

Keywords: Continuation of today's legislative session, beginning at 7:45 pm., 981, all

Bills: HJR1086, SB392

Keywords: judicial rules, public safety, state agencies, permanent rules, legislative approval, 914, all