Transcript Highlights:

• We have DHS, Department of Human Services, not the other one. Um, let's see.
• We have DHS, Department<00:04:41.280> of<00:04:41.440> Human<00:04:41.759> Services,
• of Human Services, not the other<00:04:42.720> one.
• from procurement people is they don't have any authority to offer a preference.
• from procurement people is they don't have any authority to offer a preference.

Bills: SB2064, SB2312, SB2811, SB2662, SB2744, SB2809, SB2862, SB2343, SB2336, SB2075, SB2308, SB2601, SB2397, SB2219, SB2849, SB2449, SB2781

Keywords: state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government contracts, transparency, record retention, public oversight, Hawaii Revised Statutes, building permits, task force, state-owned lands, construction, regulatory process, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise

Summary: The committee heard several government operations measures, beginning with SB 2064 on state construction projects, which would create an office of the state architect within DAGS to oversee design review and approvals for state construction. DAGS said it stood on its written testimony, DECAB supported the bill, DOT supported it, and HGA opposed it. No audience testimony or member questions were taken, and the chair moved on. The committee then took up SB 2312 on government contracts, which would make records held by private contractors performing government functions subject to UIPA. The State Procurement Office, Attorney General, OIP, ERS, DHS, and HGA offered comments or opposition, while the League of Women Voters, Public First Law Center, All Hawaii News, Grassroots, and several individuals supported the bill. Public First Law Center argued the bill closes a loophole and does not expand or reduce existing exemptions, while OIP and others raised concerns about privacy, confidential information, and the need for clearer procedures. Members discussed possible clarifying amendments, including changing “government function” to “agency,” and the bill was left for further consideration. Other measures discussed included SB 2662 on government accountability, which would require justification and caps for external consultants; ERS and DOT opposed it, while the American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii and Airlines Committee of Hawaii argued consultants are often more efficient and necessary for major projects. The committee also heard SB 2744 on due process, for which no testimony was received; SB 2809 on budget-related reports, with comments from B&F and the Tax Foundation; SB 2862 on gubernatorial appointments, opposed by the Governor’s Office and the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission and supported by one individual; a bill on continuous legislative sessions, with comments from B&F, LRB, and Hope for Hawaii; SB 2336 on tree management standards, supported by an individual and the Outdoor Circle; and SB 2075 on public procurement local preferences, which drew broad support with comments from SPO and the Attorney General and discussion of simplifying the preference structure. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly moved measures along after testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• , exerted extraordinary service to the people of California.
• Texas by establishing the Governor's Medal of Service Award.
• Chairman, I was just wondering if the author of the bill isn't wearing any El Paso-made boots.
• Yep, we have been operational for 29 years now.
• Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to lay out this SCR this morning. author.

Bills: SB2053, SCR19, SCR23, SCR29

Keywords: Governor's Medal of Service, Texas award, state honor, public service recognition, Governor's office, Governor's award, Texas Government Code Chapter 3108, ceremonial award, honorary medal, state service award, local government retirees, private sector contributions, Texas Legislature recognition, gift acceptance, donations, grant funding, executive recognition, Texas Life Monument, human life, preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, 100 years. Yeah, 100 years. Over 100 years. Okay. Thanks. I promise that's the last one.
• 100th year this year.
• 100th year this year.
• for 15 years.
• city civil service.

Bills: SB348, SB444, SB485, SB517, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB362, HB368, HB377, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB664, HB741, HB822, HB990, HB1243

Keywords: motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, economic development, Baton Rouge North, commissioners

Summary: The committee on local and municipal affairs met on May 7, 2026, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then took up a series of local bills. HB 362 creating the Regency Park Towns Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish was reported favorably without objection. HB 822, dealing with nonprofit entities that hold appointments on boards and commissions while not in good standing with the Secretary of State, drew questions about whether it targeted a specific entity and about how long an entity should be out of good standing; the committee adopted an amendment changing the trigger to three consecutive years and then reported the bill as amended. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1243, which would give the Orleans Parish City Council more authority over the Sewer and Water Board. The sponsor, Council President J.P. Morrell, and Representative Hilfordy argued the bill would move New Orleans toward a more local, responsive public-works model and help address long-standing dysfunction. The Bureau of Governmental Research testified that it supported increased local control but urged a formal study or transition plan so the city would document the future governance structure. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying ownership of assets and then reported HB 1243 as amended. The committee also handled several St. George bills and other local measures. SB 348, allowing third-party administrative support for motor vehicle enforcement, and SB 444, granting expropriation authority for certain public projects, were reported favorably. SB 485, transferring insurance premium tax authority to the City of St. George, was initially amended but then reconsidered; the amendment was stripped and the bill was reported favorably. HB 990, concerning Jefferson Parish and unpaid water/sewer bills on multifamily properties, HB 466 on West Feliciana Parish property-tax rebates, HB 664 raising parish ordinance fines, HB 87 increasing per diem for a Livingston Parish gas utility district board, HB 115 abolishing the police chief for the Village of Edgefield, HB 741 creating emergency housing vouchers for human trafficking survivors, HB 377 removing civil-service pay restrictions for state examiners, HB 162 updating a crime prevention district fee, HB 368 raising fines for improper demolition of historic properties, and HB 441 returning Sewer and Water Board employees to city civil service were all reported favorably, most without objection. HB 431, requiring mayors to complete 16 hours of annual training, was amended to add continuing legal education and national conferences and then reported as amended. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, 100 years. Yeah, 100 years. Over 100 years. Okay. Thanks. I promise that's the last one.
• 100th year this year.
• 100th year this year.
• for 15 years.
• city civil service.

Bills: SB348, SB444, SB485, SB517, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB362, HB368, HB377, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB664, HB741, HB822, HB990, HB1243

Keywords: motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, economic development, Baton Rouge North, commissioners

Summary: The committee on Local and Municipal Affairs met on May 7, 2026 and approved the prior meeting minutes before taking up a series of local bills. Early action included HB 362, creating the Regency Park Towns Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish, which was reported favorably. HB 822, dealing with nonprofit entities that hold appointments on boards and commissions while not in good standing with the Secretary of State, drew discussion about how long an entity must be out of compliance and whether notice should be required; the committee adopted an amendment changing the threshold to three consecutive years and then reported the bill as amended. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1243, which would shift more authority over the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to the Orleans Parish City Council. Supporters, including Representative Hilfriddy and Council President J.P. Morrell, argued the current structure is dysfunctional and unresponsive, and that local elected officials need authority to act more quickly. The Bureau of Governmental Research testified without taking a position on the bill itself but urged a formal transition plan or study committee so the city would have a clear governance path. Despite that concern, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying asset ownership and then reported HB 1243 as amended. The committee also handled several St. George bills. SB 348, allowing local law enforcement to contract for administrative support related to motor vehicle enforcement, was reported favorably. SB 444, granting St. George expropriation authority for certain public infrastructure projects, was also reported favorably. SB 485, concerning the city’s authority over insurance premium taxes, initially had amendments adopted but was then reconsidered; the amendments were stripped and the bill was reported favorably in its original form. HB 431, requiring mayors to complete annual continuing education, was amended to clarify approved training and then reported favorably. Other measures reported favorably included HB 990 on Jefferson Parish master water meters, HB 466 on West Feliciana Parish tax rebates tied to a data center project, HB 664 raising the maximum fine for parish ordinance violations, HB 87 increasing per diem for a Livingston Parish gas utility district board, HB 115 abolishing the police chief position in Edgefield, HB 741 creating emergency housing vouchers for human trafficking survivors, HB 377 removing civil service pay-plan restrictions for state examiners, HB 162 allowing a fee increase for the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention District, HB 368 increasing fines for improper demolition of historic properties in New Orleans, and HB 441 returning New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board employees to city civil service. The committee adjourned after reporting the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• dedicated and experienced emergency medicine physician who's been serving the state of Oklahoma for 32 years
• I'm from Oklahoma City, and I am a first-year entrepreneurship student in Metrotech.
• We'll be hearing from insurance providers Humana, Aetna, and Oklahoma Complete Health about the services
• Consider yourselves invited to tomorrow's devotional service at 7:30 in the Senate lounge.

Bills: SR34

Keywords: recognition, Harvey Pratt, forensic art, legacy, public service, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Her vibrant son, Asa, Joined their adventures during her third year of medical school.
• They had a very impressive run this year. They're also fantastic in baseball.
• Prior to last year, our school had only won one boys' basketball state tournament game.
• So, in the last two years, we've now won four.
• And so this is the fifth year in A row as the sixth mixed dance champions.

Bills: SR34

Keywords: recognition, Harvey Pratt, forensic art, legacy, public service, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, Texas operates a universal service fund to help ensure access to basic telephone services
• Even when parents were ready and willing to pay, there was no service available.
• Where if one unit is serviced, like the leasing office, the FCC would not note that as a service location
• Really, type A's are those units that are less than 20 years old.
• Provider Certificate of Authority.

Bills: HB3713, HB3953, HB4055, HB4272

Keywords: telecommunications, local exchange companies, universal service fund, rate maintenance, business expansion, broadband access, internet service, multiunit residential properties, urban areas, affordability programs, fiber-optic cables, public land, construction permits, environmental impact, notification requirements, municipal projects, infrastructure, facility relocation, public right-of-way, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• . authority. authority.
• not just twice a year. not just twice a year.
• And I would move the A1 amendment, which just updates the years. Okay, the author has the A1.
• Now, a few years ago, I authored a law with then-Senator Kiffmeyer to move Minnesota to permanent daylight
• ago, I authored a law um with few years ago, I authored a law um with then<01:29:28.320> Senator<

Bills: HF1234, HF3528, HF3672, HF3679, HF3680, HF1944

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, data transparency, Legislative Budget Office, state agencies, fiscal notes, public data, standard time, federal law, time zone

Transcript Highlights:

• senator to present the nomination of Rick Unschler to the Oklahoma Veterans' Mission to serve a three-year
• Following his military service, Mr.
• Matt Has served over 30 years in public safety.
• He has served 10 years and with his leadership in Midwest City for all these years I think he's just
• Will there be questions of the author? We have a due pass from Senator Hamilton.

Bills: HB3257

Keywords: veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• quite a year that that's been Implemented like a lot of things.
• on every purchase order, which sounded good when I passed it last year.
• So this allows for alternate terms of service so that we have a continuity within that board.
• We worked with the loft recommendations from that same year, and it's been a year working with the auditor
• Contract is service-based or for staff augmentation.

Bills: HB3620, HB3942, HB3279, HB3378, HB3383, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3420, HB3130

Keywords: 2030 census, complete count committee, census outreach, decennial census, enumeration, population count, hard-to-count populations, hard-to-enumerate areas, State Data Center, Oklahoma Census, multilingual campaign, public outreach, school-based outreach, community organizations, minority groups, ethnic minorities, language minorities, self-response rate, census awareness, federal census

Transcript Highlights:

• Harper. do every year and uh this is to do the do every year and uh this is to do the uh<00:08:28.000
• living increase for fiscal year living increase for fiscal year beginning<00:10:35.040> October
• > kind<00:18:44.080> of it to next year because that kind of it to next year because that
• service moving forward. service moving forward.
• fiscal year ending September 30th, 2026. fiscal year ending September 30th, 2026.

Bills: SB146, SB143, SB144, SB145, HB224, SB152, SB153, SB154, SB162, SB226, SB146, SB143, SB144, SB145, HB224, SB152, SB153, SB154, SB162, SB226

Keywords: supplemental appropriation, FY2025 budget, general fund, Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy, Unified Judicial System, court automation, advanced technology and data exchange, judiciary funding, transportation debt service, highway bonds, bridge bonds, Alabama Department of Transportation, ALDOT, public highways, federal matching funds, state appropriations, bond principal and interest, special funds, budget amendment, SB143

Transcript Highlights:

• Bisignano discussed his vision for improving the Social Security Administration service to the public
• Bisignano has extensive experience using information technology to improve the organization's service
• The letter states that he has a 20 year professional relationship with one contact, periodic contact
• And what we should do is improve the service.
• These are all cuts to services and therefore cuts to benefits. I hope if he's confirmed that Mr.

Keywords: Frank Bisignano, Social Security Administration, Doge, nomination, committee, customer service, staffing issues, Senate

Summary: The meeting of the Finance Committee primarily focused on the nomination of Frank Bisignano for Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Members discussed the nominee's qualifications extensively, raising concerns about his past connections to Doge and the implications for Social Security. Several Senators expressed doubts about Bisignano's ability to improve the existing issues faced by the Social Security Administration, particularly related to staffing, customer service, and the potential for service cuts that could ultimately harm beneficiaries. The atmosphere was contentious, with divisive opinions visible among the committee members as they scrutinized Bisignano's past dealings and strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please guide them today as they gather in service to the people of the great state of Texas.
• Thank you for your service to Texas.
• During his service, he has served in the Middle East and Africa.
• Senator Miles: ...with a mission to be of service to all mankind.
• Members, Heather Keister of Lubbock was named the 2024 Engineer of the Year.

Bills: SJR36, SB2, SR9, SR10, SR16

Keywords: American Public Works Association, public works, infrastructure, Texas, recognition day, local government, municipalities, APWA, Texas Chapter, community development, engineering, professional recognition, community impact, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Lubbock leadership, recognition, professional achievement, Alpha Kappa Alpha, sorority, social service

Transcript Highlights:

• You guys have been warriors for this for many years.
• He and my company, he's been in this for years.
• We operate 365 days a year—well, 364, we take Christmas off—but basically 364 days a year, seven days
• Three and a half years for Bob's House of Hope.
• Bob Williams: We had a chance to rescue 16 years ago.

Bills: SJR36, SB2, SR9, SR10, SR16

Keywords: American Public Works Association, public works, infrastructure, Texas, recognition day, local government, municipalities, APWA, Texas Chapter, community development, engineering, professional recognition, community impact, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Lubbock leadership, recognition, professional achievement, Alpha Kappa Alpha, sorority, social service

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I've known Chappie B for 13 years.
• A year later, they founded Graham, Texas.
• Many, thirty some odd years, right? Now, he claims to be an upperclassman.
• After years of service to her nation, she arrived in Houston in 2021 to take up her role as Counsel General
• . next year, marking a significant milestone for the institution.

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB26, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• Two years ago, did we not?
• But when we get on to year three and four, and especially year.
• I think you've covered very well the need for. the teacher that is in the third year or the fifth year
• Well, it depends on the year, right?
• years and over 25% in the last year.

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB26, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• He served 12 years as chief justice. 36 years on the Texas Supreme Court. 43 total years as a judge.
• Nathan Heck's legacy of service to the people of Texas is unparalleled.
• If that sounds high, it's only because the salary hasn't gone up in 20 years. 12 years.
• And using that authority as well as authority. you've given us, we're gathering data to help us identify
• the price of legal services.

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB26, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• My concern is, is that. 15 years from now, 10 years from now, eight years from now, a $20 donation, 17
• , six years, seven years, whatever number of years from now, as whether it's inflation, costs, etc.,
• Members, anybody else with any questions for the author? Thank you.
• Any questions of the author?
• I'm an attorney representing the Brazos River Authority.

Bills: SB 384, SB 503, SB 565, SB 616, SB 740

Keywords: hunting license, fishing license, donation, operation game thief fund, wildlife conservation, livestock, electronic registry, marks and brands, Texas Animal Health Commission, animal identification, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened under the leadership of Chairman Kelly Hancock, who opened the meeting with a prayer in remembrance of Chairman Perry, who was absent due to a personal loss. The session focused on the discussions surrounding SB384, which aims to support the longstanding initiative known as Operation Game Thief. Senator Flores presented the bill, emphasizing its essential role in the fight against poaching through public support. The operation has a successful track record of convictions but is currently dependent on donations and merchandise sales for funding. The committee aimed to vote on multiple bills during this session, contingent on achieving a quorum. Notably, discussions also revolved around fiscal notes on two bills that were set aside for later consideration, indicating the committee's intention to carefully manage their legislative decisions. The meeting showcased a productive atmosphere, with committee members actively engaged in the review and potential advancement of key legislative measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• and about 70% of hospital each year and about 70% of hospital each year and about 70% of these occur
• Arrest outside of a hospital each year Arrest outside of a hospital each year in the United States and
• and I Leonard smoo for about 20 years and I Leonard smoo for about 20 years and I just want you all
• know that in hospitals and service know that in hospitals and service mental health any services and
• there are mental health any services and there are mental health any services and there are some services

Bills: SJR 36, SJR 2, SB 4, SR 45, SR 47, SR 63, SR 66, SR 70, SR 85, SCR 14, SB 10, SB 11, SB 10, SB 11

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• That same year, he was elected vice president of the United States.
• I want to thank you for your service. It's like public service.
• these years.
• In turn, Texans export billions of dollars worth of goods and services each year to the UK, fueling prosperity
• It was started a number of years ago, 25, 30 years ago. to form the network of the future leaders of

Bills: SJR36, SJR2, SB4, SR45, SR47, SR63, SR66, SR70, SR85, SCR14, SB10, SB11, SB10, SB11

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means