Transcript Highlights:

• Overall, our primary intention is to provide education and early intervention to reduce the long-term
• There's a process that we go through in terms of considering these issues and this.
• It's a pretty simple bill in terms of what it does.
• Counter what you just said in terms of resource allocation and also jail space.
• As has been discussed at length, I think it's the three levels.

Bills: HB1320, HB2012, HB2293, HB2655, HB3174, HB4108, HB4661, HB4799, HB5534, HB5580

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• As another witness spoke to at great length, I appreciate all of his insights. feedback.
• In your layout, did you use the term... short-term? I could have made a reference to short-term.
• I wanted some clarification around what was meant by a short-term type of facility.
• To have input into the process in terms of recommendations that will be made. That's right.
• The question is in terms of... Having to relocate services. Who bears the cost of relocating?

Bills: SB604, SB843, SB1636, SB2395, SB571, SB1224, SB1832, SB2392, SB747, SB2623, SB2624, SB2185

Keywords: bonds, education funding, Texas Permanent School Fund, financial transparency, speculative rating, school funding, deferred maintenance, tax revenue, education budget, school districts, education, finance, Texas Education Code, misconduct, child abuse, educators, investigation, criminal offense, education law, suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• really at arms length administratively. really at arms length administratively.
• So then, just in the near term, Mr.
• So then, just in the near term, Mr.
• So then, just in the near term, Mr.
• So then, just in the near term, Mr.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They go to great lengths to notify the tenant, as Representative Smith noted, that they don't want to
• Something I think your bill does is it adds redundancy in terms of there's going to be a notification
• for a 30-day period. 30 days is a little short and not giving appropriate due process if you will in terms
• But I think if there is publication not in a newspaper but in a generally accepted term of notice that
• Booth: resolve long-term nuisance issues. To me that is what the bill does.

Transcript Highlights:

• Walt Trierweiler to complete the remainder of a vacated term as the Public Counsel earlier this year.
• Trierweiler to serve a full four-year term. We've invited Mr.
• We had met at length and discussed things, including this rate case, at least three times previously.
• In terms of customer, you said you get the customer data on their experience and that's calculated.
• In terms of customer, you said you get the customer data on their experience and that's calculated.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight met to receive an overview from Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler on the work of his office. He described the office’s role in representing Florida utility customers in rate and service cases, including investor-owned electric, water, and wastewater matters, storm cost recovery, fuel clauses, storm protection plans, and specialized dockets. He emphasized the office’s use of depositions, expert witnesses, customer correspondence, and service-hearing testimony to challenge unsupported utility costs and seek “fair, just, reasonable, and affordable” outcomes for customers. Trierweiler highlighted several current issues, including affordability, data centers, and the growing use of AI in reviewing large utility filings. He said the office has begun using affordability experts and data center witnesses, and that data center-related utility proposals raise concerns about energy demand, water use, and community impacts. He also expressed caution about AI and machine learning because of confidential utility information, while acknowledging that utilities, regulators, and his office are increasingly using such tools. Members asked questions about how customer input is gathered, how profit is evaluated in rate cases, the role of settlement agreements, and whether the office is considering water consumption impacts from data centers. Trierweiler said customer feedback largely comes in through hearings, correspondence, and direct calls rather than office-led canvassing, and that his office seeks to limit imprudent costs while allowing utilities a fair return. He also explained that the office may file motions for reconsideration and appeals after PSC orders, and that it sometimes submits alternative settlement proposals even when approval is unlikely, to present a different option for the commission’s consideration. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after concluding its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The term "access and functional needs" is the appropriate language when referring to people with disabilities
• The term "access and functional needs" is the appropriate language when referring to people with disabilities
• The term "access and functional needs" is the appropriate language when referring to people with disabilities
• The term "access and functional needs" is the appropriate language when referring to people with disabilities
• We conferred and talked at length, and I don't know what a technical amendment to a reszo is, but we'll

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 and Senate Resolution 42, which urge counties to install special-needs recreational playground equipment in parks and playgrounds. Testimony came from the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Rights Center, Autism Moms of Kona, and a Pacific Disability Center representative, all supporting the resolutions. Several testifiers asked that the term “special needs” be replaced with “access and functional needs,” and one requested language broadening the measure to explicitly include developmentally and intellectually disabled youth. A committee member also discussed the need for inclusion and the benefits of accessible play for all children. After questions, the chairs said they would adopt amendments from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Autism Moms of Kona, and Tina Marie Kira, along with technical, non-substantive changes. Both committees then voted to recommend passage of SCR 58 and SR 42 with amendments, with members voting aye and some excused. The committees then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 163 and Senate Resolution 132, which request counties to adopt flexible setback requirements for state buildings and facilities to improve land use efficiency and public service delivery. Testimony in support came from the Grassroots Institute and the Department of Accounting and General Services. The chairs moved the resolutions forward with technical, non-substantive amendments, and both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 163 and SR 132 with amendments before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not sure what the status is in terms of how the chat is set up. Patrick. Ms.
• So there's a lot of flexibility built into this in terms of a lot of opportunity for the contractor to
• In terms of retirements and the changing workforce, I mean, that's a challenge for us as owners, you
• And when somebody changes along the way on a long-term contract like this, which they do, we require
• that those people are replaced with people that are equal or better in terms of their capabilities and

Summary: The Joint Committee on Interstate 5 Bridge met remotely with Washington legislative members to receive updates on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, including environmental review, cost and funding, tolling, and procurement for construction. Program staff said the final supplemental environmental impact statement was published in April 2026, with a federal record of decision expected in early summer. They described the recommended design as a single-level fixed-span bridge, centered I-5 alignment, C Street ramps, one auxiliary lane in each direction, and dispersed park-and-ride parking. Members raised concerns about transparency, the closed chat function, and the decision not to include two auxiliary lanes; staff said the one-lane option was recommended through consultation with partner agencies and analysis, but the final decision would come with the record of decision. Staff also said the diversion analysis projected less than 3% traffic diversion to I-205 in 2045, though members from Oregon and Washington expressed concern about impacts to their communities and asked for more detail on mitigation and decision-making. The committee also reviewed a major cost update. Staff said the full five-mile program is now estimated at $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion, with a likely cost of $14.4 billion, up from a 2022 estimate of $5 billion to $7.5 billion, citing inflation, schedule delays, scope changes, and more detailed risk modeling. They said the first funded phase has been reduced to a $5.68 billion package focused on the Columbia River bridge replacement, connections to I-5, Hayden Island and SR-14, bridge demolition, tolling infrastructure, and advancing light rail design. Funding for that phase was described as $5.69 billion, including $2.1 billion federal funds, $1 billion from each state, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue. Members asked what would happen if costs rise further; staff said the estimate includes substantial contingency, the project will use progressive design-build to manage risk, and the team will continue updating the finance plan annually. A separate tolling and traffic-revenue presentation explained that four toll scenarios were analyzed using regional travel demand modeling, a toll diversion model, and a post-processing review. All scenarios assume pre-completion tolling beginning July 1, 2028, a 50% low-income discount for eligible users, and exemptions for tribal preemptions, emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and organized militia. Staff said the low-income discount would affect about 4% to 6% of annual transactions and reduce annual revenues by roughly 2% to 3%. They said Scenario 2 was used for the financial analysis and is sufficient to support the $1.5 billion toll contribution in the funded phase. Members asked about toll collection costs, revenue impacts of the discount, and how the scenarios differed; staff said collection costs are expected to be in line with other WSDOT toll facilities, but exact costs are not yet set because toll rates are not final. Finally, WSDOT staff outlined procurement and delivery steps for construction. They said WSDOT will be the lead contracting agency, using progressive design-build, with a request for qualifications targeted for early July 2026, a request for proposals in October, contractor selection in April 2027, construction starting in 2028, and tolling beginning in 2028. Staff said the approach is intended to consolidate scope, reduce interface risk, and allow transparent negotiation with an independent cost estimator, while preserving an off-ramp if a fair price cannot be reached. Members asked for more detail on timing, cost allocation, and the share of the first phase funded by tolls; staff estimated tolls account for about 26% of the first phase cost.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's not even our general fund has ties to it or, or broader language, technical term, right?
• So there's not even our general fund has ties to it or, or broader language, technical term, right?
• <00:53:42.280> of state our partners in terms of state our partners in terms of delivering
• we're happy to talk at greater length we're happy to talk at greater length about<00:55:47.520><
• <01:25:52.199> of course that costs more in terms of course that costs more in terms of infrastructure

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Lee just walked through and the structure for that in just broad terms is that there for the core budget
• Section 13 extends the length of a temporary permit that is issued for transporting vehicles outside
• Section<00:32:39.440> 13<00:32:40.080> extends<00:32:40.720> the<00:32:41.120> length
• <00:32:41.600> of<00:32:42.000> a Section 13 extends the length of a Section 13 extends
• the length of a temporary<00:32:43.039> permit<00:32:43.600> that<00:32:43.840> is<

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• It was going to be a fad, something that we didn't continue to invest in long term.
• So I'm using the term economically disadvantaged. of the umbrella term used in statute and in law Yeah
• I don't disagree, but that's the umbrella term. right?
• It's when we as policy makers have to make a decision about, in terms of education.
• Why do we have two different school day length or number of school days?

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• parallel with our Lina long-term parallel with our Lina long-term recovery<00:14:25.720> plan
• Kevin's certainly here to come up and talk about that at length. He came from the state.
• Kevin's certainly here to come up and talk about that at length. He came from the state.
• Kevin's certainly here to come up and talk about that at length. He came from the state.
• He's certainly here to come up and talk about that at length. He came from the state.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and long term.
• From the New Mexico Short Term Rental, Economic Impact Study, we know that only 15% of short-term rentals
• to hotels and motels, but short-term rentals are being taxed out In summary, short-term rentals already
• Short-term rentals are closer to city centers and tourist destinations, so it's not a one-to- Short-term
• Short-term all the cleaning on site.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know this was kind of discussed at length last week, so I don't know if there's any questions or whether
• >> Well, so obviously you can see the fiscal note in terms of what that may affect the Secretary of State
• <00:11:56.760> of Secretary of State in terms of Secretary of State in terms of registering
• So it's broken<00:12:03.640> down<00:12:04.320> in<00:12:04.400> terms<00:12:04.680
• of whether or not broken down in terms of whether or not you<00:12:06.440> if<00:12:06.560>

Bills: SB237, HB541, SB237, HB541

Keywords: hemp, hemp beverages, psychoactive cannabinoids, psychoactive hemp products, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, cannabidiol, CBD, intoxicating hemp, hemp-derived THC, cannabis regulation, marijuana alternatives, alcoholic beverage control, ABC Board, licensing, permit, excise tax, age verification, under 21

Transcript Highlights:

• I think some of the frustration resulted in some previous DOTD projects and the length of time that it
• I think some of the frustration resulted in some previous DOTD projects and the length of time that it

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 and considered several resolutions and one Senate bill dealing with transportation project delivery, vehicle safety, school-zone safety, flooding, and highway signage. The committee first took up SCR 64, which creates a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) for public works. An amendment added representatives from Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors to the task force, and the resolution was reported with amendments. The committee also heard HR 282, which creates a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with Louisiana State Police and other stakeholders; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and the resolution was reported with amendments. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 513, which addressed public works project delivery methods and included a proposal for an average-bid award method as well as design-build authority for airports and vertiports. Testimony from a Reason Foundation policy analyst and a Louisiana Associated General Contractors representative opposed the average-bid concept, arguing it lacked U.S. precedent, could encourage collusion, and could raise costs, while airport-related design-build provisions were supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to remove the average-bid language, then reported SB 513 with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate all school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses involving crossing guards and distracted driving. In addition, HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were acted on and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• won't make you fall asleep by reading you four and a half pages of red flags, but they go to great lengths
• They go to great lengths. There's a student validity team. It's cross-departmental.

Summary: The House and Senate Legislative Audit committee met to approve prior minutes and review four higher education audit reports. Staff first presented the University of Arkansas System report, which included three findings that had been certified and referred to the Governmental Bonding Board, the attorney general, and the appropriate prosecuting attorney: unauthorized purchases at UAPB totaling about $37,000, a fraud scheme involving falsified FAFSA/transcript records at East Arkansas Community College with about $66,000 in losses, and unallowable charges in the Veterans Upward Bound program at UA Fayetteville totaling $8,500, of which $6,700 was recovered. Committee members praised the institutions’ internal audit and management teams for identifying the issues and asked detailed questions about how the fraud was detected, especially the online student identity-theft scheme at EACC and the safeguards now being used to verify student identity and prevent similar cases. EACC officials explained that the fraudulent admissions involved online applicants using falsified transcripts and identity-theft tactics, that 39 suspicious students were identified, and that seven slipped through far enough to receive federal aid, resulting in a $2,500 reimbursement obligation to the university. They said the college now uses a cross-departmental student validity team, extensive red-flag protocols, direct outreach to high schools, ID verification, and other checks, and that the issue has been shared across the UA system and with other campuses. UA Fayetteville also clarified that no veterans were harmed by the Veterans Upward Bound finding; the program was closed and students were redirected to other veteran support programs in the state. The committee then deferred the Northwest Arkansas Community College report. Staff next summarized two additional reports, from Southeast Arkansas College and Southern Arkansas University Tech, which contained only financial statement misstatements corrected during audit fieldwork; SAU Tech also had a finding involving unauthorized withdrawals that the college discovered and recovered. With no further questions, the committee voted without objection to file the reviewed reports and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• diversity, the term equity, and the term inclusion.
• diversity, the term equity, and the term inclusion.
• The problem, again, that we are facing is the manipulation of those terms, or hijacking of those terms
• I'm going to speak in the simplest of terms.
• that we have elsewhere for those particular terms.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and memorial remarks, including a moment of silence for service members killed in the conflict in Iran. The chamber then moved to special orders and took up a series of bills, with many measures passing unanimously after brief explanations and, in several cases, substitution of House companions. Early bills included CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, which drew extensive supportive debate about the civic value of debate programs and passed 37-0, and SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force, which was amended to clarify that criticism of Israel is not prohibited and then passed 37-0. The Senate also approved CS/CS/SB 1230/HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals and firefighting foam, with discussion focused on phasing out AFFF, testing requirements, exceptions for federal aviation and military uses, and support for firefighters and water quality; the bill passed 37-0. Other measures passed without opposition included SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training, SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services, SB 990/HB 883 on protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, SB 560 on child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684/HB 961 on electronic signatures for salvage titles, and SB 778/HB 569 on forensic client services. Two bills, SB 432 on intoxicating substances and SB 928 on dangerous crimes, were temporarily postponed. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent counties and municipalities from funding or promoting DEI efforts he described as discriminatory or indoctrinating, while opponents offered amendments to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances. Those amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor then continued explaining the bill’s exceptions, including references to holidays, heritage sites, and the Pulse Memorial, and the chamber was still in debate on the underlying measure when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• which includes things like defined term which includes things like specific<00:05:14.960> location
• [Clears throat] In terms of consumer rights, as I mentioned, the MCDPA empowers Minnesotans with key
• ,<00:09:49.400> but mechanism is kind of a clunky term, but mechanism is kind of a clunky
• term, but it<00:09:50.120> is<00:09:50.880> um<00:09:51.200> a<00:09:51.520>
• of making sure that they're lengths of making sure that they're using<00:12:18.360> the<00:12

Bills: HF3794, HF3408

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, consumer protection, price setting, biometric data, retail, privacy, 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 3, 2026, and then received a presentation from the Minnesota Office of the Attorney General on the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act. Assistant Attorney General Caitlin Miko and Deputy Attorney General Jessica Whitney reviewed the law’s scope, consumer rights, business obligations, and enforcement history. They said the law took effect July 31, 2025, gives Minnesotans rights to access, delete, and opt out of sale, profiling, and targeted advertising, and is enforced by the Attorney General with penalties up to $7,500 per violation. They reported more than 200 complaints in the first six months, many warning letters, and a shift from education to active enforcement now that the initial warning-letter period has expired. Committee members asked about how the universal opt-out works, what happens when companies deny deletion or editing requests, how the office determines willful noncompliance, and whether the law could burden small businesses. The AG’s office said the opt-out can be set through privacy-protective browsers or extensions, companies must respond to consumer requests within 45 days, small businesses are exempt as defined by the SBA, and investigations look for patterns and evidence of willful conduct rather than minor technical violations. The office also said it needs additional funding to fully staff enforcement efforts and noted that it has already issued subpoenas and civil investigative demands. The committee then took up House File 3408, the Stop Grocery Surveillance Price Gouging Act. The author explained that the bill would prohibit retail grocers, physical and online, from setting individualized prices based on consumer information, would limit certain uses of facial recognition and electronic shelf labels, and would preserve narrow exceptions for discounts and loyalty programs. Public testimony followed from the Minnesota Farmers Union in support, arguing that grocery consolidation and surveillance pricing could worsen already high food costs and harm fair competition. The Minnesota Grocers Association opposed the premise that grocery stores use surveillance pricing, said shelf prices are generally uniform and set from a single storewide database, and argued electronic shelf labels are efficient and not nefarious. A technology company representative similarly said ESLs do not use personal data or facial recognition, prices are uniform, and a 2025 study found no meaningful price increases after ESL adoption. The bill was laid over for possible further discussion after the testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I've spoken at length to Commissioner Hanks on what the inmates would do that are involved right
• > Commissioner<00:20:37.200> Hanks spoken at length to Commissioner Hanks spoken at length
• important to the state library in terms important to the state library in terms of<01:21:54.719>
• But that's all I had for the committee in terms of changes or additional information. So follow up.
• of changes or additional in terms of changes or additional information. information. information.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next slide represents the impact of our colleges and universities in terms of workforce development
• <00:05:23.520> of<00:05:23.720> Workforce in terms of Workforce in terms of Workforce
• you who are unfamiliar with that term you who are unfamiliar with that term it's<00:09:46.440>
• response I think additionally in terms response I think additionally in terms of<00:24:37.480>
• about all these things at Great length about all these things at Great length it's<01:03:51.480>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities presented an overview of the system and several budget riders. Board Chair George Soul described the system’s structure, noting 26 colleges and seven universities governed by a 15-member board, and emphasized that Minnesota State serves about 270,000 students annually, including many students of color, adult learners, Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, and veterans. He highlighted the system’s workforce role, saying it offers more than 4,000 programs, extensive employer partnerships, and that 86% of graduates find jobs in their field or a related field. He then turned the presentation over to system staff to discuss specific funding requests. Associate Vice Chancellor Kim Lynch focused on the Z-degree textbook program, which supports zero-textbook-cost courses and degrees. She said prior legislative support has produced about $3.1 million in savings in academic year 2024 and more than $12.6 million in aggregate savings, with 10 colleges now offering Z degrees and 12 more on track or exploring implementation. She described the program’s use of open educational resources, instructional design support, and library resources to fill gaps where free materials are not available, and said students save roughly $7 to $10 for every $1 invested. Members praised the program and asked about its expansion. Associate Vice Chancellor Paul Shepard discussed student support funding, including a centralized basic needs resource hub, the Mantra Health mental health platform, and the emergency grant program. He said student surveys showed significant food, housing, and homelessness insecurity, and that the basic needs hub has served over 2,400 students with a 97% positive response rate. He said Mantra provides telecounseling, peer support, self-paced courses, and crisis support, and clarified in response to questions that it is not AI-driven and does not sell student data; general usage data is collected, and follow-up with campus counselors occurs only at the student’s request. He also said the emergency grant program has distributed over $3 million to more than 4,800 students, with grants averaging just under $700, and that campuses use application review and recordkeeping to manage repeat requests. Members asked about counselor staffing, data privacy, and grant safeguards. The final item addressed sexual assault reporting and prevention funding. System staff said the appropriation supports technology infrastructure for statutory reporting, case management for investigations, campus prevention training, and professional development for Title IX coordinators and related staff. They noted that the statutory student training requirement is funded by individual colleges and universities, not by this appropriation. No formal votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my fourth term. I served on this committee the last two terms.
• It's my fourth term. I served on this committee the last two terms.
• So I'm in my ninth term now.
• So I'm in my ninth term now.
• <03:10:15.520> additional thrilled to read at length additional thrilled to read at length

Keywords: 1189, house, all