Transcript Highlights:

• We now have controlled growth for 10 years, addressing affordable housing, workforce housing, and have
• It says that they can come in and take over the school, but they are not allowed to charge any leasing
• The direction is for the school district to negotiate with the charter some agreeable lease.
• A district school board may not charge—that's new underlying language—rental or leasing fees.
• Part of rental and leasing fees is the insurance, the property insurance for the building, what they

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum established, and several recognitions, including a legislative intern, a guest in the gallery, and Representative Bruce Antone’s upcoming induction into the Tuskegee Athletic Hall of Fame. The Speaker also gave brief remarks about the end of session and the freshman class. The chamber then took up a series of Senate-returned messages and concurred or insisted on several amendments while moving bills toward final passage. The House unanimously approved CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after adopting a House amendment to remove the IOTA-related provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties and business interests after a House concurrence motion. It also insisted on its amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 on housing. CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation was amended to restore House provisions on teacher-prep courses, the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College, and related testing and mentor-qualification changes; it passed 91-22 after debate over teacher certification, testing, and “identity politics” language. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers was amended to keep the House’s original notice and referral framework with a good-cause exemption; it passed 87-27 despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors. After recess, the House took up CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response. Members described changes including removal of some homestead-assessment and debris-removal provisions, a study requirement for a post-hurricane county restriction concept, and a Florida Keys evacuation-time change paired with a 10-year cap of 900 permit allocations; the bill passed 116-0. The House also refused to concur in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration and requested the Senate recede. Later, the House returned to HB 1101 and insisted on its amendment after the Senate refused to concur. The longest debate came on CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, where the House amendment replaced the Senate version with the substance of HB 1267, including Schools of Hope, higher education governance, and course transparency. Members questioned provisions expanding Schools of Hope co-location and sponsorship authority beyond traditional opportunity zones, the role of the Department of Education versus school districts, transportation and facility-cost issues, and performance-based agreements. Supporters said the changes would expand options for students and use vacant or underutilized facilities; opponents argued the language was added late, lacked transportation funding, and could allow charter operators to enter high-performing schools. The bill remained under debate at the end of the transcript, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the academic achievements include recognition for its broad range of academic programs, affordable
• This is achieved by offering affordable tuition and providing a research university experience.
• Senate Bill 2719 by Perry, relating to the lease of certain state property from the Department of State
• Senate Bill 2720 by Perry, relating to the authority of the Department of State Health Services to lease
• Senate Bill 2763 by Cook, relating to the renewal of certain leases in manufactured home communities,

Bills: SJR 12 , SCR 39 , SB 27 , SB 29 , SB 241 , SB 406 , SB 414 , SB 464 , SB 568 , SB 578 , SB 609 , SB 660 , SB 689 , SB 693 , SB 785 , SB 857 , SB 879 , SB 921 , SB 922 , SB 955 , SB 985 , SB 993 , SB 996 , SB 1008 , SB 1035 , SB 1036 , SB 1059 , SB 1098 , SB 1120 , SB 1122 , SB 1147 , SB 1188 , SB 1197 , SB 1209 , SB 1227 , SB 1245 , SB 1267 , SB 1307 , SB 1321 , SB 1332 , SB 1386 , SB 1396 , SB 1453 , SB 1484 , SB 1494 , SB 1536 , SB 1537 , SB 1596 , SB 1610 , SB 1664 , SB 1741 , SB 1814 , SB 1822 , SB 1841 , SB 1948 , SB 2065 , SB 2155 , SB 2188 , SB 2230 , SB 2406 , SB 2407 , SJR 36 , SJR 12 , SJR 81 , SJR 50 , SCR 22 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SB 406 , SB 689 , SB 765 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 888 , SB 687 , SB 847 , SB 1248 , SB 504 , SB 857 , SB 305 , SB 296 , SB 284 , SB 241 , SB 304 , SB 1023 , SB 204 , SB 609 , SB 670 , SB 850 , SB 854 , SB 413 , SB 1346 , SB 1033 , SB 1220 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1539 , SB 447 , SB 1119 , SB 1505 , SB 1215 , SB 1302 , SB 583 , SB 673 , SB 681 , SB 1172 , SB 955 , SB 957 , SB 1120 , SB 541 , SB 266 , SB 1415 , SB 53 , SB 1352 , SB 785 , SB 1450 , SB 1502 , SB 1566 , SB 414 , SB 1062 , SB 711 , SB 746 , SB 1404 , SB 1448 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1349 , SB 1355 , SB 1433 , SB 1434 , SB 1596 , SB 1403 , SB 667 , SB 1059 , SB 1567 , SB 310 , SB 311 , SB 505 , SB 1209 , SB 1210 , SB 1470 , SB 264 , SB 1029 , SB 1358 , SB 1364 , SB 1569 , SB 1376 , SB 1228 , SB 519 , SB 1350 , SB 462 , SB 827 , SB 1585 , SB 1396 , SB 1484 , SB 1273 , SB 1741 , SB 927 , SB 1227 , SB 1229 , SB 1353 , SB 1464 , SB 1709 , SB 1729 , SB 1733 , SB 1744 , SB 1772 , SB 1841 , SB 2188 , SB 1147 , SB 879 , SB 1008 , SB 1536 , SB 2016 , SB 1453 , SB 1173 , SB 1163 , SB 996 , SB 27 , SB 568 , SB 1370 , SB 1321 , SB 1101 , SB 860 , SB 993 , SB 693 , SB 1610 , SB 1537 , SB 1332 , SB 1307 , SB 963 , SB 493 , SB 922 , SB 984 , SB 619 , SB 1098 , SB 1122 , SB 455 , SB 522 , SB 1057 , SB 1239 , SB 1254 , SB 1255 , SB 1259 , SB 1341 , SB 1664 , SB 1877 , SB 464 , SB 1277 , SB 32 , SB 732 , SB 660 , SB 731 , SB 921 , SB 268 , SB 1822 , SB 1188 , SB 1589 , SB 397 , SB 2230 , SB 1058 , SB 1036 , SB 1267 , SB 2112 , SB 1930 , SB 532 , SB 1035 , SB 2155 , SB 508 , SB 29 , SB 292 , SB 291 , SB 901 , SB 1333 , SB 1436 , SB 1494 , SB 964 , SB 779 , SB 1378 , SB 2312 , SB 1719 , SB 1386 , SB 287 , SB 2143 , SB 1245 , SB 261 , SB 1247 , SB 1948 , SB 2406 , SB 2407 , SB 1882 , SB 1197 , SB 1814 , SB 618 , SB 38 , SB 393 , SB 2065 , SB 1371 , SB 1394 , SB 1365 , SB 2243 , SB 2226 , SB 2039 , SB 1919 , SB 1895 , SB 1598 , SB 1493 , SB 1810 , SB 1791 , SB 1706 , SB 1644 , SB 1238 , SB 783 , SB 458 , SB 22 , SB 651 , SB 897 , SB 1809 , SB 1080 , SB 745 , SB 826 , SB 989 , SB 1320 , SB 1437 , SB 2320 , SB 2289 , SB 1171 , SB 664 , SB 1637 , SB 27 , SB 29 , SB 857 , SB 879 , SB 922 , SB 1098 , SB 1453 , SB 1536 , SB 1741 , SB 2188 , SB 2230 , SB 406 , SB 689 , SJR 12 , SR 358 , SR 361 , SR 362 , SR 368 , SJR 74 , SJR 76 , SB 2408 , SB 2409 , SB 2461 , SB 2462 , SB 2463 , SB 2464 , SB 2465 , SB 2466 , SB 2467 , SB 2468 , SB 2469 , SB 2470 , SB 2471 , SB 2472 , SB 2473 , SB 2474 , SB 2475 , SB 2476 , SB 2477 , SB 2478 , SB 2479 , SB 2480 , SB 2481 , SB 2482 , SB 2483 , SB 2484 , SB 2485 , SB 2486 , SB 2487 , SB 2488 , SB 2489 , SB 2490 , SB 2491 , SB 2492 , SB 2493 , SB 2494 , SB 2495 , SB 2496 , SB 2497 , SB 2498 , SB 2499 , SB 2500 , SB 2501 , SB 2502 , SB 2503 , SB 2504 , SB 2505 , SB 2506 , SB 2507 , SB 2508 , SB 2509 , SB 2510 , SB 2511 , SB 2512 , SB 2513 , SB 2514 , SB 2515 , SB 2516 , SB 2517 , SB 2518 , SB 2519 , SB 2520 , SB 2521 , SB 2522 , SB 2523 , SB 2524 , SB 2525 , SB 2526 , SB 2527 , SB 2528 , SB 2529 , SB 2530 , SB 2531 , SB 2532 , SB 2533 , SB 2534 , SB 2535 , SB 2536 , SB 2537 , SB 2538 , SB 2539 , SB 2540 , SB 2541 , SB 2542 , SB 2543 , SB 2544 , SB 2545 , SB 2546 , SB 2547 , SB 2548 , SB 2549 , SB 2550 , SB 2551 , SB 2552 , SB 2553 , SB 2554 , SB 2555 , SB 2556 , SB 2557 , SB 2558 , SB 2560 , SB 2561 , SB 2562 , SB 2563 , SB 2565 , SB 2566 , SB 2567 , SB 2568 , SB 2569 , SB 2570 , SB 2571 , SB 2572 , SB 2573 , SB 2574 , SB 2575 , SB 2576 , SB 2577 , SB 2578 , SB 2579 , SB 2580 , SB 2581 , SB 2582 , SB 2583 , SB 2584 , SB 2585 , SB 2586 , SB 2587 , SB 2588 , SB 2589 , SB 2590 , SB 2591 , SB 2592 , SB 2593 , SB 2594 , SB 2595 , SB 2596 , SB 2597 , SB 2598 , SB 2599 , SB 2600 , SB 2601 , SB 2602 , SB 2603 , SB 2604 , SB 2605 , SB 2606 , SB 2607 , SB 2608 , SB 2609 , SB 2610 , SB 2611 , SB 2612 , SB 2613 , SB 2614 , SB 2615 , SB 2616 , SB 2617 , SB 2618 , SB 2619 , SB 2620 , SB 2621 , SB 2622 , SB 2625 , SB 2626 , SB 2627 , SB 2628 , SB 2629 , SB 2630 , SB 2631 , SB 2632 , SB 2633 , SB 2634 , SB 2635 , SB 2636 , SB 2637 , SB 2638 , SB 2639 , SB 2640 , SB 2641 , SB 2642 , SB 2643 , SB 2644 , SB 2645 , SB 2646 , SB 2647 , SB 2648 , SB 2649 , SB 2650 , SB 2651 , SB 2652 , SB 2653 , SB 2654 , SB 2655 , SB 2656 , SB 2657 , SB 2658 , SB 2659 , SB 2660 , SB 2661 , SB 2662 , SB 2663 , SB 2664 , SB 2665 , SB 2666 , SB 2667 , SB 2668 , SB 2669 , SB 2670 , SB 2671 , SB 2672 , SB 2673 , SB 2674 , SB 2675 , SB 2676 , SB 2677 , SB 2678 , SB 2679 , SB 2680 , SB 2681 , SB 2682 , SB 2683 , SB 2684 , SB 2685 , SB 2686 , SB 2687 , SB 2688 , SB 2689 , SB 2690 , SB 2691 , SB 2692 , SB 2693 , SB 2694 , SB 2695 , SB 2696 , SB 2697 , SB 2698 , SB 2699 , SB 2700 , SB 2701 , SB 2702 , SB 2703 , SB 2704 , SB 2705 , SB 2706 , SB 2707 , SB 2708 , SB 2709 , SB 2710 , SB 2711 , SB 2712 , SB 2713 , SB 2714 , SB 2715 , SB 2716 , SB 2717 , SB 2718 , SB 2719 , SB 2720 , SB 2721 , SB 2723 , SB 2724 , SB 2725 , SB 2726 , SB 2727 , SB 2728 , SB 2729 , SB 2730 , SB 2731 , SB 2732 , SB 2733 , SB 2734 , SB 2735 , SB 2736 , SB 2737 , SB 2738 , SB 2739 , SB 2740 , SB 2741 , SB 2742 , SB 2743 , SB 2744 , SB 2745 , SB 2746 , SB 2747 , SB 2748 , SB 2749 , SB 2750 , SB 2751 , SB 2752 , SB 2753 , SB 2754 , SB 2755 , SB 2756 , SB 2757 , SB 2758 , SB 2759 , SB 2760 , SB 2761 , SB 2762 , SB 2763 , SB 2764 , SB 2765 , SB 2766 , SB 2767 , SB 2768 , SB 2769 , SB 2770 , SB 2771 , SB 2772 , SB 2773 , SB 2774 , SB 2775 , SB 2776 , SB 2777 , SB 2778 , SB 2779 , SB 2780 , SB 2781 , SB 2782 , SB 2783 , SB 2784 , SB 2785 , SB 2786 , SB 2787 , SB 2788 , SB 2789 , SB 2790 , SB 2791 , SB 2792 , SB 2793 , SB 2794 , SB 2795 , SB 2796 , SB 2797 , SB 2798 , SB 2799 , SB 2800 , SB 2967 , SB 3034 , HJR 1 , HJR 4 , HB 9 , HB 13 , HB 22 , HB 135 , HB 143 , HB 195 , HB 908 , HB 1392 , SB 861 , SB 1013 , SJR 74 , SJR 76 , SB 2408 , SB 2409 , SB 2461 , SB 2462 , SB 2463 , SB 2464 , SB 2465 , SB 2466 , SB 2467 , SB 2468 , SB 2469 , SB 2470 , SB 2471 , SB 2472 , SB 2473 , SB 2474 , SB 2475 , SB 2476 , SB 2477 , SB 2478 , SB 2479 , SB 2480 , SB 2481 , SB 2482 , SB 2483 , SB 2484 , SB 2485 , SB 2486 , SB 2487 , SB 2488 , SB 2489 , SB 2490 , SB 2491 , SB 2492 , SB 2493 , SB 2494 , SB 2495 , SB 2496 , SB 2497 , SB 2498 , SB 2499 , SB 2500 , SB 2501 , SB 2502 , SB 2503 , SB 2504 , SB 2505 , SB 2506 , SB 2507 , SB 2508 , SB 2509 , SB 2510 , SB 2511 , SB 2512 , SB 2513 , SB 2514 , SB 2515 , SB 2516 , SB 2517 , SB 2518 , SB 2519 , SB 2520 , SB 2521 , SB 2522 , SB 2523 , SB 2524 , SB 2525 , SB 2526 , SB 2527 , SB 2528 , SB 2529 , SB 2530 , SB 2531 , SB 2532 , SB 2533 , SB 2534 , SB 2535 , SB 2536 , SB 2537 , SB 2538 , SB 2539 , SB 2540 , SB 2541 , SB 2542 , SB 2543 , SB 2544 , SB 2545 , SB 2546 , SB 2547 , SB 2548 , SB 2549 , SB 2550 , SB 2551 , SB 2552 , SB 2553 , SB 2554 , SB 2555 , SB 2556 , SB 2557 , SB 2558 , SB 2560 , SB 2561 , SB 2562 , SB 2563 , SB 2565 , SB 2566 , SB 2567 , SB 2568 , SB 2569 , SB 2570 , SB 2571 , SB 2572 , SB 2573 , SB 2574 , SB 2575 , SB 2576 , SB 2577 , SB 2578 , SB 2579 , SB 2580 , SB 2581 , SB 2582 , SB 2583 , SB 2584 , SB 2585 , SB 2586 , SB 2587 , SB 2588 , SB 2589 , SB 2590 , SB 2591 , SB 2592 , SB 2593 , SB 2594 , SB 2595 , SB 2596 , SB 2597 , SB 2598 , SB 2599 , SB 2600 , SB 2601 , SB 2602 , SB 2603 , SB 2604 , SB 2605 , SB 2606 , SB 2607 , SB 2608 , SB 2609 , SB 2610 , SB 2611 , SB 2612 , SB 2613 , SB 2614 , SB 2615 , SB 2616 , SB 2617 , SB 2618 , SB 2619 , SB 2620 , SB 2621 , SB 2622 , SB 2625 , SB 2626 , SB 2627 , SB 2628 , SB 2629 , SB 2630 , SB 2631 , SB 2632 , SB 2633 , SB 2634 , SB 2635 , SB 2636 , SB 2637 , SB 2638 , SB 2639 , SB 2640 , SB 2641 , SB 2642 , SB 2643 , SB 2644 , SB 2645 , SB 2646 , SB 2647 , SB 2648 , SB 2649 , SB 2650 , SB 2651 , SB 2652 , SB 2653 , SB 2654 , SB 2655 , SB 2656 , SB 2657 , SB 2658 , SB 2659 , SB 2660 , SB 2661 , SB 2662 , SB 2663 , SB 2664 , SB 2665 , SB 2666 , SB 2667 , SB 2668 , SB 2669 , SB 2670 , SB 2671 , SB 2672 , SB 2673 , SB 2674 , SB 2675 , SB 2676 , SB 2677 , SB 2678 , SB 2679 , SB 2680 , SB 2681 , SB 2682 , SB 2683 , SB 2684 , SB 2685 , SB 2686 , SB 2687 , SB 2688 , SB 2689 , SB 2690 , SB 2691 , SB 2692 , SB 2693 , SB 2694 , SB 2695 , SB 2696 , SB 2697 , SB 2698 , SB 2699 , SB 2700 , SB 2701 , SB 2702 , SB 2703 , SB 2704 , SB 2705 , SB 2706 , SB 2707 , SB 2708 , SB 2709 , SB 2710 , SB 2711 , SB 2712 , SB 2713 , SB 2714 , SB 2715 , SB 2716 , SB 2717 , SB 2718 , SB 2719 , SB 2720 , SB 2721 , SB 2723 , SB 2724 , SB 2725 , SB 2726 , SB 2727 , SB 2728 , SB 2729 , SB 2730 , SB 2731 , SB 2732 , SB 2733 , SB 2734 , SB 2735 , SB 2736 , SB 2737 , SB 2738 , SB 2739 , SB 2740 , SB 2741 , SB 2742 , SB 2743 , SB 2744 , SB 2745 , SB 2746 , SB 2747 , SB 2748 , SB 2749 , SB 2750 , SB 2751 , SB 2752 , SB 2753 , SB 2754 , SB 2755 , SB 2756 , SB 2757 , SB 2758 , SB 2759 , SB 2760 , SB 2761 , SB 2762 , SB 2763 , SB 2764 , SB 2765 , SB 2766 , SB 2767 , SB 2768 , SB 2769 , SB 2770 , SB 2771 , SB 2772 , SB 2773 , SB 2774 , SB 2775 , SB 2776 , SB 2777 , SB 2778 , SB 2779 , SB 2780 , SB 2781 , SB 2782 , SB 2783 , SB 2784 , SB 2785 , SB 2786 , SB 2787 , SB 2788 , SB 2789 , SB 2790 , SB 2791 , SB 2792 , SB 2793 , SB 2794 , SB 2795 , SB 2796 , SB 2797 , SB 2798 , SB 2799 , SB 2800 , SB 2967 , SB 3034 , HJR 1 , HJR 4 , HB 9 , HB 13 , HB 22 , HB 135 , HB 143 , HB 195 , HB 908 , HB 1392 , SB 861 , SB 1013

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers

Summary: This meeting of the committee included comprehensive discussions about several bills, most notably SB24 and SB2043. The committee received public testimony both supporting and opposing SB24, illustrating the contentious nature of the proposed legislation. Many witnesses expressed their concerns about how the bill might impact marginalized communities, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach to the issues being addressed. The chair facilitated a respectful dialogue, reminding participants to focus on the facts rather than personal anecdotes.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, contractors using property owned or leased to them by government entities have recently imposed
• that their right will be recognized and upheld in accordance with state law. simply ensures that a lease
• If indeed a governmental entity decides to lease out a facility... ...owned by it to a church.
• decided to have services, then they would open themselves up to... if they decided... ...out of the leased
• written is that if they do that, they know it with the understanding that that... ...comes with the lease

Bills: HCR35 , SJR59 , SJR84 , SCR30 , SB127 , SB317 , SB324 , SB457 , SB506 , SB511 , SB529 , SB547 , SB584 , SB619 , SB636 , SB646 , SB659 , SB715 , SB732 , SB735 , SB771 , SB784 , SB800 , SB801 , SB904 , SB1026 , SB1049 , SB1065 , SB1181 , SB1224 , SB1250 , SB1383 , SB1467 , SB1524 , SB1528 , SB1531 , SB1568 , SB1585 , SB1640 , SB1681 , SB1754 , SB1757 , SB1777 , SB1972 , SB1980 , SB2007 , SB2041 , SB2046 , SB2050 , SB2055 , SB2069 , SB2080 , SB2119 , SB2138 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB2201 , SB2225 , SB2268 , SB2306 , SB2308 , SB2310 , SB2330 , SB2366 , SB2375 , SB2392 , SB2401 , SB2422 , SB2480 , SB2514 , SB2530 , SB2533 , SB2543 , SB2544 , SB2589 , SB2610 , SB2615 , SB2623 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB2693 , SB2695 , SB2707 , SB2722 , SB2742 , SB2753 , SB2807 , SB2843 , SB2844 , SB2858 , SB2880 , SB2885 , SB2891 , SB2925 , SB2938 , SB2986 , SJR3 , SJR18 , SB5 , SB914 , SB963 , SB1197 , SB1415 , SB1437 , SB1786 , SB326 , SB767 , SB769 , SB783 , SB1035 , SB1271 , SB1619 , SB1637 , SB1806 , SB1 , SB260 , HB135 , HB1109 , HCR35 , HCR64 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SCR30 , SCR3 , SB2023 , SB619 , SB2742 , SB646 , SB1026 , SB2880 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB529 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2046 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB1524 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2681 , SB2200 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB2458 , SB2201 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB1721 , SB2366 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2383 , SB1754 , SB2119 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2929 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB410 , SB659 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SB2843 , SB2801 , SB800 , SB2055 , SB784 , SB2986 , SB735 , SB1012 , SB324 , SB2926 , SB2938 , SB2007 , SB2138 , SB1242 , SB2615 , SB1049 , SB2310 , SB1224 , SB2972 , SB1568 , SB2841 , SB2885 , SB3016 , SB2858 , SB2610 , SB2139 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB2308 , SB2306 , SB2041 , SB1528 , SB1681 , SB1141 , SB2401 , SB2530 , SB2375 , SB547 , SB1266 , SB1373 , SB1467 , SB2069 , SB2269 , SB2480 , SB2544 , SB672 , SB904 , SB2695 , SB2891 , SB2422 , SB2543 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB2925 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB457 , SB2357 , SB2721 , SB243 , SB1285 , SB2568 , SB1959 , SB1442 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB2541 , SB1708 , SB1237 , SB1844 , SB1586 , HB1392 , HB22 , SB1551 , SB3039 , SB2819 , SB66 , SB629 , SB1015 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB2933 , SB1965 , SB2477 , SB3029 , SB2605 , SB2419 , SB1957 , SB375 , SB250 , SB777 , SB628 , SB2523 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2778 , SB3044 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB865

Keywords: spaceports, tax-exempt bonds, aerospace investment, Texas space economy, Federal legislation, education funding, Texas State Technical College System, capital projects, infrastructure, higher education, tax exemption, property tax, homestead, fire damage, constitutional amendment, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• I think LIDA is a good program, but it helps later stage companies that can afford to put money aside
• And I'm... saying, if you buy a water right or lease a water right in Chama, you're going to say through
• As long as you're leasing water in Chama and as that natural backflow that would have gone through, that's
• Chair, Senator Lanier, yes, we have purchased some water rights somewhere... lease, and so that is the
• And they have to move to some other piece of property, or I have to lease them to someone that's going

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We hope to have it done soon, and we hope to be able to move as quickly as we can because we can't afford
• And, given other folks in the LAO constantly reminding us that we can't afford our commitments of even
• Have they already secured a lease, a long-term lease? Have they already purchased the property?
• Are they prepared to go in front of the committee and say, yes, we did sign a 20-year long-term lease
• Yes, we did sign a 20-year long-term lease, but we are willing to assert publicly the jobs are still

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview from Go-Biz Director D.D. Myers on the administration’s economic development strategy, centered on the California Jobs First framework. Myers described regional planning across 13 regions, the Jobs First Council, and pilot sectors including ag-tech, space and defense, life sciences, and semiconductors. She also outlined budget requests for CalCompetes, CalExport, the California Film Commission, innovation/emerging technologies, and the California Civic Media Fund, along with the new California brand campaign. Committee members raised questions about misinformation about California, regulatory burdens, tourism versus broader economic messaging, and how the brand campaign would highlight underrepresented communities. No vote was taken; the item was informational. The committee then reviewed CalOSBA’s work on small business support, including California RISE, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and TAP/SIP technical assistance and capital infusion programs. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first cohort awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, with growth in revenue, contracts, and jobs; the performing arts payroll fund paid all 100 recipients but was heavily oversubscribed; and TAP supported more than 112,000 businesses in the past year, helping leverage federal and local funds. Testimony from program partners emphasized the importance of small business counseling, community-based outreach, and support for arts organizations facing post-pandemic and AB 5-related cost pressures. Senators pressed for more data on long-term job retention, better outreach to smaller and ethnic media, and possible program changes to speed grants and stretch funding further. Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz’s request for additional staff and funding for the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Staff said the request would support application review, DEIA implementation, and data tracking. The Film Commission reported that about 147 productions had been approved and roughly 90% were opting into the new diversity provisions, with career pathways reporting to include demographic and participation data and a future report expected in 2027. Senators asked about accountability, apprenticeship and internship hours, and whether the program was producing real career pathways and inclusive hiring outcomes. The item remained informational, with no vote or action taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is where the fire stopped and saved three state lease cabins, wildlife habitat, and essential
• <00:09:46.880><c> saved</c><00:09:47.279><c> three</c><00:09:47.600><c> state</c><00:09:47.839><c> lease
• </c> stopped and saved three state lease stopped and saved three state lease cabins,<00:09:48.959><c>
• up what we call as a below timber sale, which means the private sector's contributing; they can't afford
• up what we call as a below timber sale, which means the private sector's contributing; they can't afford

Bills: HB0078 , SF0012 , SF0013 , SF0052 , SF0069 , SF0070

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration

Transcript Highlights:

• to experience these tragic losses, and more workers can keep building Washington's future: the affordable
• Affordability, Mr. Speaker.
• At the beginning of this session, we heard that affordability is a watchword for our policy discussions
• Speaker, if we are going to seriously commit to affordability, we cannot indulge in every heartbreaking
• To defend affordability, to help keep the cost of housing and building other things in some kind of reach

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s minutes, and heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members also announced caucus breaks and a reminder that Seahawks apparel would be permitted on the floor the next day. The chamber then moved through second- and third-reading business on a series of bills, with several committee substitutes and amendments adopted by voice vote before final passage votes were taken by roll call. House Bill 1155, dealing with non-compete agreements, drew the most debate. Supporters said it would ban non-competes, improve worker mobility, and promote entrepreneurship; opponents raised concerns about contract freedom and, in one failed amendment, sought to exempt high earners and senior executives. Other adopted amendments clarified tribal worker relationships, defined patients in place of customers, and required notice that existing non-competes would be void. The bill ultimately passed 65-29. House Bill 1002, concerning PTSD eligibility for coroners and medical examiners, failed an amendment that would have limited costs to the relevant risk class, then passed 70-24 after supporters argued the measure would help a small group of workers exposed to traumatic scenes. House Bill 2264, on unemployment benefits for workers who voluntarily participate in layoffs, passed unanimously 94-0. The House also passed House Bill 2110, allowing nurses to accompany inter-facility ambulance transports without EMT licensure, after an amendment requiring training on ambulance equipment; House Bill 2272, a technical update to ski equipment terminology; House Bill 2238, creating a statewide food security strategy and narrowing agency scope through amendment; House Bill 2445, aimed at stopping profiteering in probate cases involving unclaimed estates; House Bill 2109, allowing covered transport of certain vehicle loads to reduce roadway debris; House Bill 2492, requiring behavioral and mental health training for construction and trades workers despite objections about added costs; House Bill 2472, strengthening licensing enforcement for fire sprinkler work; House Bill 288, joining the dietician licensure compact; and House Bill 2229, updating the Professional Engineers Registration Act and requiring board members to have practiced in Washington for at least five years. Final votes on these bills ranged from near-unanimous to more divided, with each receiving the constitutional majority needed to pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• to experience these tragic losses, and more workers can keep building Washington's future: the affordable
• Affordability, Mr. Speaker.
• At the beginning of this session, we heard that affordability is a watchword for our policy discussions
• Speaker, if we are going to seriously commit to affordability, we cannot indulge in every heartbreaking
• To defend affordability, to help keep the cost of housing and building other things in some kind of reach

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer. Members approved the prior day’s minutes, referred introduction-sheet bills, and later took up several second- and third-reading bills. Early in the day, the chamber also announced that members could wear Seahawks apparel during floor action the next day. The House passed House Bill 1155, which bans non-compete agreements, after adopting amendments clarifying tribal worker relationships, replacing references to “customer” with “patient” in certain contexts, and requiring notice to current and some former employees that non-competes are void. An amendment to exempt senior executives earning over $350,000 was rejected. The bill passed 65-29. The House also passed House Bill 1002, allowing certain coroners and medical examiners to seek workers’ compensation for PTSD; an amendment to isolate costs to their own risk class was rejected, and the bill passed 70-24. House Bill 2264, clarifying unemployment insurance eligibility for workers who voluntarily participate in layoffs, passed unanimously 94-0. Later measures included House Bill 2110, allowing nurses to accompany inter-facility ambulance transports without also holding EMT licenses, which passed 94-0 after an amendment clarifying training; House Bill 2272, a technical update to ski equipment terminology, which passed 94-0; House Bill 2238, creating a statewide food security strategy, which passed 83-12 after a technical amendment narrowing agency scope; and House Bill 2445, aimed at preventing profiteering in probate estates, which passed 67-28 after a technical amendment. The House also passed House Bill 2109 on securing vehicle loads (95-0), House Bill 2492 requiring behavioral and mental health training for construction workers and apprentices (79-16), House Bill 2472 on licensed contractors for fire sprinkler work (92-3), House Bill 288 joining the dietician licensure compact (93-1), and House Bill 2229 updating the Professional Engineers Registration Act and requiring five years of Washington practice for board members after an amendment (68-26).

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Transcript Highlights:

• Often these leases will last about 20- or 30-year leases for these particular operation sites, yet the
• Gas is not the affordable choice. Gas is not the affordable choice.
• So what does tackling energy affordability look like?
• And what is not energy affordability?
• Clean energy and affordable. correlating drop in prices.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs. Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• So are they farmers, or are they just holding leases to ag?
• One of the conditions of agricultural leases is that you must grow a crop.
• There is a difference between agricultural leases and pastoral leases.
• So for ag leases, you must grow something. For pastoral leases, that includes livestock.
• A few of our leases grow feed, but it's for the livestock.

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed. Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted. The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families. Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill takes a safe, proven, and affordable public health tool and rips it away.
• It says, if you can't afford it, too bad. I say we reject that.
• It has the approval of religious institutions for land for affordable housing.
• face challenges securing affordable health care options in today's ACA market.
• And while I can afford those additional copays, some people cannot.

Bills: HB 1500 , HJR 7 , HJR 112 , HB 34 , HB 133 , HB 112 , HB 119 , HB 128 , HB 130 , HB 132 , HB 2756 , HB 166 , HB 406 , HB 186 , HB 271 , HB 331 , HB 380 , HB 1583 , HB 1584 , HB 1819 , HB 621 , HB 303 , HB 552 , HB 366 , HB 463 , HB 1211 , HB 1327 , HB 1461 , HB 923 , HB 1760 , HB 2043 , HB 2467 , HB 5333 , HB 5265 , HB 1592 , HB 1576 , HB 1552 , HB 2018 , HB 3511 , HB 1781 , HB 2013 , HB 2340 , HB 2349 , HB 2508 , HB 2970 , HB 2520 , HB 865 , HB 2851 , HB 3385 , HB 3336 , HB 3529 , HB 3309 , HB 1127 , HB 1232 , HB 1397 , HB 4236 , HB 1804 , HB 1926 , HB 4041 , HB 1965 , HB 1964 , HB 2679 , HB 2730 , HB 3698 , HB 3699 , HCR 77 , HB 3354 , HB 163 , HB 201 , HB 272 , HB 333 , HB 405 , HB 519 , HB 569 , HB 654 , HB 694 , HB 791 , HB 1006 , HB 1136 , HB 1240 , HB 1266 , HB 1275 , HB 1437 , HB 1532 , HB 1675 , HB 1842 , HB 1868 , HB 1888 , HB 1894 , HB 1943 , HB 1990 , HB 2029 , HB 2061 , HB 2286 , HB 2523 , HB 2622 , HB 2626 , HB 2652 , HB 2692 , HB 2842 , HB 2885 , HB 2914 , HB 3016 , HB 3096 , HB 3129 , HB 3248 , HB 3251 , HB 3255 , HB 3479 , HB 3611 , HB 3623 , HB 3701 , HB 3724 , HB 3803 , HB 3804 , HB 3805 , HB 3806 , HB 3810 , HB 3816 , HB 3832 , HB 3887 , HB 4127 , HB 4129 , HB 4130 , HB 4131 , HB 4163 , HB 4187 , HB 4229 , HB 4238 , HB 4454 , HB 4588 , HB 4643 , HB 4736 , HB 4738 , HB 4739 , HB 4945 , HB 5015 , HB 5616 , SB 767 , SB 1619 , SB 1738 , HJR 5 , HJR 2 , HB 1399 , HB 388 , HB 114 , HB 205 , HB 2789 , HB 2791 , HB 499 , HB 2960 , HB 3163 , HB 3135 , HB 2427 , HB 1672 , HB 1722 , HB 2618 , HB 879 , HB 1126 , HB 4134 , HB 3513 , HB 1445 , HB 1893 , HB 1734 , HB 3229 , HB 3306 , HB 1276 , HB 3516 , HB 4145 , HB 1585 , HB 4810 , HB 2558 , HB 2742 , HB 1695 , HB 33 , HB 144 , HB 109 , HB 103 , HB 148 , HB 3809 , HB 2217 , HB 220 , HB 2421 , HB 2363 , HB 421 , HB 2455 , HB 3711 , HB 2559 , HB 2775 , HB 3126 , HB 3666 , HB 3595 , HB 3260 , HB 3376 , HB 3826 , HB 3770 , HB 1831 , HB 2614 , HB 3113 , HB 322 , HB 431 , HB 869 , HB 1203 , HB 1244 , HB 1875 , HB 1950 , HB 2152 , HB 2341 , HB 2809 , HB 2856 , HB 3012 , SB 1415 , SB 1058 , SB 487 , SB 1499 , SB 513 , SB 1697 , SB 1197 , SB 1437 , SB 1809 , SB 836 , SB 1879 , SB 1145 , SB 963 , SB 1038 , SB 1147 , SB 914 , SB 711 , SB 1409 , HB 3707 , HB 589 , HB 1360 , HB 2337 , HB 2391 , HB 718 , HB 23 , HB 2436 , HB 1500 , HJR 7 , HJR 112 , HB 34 , HB 133 , HB 112 , HB 119 , HB 128 , HB 130 , HB 132 , HB 2756 , HB 166 , HB 406 , HB 186 , HB 271 , HB 331 , HB 380 , HB 1583 , HB 1584 , HB 1819 , HB 621 , HB 303 , HB 552 , HB 366 , HB 463 , HB 1211 , HB 1327 , HB 1461 , HB 923 , HB 1760 , HB 2043 , HB 2467 , HB 5333 , HB 5265 , HB 1592 , HB 1576 , HB 1552 , HB 2018 , HB 3511 , HB 1781 , HB 2013 , HB 2340 , HB 2349 , HB 2508 , HB 2970 , HB 2520 , HB 865 , HB 2851 , HB 3385 , HB 3336 , HB 3529 , HB 3309 , HB 1127 , HB 1232 , HB 1397 , HB 4236 , HB 1804 , HB 1926 , HB 4041 , HB 1965 , HB 1964 , HB 2679 , HB 2730 , HB 3698 , HB 3699 , HB 3354 , HB 163 , HB 201 , HB 272 , HB 333 , HB 405 , HB 519 , HB 569 , HB 654 , HB 694 , HB 791 , HB 1006 , HB 1136 , HB 1240 , HB 1266 , HB 1275 , HB 1437 , HB 1532 , HB 1675 , HB 1842 , HB 1868 , HB 1888 , HB 1894 , HB 1943 , HB 1990 , HB 2029 , HB 2061 , HB 2286 , HB 2523 , HB 2622 , HB 2626 , HB 2652 , HB 2692 , HB 2842 , HB 2885 , HB 2914 , HB 3016 , HB 3096 , HB 3129 , HB 3248 , HB 3251 , HB 3255 , HB 3479 , HB 3611 , HB 3623 , HB 3701 , HB 3724 , HB 3803 , HB 3804 , HB 3805 , HB 3806 , HB 3810 , HB 3816 , HB 3832 , HB 3887 , HB 4127 , HB 4129 , HB 4130 , HB 4131 , HB 4163 , HB 4187 , HB 4229 , HB 4238 , HB 4454 , HB 4588 , HB 4643 , HB 4736 , HB 4738 , HB 4739 , HB 4945 , HB 5015 , HB 5616 , SB 767 , SB 1619 , SB 1738 , HCR 77

Keywords: Information Resources, Department governance, cybersecurity, state assistance, procurement training, technology resources, advisory committees, water fund, Texas water supply, constitutional amendment, state revenue, infrastructure, parental rights, child upbringing, government interference, Texas legislation, science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration

Transcript Highlights:

• your Committee on Education, having had under consideration HB 2383 relating to school districts leases
• your Committee on Education, having had under consideration HB 2383 relating to school districts leases
• your Committee on Education, having had under consideration HB 2383 relating to school districts leases
• If you want affordable prices, I think this bill calls for a nay, and I vote nay.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would increase the Lemon Law arbitration fee that is collected upon the sale or lease of a new vehicle
• Request legislation, it would increase the Lemon Law arbitration fee that is collected upon the sale or lease
• Senate Bill 5647, providing a real estate excise tax exemption for the sale of qualified affordable housing
• Senate Bill 5647, providing a real estate excise tax exemption for the sale of qualified affordable housing
• Senate Bill 5647, providing a real estate excise tax exemption for the sale of qualified affordable housing

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held public hearings on several bills before moving into executive session. Substitute Senate Bill 6037 would change how single-city fire protection districts are funded by ending the requirement that a city reduce its levy dollar-for-dollar and instead reducing the city’s statutory maximum rate; testimony was generally supportive from cities and firefighters, while public hospital districts opposed it over prorationing concerns and some witnesses sought amendments on governance and accountability. Senate Bill 6194 would allow cost-based Medicaid reimbursement for rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations, with strong support from Toppenish/Astria representatives and the Yakama Nation, who said the bill is needed to address severe funding inequities and preserve services. Senate Bill 5963 would make Passport to Careers students automatically income-eligible for the Washington College Grant; it drew support from student advocates and foster-youth advocates, with staff noting modest estimated costs. Senate Bill 5909 would require public universities to review and report low-enrollment undergraduate programs and potentially discontinue them after repeated low enrollment; Eastern Washington University supported it as an accountability measure, while faculty and student representatives opposed it as unnecessary, costly, and potentially politicized. Senate Bill 5826 would require public postsecondary student health centers to provide access to medication abortion or referrals and related web information; testimony was sharply divided between supporters who framed it as needed student health access and opponents who raised moral, safety, and budget objections. In executive session, staff briefed a series of bills, including measures on opioid treatment accreditation fees, a pre-K donation account, JLARC report elimination, retirement trust fund expense authority, pension lump-sum thresholds, port employee retirement exemptions, lemon law arbitration fees, LEAP website disclosures, limits on corporate ownership of single-family homes, a permanent senior center property tax exemption, timber tax distributions for school districts, capital project administration rules, and a real estate excise tax exemption for affordable housing. The committee then took action on the listed bills. The committee voted to give due pass recommendations to the Rules Committee for Senate Bills 5872, 5879, 5834, 5835, 5905, 5832, 6177, 5496, 5970, 5994, 6047, and 5647. Amendments were adopted on SB 5834, SB 5905, SB 6047, and SB 5647 before those bills were advanced as substitutes. SB 5988 was noted as taking action later, but no vote on it was recorded in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, they are losing their lease with the local Catholic Church that has housed them for those 50
• Losing our lease was very sudden.
• Another main point I want to make is that this serves as a primary connector for affordable housing.
• Forest Lake stands out among our suburban peers as one of the most affordable places to live, with over
• This trail and road connection would create an incredible link for those affordable housing units. ..

Bills: HF2418 , HF1666 , HF232 , HF344 , HF402 , HF431 , HF468 , HF547 , HF583 , HF1476 , HF1711 , HF2787 , HF2788 , HF3207

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: capital investment, political subdivisions, state assistance, funding, project grants, child care, Slayton, state bonds, economic development, extended time revenue, school funding, state aid, career and technical education, CTE, STEM, secondary credit, after-school programs, summer school, learning year program, extended day

Transcript Highlights:

• academic achievements it has made have been recognized for its broad range of academic programs, affordable
• From offering affordable tuition and offering research opportunities to championing bilingual and bicultural
• Senate Bill 2719 by Perry, relating to the lease of certain state property from the Department of State
• Senate Bill 2719 by Perry, relating to the lease of certain state property from the Department of State
• Senate Bill 2763 by Cook, relating to the renewal of certain leases in manufactured home communities,

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with remarks highlighting UTRGV’s growth, degree production, research expansion, medical school, and role in serving the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. The chamber also recognized the doctor of the day and adopted additional resolutions, including one for Denton County Days at the Capitol and another recognizing Texas HBCU Day. The Senate gave extensive recognition to outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp through Senate Resolution 368. Senators from both parties praised his long public career, leadership of the A&M System, support for regional universities, and bipartisan approach. The resolution was adopted after multiple members added their names. The chamber also heard from advocates with the Texas Streets Coalition, and received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. On legislation, the Senate passed several major bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to address teacher vacancies, bilingual certification testing, paid leave options, classroom removals, and appeal rights, then passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment on parents’ right to direct a child’s education, advanced on a 22-9 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, aimed at preventing foreign influence and intellectual property theft at public institutions of higher education, passed unanimously. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the business entities bill, also passed after debate over corporate governance and shareholder protections. Senate Bill 857, authorizing law enforcement to tow certain vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed despite some concern about towing abuses during disasters. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, but the transcript ends as that bill is being laid out.

Transcript Highlights:

• 47 AUTHORIZES THE FILING COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND COMMENCE AN EVALUATION FOR OPTIONS TO SELL, LEASE
• HEALTH INSURER MEMBERS HAVE STRONG CONCERNS ABOUT THE INTENT OF THE BILL AND THE IMPACT ON THE AFFORDABILITY
• CLAIMS TO THE FEDERAL PROCESS WHICH HEALTH PLAN MEMBERS VIEW IS BROKEN AND IT HAS CREATED A NEW AFFORDABILITY
• ARBITRATION A RAMPANT MISUSE OF LED TO BILLIONS OF WASTEFUL SPENDING AND THAT ULTIMATELY AFFECTS THE AFFORDABILITY

Transcript Highlights:

• with little or essentially no airline service, generate revenue from three primary sources: land leases
• In short, it penalizes the very groups that depend most on affordable access to digital advertising.
• This bill would create a safer, regulated alternative for those who cannot access or afford care in a
• This bill would create a safer, regulated alternative for those who cannot access or afford care in a
• It'll hurt people that can least afford it the most. It will also hurt our retailers.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a long hybrid hearing on a wide range of tax bills, with testimony covering cigarette and tobacco taxes, nicotine pouches, contractor rental equipment exemptions, aircraft sales tax exemptions, rolling stock, advanced sales tax payments, a gun and ammunition excise tax, a digital services tax, and a psilocybin cultivation/tax proposal. Committee chairs outlined the hearing process and noted that 39 House-filed sales and excise tax bills were being heard for required reporting by November 28. No votes were taken during the hearing. On tobacco-related bills, supporters including Senator Keenan, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and Tobacco Free Mass backed higher cigarette taxes and closing the synthetic nicotine loophole, arguing the measures would reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and offset health care costs. Retailers, wholesalers, and convenience-store groups opposed the increases, warning of smuggling, out-of-state purchasing, and harm to small businesses; premium cigar representatives argued cigars should be treated separately from cigarettes. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3067 and related bills concerning nicotine pouches, with public health advocates supporting taxation and industry witnesses urging a lower, more competitive rate. Several other bills drew sharply divided testimony. United Rentals supported H. 3065 to simplify contractor rental equipment exemption paperwork, while airport and aviation groups opposed bills to repeal the aircraft sales tax exemption, saying it would hurt airport competitiveness and jobs. The Transportation Association of Massachusetts backed rolling stock tax exemptions, saying the current tax discourages fleet investment and interstate commerce. Restaurant industry representatives supported repealing advanced sales tax payments and changing penalty rules, saying businesses were hit with retroactive penalties after unclear pandemic-era changes. On H. 3082, an excise tax on guns and ammunition, gun violence prevention advocates, Roca, and Giffords supported the bill as a dedicated funding source for prevention and survivor services, while sportsmen’s groups opposed it as unfair to lawful gun owners and harmful to conservation funding. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3208, a digital advertising services tax, with Representative Paulino supporting it as a way to capture revenue from online advertising and fund public needs, while the Chamber of Progress opposed it as costly and burdensome for small businesses and campaigns. Finally, multiple witnesses testified on H. 4050 regarding psilocybin cultivation and taxation: advocates from Mass Healing, Roca, the Reason Foundation, and individuals describing personal medical benefits urged a regulated, permit-based system, while the hearing ended after all signed-up speakers were heard and the chair adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Developing an affordable, durable, sustainable fund will require a thorough study and analysis.
• Sustainable, affordable solutions are needed.
• The number one issue I hear about from my constituents is affordability, and the cost of food is one
• I know on my own place, my own ranch at home, you know, we had to lease some of it out this year.
• And you may think we can't afford to do this. I would say we can't afford not to do this.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2275, which would create a Wildfire Prevention and Protection Fund and a new council to oversee utility wildfire mitigation, claims payments, and related administration. Staff explained that investor-owned utilities would be required to participate, consumer-owned utilities could opt in, and utilities would pay annual contributions and maintain approved wildfire mitigation plans to qualify for claims coverage. The prime sponsor, Rep. Christine Reeves, said the bill was intended to address wildfire liability, support prevention, and create a more comprehensive statewide approach to wildfire risk. Members asked about retroactivity to July 1, 2021, utility contribution limits, and whether the bill would lower rates or improve mitigation funding. Public testimony was split. Supporters included the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Department of Natural Resources, wildfire survivors, and several wildfire and insurance advocates, who emphasized the need for compensation, stable funding, prevention, and better resilience planning. Opponents included several utilities, utility associations, business groups, and public utility district representatives, who argued the bill would shift uncapped costs to ratepayers, lacked clear liability reform and solvency protections, and could be vulnerable to future fund sweeps. Some witnesses cited California’s wildfire fund as a model, while others said Washington needed a broader, more holistic solution focused on prevention and liability reform. No vote was taken on HB 2275; the public hearing was closed after testimony. The committee then moved to executive session on House Bill 2238, which directs the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy and adds food security coordination and food system performance monitoring to the department’s duties. Four amendments were adopted: L-061, requiring consideration of regulatory cost metrics and periodic competitiveness reporting; L-062, directing the strategy to recommend legislative actions to make food more affordable and reduce food assistance need; L-060, adding people with lived experience of food insecurity and BIPOC small farmers to consultation requirements and focusing on root causes of hunger; and L-063, adding fuel and labor cost tracking to agricultural viability metrics. Amendment L-064, which would have required a consultant study on proposed agricultural labor legislation, failed on a 5-6 roll call vote. The committee then adopted the amended substitute and reported Substitute House Bill 2238 out of committee with a due pass recommendation by an 11-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• You keep knocking down everything and taking up all the farmland to build affordable housing.
• Karabinchak, concerns local government acquisition of firefighting apparatus and equipment through purchase, lease
• , or lease-purchase.
• It concerns local government acquisition of firefighting apparatus and equipment through purchase lease
• or lease purchase.

Keywords: 1146, all