Transcript Highlights:

• egg lands that are owned by by foreign egg lands that are owned by by foreign entities<00:51:27.799
• lands or in foreign entitlement, and of those lands under foreign entitlement, how much are actually
• lands or in foreign entitlement, and of those lands under foreign entitlement, how much are actually
• leasing of your lands to foreign leasing of your lands to foreign corporations<00:53:48.240>
• are foreign lands or in foreign are foreign lands or in foreign entitlement<00:55:22.400> um<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations. The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bonner, and we're helping foreign medical school graduate licensing modifications with Rep.
• Bonner and we're helping<00:02:05.840> med<00:02:06.159> foreign<00:02:06.479> medical
• <00:02:06.880> school helping med foreign medical school helping med foreign medical school
• <01:48:55.600> So,<01:48:55.840> I<01:48:56.080> have have more influence over
• So, I have have more influence over it.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Could they use foreign call centers for instance to do these calls?

Bills: HB3407, HB1242, HJR1081, HB3443, HB3781, HB1939, HB4237, HB3430, HB3321, HB3905, HB3329, HB4253, HB4421, HB4311, HJR1046, HB2015, HB3244, HB4265, HB3941, HB4203, HB2941, HB3695, HB3380, HB3132, HB3673, HB3134, HB3383, HB4490, HB4058

Keywords: property rights, abandoned homes, manufactured homes, notification, salvage, real estate, Oklahoma Tax Commission, landowner liability, redemption, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• principal from a foreign adversary under certain circumstances.
• principle from a foreign adversary under certain circumstances.
• What, you say a foreign provider. Can you say names? Can you say projects?
• The foreign-made product is not. Okay.
• So, and again, I can't speak to other foreign producers. What they do, I don't know.

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Bills: HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800

Keywords: funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer, funeral director in charge, dual licensure, mortuary science, Oklahoma Funeral Board, funeral establishment, commercial embalming establishment, crematory, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, apprenticeship, licensing requirements, professional regulation, undertaker, mortician, burial services, death care industry, workers' compensation

Bills: SB118, SB203, HB420, HB414, HB363, HB405, HB261, HB263, HB327, HB348, HB228, HB282, SB273, HB7, SB296, SB199, SB47, SB204, HB80, HB11, HB192

Keywords: bail, offenses, constitutional amendment, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, Baldwin County, local bill, education funding, school tax, privilege license tax, county tax revenue, municipal school board, Baldwin County Board of Education

Bills: HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369, HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24

Keywords: non-human behaviors, education, Texas schools, policy, regulation, funding, teacher salaries, school districts, state budget, non-enrolled students, University Interscholastic League, participation, eligibility standards, school participation, academic standards, Texas education, interscholastic league, extracurricular activities, academic proficiency, AED

Transcript Highlights:

• to a 2021 report by the Modern Language Association, the number of college students enrolled in a foreign
• Uh, demand for foreign languages is at an all-time high.
• Additionally, proficiency in a foreign language has numerous practical benefits such as improving memory
• One way to increase enrollment and proficiency in foreign languages is to improve access to study abroad
• This would be a way for students who do learn a foreign language on a study abroad, you know, encourage

Transcript Highlights:

• the national debt is a major concern across Alabama and around the country. including defense and foreign
• policy. including defense and foreign policy.
• There are teachers who have had more influence on some student lives than their parents has had on their
• There are teachers who have had more influence on some student lives than their parents has had on their
• There are teachers who have had more influence on some student lives than their parents has had on their

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then quickly handled routine business including excusing absent senators, adopting the prior journal, and recognizing several guests in the gallery. The chamber also paused to honor Dr. Mark Sullivan, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, with a Senate resolution commending him as the Alabama Education Association’s 2025-26 outstanding superintendent of the year. Senator Smitherman and Dr. Sullivan both spoke, with Sullivan highlighting Birmingham’s academic gains, reduced failing schools, and lower chronic absenteeism. The Senate then processed a series of House messages and confirmations. It concurred in SB 288 on agriculture authorities and SB 317 on the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services, but non-concurred and sent SB 174 on natural resources and SB 32 on solid waste collection fees to conference. The chamber confirmed numerous appointments, including Rex Jones, William Donahue, Jim Massey, Jason Windham, Alexander Atwater, Charles Dean, Steve McKinnon, Bonnie Temple, Shaniqua Johnson-Enam, Dwayne Jenkins, Troy Skipworth, Gloria Watts, Tracy Doughty, Kevin Ball, Joe D. Briggs, Josh Bryant, Dylan Turk, David R. Pruitt III, and Carol Smitherman, with most confirmations passing on near-unanimous rolls. Committee reports advanced several House bills, including favorable reports on HB 224, 591, 614, 609, 444, 248, 611, 622, 92, and 556, with HB 248 amended. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the University of Alabama women’s wheelchair basketball team for winning the 2026 national championship, and another resolution recognizing the seriousness of the national debt and urging Congress to establish regular budget order. A resolution honoring retired Brigadier General Vandiver H. Carter as the 2026 Marion Military Institute Alumnus of the Year and a resolution commending John R. Cooper were also adopted. In local legislation, the Senate passed HB 635 for Choctaw County, HB 639 for Escambia County, SB 10 for Tuscaloosa County, HB 315 for class one municipalities after adopting a committee substitute and a friendly amendment, and HB 404 for class one municipalities. Finally, the Committee on Rules reported and the Senate adopted a special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing a wide range of bills for priority consideration, including measures on solar power facilities, homestead exemptions, education, guardianships, tax increment districts, legal tender, college tuition, crime victims compensation, motor vehicles, entertainment industry issues, campus chaplains, tax abatements, alcoholic beverage producers, data privacy, constables, insurance, municipal audits, income tax, public high schools, taxation, state health planning, and University of Alabama matters.

Transcript Highlights:

• company or if it's a foreign government or if it's an agent of a foreign power.
• company or if it's a foreign government or if it's an agent of a foreign power.
• company, a foreign government, or an agent of a foreign power.
• company, a foreign government, or an agent of a foreign power.
• foreign nationals from um from foreign foreign nationals from specific<01:57:32.480> countries.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a budget-related issue involving liquor commission enforcement staff and tobacco enforcement funding. A member explained that proposed cuts to “group two” enforcement positions at the liquor commission could jeopardize the tobacco enforcement money that flows to Health and Human Services, and expressed confidence that the enforcement division would ultimately be preserved. The main hearing was on Senate Bill 19, which would modernize hotel and motel statutes by repealing outdated requirements. The sponsor and the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association said the bill would remove obsolete rules such as the old guest book/card system and antiquated posting requirements for room rates and motel signs. Members questioned whether the bill would eliminate the requirement to record guest departure dates or affect inspection rights, and the witnesses said the intent was only to remove the book-and-card reference while leaving the rest of the recordkeeping requirement in place. Supporters argued the rate-posting rules are widely ignored, hard to enforce, and outdated in an era of digital reservations and variable pricing; the committee also discussed whether any consumer-protection purpose remained. The public hearing on SB 19 was then closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 280FN, which would require food delivery services to have an agreement with a restaurant or food retail store before offering delivery from that business. The sponsor said the bill restores a prior law that had sunset and was intended to prevent third-party platforms from listing restaurants without consent. Restaurant industry testimony strongly supported the bill, describing problems with unauthorized listings, delayed deliveries, and reimbursement disputes, and saying the agreement requirement protects restaurant brands and consumer expectations. Members shared examples of delivery problems and voiced support for reinstating the safeguard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um that doesn't apply though to foreign Um that doesn't apply though to foreign corporations<00:
• > corporate So instead, uh foreign corporate So instead, uh foreign corporate dividends<00:02:43.920
• what what are called controlled foreign what what are called controlled foreign corporations<00:
• Foreign tax credit.
• representation of the foreign sales. representation of the foreign sales.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Senate Bill 1683 is an emergency measure that expands the prohibition on a foreign
• substantial interest to mean a 5% interest or more in all contingent interests that are held by a foreign
• The bill prohibits a foreign adversary from installing, maintaining, or having access to the data of,
• this bill, but how do you define a person who acts in support of an organization designated as a foreign
• I believe the question was regarding a foreign terrorist organization.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Federalism Committee met to consider one measure, Senate Bill 1683, an emergency bill expanding Arizona’s restrictions on foreign adversary involvement in real property. The bill would bar foreign adversaries from leasing or otherwise obtaining a substantial interest in Arizona real property, lower the definition of “substantial interest” from 20% to 5% for contingent interests, prohibit foreign adversaries from installing or accessing equipment or data on Arizona property, and make violations a Class 5 felony. It also covers transactions designed to evade the law through intermediaries, shell companies, partnerships, or trusts, and requires certain utilities, telecom providers, critical infrastructure owners, and agencies to notify the Attorney General and Arizona Corporation Commission if they suspect prohibited equipment or lease arrangements. The committee heard supportive testimony from retired Lt. Col. James Rusty Mitchell, who said Arizona has been a national model for protecting military training and argued the bill would strengthen those protections, especially around Luke Air Force Base. Committee members questioned the breadth of the bill, particularly the reduction of the ownership threshold to 5% and the definition of a person acting in support of a designated foreign terrorist organization. Mitchell said he was not the expert on those legal details, while Department of Emergency Affairs legislative liaison Travis Schulte said the definition is tied to federal statute. One member expressed concern that the bill could sweep in non-adversarial transactions and implicate First Amendment activity. After discussion, the vice chair moved SB 1683 for a do pass recommendation. The committee voted 5 ayes and 2 nays to advance the bill, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the Foreign Service pension system is a federal pension system for retired Foreign Service officers
• Members, the Foreign Service pension system is a federal pension system for retired Foreign Service officers
• Members, the Foreign Service pension system is a federal pension system for retired Foreign Service officers
• Members, the Foreign Service pension system is a federal pension system for retired Foreign Service officers
• Members, the Foreign Service pension system is a federal pension system for retired Foreign Service officers

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the prior day’s minutes, then heard Senate File 255, which would exempt American Legion and VFW buildings from property tax. The bill’s author and the American Legion Department of Minnesota testified that many posts are struggling financially, that the tax burden can threaten building ownership, and that the posts provide important community services such as charitable gambling support, youth sports, food insecurity assistance, suicide prevention training, and meeting space for veterans and local residents. Several members voiced support, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee then took up Senate File 30, a proposal to allow Minnesota estate tax portability for married couples, so a deceased spouse’s unused $3 million exclusion could transfer to the surviving spouse, similar to federal law. The author said Minnesota is an outlier compared with other estate-tax states and that the bill would simplify planning and reduce tax burdens, especially for family farms and other illiquid assets. A CPA and a Minnesota Farm Bureau representative testified that the order of death should not determine tax liability and that portability would help keep family farms intact. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion. Next, the committee adopted an A1 amendment to Senate File 211 and heard the bill, which would create a Minnesota subtraction for Foreign Service pension income, treating it more like military pension income. The author said the change would cover a small number of retirees and would have a minimal fiscal impact, while the testifier described Foreign Service work and said the benefit would recognize their service. The bill, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 132, which would revise property tax language related to electric power systems by replacing references to attachments and impertinences with broader system-based language. The author said the bill would clarify tax treatment for power co-ops, restore the original intent of the law, and provide stability for Greater Minnesota, with an estimated property tax shift of a little over $700,000. Testimony was beginning when the transcript ended, and no vote on the bill was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We would have foreign jobs bringing us this gas, foreign revenue instead of Alaska revenue, and foreign
• We would have foreign jobs bringing us this gas, foreign revenue instead of Alaska revenue, and foreign
• country on a foreign ship and, as the majority leader said, with foreign workers and foreign profits
• country on a foreign ship and as the majority leader said with foreign workers and foreign profits that's
• all due to the Jones Act which is a majority leader said with foreign workers and foreign profits that's

Keywords: 905, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, House Bill 2895 instructs SBE and public schools that require students to receive foreign
• Finally, the amendment specifies that students required to receive world rather than foreign language
• important roles in a school district because they set the tone, hire the administrators, and can influence

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2076, which would create a reimbursement program for school safety training and equipment, maintain an approved list of training programs meeting AZPOST standards, and allow eligible schools to adopt policies permitting certain employees to carry concealed firearms on campus if they complete approved training and meet notification/confidentiality requirements. The sponsor, Rep. Bliss, framed the bill as an optional, fiscally responsible medical-response measure meant to help school employees stop bleeding and save lives in emergencies, emphasizing that no school would be required to participate and that no new state appropriation was needed. Opponents, including Giffords, Arizona for Gun Safety, and the Arizona Education Association, argued the bill would normalize armed staff in classrooms, create confidentiality problems for parents and law enforcement, and expose students and staff to additional risk. They also said teachers are not trained as trauma responders and that the bill’s immunity and secrecy provisions could reduce accountability. Supporters, including Arizona Citizens Defense League and other proponents, said the bill adds guardrails to existing law, focuses mostly on first aid and de-escalation training, and gives schools an option to prepare staff for emergencies. After debate, the committee voted 6-5-1 to give HB 2076 a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 2830, which directs the State Board of Education to adopt science standards requiring instruction on fetal and prenatal development and specifies that the instruction is not sex education. Opponents, including the Arizona Education Association and Reproductive Freedom for All, said the bill politicizes science, creates fragmented instruction, and could lead to questions that inevitably touch on sex education while failing to address broader student health needs. Supporters, including Arizona Right to Life, a school board president, and a biology teacher, argued the bill is simply about age-appropriate, medically accurate science and parental transparency. The committee approved HB 2830 on an 8-4 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• too many restaurants in Acadiana that do not have at the bottom of their menu that the seafood is foreign
• She graduated last May, and now she works for the FAS Foreign Agricultural Service.
• If you understand what Foreign Agricultural Service does for the United States, it's a very critical
• And now she works for the, what is it, the FAS Foreign Act Service.
• And if you understand what foreign ag service does for the United States, it's a very critical agency

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met to approve the October 3, 2024 interim minutes and then took up two resolutions. HCR 205, by Representative Kerner, urged USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Supporters said shrimpers are facing very low prices, full cold storage, and an urgent need for federal purchases to stabilize the market and help local processors and fishermen. Commissioner Mike Strain explained that USDA commodity purchases can support schools, nursing homes, and food banks, and members discussed the need for cold storage, marketing, and better promotion of local seafood. The resolution was reported favorably without objection. The committee also considered HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill language that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs; members said the provision had raised concerns about field trials, scent hounds, and hunting practices, and the resolution was also reported favorably without objection. The committee then received a presentation from Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture leadership, led by interim president and chancellor Orlando McMeans and Executive Vice Chancellor Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, teaching, and extension work, including medicinal cannabis research, beef cattle and smart ranching, viticulture, aquaculture, precision agriculture, food and nutrition, and support for small farmers and K-12 dual enrollment. They highlighted scholarship and enrollment programs, including USDA-supported 1890 scholars and JAG Stars, as well as partnerships with LSU and USDA. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed 1,300-bed disaster shelter/mega shelter at the experiment station. Members asked questions about meat-cutting and processing training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s use when not needed for disasters. Southern officials said the new processing facility is intended to support training and workforce development, and that the shelter could also be used for events such as weddings, graduations, and agricultural activities. The committee expressed appreciation for the presentation and the work of the Ag Center. Representative Broussard then moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mohamed Abdirizak is a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal
• He's played key roles in shaping Somalia's foreign policy, supporting security transition efforts, and
• <00:04:16.680> Affairs<00:04:17.079> and<00:04:17.160> International Foreign Affairs
• and International Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation<00:04:18.640> of<00:04:18.720
• roles in shaping Somalia's foreign roles in shaping Somalia's foreign policy,<00:04:27.120> supporting

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House began with announcements centered on a resolution expressing support for Minnesota’s Somali American community. Several members read the resolution’s whereas clauses, which highlighted the community’s history in Minnesota, contributions to civic, cultural, social, and economic life, and the importance of welcoming and inclusive communities. The resolution also stated that language questioning any group’s inclusion can foster division and fear, and it called for public safety, community trust, and dignity for all residents. Representative Long explained that the resolution was being offered in honor of guest Mohamed Abdirizak, a former Somali foreign minister and longtime peace, governance, and democracy advocate. Members were asked to stand and honor him, and the chamber applauded. After that, reports of standing committees and divisions were adopted without objection, and the House moved to the second reading of Senate File 4401. The meeting then shifted to announcements and procedural business. Representative Long said the Rules Committee was ready to meet in G3, and Representative Olson moved a recess to the call of the Speaker. The motion prevailed on voice vote, and the House recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, I want to be clear: we do not oppose the bill out of any fondness for present foreign wars, whether
• state of emergency to be declared whenever the United States is in an active operation against any foreign
• Driving under the influence of nitrous oxide can impair drivers and cause accidents.
• There's a disincentive in the law as currently it sits for a person who's under the influence to stop

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a foreign animal disease pest.
• item request to procure additional equipment and personnel to increase surveillance capabilities for foreign
• There are some key factors that influence our permitting timelines and potential for efficiency measures
• Because pumping from a well creates a drawdown, of course, a cone of depression, where it's influencing

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Have there been efforts to influence the AAP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, or insurers, not just
• the AAP the been efforts um to influence the AAP the American<04:29:41.359> Academy<04:29:41.720
• There are a lot of foreign workers who come into the country and remain there.
• becoming more mixed um there are a lot becoming more mixed um there are a lot of<05:02:33.040> foreign
• workers who come into the of foreign workers who come into the country<05:02:35.080> and<05:02

Keywords: 1189, house, all