Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know and couldn't speak to that intelligently if that gives them a hit or not.
• I don't know and couldn't speak to that intelligently if that gives them a hit or not.
• I don't know and couldn't speak to that intelligently if that gives them a hit or not.
• I don't know and couldn't speak to that intelligently if that gives them a hit or not.
• information and make an intelligent information and make an intelligent intelligent intelligent

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and I know there's is capability and I know there's is language<00:40:15.880> capability,<00:
• <00:40:17.880> So,<00:40:18.360> while<00:40:18.920> I language capability,
• So, while I language capability, right?
• And we have the capability again to help lead that.
• And we have the capability<00:59:14.760> again<00:59:15.040> to<00:59:15.160> help

Bills: HF4698, HF4608

Keywords: higher education, identity verification, enrollment fraud, funding, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, postsecondary education, community college, university, developmental education, remedial education, remediation, corequisite, co-requisite, English composition, college readiness, adult basic education, ABE, student placement, credit-bearing courses, noncredit courses

Summary: The committee first approved the March 26 minutes after Representative Coulter pointed out and moved a technical correction to add a missing “T” in “Regents.” The committee then took up HF 4698, which Representative Duran said would address enrollment fraud at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities by funding an automated identity-proofing system. Testimony from Chief Information Security Officer Craig Munson described a commercial software system that would verify student identities using a selfie and a state ID image, reduce ghost students and fraud, speed enrollment, and lessen staff time spent on manual investigations. Members focused heavily on privacy, data retention, and biometric concerns. Representative Cleveland asked what biometric data would be collected, and Munson said it would be limited to a selfie and ID images, not fingerprints or retinal scans. Chair Klippert and others urged stronger Chapter 13 protections and clearer data practices, while Chair Scott asked how long images would be stored; Munson said they should be deleted as soon as identity is validated, with possible revalidation later. Members also raised concerns about racial bias in biometric matching and the need for alternate verification methods. The bill was laid over, and Duran said he would work on the data practices with committee members. The committee then heard HF 4608, presented by Representative Allen for Representative Koznick, on developmental education reform. Allen said too many students are placed into remedial courses that do not count toward a degree, costing time and money and reducing completion rates. Jane Groatman of the International Institute of Minnesota supported the bill, describing students who spent years in noncredit remedial coursework and arguing for a one-semester cap on remedial classes and clearer notice that such credits do not count toward a degree. Mark Grant of Minnesota State College faculty opposed the bill’s approach, saying it imposed a one-size-fits-all model, could undermine open admissions, and should not limit colleges’ flexibility to meet diverse student needs. The bill was laid over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, at the risk of insulting anybody's intelligence, I just wanted to go back and maybe talk a little
• What are we willing as a state to invest in the capabilities that when the Wyoming National Guard leaves
• that when the invest in the capabilities that when the National<01:40:34.480> Guard,<01:40:34.719
• /c><01:40:59.280> of<01:40:59.679> and<01:40:59.920> to national guard to be capable
• of and to national guard to be capable of and to be<01:41:00.239> able<01:41:00.400> to

Bills: SF0045, SF0058, SF0067

Keywords: pari-mutuel wagering, simulcasting, historic horse racing, HHR terminals, horse racing, gaming commission, Wyoming Gaming Commission, local control, city approval, county approval, municipal approval, permit renewal, gaming permit, wagering regulation, racetrack, live pari-mutuel event, district court appeal, public notice, land use, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• job candidates with this, law enforcement agencies bypass warrant requirements, abusers, foreign intelligence
• Mentioning artificial intelligence, AI, it's possible. Artificial intelligence is powered by data.
• And strong data privacy laws are even more necessary because of how thirsty artificial intelligence platforms
• The bill also includes an important feature to combat the rise of artificial intelligence: the right

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first adopted several resolutions from the Committee on Rules, including congratulations to four Eagle Scouts and recognition of Sturbridge on the 250th anniversary of the United States. The chamber then took up a series of bills reported by Ways and Means and other committees, repeatedly suspending the rules to move them forward. These included the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, a Fall River land conveyance bill, a Belmont alcohol licensing bill, a Reading senior property tax exemption bill, and a Linfield funding transfer bill, with each measure advancing by amendment or being passed to a third reading or engrossment. A major portion of the session focused on the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, with multiple members speaking in support. Supporters described the bill as a broad consumer privacy framework that would limit data collection, require consent for sensitive data, ban the sale of precise location data, restrict targeted advertising to minors, create consumer rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of data uses, and provide enforcement tools for the Attorney General and, in limited cases, a private right of action. Several members emphasized protections for reproductive health, immigrant communities, and neural data, while others argued the bill would not burden small businesses and would instead hold large data holders accountable. The House adopted the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading, then later passed the bill to be engrossed and enacted. The House also considered and enacted Senate 2563, a bill updating language in the laws concerning individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Members described the measure as removing outdated and offensive terminology and replacing it with person-first language without changing substantive law. After debate, the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then enacted it by roll call. In addition, the House enacted the fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, House 5470, and approved a bill extending deadlines for Middleton and Milton, both by roll call votes with no opposition. Later, the House took up a temporary summer 2026 local-option pilot allowing municipalities to extend liquor license hours and permit public consumption in designated districts. Supporters framed it as an economic development and tourism measure tied to major upcoming events, and the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then concurred with the Senate version. The session ended with the House adopting an adjournment order and adjourning to meet again the following Monday in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fisher requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to incorporate artificial intelligence
• resolution, just urging them to ensure that AI is being taught because we know that we are now with AI intelligence
• In Louisiana, we looked at artificial intelligence, which, when we were developing our standards about
• they're starting to mirror that in the way that they're addressing computer science and artificial intelligence
• Our computer science standards incorporate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data science

Summary: The committee met on May 19, 2026, with a quorum present and first heard a presentation from Superintendent Cade Brumley on Louisiana’s recent education scorecard, which showed the state ranked first nationally in reading growth, second in math growth, and first overall in academic growth from 2022 to 2026. Members praised teachers and the department for the results. The committee then deferred SB 507 at the author’s request. The committee reported several bills favorably. SB 484 by Sen. Abraham, as amended, transfers selected duties from the Board of Regents to university management boards and Louisiana Works, adjusts authority over certain higher-education initiatives, creates a study of LUMCON’s placement, and adds financial reporting and early-warning requirements for universities. SB 157 by Sen. Jenkins, as amended, creates six weeks of paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 employees for birth, adoption, or fostering, with a reimbursement fund subject to appropriation; testimony emphasized family support, recruitment and retention, and health benefits. SB 83 by Sen. Edmonds, as amended, requires human trafficking prevention and victim-identification training in schools and updates coordination and service language; the amendment made implementation subject to appropriation and clarified the governor’s office role. The committee also reported SB 450 by Sen. Edmonds, as amended, requiring mandatory reporting of school threats and physical security assessments, with student witnesses and members stressing school safety and the need for funding and practical security measures. SB 132 by Sen. Klein-Peter, as amended, requires exterior master key boxes and updated school mapping data for emergency response, with an amendment exempting districts already using such boxes. Finally, Rep. Carver presented HR 251 on recess for K-3 students, citing Oklahoma’s expanded recess law and research on physical activity and learning, but said he would keep the resolution parked for further discussion rather than seek a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, foster informed policy dialogue on emerging technology, for example, AI, artificial intelligence
• AI,<00:14:49.720> artificial for example, AI, artificial for example, AI, artificial intelligence
• ,<00:14:50.920> quantum<00:14:51.320> technology, intelligence, quantum technology, intelligence

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, confirmed a quorum, and then spent much of the session on recognitions and ceremonial resolutions. Members honored the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute girls basketball team for winning the Maryland State Girls 3A championship, and the Crofton High School boys indoor track and field team for a historic season that included county and region titles and the school’s first boys state championship. The chamber also recognized Sacred Heart Home in Hyattsville for 100 years of service to seniors in the community. The House received Senate Bills 10 and 84 from the Senate, waived separate readings, and referred them to the appropriate committees. Committee announcements noted upcoming bill hearings and vote sessions, including Appropriations, Economic Matters, Environment and Transportation, GLEE, Health, and Ways and Means, along with a reminder that amendments for the next day were due under House rules. Members also announced the formation of the Maryland Legislative STEM and Emerging Technology Caucus, focused on STEM education and policy issues such as AI, quantum technology, autonomous systems, robotics, and data infrastructure. Additional announcements included a Veterans Caucus breakfast, a Women in Government lunch, Eye Week screenings, a Savage Race team invitation, a birthday recognition for Delegate Bonnie Cullison, and a joint press conference by several caucuses. After a final quorum call confirmed 126 members present, the House adjourned until Wednesday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and our focus will be on artificial intelligence, with an emphasis on healthcare, labor, and human
• :15:57.440> be<00:15:57.519> on<00:15:57.839> artificial<00:15:58.480> intelligence
• focus will be on artificial intelligence focus will be on artificial intelligence with<00:15:59.839

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional led by Rep. Anne Donahue and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into first readings of 10 House bills. The bills covered building energy standards and a residential building code (H.717), building energy efficiency (H.718), hospital collaboration and state action immunity (H.719), cloud computing/public utility issues (H.720), juvenile proceedings and forensic facilities (H.721), municipal regulation of surface water use for drinking water supplies (H.722), posting of land (H.723), involuntary psychiatric medication in emergency circumstances (H.724), the State Labor Relations Act (H.725), and flexible working arrangements (H.726). Each was read the first time and referred to the appropriate committee; H.648, affecting state revenue through banking, insurance, and securities, was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A. On the action calendar, the House took up and passed H.84, allowing telehealth appointments to be recorded with patient and provider consent, and H.534, relating to community action agencies. Both bills were read a third time and approved by voice vote, with the chair announcing that the ayes appeared to have it. The chamber then completed its orders of the day. Several announcements followed, including guest introductions, caucus meetings, an ice cream social, and notice of a press conference on immigration protections. The chair also reminded members to return later in the day for the joint assembly to hear the governor’s budget address. The House then adjourned until Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 3 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's innovations in the monitoring, I think, artificial intelligence to try to prevent the worst disasters
• I think Innovations in the monitoring I think art<00:07:59.479> arcial<00:07:59.879> intelligence
• <00:08:00.759> to<00:08:00.960> try<00:08:01.120> to art arcial intelligence
• to try to art arcial intelligence to try to prevent<00:08:01.800> the<00:08:02.000> worst<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence, which<00:20:47.640> has<00:20:47.800><
• H. 814, an act relating to neurological rights and the use of artificial intelligence technology in health
• Up next is House Bill 816, which is an act relating to regulating the use of artificial intelligence
• Up next is House Bill 816, which is an act relating to regulating the use of artificial intelligence
• in the provision artificial intelligence in the provision of<00:26:58.160> mental<00:26:58.520

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House resumed consideration of H.606 on firearm procedures and first took up Section 3 and its effective dates. A member from Northfield spoke at length in support, arguing the provision is narrowly tailored, based on actual dangerousness rather than mental illness alone, and is more limited than federal law because it applies only to specific court findings and is temporary, with rights restorable upon recovery. The House then approved Section 3 and its effective dates, approved the remainder of the Judiciary Committee report, and ordered third reading. The chamber then moved through third readings and passed H.385 on remedies and protections for victims of coerced debt, H.556 on exceptions to the state minimum wage, H.559 on the parole board, H.723 on posting of land, and H.757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives. On H.814, relating to neurological rights and AI in health and human services, the House adopted an amendment offered by the member from Burlington that required the advisory council to include proposed definitions for neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, and related terms in its report; the House Health Care Committee reported the amendment favorable 11-0-0, and the bill then passed. H.816, regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services, also passed, as did H.927, technical corrections for the 2026 session. The House then took up H.930 on chronic absenteeism. The committee member from Manchester described the bill as an AOE proposal responding to high post-pandemic absenteeism rates and their impact on learning, and outlined provisions adding definitions, updating compulsory attendance language, requiring a state model policy, strengthening notification and truancy procedures, and preserving existing penalties. The member said the Education Committee heard from a wide range of education and child welfare witnesses and passed the bill 11-0. After a brief clarification on the absences section, the House proceeded toward third reading of H.930.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2575 is built around a simple principle: health care artificial intelligence should support clinical
• But if artificial intelligence is as powerful as they claim it is, then it's not sufficient just to have
• patients, and the public need are standardized and statewide guardrails on the use of artificial intelligence
• We fully agree with them on that policy and practice, but if artificial intelligence is as powerful as
• We would never be okay with replacing clinical judgment with artificial intelligence.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• last thing you mentioned there, the national labs, which overlaps with my work as Chairman of the Intelligence
• national labs that do exquisite research into nuclear. energy or quantum computing, artificial intelligence
• That's why, on the Intelligence Committee, for years, it's been a matter of bipartisan concern that our
• what you might call the headquarters element of the Department of Energy, drawing on your own intelligence
• unit and the intelligence community more broadly.

Keywords: nuclear energy, permitting process, energy production, public lands, national parks, uranium imports, legislative bills, infrastructure development

Summary: The committee meeting was dominated by discussions on a variety of legislative bills including major topics such as nuclear energy advancement, the effects of regulatory hurdles on energy production, and proposals to improve national park staffing and maintenance. Members expressed concerns over the federal government's handling of uranium imports and the necessity for maintaining a robust domestic nuclear supply chain. Efforts to streamline permitting processes to facilitate more efficient energy project development were also a focal point, alongside public testimony from stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development to meet rising energy demands while addressing climate change impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• by saying that a vote against a nominee is not a declaration that they are without ability or intelligence
• And prior to now, we've always assessed attorneys on their legal expertise, their intelligence, their
• Michael Dresser is an intelligent, thoughtful public servant who kept the federal institutions that were
• is a vote for the principle that we evaluate judicial nominees on their qualifications, their intelligence
• , qualifications, their intelligence, qualifications, their intelligence, their<00:42:16.480>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Financial Crimes Intelligence Center currently coordinates responses to skimming devices found on
• terminals, requiring merchants to report skimmers to law enforcement and the Financial Crimes Intelligence
• Adam Colby, Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center.
• name is Adam Colby, and I am the director and chief investigator for the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence
• Adam Colby, Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center.

Bills: SB330, SB663, SB1020, SB1152, SB1164, SB1896, SB2111, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2797, SB2798, SB2371

Keywords: county funding, prosecutors' offices, elections, law enforcement, local government, community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 1020, Texas, personal bond office, pretrial release, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, global positioning system, bond conditions, probation, parole

Summary: The committee heard several criminal justice bills, with testimony largely focused on public safety, court procedures, and local criminal justice administration. SB 2371 would expand mandatory skimmer-reporting requirements from gas pumps to ATMs, point-of-sale systems, and virtual currency kiosks, with the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center saying centralized reporting would improve investigations, preserve evidence, and help identify organized criminal groups. SB 2581 would repeal a special law governing commissary funds in certain large counties; the sponsor and the Sheriff’s Association said it would restore parity with other counties while keeping spending subject to audit and inmate-benefit limits. Both bills were laid out and left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them at the hearing. The committee also heard SB 330, which would require voter approval before counties over a certain size reduce prosecutor funding, similar to an existing law for law enforcement budgets. Supporters argued prosecutors are essential to public safety and need stable funding, while an opponent from the Texas Civil Rights Project said the bill would restrict local budget flexibility and impose costly elections. SB 663 would remove district judges’ approval role for community supervision and corrections department budgets, replacing it with judge review after TDCJ-CJAD approval; probation officials said the change would reduce delays and confusion without reducing judicial oversight. SB 1020 would require more immediate sharing of ankle-monitor violation information and clarify that such records are not judicial work product; the Harris County DA’s office and Crime Stoppers supported it, citing inconsistent local practices and delays that can hinder prosecutions. The committee then took up SB 1164 on emergency detention and court-ordered mental health services. The bill, from the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, would update emergency detention forms, clarify officer duties, allow filings in the county where a person is apprehended or located, and add a factor related to a person’s inability to recognize symptoms or appreciate treatment risks. Supporters included family members, law enforcement, and mental health and judicial witnesses who described cases where earlier intervention might have prevented tragedy; opponents warned the broader language could be misused and emphasized due process and the need for dangerousness to remain the standard. SB 2111 on indigent defense would expand access to counsel at first hearings, strengthen managed assigned counsel programs, create internships and fellowships, and adjust other defense-related procedures; the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and county defense program leaders supported it, while the committee substitute removed some provisions to reduce fiscal impact. Finally, SB 2383 would let recently retired DPS officers return to work in limited roles to help address staffing shortages, and SB 2797 would create reciprocal discovery requirements for criminal cases; prosecutors and some committee members said it would reduce trial surprise and improve truth-seeking, while others questioned whether the bill fully matched the state’s disclosure obligations and whether it could burden defense rights. Several bills were left pending after testimony, and the committee established a quorum later in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we focus on next is criminal intelligence.
• Criminal intelligence cases are open to gather information on active and ongoing criminal threats.
• And I will say that a lion share of our criminal intelligence cases that we opened involve domestic security
• Last year, our agents develop criminal intelligence on the group who was committing armed robberies in
• And, you know, when you look at the function of Fusion is to identify, ultimately, it's an intelligence

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to do with artificial intelligence and the use of that technology by state agencies and rules
• This has to do with artificial intelligence and the use of that technology by state agencies and rules
• on February 5th, this bill adds new requirements about the agencies and their use of artificial intelligence

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider several bills for constitutional and proper-form review. House Bill 2171, which would bar certain hostile governments and associated persons from owning or possessing Arizona real property and create enforcement penalties, was found to raise possible conflict with federal foreign-relations law, but was still recommended as constitutional and in proper form by a 5-2 vote. House Bill 2446, dealing with English proficiency requirements for commercial truckers and out-of-service orders, was also recommended 5-2, with staff noting a needed floor amendment to carve out the federal border commercial zone to avoid Supremacy Clause concerns. House Bill 2331, which would require electric utilities to obtain 85% of electricity from “reliable” sources by 2030 and assign enforcement to the Corporation Commission, drew concerns about the Commission’s exclusive constitutional authority over utility regulation and rate-making, but was likewise recommended 5-2. The committee then considered House Bill 2589, which would make it a felony to allow minors to attend or view drag shows. Staff said the bill raised First Amendment and parental-rights concerns and could face strict scrutiny, and recommended an amendment to narrow it; the sponsor’s office was reportedly working on changes. Despite objections from members who called it overly broad and unconstitutional, the bill was recommended 5-2. House Bill 2592, concerning state agency use of artificial intelligence and legislative ratification of temporary rules, was flagged for legislative entrenchment issues because it attempted to bind future legislatures and set a simple-majority ratification requirement, but it too was recommended in proper form with a suggested amendment to remove the problematic mechanism. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up a large mass motion covering many additional bills, memorials, resolutions, and one concurrent memorial, all of which staff said were constitutional and in proper form. During that discussion, staff specifically noted House Bill 2976, relating to justice court administration, as needing amendment to avoid tension with the Arizona Supreme Court’s constitutional authority over court administration. The mass motion passed 7-0 with one member absent, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• then somebody comes out there and takes your firearms, and then you have to go prove that you're capable
• Senate Bill 1964 by Parker, relating to the regulation and use of artificial intelligence systems and
• Books develop our emotional intelligence, they develop our ability to have compassion and respect for
• SB1964 by Parker, relating to the regulation and use of artificial intelligence systems in the management

Bills: SB15, SB646, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1610, SB1362, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB2972, SB973, SB865, SB506, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB974, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB857, SB2501, SB66, SB268, SB331, SB1302, SB519, SB2807, SB13, SB7, SB1718, SB1567, SB1233, SB413, SB2177, SB30, SB2024, SJR1, SCR27, SB2018, SB1580, SB2121, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1596, SB2753, SB2221, SB1719, SCR9, SB204, SB437, SB568, SB612, SB672, SB710, SB823, SB876, SB904, SB905, SB968, SB1084, SB1207, SB1230, SB1313, SB1504, SB1790, SB2232, SB2366, SB2367, SB2398, SB2515, SB2520, SB2589, SB2786, SB2790, SB3048, SB3050, SB3052, SB3053, SB3056, SB3029, SCR3, SCR18, SCR30, HCR146, HCR148, HCR149, HCR153, HCR155, HCR157, HB5560, HB762, HB1584, HB 107, HB 114, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323, HB4341, HB6, HB2712, HB171, HB3153, HB143, HB2688, HB3464, HB449, HB3486, HB4263, HB2, HB1522, HB24, HB 1237, HB2637, HB3126, HB3233, HB4310, HB3487, HCR9, HB5331, HB1397, HB163, HB3250, HB3071, HB3463, HB5033, HB35, HB3824, HB216, HB4226, HB3512, HB18, HB5154, HB 103, HB851, HB647, HB4520, HB3016, HB2313, HB2818, HB2851, HB4486, HB4264, HB1500, HB5081, HB2974, HB2080, HB4384, HB5659, HB493, HB4903, HB2516, HB4488, HB4530, HB3689, HB145, HB43, HB5247, HB2221, HB5671, HB700, HB3711, HB 120, SB17, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB21, SB2778, SB379

Keywords: SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks, infill development, missing middle housing, lot width, lot depth, homebuilders, housing supply

Transcript Highlights:

• prices in the 2026 biennium will slightly rebound based on increased power demand for artificial intelligence
• We don't currently have that capability.
• I'm a former teacher of the year and military intelligence officer.
• I'm a former teacher of the year and military intelligence officer.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held its first hearing of the 89th regular session, adopted nearly identical committee rules from the previous legislature by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the budget framework, emphasizing conservative spending, a $332.9 billion all-funds budget, and major priorities including property tax relief, public education, border security, health and human services, transportation, energy, and water infrastructure. She also introduced committee and leadership staff and described the hearing schedule and public testimony procedures. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending, including a $23.8 billion ending balance, but warned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid using temporary spikes for ongoing commitments. Senators questioned him extensively about the Economic Stabilization Fund cap, sales tax trends, inflation, and whether the state should consider raising the cap or using severance-tax revenues differently. Hager said the Rainy Day Fund is expected to hit its cap, which would leave more severance-tax revenue in general revenue, and he stressed that infrastructure needs remain significant. The Legislative Budget Board then gave a detailed overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major components. LBB staff explained that the bill includes continued funding for the Foundation School Program, $850 million for the Texas State Technical College endowment, $1.3 billion for the Texas University Fund, $6.5 billion for border security, salary increases for correctional officers and state troopers, $3 billion for dementia research, higher community attendant wages, expanded community-based care, $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, and funding to clear volunteer fire department grant backlogs. They also outlined supplemental priorities such as water infrastructure, retirement legacy payments, rail grade separations, wildfire aircraft, and emergency facilities, and said the current controlling budget limit is the tax spending limit. A major portion of the hearing focused on property tax relief. LBB explained that prior-session relief grew from an expected $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher-than-anticipated property values and interactions among hold-harmless provisions, and that SB 1 continues and expands relief with $51 billion in total property tax relief, including $3 billion more for compression, $3 billion to raise the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, and a $500 million placeholder for business tax relief. Senators discussed the automatic nature of some of these costs, the effect of the non-homestead circuit breaker, the role of federal COVID funds, and the need to maintain school finance commitments if the state continues to compress school tax rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• prudent development and efficient use of the state's autonomous agriculture resources and defense capabilities
• ; access to advanced robotics and artificial intelligence expertise for timely scientific and engineering

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee received a compliance and status update on Industrial Commission programs and the Bank of North Dakota. Staff reviewed appropriations and spending for several Industrial Commission funds and grant programs, including lignite research, oil and gas research, clean sustainable energy, grid resiliency, salt cavern analysis, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members discussed the timing of reimbursements, uncommitted balances, and the structure of the pipeline capacity and enhanced oil recovery funding. The Industrial Commission also reported on its administrative budget, grant management system project, and recent leadership transitions across several agencies. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described active grant rounds and the status of major projects. She said the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority approved three projects in its sixth round, with remaining uncommitted cash and loan capacity still available, though no new funding was appropriated this session. She also said the Oil and Gas Research Council approved six enhanced oil recovery projects and expects additional funding after a federal Department of Energy award replaces one project’s state funding. For grid resiliency grants, she said some projects have been funded, some commitments were returned or reallocated, and some DOE funds remain pending. She also updated the committee on the salt cavern business case study, which replaced an earlier larger development proposal, and on the NDSU research park grant, where the nonmatching portion was paid and the matching portion has moved slowly because the match must be in cash. Ron Ness then gave an extended presentation on enhanced oil recovery and North Dakota oil and gas trends. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, especially gas takeaway and projects like the Bakken East pipeline. He argued that enhanced oil recovery using CO2, natural gas, surfactants, and other methods could extend Bakken production for decades, but that the state needs more CO2 supply, better storage, and updated tax and regulatory incentives. Members asked about lateral lengths, CO2 availability, pipeline impacts, and the role of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and Ness emphasized that the projects are intended to share technical learning across operators and attract follow-on investment. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and strategic update. President Don Morgan said the bank’s mission remains to support North Dakota agriculture, commerce, and industry while cooperating with the state’s financial sector. He reviewed the bank’s main business lines: participation lending with community institutions, student loans, disaster lending, mission-based programs, and a new fintech-focused effort. Morgan said deposits are flattening, so the bank is managing balance sheet growth carefully, while still reporting improved net income and strong efficiency. He also introduced Rough Rider Coin as a bank-to-bank payment rail, not a public cryptocurrency, intended to speed and modernize payments within North Dakota’s banking and credit union system. Committee members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster program use, and how credit lines and liquidity would be affected if deposits shrink.

Transcript Highlights:

• My question is, do you have insights in terms of how to intelligently lower rates, and one of the big
• transition along with UTVs and yard goats into either zero emission or near. emission where we have the capability

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• educational background includes a bachelor’s in criminal justice and criminology, a master’s in intelligence
• And one of those, as I'm sure you have read, is reflected in that only non-Jewish white men are capable

Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.