Transcript Highlights:

• But the vast majority of the trains that operate in the state of California are operating on privately
• But if you don't have operating dollars to actually do it and operate on it, then there's a question
• But if you don't have operating dollars to actually do it and operate on it, then there's a question
• And we operate on renewing. diesel locomotives in the world, and we operate on renewable diesel, so non-fossil
• We operate on an open system.

Summary: The Senate LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency Subcommittee heard updates from CalSTA, Caltrans, Metrolink, and Caltrain on corridor performance, governance, funding, and long-term planning. Chair Lackey opened by saying the SB 1098 report on LOSSAN governance and performance was unfinished and overdue, and argued the corridor remains at a crossroads because ridership, on-time performance, fiscal solvency, and capital delivery are still lagging. Senator Archuleta echoed concerns about safety, maintenance, ridership recovery, and the need to avoid state subsidy if local revenues fall short. CalSTA and Caltrans said the state has made major investments, including $125 million for San Clemente emergency resiliency work, and that more than $25 billion in funded rail projects are moving toward construction. They said work on the SB 1098 report is underway, with a LOSSAN working group to be convened, and described a new Caltrans transit-and-rail reorganization with a deputy director to improve accountability. Caltrans also reported restoration of Surfliner service to 13 weekday round trips between Los Angeles and San Diego, planned service increases to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, fleet overhauls, and a new project-tracking and service-planning tool to prioritize capital projects by service outcomes. The panel also discussed zero-emission strategy, saying hydrogen fuel-cell trains are being procured for longer-distance service while battery-electric options are being pursued where feasible, and that San Clemente long-term planning is being scoped with local partners. Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said the agency has shifted from a commuter-only model to all-day regional service through its “Metrolink Reimagined” schedule, with improved transfers, more weekend and off-peak ridership, and a 25% increase in monthly pass sales under a new fare pilot. He warned, however, that Metrolink faces a fiscal cliff: member agencies now cover about 72% of operating costs while fares cover about 11%, and without a dedicated revenue source the agency may need to cut service, reduce stations, or end later-evening and weekend trips. He said Metrolink has limited ability to monetize stations or parking because it does not own most of the relevant property or rights. Caltrain’s Jason Baker described the success of electrified service, with ridership up 57% year over year and customer satisfaction at record highs, but said Caltrain also faces a projected $75 million annual operating deficit and may need to consider service cuts if stable funding is not found. He highlighted revenue efforts such as energy regeneration compensation, parking and concession reviews, station development, and a planned battery-electric pilot to extend zero-emission service south of San Jose.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> trucks independently operating trucks independently operating themselves.<00:09:04.560><c> The</
• </c><00:15:34.639><c> If</c> trucks operating in North Dakota. If trucks operating in North Dakota.
• </c><00:17:38.640><c> by</c> crosses, including tracks operated by crosses, including tracks operated
• </c> vehicles operating in Minnesota. vehicles operating in Minnesota.
• </c> consistency so that companies operating consistency so that companies operating autonomous<00:26

Bills: HF3553 , HF3513 , HF3576

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: vehicle platooning, transportation, public safety, pilot project, Wilkin County, Grant County, autonomous vehicles, transportation regulations, driverless cars, safety standards, first responder interaction, school bus, third-party testing, driver certification, transportation regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• We're operating in several states.
• of interest or a prior operator.
• The idea with the second provision of the definition of operator of interest, if that current operator
• So we would read: 'Operator of Interest means the most recent solvent prior operator of record or any
• Everybody's looking at them and coming up, like trying to figure out prior operators, future operators

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several bills related to property rights, expropriation, renewable energy recycling, and local permitting. Representative Domangue first presented HCR 80 on private property rights, using it to highlight the 2025 landman code of conduct and the need for stronger guardrails in expropriation negotiations. She then deferred the resolution in order to allow Chairman Geymann to present HB 841, which was described as establishing a code of conduct for landmen and expropriation-related negotiations. The committee heard testimony and watched video examples from landowners describing intimidation, inadequate compensation offers, and the need for fair treatment. Amendments were adopted to broaden the bill to all certificate holders, prohibit threats about court costs and attorney fees, shorten response times, and add graduated fines and public posting for violations. HB 841 was reported favorably as amended, with no opposition cards recorded. The committee then considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which would require recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. After discussion with DEQ, the bill was amended to clarify that existing universal waste rules apply and to remove language that would have required the renewable facility owner to pay decommissioning costs in that section; the effective date was set for January 1, 2027. Testimony from renewable energy industry representatives supported the measure and explained that solar panels and related components can be recycled at high rates, with established markets for recovered materials. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 621 favorably. Next, Representative Jacob Landry presented HB 595, aimed at preventing local governments from unreasonably delaying or impeding energy projects through permit requirements, especially road permits affecting Haynesville Shale operations. After amendment, the bill required timely action on local road permits and deemed them approved if not acted on within 30 days. Supporters emphasized the economic importance of the Haynesville and the need for predictable permitting, while opponents argued the bill could further erode local authority, particularly regarding carbon capture and sequestration. The committee reported HB 595 favorably. Landry then presented HB 1191, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites to provide a cleaner path for cleanup, finality, and future investment. The bill drew technical and substantive amendments, including changes to definitions, confidentiality, and the role of DEQ; discussion continued over whether the bill should be deferred to allow more time to work through the remaining issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• A human operator is not required to operate or intervene in a Level 4 automated motor vehicle.
• Where are these AVs operating now? I think it's important. Where are these AVs operating now?
• It's operating within its operational design domain versus a remote driver is just operating somewhere
• they'll operate remotely.
• It's not going to operate if it doesn't have that redundancy that is fully operational."

Summary: The committee met to hear interim charges on rail grade crossing safety, autonomous vehicle deployment, and commercial driver’s license oversight. After opening remarks from the chair and members, the committee first focused on rail grade separations under SB 1555, with TxDOT and the Texas Railroad Association testifying that the new state grant program was implemented quickly, drew far more applications than available funding, and helped Texas leverage state dollars into major federal awards. TxDOT said the first round funded five projects, with additional federal matching funds helping support a total project portfolio worth more than $1 billion, including the Sergio Ivan Rodriguez Memorial Bridge in Houston. Witnesses emphasized that grade separations improve safety and mobility, and committee members discussed alternative mitigation tools such as siding relocation, digital routing/notification systems, and better public education about emergency notification signs at crossings. Public testimony on rail grade separations largely supported continuing and expanding the program. Representatives from regional business and transportation groups in Houston-area communities said blocked crossings harm safety, freight movement, emergency access, and economic activity, and urged the Legislature to extend SB 1555 and keep state funding in place so Texas can continue competing for federal grants. One witness argued that railroads should bear more of the cost because the projects primarily benefit rail companies, while others stressed that the state should continue using public-private partnerships and federal matching opportunities. Committee members asked about project selection criteria, how success should be measured over time, and whether railroads contribute financially; TxDOT said future success would be measured by projects moving to construction and by reductions in crashes and fatalities at treated crossings. The committee then turned to autonomous vehicles and heard from Texas DMV officials on implementation of SB 2807. DMV explained that Level 4 and Level 5 automated vehicles transporting people or goods for a commercial enterprise must obtain a state authorization, in addition to normal title, registration, insurance, and other requirements. The agency described its rulemaking timeline, the online application and verification system, coordination with DPS on first-responder interaction plans, and the current status of authorized companies operating in Texas. A companion enforcement presentation showed how law enforcement and the public can search AV authorizations and file complaints through the DMV’s truck stop database. The hearing continued into questions about the regulatory framework and complaint process, with the committee emphasizing that safety remains the central concern as the technology expands.

Transcript Highlights:

• referendum program to be fair operating referendum program to be fair the<00:01:45.439><c> operating
• </c><00:02:03.399><c> Levy</c> 0 of voter approved operating Levy 0 of voter approved operating Levy
• </c> struggled even to pass any operating struggled even to pass any operating referendum<00:13:28.800
• </c> I think you said the word operations I think you said the word operations should<01:17:13.440><c
• </c> but categorization is important oper but categorization is important oper operating<01:20:11.520

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> curb, stopping operations, etc. curb, stopping operations, etc.
• </c> fail safely when they cannot operate. fail safely when they cannot operate.
• </c> authorization before operation. authorization before operation.
• </c> the operating requirements. the operating requirements.
• </c> operate on our public roads. operate on our public roads.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• They do not permit transponder off operations.
• part of their... continuity of government operations.
• Homeland Security is operating that way?
• They are operating... effective today, they will be operating with ADS-B. Effective today?
• Rochelot – of operations at DCA? How are they different?

Committees: Senate Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation , Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: aviation safety, midair collision, American Airlines Flight 5342, Army Black Hawk helicopter, NTSB, FAA, ADS-B technology, safety protocols

Summary: The meeting focused on the discussions surrounding the tragic midair collision involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives. Testimonies were provided by key figures including NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and FAA Acting Administrator Chris Richelieu. The committee expressed grave concerns regarding the existing safety protocols, questioning why the FAA failed to act on numerous warnings and data indicating potential collision risks. Members emphasized the need for urgent reforms in aviation safety to prevent such tragedies in the future. Specific highlights included the recognition of the importance of ADS-B out technology and concerns about the operational practices of military helicopters in controlled airspaces.

Transcript Highlights:

• the 10 licensed fantasy sports operators.
• So the requirement in statute is that operators are...
• markets or partnerships with prediction market operators?
• Fantasy sports operators are the same thing.
• So fantasy sports operators is the same thing.

Committee: Senate Senate Regulatory Affairs & Government Efficiency Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> street car system operating regionwide. street car system operating regionwide.
• So when the feds stopped, um, giving money for operations, operations, they did um give money and beef
• , operations, operations, they<00:16:06.480><c> did</c><00:16:07.279><c> um</c><00:16:07.680><c> give
• Metroransit operates Maple suburbs.
• or counties transitway operating.

Bills: HF4693

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation, license plates, validation stickers, replacement fees, government fees

Transcript Highlights:

• operators.
• We are also an entity that is already operating. We began operations back on July 3, 2023.
• to operator.
• to operator.
• We are a vertically integrated family-owned operator in-state, both adult use and medical, operating

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its first hearing of the 194th session to take public testimony on 21 cannabis-related bills. Chairs Donahue and Gómez outlined hearing procedures and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. Much of the hearing focused on the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), with Senator Mike Moore urging support for S. 90 to create an inspector general unit within the CCC. He argued the commission has suffered from dysfunction, workplace harassment allegations, delayed governance reforms, missed fee collections, and high legal costs, and said stronger legislative oversight is needed. Committee members largely agreed the CCC needs reform, though some expressed hope that new leadership would improve operations. A major theme was market structure and business viability. Representative Tyler testified for H. 183 to raise adult-use purchase limits from one ounce to two ounces, saying the change would reduce confusion and help retailers compete with neighboring states. Senator Payano supported S. 100, which would require a study of cannabis supply and demand to guide cultivation licensing, warning that oversupply is driving down prices and threatening cultivators. The Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, represented by Ryan Dominguez, backed a package of bills aimed at increasing revenue, reducing regulatory burdens, attracting investment, and stabilizing the market, including higher purchase limits, simpler badge and testing rules, and a phased increase in the retail license cap. Attorneys Kevin Conroy and Mike Ross also supported raising the cap, arguing that the industry lacks capital and that more investment and exit opportunities are needed for provisional and distressed licensees. The most contentious issue was whether to raise the retail license cap from three to six. Supporters, including several business owners and industry advocates such as Peyton Shubrick, Tito Jackson, Armani White, Sean Burt, and others, said the current cap traps owners in declining businesses, prevents exits, and limits access to capital. They argued that many social equity and economic empowerment operators are struggling, that oversupply has pushed prices down, and that allowing more ownership could help businesses scale or sell. Opponents, including Senator Liz Miranda and several social equity operators, warned that lifting the cap now would let larger operators and multi-state companies dominate the market and harm equity-owned businesses. Miranda’s S. 88 would instead strengthen enforcement of ownership limits through audits, whistleblower protections, an anonymous tip line, and greater transparency. Another major topic was worker and consumer safety: Laura Bruno, Danny Carson, Al Vega, and others supported H. 194 after the death of Lorna McMurray, arguing for a CCC workplace and consumer safety department, better ventilation and PPE standards, stronger testing oversight, and retaliation protections for workers. The hearing ended without votes, with members thanking testifiers and indicating the committee would continue reviewing the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• These operating adjustments fiscal 27.
• ><c> of</c> similar operating adjustment of similar operating adjustment of 3,06,000<00:04:49.919><c>
• ><c> line</c><00:05:06.800><c> 29</c><00:05:07.600><c> of</c> operating adjustment on line 29 of operating
• And on line 124, we add their<00:09:16.240><c> operating</c> their operating their operating adjustment
• ><00:21:18.640><c> provided</c> operating adjustments that are provided operating adjustments that are

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:01.440><c> bonding</c> going with the small operator bonding going with the small operator
• </c> have the commission operate their own. have the commission operate their own.
• </c> get these out and help those operators get these out and help those operators still<00:04:47.520
• So, if their the operator themselves.
• </c> what the new bonds are for new operators what the new bonds are for new operators on<00:15:15.360

Bills: SJ0001

Committee: Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• and conduct operations.
• A human operator is not required to operate or intervene in a Level 4 automated motor vehicle.
• Where are these AVs operating now?
• It's operating within its operational design domain, versus a remote driver is just operating somewhere
• they'll operate remotely, but when they're on our public highways, they would operate, they're operating

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee first heard opening remarks on its interim charges: rail grade crossing safety, autonomous vehicle deployment, and commercial driver’s license oversight. Members emphasized transportation’s importance to safety, mobility, and the economy, and the chair outlined the plan to take invited testimony first on each charge, followed by public testimony. For the rail grade crossing charge, TxDOT’s Don Franks described implementation of SB 1555, the Texas Off-System Rail Grade Separation Program, including rules, applications, and awards. He said 36 local governments submitted 57 applications requesting about $2.3 billion against the $250 million state program, and TxDOT awarded $160.4 million to five projects in four districts. He also explained that the state set aside remaining funds as federal match, helping Texas secure nearly $756 million in federal FRA funding for 12 projects, bringing the total value of the rail crossing projects to more than $1.2 billion. French Thompson of the Texas Railroad Association supported continuing the program, said the demand far exceeded available funding, and recommended maintaining the $250 million investment while also considering other mitigation tools such as siding relocations and digital traffic-routing solutions. Members asked about how projects were selected, how success should be measured, blocked crossings, maintenance responsibilities, and whether railroads should share costs. Franks said projects were chosen based on safety, economic development, mobility, readiness, community support, and match leverage, and said future success should be measured by reduced crashes and fatalities at treated crossings and by getting projects to construction within about three years. Thompson distinguished between occupied and blocked crossings and said railroads are working on capacity, communication, and alternative solutions. He and Franks explained that railroads maintain crossing equipment, while the public can report malfunctions using the blue ENS sign. Public testimony on rail grade separations included support from the North Houston Association, Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership, and Texas Rail Advocates for continued and expanded funding, while Rhonda Ward argued taxpayers should not subsidize railroad infrastructure and said railroads should bear more of the cost. The committee then closed testimony on the rail charge. The committee next took up autonomous vehicle deployment under SB 2807. Clint Thompson and Corey Thompson of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles explained the new authorization system for Level 4 and Level 5 automated motor vehicles used in commercial passenger or freight operations. Clint Thompson described the differences between SAE levels, the requirement for an authorization in addition to title, registration, insurance, and other credentials, and the need for a first responder interaction plan filed with DPS. He said DMV adopted rules, built a web-based application system, and began accepting applications in April, with enforcement beginning after the statutory rulemaking timeline. He reported 16 companies currently hold authorizations, including both passenger and freight operators, and said the department uses existing staff and its motor carrier credentialing system to administer the program. Corey Thompson then showed how law enforcement and the public can verify AV authorizations through the DMV’s truck stop database, which displays company status, vehicle information, and related motor carrier credentials where applicable.

Transcript Highlights:

• the 10 licensed fantasy sports operators.
• audits fines to operators that fail to submit their audits.
• markets or partnerships with prediction market operators?
• markets or partnerships with prediction market operators?
• Fantasy sports operators are the same thing.

Committee: Senate Senate Regulatory Affairs & Government Efficiency Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard the Arizona Auditor General’s 2025 sunset review of the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board. The audit found the board generally processed licenses and complaints timely and had adopted required school curriculum rules, but it also identified inconsistent disciplinary actions, gaps in required infection-prevention and law education for some reciprocity and instructor applicants, weak application review controls, and noncompliance issues involving open meeting law, public records, and conflicts of interest. Auditors also recommended statutory changes on esthetics scope of practice, cease-and-desist authority, and eyelash technician training standards. The board’s executive director said the agency agreed with the findings, had already implemented some changes including updated disciplinary parameters, conflict-of-interest training, lawful presence verification, and revised cash-handling procedures, and was working through the remaining recommendations. After questions, the committee voted 7-0 to recommend the board implement the audit recommendations and be continued for six years, until July 1, 2032. The committee then took up the combined sunset review and performance audit of the Arizona Department of Gaming, the Arizona Racing Commission, and the Arizona Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission. The Auditor General reported that while the department distributed tribal gaming funds and issued some licenses appropriately, it failed to consistently obtain and review required independent audit reports for event wagering and fantasy sports operators, did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements, lacked comprehensive complaint-handling processes, and had delayed some compact trust fund distributions. Additional issues included IT security documentation, horse-racing suitability checks, fee-setting reviews, rulemaking, and public records procedures; the Boxing and MMA Commission also had licensing and fee-setting deficiencies. The department and commissions agreed to implement the recommendations, and the department director said the agency was already making changes, including updated guidance to operators, a new complaint-tracking process, conflict-of-interest training, and work on trust fund distributions and rule changes. Committee members pressed both the auditor and the department on why fantasy sports audit reviews had not been completed, whether underpayments would be recovered, and why no distributions had yet been made to certain Category 3 tribes under the 2021 compact trust fund. The director said the department was now doing a look-back review, would seek any owed fees, penalties, and interest, and was helping tribes resolve the baseline-revenue formula needed for distributions. Members also asked about conflict-of-interest practices, problem gambling, and whether prediction markets fall under gaming regulation. The discussion continued into the department’s broader presentation, with the director describing the agency’s regulatory role and ongoing modernization efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• They do operate in the red.
• Those engines that operate in space, obviously operating in the vacuum of space, operate differently.
• We know that's going to be a significant operational savings as those lights operate.
• be operated by Don.
• So Don will still be operating.

Committee: House A&B Transportation Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• You have to have trained operators.
• We've been operating since 1963, so 62 years of continuous operations.
• Uh, that's great for operators.
• In either case, Texas has operational control of the aircraft. The operator doesn't.
• Again, as an operator that, that's doing this at risk, not having the follow-on work of operating, maintaining

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:22:19.200><c> the</c> boardings and border operations, the boardings and border operations,
• In forcibly shut down its operations.
• </c><00:37:20.960><c> around</c> unlawfully seized while operating around unlawfully seized while operating
• </c> operated transparently. operated transparently.
• </c> illegally shut down Vulcan's operations. illegally shut down Vulcan's operations.

Bills: HB7147 , HR1142

Keywords: appropriations, fiscal year, budget, consolidated spending, government funding, consolidated funding, government spending

Transcript Highlights:

• The ACP operates independently under U.S. law.
• I think it's important to note that these port operation companies that operate the ports on both sides
• The issues impacting the canal's operation?
• So how are the operations done?
• Is China operating the Panama Canal?

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• operator.
• I'm just a port operator.
• The CBP operates the bridge, correct? The CBP operates the port itself? Yes.
• We lease that land to the operator. Okay, and the operator is?
• Rethink their operation.

Bills: SB2199 , SB2200 , SB2201 , SB2949 , SB2332

Committee: Senate Border Security

Transcript Highlights:

• $34,000 operating adjustment.
• The LGBTQIA2S+ Council has a $24,000 operating adjustment and a $460,000 operating increase.
• $34,000 operating adjustment.
• The LGBTQIA2S+ Council has a $24,000 operating adjustment and a $460,000 operating increase.
• </c><00:31:44.480><c> The</c> $28,000 operating adjustment. The $28,000 operating adjustment.

Committee: Senate Finance