Transcript Highlights:

• bless these esteemed legislators whom You have chosen to come together on this day as Your servants to work
• bless these esteemed legislators whom You have chosen to come together on this day as Your servants to work
• Senate Bill 53, an act relating to planning and zoning. Senator Thomas.
• <00:05:06.080> Senate<00:05:06.400> Bill<00:05:06.639> 54, zoning.
• Senate Bill 54, zoning. Senator Thomas.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then the clerk called the roll and a quorum was declared with 34 members present. The journal from Thursday, January 8, 2026 was approved without objection, and there were no committee reports or second-reading bills on the calendar at that point. The clerk then introduced new measures, including Senate Bills 51 through 56 on topics such as property tax exemptions, permitting and licensing practices, planning and zoning, short-term rentals, water fluoridation, and Medicaid utilization controls for nonopioid analgesics, along with Senate Resolutions 31 and 32 honoring cancer patients and Tatum Elizabeth Dale. The committee on committees later reported Senate Resolutions 15 and 24 to the floor and announced a committee assignment change: Senator Chambers Armstrong was removed from the transportation committee and Senator Clemens was added. Both memorial resolutions were then adopted by voice vote: Senate Resolution 15 honoring Joyce Leverne Johnson and Senate Resolution 24 honoring Myra Friend Ellis. During announcements, senators discussed the upcoming schedule, including the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday closure and a return to the floor on Tuesday, January 20 at 4:00 p.m., with committee meetings still possible that day. Senator McCracken also filed and described a bill on nuclear energy development, creating a Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program within the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority; he said it would support at least three sites through public-private partnerships and funding contributions from the state, utilities, and industry. The session ended with remarks recognizing Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and an adjournment motion adopted without objection, adjourning the Senate until 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• janitors acos those who report to work janitors acos those who report to work on<00:29:17.640>
• <00:37:01.400> on great strides to diligently work on great strides to diligently work on
• <00:50:21.079> so capacity internally to do this work so capacity internally to do this work
• There's a lot of competition for that sort of work. this kind of work and our administrator this kind
• backlog as a result uh the catchup work backlog as a result uh the catchup work has<01:30:33.800

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The women who work so hard alongside men also appreciate the men who work with us.
• My office and I have worked with them.
• It's been very good to work with you and your team.
• what are you working on?'
• zones.'

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of H.B. 500, and a gubernatorial nomination for the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including SR 409 recognizing Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, SR 402 honoring the discovery of the woolly devil plant at Big Bend National Park, and recognitions for Operation Christmas RGV and Wilson County Day. The Senate also heard an announcement that the Committee on Senate Nominations action report had been placed on members’ desks. The body then took up and passed several bills. SB 2365 was passed to prohibit personal wireless communication devices by public school students during instructional time, with exceptions for health, special education, and safety needs. SB 1869 was passed to reaffirm the DSHS commissioner’s authority over controlled-substance schedule changes without rulemaking or judicial review. SB 1124 was passed to revise criminal discovery procedures in response to the Heath decision, with supporters saying it preserves exculpatory evidence protections while limiting suppression of inculpatory evidence when the defense already knew of it. SB 1758 was passed to create a Grayson County pilot study and temporary permitting hold concerning a cement kiln/quarry near a semiconductor wafer facility, and SB 2078 was passed to regulate composting in certain counties, after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed SB 33, barring governmental entities from transactions that support abortion assistance or out-of-state abortion procurement; SB 34, expanding wildfire preparedness measures, studies, equipment databases, and rural fire department funding; SB 1208, increasing the penalty for interference with public duties from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony; SB 1030, removing the maintenance, repair, and overhaul tax for general aviation; SB 505, creating processes to address election irregularities; SB 2411, updating the Business Organizations Code and changing filing-method requirements; and SB 1333, addressing unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, or conveyance of real property. Most measures advanced on voice vote or recorded roll call after motions to suspend the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule, with several members raising questions or objections, especially on the criminal justice, abortion, and public duties bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• It only works when we work together.
• The work began.
• All that work.
• Fack. hang back for his Ph.D. work years ago to simulate and display expected inundation zones.
• This time I came home from work losing a lucrative work contract.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• revisit their engineering plan working revisit their engineering plan working through<01:15:01.600
• <01:42:46.639> together be gained by you all working together be gained by you all working
• and not duplicating each other's work and not duplicating each other's work agreed<01:42:49.960>
• <01:45:47.320> in uh they're a key agency to our work in uh they're a key agency to our work
• state we've had the opportunity to work state we've had the opportunity to work with<01:46:01.560

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• comments were more related to, you know, at least from an HCDA perspective, we mainly look at the zoning
• Self-certification could happen within FEMA flood zones, and it will make that more efficient.
• The point of our testimony was to inform the committees that we are indeed doing that work.
• You know, so... but would be able to work side by side. I mean, I...
• > with<00:38:43.240> um yeah in fact we work closely with um yeah in fact we work closely

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 133 on energy, which drew opposition testimony from James Abraham, who said the bill was unnecessary because the Public Utilities Commission had already opened a proceeding to investigate wheeling, including intergovernmental wheeling, and should be allowed to finish its collaborative process. The committees then moved to SB 161 on county permitting and inspection, where several agencies submitted written comments or opposition, while the Grassroots Institute and HCDA-related testimony supported the measure. Members raised concerns about accountability and whether state agencies would report back on projects approved under any permitting exemption, and witnesses suggested annual reporting or amendment language to address that issue. The hearing then turned to SB 232 and SB 588, both related to renewable energy permitting. Testimony on SB 232 was largely supportive, but Rocky Mold of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association said SB 232 was an older version of a bill and that SB 588 was the preferred, updated measure. Members discussed whether the bill should be limited to residential or behind-the-meter customer-sited systems rather than utility-scale projects, and Mold clarified that the proposal was intended for customer-sited systems, not utility-scale facilities. For SB 588, the Department of Land and Natural Resources warned that state or county laws inconsistent with the National Flood Insurance Program could jeopardize flood insurance eligibility and related federal assistance, while Mold argued the bill’s FEMA floodway exemption was needed to avoid blocking solar installations on existing structures. The chair expressed concern about risking federal funding and questioned whether the exemption could be narrowed without defeating the bill’s purpose. SB 412, also on renewable energy, received supportive testimony from the State Energy Office and others. Members questioned whether a single coordinating entity should compile agency assessments, and Mark Glick said the Energy Office could take on that role if given the duty and sufficient staff. The committee then discussed SB 635 on energy efficiency, which would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting. Mark Glick testified that much of the work was already underway through benchmarking and related contracts, and a DAGS representative said the state was already assessing 590 buildings over 10,000 square feet, with results expected around 2027. Members suggested amending the bill to require annual status reports so the committees could track progress and avoid duplication. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Richard Raymond and I worked for two years on legislation to create a Dementia Prevention
• Cindy has always carried the values of hard work, service, and community close to her heart.
• And because of Cindy's work. Over 200,000, I'm sorry, over 20,000 startups found their footing.
• This group does a lot of good work that goes unnoticed, not making any headlines but very important work
• Thanks for your great staff and I know that my staff really enjoyed working with them on this.

Bills: SB66, SB317, SB393, SB397, SB456, SB614, SB628, SB629, SB636, SB715, SB731, SB801, SB872, SB905, SB986, SB1012, SB1013, SB1015, SB1032, SB1113, SB1181, SB1212, SB1241, SB1250, SB1278, SB1285, SB1376, SB1444, SB1449, SB1524, SB1525, SB1528, SB1556, SB1588, SB1660, SB1704, SB1708, SB1802, SB1833, SB1844, SB1854, SB1863, SB1957, SB1959, SB1965, SB1999, SB2035, SB2056, SB2082, SB2119, SB2138, SB2165, SB2199, SB2201, SB2203, SB2245, SB2284, SB2419, SB2422, SB2452, SB2487, SB2523, SB2529, SB2533, SB2541, SB2586, SB2595, SB2605, SB2615, SB2675, SB2690, SB2717, SB2753, SB2778, SB2835, SB2841, SB2891, SB2929, SB2933, SB3016, SB3039, SB3044, HB912, HB2525, SJR3, SB5, SB29, SB326, SB494, SB530, SB769, SB783, SB963, SB1238, SB1271, SB1786, SB1967, SB2312, SB72, SB616, SB1143, SB1172, SB1267, SB1273, SB1506, SB1759, SB2361, SB1, SB260, SB1637, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SB2023, SB1524, SB2422, SB2119, SB2753, SB1863, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1376, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB2681, SB2199, SB2458, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1013, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB2284, SB2929, SB2595, SB715, SB1640, SB1241, SB2538, SB1449, SB2529, SB986, SB1181, SB1359, SB2245, SB410, SB1234, SB456, SB1012, SB2926, SB2138, SB2615, SB2972, SB2841, SB3016, SB1856, SB2035, SB1528, SB1373, SB672, SB2891, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB1285, SB1959, SB1454, SB2520, SB2541, SB1708, SB1237, SB1844, SB1586, SB3039, SB2819, SB66, SB629, SB1015, SB2342, SB2903, SB2933, SB1965, SB2477, SB3029, SB2605, SB2419, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB628, SB2523, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2778, SB3044, SB2965, SB2521, SB865, SB1032, SB2165, SB2501, SB2675, SB2452, SB2835, SB872, SB1212, SB1278, SB1588, SB1602, SB1704, SB1723, SB1833, SB1858, SB1946, SB2009, SB2177, SB2460, SB2785, SB2373, SB1660, SB614, SB867, SB1608, SB1525, SB905, SB640, SB2487, SB1698, SB383, SB705, SB748, SB1113, SB1117, SB1802, SB2340, SB2586, SB2680, SB2690, SB2994, SB2747, SB1950, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB3059, SB2782, SB2781, SB2637, SB2633, SB2337, SB2334, SB1861, SB2043, SB1367, SB946, SB945, SB2857, SB128, SB571, SB1263, SB3058, SB612, SB2221, SB2587, SB2044, SB2363, SB2713, HB1109, HB1392, HB22, HB2525, HB3093, HB517, HB912, HB1130, HB142, HB1689, HB2018, SB2311, SB1986, SB2565, SB2943, SB1888, SB2417, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SB3036, SB3057, SB3056, SB3043, SB3037, SB3050, SB3063, SB3047, SB3035, HJR98, HJR99, HB136, HB2884, HB1393, HB2730, HB1399, HB1244, HB467, HB331, HB2559

Keywords: disability, supported decision-making, legal assistance, confidentiality, access to justice, autonomy, civil rights, advocacy, monuments, memorials, public property, historical significance, civil penalties, local governance, SB 393, Sparks, Middleton, local government, political subdivision, public securities

Transcript Highlights:

• However it's got a three-year term and with working through the committee with Senator Nichols we've
• And myself, thank you Senator West for working with us on this and Senator Betancourt, we've removed
• This is the way it's supposed to be, working together in order to make certain.
• Helping to work on additional amendments with my colleagues in the Republican Party.
• Senator West, for working with us on that amendment.

Bills: SB66, SB317, SB393, SB397, SB456, SB614, SB628, SB629, SB636, SB715, SB731, SB801, SB872, SB905, SB986, SB1012, SB1013, SB1015, SB1032, SB1113, SB1181, SB1212, SB1241, SB1250, SB1278, SB1285, SB1376, SB1444, SB1449, SB1524, SB1525, SB1528, SB1556, SB1588, SB1660, SB1704, SB1708, SB1802, SB1833, SB1844, SB1854, SB1863, SB1957, SB1959, SB1965, SB1999, SB2035, SB2056, SB2082, SB2119, SB2138, SB2165, SB2199, SB2201, SB2203, SB2245, SB2284, SB2419, SB2422, SB2452, SB2487, SB2523, SB2529, SB2533, SB2541, SB2586, SB2595, SB2605, SB2615, SB2675, SB2690, SB2717, SB2753, SB2778, SB2835, SB2841, SB2891, SB2929, SB2933, SB3016, SB3039, SB3044, HB912, HB2525, SJR3, SB5, SB29, SB326, SB494, SB530, SB769, SB783, SB963, SB1238, SB1271, SB1786, SB1967, SB2312, SB72, SB616, SB1143, SB1172, SB1267, SB1273, SB1506, SB1759, SB2361, SB1, SB260, SB1637, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SB2023, SB1524, SB2422, SB2119, SB2753, SB1863, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1376, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB2681, SB2199, SB2458, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1013, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB2284, SB2929, SB2595, SB715, SB1640, SB1241, SB2538, SB1449, SB2529, SB986, SB1181, SB1359, SB2245, SB410, SB1234, SB456, SB1012, SB2926, SB2138, SB2615, SB2972, SB2841, SB3016, SB1856, SB2035, SB1528, SB1373, SB672, SB2891, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB1285, SB1959, SB1454, SB2520, SB2541, SB1708, SB1237, SB1844, SB1586, SB3039, SB2819, SB66, SB629, SB1015, SB2342, SB2903, SB2933, SB1965, SB2477, SB3029, SB2605, SB2419, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB628, SB2523, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2778, SB3044, SB2965, SB2521, SB865, SB1032, SB2165, SB2501, SB2675, SB2452, SB2835, SB872, SB1212, SB1278, SB1588, SB1602, SB1704, SB1723, SB1833, SB1858, SB1946, SB2009, SB2177, SB2460, SB2785, SB2373, SB1660, SB614, SB867, SB1608, SB1525, SB905, SB640, SB2487, SB1698, SB383, SB705, SB748, SB1113, SB1117, SB1802, SB2340, SB2586, SB2680, SB2690, SB2994, SB2747, SB1950, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB3059, SB2782, SB2781, SB2637, SB2633, SB2337, SB2334, SB1861, SB2043, SB1367, SB946, SB945, SB2857, SB128, SB571, SB1263, SB3058, SB612, SB2221, SB2587, SB2044, SB2363, SB2713, HB1109, HB1392, HB22, HB2525, HB3093, HB517, HB912, HB1130, HB142, HB1689, HB2018, SB2311, SB1986, SB2565, SB2943, SB1888, SB2417, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SB3036, SB3057, SB3056, SB3043, SB3037, SB3050, SB3063, SB3047, SB3035, HJR98, HJR99, HB136, HB2884, HB1393, HB2730, HB1399, HB1244, HB467, HB331, HB2559

Keywords: disability, supported decision-making, legal assistance, confidentiality, access to justice, autonomy, civil rights, advocacy, monuments, memorials, public property, historical significance, civil penalties, local governance, SB 393, Sparks, Middleton, local government, political subdivision, public securities

Transcript Highlights:

• Schools work best when teachers, parents, and students work in partnerships.
• Schools work best when teachers, parents, and students work in partnerships.
• Schools work best when teachers, parents, and students work in partnerships.
• Schools work best when teachers, parents, and students work in partnerships.
• Schools work best when teachers, parents, and students work in partnerships.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and don't work.
• and don't work.
• and don't work.
• And um leases work and don't work.
• systems work. systems work.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard gubernatorial nominations for the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. For GM 615, Matthew Liam was nominated to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, CGAPS, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in strong support, citing his landscape industry leadership, pesticide training background, and prior service. Members asked about his experience in Australia and his approach to restricted-use pesticides; he said he avoided using restricted-use pesticides in his landscaping business but applied related safety and recordkeeping practices. Testimony was unanimous in support, with no opposition or comments. For GM 616, N. Young was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Support testimony from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council highlighted his experience with Lanai agriculture, Sensei, the Food Basket, Pacific Gateway Center, Kamehameha Schools, and institutional purchasing. In response to questions, he discussed balancing public and private funding, the need for adequate capitalization of agricultural projects, and using financial tools to help farmers and accelerate agricultural income streams. He also said the board should focus on making agricultural land productive and strengthening food security. The nomination drew strong support, with no opposition or comments. For GM 617, Jason Moniz was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council supported him, emphasizing his decades of veterinary and animal disease control experience, ranching background, and knowledge of biosecurity, leases, and livestock issues. Moniz said his priorities would be preserving agricultural land and water resources, improving biosecurity, supporting farmers and ranchers, and increasing food production in Hawaii. He also said he would be willing to speak up for agriculture and not let the department be sidelined. The nomination received 29 written and oral supports, with no opposition or comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• To work with you on this bill.
• The work with the private sector.
• And it's working.
• We do a lot of work with our SEMA garage in Diamond Bar here in California, working directly with CARB
• We do a lot of work with our Seema garage and Diamond Bar here in California, working directly with CARB

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have worked it out.
• it works properly.
• None of this works.
• That's the key to actually working.
• That's the key to actually working.

Summary: The committee took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, training, appropriate child-sized equipment and medications, a designated care coordinator, and participation in a pediatric readiness assessment. It was reported favorably. CS/SB 1224 followed, aligning Florida law with federal requirements so paramedics may administer controlled substances in the field under physician or nurse practitioner protocols; it also passed favorably after supportive testimony from fire chiefs. The committee then adopted a strike-all for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by creating a statewide registry, requiring screening and training in hospitals and long-term care settings, and adding assisted living facility response requirements. Assisted living representatives objected to the ALF provisions as unrealistic and potentially harmful, while supporters argued the bill would save lives; the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring continuous glucose monitors to be covered as both durable medical equipment and a pharmacy benefit, also passed favorably with support from AARP. The committee next considered CS/SB 12, a claim bill for a child severely injured after a DCF home visit allegedly failed to meet standards, and it was reported favorably without opposition. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with substance abuse treatment centers and recovery residences, drew substantial debate. The bill would limit local zoning restrictions on treatment facilities and allow larger recovery residences if staffing ratios are increased; a late-filed amendment reduced the maximum active patients from 500 to 300. Municipal and county representatives warned that the bill could override local reasonable-accommodation efforts and create institutional-scale facilities, while supporters said housing is essential to recovery and that clustering concerns are overstated. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably. CS/SB 1050, expanding the developmental disabilities pilot program statewide and creating a statewide family care council, also passed after extensive testimony from families and advocates. Supporters emphasized the long waitlist and the need for more services, while some speakers opposed managed care and warned about provider shortages and loss of individualized supports. Later, CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening clearinghouse and level two screening requirements, was reported favorably. CS/SB 1578, which would require coverage for mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screening in certain circumstances, was also reported favorably. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee to review Medicaid operations and financing; members discussed the need for stronger oversight of large midyear spending adjustments, and the bill passed favorably. CS/SB 1240, a Department of Children and Families substance abuse and mental health bill, was amended to clarify Baker Act transfer timing and notification requirements after debate over whether facilities could hold patients too long; it was then reported favorably. Finally, Senator Harrell presented CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates. The bill would require nursing programs to use exit exams, remediation, reporting, and stricter oversight, and the strike-all would add graduate preceptorships for low-performing programs and temporary provisional licenses for graduates pending NCLEX passage. The transcript ended while that bill was still being explained, before final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we'll work on that bill.
• Thank you, Aileen, for all of your hard work.
• Working alongside information coming out of Bloomberg and Moody's, he worked on issues of health care
• I know that when you worked for the city of Phoenix, you worked in parks and rec.
• Been in the House working my bills all day long.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, heard an invocation, dispensed with the previous journal, and received a House message. Members also recognized Dr. Namita Bardwaj as doctor of the day. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 554 honoring Christopher “Chris” Jake Stone of Santa Fe for his heroism during the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, with several senators and the lieutenant governor offering remarks about his sacrifice and the ongoing impact on his family and community. The Senate also signed a number of bills and resolutions and adopted Senate Resolution 533 recognizing the Texas Legislative Internship Program class, with multiple senators highlighting individual interns and the program’s role in developing future public servants. The floor then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order and the three-day rule. These included HB 1639 on a study of cancer incidence among female firefighters; HB 102 granting early registration for students in military-related programs; HB 4325 increasing civil penalties for barratry; HB 5342 creating a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline trust fund and related funding study; HB 3370 allowing late timberland appraisal applications after an owner’s death; HB 3376 requiring certain guardians to complete dementia/Alzheimer’s training; HB 132 extending confidentiality protections to information about hostile acts by foreign adversaries; and HB 1978, which sought to restrict ERCOT interconnections, but its motion to pass to engrossment failed on a 20-11 vote. Additional measures passed included HB 511 on unsolicited voter registration mailings, HB 2187 on nurse staffing, retaliation, and overtime protections, HB 2510 creating offenses for unlicensed assisted living operations, HB 694 on DFPS notification timelines, HB 1893 making license plates in law-enforcement video nonconfidential for public information requests, HB 2733 updating barratry and solicitation laws for digital communications, HB 4506 allowing opt-in electronic zoning notices, HB 3751 transferring a TxDOT property to DPS, HB 3033 creating a grant program for nonprofits supporting injured or killed DPS employees, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud prevention and eligibility verification, HB 3211 on vision care benefits, HB 4529 exempting certain DoD-certified child care facilities from state licensure, HB 2522 easing fingerprinting requirements for certain vehicle dealers, HB 4219 tightening public information request response requirements, and HB 4783 requiring a report on opioid antagonist programs. The Senate also received a House message noting passage of SB 9, and a nominations committee report was announced for future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have already done some of that work there.
• its way to where it needs to work is the best way to do it.
• What works for one community may not work for another.
• They want something that will work.
• They want something that will work.

Bills: SB1024, SB1032, SB1059, SB1062, SB1064, SB1097, SCM1001, SCR1004

Keywords: roadable aircraft, registration, vehicle title, license plates, aviation safety, corrections oversight, funding, state budget, criminal justice, reform, appropriation, Department of Transportation, right turn lane, traffic improvement, infrastructure funding, transportation funding, authorization, road improvements, intersection safety, transportation

Summary: The committee began with a JLBC presentation comparing the baseline budget to the governor’s proposal. JLBC said the baseline shows a positive cash balance in each year, with about $577–$578 million available above statutory formulas, but that major items such as tax conformity, state employee health subsidies, school repairs, SNAP administrative changes, and possible SNAP error-rate costs are not fully funded. JLBC also reviewed executive revenue and spending proposals, including border-security funding, sports betting tax changes, data-center tax changes, short-term rental and water surcharges, and several one-time items that JLBC said appear to be ongoing in practice. Members questioned SNAP error rates, Medicaid/Access enrollment and costs, possible fraud involving Access-to-Marketplace shifting, prison receivership risk, and the need for more oversight of waste and fraud. The committee then heard and passed SB 1032, which appropriates $1.5 million to fund the Independent Correctional Oversight Office created last year. The sponsor and several advocates said the office is needed to provide independent oversight, improve transparency, help whistleblowers, and reduce the risk of federal receivership over the prison system. Testimony from advocacy groups and former incarcerated individuals strongly supported the bill, and the committee approved it 10-0. Next, the committee considered several transportation appropriations. SB 1064 would provide $3 million to Flagstaff for improvements along U.S. Route 66; the mayor and local planning officials described safety problems, congestion, and housing growth along the corridor, while some members objected to using general fund dollars for roads instead of HURF and to bypassing the normal transportation board process. The bill passed 7-3. SB 1059 would appropriate $9.2 million for a right-turn lane at SR 87 and SR 260 in Payson, and SB 1062 would appropriate $1 million for a left-turn lane at US 60 and Superstition Mountain Drive in Gold Canyon; both were supported by local witnesses citing congestion and safety concerns and both received do-pass recommendations, 7-3 and 6-4 respectively. The committee also began hearing SCR 1004, a voter-referral measure to prohibit photo enforcement systems, with the sponsor and public commenters arguing that photo radar is unconstitutional, abusive, and tied to ticket revenue, but the transcript cuts off before any committee action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, in the Gila, we have work...
• So, yeah, soil and conservation districts work, but we have to make sure they work well, and obviously
• We are not a soil and water conservation district, but we do work closely with them, and their work is
• work here in Santa Fe, but raising grandkids.
• I think this is going to work against them.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That math doesn't work out.
• depository work, and legal work.
• Um, we do work with students with disabilities.
• Sorry, my charming English, I'm working on it.
• Uh, that we have not been able to verify and we're working on that.

Bills: HB74, HB175

Keywords: environmental project, public money, political subdivision, greenhouse gas emissions, federal law compliance, renewable energy, water conservation, retroactive child support, child conception, paternity, family law, health care expenses

Transcript Highlights:

• How is that going to work?
• How is that going to work out in this bill? No.
• the<00:24:25.840> same and working working again in the same and working working again in
• yet they're coming back and working yet they're coming back and working again<00:24:55.039> then
• and they also recommend that we work and they also recommend that we work with<00:41:33.560>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met in decision-making on a long list of Senate bills and adopted most measures with amendments or unamended, often with members voting aye and some recording reservations. Among the measures acted on were SB 40, SB 411, SB 436, SB 443, SB 447, SB 572, SB 583, SB 739, SB 742, SB 746, SB 816, SB 826, SB 830, SB 841, SB 850, SB 865, SB 952, SB 955, SB 1040, SB 1042, SB 1083, SB 1229, SB 1359, SB 1469, SB 1553, SB 1578, SB 1609, SB 1610, SB 1619, and SB 1641. Common amendments included deferring effective dates to 2050, adding sunset dates, adopting LRB technical changes, and narrowing or clarifying program language. Several bills drew brief discussion on policy details. SB 583 was amended to remove references to selling naming rights, leaving only leasing. SB 739 was discussed for its land exchange provisions and concerns about ceded lands and OHA revenue, but it was still adopted with reservations. SB 830 was amended based on DNR testimony to address reconstruction after disasters, excluding certain coastal hazards. SB 850 added State Council on Developmental Disabilities recommendations to address health disparities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. SB 952 shifted administration of a pilot program to the Department of Human Services in partnership with the Office of Wellness and Resiliency, and SB 1610 added requirements for utility connections and capped spending on the Ohana Zones/Cales-related program. The committee also heard substantial discussion on SB 442, which concerned returning retirees to state employment. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Attorney General focused on whether the bill should allow a shorter waiting period and how it would interact with current 89-day hiring practices, succession planning, and law enforcement retirement rules. After debate, the committee moved to decision-making and adopted amendments to include investigators, expand eligibility to hard-to-fill or succession-planning positions, and set a term limit for returning retirees with director approval for extensions. In a separate joint Ways and Means/Judiciary hearing, SB 716, SB 763, and SB 804 were also advanced with amendments, including organizational placement changes for DLE programs and Attorney General amendments to avoid retroactivity and contract-impairment issues. Several items were deferred, including SB 983, SB 1220, and SB 828.

Transcript Highlights:

• Luckily, we know what works.
• That process works because the L.A.
• Continue to work with the author.
• I've worked with the committee, and I want to thank the committee for their hard work.
• I've worked with the committee and I want to thank the committee for their hard work.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with AB 2002, which would clarify and extend the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 1.0) grant program to support regional governments, cities, and counties with housing element planning and technical assistance. Supporters from SCAG and CalCOG said REAP helped jurisdictions meet housing obligations and build capacity, while the California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended over concerns the bill could create additional local constraints. The committee discussed accepted amendments, including emergency and permanent regulations, suballocation to subregions, and a three-year expenditure deadline. The bill was moved on a do-pass-as-amended basis and kept on call, along with the consent calendar. AB 1684 would bar homeowners associations from restricting a homeowner’s ability to install, use, or replace a home cooling system. Supporters argued cooling is a health and safety necessity during extreme heat, especially for vulnerable residents, while opposition from the Community Associations Institute said the bill needed more clarity on electrical capacity, permits, and common-area placement of equipment. Committee amendments were summarized to require licensed electrical contractors where permits are needed, preserve HOA authority over unpermitted or unsafe installations, and require disclosure to buyers. The bill was approved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Senate Judiciary and kept on call. AB 1710 would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional agencies so housing projects are not subject to later regulatory changes after the entitlement process begins, except for certain health, safety, and environmental exceptions. Supporters said it would reduce delays and costs in housing development, while special districts and water agencies opposed unless amended, warning the bill could improperly freeze later state, regional, or federal requirements. Senators raised concerns about overbreadth and operational conflicts, but the bill was moved do-pass as amended to Senate Local Government and kept on call. The committee also heard and advanced AB 2263, authorizing the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to develop employee housing with a preference for employees and annual reporting; AB 2270, which would adjust tax credit scoring for farmworker housing to reflect rural realities; AB 2118, which would refine AB 2011 streamlined approval rules for mixed-use and affordable housing; and AB 2050, the HOA reserve-funding bill, which would require associations to build reserves over time and add notice and safeguards, but drew opposition over enforcement and foreclosure concerns. Each of those bills was moved forward with amendments and kept on call for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's working and where we can grow.
• To this math pilot, we've been working on literacy for so long; we have to elevate our work in math.
• in Innovation Zone.
• Lots of work. Gone into this.
• It was a working relationship, one where we worked towards solutions and addressed problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• and statutory restriction on the CMAR alternative project delivery method within Louisiana public work
• It looks at the qualifications of the bidder, their past work, and what equipment they have.
• I am interested in, you referenced qualifications, looking at prior work experience.
• We worked with him on the amendment.
• Champaign for all of her work and effort with Mr. Reggie Hope.

Bills: HR275, HR282, HCR112, SCR62, SCR64, SB513

Keywords: highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, Utility Terrain Vehicles, UTVs, safety regulations, transportation, Louisiana, task force, vehicle operation, legislation, accidents, HCR112, House Concurrent Resolution 112, Louisiana Highway 1

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 with a quorum present and took up several resolutions and one Senate bill. SCR 64 created a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) in Louisiana public works; an amendment added representatives from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, and the resolution was reported with amendments. HR 282 created a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with state agencies; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and it was also reported with amendments. The committee then considered SB 513 on public works project delivery methods. The bill originally included an average-bid award method for certain pilot projects, along with airport design-build provisions. Testimony from a Reason Foundation analyst and from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors raised concerns that average-bid contracting could encourage collusion, raise costs, and lacked supporting data or use by U.S. transportation departments, while airport design-build was supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to strike the average-bid provisions, leaving the airport-related design-build language in place, and SB 513 was reported with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses, including a fatal incident referenced by the author. HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were disposed of and the committee adjourned.