Transcript Highlights:

• AB 667 would allow applicants of certain BIS licenses administered by the Department of Consuming Affairs
• And just one last thing, is there any data that tells us how many applicants are unable to pass their
• It tells licensing boards, when you review applications, you need to prioritize people who've been locked
• It requires that each board falling under the Department of Consumer Affairs prioritize, quote, applicants
• It requires an applicant to obtain certification from the Bureau confirming their status as a descendant

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• concrete plant or for the Committee on Environmental Regulation HB 2643 by Dutton relates to the applicable
• application of.
• Relating to the information required by an operator, the application of the Railroad Commission to Texas
• HB 2698 by NNCHA relating to the representation of certain judgment applicant indigent applicants of
• to require a person allowed an exemption from taxation of a resident's homestead to file a new application

Transcript Highlights:

• overbreadth of the statute requires one of three courses of action on the part of the healthcare applicant
• This will be clear to initial applicants and entities renewing licensure when they make the attestation
• interest is an officer, board of director, or owner. of more than 5% of the healthcare entity or applicant
• It should also be clear that the initial applicants and entities renewing licensure that none of these
• The applicant entity seeking licensure renewal can vet their backgrounds to ensure they have no connection

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're waiting for CMS to get the guidance on what that application includes. recipients on um on
• in by the end of December uh application in by the end of December uh in<00:34:45.359> order<
• guidance on what that application guidance on what that application includes.<00:34:51.919> So
• So, the way it's set up is the first year it's applicable is federal fiscal year 28.
• applicable is federal fiscal year 28. applicable is federal fiscal year 28.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 FY 2025 Budget Close Out 00:02:55 Impressions of H.R. – 119th Congress 00:28:15 SNAP Payment Error Rates 00:37:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, approved the July minutes, and recognized Jennifer Hayes of the Department of State Budget Director for her retirement and long service. Secretary Hicks then presented a review of fiscal year 2025 closeout for the general fund and road fund, explaining that the general fund ended with a $313 million surplus and the road fund with a $61 million surplus. He attributed the general fund result to strong corporate income and LLC tax receipts, investment income, and lower-than-budgeted spending, while noting that individual income tax and sales tax underperformed estimates. He also described how the general fund surplus was allocated, with $62 million used for necessary government expenses and $251 million deposited into the budget reserve trust fund, which remained at historically strong levels. For the road fund, he said the surplus would be deposited into the Department of Highways construction account, and he highlighted record motor vehicle usage tax receipts despite lower motor fuels tax revenue due to a rate decline. Members asked questions about the pass-through entity tax, delayed filing deadlines, THC beverage sales, and income tax collection from undocumented workers. Hicks said the pass-through entity tax remains difficult to model because of timing issues and the first year’s unusual filing pattern, and that staff are still working with the Department of Revenue and other states to improve forecasting. He said the delayed filing deadline likely would not require a major restatement and that any related receipts would still be counted in fiscal 2026. On THC beverages, he said the issue would be considered in the next forecasting cycle. On the undocumented-worker question, he said withholding may capture some of the revenue but referred broader collection efforts to the Department of Revenue. The committee then shifted to an overview of the federal reconciliation act’s potential impact on the next biennial budget, with Hicks and Commissioner Lisa Dennis focusing on Medicaid and SNAP. Hicks said the Congressional Budget Office estimated roughly $900 billion in federal savings over 10 years, driven in part by work or community engagement requirements for the Medicaid expansion population and limits on state-directed payments. He emphasized that CMS still must issue regulations to define how the state-directed payment reductions will be calculated, making the exact fiscal impact uncertain. He referred members to a prior Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board presentation for more detail, and the discussion remained informational with no votes or formal actions taken on the federal changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• 8.4 million increase in general revenue funds for CEPRA project operational costs and a reality. application
• The applications also include the addition of rider 29, disaster relief cleanup funding, requiring the
• The number of permit applications received has dramatically increased.
• So this funding is solely for Texas and can only be drawn. on with proper project applications.
• Are you guys, you're seeing an increased, you know, application count?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seven, removes the statutory cap on midwife licensure and application fees.
• It removes the requirement for a covered company to connect the application developer with a parent or
• within the covered company's app store and limit the amount of time a user can spend on downloaded applications
• is not required to share age signals with a third party other than with a developer through an application
• that is distributed on the covered company's application store, and removes the requirement for a developer

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• provide for the purpose, to subject the partnership to approval of the Board of Supervisors and the applicable
• adolescent literacy, to provide with respect to high-dose tutoring, to provide for definitions, applicability
• Owen amends Title 17, the Education Code, relative to teachers, provides for an appeal process for applicants
• Title 17, the Education Code relative to teacher certification provides for an appeal process for applications
• to provide, to require a decision to be rendered within a certain period of time, provides for applicability

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He also said there have been conversations about Brownfield applications at the federal level.
• and decide whether it is legitimate, whether it is going to work, and whether the applicant is a good
• They have grading systems where commissioners and aldermen look at these applications and approve them
• They, you know, they look at a grant application. Is it legitimate? Is it going to work?
• Look at these applications and approve them. They're submitted to DNR to be approved.

Summary: The committee met in public hearing on Senate Bill 1586, sponsored by Sen. Ben Brown, which would address abandoned, ownerless landfills in Missouri. Brown described the bill as a response to a constituent who discovered contamination near property in Franklin County, and said the measure had evolved through multiple versions. He explained that the bill would give the Department of Natural Resources clearer authority over ownerless landfill sites, direct 10% of tipping fees from solid waste districts toward assessment, investigation, testing, remediation, and management of those sites, create an interim committee for further study, and tighten seller disclosure requirements to require written, dated notice by mail. Brown said the state has 29 such sites and argued that counties and DNR lack the resources to study or clean them up. Support testimony came from Marisa Grosoccoe, dean of engineering at the University of Missouri, who said the bill provides both a regulatory framework and a steady funding stream, and that environmental studies are a necessary first step to determine the scope and cost of cleanup and potentially return contaminated land to productive use. She said the funding would likely support only a few studies per year, but would reduce uncertainty and help unlock other funding sources. Opposition came from representatives of solid waste districts, including Chris Bussin and Diana Bryant, who argued the districts already perform important recycling, household hazardous waste, and grant administration work, and that the proposed diversion of tipping fees would reduce funding for those programs. They said the districts are already tightly regulated, that the abandoned landfill issue has been known for years, and that DNR already has authority to act. Lacey Miller, speaking for informational purposes, said the districts support local recycling and community programs, especially in small counties and schools, and warned that consolidation or funding cuts would hurt local services. No vote was taken; the hearing on Senate Bill 1586 was concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Officer is authorized to appoint review panel members to assist DFS in the grant review process of applicants
• Secondly, it requires the registered agent's address be included in a kiosk business application information
• Secondly, it requires the registered agent's address be included in a kiosk business application information
• And lastly, it provides that any false statement in an application, And lastly, it provides that any
• false statement in an application, rather than false statements as to the name, address, or location

Bills: S0198, S0570, S0772, S0808, S1038, S1040, S1286, S1440, S1504, S1668

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, payment scams, task force, fraud prevention, property insurance, roofing requirements, inspector, insurance policies, homeowners insurance, roof age, residential structures, insurance renewal, investment

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1286 by Senator Wright. That bill expands the law enforcement recruitment bonus program to include firefighters, creates a DFS grant review panel for fire-related grants, and establishes an institute for PTSD and first-responder behavioral health. Testimony from fire chiefs and others supported the measure, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee then considered several insurance and financial regulation bills. CS/SB 198 by Senator Rousan, as amended, regulates virtual currency kiosks with transaction limits, notice and receipt requirements, and OFR enforcement authority; witnesses described it as a needed anti-fraud measure, especially for seniors, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 772 by Senator Burgess, as amended, allows limited licenses for portable electronics and eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504 by Senator Claudio, as amended, creates a pathway for high school students to qualify for insurance customer representative licensure; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved two cryptocurrency reserve bills by Senator Gruters: CS/SB 1038 creates the Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve framework, and CS/SB 1040 creates the related trust fund; both received technical amendments and favorable reports. CS/SB 1440 by Senator Martin, as amended, creates public records exemptions and cybersecurity reporting provisions for financial institutions and related entities, and it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1668 by Senator Burton, which updates the NICA program’s funding and benefit structure, and CS/SB 570 by Senator Polsky, which creates a task force on payment scams, were both heard with supportive testimony and reported favorably. Senators later recorded additional affirmative votes on selected bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• into a basic training course when the applicant had a peace officer license that was permanently revoked
• Section 3, the director shall have cause to deny an application for a peace officer license or entrance
• into a basic training course when the applicant is not a citizen of the United States.
• The proposed amendments would occur in Section 2, and it would read: applicant had a peace officer license
• when an applicant is not a U.S. citizen or previously held a peace officer license that was revoked

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that reviews those applications.
• And then the Legislature did partially fund an application by the Yakama Nation for Portions of Tract
• And so we are accepting applications now.
• I think the application process closed for the next round, which will be brought. Yeah.
• The application process closed for the next round, which will be brought during the next long session

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session with an update from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Commissioner Dave Upthe Grove outlined DNR’s size and scope, previewed agency-request legislation, and emphasized budget priorities. He said DNR will seek authority to sell ecosystem service credits, better use underutilized water rights with tribal consultation, add a tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources, make minor timber-sales efficiencies, and include wildland firefighters in the LEOFF pension system. He also urged restoration of wildfire prevention and preparedness funding, warning that reduced funding would mean fewer firefighters, less forest health work, and less support for rural fire districts. He noted DNR’s wildfire suppression costs are rising and argued prevention spending can reduce larger, more expensive fires. State Forester George Geisler followed with a detailed wildfire season review. He said Washington now responds to fires year-round and also assists other states, including Texas. He described DNR’s use of 31 aircraft, 691 firefighters, and corrections-based crews, and said the agency’s success rate for keeping fires under 10 acres improved slightly from 93.7% to 94.1%. He highlighted increased arson activity, especially around Spokane, and described the Crescent Road Fire as an example of early detection, rapid response, and the use of bulldozers, aircraft, and hand crews to contain a fire to 182 acres with no structure losses. Senator Saldan praised the emphasis on prevention and the use of bulldozers as cost-effective tools. Assistant deputy supervisor Dwayne Emmons then reviewed the trust land transfer program, which was codified in statute in 2023 after being funded through the capital budget for decades. He said more than 130,000 acres of underperforming trust land have been transferred since the 1990s to other public or tribal entities for more appropriate use, while DNR acquires replacement lands to keep the trust whole. He described the current application and ranking process, including tribal input, and said DNR is requesting funding for remaining parcels from the last round, including portions of Tract C, Babcock Bench, and Middle Fork Snoqualmie. In questions, Senator Wagoner raised concerns about DNR’s decision to remove some acres from timber harvest rotation and its impact on local revenue and mills; the commissioner responded that current five-year harvest plans provide short-term stability and that any changes would be explored through the Board of Natural Resources process, not through immediate reductions in supply. The committee then received a history briefing from staff member Jeff Olson on the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission and agency structure. He traced the evolution from early fish and game commissioners to the current commission-appointed director model adopted by voter-approved Referendum 45 in 1995. Olson explained the commission’s statutory duties, membership requirements, and how Washington compares with other states. Chair Chapman said he had no plans to hear a bill this session changing the commission’s makeup, but he expressed personal interest in exploring reforms, accountability, and possibly a future broader coalition or referendum process. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair adjourned the session with holiday and New Year’s wishes.

Transcript Highlights:

• THERE ARE 3,000 TRADITIONAL APPLICANTS BUT 500 HAVE REQUESTED TO BE A PART OF OUR PROGRAM AND THEY HAVE
• CERTAINLY, WE ARE QUICK AT IT GETTING THE APPLICATION IN AND GETTING THE THINGS TO FEMA BUT THAT IS WHERE
• THIS IS A PROGRAM OPEN ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.
• WE ARE AT 51 COMPLETIONS AND RECEIVED 3800 APPLICATIONS AND ANOTHER REMINDER WE HAVE THOSE APPLICATIONS
• OPEN APPLICATIONS IN APRIL AND HAD OUR FIRST HOME COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so already, if you look at lines 22 to 24, that's already part of their permit application.
• If you look at lines 22 to 24, that's already part of their permit application.
• applicant that has been found to have<00:35:17.839> significant<00:35:18.280> history<
• when in fact the the the the applicant when in fact the the the the applicant may<00:35:45.880><
• And then, with regard to litigation, applicants are required to sign a compliance statement, so part

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting covered two main items. First, the solid waste subcommittee reviewed draft language for HB 707, focusing on landfill siting and permitting standards. Members and the Department of Environmental Services discussed replacing repeated references to “aquifer” with “drinking water well,” clarifying that aquifer is a broad term, and considering whether a statutory definition was needed. They also debated the bill’s setback and time-of-travel provisions, including the 10^-5 standard, a 1,500-foot distance, and whether the bill should rely more on performance-based criteria than prescriptive distances. Another major topic was permit denial language tied to applicants with significant histories of repeated serious violations or landfill-related litigation; the department said it already has related authority in current rules, but noted some wording was still too vague and could be tightened. No vote was taken, and the chair closed the hearing with plans to continue work later. The second item was a work session on HB 424, which would direct the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food to create forms for businesses to request information about service animals and establish a study committee on fraudulent or untrained service animals. Several members said the problem raised by the bill was real but expressed concern that the legislature may be limited by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Others argued that a study committee would likely not produce a workable solution and might conflict with leadership’s direction to avoid unnecessary study committees. Members discussed whether the bill should be retained, amended, or instead replaced with a letter or resolution to the federal delegation. The committee appeared to lean toward ITL and possibly pursuing a letter to federal officials, but no final vote is reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The updated application form that we've created for this program is TC2047 and The application form for
• You can go to the application form from that link.
• application.
• And you all application purposes there.
• Um the application of course uh occur.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are currently working through four applications from 29 applicants, and the awards will be announced
• We are currently working through four applications from 29 applicants, and the awards will be announced
• We are currently working through four applications from 29 applicants, and the awards will be announced
• requires updates to Legacy applications requires updates to Legacy applications and<01:27:12.639
• to maintain core regulatory applications to maintain core regulatory applications support<01:27:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:10.920> um<00:10:11.079> but resubmit our waiver application um but resubmit
• our waiver application um but again<00:10:11.760> uh<00:10:11.880> there<00:10:11.959>
• First of all, I want to clarify this does encourage the applications for the waivers when needed.
• However you can get an application, but if you don't fund it, nothing happens.
• <01:24:55.800> to allow the way W waiver applications to allow the way W waiver applications

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a reinsurance overview from Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer of the Minnesota Department of Commerce on the Minnesota Premium Security Plan. She explained that reinsurance helps stabilize premiums in the individual market by reimbursing insurers for high-cost claims, and said Minnesota’s program has lowered premiums, preserved carrier participation, and helped maintain consumer choice. She warned that without continued funding, the program would be depleted and individual-market premiums could rise by about 25%, with potential losses in coverage and access to care. She also described the program’s structure under a federal 1332 waiver, the role of MCHA in administering the program, and the state’s receipt of more than $650 million in federal pass-through funds to date. Dryer said the current program is funded through the end of 2025, though the federal waiver authority runs through 2027. The governor’s proposal would create a new assessment on insurers, estimated at roughly 2% to 3%, to fund the state share of the program and avoid another full waiver submission. She noted that the proposal assumes MinnesotaCare funding would be held harmless and that the program would be reduced if federal basic health plan funding were negatively affected. She also said projected costs changed because individual-market enrollment has grown and enhanced federal subsidies were removed from the estimate. Members raised concerns about the proposal’s impact on premiums and the history of the fund. Senator Rasmusson argued the new assessment amounts to a large tax increase on health insurance and questioned who would be assessed and whether the surcharge would be capped. Dryer responded that the assessment would be based on annual claims experience and market conditions, with final amounts determined at the end of each year, not monthly. Senator Duckworth and Senator Frentz supported reinsurance as a way to keep premiums lower, while also questioning how the program should be financed. Senator Green asked about the mechanics of the assessment and the role of the department in setting it, and Senator H questioned why the fiscal note assumed 12% annual growth for program costs when general premium growth was lower. No vote or formal action was taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The passage of this bill was worth about a half of a percentage point on our application, which we believe
• Subsection 5 provides the details on how an application and review process by the bank and the details
• This bill includes a very short window for application, and the program ends June 30, 2027. ...short
• window for application, and the program ends June 30, 2027.
• They will do the deep dive into their financial situation. ...these applications, they will do the deep

Bills: SB2401, SB2402, SB2403, SB2404

Keywords: SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. It adopted the procedural employment committee report naming Senate staff for the special session. The chamber then took up several health-care and appropriations measures, first adopting amendments to Senate Bills 2401, 2402, and 2403 before moving them to final passage. Senate Bill 2401 passed 44-2 and requires physicians to complete at least one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health, part of a broader rural health care package. Senate Bill 2402 passed 46-0 after major amendments negotiated between the medical and pharmacy boards; as amended, it expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution in limited areas while excluding categories such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, chemotherapy agents, Schedule II drugs, biological products, and narrow therapeutic index drugs. Supporters said it would improve rural access and help secure rural health transformation funding, while questions focused on how pharmacist competence would be measured and enforced. Senate Bill 2403, also passed 46-0, creates a short-term medical facility emergency operating loan program through the Bank of North Dakota, reduced by amendment from $10 million to $5 million, to help a financially distressed rural hospital. Senators discussed the hospital’s mismanagement, the need for a bridge loan, and safeguards including a limited application window and expiration in 2027. Senate Bill 2404 passed 46-0 and provides supplemental appropriations to the Information Technology Department for ADA-related website accessibility compliance and to the Public Service Commission for additional legal costs in federal energy-rate litigation. The Senate then made announcements about a Highway Patrol safety presentation and filing deadlines, excused an absent member, and adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to make a motion to further amend and have the initial application fee be $2,000 and then the
• Levi has the language and he can tell us what it is, then I would make that motion to have the application
• we were provided that showed some of the other states that are doing this registry had both an application
• Okay... ...application fee and an annual fee. Okay.
• fee, which is $35 upon application for that to have an attorney.

Bills: SB2012

Keywords: transportation, funding, infrastructure, grants, municipal, 908, all

Summary: The Government Operations Division met to continue work on budget and bill amendments. The committee first took up the Attorney General’s budget and reviewed a detailed amendment package that adjusted FTE levels, salary equity funding, funding sources, and several one-time appropriations. Changes included removing some House-added items, adding contingent funding tied to other bills, restoring certain funding sources, increasing the electronic smoking device manufacturer fee, and adding a provision on 24/7 sobriety program fees. Senator Dwyer then offered a further amendment to make the electronic smoking device fee a $2,000 application fee with a $500 annual renewal fee, which passed. The committee then voted 4-1 to adopt the budget as amended and give it a do pass recommendation as amended. The committee next considered House Bill 1143, relating to Great Plains Food Bank funding. After testimony from Amy Cleary on behalf of Great Plains Food Bank, members discussed the organization’s statewide role and the project’s financing, including a planned $30 million facility and existing fundraising. Senator Burkhard moved to restore the appropriation from $5 million to $10 million, and the motion passed 4-1. The committee then voted 4-1 to give the bill a do pass recommendation as amended, with Senator Burkhard designated as carrier. Finally, the committee discussed House Bill 1524, which would fund regional planning councils and authorize 16 FTEs. Members expressed sympathy for the councils’ work but concerns about approving new state-funded positions. No action was taken, and the chair asked to hold the bill over for further review. The committee then recessed, noting remaining budget work and upcoming hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Railroad Commission does have some expertise in land application of produced water.
• the environment, but can be reused in some industrial applications?
• Not just through land application, but other purposes as well.
• With regard to land application, this is certainly.
• Both land application and surface water discharge are a growing component of produced water.

Bills: HB48, HB49, HB 1169, HB1971, HB2584, HB2663, HB2890, HB48, HB49

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• Military applications where there's no approved alternative.
• The application of the word promote would be the general understanding of what budget process, the application
• That's the poison pill in application of your bill.
• That's the poison pill in application That's the legal fiction.
• That's the poison pill in application of your bill.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and memorial remarks, including a moment of silence for service members killed in the conflict in Iran. The chamber then moved to special orders and took up a series of bills, with many measures passing unanimously after brief explanations and, in several cases, substitution of House companions. Early bills included CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, which drew extensive supportive debate about the civic value of debate programs and passed 37-0, and SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force, which was amended to clarify that criticism of Israel is not prohibited and then passed 37-0. The Senate also approved CS/CS/SB 1230/HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals and firefighting foam, with discussion focused on phasing out AFFF, testing requirements, exceptions for federal aviation and military uses, and support for firefighters and water quality; the bill passed 37-0. Other measures passed without opposition included SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training, SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services, SB 990/HB 883 on protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, SB 560 on child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684/HB 961 on electronic signatures for salvage titles, and SB 778/HB 569 on forensic client services. Two bills, SB 432 on intoxicating substances and SB 928 on dangerous crimes, were temporarily postponed. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent counties and municipalities from funding or promoting DEI efforts he described as discriminatory or indoctrinating, while opponents offered amendments to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances. Those amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor then continued explaining the bill’s exceptions, including references to holidays, heritage sites, and the Pulse Memorial, and the chamber was still in debate on the underlying measure when the transcript ended.