Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yes, Senator Landon. >> So, good morning, Representative. the governing body shall call a special
• the governing body shall call a special election. election. election.
• The election code allows elections in May, August, November. Big gap in the summer, June, July.
• The election code allows elections in May, August, November. Big gap in the summer, June, July.
• The election code allows elections in May, August, November. Big gap in the summer, June, July.

Bills: HB0022, HB0052, HB0076

Keywords: municipal officers, recall election, petition requirements, local governance, voter participation, elections, hand counting, recounts, vote auditing, Wyoming legislature, electoral process, annexation, landowner rights, municipal law, city planning, property, local government, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Finance and Government Operations Committee.
• government operations committee. government operations committee.
• , including local governments.
• government subsidy. government subsidy.
• that um fell outside of our normal code. that um fell outside of our normal code.

Bills: HF4319, HF3295, HF3589, HF3587, HF3588, HF4295, HF3571, HF3895

Keywords: public utilities commission, Lake City, port authority, Red Wing, terms of appointment, local government, elections, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, voter access, polling place, ballot, unexpected needs, election judge, public information, political parties, HF4295

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the government code requires that the Director of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission
• any event; instead, the fund would be established consisting of amounts deposited by the state government
• One theme emerged loud and clear: that way too many businesses interact with state government. online
• Excuse me, the way many small businesses interact with state government is outdated, inconsistent, and

Bills: HB2564, HB2760, HB2765, HB2898, HB3260, HB3800, HB4341, HB4396, HB5195

Keywords: Defense Economic Adjustment, grant applications, economic assistance, local government, Evaluation panel, judicial review, Texas Workforce Commission, unemployment compensation, legal proceedings, labor law, rural development, infrastructure, Texas economic fund, private investment, job creation, meteorological evaluation towers, wind resources, aviation safety, regulations, construction notice

Transcript Highlights:

• budget<00:05:02.479> in Our agency adds value by serving this body and the state government
• ><00:05:25.520> and<00:05:25.840> the<00:05:26.080> state<00:05:26.400> government
• <00:05:26.880> with this body and the state government with this body and the state government
• Um, for those who may not know, the state government finance budget bill funds the offices of the state
• Uh, there is a separate state government policy bill which is also moving forward.

Bills: HF2783

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• Um section 37 is government and citizen Um section 37 is government and citizen services<00:04:54.080
• Admin's primary role is to help government best serve Minnesotans.
• <00:20:32.559> We agency and state government programs.
• We agency and state government programs.
• Sullivan can actually quote chapter and verse on statute from memory.

Bills: HF2783

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Bills: HB59, HB74, HB159, HB167, HB175, HB255, HB330, HB364, HB458, HB525, HB568, HB656, HB1033, HB1034, HB1070

Keywords: public defender, funding, district court, East Baton Rouge, judicial expenses, Autism Spectrum Disorder, missing children, law enforcement, public safety, Spectrum Alert, inmate documentation, post-release employment, special identification card, Louisiana Department of Public Safety, reentry services, veterans, veterans services, lottery proceeds, special fund, grant board

Transcript Highlights:

• and governance in those important<00:27:11.520> areas.
• give people contractors, government, give people contractors, government, nonprofits,<00:47:49.280
• an agency pursuant to chapter 91.
• an agency pursuant to chapter 91.
• <01:59:24.880> 91 without having to adopt chapter 91 without having to adopt chapter 91 rules

Bills: HB1739, HB1741, HB2606, HB2362, HB2608, HB2294, HB2431, HB2375, HB2582, HB2585, HB2231, HB1601, HB2424, HB1956

Keywords: transit-oriented development, zoning, land use, urban planning, density, local governance, housing, inclusionary zoning, inclusionary mandate, affordable housing, below-market-rate housing, inclusionary housing, development exaction, impact fee, housing affordability impact fee, needs assessment study, financial feasibility, rough proportionality, essential nexus, county ordinance

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 19, 2026, and the chair opened by emphasizing strict time limits and that all bills would be deferred if the agenda was not completed before the noon session. The first major measure discussed was HB 1739 HD1, which would preempt county land-use authority in transit-oriented development areas. The Department of Planning supported the bill, saying it could promote state-funded TOD and infrastructure, while the city and county’s position was raised in questioning. Unite Here Local 5 opposed the bill, arguing it would strip counties of self-determination, disrupt state-county policy collaboration, and remove a check on unrestrained development. Committee members pressed the supporters on whether the bill was really about higher density and whether it would override local zoning and sustainability concerns. The committee then heard testimony on HB 1741 HD1, a housing bill described by supporters as reducing inclusionary housing mandates and increasing supply. Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued affordability mandates reduce overall housing production and raise market-rate prices, while a Zoom testifier said the bill would improve housing stability, health, and community outcomes for working families, kupuna, and young residents. Members asked about the bill’s needs assessment and who would conduct it, with a witness saying the counties would likely contract it out but that the bill did not clearly specify the reviewer. HB 2668 HD1, dealing with water heating systems, drew testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office and industry representatives. Supporters generally backed adding heat pumps to the law, but one solar-water-heater industry witness asked for amendments to remove or extend the current 15-year statutory life limit for solar water heaters and to update outdated standards and variance rules. A Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition witness opposed the existing solar-only structure, arguing heat pump water heaters are cheaper, align with climate goals, and should be allowed without a variance. The Energy Office said the current law already allows variances in some cases, suggested adding high-efficiency heat pump water heaters to the exemption, and said the 15-year figure may be too short, with 18 years mentioned as a possible alternative. The committee also briefly moved through several other bills, including HB 2606 HD1 on off-site construction and HB 2362 HD1 on housing, with no notable testimony or action recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 431 of the Health and Human Safety Code.
• Members House Bill 1621 seeks to amend Chapter 8.
• Sub to Chapter A, Chapter 1001 of the Health Safety Code to require health and Human Services Commission
• House Bill 1747 is Vice Chair Compost's bill, which will amend the government code to establish the mental
• That money then goes in. to the general revenue fund in the federal government.

Bills: HB 3772, HB 1656, HB 4504, HB 1896, HB 4420, HB 4421, HB 4076, HB 3708, HB 2806, HB 3540, HB 1586, HB 5459, HB 4553, HB 4535, HB 3811, HB 3749, HB 4255, HB 4051, HB 5098, HB 3554, HB 4539, HB 5274

Keywords: e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians

Transcript Highlights:

• a very gradual, very careful revision, chapter by chapter.
• This bill we call our general code update bill.
• Sections are added with the same bill number, same section or chapter number.
• a very gradual, very careful revision, chapter by chapter.
• This bill we call our general code update bill.

Bills: SCR3, SCR30, SB2375, HCR35

Keywords: cowboy culture, Bandera, cultural heritage, historical significance, Texas identity, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature, statutory revision, code corrections, laws omitted, legislative updates, spaceports, tax-exempt bonds, aerospace investment, Texas space economy, Federal legislation, 1185

Bills: HB1428

Keywords: HB 1428, North Dakota sales tax, sales tax exemption, thrift store, nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3), charitable organization, used clothing, clothing exemption, retail tax, Century Code 57-39.2-04, charity shop, secondhand clothing, taxable events, nonprofit retail, 908, all

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 1482, which would require certain municipal bond elections to be held on primary or general election days rather than at special elections. Senator Rummel walked the committee through a proposed amendment from Representative Wagner that would remove special-election language, align ballot timing requirements, and make related cleanup changes. Members discussed the distinction between constitutional debt limits and the bill’s election-timing requirements, with Senator Powers seeking clarification that the measure did not change levy or bond limits themselves. The committee also discussed whether the amended language would comply with the Secretary of State’s requirements. Chairman Weber and Senator Rummel said they had consulted legislative council and wanted a further check before the bill moved forward, and the chairman said he would hold the bill until that review was complete. The amendment was approved unanimously, 6-0, and the bill as amended was then adopted unanimously, 6-0. After passage, the committee discussed who would carry the bill, eventually settling on Senator Rummel as carrier. The chair also said several other bills, including gas tax and property tax measures, would be held for the time being while the committee waited for developments in the House. The committee announced it would not plan to meet the next day unless called from the floor, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this changes two sections of the trust code.
• this this changes two sections of the this this changes two sections of the trust<00:40:50.640> code
• And again, the goal here is trust code.
• into<00:41:37.359> into<00:41:37.760> conformity<00:41:38.319> with trust code
• into into conformity with trust code into into conformity with those<00:41:38.880> best<00:41

Bills: SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226, SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226

Keywords: automated driving systems, oversized vehicles, transportation, regulations, permits, HB192, international wire transfer, wire transfer fee, remittance fee, money transmission business, Alabama Securities Commission, Department of Revenue, Education Trust Fund, ELL instructors, English Language Learner, ESL teachers, income tax credit, remittances, international money transfer, migrant families

Transcript Highlights:

• And we data privacy government entities?
• for profit not our local governments for profit not our local governments right<00:04:47.520>
• <00:04:59.199> and<00:04:59.440> state<00:04:59.680> governments local governments
• and state governments local governments and state governments are<00:05:00.320> very<00:05:00.560
• You've got government and you've got private sector.

Bills: SF0020, SF0021, SF0022

Keywords: data privacy, government accountability, personal data, data retention, resident rights, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification

Bills: SF0020, SF0021, SF0022

Keywords: data privacy, government accountability, personal data, data retention, resident rights, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification

Bills: HB24, HB950, HB 1228, HB24

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, municipal services, annexation, disannexation, zoning regulations, full municipal services, municipal obligations, landowner rights, service provision, groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management, 1184, house

Transcript Highlights:

• chapter 343. chapter 343.
• Our Prince because it's self-governance.
• important that it's not only government important that it's not only government agencies<01:33:31.400
• , responsibilities under this chapter, responsibilities under this chapter, provided<01:54:56.600
• recommendations regarding the governance recommendations regarding the governance and<02:00:09.520

Bills: SB3253, SB2401, SB3169, SB17, SB3014, SB3032, SB1432, SB2002, SB2972, SB3247

Keywords: conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach. The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii Government Employees Association in support.
• <02:23:03.120> Hawaii<02:23:03.600> Government you. Thank you.
• Hawaii Government you. Thank you.
• <02:50:28.000> Members, this more general uh chapter.
• Members, this more general uh chapter.

Bills: HB20, HB2612, HB2404, HB2459, HB2194, HB1880, HB2284, HB1969, HB2458, HB1546, HB2161, HB1721, HB1641, HB2137, HB1782, HB2360, HB1965, HB1897, HB1513

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, mortgage, debt, secured transactions, real property, Hawaii Revised Statutes, cooperative associations, electric utility cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, mutual help, food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 20, which would create a lava zone insurance subsidy/fund. The Insurance Division opposed the bill, arguing that lava zones 1 and 2 are the highest-risk areas, that a subsidy would not reduce the underlying risk or loss costs, that it could invite similar subsidy requests for other hazards, and that the bill may conflict with HICV by diverting funds from the CRF. Members discussed the lack of authorized homeowners insurance in those lava zones, the role of HPIA and the surplus market, and the difference between the proposed lava-zone subsidy and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. The chair noted 37 submitted testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on HB 20 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2612, relating to mortgages, which would clarify that a mortgage does not exist independently of the debt it secures and is not independently enforceable from that debt. The Hawaii Credit Union League and Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill, while several individuals testified in support, arguing it would restore Hawaii’s long-standing lien-state rule and prevent so-called “zombie mortgages” after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s White decision. Supporters said the bill would protect borrowers from delayed foreclosures and predatory lending practices, while opponents and the Insurance Division emphasized that foreclosure actions still require proof of standing and possession of the note, and that lenders generally pursue foreclosure without seeking deficiency judgments. Committee members questioned the Insurance Division about how the current market works, whether lenders could wait out the statute of limitations and then foreclose only on the mortgage, and whether equitable tolling or later defaults could allow refiling. The division said it is still trying to attract authorized insurers back into the lava-zone market, but has seen little progress. No vote or final action on HB 2612 was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, but this amends existing code related to public corruption to use retirement contributions made by
• This amends existing code related to public corruption to use retirement contributions made by a public

Bills: HB44, HB400, HB444, HB487, SB249, SB252, SB58, HB44, HB400, HB444, HB487, SB249, SB252, SB58

Keywords: teachers retirement, credit purchase, St. Clair County, DAY Program, pension reform, dental insurance, benefit rollover, healthcare, insurance policy, annual maximum, HB444, vaccines, vaccine exemption, religious exemption, religious liberty, private school, church school, faith-based school, parochial school, school immunization

Bills: HB342, HB342, HB168, HB220, SB187, SB270, SB265, SB220, SB242, SB277

Keywords: religious instruction, elective credit, released time, public education, school policy, tax credit, scholarship, education funding, financial aid, federal participation, HB168, Alabama, emergency management, local emergency management organization, mutual aid, mutual aid agreement, disaster response, public safety, public health, state emergency management plan

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government will now
• And local governments that do that Thank you.
• this year going to call DIGIT, Division of Integrated Government Innovation.
• We have an opportunity that doesn't often occur in government or in life.
• Home rule still matters in local government.

Bills: S0302, S0394, S0480, S0546, S0636, S0774, S0796, S1028, S1050, S1066, S1120, S1230, S1288, S1682

Keywords: cybersecurity, information technology, data management, local government compliance, cloud services, state agency oversight, integrated governance, conservation lands, land exchange, state-owned land, Acquisition and Restoration Council, Florida water management, environmental protection, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills, beginning with CS/SB 796, which would create Veterinary Professional Associates as a new supervised veterinary role, expand telehealth prescription timeframes, and set training and scope limits. Supporters said it would improve access to care, lower costs, and create a career path, while opponents argued the proposal lacked a clear regulatory framework, could create liability and federal-law conflicts, and would not address the real shortage in rural large-animal practice. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Members also heard and favorably reported SB 1682 on local authority over derelict and abandoned vessels, CS/SB 1028 on a commercial Citizens clearinghouse for property insurance, SB 394 on exempting certain reinsurance underwriting managers from licensing, SB 636 on beach management and erosion designations, CS/SB 546 on public notice for conservation land sales or exchanges, CS/SB 302 on Biscayne Bay nature-based solutions and related coastal resiliency provisions, SB 1050 on pharmacy choice for pet medications, and SB 774 extending workers’ compensation benefits to 911 public safety telecommunicators for mental and nervous injuries. Testimony on these bills generally focused on access, regulatory clarity, environmental protection, or workforce support, with some concerns raised on insurance consumer protections and beach-management language. Senator Harrell’s bills were also taken up and reported favorably: CS/SB 480, a major overhaul of state IT governance creating DIGIT and new procurement, reporting, and workforce structures; CS/SB 1230, restricting PFAS-containing firefighting foam and adding testing, inventory, and disposal requirements; and CS/SB 1288, a naming bill designating the Andrew Red Harris Shoal and requiring markers. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on SB 1066 regarding restoration of the Oklawaha/Rodman system, with supporters emphasizing ecological restoration, flood-risk reduction, and economic benefits, and opponents warning about local impacts, water quality, and the loss of a world-class fishery. The transcript ends during testimony on that bill, before final action is shown.

Bills: SB205, SB242, SB205, SB242

Keywords: appropriation, education funding, priority schools, Alabama education, State Department of Education, codification, state law, legal revisions, Alabama code, legislative updates, underground damage prevention, notification system, construction safety, infrastructure, commercial driver license, English proficiency, work authorization, impoundment, false documentation, 1136