Transcript Highlights:

• We regulate coal mines, site remediation, hydrogen, and oversee gas utilities.
• We currently don't have an online filing capability for gas utility annual reports.
• Were those all utilized? So here's what we used. We got 3 years ago now, is that right?
• Why are we not utilizing the bonding associated with the well for the operator? We do.
• We need to replace 20 vehicles in our fleet of 139 vehicles.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present to hear Article VI Natural Resources agency budget recommendations, beginning with the Railroad Commission. LBB staff summarized the commission’s 2026-27 base recommendation at $458.7 million, down from the prior biennium, with an increased FTE cap. The presentation highlighted reduced federal IIJA funding, volatility in oil and gas regulation account 5155, continued support for IT modernization, and rider changes. The commission’s major exceptional items were then presented, including requests for produced water and injection data reporting, an authorized pit registration system, regulatory filing/permitting upgrades, an underground injection well investigation team, site remediation support, and especially $100 million for orphan well plugging. Members asked about biennium-to-biennium comparisons, salary biennialization, the scale of orphan well risks, federal funding delays, bonding, and whether the state should rely more on industry or general revenue for plugging costs. Commission leadership explained that orphan wells can threaten water and public safety, that plugging costs have risen sharply, and that current funding is insufficient to keep up with emergency wells and the backlog; they also said the agency is moving to cloud-based systems with cybersecurity protections and that the proposed performance measure may need adjustment if funding does not increase. The Railroad Commission testimony was followed by LBB and agency testimony for the Texas Animal Health Commission. LBB described a $42 million recommendation for 2026-27, an increase overall, but with a reduced FTE cap due to turnover and salary reallocation. The recommendation maintained funding for cattle fever tick work, chronic wasting disease, lab testing through an MOU with Texas A&M’s veterinary diagnostic lab, and a new $5 million spay-and-neuter pilot program, while deleting a capital budget rider and adjusting riders tied to entry point inspection stations and clinical trials. Agency leadership then outlined the commission’s mission to protect livestock health and the state’s $22 billion animal industry, and described major disease threats including highly pathogenic avian influenza, cattle fever ticks, New World screwworm, and chronic wasting disease. Their exceptional items focused on recruiting and retaining veterinarians, replacing fleet vehicles, creating an ectoparasite identification lab, adding field staff and IT support, improving records and epidemiology reporting, strengthening central administration, supporting secure food supply planning, expanding chronic wasting disease work, and staffing the new spay-and-neuter program. Members asked about field identification of ticks, the use of disinfectants and PPE, fleet management, the scale of cattle fever tick risk, and chronic wasting disease; the agency explained its current inspection and lab-confirmation process, its reliance on field disinfecting and biosecurity, and the need for more staff and better data systems to keep pace with growing workloads and disease threats.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a new utility. We need new utility. We need new utility. We need it.
• Replace number 437 by sender figures. Replace number 437 by sender figures.
• Replace line 70 on page three Singleton. Replace line 70 on page three Singleton.
• Replace lines 210 through 211 on page Replace lines 210 through 211 on page Replace lines 210 through
• Replace lines 185 on page Singleton. Replace lines 185 on page Singleton.

Bills: HB 135, HCR 64, SCR 3, SCR 30, SB 500, SB 739, SB 816, SB 898, SB 1283, SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1531, SB 1540, SB 1666, SB 1721, SB 1886, SB 1931, SB 2001, SB 2075, SB 2154, SB 2173, SB 2217, SB 2284, SB 2375, SB 2383, SB 2386, SB 2398, SB 2448, SB 2476, SB 2540, SB 2580, SB 2589, SB 2693, SB 2707, SB 2776, SB 2786, SB 2801, SB 2864, SB 2927, SJR 84, SCR 30, SB 243, SB 324, SB 393, SB 457, SB 511, SB 529, SB 547, SB 636, SB 646, SB 659, SB 715, SB 731, SB 735, SB 800, SB 801, SB 904, SB 1065, SB 1141, SB 1181, SB 1224, SB 1241, SB 1242, SB 1250, SB 1266, SB 1285, SB 1359, SB 1434, SB 1442, SB 1467, SB 1502, SB 1524, SB 1528, SB 1551, SB 1585, SB 1640, SB 1754, SB 1757, SB 1777, SB 1844, SB 1863, SB 1972, SB 2007, SB 2035, SB 2046, SB 2055, SB 2069, SB 2082, SB 2119, SB 2139, SB 2154, SB 2200, SB 2201, SB 2269, SB 2310, SB 2330, SB 2357, SB 2366, SB 2401, SB 2422, SB 2514, SB 2530, SB 2533, SB 2543, SB 2544, SB 2550, SB 2568, SB 2589, SB 2660, SB 2693, SB 2695, SB 2707, SB 2717, SB 2721, SB 2742, SB 2753, SB 2807, SB 2846, SB 2891, SB 2925, SB 2938, SJR 3, SJR 18, SB 5, SB 326, SB 767, SB 769, SB 783, SB 914, SB 963, SB 1035, SB 1197, SB 1271, SB 1415, SB 1437, SB 1619, SB 1637, SB 1786, SB 1806, SB 494, SB 530, SB 2312, SB 1, SB 260, HB 135, HB 1109, HB 1392, HB 22, HCR 64, SJR 36, SJR 50, SJR 63, SJR 84, SJR 59, SCR 12, SCR 39, SCR 48, SCR 19, SCR 30, SCR 3, SB 2023, SB 62, SB 666, SB 847, SB 284, SB 854, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1505, SB 583, SB 1502, SB 507, SB 1434, SB 1376, SB 1585, SB 1772, SB 2016, SB 1163, SB 1122, SB 731, SB 397, SB 508, SB 1436, SB 287, SB 261, SB 1882, SB 393, SB 1791, SB 209, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 510, SB 1085, SB 1975, SB 2717, SB 1262, SB 1524, SB 636, SB 2056, SB 884, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1845, SB 1863, SB 2681, SB 2200, SB 2199, SB 1757, SB 2458, SB 2201, SB 801, SB 2533, SB 3014, SB 3013, SB 758, SB 1721, SB 1013, SB 2797, SB 2383, SB 2119, SB 2448, SB 1777, SB 1283, SB 2076, SB 2786, SB 2876, SB 2284, SB 1540, SB 2929, SB 2540, SB 2595, SB 2217, SB 715, SB 500, SB 1640, SB 2001, SB 2514, SB 2753, SB 2398, SB 1241, SB 2927, SB 2173, SB 2538, SB 898, SB 1449, SB 2529, SB 2846, SB 2476, SB 986, SB 1181, SB 2075, SB 2154, SB 2864, SB 1359, SB 2386, SB 2550, SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1931, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 410, SB 2776, SB 2580, SB 1886, SB 1234, SB 739, SB 456, SB 1666, SB 2801, SB 2055, SB 1012, SB 2926, SB 2138, SB 1242, SB 2615, SB 2310, SB 1224, SB 2972, SB 2841, SB 3016, SB 2139, SB 1856, SB 2035, SB 1528, SB 1141, SB 2401, SB 2530, SB 2375, SB 547, SB 1266, SB 1373, SB 1467, SB 2069, SB 2269, SB 2480, SB 672, SB 904, SB 2695, SB 2891, SB 2422, SB 2543, SB 1854, SB 317, SB 2539, SB 2532, SB 2925, SB 1250, SB 2082, SB 2203, SB 457, SB 2357, SB 2721, SB 243, SB 1285, SB 2568, SB 1959, SB 1442, SB 1454, SB 2520, SB 2541, SB 1708, SB 1237, SB 1844, SB 1586, SB 1551, SB 3039, SB 2819, SB 66, SB 629, SB 1015, SB 2342, SB 2903, SB 2933, SB 1965, SB 2477, SB 3029, SB 2605, SB 2419, SB 1957, SB 375, SB 250, SB 777, SB 628, SB 2523, SB 2367, SB 2703, SB 2608, SB 2778, SB 3044, SB 2965, SB 2521, SB 865, HB 2525, HB 3093, SB 1032, SB 2165, SB 2501, SB 2675, SB 2452, SB 2835, SJR 84, SB 457, SB 547, SB 904, SB 1467, SB 1757, SB 1777, SB 2055, SB 2069, SB 2139, SB 2401, SB 2530, SB 2543, SB 2695, SR 349, SR 367, SR 468, SB 3064, SB 3065, HJR 7, HB 119, HB 130, HB 163, HB 166, HB 201, HB 272, HB 331, HB 380, HB 654, HB 694, HB 718, HB 865, HB 1266, HB 1397, HB 1500, HB 1552, HB 1576, HB 1583, HB 1584, HB 1760, HB 1894, HB 1965, HB 2018, HB 2029, HB 2286, HB 2340, HB 2427, HB 2455, HB 2467, HB 2508, HB 2523, HB 2730, HB 2756, HB 2791, HB 2970, HB 3016, HB 3096, HB 3248, HB 3255, HB 3336, HB 3623, HB 3698, HB 3699, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4129, HB 4187, HB 4236, HB 4238, HB 4643, HB 4738, HB 4739, HB 5333, SCR 3, SCR 30, SB 500, SB 739, SB 898, SB 1283, SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1540, SB 1666, SB 1721, SB 1886, SB 1931, SB 2001, SB 2075, SB 2154, SB 2173, SB 2217, SB 2375, SB 2383, SB 2386, SB 2398, SB 2448, SB 2476, SB 2540, SB 2580, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 2776, SB 2786, SB 2801, SB 2864, SB 2927, HB 135, HCR 64, SB 2284, SB 3064, SB 3065, HJR 7, HB 119, HB 130, HB 163, HB 166, HB 201, HB 272, HB 331, HB 380, HB 654, HB 694, HB 718, HB 865, HB 1266, HB 1397, HB 1500, HB 1552, HB 1576, HB 1583, HB 1584, HB 1760, HB 1894, HB 1965, HB 2018, HB 2029, HB 2286, HB 2340, HB 2427, HB 2455, HB 2467, HB 2508, HB 2523, HB 2730, HB 2756, HB 2791, HB 2970, HB 3016, HB 3096, HB 3248, HB 3255, HB 3336, HB 3623, HB 3698, HB 3699, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4129, HB 4187, HB 4236, HB 4238, HB 4643, HB 4738, HB 4739, HB 5333

Keywords: sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, gifted education, education support, student achievement, academic excellence, Texas education, cowboy culture, Bandera, cultural heritage, historical significance, Texas identity, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet workers are often the last to know when their jobs are being replaced.
• There has been a significant amount of effort in regard to data mining that information and utilizing
• , When California is struggling with rising costs of housing and groceries, utilities, insurance, and
• It is Costs for groceries, housing, and utilities.
• Any objection to utilizing the unanimous roll call to this item? Seeing none, ayes 38, noes 0.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate took up a series of bills focused on consumer protection, housing, worker safety, privacy, and local fiscal authority. Measures discussed included SB 1312 on abandoned cemeteries, SB 1112 on towing fee notices, SB 877 on insurance claim transparency after wildfire losses, SB 1046 on Cal/OSHA standards for Tijuana River Valley pollution exposure, SB 1091 on anti-displacement housing preservation, SB 951 on notice and protections when AI displaces workers, SB 1030 repealing the “man in the house” rule for public assistance, SB 1218 tying vehicle registration to unpaid illegal dumping fines, SB 1013 regulating automated license plate reader data, SB 1116 making technical changes to the starter home housing law, SB 1201 protecting veterans from food assistance cuts, and SB 1164 strengthening state voting rights protections. The Senate also considered SCR 171, declaring May 20, 2026, California Nonprofits Day, and welcomed Berkeley Mayor Adina Ishii during floor introductions. Debate was often divided along policy and fiscal lines. Supporters of the local tax authorization bill AB 1768 argued it would let voters in Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties decide whether to backfill major health and human services cuts tied to federal changes, while opponents said it would raise costs, bypass normal tax-policy review, and worsen affordability. SB 1013 drew strong support from senators who said ALPR data needs tighter safeguards, but opposition warned the bill would hamper law enforcement investigations. SB 951 on AI-related layoffs received support as a worker-protection measure, while SB 1164 drew opposition over concerns about litigation and expanded Attorney General oversight. SB 1030 was framed as a long-overdue repeal of a discriminatory welfare rule, and SB 1201 was presented as a way to shield vulnerable veterans from federal food assistance cuts. Most measures passed on strong bipartisan votes, often unanimously. SB 1312, SB 1112, SB 877, SB 1046, SB 1091, SB 1030, SB 1218, SB 1116, SB 1201, SB 1164, and SCR 171 were adopted, and AB 1768 passed as an urgency measure after extended debate. SB 951 also passed, with some no votes. The Senate then announced committee meetings for budget subcommittees and adjourned until the next floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everything in our house that's a large utility. Refrigerators, dryers, washers, that's metal.
• It's been replaced by public prosecutors.
• Utilities Association, respectfully opposed.
• Andrea Abergell with the California Municipal Utilities Association in support.
• Jennifer Williams, East Bay Municipal Utility District, in support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Why not tax the labor on replacing a roof? When it's completely replaced, it's a whole new product.
• It's replaced. It's a whole new product. Why not tax that labor?
• So it's replacing whatever we had before. Correct. Okay. And so it's...
• It's replacing whatever we had before. Correct. Okay.
• This bill replaces it with a federally compliant MCO tax.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Andrea Abregell with the California Municipal Utilities Association, in support.
• We have had over a thousand that need to be replaced.
• Beth Olaasso on behalf of Inland Empire Utilities Agency in support. Good morning.
• If the bear is then captured, then it will be utilized.
• If the bear is then captured, then it will be utilized.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of water, parks, transportation, species protection, and fisheries bills. AB 430 would require the State Water Resources Control Board to publish an economic and environmental impact study when emergency water regulations are extended over multiple years; the author and supporters from agricultural and water groups said it would add transparency without limiting emergency authority. AB 1139 would expand a CEQA exemption to let county park agencies open existing roads and trails for non-motorized recreation, with supporters emphasizing access to nature and opponents warning about impacts to sensitive habitat, tribal resources, and fire risk. AB 929 would temporarily exempt small community water systems and managed wetlands from certain SGMA pumping reductions and fines; supporters said it would protect vulnerable communities and wetlands, while farm and water coalition opponents argued it would undermine basin-wide groundwater management and shift burdens to other users. AB 1225, creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee for State Parks, drew broad support and passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 514, which would encourage local water suppliers to develop emergency water supplies for drought and service interruptions; it passed with broad support, though one member cautioned against using scientific research as a loophole. AB 550 would let developers seek incidental take permits for species under consideration for listing, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects; environmental groups supported the goal but asked for clearer standards, limits on using research as mitigation, and a fee provision, and the bill passed as amended. AB 697 would authorize an incidental take permit for the State Route 37 interim project in Solano and Marin counties, balancing congestion relief and habitat restoration; supporters stressed long commutes and urgent restoration deadlines, while opponents raised climate, sea-level-rise, and tribal concerns. The bill passed, with some members noting they would continue to work on the measure. Other measures discussed included AB 975, which would give Sutter County a narrow, temporary exemption from streambed alteration agreements for certain damaged small bridges and culverts; county officials described repeated flood damage and long permitting delays, and the bill passed as amended. AB 1056 would phase out transferability of set gillnet permits after 2027, allowing only a final family transfer; supporters framed it as a gradual response to bycatch concerns, while fishing industry opponents said it would unfairly target an existing fishery and set a bad precedent. The committee also took up AB 1146, described by the author as a response to politically motivated water releases; supporters from conservation and water organizations backed the bill. Several bills were voted out to Appropriations, some were left open for later action or add-ons, and the committee repeatedly noted it was working through the agenda without a quorum early in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most departments, our department, we are on regular replacement schedules.
• They utilize our park system.
• Chairman, and this amendment replaces... Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• And this amendment replaces amendment 440458.
• replacement window or door, not to exceed $1,500 per unit.

Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most departments, our department, we are on regular replacement schedules.
• They're going to get a whole bunch of data from the utility company, in this case, the...
• They utilize our park system.
• This amendment replaces... Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This amendment replaces amendment 440458.
• , maximum of $750 per replacement window or door, not to exceed $1,500 per unit.

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots. The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners. For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• But you talk about your equipment has a replacement schedule.
• And finally, our TABC vehicle fleet replacement. We need to replace vehicles in the next biennium.
• We had a corrections program or project to actually replace our old mainframe computer.
• You funded it in '21 with $24 million to replace the prison side of our business.
• You funded in 21 with $24 million to replace the prison side of our business.

Bills: SB 1

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

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Legislative Budget Board on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Article 5 budget. LBB recommended $3.7 billion in all funds for 2026-27, a 5.2 percent decrease from the base, while FTEs would rise by 856.7. Major items included funding for driver license services, DPS facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, border security, and rider changes. The committee also reviewed DPS exceptional items not included in the recommendation, including additional staffing, technology, and facility requests. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, criticizing long wait times, call abandonment, and repeated staffing increases without clear process improvements. LBB said the agency’s call-answer rate was about 9 percent in fiscal 2024, with average hold times around 34 minutes, later reduced to roughly 22-25 minutes. Senators questioned whether more FTEs alone would solve the problem and urged a broader efficiency study and better use of technology. DPS officials said they were pursuing process changes, including appointment-system upgrades, online pre-population of forms, and remote issuance options, while noting that Real ID requirements and population growth continue to drive demand. DPS leadership then outlined the agency’s priorities: completion of the Williamson County training academy, recruitment and retention of troopers, capital needs for vehicles and aircraft, and expanded responsibilities at the Capitol complex and the Alamo. Officials said the new trooper funding would help address staffing shortages, public safety, and border operations, and that overtime and deployment patterns had been adjusted to reduce burnout and improve flexibility. They also discussed Operation Lone Star, saying DPS spending is largely overtime, travel, and fuel, and that the agency continues to coordinate with federal partners while awaiting clarity on possible federal reimbursement for border security costs. Senators also raised concerns about oilfield theft, cartel activity, high-speed pursuits, bilingual pay, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and DPS said it would follow up on some of those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• utilized to the best of our abilities by utilized to the best of our abilities by funding<01:22:35.440
• ,<02:26:33.920> or including a building, fire, utility, or including a building, fire, utility
• <02:26:48.160> Thank utility, or storm water codes. Thank utility, or storm water codes.
• ,<02:27:24.720> or including a building, fire, utility, or including a building, fire, utility
• <03:17:53.040> death replaces death reimbursement with death replaces death reimbursement

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and heard several announcements about committee schedules and Capitol events, including Faith and Justice Lobby Day, Agriculture Week activities, and a tribute presentation for Sergeant Benjamin Pennington. The tribute honored Pennington’s Army service, his time at Fort Carson, and his death from injuries sustained in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base; he was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant. A member also offered remarks recognizing the sacrifice of service members, and taps was played. The chamber then took up third reading and final passage on multiple bills. Senate Bill 39, concerning Fire and Police Pension Association disability and survivor benefits, passed 63-1. House Bill 1311, regarding use of a bond in lieu of retainage in construction contracts, passed 55-1 after a brief explanation of support from a member. House Bill 1184, continuing the Colorado Forest Health Council, passed 50-1; House Bill 1305, on inpatient behavioral health access, passed 64-0; and House Bill 1234, on access to child abuse or neglect records, passed 64-0. Senate Bill 50, requiring certain child care center policy disclosures to caregivers, passed 56-8. Senate Bill 84, preserving privileges for certain state entities in connection with information provided to the state auditor and fraud hotline duties, passed 42-12. House Bill 1186, continuing regulation of bail bonding agents by the Division of Insurance, passed 61-13. House Bill 1181, continuing the Barber and Cosmetologist Act, passed 51-13 after a member requested removal of their name as a co-sponsor. The House also moved Senate Bill 21 back to the general orders calendar and set several bills as special orders. In the House Special Committee on Legislative Interim Activities, House Bill 1331 was heard; the appropriations committee report was adopted after members noted a roughly $400,000 general fund reduction and a 3.3 FTE staffing reduction. The bill itself would suspend 10 interim committees, repeal two committees, and limit travel and per diem reimbursements to help address the budget gap. Supporters said the measure was similar to last year’s bill and encouraged continued policy work outside formal interim committees, while opponents argued that some committees, especially those related to water, behavioral health, and youth, should be preserved and questioned the prioritization of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council and related costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• accountable, more accountable utility accountable, more accountable utility service<00:08:10.080
• and gas utilities distribution utilities and gas utilities to<00:38:31.200> file<00:38:31.440
• with the public utilities commission. with the public utilities commission.
• utilities would be required to produce. utilities would be required to produce.
• the utilities remain firmly in place. the utilities remain firmly in place.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that to utilize those funds. that to utilize those funds.
• So you—I completely agree—we're utilizing this contract a little bit more than we expected.
• Um, so that's why we intend to replace.
• this contract a little bit utilizing this contract a little bit more<00:57:59.520> than<00:57
• That was the budget within the total budget of the project for the window work and window replacement

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met with a quorum and approved the July 8 minutes. It then deferred several items from the July agenda, including a Kentucky Education Television contract because the vendor was not yet registered with the Secretary of State, and a University of Louisville contract at the university’s request. The committee also deferred a behavioral health memorandum of agreement and later a Department of Community Based Services contract after questions were raised about the scope of services and the need for additional information. The most extensive discussion involved the Seven Counties Services contract with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities. Committee members questioned why the state continues to contract with Seven Counties despite its bankruptcy and pension-related liabilities, how the funding split was determined, whether the services are statutorily required, and whether the state or another provider could deliver the services more efficiently. Agency representatives said Seven Counties is the sole provider of core community mental health services in its region, serves about 24,500 people, and that service needs and acuity remain high even as the number served has declined. A cabinet attorney said the bankruptcy dispute is ongoing and involves roughly $20 million in contested retirement contributions, though members suggested the amount may be higher. Members also raised broader concerns about whether local governments, especially Metro Louisville, should contribute more toward services tied to social determinants of health, and whether the contract includes services beyond what statute requires. The committee requested additional information on the contract scope and possible offsets or recovery of unfunded liabilities, and then voted to defer the Seven Counties contract to the next meeting. The committee also heard a separate DCBS presentation on the Youth Villages Intercept program, where staff explained it was selected because it is an approved evidence-based Family First prevention service, provides intensive in-home and foster care stabilization services, and is headquartered in Tennessee but operates across Kentucky; members asked for clarification on Medicaid billing and additional funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And As we are promoting and accelerating our rate of tree thinning, we have a wood utilization problem
• MNERD has begun internal reviews of forest workforce capacity, biomass utilization challenges, and how
• Perhaps you only have to replace a hundred feet of water line.
• As the potential to power itself, which means we can save money on utility bills, as you heard in the
• And that is then a utility question. The utilities would own and manage the batteries.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:45:21.239> the she's giving it back and replacing the she's giving it back and replacing
• It would replace general fund money.
• It would replace general fund money.
• been doing it um it would replace been doing it um it would replace general<03:17:56.080> fund
• to consider as a way of um replacing to consider as a way of um replacing general<03:19:56.000><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 retirement provisions, focusing on Group Two/Tier B changes in pages 25-39. Jan Goodwin of the New Hampshire Retirement System and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions, but it restores certain pre-2011 benefit rules for Tier B members, including changes to average final compensation and earnable compensation, and it also addresses the annuity multiplier for years of service. Members discussed the tier structure, with Tier A referring to vested members, Tier B to those hired before 11/1/12 who were not vested, and Tier C to later hires. Several members expressed concern that the bill’s purpose was to restore Tier B benefits, not to change Tier A rules or create broader changes affecting newer hires. The retirement system flagged two likely drafting problems. First, it said a provision appears to omit a special-duty/earnable-compensation limitation in the Group Two section, which they believed was a scrivener’s error caused by moving language out of the Group One definition without adding it back for Group Two. Second, they noted the bill’s multiplier language overlaps with changes already enacted in HB 1647, which increased the multiplier for service beyond 15 years for Group Two and carried an estimated $26 million cost. The committee discussed that HB 1647 was originally broader in the House, but the Senate narrowed it to Tier B only. The actuary’s comparison of the 2023 and 2025 HB 2 versions showed the bills are close, but the 2025 version differs in funding and timing. Staff said the 2025 bill appropriates $2.5 million more per year for 10 years, and that, together with updated actuarial assumptions and a larger share of the affected tier having already retired or otherwise left service, results in a larger reduction in unfunded liability than the 2023 bill: about $98.2 million versus $68.5 million. Employer contribution impacts were described as small overall, though the 2025 bill was said to be somewhat more favorable than the 2023 version. Members also questioned why House Bill 1 only funds $5 million in the first year, and staff said that was tied to the governor’s revenue estimate and that the full funding does not begin immediately. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly received testimony, asked clarifying questions, and noted that some issues would be addressed in the fiscal note worksheet.

Transcript Highlights:

• Remove the forces of evil and replace them with your peace and justice.
• May violence be replaced with harmony, and may your blessings of protection be upon all these innocent
• I move that funding for the Baldwin Sanitary Sewer System rehabilitation and water main replacement on
• This bill corrects an unintended consequence of the Florida law regarding municipal utility surcharge
• Current law allows a municipality providing water or utilities to another municipality to charge up to

Summary: The House convened for opening-day business, with prayer, a moment of silence for Captain Bill Guston, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum established. The Speaker outlined a budget message emphasizing reduced spending and a proposed permanent 0.75% sales tax cut, and the chamber then received the Governor’s veto message on portions of HB 5001. Members moved to reinstate several vetoed appropriations, including the Florida Senior Veterans and Crisis Fund, Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase 1, the Department of Corrections automated staffing/time management system, and Baldwin sewer and water main work; each reinstatement passed unanimously. The House also adopted a special order calendar and special amendment procedures for the General Appropriations Act and related bills. On the special order calendar, several bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, including Lucy’s Law on boating safety (CS/CS/CS/HB 289), HB 735 on water access facilities, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates, CS/CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, and CS/HB 157 on service of process. These measures focused on boating safety, water infrastructure, utility-rate fairness, school walking safety, and procedural civil-law updates. A major floor debate centered on HB 6017, which would repeal Florida’s “Free Kill Law” limiting wrongful-death damages in medical negligence cases. Supporters described the bill as a long-awaited justice measure for families who lost adult children or unmarried relatives to medical malpractice, while opponents were not recorded in the final vote tally; the bill passed 104-6 after extensive emotional testimony from sponsors and affected families. The chamber also heard a lengthy, highly divided debate on HB 759, which would lower the firearm purchase age from 21 to 18. Supporters argued the current law is inconsistent with adult rights and responsibilities and cited constitutional precedent, while opponents emphasized Parkland, youth gun violence, and public-safety concerns; the transcript ends during continued debate on that bill, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• three billion dollars in flexible one-time funds for public education and how we're going to be utilizing
• And do you have any sense of to what extent our the utilization levels for LEAs are right now around?
• When you when you're referring to utilization, does that mean are you saying like our LEA is able to
• That just means more students utilizing and that's a good thing.
• And finally, there is also language concerning the non-resident reduction replacement.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so when you replace the paper replace we're we're just trying to make replace we're we're just trying
• Well not replace but we mentioned not replace but we mentioned not replace but we mentioned streamlining
• It uh replace line 125 on page bill. It uh replace line 125 on page bill.
• And then and then replacing the the part And then and then replacing the the part And then and then replacing
• cost on our an influx in utilities cost on our an influx in utilities cost on our utility providers

Bills: HB 1535, HB 123, HB 111, HB 180, HB 342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB 610, HB 1277, HB 1615, HB 1620, HB 5342, HB 4885, HB 4751, HB 4689, HB 4530, HB 4488, HB 2149, HB 2041, HB 2071, HB 1813, HB 2282, HB 2248, HB 2243, HB 2522, HB 2310, HB 2513, HB 2300, HB 1902, HB 3719, HB 4284, HB 4327, HB 3743, HB 3778, HB 3801, HB 5153, HB 5147, HB 4877, HB 4850, HB 3158, HB 3261, HB 3005, HB 3033, HB 3138, HB 3099, HB 2849, HB 2967, HB 3488, HB 3477, HB 3466, HB 3396, HB 3469, HB 2594, HB 2776, HB 2564, HB 2298, HB 5331, HB 5646, HB 5247, HB 5323, HB 2015, HB 4384, HB 3896, HB 4014, HB 3627, HB 3594, HB 2524, HB 510, HB 561, HB 5111, HB 5446, HB 1181, HB 3963, HB 2785, HB 1661, HB 2460, HB 24, HJR 138, HB 3800, HB 42, HB 129, HB 677, HB 668, HB 2128, HB 2038, HB 2316, HB 3686, HB 2563, HB 1160, HB 3883, HB 2788, HB 2663, HB 3305, HB 3474, HB 1105, HB 3490, HB 3597, HB 1295, HB 3512, HB 3783, HB 2017, HB 3010, HB 3112, HB 4215, HB 3223, HB 3464, HB 3120, HB 4214, HB 4081, HB 4783, HB 4063, HB 2783, HB 5085, HB 2510, HB 3426, HB 4361, HB 1169, HB 2516, HB 4700, HB 3560, HB 3860, HB 3146, HB 184, HB 198, HB 247, HB 367, HB 449, HB 1778, HB 514, HB 632, HB 2582, HB 766, HB 2715, HB 2712, HB 3069, HB 3505, HB 1269, HB 4224, HB 5032, HB 2240, HB 5180, HB 3348, HB 4668, HB 4665, HB 3395, HB 3157, HB 4395, HB 4325, HB 4386, HB 4273, HB 2760, HB 2820, HB 1828, HB 1579, SB 2349, SB 1268, SB 610, SB 1577, SB 1369, SB 2032, SB 2034, SB 1057, SB 1044, SB 922, SB 1759, SB 1143, SB 1506, SB 1403, SB 2361, SB 870, SB 372, SB 72, SB 1583, SB 2314, SB 1267, SB 1273, SB 765, SB 552, HB 2145, HJR 112, HB 1804, HJR 110, HB 1194, HB 1531, HB 5008, HB 3421, SCR 27, HB 5398, HB 1407, HB 426, HB 1535, HB 123, HB 1773, HB 1871, HB 2035, HB 2448, HB 2492, HB 1411, HB 4753, HB 4666, HB 4529, HB 1499, HB 1610, HB 2028, HB 1506, HB 886, HB 3546, HB 796, HB 223, HB 1475, HB 3556, HB 4638, HB 111, HB 180, HB 342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB 610, HB 1277, HB 1615, HB 1620, HB 5342, HB 4885, HB 4751, HB 4689, HB 4530, HB 4488, HB 2149, HB 2041, HB 2071, HB 1813, HB 2282, HB 2248, HB 2243, HB 2522, HB 2310, HB 2513, HB 2300, HB 1902, HB 3719, HB 4284, HB 4327, HB 3743, HB 3778, HB 3801, HB 5153, HB 5147, HB 4877, HB 4850, HB 3158, HB 3261, HB 3005, HB 3033, HB 3138, HB 3099, HB 2849, HB 2967, HB 3488, HB 3477, HB 3466, HB 3396, HB 3469, HB 2594, HB 2776, HB 2564, HB 2298, HB 5331, HB 5646, HB 5247, HB 5323, HB 2015, HB 4384, HB 3896, HB 4014, HB 3627, HB 3594, HB 2524, HB 510, HB 561, HB 5111, HB 5446, HB 1181, HB 3963, HB 2785, HB 1661, HB 2460, HCR 98, HCR 92, HCR 126

Keywords: Trinity River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, board of directors, governor appointment, public water authority, regional water authority, water resources, local government, natural resources, board training, ethics, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, complaint procedures, public comment, director removal, governance reform

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:32:10.480> for also for employ employers to utilize for also for employ employers to utilize
• <01:32:20.400> the job or a better job they can utilize the job or a better job they can utilize
• <01:53:51.800> rate $888,000 so a wage replacement rate $888,000 so a wage replacement rate
• <04:55:22.280> programs other types of wage replacement programs other types of wage replacement
• event um you receive wage replacement event um you receive wage replacement for<04:55:43.400>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First we have the Public Utilities Commission.
• My name is Jessica Simon with the Public Utilities Commission.
• First we have Public Utilities First we have Public Utilities Commission.
• contents of STR 136 were<00:16:06.399> removed<00:16:06.639> and<00:16:06.959> replaced
• by new content were removed and replaced by new content that<00:16:08.880> is<00:16:09.040>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on April 16, 2025, and heard three resolutions. STR 57 SD1 urged Congress to create a national reinsurance program to address insurance impacts from catastrophic natural disasters; there was no public testimony, and the committee later recommended passage without amendment. STR 198 SD1 encouraged Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to pursue subrogation claims against polluters to reduce insurance costs for residents; again, there was no public testimony, and the committee recommended passage without amendment. The committee spent most of its hearing on STR 136 SD1/HD1, which would create a Hawaii State Energy Office nuclear energy working group to study advanced nuclear power technologies. The Public Utilities Commission and State Energy Office provided written testimony and answered questions. Testimony from 350 Hawaii, Energy Justice Network, and an individual witness opposed the measure, arguing nuclear power and small modular reactors are too expensive, unproven, slow to deploy, create unresolved safety and waste issues, and do not align with Hawaii’s renewable energy goals. Opponents also criticized the measure’s amendment process, saying it replaced the original contents without adequate public notice. During decision-making, the committee adopted the recommendation to pass STR 57 SD1 unamended and STR 198 SD1 unamended. For STR 136 SD1/HD1, the committee adopted a recommendation to pass the measure with amendments, including changing it to a one-year working group with an interim report in 2026 and a final report before the 2027 Legislature. The motion passed with one recorded no vote and some excused members, and the meeting adjourned afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our preference would be to replace them at 100,000 miles.
• So, our goal would be to try to replace them at 100,000 miles. Mr. Chair, well, Mr.
• On line 59, the Secretary of State asked for $6.4 million for tabulators to replace.
• Used to replace 812 tabulators that have been in use since 2014.
• The funding isn't being utilized either on the state or the federal side.

Keywords: 996, all