Transcript Highlights:

• It takes the federal definition of family resource centers and puts it in statute.

Bills: HB3043, HB3044, HB3078, HB3940, HB4117, HB3428, HB4275, HB3257, HB3901, HB4298

Keywords: HB3043, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, ODVA, seasonal employees, project labor, pro rata jobs, unclassified service, state personnel law, state employee benefits, paid leave, paid holidays, retirement benefits, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, temporary workers, veterans affairs, Title 72, Oklahoma Personnel Act, budget reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm calling the Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee to order.
• Resources Committee of Reference are required, on or before July 1, 2028, and upon notification from
• We've devoted a lot of time and resources to that.
• It instructs the department, within two years, to create a mining resource map and a housing resource
• years, one for mining based on known resources and one for housing development potential.

Bills: HB2150, HB2262, HB2267, HB2268, HB2351, HB2425, HB2426, HB2427, HB2755, HB2781, HB2913, HB2943, HB2956, HB2975, HB2985, HB4009

Keywords: state land department, mineral lease, renewals, indexed royalties, land use planning, auditor general, five-year plans, geospatial data, Arizona Geological Survey, resource analysis, geographic information systems, wildlife protection, public nuisance, renewable energy, wind farm, solar farm, residential property, public health, local regulations, state land

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2150, which would continue the State Land Department until July 1, 2030. Members discussed a Griffin amendment requiring quarterly updates from the commissioner, a public hearing on the department’s strategic plan in 2028, changes to conceptual land use plans and five-year disposition plans, and legislative findings. The hearing focused heavily on State Land Department practices, including whether it is subject to state agency statutes, the department’s internal ASAP application review process, backlog levels, appraisal and consultant use, audit findings, privileged documents in the Fondomonte matter, Proposition 207 notices, and the Coyotes land auction. Members also raised concerns about land sales, leases, special use permits, and the department’s compliance history. The amendment was adopted and HB 2150 was passed as amended on a 6-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2975, which would suspend the department’s solar scoring map and require new mining and housing resource maps, with a Griffin amendment extending the mapping deadline to ten years or earlier and requiring website posting. Supporters argued the bill would restore neutrality, improve planning, and maximize trust revenue; opponents said the solar map is only a guidance tool and that removing it could reduce transparency and harm solar development. The State Land Department said it was neutral but noted the solar layer is used as guidance and that additional staff or consultant support might be needed to create the new maps. The bill passed as amended on a 6-4 vote. House Bill 2781 followed, proposing county or municipal decommissioning standards and financial assurance requirements for solar energy power plants, along with a remediation fund. A Griffin amendment narrowed local authority to decommissioning standards only and limited applicability to projects receiving permits after the effective date. The sponsor and several witnesses from Pinal County planning and zoning supported the bill, saying solar projects should be required to post real financial assurance so land can be restored if operators go bankrupt or abandon sites. The committee adopted the amendment and passed HB 2781 as amended on a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2267, which would classify certain renewable energy projects within four miles of residential property as a public nuisance, with a Heap amendment narrowing it to new utility-scale wind or solar farms and preserving existing projects. The sponsor argued the bill responds to concerns about large wind and solar projects near homes, property values, and wildlife impacts. Testimony and questioning centered on nuisance standards, property value effects, and environmental and health concerns, but the transcript cuts off before final action on HB 2267.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Natural Resources will come to order. The clerk will call the roll. Chair Harris?
• We do have a resource witness from TCEQ, if anyone would like to hear from the resource witness.
• it was engaged in upgrading a number of its sponsored structures in cooperation with the Natural Resource
• , and those resources weren't available.
• Remainder of the session for the Natural Resources Committee.

Bills: SB612, SB1855, SB2568, SB3058, HB49

Keywords: SB 612, Texas Water Code, Section 49.2127, conservation and reclamation district, water district, reclamation district, developer fees, pipeline construction, water pipeline, sewer pipeline, associated infrastructure, subdivision infrastructure, cost recovery, fee cap, actual reasonable documented costs, engineering fees, legal fees, inspection fees, infrastructure relocation, utility connections

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also here as a resource.
• state and federal resources.
• It's just about access to information and resources.
• I'm also here as a resource witness.
• We are here to act as a resource.

Bills: SB209, SB529, SB1265, SB1592, SB1728, SCR37, SCR38

Keywords: SB 529, Texas Tax Code, municipality, hotel and convention center, hotel convention center project, tourism development, economic development, tax revenue pledge, revenue commitment, qualified project, municipal finance, local government, special district, hotel occupancy tax, nearby establishments, convention center financing, city population 130000, Section 351.155, Section 351.157, child care

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I am here as is intended to be more of a resource to is intended to be more of a resource to
• is intended to be more of a resource to ask questions about maybe and give my ask questions about maybe
• Baldwin County without completely on Baldwin County without completely on Baldwin County without those resources
• Is that a fair those resources. Is that a fair those resources. Is that a fair statement?

Bills: HB258, HB324, HB333, SB270, HB258, HB324, HB333, SB270

Keywords: primary election, election calendar, off-presidential year, May primary, second Tuesday in May, fourth Tuesday in May, runoff primary, special primary, presidential primary, election administration, candidate filing, ballot access, political parties, county election officials, state election law, Alabama elections, sheriffs, term of office, Alabama law, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• It's imposing this continuous counting without specifying if the county doesn't have the resources to
• In Tarrant County, our current Central County Station Plan names our Technology Resources Coordinator
• I guess we can wait for a resource with us if we want to, but as a lawyer, I want it to work for you.
• We'll have a resource witness. Members, any other questions? Thank you, ma'am.
• We will have a resource witness from DPS. Any other questions? Thank you, ma'am, very much.

Bills: HB304, HB401, HB556, HB1475, HB1489, HB2259, HB2424, HB2773, HB2811, HB3323, HB304

Keywords: voter ID, citizenship proof, provisional ballot, election security, Texas, voting rights, deep fakes, misleading videos, election integrity, criminal offense, digital misinformation, deep fake, political manipulation, misinformation, artificial media, political influence, artificially generated media, election influence, Texas Election Code, healthcare reform

Bills: SB 1194, SB 1215, SB 1253, SB 1268, SB 1302, SB 1484, SB 1532

Keywords: water management, bond issuance, eminent domain, regional authority, fee structures, local governance, environmental quality, oyster cultivation, coastal management, natural resources, marine ecosystems, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Water Development Board, guidance principles, flood plan, state water plan, rule review, infrastructure, water discharge, general permit

Bills: SB110, SB64, SB42

Keywords: weight limits, trucking regulations, transportation, enforcement authority, portable scales, SB64, Alabama, state waters, public waters, aquatic plants, aquatic vegetation, lake management, waterway maintenance, environmental regulation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, commercial contractors, vegetation removal, mowing aquatic plants, uprooting plants

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Healthcare Workers Resources Act and the assistance program and board that went along with

Bills: SB1307, SB1425, SB1826, SB1365, SB1696

Keywords: SB1425, health care, healthcare workforce, workforce board, Health Care Workforce Resources Board, Health Care Workforce Resources Act, Oklahoma Health Care Workers and Educators Assistance Program, repeal, statutory repeal, health care workers, educators, workforce development, health professions, state board, assistance program, Oklahoma statutes, economic development, incentives, enterprise zones, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• explicitly requiring the evaluation of exempt wells alongside other factors such as existing water resources
• explicitly requiring the evaluation of exempt wells alongside other factors such as existing water resources
• , uh, water resource management.
• You're more of a resource. Chair recognizes Senator Parks as present.
• We have a ton of needs for development, um, and being able to furnish water and the resources for that

Bills: HB2018, HB1633, HB1689, SB612, SB3058

Keywords: agricultural conservation, land preservation, environmental protection, wildlife habitat, Texas Farm and Ranch, groundwater conservation district, Texas Water Code, water permit, permit amendment, groundwater permit, water rights, aquifer, well registration, exempt wells, beneficial use, water conservation, groundwater quality, well plugging, Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, surface water resources

Summary: The Senate Water, Agriculture, Rural Affairs Committee heard several bills focused on groundwater management, water infrastructure, and agricultural land conservation. SB 612 would limit certain water districts in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties from charging developers pipeline construction fees above actual, documented costs; the committee substitute removed a developer challenge mechanism to preserve district discretion over construction standards. HB 1633 would require groundwater conservation districts to consider registered exempt wells when reviewing or amending permits, and testimony from landowners, district representatives, and advocacy groups largely supported the bill as a way to protect domestic and livestock wells from drawdown caused by large export projects. HB 1689 would clarify that export fee revenues may be used for well operability, alternative water supplies, and aquifer monitoring, including through interlocal cooperation, and HB 3058 would give the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District authority to use export fees for county road improvements and environmental programs tied to well inspection and groundwater management. HB 2018 would clarify that the Texas Farm and Ranchland Conservation Program is intended to purchase conservation easements only on working agricultural lands, with support from cattle raisers and Farm Bureau representatives. The committee also considered HB 29, which would require large water systems to validate water loss audits and submit mitigation plans; a committee substitute removed the water-loss threshold and adjusted the timeline for more detailed validation. Public testimony on the bills was generally supportive, with several witnesses describing declining well levels, road damage from export projects, and the need to preserve agricultural land and local water supplies. The committee adopted committee substitutes and voted favorably on HB 29, HB 1689, HB 2018, SB 612, and SB 3058, recommending several of them for the local and uncontested calendar; HB 1633 was left pending awaiting a committee substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm willing to, certainly willing to answer questions, members, and we have a resource We'll hear from
• Yeah, I'm asking you if you'd like to hear from the resource witnesses. They're here and available.
• We have a resource witness from TABC, if anyone has questions for the resource witness. Very well.
• We have a resource here from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
• Do we need to hear from the resource witness? I don't have any questions, but Very well.

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I'm just I'm asking you if you'd like to research here from the resource witness of it there.
• We're doing everything we can to provide help with scarce resources and dollars to the neediest Texans
• We have a resource witness from TABC, if anyone has questions for the resource witness. Very well.
• Would it not be a better use of resources and tax dollars to address issues facing more people in tax
• Even more concerning was that the Human Resources Department was fully aware of the situation yet failed

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Bills: SB 240, SB 1183, SB 1184, SB 1577, SB 2043, SB 2051, SCR 42, SJR 68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm willing to answer questions, members, and we have resources here from HHSC that are also willing
• If you'd like to hear from the resource witness, they're here and available.
• We have a resource witness from TABC if anyone has questions for the resource witness. Very well.
• Senators, we have a resource here from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
• Do we need to hear from the resource witness? I don't have any questions, but very well.

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1183, by Senator Creighton, which would require Lone Star Cards used for SNAP and TANF benefits to display the recipient’s name and photo, add fraud-reporting information, and require HHSC to track replacement-card requests. Creighton argued the bill would reduce fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, citing Texas SNAP theft and overpayment data. HHSC testified that photo IDs on the card are technically possible and explained how authorized secondary users are added. Dr. Amber O’Connor of Every Texan testified against the bill, saying SNAP fraud is a small share of expenditures, that the proposal would be costly and ineffective, and that federal rules limit mandatory photo requirements. Public testimony closed and SB 1183 was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1184, also by Senator Creighton, which would lower from 20 years to 10 years the minimum age of collectible wine that Texas collectors may sell to permitted restaurants. Supporters said the change would help Texas restaurants access desirable vintages, keep collectible wine in-state, and align with market demand; invited witnesses from the wine industry testified in favor. No opposition was heard, public testimony closed, and SB 1184 was left pending. Next, Senator Birdwell laid out Senate Bill 2051 and Senate Joint Resolution 68, both aimed at revising Texas impeachment procedures in response to issues identified during the 2023 impeachment process. The measures would clarify constitutional and statutory impeachment authority, require sworn testimony, extend review periods for House members, address conflicts of interest and presiding officers, require cost reporting, and modify rules for impeaching the governor or lieutenant governor. A committee substitute added protections for the accused, longer review periods, and a fallback presiding-officer option. Witnesses generally supported stronger accountability but raised questions about whether the language should also cover retired or visiting judges. Both measures were left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1577, which would expand Texas Motor Speedway’s alcohol sales authority to include distilled spirits and remove certain event and concession limits; the Speedway’s representative supported the bill and it was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 42 and Senate Bill 240, which would recognize only two sexes and restrict access to sex-designated private spaces in public facilities based on biological sex. Supporters argued the measures were needed to protect women’s privacy and safety, including in schools and shelters, while opponents warned about enforcement problems, privacy concerns, and impacts on transgender Texans and others who do not fit stereotypical sex traits. After extensive testimony, both measures were left pending. The committee then took up multiple pending bills and reported several favorably, including SB 511, SB 33, SB 510, SB 871, SB 2024, SB 2166, SJR 27, SJR 40, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 2420, SB 1999, SB 2309, SB 1860, and SB 2429, with some also certified for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• We Department of Land Natural Resources.
• , board of land and natural resources, board of land and natural resources, right?
• The Department of Land and Natural Resources. Charlie Taylor from the Division of Resources.
• our vital resource, water.
• So this measure trust resources.

Bills: SB2982, SB2367, SB2818, SB2944, SB2022, SB2240, SB2986, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB3035, SB3032

Keywords: foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Ala Wai Harbor, DLNR, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, state boating facility, small boat harbor, public-private partnership, PPP, marina management, harbor lease, fast lands, submerged lands

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken. The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed. For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties. Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.

Bills: HB1268, HB3041, HB3075, HB3378, HB3463, HB3619, HB3620, HB3624, HB3722, HB4335

Keywords: retirement, public employees, deferred option plan, service credit, contributions, distributions, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, rounding, cash payments, public finance, Oklahoma Common Cents Act, political subdivision, science and technology, research, board appointments, emergency legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Water is called to order. Can you guys hear me?
• Madam Chair, members, Senate Bill 1202 requires the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources
• And I'll explain my vote with the Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee over in the Senate having
• Trump-Lomburg, Chief Flood Legislative Liaison, Department of Water Resources, here neutral on the...
• Womberg, Chief of Staff, Liaison, Department of Water Resources, here neutral on the bill.

Bills: SB1202, SB1287, SB1418, SB1785, SCM1007

Keywords: groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, irrigation, active management area, domestic use, stock watering, water rights, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use, industrial users, water storage, recovery well, Arizona Revised Statutes, water management

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Water held a brief meeting and considered several water and energy measures. Senate Bill 1202, which would require the Arizona Department of Water Resources director to include additional information about each groundwater basin in the five-year water supply and demand assessment, was described as similar to a bill vetoed in a prior session. After a motion for a do pass recommendation, the committee approved it on a 6-3 vote with one absence. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1418, which limits county regulation of small modular nuclear reactors in certain circumstances, expands the definition of “plant” for siting purposes, and allows replacement of existing thermal units with SMRs without a new certificate of environmental compatibility in specified cases. Members noted that parts of the bill were similar to previously vetoed measures. The committee passed the bill 6-3 with one absence, with some members explaining their votes and one member saying they would support it for now but might reconsider on the floor. Senate Concurrent Memorial 1007 urged Congress to divest the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the San Carlos Irrigation Project Electric System and fund a system study and improvements. Supporters said the system is old, unreliable, and difficult for the federal government to manage, and that local public power entities could do a better job if divestiture were authorized. The memorial passed unanimously, 9-0 with one absence. Finally, Senate Bill 1785, which would codify a one-mile area-of-impact safe harbor for certain recovered stored water wells unless a separate hydrologic study is submitted, received testimony from a water attorney and an ADWR representative describing it as a codification of long-standing department policy. The committee passed SB 1785 on a do pass recommendation by a 9-3 vote with one absence.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's on the ground side. in terms of the resources for this. clinics.
• It is already in law that nuclear energy is a zero-carbon resource.
• I am Senior Policy Advisor for Clean Energy at Western Resource Advocates.
• Uranium ore is a finite resource.
• Uranium ore is a finite resource.

Bills: SB47, SB195, SB196, SB197, SB198, SB78

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, soil conservation, water resources, training services, outreach programs, environmental protection, animal care, veterinary services, spay and neuter, Las Vegas, community funding, animal welfare, animal shelter

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a master's degree in natural resources. I'm a certified wildlife rehabilitator.
• She came across some resources. Then we took that slow and were able to treat it.
• True wildlife rehabilitation means more than just skill and resources.
• We do treat other animals as well, and that requires a lot of resources.
• There are no educational resources available, heartbreaking.

Bills: HB448, HB448

Keywords: wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, good samaritan, injured animals, orphaned animals, debilitated wildlife, wild birds, wild animals, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, permit exemption, animal rescue, animal welfare, veterinary medicine, veterinary licensing, animal cruelty, wildlife care, rehabilitation act, non-federally protected species, endangered species

Bills: HB 16, HB 1618, HB 2692, HB 2712, HB 2970, HB 3609, HB 3628

Keywords: water infrastructure, Texas Water Development Board, financial assistance, water supply projects, rural municipalities, water access assessment, aquifer storage, Edwards Aquifer, water injection, environmental regulations, groundwater management, San Antonio River, pollution control, flood management, water quality, conservation district, bonds, utility rates, ratemaking, water services