Transcript Highlights:

• The date and time is June 12, 2025 at 9:16 a.m.
• Uh, the chair reconvenes this meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, uh, at 1 p.m. on, uh, June 12,
• We sent the initial notice of complaint to the address provided by the complainant on January 17, 2024
• Also, amendments 12, amendments to rules 12.22 and 12.22 will strike the portion of rules that told a
• Is there a motion to adopt the proposed amendments in chapter 12? Vice Chair Flood moves.

Transcript Highlights:

• :15.680> given<00:12:15.959> back<00:12:16.079> to<00:12:16.199> the<00:12
• to the primary care provider<00:12:17.199> who<00:12:17.320> is<00:12:17.440> the
• c><00:12:17.560> prescriber<00:12:18.040> in<00:12:18.160> this provider who is
• > energy<00:12:21.800> and<00:12:21.959> expertise<00:12:22.440> of<00:12
• the the<00:12:26.199> care<00:12:26.399> model<00:12:26.800> is<00:12:26.920>

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

Transcript Highlights:

• country<00:12:41.440> and<00:12:42.240> um<00:12:42.480> fiscal<00:12:42.959
• <00:12:45.360> drag<00:12:45.680> in<00:12:46.079> 27<00:12:47.040> in
• <00:12:51.360> One<00:12:51.519> of<00:12:51.600> the<00:12:51.760> potential
• <00:12:55.600> the<00:12:55.839> Fed<00:12:56.079> to<00:12:56.320> increase
• rates despite<00:12:57.760> low<00:12:58.079> growth<00:12:58.560> leading<00:12

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first quarter report, or if you received money January 15th and you deposited it January 20th, that
• We did have the dates of January 26th besides the last page.
• So on page 12, page 12, starting...
• So on page 12, starting line 15 through 18, those are your hard dates: January 1 through April 30th,
• Chairman, Representative Rohr, this entire act will become effective on January 1, 2026.

Bills: SB2156

Keywords: campaign finance, disclosure, political contributions, election transparency, North Dakota Century Code, 908, all

Summary: The committee met to reconsider and further amend Senate Bill 2156, a campaign finance/reporting bill tied to Secretary of State filing requirements and new software implementation. Members and legislative counsel explained that the bill would keep current law in place for 2025, then take effect January 1, 2026, when the new system is expected to be ready. Discussion focused on hard reporting dates, how year-end and quarterly reports would be handled, which entities must disclose balances, and clarifying that some provisions apply to statewide political parties and certain political committees but not to candidates or candidate committees in the same way. Representative Steiner walked through the amendment, describing it as mostly technical and intended to align reporting deadlines with fixed calendar dates, simplify compliance, and preserve existing treatment for some balance disclosures. Members asked about public availability of certain filed information, the meaning of references to beginning and ending balances, and whether the new fines and other provisions would also be delayed until 2026. Legislative counsel said the bill’s effective date would cover the entire act and noted some disclosure questions were not clearly answered in current law. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved Senate Bill 2156 as amended on a do-pass motion. The roll call was unanimous, and the chair adjourned the meeting, noting the changes were intended to help the Secretary of State’s office and candidates transition to the new reporting system.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:12:34.959> agreements<00:12:35.399> rather<00:12:35.600> than<00:12:35.880>
• > someone<00:12:36.920> from<00:12:37.160> outside<00:12:37.440> of<00:12
• <00:12:46.800> uh<00:12:46.959> thank<00:12:47.160> you<00:12:47.560> m
• c> for<00:12:48.560> for<00:12:49.360> coming<00:12:49.600> in<00:12:49.839>
• about<00:12:53.360> cuts<00:12:54.279> and<00:12:55.160> um<00:12:56.079> do

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee opened by approving the January 16 and January 21 minutes. Members then heard testimony focused on the impact of Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) and the proposed paid family and medical leave program on Minnesota school districts, with the chair framing the hearing as an opportunity to hear from major employers and school leaders about costs and operational effects. Kimberly Lewis, speaking for the Minnesota School Boards Association and related school administrator groups, said districts generally already provide generous, locally negotiated sick leave and had initially adapted to ESST by separating vacation, sick time, and ESST into different buckets. She argued that a 2024 law effectively converted previously bargained sick leave into ESST, which she said undermines contracts, creates large unfunded costs, and may raise constitutional contract-clause concerns. Lewis cited large accumulated leave banks in some districts, increased sick leave use, and estimated significant costs from paid leave, including a reported $2.5 million impact for one large district. She urged flexibility such as prorating ESST for midyear hires and part-time staff and exempting coaches, short-term substitutes, and similar employees from ESST. Superintendent Anarie Fuco of St. Michael-Albertville said her district expects about $400,000 in added fiscal 2026 costs from ESST and paid leave, plus indirect costs from substitute coverage and increased absenteeism. She said schools already have generous bargaining agreements, but the new laws reduce verification and require districts to track leave for temporary staff, creating what she described as a need for “substitutes for our substitutes.” Fuco said the district would face more than $211,000 in direct payroll costs from paid leave alone and asked for flexibility or exceptions for districts already offering comparable benefits. Members asked follow-up questions about how substitute teachers accrue leave and how many districts may be cutting budgets; Lewis and Fuco said many districts are making cuts and that substitute and staffing burdens are growing. A third testifier began by Zoom, but the transcript cuts off before her full testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:43.760> milanix<00:12:44.720> is<00:12:45.240> it<00:12:45.600> is
• with<00:12:46.440> us<00:12:46.680> via<00:12:46.920> Zoom<00:12:47.720> uh<
• :50.279> thank<00:12:50.639> you<00:12:51.639> and<00:12:51.880> we<00:12
• supportive testimony from another<00:12:57.199> 12<00:12:57.600> or<00:12:57.760> so
• <00:12:58.120> individuals<00:12:58.600> is<00:12:58.720> there another 12 or

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:03.360> we<00:12:03.519> are<00:12:03.680> projecting<00:12:04.399> you
• from<00:12:04.880> today<00:12:05.200> to<00:12:05.440> the<00:12:05.600>
• <00:12:12.399> Um<00:12:13.839> we<00:12:14.079> we've<00:12:14.240> got<
• <00:12:24.399> And<00:12:24.639> that<00:12:24.800> is<00:12:25.519> that
• County in 2025 um<00:12:48.240> we'll<00:12:48.480> get<00:12:48.560> to<00:12:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• That’s down from 72,000 in the January estimates.
• Notably, 12 of the AAAs will receive increases, 12 would receive decreases, and the formula does account
• But as you heard here today, you've got 12 winners and 12 losers.
• For the Department of Aging, you said there's 12 winners and 12 losers.
• Explain how... ...aging, you said there's 12 winners and 12 losers.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on the Governor’s May Revision, with no votes taken. The first major topic was child care and early education, where the Department of Social Services and Department of Finance outlined proposed changes to absorb federal Child Care and Development Fund and Proposition 64 revenue reductions, shift some funding between child care programs, end funding for prospective pay implementation now that the federal requirement has been rescinded, adjust the alternative payment administration structure, and fund child care infrastructure grants and a Low-Income Investment Fund contract closeout. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the budget makes progress on the structural deficit but recommended maintaining the administration’s solution level, making reserve deposits, and avoiding new ongoing commitments; it also raised concerns about shifting reductions to the California Alternative Payment Program and about the proposed administrative-rate change. Committee members strongly criticized the proposed loss of child care slots and said they would oppose eliminating those slots, while also expressing support for child care as essential infrastructure. The committee then reviewed California State Preschool Program proposals. Finance and CDE described reductions to the preschool COLA from 2.41% to 2.01%, removal of prospective pay funding, and increases for the QRIS block grant, audit support, and rate reform implementation. Trailer bill language would codify age-based rate categories, inclusion-rate documentation, family fee collection rules, portability, and excused absences. CDE supported the QRIS increase and some attendance and family-fee changes, but warned that aligning three- and four-year-old rates could reduce support for three-year-olds and that the budget does not fully cover enrollment growth. Members also questioned whether the preschool and child care slot reductions should be reallocated rather than terminated, and the administration said the reductions were intended to reflect current utilization and avoid harm to currently enrolled families. The hearing then moved to CalFresh and nutrition programs. CDSS said the May Revision includes a one-time CalFood augmentation, funding to cover federal SNAP administrative cost-share pressures, and additional staffing and technical assistance to implement HR 1 changes, including the able-bodied adults without dependents time limit and new non-citizen eligibility rules. The department estimated HR 1 could cut CalFresh funding by $2.3 billion to $3.7 billion annually and affect about 500,000 people, with roughly 806,000 adults potentially subject to the time limit and about 34,000 non-citizens expected to lose eligibility once fully implemented. Members pressed for stronger harm mitigation, including a $98 million backfill to protect families from losing food benefits, and raised concerns about county workload and the “chilling effect” on immigrant participation. The final portion of the transcript began the IHSS presentation, noting a revised budget of $33.7 billion total funds and $12.8 billion General Fund, with proposed reductions tied to Medi-Cal asset-limit changes and other federal conformity items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um you know<01:12:03.679> if<01:12:03.920> OHO<01:12:04.320> was<01:12:04.480>
• <01:12:08.480> burial<01:12:08.880> council<01:12:09.360> with<01:12:09.600>
• <01:12:16.960> So<01:12:17.199> I<01:12:17.360> don't<01:12:17.520> think
• <01:12:20.480> We<01:12:20.800> we<01:12:21.040> heard<01:12:21.199> of
• :12:33.600> reorum<01:12:34.560> to<01:12:34.800> vote<01:12:34.960> on.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Water and Land met on March 25, 2025, and first announced it had deleted HCR 3 and HCR 4567 from the agenda pending similar Senate measures. It then heard HR 35/HCR 40, which urges DLNR and other state agencies to work with community groups to co-steward community forests on public lands. DLNR’s urban and community forester testified in strong support, and several organizations and individuals submitted support; there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee next heard HCR 64, asking OPSD to convene a working group on establishing and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. OPSD and the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resilience supported the resolution and suggested friendly amendments, including replacing county civil defense representatives with mayors or their designees and allowing subject-matter experts to serve. Members questioned the office’s role, funding, and relationship to other resilience and emergency management offices, and the witness explained it was created after the Maui wildfires to coordinate long-term recovery, with special-project funding and a focus distinct from response and mental health functions. The committee also heard HR 59/HCR 65 on coordinating concurrent reviews of general plan, district boundary, and zoning amendments during land reclassification. OPSD testified with comments and warned that the proposal could facilitate spot zoning if individual landowners could use the concurrent process, recommending it be limited to county-initiated actions. A related discussion followed on HR 118/HCR 122, which would create a collaborative working group on surveying and protecting iwi kūpuna and related coastal erosion issues; DNR, OHA, and others supported it with suggested additions, and testimony emphasized cultural sensitivity and community-specific decision-making. Members asked about burial practices and a recent court ruling, and witnesses said the working group could help guide broader policy and communication. Finally, the committee heard HR 145/HCR 151, requesting DLNR to report on its lease enforcement process and procedures. DLNR said it was recruiting staff to conduct lease inspections but had difficulty filling positions due to compensation, and explained that new or extended leases can include inspection requirements, while retroactive cost-shifting would raise contractual issues. Members asked for information on lease renewal timelines and whether inspection provisions were being added to renewals; DLNR said those decisions are made in public sunshine meetings and agreed to provide additional information. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections<01:12:13.400> 7,<01:12:14.160> 8,<01:12:14.760> and<01:12:14.960> 9<
• On<02:12:27.520> or<02:12:27.680> before<02:12:28.080> November<02:12:28.440>
• :12:31.280> a<02:12:31.320> written<02:12:31.600> report<02:12:32.000> to
• <02:12:32.440> Committee<02:12:32.880> on<02:12:33.040> General<02:12:33.520
• <02:12:46.680> for<02:12:46.800> the<02:12:46.880> pilot<02:12:47.360> is

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House resumed consideration of H.606 on firearm procedures and first took up Section 3 and its effective dates. A member from Northfield spoke at length in support, arguing the provision is narrowly tailored, based on actual dangerousness rather than mental illness alone, and is more limited than federal law because it applies only to specific court findings and is temporary, with rights restorable upon recovery. The House then approved Section 3 and its effective dates, approved the remainder of the Judiciary Committee report, and ordered third reading. The chamber then moved through third readings and passed H.385 on remedies and protections for victims of coerced debt, H.556 on exceptions to the state minimum wage, H.559 on the parole board, H.723 on posting of land, and H.757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives. On H.814, relating to neurological rights and AI in health and human services, the House adopted an amendment offered by the member from Burlington that required the advisory council to include proposed definitions for neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, and related terms in its report; the House Health Care Committee reported the amendment favorable 11-0-0, and the bill then passed. H.816, regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services, also passed, as did H.927, technical corrections for the 2026 session. The House then took up H.930 on chronic absenteeism. The committee member from Manchester described the bill as an AOE proposal responding to high post-pandemic absenteeism rates and their impact on learning, and outlined provisions adding definitions, updating compulsory attendance language, requiring a state model policy, strengthening notification and truancy procedures, and preserving existing penalties. The member said the Education Committee heard from a wide range of education and child welfare witnesses and passed the bill 11-0. After a brief clarification on the absences section, the House proceeded toward third reading of H.930.

Transcript Highlights:

• in<02:12:02.400> the<02:12:02.560> line<02:12:02.719> of<02:12:02.960> duty
• Officers<02:12:05.280> Paul<02:12:05.679> Elmstrand<02:12:06.639> and<02:12:06.960
• that he<03:12:51.600> is<03:12:52.160> above<03:12:52.479> the<03:12:52.720>
• law<03:12:53.359> or<03:12:53.680> that<03:12:54.240> his<03:12:54.640>
• For<05:12:25.680> what<05:12:25.840> purpose<05:12:26.160> does<05:12:26.320

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:31.320> may<01:12:31.600> say<01:12:32.080> you<01:12:32.239> want<01
• <01:12:32.840> all<01:12:33.040> these fix all these fix all these issues<01:12:35.199>
• this<01:12:35.440> delay<01:12:36.239> will<01:12:36.600> delay<01:12:37.600
• :42.920> is<01:12:43.120> about<01:12:43.400> 25<01:12:43.960> years<01:12
• <01:12:56.120> long<01:12:57.120> think<01:12:57.480> 25<01:12:58.000> to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:04.720> was<00:12:05.040> not<00:12:05.560> included<00:12:06.320> until<
• outlay<00:12:42.639> and<00:12:43.040> that<00:12:43.279> is<00:12:43.600> I<
• why<00:12:44.959> the<00:12:45.160> Senate<00:12:45.480> put<00:12:45.720><
• :12:48.720> as<00:12:48.880> opposed<00:12:49.240> to<00:12:49.560> having
• very<00:12:50.480> expensive<00:12:50.959> Bill<00:12:51.199> run<00:12:51.399><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on House Bill 637, which was described as a measure to make whole certain New Hampshire Retirement System retirees who were not included when Senate Bill 57 was incorporated into the 2023 budget. The chair and several members reviewed the bill’s legislative history and fiscal impact, citing estimates that the broader change would cost about $1.4 million to the state and $5.74 million to municipalities, with an actuarial liability increase of about $45 million. The chair argued that the omission of already-retired members was not an oversight but a policy choice made in the Senate, based on the bill’s prospective language and the budget process used in 2023. Testimony and discussion focused on whether the bill should be treated as a fairness correction or as an expensive policy expansion. Supporters, including retirees and representatives of employee groups, said the language was unclear, the fiscal note did not match the bill’s effect, and the change would unfairly leave out actual retirees who had expected the same treatment as active members. They also argued that the retirement system historically linked benefits to Social Security and that the bill would restore equity for those affected. Opponents emphasized the cost, the prospective nature of the original language, and the view that the Senate knowingly chose not to extend the change retroactively. After discussion, the chair moved to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate, and the motion was seconded. Members then heard brief public comments after the motion was withdrawn and reintroduced because of the weather and the public’s travel. At the final vote, the subcommittee recommended inexpedient to legislate on a 3-2 vote, with the chair noting that the full committee would take up other bills at a later subcommittee hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:02.160> them<00:12:02.399> emergency<00:12:03.200> access<00:12:04.000>
• > are<00:12:05.519> we<00:12:06.079> why<00:12:06.200> don't<00:12:06.480
• > then<00:12:27.560> why<00:12:27.800> did<00:12:28.040> you<00:12:28.320
• 12:32.440> agenda<00:12:33.040> with<00:12:33.160> the<00:12:33.440> proposed
• :39.079> or<00:12:39.760> by<00:12:40.360> others<00:12:41.360> um<00:12:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on Wednesday, April 2 at 11:05 a.m. and began with housekeeping instructions for Zoom testimony and meeting conduct. The first major item was House Resolution 43, HD1, which urged the City and County of Honolulu to work with stakeholders on an emergency access road on the West Coast. The acting chair proposed a substantial HD2 amendment to add Makakilo language, expanding the resolution to call for two emergency access roads—one on the Ewa coast and one in Makakilo—and to request community meetings and a timeline for an alternative Makakilo access road by early 2026. Testimony on the resolution was strongly supportive overall, with 14 written testimonies in favor and none opposed. The committee then debated whether the proposed HD2 was appropriate without prior concurrence from the original introducer or prior committee chair. Several members objected to the amendment process and said they would vote no because the amendment had not been posted in advance and lacked concurrence, while the acting chair argued the rules did not require concurrence for resolutions and that the amendment was needed to address Makakilo residents’ safety concerns. The discussion also included references to prior conversations with leadership and the Speaker about whether resolution titles could be amended. After debate, the committee first voted on the amended version of HR 43, but the recommendation was not adopted. The acting chair then moved to pass HR 43 HD1 as originally presented, without the new Makakilo amendments. That motion was adopted, with the committee voting to pass the resolution as is. The record notes that members supporting the original measure cited the written testimony and the need for a second access point on the West Coast, while others voted no because they viewed the Makakilo language as duplicative or preferred a separate measure. After HR 43, the committee moved on to HCR 9, and the acting chair indicated that the committee would need to take a reconsideration vote before proceeding to a final vote on that resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> from<00:12:47.760> the<00:12:47.920> committee<00:12:48.160> on<00:12:48.399
• Senate<00:12:49.360> confirmation<00:12:49.920> number<00:12:50.160> 26, Senate
• <00:12:51.839> Nash<00:12:52.240> to<00:12:52.399> the<00:12:52.480> Alabama
• Nash to the Alabama Board<00:12:53.200> of<00:12:53.360> Pardons<00:12:53.760> and
• c><00:12:55.600> by<00:12:55.760> vote<00:12:55.920> of<00:12:56.079> 13<

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate began with a resolution honoring Special Agent Senior Josh Taylor for his long service in state law enforcement, including work as a traffic homicide investigator, field training officer, SBI major crimes investigator, and later on the Lieutenant Governor’s protective detail. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chamber then received a series of gubernatorial confirmations and House messages, including multiple Alabama Army National Guard promotions, appointments to state boards, and several House bills referred to Senate committees. Committee reports followed, with favorable reports on a number of bills from Finance and Taxation Education, Judiciary, State Governmental Affairs, County and Municipal Government, Agriculture, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Children and Youth Health, and Local Legislation. The Senate confirmed Leon M. Nash to the Board of Pardons and Paroles by a 33-0 vote, and also confirmed several State Textbook Committee appointees by unanimous votes. The chamber also adopted several resolutions, including memorials for John David Williams and William Grant Lynch Jr., a commendation for Sandra Thompson, and a resolution urging federal action on sextortion and child exploitation. During local legislation, the Senate passed or certified several county-specific measures, including bills involving Pickens, Colbert, Marshall, Blount, Fayette, Franklin, and Walker counties; one Marshall County bill was later indefinitely postponed after word that its House companion had passed. In the special order calendar, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 30 and then passed Senate Bill 95 extending the sunset on the “call before you dig” law, Senate Bill 42 addressing municipal election tie situations, Senate Bill 9 adding vaping to the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act, and Senate Bill 41 on elder abuse and exploitation after adopting two amendments. The session ended with adjournment until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 2nd.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Okay.<00:12:16.880> Is<00:12:17.040> there<00:12:17.680> uh<00:12:18.560
• > six<00:12:18.800> the<00:12:19.040> six<00:12:19.200> month<00:12:19.440
• >> I<00:12:21.519> believe<00:12:21.760> this<00:12:21.920> one<00:12:22.079
• > is<00:12:22.240> the<00:12:22.639> 12<00:12:22.959> month.
• >> Okay.<00:12:25.360> Is<00:12:25.519> the<00:12:25.680> other<00:12:25.839

Bills: SB3179, SB2872, SB2391, SB3282, SB2836, SB2181

Keywords: educational workers, harassment, workplace safety, temporary restraining orders, investigation procedures, retired education employees, teacher shortage, rehired retirants, entry level salary, collective bargaining agreements, pension benefits, education, teacher salaries, automatic increments, collective bargaining, teacher retention, workforce development, Pell grant program, short-term education, eligibility

Summary: The joint committee first heard SB 3179, which would require the Department of Education and charter schools to report harassment incidents involving educational workers and adopt procedures for handling them. DOE supported the bill, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying amendments to limit the measure to harassment directed at workers because of their position, to limit DOE legal assistance to temporary restraining order actions, and to clarify whether the harassment must come from outside the school system. Members also discussed whether the bill should cover non-DOE individuals on campus, whether investigations could be handled in-house, and whether training should be embedded in existing workday or school-year training rather than added as a separate requirement. The committee later voted to pass the bill with amendments as SD1. The committee then took up SB 2872, which would require retired teachers or administrators rehired into shortage or hard-to-fill positions to be paid the entry-level salary for that position. DOE supported the bill, and the Attorney General requested clarifying language about its effective date and that it would not affect already matured rights and duties. The Employees’ Retirement System administration emphasized that the bill should retain a 12-month break in service to preserve the pension system’s tax-exempt status and noted the importance of consistent classification of eligible positions. Members expressed support for using retired educators to help fill staffing gaps, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard SB 2391, which would provide annual step increases for public school teachers under bargaining unit 5, subject to funding. The Attorney General said the bill could conflict with collective bargaining procedures and Chapter 89, while DOE said unit 5 includes more than teachers and asked that the benefit be considered for other bargaining units as well, with funding provided if enacted. HSTA strongly supported the measure, arguing that annual step movement is already recognized in the collective bargaining agreement as a recruiting and retention tool. Testimony totals were noted as 16 in support, two in opposition, and three comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 3282, which would establish a statewide framework for the federal workforce Pell Grant program to fund short-term workforce education and training. The Attorney General suggested clarifying that the matter is one of statewide concern because UH is involved. UH and the Chamber of Commerce supported the bill, and DLIR testified that it is coordinating with DOE, the Workforce Development Council, and national groups on implementation. Members questioned whether the Workforce Development Council or DLIR should handle rulemaking and administration, and DLIR said the council is advisory while the department has grant administration expertise. The committee then moved into decision-making after discussion of possible amendments and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:12:23.560> with<00:12:23.880> providers<00:12:24.519> legislators<00:12:
• 12:28.399> process<00:12:28.959> and<00:12:29.240> then<00:12:29.360> the
• there<00:12:32.839> is<00:12:33.399> a<00:12:33.800> uh<00:12:33.920>
• :12:43.279> it<00:12:43.800> uh<00:12:43.959> up<00:12:44.120> to<00:12:44.320

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met with a quorum still coming together and first handled roll call and minutes. The main presentation came from the Department for Medicaid Services, with Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beckle giving an overview of Kentucky Medicaid, its federal-state financing structure, and the department’s 1915(c) home- and community-based waiver programs. They explained FMAP funding levels for traditional Medicaid, administration, IT, expansion adults, and CHIP, and noted the size of the program, including more than 600,000 Kentucky children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, about 485,000 expansion adults, over 69,000 enrolled providers, and $18.5 billion in 2024 expenditures. A major focus was the waiver system, including the acquired brain injury waivers, model waiver, independence waiver, Michelle P. waiver, and Supports for Community Living waiver. The department said these waivers are intended to keep people with physical or developmental disabilities in home and community settings rather than facilities, and that many services are not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance. Officials described participant-directed services, interagency administration, and eligibility rules, including that some waiver programs use the child’s income only rather than family income. They also reported an unduplicated waiver wait list of 13,930 people and said the General Assembly had added waiver slots in the last budget, including 650 ABI slots and 1,275 more to be allocated July 1, 2025. The department also discussed a waiver rate study conducted by Guidehouse, explaining that CMS requires a defensible rate methodology because there is no Medicare or commercial benchmark for many waiver services. They said the study used cost and wage surveys, provider and stakeholder input, and aimed to improve transparency, provider stability, and rate parity. Officials reviewed prior COVID-era Appendix K rate increases and budget-driven increases, and said the budget ultimately funded rates at about 70% of the benchmark study, while preserving higher existing rates where needed so no provider would be cut. They highlighted larger differences in behavioral support and case management rates, and said a public report is available. Members asked several questions about the potential impact of federal FMAP changes, especially possible reductions in the enhanced match for expansion adults and Medicaid IT/admin activities. DMS said any FMAP reduction would require more state general fund dollars, estimating about $75 million for each 1% drop in the expansion match, while impacts on administrative IT funding would depend on the systems being built or implemented in a given year. Members also pressed for clarification on waiver wait-list procedures, funded versus filled slots, and what happens when someone on the wait list is later found ineligible. DMS said people on the wait list may not yet have been assessed, can be reevaluated if conditions change, and are still eligible for regular Medicaid state-plan services if they qualify, even if they are waiting for waiver services.

Transcript Highlights:

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• a<01:12:16.000> man<01:12:16.159> dressed<01:12:16.400> in<01:12:16.560>
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• and assumed<01:12:26.480> he<01:12:26.719> was<01:12:26.800> a<01:12:26.960>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3415, a bill aimed at limiting immigration enforcement activity at child care centers. House Research explained the DE1 amendment, which defined key terms and barred child care employees from consenting to civil immigration enforcement entry without a judicial warrant, while requiring officials to identify themselves and state their purpose; the amendment also clarified that it would not block officials administering child care programs. After brief debate, members adopted the DE1 amendment. The bill author, Representative Sensor Mura, said the measure was intended to address fear and disruption in child care settings caused by recent immigration enforcement activity and to keep those spaces safe for children and families. Supporters, including a pastor, a Children’s Defense Fund representative, parents, child care workers, and an ACLU policy counsel, testified that immigration enforcement near daycares has caused fear, staff absences, lockdowns, and emotional harm to children. They argued the bill would not stop lawful enforcement but would require warrants and basic identification before entry, protecting children from witnessing raids or arrests and giving providers clear rules. Several witnesses described specific incidents involving ICE activity near Spanish immersion daycares in Minneapolis and St. Paul, including staff members being detained, parents organizing safety watches, and children showing distress. Testimony emphasized that many affected children are U.S. citizens in immigrant families and that visible enforcement can create toxic stress and separation anxiety. No final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided beyond adoption of the DE1 amendment and continuation of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 15 by King, commemorating January 27, 2025, as International Holocaust Remembrance
• , but more particularly 12 years of racial terror directed at the Jewish people.
• Members, the Senate Finance Committee will reconvene at 12:45 in E1036. Thank you.
• Wednesday, January 29th. Is there objection? Chair here's none.
• Wednesday, January 29th.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard the daily invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, which authorizes the legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified period. The chamber then took up several recognitions, including Senate Resolution 8 honoring Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Advocacy Day, a recognition of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, a delegation from Dimmit County, and the doctor of the day, Dr. Hosey Hinojosa. The main floor business centered on Senate Resolution 15, commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust history, the rise of anti-Semitism, the importance of education, and solidarity with Israel. The resolution was adopted without objection, and Senator Bettencourt moved to add all senators’ names. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17, recognizing Sexual Assault Survivors Day, with remarks focused on the prevalence of sexual violence, underreporting, support for survivors, and the need for prevention and stronger systems of response. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 14 in memory of Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman highlighting his service and using the occasion to call for tougher measures against violent offenders. Additional resolutions SR 3, SR 4, SR 5, SR 6, SR 7, SR 11, and SR 12 were adopted together, and SR 54 granting permission for adjournment for more than three days was approved by a 31-0 roll call vote. The chamber also recognized Leadership Frisco Class No. 28 and later honored former Senator Dr. Joe J. Bernal and, upon adjournment, Sergeant Mark Allen Butler of the Navasota Police Department. The Senate adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Butler.

Transcript Highlights:

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• of denials and<00:12:31.279> in<00:12:31.440> fact<00:12:31.600> a<00:12:31.839
• <00:12:33.440> this<00:12:33.760> process<00:12:34.240> were<00:12:34.480>
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• /c><00:12:41.200> having<00:12:41.839> answered<00:12:42.240> today<00:12:42.720

Keywords: 1187, senate, all