Transcript Highlights:

• We've got some contracts already in place, and some contracts are in the negotiations phase.
• I'm joined with the funding going out the door for purchase orders and contracts to get signed.
• for extension just because of how the contract is set up.
• Utah and Colorado have started to work towards an hourly model for contract public defenders.
• They're only served by contract public defenders.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, these agreements are low-cost contracts that guarantee the transportation of a deceased person's
• Generally, the bill would authorize the Comptroller or a state agency to award multiple contracts to
• Generally, the bill would authorize the Comptroller or a state agency to award multiple contracts to
• Two, for them to enter into contracts. Three, it allows them to hold and transfer property.
• Just a few minutes ago, you had mentioned, sir, at the end here that you have a contract with Meta but

Bills: HB111

Summary: The committee heard a long series of House bills, with most measures laid out by Senate sponsors and then left pending after brief public testimony. Early bills focused on construction and licensing issues, including HB 305 on prompt payment for public construction audits, HB 5093 on restoring public access to notary contact information, HB 2037 on updating landlord-tenant repair and security deposit rules, HB 4214 on a centralized public information request contact database, and HB 5435 exempting higher education institutions from a 90-day notice requirement for certain public-private partnership projects. Testimony was generally supportive on these bills, and no votes were taken; each was left pending. The committee also considered several transparency and regulatory bills. HB 111 would expand the Public Information Act to certain nonprofit state associations and narrow some attorney-client and working-paper exceptions, with supporters arguing it would improve oversight of public funds and critics questioning the scope and thresholds. HB 5129 would protect occupational license holders’ personal identifying information from disclosure without consent, HB 4350 would allow peace officers to redact personal information from online real property records, HB 4748 would authorize multiple-award state purchasing contracts, and HB 4765 would clean up code enforcement officer licensing rules. HB 4134 would allow motor vehicle creditors to charge limited fees for electronic payment options while requiring a free alternative, and HB 1043 would direct a study of blockchain-based property title records; both drew testimony, with some concern about the practical effects and vendor implications of the blockchain study. Several bills addressed insurance, workforce, and digital-asset regulation. HB 3520 would reduce the insurance coverage required for transportation network companies during the period when a driver is en route to pick up a passenger, drawing support from Texans for Lawsuit Reform and opposition from trial lawyers who argued the higher coverage better protects the public. HB 3320 would create a self-insurance pool for religious institutions, with TDI explaining it would still be regulated but operate under a special statutory framework. HB 4233 would modernize rules for digital asset service providers by removing certain auditor-access requirements and updating reporting and licensing provisions. HB 3923 would reduce bachelor’s-degree requirements for some state jobs, though Every Texan argued low pay, not degree requirements, is the main driver of turnover. HB 4518 would create a legal structure for decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations tied to blockchain governance; business law experts opposed it as unnecessary and potentially risky, while crypto advocates supported it. Finally, HB 1803 would join an interstate compact for dentists and dental hygienists, with supporters citing workforce shortages and opponents saying Texas already licenses quickly and that the compact could weaken state oversight. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly closed testimony and left bills pending, and a quorum was eventually established before later items were heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Contracts and grants represent the second largest budget entity, so Contracts and grants represent the
• The university signs written contracts or agreements with the entity they're receiving the funds from
• Most of those contracts are competitively solicited. So think of things like concessions.
• Athletics also has multimedia rights that they contract out with another provider for.
• and that we're doing what we contracted to do and that we are held in compliance with that.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear an overview of State University System finances from the Board of Governors and detailed budget presentations from Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, and the University of North Florida. The witnesses explained how university budgets are organized into fund categories such as education and general, contracts and grants, auxiliaries, local/designated funds, capital projects, and component units such as direct support organizations. They also described carry forward funds, the statutory reserve and spending-plan requirements, the PICO/HECO capital outlay process, and how universities use investment accounts, audits, and board oversight to manage restricted and unspent funds. The universities emphasized that most operating dollars are restricted to specific uses and that state support helps keep tuition low. Members asked about differences in funding levels among institutions, especially why FSU receives more funding than UCF despite lower enrollment. Officials said preeminence funding, performance funding, and special legislative appropriations explain much of the difference, and the Board of Governors noted that Florida now has four preeminent universities, with UCF nearing that status. Questions also focused on what happens to unspent carry forward money, how it is invested, and whether the Board of Governors or Legislature can require funds to be returned; officials said the money is invested conservatively, subject to board and audit oversight, and can roll forward under a detailed spending plan, though the Legislature can change funding levels. The committee also discussed capital projects, with members asking about delays, inflation, and whether more projects should be phased or funded faster; witnesses said PICO funds remain with the state until needed and are reimbursed as construction proceeds. A substantial portion of the discussion covered athletics, research, student fees, and endowments. The universities said athletics is generally expected to be self-supporting, though limited use of auxiliary or carry forward funds may be allowed for projects benefiting the broader student body. They also described the financial pressures from name, image, and likeness changes and new NCAA-related costs, and said institutions are planning for those changes now. On research, the universities explained sponsored research funding, indirect cost recovery, compliance obligations, and tech transfer, but did not provide specific commercialization revenue figures and said they would follow up. Members also asked about student fee increases, student input, counseling and wellness funding, and how housing costs affect affordability; the universities said student committees and boards review fees, and aid packaging is intended to keep student debt low. Endowments were described as being held in separate foundations/DSOs with independent investment committees and used mainly for scholarships, faculty support, and research.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is, they contract with all these departments and, you know, we contract with these vendors and
• My office interprets the term proposed agreements very broadly to include draft contracts.
• And have you guys discovered any issues, you know, with contracts, payments to date?
• It was an amendment to an existing contract that we found violated state law.
• It added services to that amendment that were not in the original contract.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several budget and policy items, beginning with the DMV’s proposal for the federal state-to-state verification system and the Digital Experience Platform (DXP). DMV officials said the state-to-state system is required for Real ID compliance and functions as a pointer system that shares only limited identifying information to help states verify whether an applicant has records in another jurisdiction. Members pressed hard on privacy, access, hacking, notification, and misuse concerns, including whether other states or federal actors could use the system to target Californians. DMV said access is limited to member jurisdictions, requests are transaction-based, records are encrypted, California can see when its data is requested, and legal remedies would include working through AAMVA and the Attorney General if misuse occurred. On DXP, DMV said the project has been reset, is on its revised schedule and budget, occupational licensing is complete, vehicle registration is targeted for completion by the end of the calendar year, and the full modernization is expected by fiscal year 2028-29. The committee then took up the High-Speed Rail Office of Inspector General trailer bill and AB 1608. The Inspector General said current law does not clearly authorize public reports or establish a work-paper retention and disclosure framework, and that the trailer bill and AB 1608 would codify those powers, add access to needed job classifications and purchasing authority, and require public reporting with temporary confidentiality only in limited circumstances such as pending litigation, security vulnerabilities, or fraud-detection weaknesses. Members debated how broad the confidentiality language should be, whether reports could remain confidential too long, and whether the bill should define “proposed agreements” and require notice to the Inspector General when agreements are being reviewed. The Inspector General said he had already found at least one procurement-related state law violation involving an amendment that added services not in the original contract, and members discussed the project’s large cost growth and the need for stronger oversight. No vote was taken on the item in the portion provided. Finally, Caltrans began presenting a trailer bill proposal related to workforce development under SB 150, explaining that it would amend Government Code 14017, which governs use of federal highway formula funds and related workforce development efforts. The transcript cuts off as Caltrans starts its overview, so no further discussion, vote, or action on that item is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is, they contract with all these departments and, you know, we contract with these vendors and
• Contracts. This would be for construction and building the rail.
• And have you guys discovered any issues, you know, with contracts, payments to date?
• It was an amendment to an existing contract that we found violated state law.
• It added services to that amendment that were not in the original contract.

Summary: The committee first heard a DMV budget presentation on the state-to-state verification system required for Real ID compliance and the Digital Experience Platform (DXP) modernization project. DMV officials said the state-to-state system is a pointer-based exchange used when a person applies for a license in another state, with only limited identifying data shared initially and the full driver history sent only after a qualified request. Members raised concerns about privacy, possible misuse by other states or federal actors, notification to Californians, hacking, and whether California could detect or stop abusive access. DMV said it can monitor requests, see patterns of access, work with AAMVA and legal counsel, and seek to block or challenge misuse; LAO said California is in a difficult position and should consider guardrails rather than opt out. On DXP, DMV said the project is on its revised schedule and budget, occupational licensing is complete, vehicle registration is expected by the end of calendar year 2026, and the full system should be finished by fiscal year 2028-29, with phased rollout and reappropriated funding to keep costs controlled. The committee then heard from the California High-Speed Rail Office of Inspector General on a trailer bill and AB 1608. The Inspector General said current law does not clearly authorize public reports or establish a framework for retaining and disclosing work papers, and the proposed trailer bill would create that framework while also adding authority to hire needed classifications and purchase goods and services. He also said the office needs a clearer statutory definition of “proposed agreements” and notice when the High-Speed Rail Authority is reviewing them, so the office can review contracts and related agreements effectively. LAO raised no concerns with the trailer bill language, and Finance said any amendments would come in the May revision. Members debated the scope of confidentiality in the Inspector General proposal, especially whether reports could be held confidential when they identify weaknesses in fraud controls, security, or other vulnerabilities. The Inspector General said confidentiality would be temporary, tied to articulating the risk, reassessing it every 120 days, and releasing the report once the risk is no longer substantial; he also said the office had already published reports at its discretion and had found at least one procurement violation involving an amendment that added services not in the original contract. Several members pressed for stronger transparency and suggested time limits or broader disclosure, while others argued the bill would improve oversight and make the Inspector General’s authority clearer. No votes were taken during the discussion, and the item was left for further work on the trailer bill and AB 1608 language.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have these proprietary contracted networks.
• We have these proprietary contracted networks and, as I mentioned, other techniques to control costs
• Is there a gag order for pharmacists or something in the contracting that they're allowed to say that
• What is the mechanism for profit generation when you're essentially not contracting with people?
• Direct contracting? Right.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it creates a mechanism by which the Department of Health and individual sheriffs can enter into a contract
• extent of services that the sheriff can provide, the department will enter into a more lucrative contract
• labor which we more expensive contract labor which we do<00:13:14.320> reluctantly<00:13:15.519
• <00:15:16.880> to enter into agreements or contracts to enter into agreements or contracts
• <00:37:35.520> mental mental health or maybe contract mental mental health or maybe contract

Bills: SF0010, SF0005

Keywords: mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, bankruptcy, hospital, county, healthcare, financial stability, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The agency desperately needs additional staffing that doesn't rely on contracting.
• We've been fortunate through Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon that we're able to contract through Plexos and
• But it has to be done before that contracting money goes. The contract has a no-compete clause.
• We have at least one on contract who has been helping us work through these issues.
• And there's a— that's— That transaction, how that was done, does a contract to bid for that money?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Doesn't mean that that's there in a contract attorney.
• The Commission's contract. Services request remains flat.
• Are our contract attorneys less cost-effective? Mr.
• And so, is that why these contract attorneys may have one case?
• Spent money by CYA with no contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• For one quarter of data, there was a contraction.
• We expected it to contract by 7.8%.
• It was expected that PIT would contract by more than 7%, but it only contracted by about, what was it
• So it is essentially based on the contract that the insurer has with the practitioner.
• The insurance contract says it's 20%, 20% only. You can't add the 7% GRT on top of that.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event a contract, the purchase and sale, is entered into without the seller providing notice,
• HB 2468 applies prospectively, meaning it affects only property sales where the contract is executed
• HB 2468 applies prospectively, meaning it affects only property sales where the contract is executed
• days unless the contract allows for a longer period.
• The contract owner submits a request in a format that is set by the insurer.

Bills: HB 106, HB144, HB145, HB252, HB1732, HB2221, HB2467, HB2468, HB2517, HB2518, HB2963, HB3016, HB3689, HB3960, HB4386, HB4490, HB4751, HB5247, HJR175, HB2213

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering SB 715 and then voting out several measures. The committee substitute for SB 1978 was reported favorably, and HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 were all reported favorably, many with objections sent to the local and uncontested calendar. HB 1522 and HB 4238 were adopted as committee substitutes before passage. The committee then moved into public testimony on HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. Supporters argued it would reduce waste, lower costs, and help independent repair shops by requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information on fair terms, while opponents said the bill was too broad and the automotive MOU exemption was problematic. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 2467, which would align State Fire Marshal Office investigators’ pay with other commissioned peace officers at TDI; testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the office’s arson-investigation role, and the bill was left pending. HB 252, a bill allowing certain state agencies flexibility to pay Schedule A employees twice monthly, was laid out and left pending after limited testimony. HB 2468, dealing with public improvement district notice in real estate transactions, would let buyers terminate within seven days if required PID notice was not provided before contract execution; it drew no public testimony and was left pending. HB 4386, an annuity exchange and surrender process bill, was presented as a consumer-protection measure with deadlines and penalties for insurer delays; it received support from industry witnesses and was left pending. The committee then heard HB 4751, creating the Texas Quantum Initiative within the Governor’s Office to coordinate quantum research, workforce, industry partnerships, and possible future grant funding. Witnesses from universities and industry supported the bill, while several senators questioned whether a new state structure was necessary; the bill was left pending. HJR 175 proposed a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ right to use mutually agreed forms of exchange, including cash, bullion, digital currency, or private script, and was discussed at length in the context of central bank digital currency and barter; it was left pending after testimony. HB 2221, updating insurance anti-rebating laws to allow wellness and value-added services, drew supportive testimony from the insurance industry and discussion about incentives versus monitoring; it was also left pending. Finally, the committee heard a series of utility wildfire and infrastructure bills: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain electrical infrastructure near well sites; HB 144, requiring electric utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing self-insurance under certain conditions. Utility, insurance, and cooperative witnesses generally supported the wildfire-related bills while asking for clarifications and less burdensome reporting, and the bills were left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event a contract for the purchase and sale is entered into without the seller providing notice
• , the purchaser is entitled to terminate the contract within seven days after receiving the required
• In the event a contract for the purchase and sale is entered into without the seller providing notice
• days unless the contract allows for a longer period.
• The contract owner submits a request in a format that is set by the insurer.

Bills: HB 106, HB144, HB145, HB252, HB1732, HB2221, HB2467, HB2468, HB2517, HB2518, HB2963, HB3016, HB3689, HB3960, HB4386, HB4490, HB4751, HB5247, HJR175, HB2213

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering a failed vote on SB 715 and then reporting several measures favorably. SB 1978 was reported from committee on a committee substitute, and a series of House bills — including HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 — were moved out of committee, most to the local and uncontested calendar. The votes on these items were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. The committee then heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. The author said the bill would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and documentation on fair and reasonable terms while preserving trade secrets and excluding certain categories such as medical devices, motor vehicles covered by an MOU, critical infrastructure, and commercial-only transactions. Supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Environment Texas argued it would strengthen property rights, help small businesses, and reduce e-waste. Opponents, including representatives of SafeLight Auto Glass and LKQ, said they supported right-to-repair in principle but objected to the bill’s automotive MOU exemption and broader scope, warning it could create uncertainty and leave some manufacturers and repair shops outside the framework. The bill was left pending after testimony. Members also heard HB 2467 on salary parity for State Fire Marshal investigators, HB 252 on allowing some state agencies to pay certain employees twice monthly, HB 2468 on public improvement district notice and a buyer’s right to terminate, HB 4386 on annuity contract exchanges and surrender timelines, HB 4751 creating a Texas Quantum Initiative and related fund, and HJR 175 proposing a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ ability to use mutually agreed-upon mediums of exchange, including cash, bullion, and digital currency. Testimony on HB 4751 was largely supportive but included questions about whether the state needs a new coordinating structure and funding mechanism for quantum research and commercialization. HJR 175 drew discussion about barter, taxes, and concerns over central bank digital currency. Each of these items was left pending after hearing testimony. The committee also heard HB 2221, which would update insurance anti-rebating laws to allow more wellness and value-added services in life and health insurance, with supporters saying it would encourage healthier behavior without requiring data monitoring. Finally, the committee took up a package of utility and wildfire-related bills from Chairman King’s portfolio: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain overhead electrical lines; HB 144, requiring utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing utilities to self-insure under certain conditions. Utility, co-op, and insurance representatives generally supported the safety and resiliency goals of HB 144, while asking for clarifications and less frequent reporting; HB 145 was introduced as a broader wildfire-risk and liability measure. These bills were also left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are other regions in the state that have already signed a contract for NG-911.
• There are other regions in the state that have already signed a contract for NG-911.
• There are other regions in the state that have already signed a contract for NG-911.
• This is not for individual governing bodies that have contracts with other PSAPs.
• So Blaine County has been... ...that have contracts with other PSAPs.

Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the April 2 minutes and the February, March, and April 2026 financial reports. Members then adopted the FY 2027 budget, which included a 5% staff increase, a reclassification for the 911-988 liaison/training coordinator role, a new GIS specialist position, increased funding for training, travel, cybersecurity training, recruitment, GIS repository work, and technology roadmap items. The budget also set aside funds for NG911 deployment, grant closeouts, and a $3 million reserve for a one-time PSAP distribution program. The authority approved the $3 million one-time distribution to the 123 primary PSAPs and separately approved the distribution guidelines and priority list. The program will use the statutory population-and-land-area formula, with eligible uses focused on GIS Version 3 work, technology and equipment, and grant matching; salaries, construction, radio systems, OLETS, and mobile apps were excluded. The board also denied a hardship request from Washington County 911 to waive a 20% match for a radio console grant, finding the county had sufficient carryover and other funding sources. Members approved an Oklahoma technical school in-person telecommunicator training curriculum and simulator that meets minimum training standards, and authorized a statewide 911 telecommunicator recruitment campaign with ICG Advertising for $249,820. The authority also approved a compliance action plan for PSAPs that had not completed GIS remediation and repository uploads, setting a June 19 deadline before notice and possible escrow proceedings. Several grant requests were approved, including projects for Adair, Grady, Harper, INCOG, McCurtain, Roger Mills, Pauls Valley, and Washington County, covering NG911 fiber, ADA furniture, equipment, feasibility work, recorder upgrades, and radio console improvements. In committee and staff reports, members heard updates on 911 Day at the Capitol, the POP grant timeline, legislative activity, NG911 and GIS tools, cybersecurity training, operations committee work, 988 integration outreach, and statewide project progress. The coordinator also noted work on standards, NASNA leadership, and the need for PSAPs to obtain EM Grants logins ahead of the upcoming grant cycle. The meeting adjourned after no public comments or new business were offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also Contract and pay private court-appointed attorneys around the state when the public defender
• That case falls to private court-appointed attorneys, which we contract and pay for.
• Chair, the rates—they're not required to sign a contract with JC.
• They sign up to serve on the registry, and they execute a contract with JC, and those are the rates.
• The contract providers help prevent service delays.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it'll just be on the municipal contract price.
• 3 years on the contract back price so<00:13:30.160> it's<00:13:30.240> a<00:13:30.399>
• So it'll just be on the municipal contract price.
• So it'll just be on the municipal contract price.
• So it'll just be on the municipal contract price.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When one enters into a preneed burial contract, they're paying today for a funeral in the future.
• The administrative fee would be collected once the final payment is made for this preneed contract.
• is uh paid for preneed burial contract is uh paid for in<00:26:00.240> full.
• President, the Government Contracts >> Mr.
• Government Contracts, please take<01:13:10.520> note.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the purpose at that time was to allow those contracts to sort of continue.
• Um you know, our our they contract with.
• <01:06:15.160> and know, folks have existing contracts and know, folks have existing contracts
• uh those contracts to sort of continue. uh those contracts to sort of continue.
• Senator Putnam, I believe it's contracts entered into on or before July 1st, 2025. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee discussed a higher education attainment-goals bill and several related amendments. Members first reached agreement on funding changes: one amendment redirected money for fraud-prevention software for MnSCU and $5,000 for trees in Bemidji, and another moved $570,000 for workforce development-related funding. Members noted the use of general fund dollars to cover a FIG shortfall and expressed support for addressing fraud prevention while also saying MnSCU should be made whole in the next biennium. Both amendments were adopted. The main policy debate centered on an amendment updating the statewide attainment goal and related P-20 partnership language. Senator Um Ruebain proposed returning the attainment goal from 75 percent to 70 percent, and members discussed whether the bill’s expanded reporting and coordination duties would create costs for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Nonpartisan staff and Commissioner Olsen said the Office of Higher Education and the P-20 partnership expected no costs, while DCYF’s fiscal note assumed reporting and staffing costs. After discussion, DCYF indicated it would absorb the costs, but some members still objected to expanding the partnership and creating additional bureaucracy. Members also debated whether early childhood and K-12 subgoals should be included as part of the attainment-goals framework. Supporters said aligning early childhood, K-12, and higher education goals is necessary to improve postsecondary attainment, while opponents argued the committee should focus on existing higher education goals and basic K-12 achievement. The committee ultimately adopted the Senate language on the attainment-goals section as amended, including the change back to 70 percent and revisions directed by staff to ensure the correct references were updated. The A12 amendment on pregnant and parenting students was also adopted earlier in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It just tough luck for them because of who they contracted with.
• PRC has contracts that will not allow you to inspect their systems.
• PRC has contracts that will not allow you to inspect their systems.
• Oh, if you do that, it's a breach of contract, correct? Yes.
• They have contracts with customers.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fleming Network and Security Services was awarded the contract and successfully completed the project
• Fleming Network and Security Services was awarded the contract and successfully completed the project
• In the request, I asked for approval of the contracted amount of $123,640,000.
• In the request, I asked for approval of the contracted amount of $123,640.
• Finally, timing is critical for approval and execution of the contract to occur soon in order to allow

Summary: The Executive Subcommittee met to consider a waiver request from the Stuttgart School District. Superintendent Jeff McKinney explained that the high school’s camera system is outdated, difficult to maintain, and leaves some areas of campus unmonitored. He said the district had previously used Fleming Network and Security Services for security work at new athletic facilities and wanted to continue with that vendor for a camera system replacement project, citing reliability, integration, and the need to complete installation during summer and within FY26 funding. McKinney requested approval of the contract amount and asked to increase the authorization to $150,000 to cover possible unforeseen additions. Members asked no substantive questions, and the committee approved the motion without opposition. After the vote, Senator Hester raised a broader concern about whether other school districts are facing similar security-camera issues and suggested the department may need to take a comprehensive look at the matter. No further business was discussed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• “And Madam Chair and Secretary, are you talking about, like, contract staff?”
• We’re using contract staff all over the state.
• And so now we've kind of evolved into having statewide contracts.
• So our latest RFP, we have three statewide contracts. Four? We have four.
• The state manages the contract with all the tabulators. We own the tabulators.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting