Transcript Highlights:

• clients consider this drive-through distribution a safe space where they can wait in their car with the engine
• Staff that took over a year to train, between necessary certifications and classes, represented thousands
• And if you can't pay staff, you lose the time and money spent training them, including certifications
• And how much, like I said earlier, how much did you pay to train staff, the certifications and all that

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly select committee hearing focused on the challenges facing California nonprofits in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance, the impact of federal funding disruptions and tax policy changes, and the need for stronger public-private partnerships, especially in disaster response and recovery. Witnesses from community foundations, food banks, Cal OES, long-term recovery groups, CalNonprofits, and nonprofit finance organizations described funding uncertainty, delayed reimbursements, reduced indirect cost coverage, staffing strain, and the effects of climate disasters and immigration-related fear on service delivery. Testimony highlighted several policy ideas, including advance payments for state grants and contracts, prompt payment standards, sustainable indirect cost rates, contract flexibility in emergencies, streamlined registration and reporting, and a possible new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to serve as a central point of contact and coordination within state government. Speakers also described how nonprofits and VOAD networks support wildfire response and long-term recovery, but noted that recovery groups often lack stable operating funding even when they are recognized as best practice. A food bank leader described federal food aid cuts and disruptions to deliveries, while other witnesses stressed that nonprofits are increasingly forced to use reserves, loans, or service reductions to manage cash flow gaps. Committee members generally expressed support for the sector and asked how the state could better partner with nonprofits during both disasters and budget crises. Several members raised the possibility of incremental steps if full legislative changes are not immediately feasible, and witnesses suggested pilots, better sharing of best practices, and stronger state leadership on payment timelines. Public commenters echoed the need for better contracting practices, support for community-based organizations, and attention to nonprofit worker compensation and protections. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the hearing, which concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, for example, the PUC has been directed to prioritize regionalization when granting certificates of
• Uh, it's, um, not, um, not often that we see permits that, uh, abut our certificated service area or
• Our members include engineers, plant managers, operators, directors, scientists, attorneys, manufacturers
• That's why we have the regulatory system we do to ensure that um these are through the certificate of

Bills: HB 29, HB 685, HB 1633, HB 1689, HB 1690, HB 1918, HB 2010, HB 2500, HB 2608, HB 2626

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• She also welcomed Brandon Hlett, high school engineering teacher; Brian Trigilus, sixth grade science
• Representative Keela, please proceed with the certificate and lay presentation. with the certificate
• and lay with the certificate and lay presentation.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Exemption from the appropriations limited to revenue collections for the Judicial Branch certification
• Administratively attached to OCA, the Joint the Judicial Branch Certification Commission oversees certification
• could not provide our constitutional duty to the people of our counties without funding from the Engine

Transcript Highlights:

• This is also a partial forgiveness loan of up to $1 million through DEQ to fund engineering studies for
• $6.94 million would be new money for capital projects, and $470,000 will refinance the Series 2015 certificates

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21 with a quorum present and approved the April 16 minutes. The commission then reviewed and approved a large slate of local government and public authority financing requests, including election propositions for the November ballot, water and sewer infrastructure projects, fire protection and recreation district bonds, school board financing, and several refunding transactions. Most items were found to meet technical requirements and were approved on motions by Speaker DeVillier and seconded by Senator Talbot. Among the more notable items were the East Baton Rouge City-Parish refunding bonds for the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District, the City of Kenner’s retroactive approval request tied to a convention center agreement with GMB Basketball LLC, a Louisiana Housing Corporation financing increase for the Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, and preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport. The commission also approved financing for Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools/Harriet Tubman Charter School project. The Crescent City Schools item prompted questions about how MFP funds are used; staff explained that lease payments would support the bonds and that MFP funds are generally split between educational expenses and facilities-related costs. The commission received six monthly cost-of-issuance reports, which required no action, and a status update on the state debt schedule. It also approved Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund the Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. During other business, New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morel thanked the commission for its role in helping address the city’s fiscal crisis and for approving a charter amendment election item aimed at strengthening budget oversight. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is also a partial forgiveness loan of up to $1 million through DEQ to fund engineering studies for
• $6.94 million would be new money for capital projects, and $470,000 will refinance the Series 2015 certificates

Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21, established a quorum, approved the April 16 minutes, and then considered a long agenda of bond, refunding, and election-related requests. Items 3 through 10 were election propositions for the November 3 ballot involving ad valorem taxes, parcel fees, and charter amendments for purposes such as fire protection, agricultural centers, neighborhood security, recreation, aging services, drainage, and roads and bridges; staff said they met technical and legal requirements, and the commission approved them. The commission also approved several local financings, including water and sewer projects, fire district equipment and facility improvements, school board and parish bonds, and refunding transactions for the East Baton Rouge City-Parish and St. James Parish School Board. A retroactive approval request from the City of Kenner related to a CEA with GMB Basketball LLC was discussed; staff made no recommendation because it was retroactive, but noted it appeared to be an oversight, and item 22, the related airport district agreement, was approved. The commission approved additional financing for the Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, a preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport, and two Louisiana Public Facilities Authority projects: Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools project for Harriet Tubman Charter School. During discussion of the Crescent City Schools financing, a commissioner asked about the use of MFP funds; staff explained that lease payments would be the repayment source and that MFP dollars are generally split between educational expenses and facilities costs, with the school’s typical split around 72% instructional and 28% administrative/facilities-related. Both items were approved. The commission then received six cost-of-issuance reports for previously approved bond issues, with various fee adjustments but no motions required. It also reviewed a debt schedule update and adopted Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. In other business, the commission heard a brief public comment from New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell thanking the commission for helping place a charter amendment on the ballot to improve New Orleans budgeting transparency and oversight. The meeting ended after monthly reports were noted and no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• levels High School certificate levels High School certificate Associates<00:26:52.679> Bachelors
• So now there will be a certificate start, with a certificate, and then grow to an undergraduate program
• <00:38:01.560> and certificate start with a certificate and certificate start with a certificate
• <05:08:20.718> our<05:08:20.920> on<05:08:21.320> call engineer<05:08:25.120
• and that is 100% funded with um engineer and that is 100% funded with um dedicated<05:08:29.440>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• minars CDL errors and Corrections from minars CDL Ser<01:15:12.560> self<01:15:13.360> certifications
• <01:15:14.360> online Ser self certifications online Ser self certifications online transactions
• So make sure you're in touch with your city council members, your engineers, your mayors, etc.
• 19:29.800> council<01:19:30.120> members<01:19:30.520> your<01:19:30.679> engineers
• your city council members your engineers your city council members your engineers your<01:19:31.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I retired as an engineer. I am now an author, coach, and speaker.
• He said he served as a quality assurance engineer in the weapons programs at Los Alamos National Lab,
• He said he has spent his life working as an engineer at Los Alamos dealing with numbers and statistics
• tremendous amount of, or any of their regulatory roles related to, let's say, law enforcement certifications
• , telecommunicator certifications, compliance with things like NCIC and other regulatory rules that they

Bills: SB4, SB7, SB9, SB17

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare, medical education, salaries, graduate education, clinician pay, health sciences, education funding, faculty salary, University of New Mexico, healthcare funding, general fund, state budget, New Mexico legislation, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, 996

Transcript Highlights:

• There’s a lot in that, because in order to get relief, you have to have FEMA certification.
• But in order to get that certification, you’ve got to do a lot of what you just suggested, right?
• there was unfortunately, in my mind, an anti-river warning system bias in that county based on an engineering
• Because I was kind of astonished and appalled at what I saw in these engineering reports, that somehow
• store floodwaters during normal and extreme rain events, and then release them downstream at an engineered

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, invocation, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then observed a moment of silence after Senator Eckhardt referenced a mass shooting in Austin. The chamber also agreed to postpone reading and referral of bills until later in the day. Early procedural business included a motion not to print Senate Bill 3, which was adopted without objection. Later, Senator Mendez raised a parliamentary inquiry about moving flood relief bills to the top of the calendar, but the presiding officer said the order of business was up to the chair. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 4, the congressional redistricting bill. Senator King laid out the bill, describing it as the companion to the House version, based on 2020 census data, and arguing it was legal, race-blind, more compact, and likely to elect more Republicans. Senators asked extensive questions about the process, public hearings, and the map’s effects on districts and communities. The Senate voted to suspend the regular order of business and the three-day rule, then passed SB 4 to engrossment and finally passed it, with the recorded votes showing 19 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 6, relating to abortion and civil liability for the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs. Senator Hughes argued the bill was needed to stop illegal abortion pills being mailed into Texas and harming women and unborn children. The Senate suspended the regular order of business and the three-day rule, passed the bill to engrossment, and then finally passed it, with the recorded votes showing 18 yeas, 10 nays, and one present not voting. A lengthy discussion followed on the committee substitute for Senate Bill 14, which would standardize law enforcement personnel and departmental files statewide. Senator King said the bill codifies a TCOLE model policy and limits public access to personnel files to substantiated misconduct, commendations, and evaluations, while keeping other records available through other legal processes. Senators Eckhardt, West, Hinojosa, and others questioned how the bill would affect transparency, meet-and-confer agreements, civilian review boards, and access to unsubstantiated complaints. An amendment by Senator Hinojosa of Dallas to narrow the bill to unfounded complaints failed, and SB 14 was then passed to engrossment on a vote of 18 yeas and 10 nays. The final major item was Senate Bill 1, the natural disaster omnibus bill responding to the July flooding. Senator Perry said the bill addresses camp and RV park safety, evacuation plans, emergency rooftop access, lines of succession for local emergency management, annual drills, volunteer management, drone restrictions over disaster areas, small-business recovery loans, and a statewide data hub for flood and weather monitoring. Senators Menendez, Eckhardt, and Kolkhorst asked about autopsies, volunteer background checks, liability, warning systems, floodplain mitigation, and coordination with FEMA and local governments. Perry said the bill focuses on preparation, response, and recovery, while broader prevention and mitigation issues may be addressed later. The transcript ends during this extended discussion, before final action on SB 1 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Certificate Title for Vessels Act, which is already in place in Florida.
• We represent over 1,300 marine businesses, including boat and engine manufacturers and marine accessories
• We're here because of a very talented and gifted engineer that has a service. ...that the public needs
• The committee substitute requires that fire marshals in counties hold several fire certifications and
• Austin. and a former barbecue waitress here in Austin as a teen, and holder of five science and engineering

Bills: SB34, SB119, SB261, SB532, SB1035, SB1245, SB1247, SB1267, SB1442, SB1930, SB1948, SB2078, SB2112, SB2143, SB2155

Keywords: wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Athena Cristo-Dulu, Energy Environmental Engineer. I urge that this bill pass.
• Chair, committee members, my name is Athena Christodoulou, environmental engineer.
• I worked for the Public Regulation Commission and a state engineer, and I worked for the City of Albuquerque
• that would be overseeing this, and I do have an amendment for that bill that would not allow a Certificate
• Chair, yes, the amendment clarifies that an operator cannot receive a certificate of closure for not

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a licensed professional engineer here in the state of Florida.
• I want to make that clear legally handled the refrigerant EPA section 608 is the certification that you
• But then because that pool contractor doesn't have the EPA certification to handle the refrigerant, they

Transcript Highlights:

• larger community colleges where they've received growth pilot funding for in-demand short-term certificate
• courses that basically will result in employment at the end of that certificate course, upskilling.
• You know, in the highway department deal, there's a whole lot of stuff they have to do to engineer that

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're the economic engine of the state, and I love everything...
• proposal is limited in scope to discovery, and both protesters and applicants can submit issues for certification
• Because the proposal allows for both protesters and applicants to request certification of questions,

Bills: HB573, HB1499, HB1768, HB3071, HB3249, HB3866, HB4112

Keywords: environmental enforcement, legislative oversight, inspection, concrete plants, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental product declaration, grant program, ready-mixed concrete, manufacturers, sustainability, concrete plant, concrete batch plant, wet batching, dry batching, central mixing, standard permit, TCEQ, environmental regulation, air quality, construction permit

Transcript Highlights:

• remain in their communities, raise their kids and take care of their families all while earning certificates
• Many schools that receive impact aid are the economic engines that drive that community forward.
• Today's TCU offers certificates as well as associates, bachelors and masters degree and Diné College

Keywords: Native education, Department of Education, federal funding, testimony, treaty obligations, public schools, educational policies, Indigenous students

Summary: The meeting focused on the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Education towards Native students, highlighting the importance of federal education programs that satisfy treaty obligations to Native communities. Various witnesses testified about the impact of educational policies designed to support Native students who primarily attend public schools. Concerns were voiced over recent proposals that could potentially undermine these programs, citing the role of federal funding in ensuring successful educational outcomes for Native youth. The chair of the committee emphasized the need for continued federal support and attention to the unique educational challenges faced by Indigenous populations.

Transcript Highlights:

• But but earlier you did say that uh<04:25:17.199> your<04:25:17.520> certificate<04:25:
• And then if you look on line, page two, line two, it talks about engineering controls.
• So now a small engineering controls.
• um and also references engineering um and also references engineering controls<05:12:18.638>
• <05:12:35.200> controls, controls, what are engineering controls, controls, what are engineering

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have a birth certificate.
• accidentally not issued a birth certificate.
• State Department certificate or report of birth abroad.
• State Department certificate or report of birth abroad.
• Good data empowers the engines of elections accounting.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• required late in the process, after a town has already invested significant public dollars into engineering
• We would have to come up with the upfront cost for all the engineering and planning, and then the petition
• We would have to come up with the upfront cost for all the engineering and planning, and then the petition
• So all of these things together, people need to go to school so they can earn certificates and degrees
• People need to go to school so they can earn certificates and degrees so they can go into the workforce

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2079, which authorizes a memorial for Arizona journalist Don Bolles in Wesley Bolin Plaza. The sponsor described the memorial as a no-cost way to preserve Arizona history and honor Bolles, who was assassinated in 1976 while investigating corruption and drug cartels. The bill was moved and passed unanimously, 7-0, for a due pass recommendation. Members then considered HB 2080, a strike-everything amendment addressing deed and title fraud. The bill would require photo identification for certain county recorder filings, add identifying measures for deeds and real property documents when notarized, create an assessor alert system tied to property addresses, and increase penalties for knowingly filing false claims or forged real property documents from a misdemeanor to a class 4 felony. Testimony from county assessors, the Attorney General’s Office, and a fraud victim emphasized the scale of the problem and the need for layered protections. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 7-0. HB 4064, concerning municipal improvement districts, drew more debate. The bill would move the petition requirement earlier in the process before a city or town adopts a resolution of intention for an improvement district. Supporters from Camp Verde, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, a developer, and the Yavapai Apache Nation said the change would improve transparency, reduce wasted planning costs, and help finance sewer and infrastructure projects in rural areas. Opponents argued it could force property owners into infrastructure they do not want and infringe on property rights. The bill passed 5-2. The committee also approved HCR 2048, which would withhold pay for statewide elected officials and legislators if the general appropriations bill is not enacted by April 30 and send the measure to voters. Supporters said it would create a stronger incentive to finish the budget on time; opponents said more work was needed on session length and bill volume. The resolution passed 4-3. Later, HB 2324, allowing municipalities with their own fire codes to petition for county buildings inside city limits to be inspected under local code through an intergovernmental agreement, passed 7-0 after testimony from county and state fire officials who supported the concept but wanted technical amendments. The committee then passed HB 4087, authorizing a memorial plaque for former legislator Barbara Leff, with the family covering costs. Finally, HB 2239 created a child care grant program and infrastructure fund to expand child care in underserved and rural communities. Supporters described severe child care shortages, economic impacts, and safety concerns; the sponsor framed it as an investment in workforce participation and child well-being. The bill passed 5-0 with one present and one not voting. The committee then began hearing HB 2375 on historic districts and middle housing, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• jurisdiction in the construction of all state buildings and must do an annual inspection for the certificate
• Very often, when cost or other concerns arise, designers and engineers often choose alternative designs
• Steinberg, has there been any pushback from the A&E community, the architectural engineering community

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Public Safety and Homeland Security Joint Committee heard testimony on several bills focused on accessibility, fire safety, and transportation safety. House 2569, expanding adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors, drew broad support from Rep. Christine Barber, disability advocates, and members of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said the bill would close gaps in the Architectural Access Board’s authority, require more adaptable housing in rehabs and older conversions, and extend accessibility requirements to employee-only work areas. They emphasized the shortage and cost of accessible housing, the benefits for aging in place, and the risk of institutionalization when accessible units are unavailable. The committee also heard strong support for House 2577, which would allow local fire departments to inspect and enforce fire code compliance in state-owned buildings. Rep. Robert Cataldo and Boston Fire Chief Pat Ellis described this as closing a long-standing loophole that leaves state properties outside local fire-code enforcement, despite the hazards posed by aging state buildings and life-safety systems. Fire service representatives also supported bills to create a statewide technical rescue system under the Department of Fire Services, standardizing training, equipment, funding, and coordination across regional rescue teams, and they backed related fire-safety measures including sprinkler-related legislation and professionalism measures. Rep. James O’Day testified for House 2676, which would require window screens to prevent child falls, arguing it is a common-sense safety measure and noting recent fatal incidents. Ann Shuey and John Kalura testified for House 2601, which would require motor coach passengers to wear seat belts, citing a family tragedy, low seat-belt use, and research showing signage can improve compliance. Steven Poglisi of NAGE supported House 2568, requiring carbon monoxide alarms in public buildings, describing a past CO exposure incident involving a union member. The committee took no votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.