Transcript Highlights:

• highlight some of the possible solutions highlight some of the possible solutions and<00:42:13.720
• Bring us solutions, right?
• <02:00:43.440> right go find an answer find a solution right go find an answer find a solution
• Bring us solutions, right?
• We are adjourned. bring the solutions to us and so um bring the solutions to us and so um we're<02:01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it gets at the very purpose of this entire legislation.
• I have a huge problem with this piece of legislation in that third amendment.
• And a litigator is going to give me litigation solutions.
• The last amendment, it might not be a complete solution, but a partial solution is better than no solution
• But the voters and legislators are asking for a compromise for doctors, not legislation that benefits

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Leonardo Casaneda with the Department of Workforce Solutions.
• Our legislation, our way of government in America is based on a roundhouse, our legislation, our way
• This legislation began to straighten the course. We've lost our way on that.
• Please pass this legislation. Find the guiding star and latch on to it.
• I don't think that's what legislation is all about.

Bills: SB100

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I may make a slight pitch here at next legislative session.
• I may make a slight pitch here at next legislative session.
• So for the next legislative session or part of the current $15 million?
• So for the next legislative session or part of the current $15 million?
• I think the challenge becomes, too, is also with enterprise solutions.

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then received a quarterly update on major IT projects from NDIT. Staff reported the portfolio included 116 major projects totaling about $546 million, with the overall portfolio under budget but slightly behind schedule. They reviewed projects over the 20% variance threshold, including an Industrial Commission grants management system and DOT’s roadway pre-construction replacement, and then heard startup and closeout reports from HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT. Several previously troubled projects were closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning; some projects finished under budget and ahead of schedule, while others were significantly behind schedule or over budget but were now closed or being remediated. The committee also reviewed NDIT’s annual report, including service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how service-fund revenue and grant administrative charges are accounted for, how chargebacks work, and whether NDIT tracks customer satisfaction scores. NDIT said it does track CSAT-type measures in some service areas and has survey data, but it is not planning another customer survey this summer. Members encouraged more regular reporting of customer satisfaction, service-level metrics, and performance data to help guide future improvements. A major portion of the meeting focused on the state’s mainframe modernization effort. NDIT said the overall effort is still targeting about 2030, with multiple HHS and DOT projects underway and a $15 million tech-debt appropriation already removing some components. Staff described the main obstacles as data cleanup, complex integrations, limited staff capacity, retirements, and vendor constraints, and said they are seeking a vendor with modernization support in the next contract cycle. Members pressed for clearer accountability and faster progress, and NDIT and HHS emphasized that they are working jointly but need continued support and better tools. The committee then heard a cybersecurity update on NDIT’s statewide services and maturity assessments. NDIT explained that it provides vulnerability scanning, endpoint protection, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that these services are tied to a cybersecurity maturity assessment based on CIS controls. Members questioned the sharp drop in participation since 2020 and whether the self-assessment should be mandatory or tied more strongly to StageNet access or insurance incentives. NDIT said participation is voluntary, but Enderf is now requiring annual assessments to keep a 4% insurance discount, and members discussed whether stronger requirements or audit authority may be needed. The meeting ended as the committee began a follow-up discussion on BEAD broadband connection costs and why some locations are much more expensive to connect than others.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex, the Workforce Development Board in Far West Texas.
• OK, hi again, Leila Melendez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex in El Paso, Texas.
• And at Workforce Solutions, one of our goals is to elevate people out of the system.
• While maintaining the intent of last session's legislation, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good.
• This legislation is designed.

Transcript Highlights:

• protection provision of the legislation protection provision of the legislation passed<01:09:20.880
• solutions for it's in our name we have solutions for schools<01:35:52.320> and<01:35:52.560>
• ><01:36:03.440> to<01:36:03.600> testify solutions, but I'm here to testify solutions,
• I think as we heard solution perfect?
• So these aren't solutions.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:22.080> auditor is a report that the legislative auditor is a report that the legislative
• suggestions because the your solution suggestions because the solutions<01:10:12.760> that<01
• direction from the legisl direction from the legisl about<01:24:25.239> the<01:24:25.400>
• <01:40:17.480> and about it we want to find a solution and about it we want to find a solution
• <01:40:48.520> house would be created um of legislators house would be created um of legislators

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, the commission continues on through the next legislative session.
• Legislative session and move forward some legislation designed to you know to trim here I'm get thinking
• . solutions, more money, less requirements, and more training.
• The solution is to give teachers a voice through school-specific surveys like that described. in Texas
• Ultimately the goal here again is to reform to the extent that we do that through legislation.

Bills: HB367, HB497, HB549, HB983, HB 1188, HB 1290, HB1368, HB2243, HB2310, HB2849, HB3099, HB3546, HB3629, HB3627

Keywords: education, absences, severe illness, life-threatening, school policy, verification, healthcare, insurance, affordability, coverage, patient rights, school health, respiratory distress, airway clearance devices, medication training, public health, HB 983, Texas Education Agency, TEA, educator privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• We are Already preparing for our 2026 legislative session.
• So I just want to let you as legislators know.
• , the Legislative Finance Committee and your committee today.
• I know we didn't get it through this last legislative session.
• legislative session, again, were two things.

Transcript Highlights:

• You deserve solutions.
• It requires presenting a complete solution.
• We do legislation all the time. We do legislation all the time.
• It is a straightforward solution.
• It is a straightforward solution. as I drove here Straightforward solution.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• just give me a regional solution. just give me a regional solution.
• strong favor of the legislation strong favor of the legislation um<01:45:15.199> to<01:45
• Yeah. legislation also consider including an legislation also consider including an amendment<01:45:35.280
• So if the right in the legislation.
• brought up in previous legislative brought up in previous legislative sessions.<01:57:21.040>

Bills: HB1527, HB1823, HB2490, HB2223, HB2325, HB2104, HB2593, HB2592, HB1927, HB1553, HB1964, HB1918, HB1990

Keywords: gambling prohibition, Aloha Stadium, University of Hawaii, amateur athletics, state lands, coastal resilience, Maui, Mantokuji Bay, coastal erosion, environmental protection, Native Hawaiian, spiritual sites, historic preservation, economic development, burial sites, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, cultural history, archaeology, Hawaii Revised Statutes, civil service

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1527 relating to gambling. The chair outlined hearing rules, including a two-minute limit and a warning that bills not heard would die. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from a prosecutor, Honolulu Police Department, and Stop Predatory Gambling, all arguing that casinos and sports betting increase crime, sex trafficking, harassment of athletes, and broader social harm. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee moved on without questions or action taken on the bill. The committee then heard HB 1823 relating to coastal zone management and HB 2490 relating to coastal resilience. For HB 1823, DLNR, the Office of Planning, and Maui County testified, with Maui County supporting the measure and its proposed amendments. For HB 2490, DLNR expressed concern about exempting a proposed Mokuji Bay pilot project from permits and regulation before a long-term plan is finalized, while the County of Maui, the Mokuji Soto Zen Mission, and the Office of Planning supported the bill as a coastal resilience pilot. The mission described severe erosion, sea-level rise impacts, and years of unsuccessful efforts to stabilize the shoreline; its consultant said the study is leaning toward nature-based and hybrid solutions. In questioning, members and DLNR discussed whether the bill should say the project “shall” or “may” be exempt, and the chair indicated the language would be adjusted to preserve DLNR discretion and to change the lead agency reference to OPSD. No vote was taken in the transcript. Finally, the committee took up HB 2223 relating to historic preservation reviews. SHPD said it stood on its written comments, while OPSD and DHHL supported the bill. DHHL argued the measure would streamline reviews, improve transparency, and help address long wait times for its projects, saying it could alleviate burden on SHPD and better serve beneficiaries. Representative Shimizu questioned whether the bill would create redundancy and expand government rather than strengthen SHPD, noting a separate staffing bill already exists. SHPD responded that DHHL is uniquely subject to 6E review and that the bill would not waive federal or state historic review requirements; the discussion also touched on possible federal-style grant support and the existing memorandum of agreement between SHPD and DHHL. The transcript ends during questioning, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's enabling legislation.
• Um, but it is enabling legislation. So, Um, but it is enabling legislation.
• rather than a next year's solution.
• <01:35:03.120> rather that needs a this year's solution rather that needs a this year's solution
• <01:35:04.920> So, than a next year's solution. So, than a next year's solution.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . solution. solution.
• They like legislation.
• solution. And I know times have changed. solution. And I know times have changed.
• on the legislation. on the legislation.
• this is the solution. this is the solution.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:13 Approval of Minutes from August Meeting 00:01:55 Discussion of County Jails 00:03:31 Discussion of Centralized Collection of Net Profits and Occupational License Taxes 01:02:12 Adjournment 01:54:56, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the August 26 minutes, and then took up a discussion of county jail funding. KACO representatives and county officials said jail operations are an ongoing strain for counties because they must pay for inmate care, facilities, and mandated standards, while many counties also rely on jail revenue to offset costs. They described Kentucky’s jail system, including 77 jails, 43 closed counties without jails, and the mix of county, state, federal, and controlled-intake inmates. KACO emphasized that counties remain financially responsible for inmates even when they must contract with other jails, often at costs above the state’s per diem rate, and said it is developing a broader proposal to present later. The testimony focused on rising expenses and shrinking revenue. KACO said counties spent about $374 million on jail operations in FY24, up 24% from FY19, and about $41 million on jail medical costs, up 40%. General fund support for jails was said to total $147 million in FY24, more than double pre-COVID levels. Speakers also noted that state inmate populations in county jails have fallen from about 11,500 in 2019 to 7,212 in 2025, while federal inmates have increased because they are more lucrative for counties. The state jail per diem of $35.34 was described as insufficient to cover actual costs, especially medical care. County judges from Webster, Knox, and Hardin counties gave examples of local budget pressure. Webster County said it now houses 114 state prisoners, 47 county prisoners, and 24 out-of-county prisoners, and that it transferred $512,000 from its general fund to the jail last year, about $77 per taxpayer. Knox County said its jail budget has grown from an initial $2.8 million projection to $5.7 million, with $3 million coming from occupational tax revenue. Hardin County said its jail has an approximate $11 million expense budget against $5 million in revenue, creating a $6 million deficit, driven by higher payroll, medical, and insurance costs and a 29% drop in state prisoner revenue. The judge said the county has responded with property tax increases and an expanded occupational tax district, but still uses reserves to cover other county services. A Grant County magistrate then began speaking from the perspective of magistrates and commissioners, describing her background working at a local jail before serving in county government. The discussion remained centered on the fiscal burden of jails and the need for counties and the legislature to work together on a long-term solution.

Transcript Highlights:

• The staged suicide bill offers a common sense solution.
• remember her by passing this legislation.
• We've been working on this legislation for quite a while.
• The state of Maine has passed this legislation.
• We would like to increase awareness that there are solutions available.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing with opening remarks from Senate Chair John Cronin and House Chair Dan Cahill, followed by member introductions and instructions limiting testimony to three minutes. The committee first heard testimony on S. 2743, an act addressing staged suicides. Elizabeth Sherin Feiner of Jewish Family and Children’s Service and later Susan Altman, a domestic violence advocate, described cases in which deaths initially treated as accidents or suicides were later found to be homicides, arguing the bill would improve training, investigation protocols, and accountability in deaths involving domestic abuse. Committee members asked about current police and medical examiner practices, and one member noted that sudden-death determinations are handled by the chief medical examiner in Massachusetts. The committee then heard testimony on S. 2861, a special commission to examine school bus safety, led by Representative Sabadosa and Amanda Taylor, whose daughter Summer Steel was killed in a school bus door incident. Taylor urged adoption of anti-pinch sensor technology on new buses, saying it could have prevented her daughter’s death. Representative Sabadosa and later a Mazur USA representative supported the bill, explaining that anti-pinch and anti-drag technologies are already used in other transportation sectors and could prevent similar tragedies. The hearing also included discussion of costs and the fact that the proposal would apply prospectively to buses manufactured going forward. Finally, the committee heard testimony on S. 3021, updating Massachusetts student transportation. Ever-Driven Technologies and Chamber of Progress supported the bill, saying it would modernize Section 7D requirements for smaller passenger vehicles used for alternative student transportation while keeping core safety standards in place. They argued the change would help districts serve students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or with disabilities, reduce costs, and expand transportation options amid a statewide transportation crisis. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hold the Texas legislative drive-in in each legislative session. 89th session. to continue sharing
• the findings we will learn about today legislators.
• However, This shot-in-the-arm funding is just one part of the solution.
• What's the non-monetary solutions that y'all So the question is the non-monetary solutions that the legislator
• can't legislate. can do to improve the grade?

Keywords: Texas, Infrastructure Report Card, ASCE, population growth, climate change, investment, public safety, engineering standards

Summary: The meeting focused on the release of the 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card, highlighting key findings and recommendations for improving infrastructure across various sectors in the state. Julie Jones, Vice President of ASCE Texas, opened the session by introducing key speakers, including Dr. Art Wood and committee co-chairs Griselda Gonzalez and Austin Mazzarelli. Throughout the discussion, the report's grades were revealed, showing the state's infrastructure received an overall grade of 'C'—adequate but requiring significant attention and investment. Emphasis was placed on the rising challenges posed by climate change and increased population growth, underscoring the need for strategic investments in infrastructure to support Texas' economic growth and public safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I don't believe so, not with current legislation.
• So really, Peter Savio's solution that I'm 100% behind is what we're talking about here.
• So there’s all kinds of solutions. Got it.
• The leasehold is one of the solutions. That program is a small part of it, not a solution.
• You guys like to shoot arrows all over the place and say it's a solution. Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most witnesses supporting bills aimed at expanding affordable housing tools and financing. SB 1169, creating a Community Land Trust Equity pilot program, drew support from HHFDC and Nahal UI, which said revolving funds would help community land trusts build permanently affordable housing more efficiently. SB 1200, establishing a workforce housing regulatory sandbox within HHFDC, also received support from HHFDC and others, though HHFDC noted concerns about whether the measure could be read to preempt county permitting and zoning powers. SB 511, which would require county legislative bodies rather than HHFDC to approve certain housing project exemptions, prompted HHFDC to suggest revised language and a possible processing deadline for applications; the discussion focused on avoiding indefinite delays and clarifying county and state roles. SB 1283, creating an emergency home loan assistance revolving fund, was introduced with comments from the Department of Budget and Finance and HHFDC. SB 612, on rent-to-build equity agreements for exempt housing projects, drew support and questions about how many affected projects are rentals versus for-sale units. SB 944, extending and expanding low-income housing tax credit provisions, received support from Sugar Creek Capital, Hawaii Housing, and the Chamber of Commerce, while the Tax Foundation raised a technical concern about inconsistent use of the term “taxpayer.” HPHA-supported bills SB 1413 and SB 1412 were also heard, along with SB 1632, which would direct DBEDT to develop a comprehensive action plan for a local housing market; testimony on that measure was strongly supportive but included calls to examine constitutional and legal issues and broader market-structure concerns. The committee also began discussion of SB 1033 and noted it was closely related to SB 1131, with the chair indicating an inclination to move only one of the two similar tax proposals forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to support the legislation.
• I'd like to support the legislation.
• HB 207 also conflicts with the legislative intent.
• And while I understand the dire need of a solution, this truly does feel like an engineered solution
• Now is our moment to find solutions together.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As usual, we'll start by taking legislators out of turn. I think Representative Zeros is here.
• S. 2325 is a forward-thinking, grounded, and necessary piece of legislation.
• The legislation... ...the legislation before you is more important than ever for this reason.
• It's changing a lot right now based on the federal legislation, based on tariffs.
• So the saying goes, no solution to radioactive pollution.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on offshore wind, battery storage, solar, nuclear study proposals, and a bill to redefine clean energy. Several Barnstable-area legislators and witnesses raised concerns about offshore wind transmission infrastructure near neighborhoods, beaches, and drinking water supplies, and supported bills to create a special commission and increase local input and oversight. In contrast, environmental, consumer, labor, and clean energy groups strongly backed offshore wind expansion bills, arguing that offshore wind lowers long-term costs, improves winter reliability, reduces fossil fuel dependence, supports jobs and local supply chains, and should include wildlife protections, labor standards, and community benefits. Some witnesses and committee members noted that parts of the offshore wind legislation overlap with the Governor’s energy affordability bill, and asked for clarification on which provisions were new versus duplicative. The committee also heard testimony on battery storage and solar legislation. Two student witnesses and several industry representatives supported a bill to study grid battery storage, saying storage can reduce outages, lower peak prices, and improve grid resilience during extreme weather. Witnesses from solar and storage companies supported a broader clean energy transition bill that would expand storage procurement, create a retail-style storage program for distributed batteries, set a 10-gigawatt solar target by 2035, and streamline siting and interconnection. Committee members pressed witnesses on whether these provisions were already included in the Governor’s affordability bill and asked for a section-by-section breakdown of what was new. One witness also urged allowing developers to bond interconnection payments to reduce financing costs. Another major topic was a bill defining clean energy, especially whether existing pumped-storage hydropower should qualify for subsidies or be excluded. Supporters of the bill argued that existing pumped storage should not receive additional ratepayer subsidies because it is already built, can have environmental impacts on rivers and ecosystems, and could cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Opponents said pumped storage is an important reliability resource and should remain eligible. The committee also heard testimony on nuclear-energy study bills: some witnesses supported creating a commission to examine nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free option, while others opposed nuclear study bills and argued that nuclear is costly, unsafe, and inconsistent with the state’s clean energy goals. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• There has not been a solution that the industry seems to think will manage the amount of waste we have
• One of the solutions to come back is that some of the communities in that area are on surface water,
• They've got the engineers who, if the community says, "Have you tried solution A?"
• figure out what is the solution to our water problems.
• We support this legislation but urge stronger protections for Minnesota's water.

Transcript Highlights:

• years um would love to find a solution years um would love to find a solution uh<00:06:35.440>
• So we certainly do support this legislation.
• We do support this legislation, and we hope you will too.
• We do support this legislation, and we hope you will too.
• We do support this legislation, and we hope you will too.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all