Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:48:19.480> It<00:48:19.600> does<00:48:19.760> not position.
• It does not position.
• Maybe you could help me understand what positions are covered under that." Vice Chair Coulter.
• their legislative leadership position. their legislative leadership position.
• their leadership position. their leadership position.

Bills: HF4252

Keywords: higher education, student aid, financial aid, grant programs, scholarships, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, community college, technical college, postsecondary institution, college affordability, student fees, athletic facilities, competitive athletics, developmental education, remedial courses, pregnant students, parenting students, priority registration

Transcript Highlights:

• My question is: what’s the department planning on doing to ensure that those positions are fulfilling
• <01:09:24.359> are doing to ensure that those positions are doing to ensure that those positions
• He said there is an additional investigator position in the governor's budget to help meet needs and
• um my understanding is those positions um my understanding is that<01:18:53.480> position<01:
• you know the nature of position you know the nature of positions<01:25:47.679> especially<01:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know what the odds are of getting five positions, so would the positions outlined in the other
• But presumably those positions would do more.
• We need to get the dollar amounts that you need for these positions, and if possible, the position title
• > as<01:28:26.440> you know know the um position title as you know know the um position
• We will take out the positions added in this bill and use the other bill as a vehicle for adding positions

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• 200 million possible chess positions 200 million possible chess positions every<00:40:02.720>
• the need to focus invest and position the need to focus invest and position Minnesota<01:09:00.480
• Coming back to this point here, we are very well positioned.
• I personally work a lot in data science and agriculture. best position to answer the the issue best position
• tax policy that can best position tax policy that can best position Minnesota<01:29:54.679> to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and commitment to the people of Arizona that I stand before you today for your consideration for a position
• My role in this position requires me to ensure that my program and trainees are adhering to the ethical
• attributes, I also possess personal attributes, which I believe further enhance my application for this position
• In relation to this position and your experience with behavioral health, it might be... ...to this position
• and your experience with behavioral health, it might be not 100% pertinent to this position, but I'll

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met, approved the March 25 minutes, and heard testimony from Dr. Lynette Livesey, a nominee for the State Board of Psychologists Examiners. Dr. Livesey described her background as an Arizona psychologist with experience in public health, corrections, and behavioral health training, and emphasized her commitment to ethical standards, access to care, and community service. In response to questions, she said she had been serving on board committees and attending board meetings, noted that family court-related complaints have been a recurring challenge, and expressed support for fair, informed decision-making and better coordination among providers, probation officers, and primary care physicians in behavioral health cases. Committee members asked about her experience on the board, challenges facing the board, and her views on behavioral health system improvements. One member encouraged her to meet with caucus members and discuss family court issues further. A motion was made to recommend Dr. Livesey’s confirmation to the full Senate, and the committee approved the motion by a 5-0 vote, with two members not voting. The nomination was then forwarded to the full Senate, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• option here in allowing the purchasing agent to fall under their purview, without abolishing the position
• Employees would not need to re-qualify for their positions when a new sheriff takes office.
• For sheriffs serving a county larger than 3.3 million, they could exempt up to 25 positions along with
• House Bill 4477 addresses legal roles and any federally grant-funded positions.
• ...in the cases of positions that are funded by federal grants, intact in an environment where that kind

Bills: HB2814, HB4477, HB5084, HB5108, HB5127, HB5383, HB5611, HB5663, HB5664, SB1563, HB2668, HB3841, HB4114

Keywords: juvenile justice, release documents, children, identification, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, civil service, staffing requirements, local government, positions exemption, Texas legislation, fireworks, Lunar New Year, retail permits, public safety, Texas law, holiday sales, HB 5108, deaths in custody, custodial death, jail death

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's really the position of the adjutant general.
• And that position was created by General George Washington.
• And that position was created by General George Washington.
• So what would you call those positions? Are those grant managers, grant writers?
• And you're now in the position where the buck stops with you.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• You may approach the mic with name, affiliation, and position only, please.
• You may oppose at the mic with name, affiliation, and position only, please.
• Name, position, or name, affiliation, and position only, please. Polina Chavez.
• Name, position, or name, affiliation, and position only, please.
• , which put them in the position to take on that responsibility.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 470, which would change California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules and allow a phased transition away from copper landlines in areas deemed well served by alternative phone options. The author and AT&T argued the bill would protect consumers, preserve 911 access, require public notice and CPUC review, and direct investment toward modern fiber and emergency communications. Supporters included a wide range of business, civic, tribal, and community groups, while opponents from TURN, rural counties, labor, digital equity organizations, and local governments warned the bill could let AT&T shed service obligations too quickly, weaken protections for rural and underserved households, and harm workers. After extensive member discussion about CPUC authority, rural carveouts, labor impacts, and reinvestment, AB 470 was passed do pass as amended to Appropriations, with one no vote and one not voting, and the roll left open. The committee then took up AB 1532, a committee omnibus bill extending funding and surcharge authority for the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program and the TNC Access for All program, while also adding CPUC accountability provisions. Chair Boerner Horvath explained the bill would not raise consumer costs and would require the CPUC to appear at hearings when requested and adopt rules for commissioner attendance. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was moved do pass and re-refer to Utilities and Energy, though the roll was left open because it had not yet reached the threshold for immediate transmission. Finally, the committee heard AB 353, the Affordable Home Internet Act of 2025, which would establish an affordability floor for home broadband for low-income Californians after the expiration of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. Supporters said broadband costs remain too high and that families, students, and vulnerable communities need a state solution now; opponents from the wireless industry and rural county representatives argued the bill would amount to an artificial price mandate and could complicate existing rural broadband buildouts. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on small ISPs and rural areas, and the bill was moved forward with a motion and second while discussion continued about possible exemptions and amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Should you choose to waive your speaking time, your position will be included in the committee meeting
• It would have been a huge setback to keep him in that position. I'm glad he resigned.
• And it just... ...to keep him in that position. I'm glad he resigned.
• In 2017, I was appointed as president and CEO of Lee Health, a position that I currently hold.
• , positively, please.

Summary: The committee heard and voted on two higher education bills before moving to a long series of university and college board appointment confirmations. CS/SB 742 would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs tied to industry certifications, and would expand the money-back guarantee requirement from three to six programs at career centers and Florida College System institutions. A question was raised about whether the charter school access could reduce district funding or grant availability; the sponsor said it could, depending on available funds. The bill was supported by one appearance form and was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 892, which codifies the Florida State University Election Law Center so it can continue and receive recurring funding. The sponsor and FSU witnesses said the center is nonpartisan and focused on evidence-based research, especially on election administration issues related to natural disasters and public confidence in elections. After testimony and questions, including about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of testimony from numerous appointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, Santa Fe College, Daytona State College, and Florida Atlantic University. Most nominees emphasized their personal ties to the institutions, support for workforce education, student success, and local economic development. Several highlighted priorities such as keeping tuition affordable, expanding internships and career pathways, strengthening nursing and other workforce programs, and improving graduation and retention rates. Some appointees also described campus-specific goals, including research growth at FAU and Harbor Branch, community engagement at New College, and continued support for health care workforce partnerships at FGCU. The most notable exchange came during testimony from Dr. Joel Rudman for the Pensacola State College board, where Senator Leek questioned him extensively about prior public comments that appeared to reference threats and drug testing legislators. Rudman said his remarks were aimed at Florida House members and not the Senate, denied any knowledge of illicit drug use by current or former senators, and said he was speaking candidly as a private citizen. Public testimony on his nomination included both support and strong opposition, with one speaker praising his community service and another warning about his alleged disruptive behavior and social media posts. The committee also heard from several supporters and appointees who were not questioned further, and the meeting ended with plans to vote on the appointments after all testimony was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is your position on the state investing in this?
• So I'm excited that we are in a position here to try to help this industry along.
• Okay, did you state your position on the bill? Uh, we are opposed to Senate Bill 2967.
• So, please state your name for the record and your position on the bill. Absolutely.
• Please grab the microphone, state your name, position, and you have two minutes. Hello.

Bills: SB1468, SB1612, SB1789, SB2530, SB2571, SB2717, SB2967

Keywords: utility systems, Texas A&M, regents authority, construction, improvement, construction contracts, trust funds, property rights, mechanics lien, contractors, trustee liability, mechanic's lien, liability, attorney's fees, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, insurance regulation, administrative penalties, coastal counties, catastrophe year

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if I could speak to the administration's position on that.
• And also, maybe our Prop 36 people are in a different need position because of where they are in the
• I'd like to turn to Shelly Curran to present our position on the items in the agenda in the interest
• proposals totaling 24 positions and 16 positions. 6.3 million are related to recently enacted legislation
• We couldn't immediately fill those positions.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm trying to put myself in the position I'm trying to put myself in the position of<02:08:55.280
• Only looking for positive motions. >> Okay. Only looking for positive motions.
• restore funding to two vacant positions. restore funding to two vacant positions.
• > in<03:49:33.680> their Those positions are already in their Those positions are already
• not positive it goes to pay for that. not positive it goes to pay for that.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:42.320> we instead of requesting a position we instead of requesting a position we
• <01:27:26.400> that um so it would be our position that um so it would be our position that
• licensed professionals and is positioned licensed professionals and is positioned for<01:38:56.480
• compact um the study found positive compact um the study found positive correlations<02:01:51.280
• <02:56:23.359> on we obviously don't take a position on we obviously don't take a position

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My personal position your as the us?
• > although<00:40:58.560> 245 position is that um although 245 position is that um although
• We come in and we take our positions.
• The House has taken its position. The Senate has taken its position.
• So, is it your suggestion or position So, is it your suggestion or position that<02:31:44.080>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department can use federal funds for FTE positions and can transfer funds to the salary and wages
• So I think we will be in a position to do this really smartly in the special session next week.
• because it's a bad idea, but because it doesn't seem to me that government should need to be in a position
• I was around in the 60s when it came about, and it was voluntary and it worked. ...in a position to mandate
• Well, I'm not in the leadership position to know what the schedule is for the special session yet.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Health Care Task Force reconvened to hear reports from its divisions. The Appropriations Division reviewed a draft bill appropriating $198 million in federal grant funds for the current year and another $198 million for the next grant year, authorizing DHS to transfer funds within its budget, allowing OMB to adjust federal fund authority for related grants, speeding procurement and bulk purchasing, requiring grant recipients to acknowledge the temporary nature of the funding, and mandating periodic reporting. After questions were answered to the division’s satisfaction, the committee voted to forward the appropriations bill draft to Legislative Management. The Policy Division then reviewed four bills. One would require the presidential physical fitness test to be included in high school physical education; another would require physicians to complete one hour of continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle; a third would add physician assistants to the interstate licensure compact framework; and a fourth would authorize limited pharmacist prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution. Members generally supported the first three measures and noted that the pharmacist bill had been amended in discussion but was left in its current form so stakeholders could comment before the special session. The division also discussed that all four policy bills were tied to the federal grant funding and that failure to pass them, or changing them in a way that reduced CMS scoring, could reduce or eliminate funding. Department officials confirmed that if any of the bills failed or were altered in a way that lowered the score, the state could lose money and could not make up the points elsewhere. Members raised concerns about the physical fitness bill, including possible exemptions for students with severe illnesses or physical limitations, and noted the need for DPI input. Leadership indicated the special session hearings would likely begin Wednesday morning. The committee then approved a motion for Legislative Council to prepare a committee report for Legislative Management and adjourned, noting the task force may need to remain available during the special session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Say your name, position, and begin. David Muckerheide. I'm yet another TDI resource witness.
• Industry positions are almost never vacant, right? We're talking about the inland...
• Representatives and the coastal positions that are dedicated—the three positions that are dedicated for
• I think the 1 in 50 decision is a positive... ...decision for y'all to make.
• Please state your name, position, and begin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members.

Bills: SB1468, SB1612, SB1789, SB2530, SB2571, SB2717, SB2967

Keywords: utility systems, Texas A&M, regents authority, construction, improvement, construction contracts, trust funds, property rights, mechanics lien, contractors, trustee liability, mechanic's lien, liability, attorney's fees, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, insurance regulation, administrative penalties, coastal counties, catastrophe year

Transcript Highlights:

• Then I still have to find a delegating position so that I can do business.
• State your name, your position on the bill, and we look forward to your testimony.
• My position on the bill is... for the bill.
• Introduce yourself, give us your position on the bill, and who you represent.
• TMA's position is clear.

Bills: SB1888, SB3003, SB2417, SB2459, SB3055, HB1393, HB2884, SB2943

Keywords: grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• to cut um positions. to cut um positions.
• <01:20:28.840> are exercise because if those positions are exercise because if those positions
• bill to create civil exempt positions bill to create civil exempt positions within<03:06:05.040>
• <03:22:25.440> to And you couldn't reprice a position to And you couldn't reprice a position
• getting more and more exempt positions getting more and more exempt positions requests,<03:22:48.240

Bills: HB2459, HB1616, HB1799, HB1604, HB1732, HB1736, HB1931, HB772, HB2153, HB2122, HB2009, HB2012, HB1779, HB2296, HB2397, HB2398, HB1596, HB2233, HB1976, HB1563, HB815, HB1655, HB1851, HB1941, HB2037, HB1635, HB2201, HB1943, HB1163, HB2452, HB2429, HB2148, HB2306, HB2007, HB2049, HB2616

Keywords: food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification, performance indicators, agriculture, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, housing development, commercial projects, county authority, public works, construction standards, exemption, zoning, housing

Transcript Highlights:

• from the position title changes that we had in the last session.
• It also does some clarity and removes obsolete terms and eliminates outdated requirements in positions
• from the position title changes that we had in the last session.
• It also does some clarity and removes obsolete terms and eliminates outdated requirements in positions
• . obsolete terms and eliminating outdated requirements in positions that DCFS no longer has.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging, Children and Youth approved the February 11 minutes and then reviewed a DCFS policy manual update from Director Tiffany Wright. Wright said the changes move internal procedures out of administrative rule into DCFS’s internal procedure manual under an executive order, while also updating terminology, conforming to enacted laws, revising foster family continuing education hours, and removing obsolete requirements. Members asked whether the changes would alter practice; Wright said they were mainly terminology and process-location changes, intended to make the department more efficient and flexible. The committee then accepted the rule review without objection. Wright next presented DCFS quarterly performance data for the third quarter of FY 2026. She reported 8,610 hotline reports accepted, 6,919 assigned to DCFS, 22% of investigations found true, neglect as the most common substantiated allegation, and continued staffing shortages in some counties affecting timeliness. She also reported 3,420 foster care cases, 1,788 in-home cases involving 4,568 children, 72% monthly home-visit compliance, 36% permanency within 12 months, 4.5% re-entry into foster care, and 156 children available for adoption. Members asked about neglect trends, sexual abuse/exploitation data, behavior-related removals, staffing recruitment and retention, training improvements, and whether ACE-style testing should be considered for children; Wright said DCFS is expanding recruitment, retention, and training efforts and was open to further discussion on education-related assessments. The committee also received DCFS’s biannual overturned investigations report, covering July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, which tracks hotline calls, accepted reports, true findings, appeals, and overturned findings by county. A member asked for comparison to the prior year’s report. Major Jeff Drew then presented the Crimes Against Children Division annual report, saying the hotline received 67,987 calls in 2025, 37,986 were accepted for investigation, and CACD handled 6,539 cases with a 28% substantiation rate. Members asked about hotline operator training, qualifications, salary, and whether Arkansas compares with other states; Drew said operators receive a four-week training that includes law, policy, scenarios, recorded calls, live-call monitoring, and evidence-chain/decision-making instruction. Finally, Elizabeth Pooley of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas reported that the statewide network of 29 CACs and 64 multidisciplinary teams served 13,568 children and families in 2025, up about 3,000 from the prior year, and hosted 259 trainings for professionals. She said funding comes from a mix of state, federal, and community sources, with state funding set at roughly $70,000 to $75,000 per center and not based on caseload. Members asked about funding stability and standards of care; Pooley said CACs follow national standards and Arkansas is developing state best practices. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• BUT AT THIS POINT IN TIME WE'VE HAD CORRECTION, WE THINK WE WILL TURN POSITIVE AS WE MOVE THROUGH THIS
• FINALLY 25-26 WE EXPECT AN EVEN DEEPER DECLINE OF 9% BEFORE WE FINALLY BARELY MAKE IT BACK INTO POSITIVE
• CONSIDER TO BE A MANDATORY MINIMUM RESERVE LEVEL, WE STILL HAVE A PROJECTED ENDING BALANCE THAT'S POSITIVE
• YOU CAN SEE IN TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE VERY BIG LARGE POSITIVE COMING FROM THE BALANCE FORWARD FROM 25-
• BECAUSE YEARS TWO AND THREE ARE IN A POSITION THAT LOOKED VERY SIMILAR TWO YEARS 2 AND 3 OF LAST YEAR'S

Keywords: 999, senate, all