Transcript Highlights:

• and categorization in the state that could reduce the need for targeted compensation in the future.
• A special appropriation to do our own compensation and classification study.
• So we intend to ask for an appropriation to conduct our own compensation and classification system.
• You know, what would the State Auditor get, for example, from the 4% targeted pay compensation?
• It's a very limited cost for them to be able to do these, especially for our rural areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recently, on our plan, we moved the 50 mark for colon cancer to taking any age limit off so anybody,
• any of my members, can get screening at any time. ...to take any age limit off so anybody, any of my
• Other boards like this around the country set upper price limits. Some even set drug prices.
• By requiring compensation to be limited to flat fees and performance bonuses, the bill replaces flexible
• So what we're addressing here is PBM compensation reform at the end of the day.

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 29 with a quorum present and took up several insurance and health care-related bills. SB 192, a dental reimbursement bill, was amended to allow dentists to opt in electronically to credit-card payment methods and to clarify applicability and effective date; it was reported as amended. SB 84 would require prostate cancer screening coverage for men over 40 under current clinical guidelines and prohibit cost-sharing; supporters from the American Cancer Society said Louisiana has a high incidence of prostate cancer and that out-of-pocket costs deter early screening. The committee adopted amendments and reported the bill as amended. SB 275, dealing with reimbursement and network participation for certified registered nurse anesthetists, drew support from nursing and hospital groups and was reported favorably. SB 169, a cleanup bill on biomarker testing, was also amended and reported. The committee spent substantial time on SB 401, which creates a temporary prescription drug affordability board to review pricing data on selected drugs and report findings to the legislature. Supporters said the board would improve transparency and help lawmakers understand drug pricing trends; opponents raised concerns about confidentiality, market effects, and the lack of a defined policy outcome beyond reporting. Amendments narrowed the scope, added confidentiality protections, and removed opposition cards, and the bill was reported as amended. SB 387, a major PBM reform bill tied to SB 401, would change PBM compensation, rebate handling, formulary practices, audits, and appeals, while excluding ERISA plans after discussion and amendment. Supporters argued it would curb spread pricing and other practices that raise costs, while opponents from the Pelican Institute and PCMA warned it would interfere with private contracts, reduce flexibility, and could raise premiums or disrupt city, school board, and small-group plans. After extensive debate and a roll call, SB 387 was reported with amendments by a 10-4 vote. The committee also considered SB 241, which requires certain insurance adjusters and public adjusters to include license numbers in written communications. After amendments limiting the requirement to individual licenses and removing one statutory reference, the bill was reported as amended. Throughout the meeting, members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the need for transparency in drug pricing and PBM practices, the role of ERISA and non-ERISA plans, and potential impacts on public employers and consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recently, on our plan, we moved the 50 mark for colon cancer to taking any age limit off so anybody,
• any of my members, can get screening at any time. ...to take any age limit off so anybody, any of my
• Other boards like this around the country set upper price limits. Some even set drug prices.
• By requiring compensation to be limited to flat fees and performance bonuses, the bill replaces flexible
• So what we're addressing here is PBM compensation reform at the end of the day.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 29 with a quorum present and considered several insurance- and health care-related bills. SB 192, concerning dental reimbursement and payment methods, was amended to clarify opt-in for electronic acceptance and then reported as amended. SB 84, which expands prostate cancer screening coverage for men over 40 and bars cost-sharing, was also amended and reported as amended after testimony from the American Cancer Society supporting earlier detection and reduced out-of-pocket barriers. SB 275, dealing with reimbursement and network access for certified registered nurse anesthetists, was reported favorably with broad support from nurse anesthetists, hospitals, and related groups. SB 169, a biomarker testing cleanup bill, was amended to clarify legislative intent and reported as amended. The committee spent substantial time on two major drug-pricing bills. SB 401 would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to study selected prescription drug prices, collect manufacturer and related pricing data, and report findings to the legislature; amendments narrowed the scope, addressed confidentiality, and delayed implementation. Supporters said it would provide transparency similar to Texas and help lawmakers understand drug pricing, while opponents warned about government overreach and confidentiality concerns. SB 387, the companion PBM reform bill, would restrict PBM compensation to flat fees and performance bonuses, require rebate pass-throughs, limit formulary practices, expand audit and reporting requirements, and create enforcement mechanisms; it was amended to delay implementation, refine definitions, and address ERISA-related concerns. Supporters argued it would curb PBM abuses and lower drug costs, while opponents from the Pelican Institute and PCMA said it would interfere with private contracts, reduce flexibility, and could raise premiums. After a roll call vote, SB 387 was reported with amendments. The committee also took up SB 241, which requires certain insurance adjusters and appraisers to include license numbers in written communications. After amendments narrowing the requirement to individual claims and public adjusters, the bill was reported as amended. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly raised concerns about unintended consequences, especially for cities, school boards, and other non-ERISA plans, and sponsors said they would continue working on the drug-pricing bills before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The limited liability company bill. Representative Vee, you want to speak to that.
• The workers' compensation one merely allows on permit totals that if the...
• The workers' compensation one merely allows on permit totals that if the lawyer needs to be relieved,
• And then domestic limited liability companies.
• Domestic limited liability companies provides that an LLC...

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first considered a House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1067, which concerns civil actions based on public expression. The substitute was presented as an omnibus measure incorporating several House bills: HB 1711 on the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, HB 2666 on anti-SLAPP protections, HB 3116 on civil jurisprudence changes including workers’ compensation attorney substitution and domestic LLC deadlock procedures, and HB 3289 on court operations and statewide automation funding. Members briefly explained each component, emphasizing reduced litigation costs, streamlined procedures, and improved court administration. The committee also discussed adding a treatment court administrator position for circuits that lack a commissioner or administrator, intended to support circuits where judges currently handle those duties without staff. After discussion, the committee adopted the House Committee Substitute. The committee then voted on the substitute for Senate Bill 1067 and approved it do pass by a vote of 11 ayes and 0 noes. The hearing then concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• RESEARCH SENATOR IS HAVING SOME FAITH AFFILIATION SO IT IS NOT LIMITED TO JUST ONE PARTICULAR FAITH GROUP
• THE BILL RECOGNIZES ARE IMPORTANT BUT LIMITED ROLE AS A STATE AND CODIFIES THE PHILOSOPHY THAT WE ARE
• I APOLOGIZE IF I'M NOT ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION BUT I DON'T KNOW THE LIMITATION FOR SOMEONE TO CALL IN
• THAT IS NOT LIMITED TO JUST ONE PARTICULAR FAITH GREW. IT IS A GOOD BILL AND IT IS NECESSARY.
• WORKERS COMPENSATION WILL COVER WORKERS COMPENSATION WILL COVER HIS INJURIES RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to facilitate the goal of the hearing as much from the public within the limits of our time,
• In order to facilitate the goal of the hearing as much from the public within the limits of our time
• drivers as independent contractors, provided they, one, reclassify them as employees, and two, compensate
• them properly. them as employees, and two, compensate them properly.
• This guarantees they are compensated fairly for both their time and the expenses related to their trucks

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard and advanced several bills focused on worker protections, training access, wage enforcement, outreach, and workplace safety. SB 513 would require employees to have access to their training and certification records; supporters, including laid-off refinery workers and labor organizations, said employers sometimes withhold records during layoffs, while committee members called the practice unacceptable. The bill passed 5-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations. SB 809 addressed misclassification of construction truck owner-drivers by offering employers amnesty if they reclassify workers as employees and adopt a two-check payment system; labor and construction trades groups supported it, and it passed 5-0 to Judiciary. SB 578 would codify the California Workplace Outreach Program, which funds trusted community organizations to educate workers about their rights. Supporters described the program as a proven way to reach low-wage, immigrant, and hard-to-reach workers, especially amid wage theft, retaliation, and immigration enforcement concerns. The bill passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 261 would strengthen collection of wage theft judgments by creating a public list of nonpaying employers and adding penalties after six months of nonpayment; county enforcement officials and labor advocates said it would help workers recover unpaid wages. It passed 6-0 to Judiciary. The committee also approved SB 369, which would require skilled and trained workforce standards for Salton Sea restoration projects, with supporters saying the work is hazardous and should use trained labor; it passed 6-0 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 20 sought to address silicosis in stone countertop fabrication by requiring training and certification protections for workers; supporters said the disease has caused deaths among mostly Latino workers, while industry groups supported the bill with amendments and requested implementation resources. It passed 6-0 to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of four additional bills and adjourned after all listed measures were moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So our fee is five times whatever the monthly increase in their compensation is.
• You also have one of limited-term CDL. Similar, but slightly different.
• So now limited-term is also another one.
• It will say limited-term on the license as well.
• It will say limited term on the license as well.

Bills: SB1232, SB1421, SB1505, SB1511, SB1520, SB1803

Keywords: outdoor advertising, military compatibility, zoning, electronic signage, permitting, undocumented immigrants, financial services, identification requirements, loans, foreign remittances, transitional housing, military, veterans, grant program, supportive services, SB1511, commercial driver license, CDL, nondomiciled CDL, nondomiciled commercial driver license

Transcript Highlights:

• That's going to focus on consumer protection, of course, disclosures, limits on fees, and recourse options
• talking about regulating things only for New York State, you know, when you start talking about limiting
• , ...you know, kind of a vague term in a lot of ways, right, is how do we balance this so we don't limit
• But I think there's things like board compensation, making sure they have robust, strong boards.
• Right now, we limit that, so boards can't be compensated in the same way that bank boards can be compensated

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking Committee met for its first meeting of the session, with Chair James Sanders Jr. and Ranking Member George Borrello opening the hearing and noting a collaborative approach to committee work. The committee first considered and advanced several bills: S.114, which would prohibit state-chartered banks from investing in or financing private prisons; S.2040, which would require money transmitters to provide a consumer warning; S.5473, which would require disclosures in advertisements involving virtual tokens; and S.8406, Sanders’ bill to amend the community bank deposit program. Each bill was moved and approved by committee, with S.8406 passing unanimously. The committee then heard from Caitlin Azar, Acting Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), who outlined her background and DFS priorities. She emphasized affordability, consumer protection, stability, and innovation, and discussed DFS-led initiatives in the governor’s budget, including Banking Development Districts, non-bank mortgage CRA regulations, CDFI investment guidance, and consumer restitution. She also said DFS plans to issue buy-now-pay-later regulations in February, expand student lending protections and borrower education, and continue work on insurance affordability, including auto and homeowners insurance reforms, anti-fraud efforts, and discounts tied to telematics, dash cameras, and safe-driving courses. Members questioned Azar about the balance between regulation and access, especially in crypto, buy-now-pay-later, and insurance markets. She said DFS aims to preserve competition while preventing discriminatory or excessive practices, and described existing oversight of virtual currency, including coordination with federal regulators. Another member asked about AI in auto insurance underwriting and pricing; Azar said DFS requires transparency, bias review, governance controls, and consumer recourse, and that credit scores cannot be used to deny or increase rates. The chair also raised concerns about foreclosure in Southeast Queens, improving BDD paperwork and data collection, and increasing the number of state-chartered credit unions. Azar said DFS is working on process improvements, community input, and maintaining open communication with the committee, but no additional votes or formal actions were taken during the DFS hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The limited liability company bill. Representative Veit, you want to speak to that.
• The workers' compensation one merely allows on permit totals that if the...
• The workers' compensation one merely allows on permit totals that if the lawyer needs to be relieved,
• And then domestic limited liability companies.
• Domestic limited liability companies provides that an LLC...

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first considered a House committee substitute for Senate Bill 1067, a jurisprudence omnibus measure. The substitute combined several bills: House Bill 1711 on the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, which streamlines out-of-state subpoena and deposition procedures; House Bill 2666, an anti-SLAPP bill intended to protect speech by allowing early dismissal of certain lawsuits; House Bill 3116, which included changes related to workers’ compensation attorney substitutions and domestic LLC deadlock procedures to reduce litigation and court costs; and House Bill 3289, which addressed court operations, including a statewide automation fund and a treatment court administrator position for circuits lacking a commissioner or administrator. Members discussed each component briefly, with sponsors or other members explaining that the package was designed to eliminate unnecessary litigation, reduce attorney fees, and improve court administration. The committee adopted the House committee substitute by voice vote. The committee then voted on House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1067 and approved it do pass by a roll call vote of 11 ayes and 0 noes. The hearing then concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a matter of fact, one of the reasons why this bill is limited to residential condominiums and limited
• As a matter of fact, one of the reasons why this bill is limited to residential condominiums and limited
• <01:37:24.440> ability<01:37:24.840> to have limited ability to have limited ability
• um there doesn't seem to be any limiting um there doesn't seem to be any limiting language<04:29
• or or exports uh compensation or or exports uh compensation<04:35:56.039> from<04:35:56.240><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In relation to the speed detection systems in school zones, the bill limits the use of these systems
• , that the motorist knows that they need to follow that 15-mile-an-hour speed limit.
• Members will serve without compensation.
• Members will serve without compensation.
• You recognize he does have a couple points in it, though, with speed limits. Go ahead.

Summary: The Transportation Committee met with a quorum and first took up SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement, a comprehensive bill addressing red light, school zone speed, and school bus camera programs. The sponsor said the measure was intended to improve consistency, transparency, privacy protections, and due process, including virtual hearings, record-retention rules, limits on remote surveillance and data use, school zone flashing-light requirements, clerk fee retention, and school board approval and reporting for school bus camera systems. An amendment clarifying reporting periods and liability-transfer affidavits was adopted without objection, and after questions about information sharing, facial recognition, school zone warnings, and school bus stop safety, the committee reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then adopted a delete-all amendment to SB 1080 on transportation, which required FDOT rules on direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and certain takeover agreement terms involving sureties and replacement contractors. With no opposition, the amended bill was reported favorably. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of a slate of appointments in tabs 1 through 6 after taking a single roll call vote. Next, the committee considered SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters. A strike-all amendment shifted the bill away from immediate enforcement changes toward data collection and study, while retaining rules requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, provide an audible signal before passing, and limit speed near pedestrians, and creating a task force to study e-bike safety and recommend future policy. Members raised concerns about enforceability, shared-use paths, access barriers for users who rely on e-bikes, and whether data would be shared with local governments; supporters from law enforcement and advocacy groups appeared in support. The amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee reported favorably on SB 684, which allows electronic signatures in connection with total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 880, which creates a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate. The meeting ended after all items were approved and the committee rose without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The board will serve without compensation.
• It also expands the types of compensable losses, which allows more compensation for types of crimes that
• It's increasing access to compensation across the state.
• So anywhere in the law that reparations to compensation.
• It also expands the types of compensable losses, which It also expands the types of compensable losses

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes term limits for DPPC's commissioners to retain dedicated leaders who are passionate about
• It removes term limits for DPPC's commissioners to retain dedicated leaders who are passionate about
• It removes term limits for DPPC's commissioners to retain dedicated leaders who are passionate about
• The sad part about that today is they’re not being compensated for it, right?
• What are their functional limitations?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hearing on a broad slate of disability-related bills. Topics included creating a permanent Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Board (H. 231/S. 134), establishing a system for compensating guardians who serve incapacitated, unbefriended individuals through MassHealth (H. 253/S. 154), expanding Nikki’s Law to require MassHealth day habilitation programs to use the abuse registry (S. 165 and related bills), modernizing and streamlining the Disabled Persons Protection Commission’s statute and procedures (H. 243/S. 139), updating the definition of developmental disability to align more closely with federal law and include people such as those with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (H. 276/S. 150), removing outdated and offensive terminology from the General Laws (H. 232/S. 137), and an autism education reform bill (H. 286). Several bills had no sign-ups, and the committee also noted related measures on cueing and prompting in PCA programs (H. 277/S. 157).

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Thank you, and I assume the part you want entered into the journal is the remarks limited to Mr.
• For joint filers, this limit is 350,000. For single filers, this limit is 175,000.
• First to limit the amount of dark money pouring into the American political system.
• First to have a meaningful chance to limit the wrongly decided Citizens United case.
• And those privileges are significant: limited liability, shielding founders and investors if the company

Bills: HB1800, HB1860, HB2250, HB472, HB649, HB1391, HB1481, HB1509, HB1511, HB1515, HB1518, HB1541, HB1548, HB1576, HB1618, HB1642, HB1643, HB1661, HB1667, HB1678, HB1682, HB1688, HB1692, HB1707, HB1710, HB1711, HB1713, HB1718, HB1721, HB1728, HB1737, HB1740, HB1741, HB1785, HB1801, HB1802, HB1804, HB1810, HB1815, HB1824, HB1838, HB1839, HB1853, HB1854, HB1864, HB1870, HB1881, HB1888, HB1890, HB1891, HB1894, HB1920, HB1959, HB1960, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2023, HB2050, HB2078, HB2094, HB2095, HB2104, HB2137, HB2152, HB2158, HB2171, HB2207, HB2218, HB2246, HB2270, HB2271, HB2272, HB2279, HB2282, HB2289, HB2293, HB2297, HB2300, HB2309, HB2310, HB2314, HB2319, HB2329, HB2338, HB2339, HB2344, HB2361, HB2385, HB2395, HB2417, HB2429, HB2443, HB2452, HB2474, HB2475, HB2498, HB2505, HB2547, HB2576

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Bills: HB1800, HB1860, HB2250, HB472, HB649, HB1391, HB1481, HB1509, HB1511, HB1515, HB1518, HB1541, HB1548, HB1576, HB1618, HB1642, HB1643, HB1661, HB1667, HB1678, HB1682, HB1688, HB1692, HB1707, HB1710, HB1711, HB1713, HB1718, HB1721, HB1728, HB1737, HB1740, HB1741, HB1785, HB1801, HB1802, HB1804, HB1810, HB1815, HB1824, HB1838, HB1839, HB1853, HB1854, HB1864, HB1870, HB1881, HB1888, HB1890, HB1891, HB1894, HB1920, HB1959, HB1960, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2023, HB2050, HB2078, HB2094, HB2095, HB2104, HB2137, HB2152, HB2158, HB2171, HB2207, HB2218, HB2246, HB2270, HB2271, HB2272, HB2279, HB2282, HB2289, HB2293, HB2297, HB2300, HB2309, HB2310, HB2314, HB2319, HB2329, HB2338, HB2339, HB2344, HB2361, HB2385, HB2395, HB2417, HB2429, HB2443, HB2452, HB2474, HB2475, HB2498, HB2505, HB2547, HB2576

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• recognized. >> With it being a statewide vendor, I would be reluctant to specifically identify or limit
• To the extent it was limited, I want clarification on that, not just that they are authorized to do it
• So please tell us what is happening with an limitation of KidCare and what is happening in CMS.
• The services are delivered through licensed agencies and home health agencies, with compensation set
• BONES AND JOINTS, A LIMITATION OF NEUROLOGICAL  PHYSICAL OR SENSORY EVENTS THAT WERE REPORTED TO

Summary: The Health Facilities Subcommittee met to receive implementation updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration on three bills passed in prior sessions. First, Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer reported on the transfer of the Children’s Medical Services managed care plan from the Department of Health to AHCA under HB 1085. He said the move was administrative only, with no change to enrollment, providers, services, or clinical eligibility functions, and that it was intended to create efficiencies by aligning procurement and shifting staff resources between agencies. Members then questioned AHCA about reports of reductions in private duty nursing and therapy services for medically fragile children, including concerns about appeals, provider credentialing, and whether families were losing services or being transitioned appropriately. AHCA said it was reviewing denials, monitoring the plan, and using contractual remedies while focusing on maintaining access for members. The committee also reviewed implementation of a bill creating permanent Medicaid eligibility for individuals with permanent disabilities. AHCA staff explained that the agency had submitted a federal 1115 waiver request after public comment and stakeholder meetings, but CMS had indicated it did not anticipate approving the requested authority. Members pressed AHCA on why the waiver was submitted later than the bill’s directive date and on whether the delay was avoidable. AHCA said the waiver was complex and required review, drafting, and public input, and noted that DCF already has a specialized unit to help with redeterminations while the agencies work on operational changes. The committee discussed the practical impact on families who struggle with annual eligibility renewals and the need for clearer communication and faster follow-up from the agency. Finally, AHCA presented on the home health aide program for medically fragile children and related Medicaid eligibility changes. The agency described the 2023 law that created a family caregiver provider type and the 2025 changes that increased the hourly rate, expanded hours, reduced training requirements, and removed caregiver earnings from Medicaid eligibility calculations, subject to federal approval. AHCA said it had completed state public comment, submitted the waiver amendment to CMS, and was awaiting federal action. Members raised concerns that some families may have enrolled or begun work before the eligibility fix was in place and may have lost benefits, especially in Broward County. AHCA said it would work with affected families and plans, review outreach through DCF and the health plans, and continue rulemaking, system updates, and provider training. The meeting ended with the chair noting that the committee had received the updates and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're still working on the compensation?
• Since March, could someone already have taken a course and not been compensated? Yes.
• So we're rethinking the compensation model.
• It's really quite painful for the people involved to issue that compensation.
• It's very limited to do that in a remote setting.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are now in a position where we have a limit of 500 megawatts.
• People are already practicing energy-limiting behaviors.
• We do, but, We do, but they're limited.
• The question is whether Texas will lead it or limit it.
• Third, compensation should be market-based, fair, and transparent.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this modification would exempt the lobby compensation thresholds in Government Code 305.005 from
• Currently, the lobby compensation thresholds increase each year based on inflation, shifting more data
• Compensation thresholds increase each year based on inflation, shifting more data into the lowest threshold
• modification will ensure that the reporting categories continue to provide effective disclosure of lobby compensation
• This recommendation amends Section 254.042 of the Texas Election Code to limit the late filing penalty

Summary: The Sunset Advisory Commission met for its final meeting of the biennium, established a quorum, approved the December 11, 2024 minutes, and then voted on recommendations for several agencies reviewed earlier in the cycle. It adopted all recommendations for the Angelina and Nettus River Authority, the Lower Nettus Valley Authority, and the Trinity River Authority of Texas, with no modifications offered for those agencies. The Commission then considered the Texas Ethics Commission. Members adopted staff recommendations with modifications, including changes to lobby compensation thresholds and rounding of inflation adjustments. The Commission also adopted a series of new recommendations addressing TEC customer service staffing, late-filing penalties, post-election reporting penalties, waiver of penalties when notice cannot be shown, review of the “substantial compliance” standard, review of the “principal purpose” definition, more prominent public posting of delinquent penalties, and clearer training and guidance on filing and lobby-registration requirements. The Commission also adopted two previously omitted Texas Department of Criminal Justice recommendations, 6.5 and 6.6. By recorded vote, the Commission unanimously forwarded all recommendations adopted during the biennium to the 89th Legislature, with nine ayes. Sunset staff then reported on implementation of 2023 Sunset recommendations, saying the State Auditor found 89% of selected management actions fully implemented and Sunset staff found 68% of statutory and related changes fully implemented, with the remainder mostly in progress. The Commission also noted receipt of a January 6 evaluation of the Texas Lottery Commission, including a study of potential regulation of lottery ticket courier companies, but no further action was taken on that item. The meeting concluded with closing remarks and a motion to recess subject to the call of the Chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:20.720> included<00:13:21.120> but<00:13:21.440> not<00:13:21.600> limited
• plant program included but not limited plant program included but not limited to<00:13:22.240>
• rates for participants will compensation rates for participants will be<00:13:47.120> determined.
• <00:15:55.839> for<00:15:56.079> the customer you get compensated for the customer
• you get compensated for the value<00:15:56.560> that<00:15:56.880> your<00:15:57.120>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Craft presented House File 2986, as amended with the DE6, and asked that it be laid over for possible inclusion. He described the bill as an affordability measure centered on virtual power plants, explaining that aggregating distributed energy resources such as solar panels, batteries, EVs, smart thermostats, heat pumps, and water heaters can help utilities reduce peak demand and avoid costly generation and distribution investments. He said the bill would require utilities to reduce system peak through a virtual power plant program by 5% by the end of 2028 and 10% by the end of 2032, using an independent third-party RFP process, with plans incorporated into integrated resource planning and a savings clause if requirements prove infeasible. Testimony in support came from the Department of Commerce, Vote Solar, Solar United Neighbors, Kite Rocket, and Mincia. Supporters said virtual power plants can function like grid-scale resources, lower spot-market and peak costs, improve reliability and resilience, and make better use of existing distribution infrastructure. Commerce said the approach fits an all-of-the-above strategy and noted consumer protections in the bill, including standards for contracts, disclosures, dispatch frequency, notice, opt-out, and compensation. Several supporters cited estimates of significant savings, including a national DOE estimate of 10% to 20% of peak load by 2030 and a Minnesota-specific estimate from Solar United Neighbors of about $63.5 million in savings if 10% of peak demand were met with VPPs in 2030. Committee members raised questions about how much cheaper VPPs are than peaker plants and whether utilities, especially Xcel Energy, are already implementing similar programs. Representative Baker expressed concern that the bill could move faster than the technology or market would naturally develop and asked about the risk of forcing utilities into a mandate before the economics are fully proven. In response, a Solar United Neighbors witness pointed to a fact sheet and Brattle Group-based analysis comparing VPP costs and benefits in Xcel territory, while an Xcel representative said the company has been discussing the bill with Representative Craft for months. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion, and no final vote on the bill itself was taken in the transcript.