Transcript Highlights:

• Um Hawaii EV Association. They have submitted written in support.
• Um Hawaii EV Association. Association. Association.
• What's good for the infrastructure.
• We also have General Contractors Association of Hawaii.
• They Contractors Association of Hawaii.

Bills: SB2543, SB2435, SB2352

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Summary: The Committee on Government Operations reconvened on February 10, 2026, to take up measures previously heard on February 5. It advanced SB 2983 on criminal destruction of trees with technical, non-substantive amendments and a committee report note asking Judiciary to clarify that removal of invasive species remains allowed; the measure passed with one no vote. SB 2930 on the state risk management revolving fund also passed with amendments, including blanking out the amount, setting a defective date, and directing Ways and Means to review a spreadsheet before further action. The committee likewise passed SB 2928 on making the small business procurement program permanent and SB 2970 on standards of conduct for state agency contracts, adopting the Ethics Commission’s recommended language assigning compliance responsibility to department directors and deputy directors. SB 2927 and SB 3068 on procurement were deferred to a time certain on February 12, and SB 3015 on personal information, SB 2929 on public notice, and SB 2938 on search and rescue were also deferred for further discussion or to avoid re-referral issues. SB 2662 on external consultants was amended to remove a cap and preemptive approval language, narrow the expertise standard, and note possible auditor staffing or appropriation needs; it then passed with amendments. The joint GVO-EIG hearing then took up SB 2543 on state construction projects and an Office of the State Construction Manager within DAGS. Testimony from the Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund strongly supported the bill, saying it could reduce wasteful spending on large design-build projects and free money for tax credits and other public needs. DAGS, the University of Hawaii, and DLNR offered written comments, while one witness from KIC opposed the measure and asked for an exemption for member-owned electric cooperatives. A Hawaii Solar Energy Association witness also supported the bill but asked that landscape architects be excluded from the bill’s definition of design professionals, and Rocky Mold said Kauai permitting was efficient enough that he had no objection to carving it out. The committee adopted amendments from DNR, DAGS, and UH and passed SB 2543. The hearing also considered SB 2435 on EV charging infrastructure at state facilities. DAGS and the Hawaii State Energy Office supported the concept and explained that the goal was to retrofit managed parking facilities with infrastructure that can meet current and future EV needs, while acknowledging that some stalls can sit unused and that the state must balance space and enforcement. Members raised concerns about whether dedicating 25% of stalls to EV charging would reduce usable parking, and about rural and Big Island conditions where EV range and battery capacity remain limiting. The discussion noted that DOT, DNR, DOE, and DOH may have their own parking facilities outside DAGS control. The committee then indicated it would broaden the bill to apply to all state agencies and lower the threshold in response to member concerns, with final action not fully shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a new coverage that would be provided, and the associated risk would require premium to cover
• A lot of times there is like a... ...as infrastructure board, even when that's mostly a grant program
• Vidal-Mansares, who is the director of policy and planning of the New Mexico association.
• My name is Paula Garcia, Executive Director of the New Mexico Acequia Association.
• This bill addresses a vital need for our acequia infrastructure to address the unmet needs across the

Bills: SB154, SB187, SB193, SM3

Keywords: insurance, wildfire, flood damage, natural disasters, property coverage, water projects, appropriation, New Mexico, finance authority, infrastructure, New Mexico Finance Authority, funding, SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law

Bills: HB626, SB265

Keywords: tax increment district, economic development, manufacturing zone, local governance, ad valorem tax, data processing centers, tax abatements, construction related taxes, energy infrastructure, 1136, house, all

Bills: SB265, HB593

Keywords: data processing centers, tax abatements, economic development, construction related taxes, energy infrastructure, small craft distilleries, wineries, alcoholic beverages, licensing, craft beverage industry, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Alexis Chapman for Hawaii Food Industry Association.
• We stand on our testimony Association.
• First we have Hawaii Food Industry Association.
• A infrastructure of our criminal system.
• Muffy Hanaman from Hoy Lodge and Tourism Association in support.

Bills: HB1629, HB1630, HB1631

Keywords: economic development, business, state statutes, Hawaii Revised Statutes, legislation, development strategy, state funding, infrastructure, employment opportunities, legislative intent, state legislation, development initiatives, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 1829 on marine affairs. Most testimony was in strong support, with speakers from state agencies, ocean-tech companies, startups, nonprofits, and community groups backing the creation of an Office of Marine Affairs and a marine affairs coordinator under HTDC. Supporters said the measure would better coordinate ocean policy, strengthen the blue economy, and help Hawaii capture jobs, investment, and innovation in marine-related industries. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HTDC-related measures, including HB 1615 and HB 1613, which also drew broad support from business, technology, and economic development interests. Testifiers said the bills would strengthen Hawaii’s technology and innovation ecosystem, support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, and help build a more diversified economy with higher-wage jobs. The committee also heard HB 1607 on public procurement and HB 1772 on small business procurement; state procurement staff and several business groups supported efforts to expand opportunities for local firms, while one speaker from the city’s economic revitalization commission argued that a flat 5% preference could help keep more revenue and jobs in-state. On HB 1636 relating to shopping carts, the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition, saying the bill would penalize businesses for carts that are stolen rather than abandoned and would add costs that could especially burden small and local retailers. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation drew support from Goodwill Hawaii and other nonprofits, who said the bill would improve transparency around donation bins and protect donors from misleading for-profit collection practices; the Attorney General’s office asked for a delayed effective date to allow system changes and staffing. HB 1782 on AI and the protection of minors received broad support from state agencies, educators, and advocacy groups, but some business and retail representatives urged narrowing the definition of covered AI services so ordinary customer-service chatbots would not be swept in. Finally, HB 1759 on theft drew opposition from the Public Defender’s Office, which said the bill could create overly harsh penalties and should include defense representation on any task force; the office also noted existing laws already address conspiracy and related conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• We think about AI today as this, again, new thing that we need to create a whole new infrastructure around
• And you have an infrastructure in place, you have an entity in place that plays that centralized function
• Russell Smolden, on behalf of the Arizona Municipal Power Users Association, I just wanted to speak in
• I'm here on behalf of the County Supervisors Association and in respectful opposition to HB...
• Chairman, members, my name is Jacob Mnitt, and I am here on behalf of the County Supervisors Association

Bills: HB2452, HB2592

Keywords: comprehensive plans, county governance, data centers, zoning, state regulations, land use, energy production, infrastructure, environmental impact, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all

Summary: The House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee heard a presentation from Steven Garrison of the Cicero Institute on how Arizona state government could use AI to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and streamline procurement. He argued that AI should be treated as software deployed across many use cases, not just chatbots, and urged the state to identify opportunities proactively, avoid unnecessary agency-level AI rules, use existing procurement structures, and measure outcomes. Members asked about workforce impacts, agency involvement, privacy, and the balance between innovation and regulation; Garrison said AI would likely augment workers first, create new jobs over time, and should be guided by the legislature rather than broad agency rulemaking. The committee then considered HB 2592, which directs the Department of Administration to have budget units identify AI opportunities and streamline implementation, and an amendment adding reporting requirements to state leaders and the Secretary of State. After limited public testimony, the amendment was adopted and the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 4-2 vote, with one member absent. The committee next took up HB 2452, which would add data centers and small modular reactors to county comprehensive planning and adjust county land-use planning requirements, including changes related to renewable energy planning in larger counties. Supporters said the bill would help counties plan ahead for data center growth and future energy needs, including SMRs and other emerging technologies. County representatives opposed the measure, arguing it improperly singled out specific uses, blurred the line between comprehensive planning and zoning, and reduced local control by altering established public planning processes; they also raised concerns about vague standards and the bill’s treatment of renewable energy. After debate, the committee approved HB 2452 on a 4-3 vote for a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 3599 is the first step to address this public infrastructure need in Becker.
• start by thanking Representative Mekeland for his strong support and advocacy for the public infrastructure
• We understand that your committee has spent hours learning about water infrastructure needs across the
• :58.160> significant With that size comes significant responsibilities to maintain our infrastructure
• complete this regional infrastructure. complete this regional infrastructure.

Bills: HF3599, HF3761, HF3523, HF3515, HF573

Keywords: water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Laura Zent with the Texas Rural Water Association.
• I represent the State Firefighters and Fire Marshal Association of Texas.
• to participate in water-related research and planning, especially as our state water supply, infrastructure
• to participate in water-related research and planning, especially as our state water supply, infrastructure
• , treatment, groundwater, and surface water, Especially as our state water supply, infrastructure, treatment

Bills: SB480, SB767, SB790, SB971, SB1066

Keywords: water resources, interlocal contracts, local government, collaboration, planning activities, wildfire response, firefighting equipment, emergency services, state database, Texas Forest Service, customer complaints, Public Utility Commission, water service, complaint process, utility regulation, SB 971, Texas Water Assistance Program, Water Code, rural political subdivision, rural water

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met on Texas Water Day and limited public testimony to two minutes. The chair emphasized the need to move quickly because of scheduling conflicts with other committees and noted the importance of water policy and related stakeholders. The committee heard several bills focused on water administration, rural utilities, emergency response, and public works contracting. Senate Bill 790 by Senator Alvarado would let the Public Utility Commission create a simplified process for resolving tenant complaints over water or wastewater bill discrepancies; it was described as a way to avoid lengthy contested-case hearings for small disputes. Senate Bill 971 by Senator Sparks would clean up conflicting statutory definitions of “rural political subdivision” so Texas Water Development Board programs are applied consistently; Texas Rural Water Association testified in support. Senate Bill 767, also by Senator Sparks, would expand and improve a statewide database of fire-response equipment so departments, including volunteer and rural departments, can locate and share resources more effectively during emergencies; fire service witnesses supported the bill and suggested annual updates to keep the database current. Chair Perry laid out Senate Bill 480 to clarify that local governments and special districts may enter interlocal agreements for water-related planning and research, including aquifer management and flood/water planning. He also presented Senate Bill 1066, which raises payment and performance bond thresholds for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public works contracts to $150,000, arguing the change would reflect inflation and help smaller vendors on lower-risk projects. Witnesses were heard on the bills, with no opposition recorded in the transcript. The committee voted out all five bills favorably. SB 1066, SB 480, SB 767, SB 790, and SB 971 each received unanimous committee approval and were recommended to the local and contested calendar, with SB 767 noted as amended by a suggested annual-update requirement for the equipment database.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been showing up at their facilities, whether it's the local water association.

Bills: SB152, SB145, SB190, HB247

Keywords: telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent

Transcript Highlights:

• New Mexico must build big and invest strategically in high-impact infrastructure. This morning.
• New Mexico must build big and invest strategically in high-impact infrastructure that strengthens our
• On behalf of CTIA, we are the Wireless Industry Trade Association. I'll just...
• On behalf of CTIA, we are the Wireless Industry Trade Association.
• The CPA Association has remained neutral on this bill.

Bills: SB152, SB145, SB190, HB247

Keywords: telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes everything from infrastructure to connected and autonomous vehicles.
• We've built over $10 billion in new infrastructure in North Texas.
• You're going to critically delay infrastructure on this hurricane evacuation route.
• gas activity receive an appropriate share of infrastructure funding.
• Due to the lack of local matching funds, second transit infrastructure complements highway infrastructure

Bills: HJR58, HJR63, HB263, HB542, HB905, HB 1288, HB1402, HB2003, HB2262, HB2323, HB2429, HB2876, HB3019, HB263

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, elderly, retirement, benefits, transit-oriented projects, constitutional amendment, state highway fund, funding allocation, voter approval, highway fund, funding, public transportation, transit projects, transportation, local transit, fund allocation, voting rights, election integrity, ballot access

Transcript Highlights:

• towns with their biggest challenge when it comes to development, which is the upfront cost of infrastructure
• allow independent boards to issue debt and levy assessments, create risks such as fragmented infrastructure
• that, as nothing in the improvement plan interferes with the city or county's ability to protect infrastructure
• So, yes, for the question, yeah, is this effectively like a homeowners association on steroids, just

Bills: SB1530, SB1579, SB1778, SB1847, SB1990, SB1992, SB2060

Keywords: research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, reading instruction, literacy, educational equity, intervention services, third grade retention, Strong Readers Act, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria

Bills: HCR111, HB5655, HB5689, HB5690, HCR46, HCR83, HCR81, HCR84

Keywords: beekeeping, pollination, agriculture, local economy, Combes, Bee Capital of Texas, water management, eminent domain, bond issuance, Fort Bend County, public infrastructure, special district, government validation, local authority, bonds, Cole Ranch Improvement District, Hunter Ranch Improvement District, property taxes, infrastructure funding, local governance

Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration met with a quorum present to reconsider the local and uncontested calendar for May 28, 2025. Senator Menendez moved to reconsider the prior certification of the calendar, and the committee agreed without objection. Menendez then moved to add HB 4202 to the May 28, 2025 calendar. There was no objection, and the bill was added. He next moved to certify the recommended list for the May 28, 2025 calendar, including HB 4202. The clerk called the roll on certification, and the list was approved unanimously with seven votes and zero nays. With no further business, the committee recessed at the call of the chair.

Bills: HCR111, HB5655, HB5689, HB5690, HCR46, HCR83, HCR81, HCR84

Keywords: beekeeping, pollination, agriculture, local economy, Combes, Bee Capital of Texas, water management, eminent domain, bond issuance, Fort Bend County, public infrastructure, special district, government validation, local authority, bonds, Cole Ranch Improvement District, Hunter Ranch Improvement District, property taxes, infrastructure funding, local governance

Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration met with a quorum and considered several local and uncontested measures, mostly resolutions designating official Texas titles for places and observances. HCR 111 would name Combs the official Bee Capital of Texas; HCR 81 would name Milam the Gateway Capital of Texas; HCR 84, as a committee substitute, would name Pineland the Sawmill Capital of Texas; and HCR 83 would name Rusk County the Syrup Capital of Texas. The committee also heard HCR 46, designating January 12 as Nathan Gage Ingram Day for a 10-year period ending in 2035, honoring the Roanoke Navy SEAL who died during a mission off Somalia. No public testimony was offered on any of these resolutions, and each was reported favorably to the full Senate by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes, then placed on the local and uncontested calendar for May 28, 2025. The committee also considered HB 5655, which would create a water control and improvement district in Fort Bend County to provide drainage improvements for about 912 acres owned by TPHTL Hatcher LLC. Senator Kolkhorst explained that the district powers were intended to address flooding and drainage in a low-lying area. The bill was reported favorably to the full Senate with no opposition after no public testimony was offered. In addition, HB 5689 and HB 5690 were heard as local bills validating and updating the powers and prior acts of the Coal Ranch Improvement District No. 1 and the Hunter Ranch Improvement District No. 1 in Denton County; both were reported favorably without testimony or questions. At the end of the meeting, the committee reviewed the proposed May 28, 2025 local and uncontested calendar, noted that some bills had been removed due to penalties, fiscal notes, or significant opposition, and specifically removed HB 4202. The remaining calendar, with that exception, was certified by unanimous vote. The committee then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Laura Zent with the Texas Rural Water Association.
• I represent the State Firefighters and Fire Marshals Association of Texas.
• able to participate in water-related research and planning, especially as our state water supply infrastructure

Bills: SB480, SB767, SB790, SB971, SB1066

Keywords: water resources, interlocal contracts, local government, collaboration, planning activities, wildfire response, firefighting equipment, emergency services, state database, Texas Forest Service, customer complaints, Public Utility Commission, water service, complaint process, utility regulation, SB 971, Texas Water Assistance Program, Water Code, rural political subdivision, rural water

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've actually done quite a lot in response to the events associated with Silicon Valley Bank; we've
• Treasury plays a central role in supporting our nation's payment infrastructure, which processes a vast
• I'm very proud to be associated with the people of the Federal Reserve, and I'll give you an example

Bills: SB257

Keywords: supply chain resilience, critical supply chains, critical goods, manufacturing, domestic manufacturing, reshoring, nearshoring, supply chain security, supply chain shock, supply chain disruption, critical infrastructure, emerging technologies, semiconductors, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, advanced manufacturing, blockchain, cybersecurity

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m President and CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association.
• The Arizona Trucking Association is fuel neutral.
• The HIRF provides a significant proportion of funding for transportation infrastructure.
• The HIRF provides a significant proportion of funding for transportation infrastructure.
• I'm Associate General Counsel with Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services.

Bills: SB1072, SB1111, SB1114, SB1116, SB1122, SB1179, SB1250, SB1308, SB1455, SB1456, SB1457, SB1487, SB1547, SB1549, SB1551, SB1552

Keywords: reimbursement rates, intellectual disabilities, community services, economic security, funding appropriations, automated license plate readers, law enforcement, privacy, data access, public records, behavioral health, patient brokering, appropriation, state funds, Maricopa County, claims review, medical necessity, American Indian health program, healthcare regulations, healthcare

Summary: The committee first approved the February 3, 2026 minutes and reordered the agenda to accommodate sponsors and speakers. SB 1114, which would appropriate $1 million to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to investigate behavioral health patient brokering statewide, was presented as a response to Medicaid fraud and exploitation of vulnerable Native American patients. After brief questions about why Maricopa County would handle statewide oversight, the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 9-0 vote with one member not voting. The committee then took up SB 1111, as amended by a strike-everything amendment regulating automated license plate readers. The amendment limited use to specified law enforcement purposes, required verification of alerts when feasible, imposed data-retention and handling responsibilities on agencies, and created a misdemeanor penalty for unauthorized release of data. Supporters from Phoenix, Tempe, Prescott Valley, the Arizona Chiefs of Police, and the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association argued the bill provides needed statewide guardrails while preserving a valuable investigative tool for missing persons, stolen vehicles, and serious crimes. Opponents from the ACLU, Institute for Justice, and private citizens raised privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns, warning about dragnet surveillance, unclear terms like “legitimate” law enforcement purposes, lack of public access to records, and the risk of misuse for immigration or abortion-related tracking. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave SB 1111 as amended a do pass recommendation on a 7-2 vote, with one not voting. Next, SB 1116, as amended, was approved. The bill requires appeals or adverse determinations on behavioral health claims under AHCCCS fee-for-service to be reviewed by someone with relevant clinical experience, and the amendment broadened the requirement to include medical-necessity denials and specified at least two years of similar clinical experience. Senator Werner said the measure was intended to curb inappropriate denials and improve payment for behavioral health providers serving Native communities. Access was neutral but said the bill’s terms were too broad and could require additional staff; the committee nonetheless adopted the amendment and passed the bill 10-0. Finally, SB 1122, as amended, was approved 10-0. The bill bars AHCCCS from requiring prior authorization for behavioral health services under the American Indian Health Plan, while the amendment prohibited 100% prepayment review and adjusted the corrective-action language. Senator Werner and provider representatives said the measure was needed because providers were being delayed or denied payment, contributing to closures, workforce shortages, and patient brokering. The committee then began hearing SB 1072, a major appropriation to increase reimbursement rates for home- and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with testimony focused on severe caregiver shortages, overtime costs, and unassigned service authorizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Upgrading this infrastructure is complex and very costly for flatland areas.
• They're not quite in place to help pay for those infrastructure costs. Second is costs.
• General liability associated with their operations. Uh, I'm assuming that. I don't know about.
• wastewater infrastructure?
• The growth pays for itself with the proper planning and infrastructure.

Bills: HB 1520, HB 1525, HB 1530, HB 1535, HB 2068, HB 2091, HB 2347, HB 2372, HB 2805, HB 2815, HB 2867, HB 3154, HB 3482, HB 3483, HB 3663, HB 3781, HB 3901, HB 3915, HB 4135, HB 4153, HB 4158, HB 4329, HB 4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• Upgrading this infrastructure is complex and very costly for flatland areas.
• Infrastructure it's going to have a very large impact.
• Water Association, and we're here to support House Bill 2815.
• Or anything associated with that unless the county decides they want to take it on.
• have allocated in terms of the cost for that, to build water infrastructure, wastewater infrastructure

Bills: HB1520, HB1525, HB1530, HB1535, HB2068, HB2091, HB2347, HB2372, HB2805, HB2815, HB2867, HB3154, HB3482, HB3483, HB3663, HB3781, HB3901, HB3915, HB4135, HB4153, HB4158, HB4329, HB4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• The fifth supports drainage infrastructure through grants and zero interest loans to cities. counties
• Bill 3915 expands the definition of projects eligible for funding from the Flood Infrastructure Fund
• Hale, Texas Association of Builders. to testify on the bill.
• . any boundaries associated with that, right?
• Scott Norman, Jr., on behalf of the Texas Association of Builders. fighting against the bill.

Bills: HB1520, HB1525, HB1530, HB1535, HB2068, HB2091, HB2347, HB2372, HB2805, HB2815, HB2867, HB3154, HB3482, HB3483, HB3663, HB3781, HB3901, HB3915, HB4135, HB4153, HB4158, HB4329, HB4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director