Transcript Highlights:

• On the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination
• that other counties might do it different ways, but you can have a joint primary. a contracted primary
• or a non-contracted primary.
• In a joint primary, the party chairs shouldn't need to agree because the early voting clerk. has the
• That the person is a primary caretaker. Expanding curbside voting is really not the answer.

Bills: HB2139, HB2253, HB3632, HB4171, HB4309, HB4508, SB760, SB1470

Keywords: voting access, polling place, disability, caretaker provisions, ballot delivery, election code, HB 2253, Texas Election Code, bond election, bond issuance, local government, election cancellation, disaster declaration, natural disaster, emergency election, county election officer, polling place notice, open meeting, election workers, voter safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, in short, right now, everyone pays to put on our primaries.
• Third parties don't have primaries.
• Well, but it also goes locally and helps you put on the primary.
• Republicans and Democrats pay their fees to the party, and then a primary is held.
• think of our primaries.

Bills: HB2139, HB2253, HB3632, HB4171, HB4309, HB4508, SB760, SB1470

Keywords: voting access, polling place, disability, caretaker provisions, ballot delivery, election code, HB 2253, Texas Election Code, bond election, bond issuance, local government, election cancellation, disaster declaration, natural disaster, emergency election, county election officer, polling place notice, open meeting, election workers, voter safety

Transcript Highlights:

• 1,000-pound heifer had gotten out of containment while grazing corn stalks and wandered toward the runoff
• This runoff pit was used year-round for wastewater to wash out the barn and free stalls after milking
• heifer in distress had somehow gotten out of the cornfield and been driven by the winds toward the runoff
• Once at the panicked cow, Dave partially went into the runoff water to put the log chains.
• At the panicked cow, Dave partially went into the runoff water to put the log chain around the cow's

Bills: LB764, LB815A, LB839, LB888, LB955, LB972A, LB1029, LB1087, LB1091, LB1126A, LB1181A, LB1237A, LB1261A, LB304A, LB762, LB889, LB929, LB966, LB1022, LB1187, LR508

Keywords: law enforcement, correctional services, Department of Correctional Services, corrections officers, state prison employees, peace officer, certification, police standards, training academy, Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Nebraska Police Standards Advisory Council, criminal justice, correctional staff, conditional officer, law enforcement authority, public safety, LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill

Transcript Highlights:

• In that primary election, as voters are very engaged in the presidential election, then it could be easier
• turn out for the March presidential election versus the Number that turn out in the subsequent June primary
• We understand, and we know that if you want primary care physicians to work in rural Oklahoma and rural
• Chair, I move to amend HJR1019 page two, section 2, line 14, by inserting after the word 'runoff' and
• runoff but we did not think, 'Oh, what if they were unopposed?'

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So therefore any runoff that you're, that you're afraid of, it's, it's going downhill towards the lake
• We have someone else that can talk about water quality, stormwater runoff, and discharge, and then.
• You, you were just talking about the silt and the runoff of the silt.
• It's not daily, right, because that runoff takes a time to build up.
• When fault lines are near aquifers, the primary concern is that the seismic activity along the fault

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:

• And I'd like to welcome our primary sponsor, Rosemary Rung. >> I was going to say Representative Rung
• And I'd like to welcome our primary<00:28:50.799> sponsor primary sponsor primary sponsor Rosemary
• can<00:32:46.399> it<00:32:46.640> can<00:32:46.799> be it can be um runoff
• It can it can be it can be um runoff.
• So it's not just for the salt runoff into the aquifers, it's for the lakes, the aquifers, it's for the

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Primary witnesses in opposition must have their opposition registered with the committee as well.
• Each primary witness will have two minutes to give their testimony.
• Each primary witness will have two minutes to give their testimony.
• The board is the primary... ...regulatory functions of the state for water resources.
• And while we make great promise, one problem remains: stormwater runoff.

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Bills: HB17, HB16, SB 10, HB27, HB23, SB 15, SB 18, HB 17, HB 16, SB 10, HB 27, HB 23, SB 15, SB 18

Keywords: property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support

Bills: HB17, HB16, SB 10, HB27, HB23, SB 15, SB 18, HB 17, HB 16, SB 10, HB 27, HB 23, SB 15, SB 18

Keywords: property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB9, SB42, SB15, SB5, SB11, SB12, SCR1

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• As I read this statute and the intent of the statute is the AG's office would have the primary responsibility
• hiring or contracting with someone required to register. under chapter 305 or pay associations that primary

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB9, SB42, SB15, SB5, SB11, SB12, SCR1

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB9, SB42, SB15, SB5, SB11, SB12, SCR1

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• state. that isn't now non-primary state. that isn't now non-primary residence<01:15:54.000> is
• And use it as their primary residence.
• higher than our primary family home. higher than our primary family home.
• forced to shut down one of its primary forced to shut down one of its primary wells<02:43:39.760
• the other runoff. the other runoff. >> Thank<03:27:03.040> you.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• River has been listed as impaired since 1998 due to phosphorus pollution, primarily from agricultural runoff
• In addition to threatening the business and manufacturing sector, continued runoff threatens both environmental
• Implement runoff control practices like manure haul out, buffer zones, and composting systems.
• bodies and provides farmers with practical tools and financial support to operations while reducing runoff
• It's, it is getting dairy waste out of the watershed was the number one primary thing in the 2000s that

Bills: SB 4, SB 23, SJR 2

Keywords: redistricting, election, Texas legislature, district composition, political representation, congressional redistricting, Texas House of Representatives, U.S. House, Congressional districts, district map, district boundaries, gerrymandering, voting rights, election law, apportionment, representation, special committee, PLANC2308, redistricting plan, elections

Transcript Highlights:

• The North Bosque River has been listed as impaired since 1998, primarily due to agricultural runoff,
• Continued runoff threatens both environmental and economic stability in communities across Texas.
• creating a voluntary cost-sharing incentive program to help agricultural producers and dairies implement runoff
• provides farmers with practical tools and financial support to improve operations while reducing runoff
• Getting dairy waste out of the watershed was the number one primary thing in the In the 2000s, that worked

Bills: HB485, HB1367, HB1370, HB1827, HB1879, HB2032, HB2133, HB2357, HB3581, HB3830, HB4060, HB4085, HB4270, HB4979, HB5217, HB5268, HB5478, HJR96, HJR97, HJR119, HJR195, HJR209, SB4, SB23, SJR2, SJR85, SB 4, SB 23, SJR 2

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, access, affordability, public health, emergency services district, sales tax, gas and electricity, residential use, tax exemption, emergency services, gas, electricity, HB 485, ESD, use tax, residential utilities, utility tax, local option tax, Texas Health and Safety Code

Transcript Highlights:

• that party's primary.
• Open primaries allow anyone to vote in any primary, and then multi-party primaries have multiple parties
• All-comers primaries are often referred to as jungle primaries.
• It's similar to holding no primary at all, just a general election with the potential for a runoff.
• primaries so they wouldn't be able to close a primary the primary belongs to the people of the Commonwealth

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-12, H.503, a proposal to implement all-party state primaries for Massachusetts state and federal elections. The committee opened with procedural remarks explaining Article 48 requirements and then heard first from two subject-matter experts. Professor Costas Panagopoulos of Northeastern University testified that top-two primary systems in other states have produced mixed results: they may modestly increase primary turnout in some cases, but the research does not show a reliable reduction in polarization, and such systems can weaken party gatekeeping, increase strategic behavior, raise campaign spending, and reduce general-election choice for voters whose preferred party is not on the ballot. Katie King of the National Conference of State Legislatures outlined the different primary models used nationwide, explained that Massachusetts currently uses an open-to-unaffiliated primary, and reviewed legal distinctions between blanket primaries and top-two systems; she noted that blanket primaries were struck down by the Supreme Court, while Washington’s top-two system was upheld because it narrows the field rather than nominating party candidates. She also said voter education and administrative preparation would be important if the system changed. The proponents’ panel, led by Danielle Allen of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, argued that Massachusetts has chronically uncompetitive elections, low turnout, and too many uncontested races, and that all-party primaries would give every voter a meaningful choice in the first round and force candidates to appeal to a broader electorate. Allen said the proposal is designed specifically for Massachusetts and differs from other states by allowing party endorsements to appear on the ballot, which supporters said would preserve useful information while shifting control of the preliminary election from party insiders to voters. Jim Henderson, the coalition’s counsel, said the bill is narrowly tailored to state-level primaries and would amend Chapter 53 to put all voters on equal footing. Other supporters, including Kevin Johnson, Kate Kavanaugh, and Spencer Reynolds, emphasized that the reform could increase competition, reduce polarization, improve participation by independents and underrepresented voters, and create more accountability to the full electorate. Committee members pressed the witnesses on turnout, the practical effect of endorsements, whether the proposal would simply shift party influence to an earlier stage, and whether it could disadvantage minority-party or independent candidates. Senator Fattman repeatedly asked about evidence that turnout would materially increase, while Representative Peisch and others questioned whether requiring or seeking endorsements would create new barriers or pressure candidates to clear the field. Supporters responded that the system would modestly increase primary participation, that the general election would remain the decisive contest, and that endorsements would be optional and handled through party rules. No vote was taken at the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• state. that isn't now non-primary state. that isn't now non-primary residence<01:15:54.000> is
• Use it as their primary residence.
• higher than our primary family home. higher than our primary family home.
• forced to shut down one of its primary forced to shut down one of its primary wells<02:43:39.760
• the other runoff. the other runoff. >> Thank<03:27:03.040> you.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase. Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase. Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• AZAFP, where she attended the advocacy summit in Washington, D.C., and met with legislators on key primary
• , including groundwater, preserved and vast underground aquifers, mountains, snowmelt, stormwater runoff
• including groundwater, preserved and vast underground aquifers, mountains, snowmelt, and stormwater runoff

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several recognitions and proclamations, including a doctor of the day introduction, a thank-you to members who supported care packages for deployed troops, a visit from Mom’s Demand Action, and a proclamation honoring the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. The chamber also announced committee substitutions, bill referrals, and the day’s calendar, then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, the House recommended do pass on Senate Bill 1125, which was described as a response to child welfare and tribal communication issues raised after the Emily Pike tragedy; members noted the Department of Child Safety supported the bill. The committee also adopted an agreed floor amendment to Senate Bill 1193 and recommended it do pass as amended; discussion focused on protecting EMTs and paramedics from disclosure of private information sold through vendors. Senate Bill 1448 was also amended and recommended do pass; the bill would add certain utility, telecommunications, and video service workers to aggravated assault protections when they are engaged in work duties, and members debated whether the protection was appropriately limited to on-duty work situations. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred the amended bills to engrossing. In open session, Senate Bill 1023 passed 43-10 and Senate Bill 1211 passed 53-0. The House also received announcements about upcoming committee meetings and a personal privilege proclamation designating April 26 to May 2, 2026, as Arizona Water Professionals Week. The chamber adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Briefly, our committee's policies for testimony in today's hearing are as follows, primary witnesses
• Primary witnesses in opposition must have their opposition registered with the committee as well.
• Each primary witness will have two minutes to give their testimony.
• The board is the primary agency for water quality under the Federal Clean Water Act.
• One problem remains, stormwater runoff.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The primary causes are habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.
• The primary causes are habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.
• The primary causes are habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.
• The primary causes are habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.
• measures to address some of the primary measures to address some of the primary consequences<01:

Keywords: 1183, house