Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so that's a big concern because I'm in the State Bar, and when the solo practice attorney decides
• concern because I um that that's a big concern because I I'm<00:26:21.720> in<00:26:21.880>
• On the neighbor islands, on the Big Island, we had one position before, and now we've subcontracted;
• on the neighbor Islands on the big on the neighbor Islands on the big island<00:47:24.599> we
• amendments needed for Services and Tech amendments needed for clarity<01:06:25.119> and<01:06

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 1419, SB 1494, and SB 1495, which were taken out of order to accommodate ASL/Death Blind Task Force testimony. SB 1419, relating to Act 253 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2023), drew support from the Department of Human Services and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, with testimony emphasizing use of the term “low vision” and support for the program timeline. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes and updated appropriation fiscal years, and the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present. SB 1494, concerning hearing aids, drew broad support from disability advocates and others who argued that hearing aids improve health, reduce accidents, and may help reduce dementia risk. Testifiers also urged that the bill define hearing aids as prescription hearing aids rather than including over-the-counter devices, and the Department of the Auditor and Insurance Division raised cost and coverage questions. The committee recommended passage with amendments, changing the coverage approach to optional coverage similar to vision and dental and requesting a sunrise analysis for prescription hearing aids; that recommendation was adopted. SB 1495, which exempts hearing aids from the general excise tax, also received support, while the Attorney General flagged a possible single-subject issue and the Tax Department estimated a potential $1.1 million revenue impact. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including deletion of the challenged language, technical fixes, and noting the revenue estimate; that recommendation was adopted. The committee then moved through additional measures with mostly supportive testimony. SB 1421 on medical records prompted questions about what happens when a solo practitioner dies or closes practice, and the discussion centered on ensuring patients can obtain records, including a proposed amendment requiring a successor provider to send records to the patient’s last known address. SB 1422, dealing with a special fund and vital statistics funding, was supported by the Department of Health, which said the special fund did not meet criteria and that deposits should instead go to the Vital Statistics Improvement Special Fund. SB 1423 on certificate of need exemptions for Department of Health facilities drew support, with discussion of possibly extending exemptions to dialysis and behavioral health/psychiatric services; the Department indicated it would not oppose that change. SB 1424 on credentialing of health care providers also received support, and SB 1425 on the State Emergency Medical Services Committee focused on reducing quorum requirements because many members are active first responders and cannot always attend meetings. The committee also heard support for SB 1426 on emergency medical services, SB 1431 on viral hepatitis, and SB 1433 on harm reduction, with testimony on hepatitis outreach funding and syringe access best practices; for SB 1433, the Department of Health identified a blank in the bill and recommended a six-month period for the syringe-possession exception.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a proud graduate of two state universities, Louisiana Tech and LSU, or as I refer to the school out
• I'm a proud graduate of two state universities, Louisiana Tech and LSU, or as I refer to the school out
• I'm a proud graduate of two state universities, Louisiana Tech and LSU, or as I refer to the school out
• Reagan Dugan. ...universities, Louisiana Tech and LSU, or as I refer to the school out on Nicholson with

Bills: HB818, HB1063, SB28, SB64, SB142, SB234, SB482

Keywords: higher education, accountability, curriculum review, faculty governance, disciplinary procedures, SB 28, Act 233, associate educator program, associate teachers, teacher certification, alternative teacher pathway, education workforce, teacher shortage, minimum age, age requirement, Louisiana schools, Title 17, R.S. 17:7.8, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment

Summary: The House Education Committee met on April 29, 2026, and heard several education-related bills. SB 234, which would change Louisiana medical schools from pass-fail grading to letter grading, was briefly discussed and reported favorably without objection. SB 142, dealing with the management of Board of Regents support fund matched endowments if a related constitutional amendment passes, drew questions about endowment matching, oversight, and the roughly $75 million in outstanding match requests; it was also reported favorably. SB 482, which expands the use of career coaches in middle and high school individual graduation plans and adds reporting requirements for career development funds, received support from BESE and other groups, with members asking about counselor shortages and whether districts would be required to contract with outside vendors; it was reported favorably. SB 64, requiring two people to be present for the initial viewing of video from special education classroom cameras, was supported as a safeguard for students and staff and was reported favorably. The committee then took up HB 1063, a broad higher education governance bill that would require board review of core curricula, increase transparency in hiring and board actions, limit faculty senate authority to advisory status, and restrict spending without board certification. The bill prompted extensive questioning about whether it would create new boards, how it would be funded, and whether boards could realistically handle the workload; the author said the committee would not vote that day and moved to voluntarily defer the bill, which passed without objection. HB 818, as amended, was converted into a reporting bill requiring public inventories and state reporting on assessments used by schools, including their purpose and results; after amendment adoption, it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 28 lowered the minimum age for associate teachers from 25 to 21 to help address the teacher shortage, with department staff saying it could expand the pipeline of candidates; it was reported favorably. The committee also announced its next meeting would be Wednesday, May 6, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The shame, the embarrassment, the fear, and feeling powerless against these big corporate lawyers is
• Managers, maintenance techs, and other employees interact with residents every day.
• Managers,<00:47:45.840> maintenance<00:47:46.359> techs,<00:47:46.680> and<00:47
• :46.800> other Managers, maintenance techs, and other Managers, maintenance techs, and other employees
• In both the last two bills, that was a big concern, and I don't think anybody wants anybody living there

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Truman is a recent graduate of Texas Tech. Truman actually interned in our office this past summer.
• It is a big deal in my district.
• Changes in federal policy have led to a big shift.
• The fuel trucks in the Rio Grande Valley, there are many of them, and it's big money.
• Yeah, it's a big issue down in Nevada, the contraband and what they're doing.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And any cost savings here is a big deal.
• that money get turned down, that project didn't happen, but that exact hill burned and tore through Big
• Coalition for Clean Air, the Greenlining Institute, Los Angeles Business Council, Los Angeles Clean Tech
• Acknowledging that the Senator has been a really big supporter of the AB 617 program, and I think we
• Yeah, that's about as big as it would get, if it's removable. And not lead acid. And not what?

Summary: The committee heard a series of Senate bills on environmental, climate, recycling, wildfire, outdoor access, and clean transportation policy. SB 958 would clarify CEQA treatment of impacts tied solely to increased building height, and SB 1230 would increase penalties and create CalRecycle support tools for repeat commercial illegal dumping. SB 1341 would revise how processing fees are calculated for bag-in-a-box wine under California’s recycling program. All three measures received due-pass recommendations to Appropriations, with roll calls showing majority support and the bills left open for absent members. Members then took up SB 1300, which would create a more permanent legislative role in California’s international climate cooperation and establish a climate secretariat at UC; SB 1370, which would codify and streamline wildfire fuel-reduction permitting with added safeguards, geographic and size limits, and pesticide-related amendments; and SB 1260/1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative and the Deputy Secretary for Access position at the Natural Resources Agency. Each drew support from environmental, utility, business, and local-government witnesses, while SB 1370 also drew opposition from environmental and advocacy groups concerned about reduced CEQA review and herbicide use. The committee discussed amendments at length, especially on SB 1370, and all three measures advanced with due-pass recommendations. The committee also heard SB 1213, the Clean Truck Transparency Act, requiring baseline pricing disclosure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission trucks tied to state incentives and directing agencies to explore alternative financing. Support came from clean-air, business, and environmental groups, and the trucking/manufacturing opposition moved to neutral after amendments; the bill advanced on a due-pass vote. Finally, SB 1075, the Clean Air Promise, sought to strengthen AB 617 implementation and clarify community emission reduction planning, but it generated substantial opposition from air districts, business groups, and others over enforceability, funding, and the distinction between formal SERPs and community L-SERPs. The author described additional pending amendments to narrow L-SERP provisions, and the bill also received a due-pass recommendation to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're worried about not... getting that big taxpayer-funded paycheck and they're filling this building
• What issues do you think the lobbyists that work for these big cities are lobbying against the issues
• secure some finances for them because we are we are working on the airport it's a function through tech
• a thousand I think the number is a number of cities we've got 254 counties And the reason why those big
• hire lobbyists. or associations that hire lobbyists, yet these private schools that are receiving tech

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:

• In addition, large tech giants have decided to pour millions of dollars into campaign politics.
• , they've announced that they will be spending $100 million in California campaign elections, with tech
• And a big shout-out to our incredible team: Lori, our secretary; Nicole; and Ethan.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a simple, low-cost solution that can make a big difference in helping families connect with each
• We don't like but just want to speak in support of the farm-to-tech ratio Thank you.
• were just mentioned current law is often characterized as saying it's a one-to-one ratio one farm tech

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're in the Big 12. We've got a lot to prove there, and we're not. job. We're in the Big 12.
• This is a big deal, and they have done an outstanding job, and they will continue to do so.
• And we do have a big game tomorrow. Yes, we do have a big game tomorrow.
• It is not a big town. It is not a big city.
• It is not a big town. It is not a big city.

Summary: The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor. The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, if you're going to a big-box store, depending on which store it is, some of them are very
• going to like for example like if you're going to like like<00:10:38.880> a<00:10:39.000> big
• box store depending on which like a big box store depending on which store<00:10:41.040> it<00
• words if I'm moving plants from the Big words if I'm moving plants from the Big Island<00:12:52.399
• also there are some tech also there are some tech amendments<00:16:32.199> any<00:16:32.920

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation. The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I know on the Big Island Kristen talked about our food insecurity.
• Um, protein was a big need. Can you answer that question? Is it more or less the same?
• Um, protein was a big need. Can you answer that question? Is it more or less the same?
• Um, protein was a big need. Can you answer that question? Is it more or less the same?
• the date to July 1st 2050 and Tech the date to July 1st 2050 and Tech amendments<01:09:13.080>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed. Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted. The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families. Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in this case, healthcare tech, which came up in Reed's emerging economic report, DBED was asked how
• Kako has those facilities in place for healthcare tech.
• So in this case,<00:10:11.839> healthcare<00:10:12.399> tech<00:10:12.640> which
• came up in case, healthcare tech which came up in Reed's<00:10:13.760> emerging<00:10:14.560>
• The Tech Foundation of Hawaii stands on its written testimony. Mahalo. >> Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2693 relating to capital improvement projects for aerospace infrastructure. Members had no questions, and the recommendation to pass the bill with a defective date of July 1, 2050 was adopted unanimously. The committee then deferred decision making on Senate Bill 26980 relating to transportation and Senate Bill 2374 relating to the blue economy until Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Room 229, pending additional information. In the joint hearing on Senate Bill 2816 relating to state enterprise zones, agencies and organizations including DBEDT, HTDC, Taxation, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Oceanit, the Hawaii Medical Association, and the Queen’s Health System testified in support or submitted written comments. One public testifier urged expanding enterprise zones around the Kakaako/Cancer Center area and combining them with the foreign trade zone to reduce taxes and attract business. A senator questioned whether the enterprise zone program had ever been comprehensively evaluated, noting DBEDT said it had not done a full study in recent years and cited annual report figures including about $221 million in company revenues and $460,000 in foregone state revenue in 2022. The discussion focused on whether the bill would subsidize existing activity or support new economic development, and on the broader policy question of whether enterprise zones should be used to revitalize depressed areas or to target strategic sectors like health care technology. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2900 relating to sports officials. The Department of Education supported the measure, saying the Attorney General is best positioned to represent employees in temporary restraining order matters and that elevating intentional bodily injury of a sports official to a class B felony would improve safety. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it would escalate conduct already covered by existing assault statutes and go beyond other protected classes. The Department of the Attorney General recommended narrowing the bill by inserting “substantial” before bodily injury in the criminal section and deleting a section that would make the AG’s office act like plaintiff’s counsel in civil matters, suggesting instead that departments adopt policies to help employees obtain TROs without creating an open-ended civil representation role. Several sports and school-related organizations testified in support, and members discussed whether the bill should be narrowed or coordinated with other measures before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now for the big rosy guy who is full of good news, Mr. Adeka himself. Mr. Boswell.
• requirements in particular, and that this administration is revamping those requirements to take a tech-neutral
• The governor's office has played a very big role in it.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is one of the big concerns.
• This is a big bill. This does serious things, and we need more time to discuss this.
• We obviously had a big discussion about this last year about cameras and surveillance of kids. >> Uh,
• We [clears throat] obviously<00:36:43.839> had<00:36:44.000> a<00:36:44.240> big
• had a big discussion about this<00:36:45.680> last<00:36:46.000> year<00:36:46.880>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 3819 was heard and ultimately re-referred to the Judiciary Committee after the committee adopted the author’s A1 amendment and then defeated a DE1 amendment. The bill, as described by Chair West, is aimed at strengthening integrity in state child care assistance and other public programs by requiring annual disaggregated fraud reporting, making certain inspections unannounced and in person, tying inspectors to electronic attendance records, extending data retention for video footage from 28 to 90 days, requiring cameras at entrances and exits for centers receiving more than $500,000 in CCAP and/or early learning scholarship funds, adding an extra licensing visit for those higher-funded centers, and restoring perjury penalties for false attendance records. West said the changes were intended to address fraud, improve accountability, and protect assistance for families who need it. Public testimony was largely opposed. Child care providers and advocates argued the bill would impose expensive, unfunded surveillance and compliance burdens on small businesses, blur the line between fraud enforcement and licensing/safety regulation, and disproportionately target providers serving low-income families and families of color. Several testifiers said cameras and retention requirements would be costly, technically burdensome, and invasive, and warned the bill could deter providers from participating in CCAP and discourage families from using assistance. One testifier supported stronger child protection measures in principle but said the bill should focus on funding, training, and wages rather than surveillance. Another parent testifier opposed the bill on privacy and discrimination grounds and urged investment in child care instead. Representative Hansen offered the DE1 amendment, which would have created a task force to study child care surveillance and develop recommendations on safeguards such as encryption and breach notification. Hansen argued the committee was not equipped to design cybersecurity policy on its own and that the issue of child sexual abuse material required urgent, bipartisan attention. Chair West opposed the amendment, saying task forces often do not produce meaningful change and that the bill already addressed the issue. The committee voted on the DE1, and it failed on a tied vote. After that, the committee voted to re-refer House File 3819, as amended, to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to clarify for light tech projects, um, as your incomes rise, um, you will not lose eligibility
• Just to clarify for light tech<01:12:15.000> projects,<01:12:15.800> um<01:12:16.000>
• , um as your incomes rise, tech projects, um as your incomes rise, um<01:12:17.680> you<01:12:
• acceleration of the tech acceleration of the tech reality<04:40:09.960> that<04:40:10.200
• Next, they will go to the Big Island, maybe next Molokai, and then Oahu.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what the big change was, we called out this website that I'm displaying on there is kind of where
• Cloud Tech, Staples, and then the U...
• Cloud for those up by St Cloud<00:33:19.720> St<00:33:20.039> Cloud<00:33:20.399> Tech
• /c><00:33:21.639> Staples<00:33:22.639> and<00:33:22.760> then Cloud St Cloud Tech
• uh Staples and then Cloud St Cloud Tech uh Staples and then the<00:33:23.000> U The U of M's,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have had the pleasure of serving as chief engineer for Tech Dot for the last, uh, 3 years or so, uh
• Uh, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside a great team, uh, at Tech Dot.
• Leadership team at Tech Dot has been fantastic too.

Bills: HB227

Keywords: HB227, kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, kratom products, kratom processor, kratom retailer, controlled substances, Texas Controlled Substances Act, Health and Safety Code, Penalty Group 1, tianeptine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitragynine, synthetic kratom, kratom alkaloids, adulterated products, product testing, lab testing, ISO 17025, labeling requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• 016 uh but we will try to fix the tech 016 uh but we will try to fix the tech we'll<00:00:44.600
• Currently, the drug court program on the Big Island has 25 women.
• The Big Island is struggling to try to help us because of the lack of personnel on the Big Island.
• <01:18:38.600> island<01:18:39.600> but on on the big island but on on the big island
• indications for my going around the big indications for my going around the big island<01:18:46.600

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• problem, or a pretty big challenge, um.
• They're these big eels that live in the Amazon.
• I'm a big believer in the Constitution.
• As I say, I'm a big fan of the food trucks at First Live Oak.
• And there was a big line during, uh, COVID, uh, for that assistance.

Bills: HB 14, HB 106, HB 146, HB 267, HB 274, HB 1127, HB 1359, HB 1393, HB 1584, HB 1640, HB 1710, HB 2152, HCR 101, HJR 8, HR 51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1113 is a big step in making Texas hemp industry stronger and more sustainable.
• By happenstance, I had a friend who was a researcher at Texas Tech and they came down and they helped
• Biden, in his 30-30 agenda, has put a big target on our farmers and ranchers.
• No, we've got a lot of big ranchers that could do it, but they oppose tracking. by the state.

Bills: HB147, HB 1113, HB 1203, HB 1269, HB 1276, HB 1277, HB1437, HB147

Keywords: livestock, brands, marks, earmarks, tattoos, electronic registry, Texas Animal Health Commission, county clerk, Agriculture Code, cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, horses, animal identification, brand registry, livestock traceability, electronic filing, rerecording, law enforcement access