Transcript Highlights:

• the body, I trust the people who are elected, and that's what this vote does.
• members of this see I trust the body I<00:35:00.640> trust<00:35:01.040> the<00:35:01.280
• That is trusting our representatives. That is the check that we have put in place on our governor.
• That is trusting our representatives. That is the check that we have put in place on our governor.
• That is trusting our representatives. That is the check that we have put in place on our governor.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There was one like the Matthew Elliott Trust Fund, but it had more money in it.
• No, it's in Matthew Elliot's trust. Yeah, it is in Matthew Elliot, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
• Probably a pronouncement from the judge or a trust. Disregard trust. Could we...
• Or just to send the money back to Matthew Elliot Trust if it's still Matthew Elliot Trust, where that
• probably >> even if it's got zero, they'll probably keep<01:02:27.119> it.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the September 24 and September 27 meetings unanimously. It then reviewed a spreadsheet and draft report tracking the status of various dedicated funds, with members deciding which items should be kept active, removed, or flagged for follow-up next year. Several funds were identified as no longer needing action because they had been repealed, terminated, or were already handled elsewhere, including mosquito-related funding, child care licensing, and the prescription drug affordability board item. In other cases, members agreed to keep the fund on the list but remove question marks and add notes for future review or for another committee to address. A number of funds drew more detailed discussion. Members agreed that the Fish and Game fee increase issue should not be handled by this committee directly, but that staff should notify the relevant sponsor/department that a legislative change would be needed. They also discussed a medical cannabis fund that was running down significantly; the committee agreed to keep it active, note the concern, and send a letter to the department and Representative McDonald suggesting that HHS review whether fees or another revenue source should be changed, with the possibility of a late bill if needed. The lead poisoning prevention fund was also kept, with a note that the department should take action if it wants changes, and the committee discussed a grants-and-aid escrow-related item, concluding it should remain active and be kept on the list. Members also discussed several legacy or special-purpose funds. They agreed to recommend deleting the broodstock reference, to keep the emergency fund while asking for a better explanation of its funding source, and to retain the building maintenance fund as active. The Recovery Monument fund was identified as inactive and likely eligible for transfer of its remaining $1,000 to the addiction treatment and prevention fund. The Matthew Elliott Trust Fund prompted the most extended discussion; members concluded it should not continue as-is and agreed to draft a letter to the Attorney General recommending that the fund be closed through probate court and the remaining $5,657 transferred to Fund 122, or otherwise handled as unclaimed property if appropriate. The committee also discussed a firemen’s association-related transfer and agreed it should remain, while noting that any broader change would require legislation and a sponsor in the relevant policy committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• zeroed out and really where they'd be located.
• So they are zeroed out through the PRC.
• So how many are at zero because of both programs, and how many are at zero just because of the PRC?
• They're at zero because of both programs, and how many are at zero just because of the PRC?
• The goal of this zero-growth report...

Summary: The committee met to receive updates from the Tax Commissioner’s office on property tax relief programs and related compliance work. Commissioner Brian Croshys reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting that the Homestead program expanded significantly after HB 1158, that some households are “adjusting out” of eligibility as incomes rise, and that the committee may want to consider indexing income thresholds. Members asked for additional data on bracket breakdowns, possible costs of eliminating income limits for seniors, and how many households are zeroed out by the combined programs. Croshys also discussed the simpler administration of the disabled veteran credit, the growth in participation, and the heavy workload and auditing safeguards built into the new primary residence credit system. He said the department found no material compliance findings and that the program is designed to be digital-first, with county auditors and the Tax Commissioner’s office both involved in review and notification. The committee recessed for lunch and later reconvened, with the chair noting that more detailed PRC information would likely be available at a September meeting. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase, or “zero growth,” report and the 2025 statistical report. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and which jurisdictions showed the largest percentage changes in countywide, citywide, school district, and park district levies. In the statistical report, she summarized recent trends in assessed values: agricultural values remained relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed property values increased over the past five years. She also reviewed statewide tax levies by property class and clarified that centrally assessed growth figures were annual averages. Members discussed how shifts in land use and annexation can make it appear that tax burdens are moving from ag to residential/commercial property. Myers then summarized the interim study on the 3% levy limitation under HB 1176, saying most counties complied without budget changes, while some used hiring freezes, deferred purchases, or reserve funds; 23% of counties had to reduce levies, and the affected funds were mainly general, road and bridge, and weed control. She said 12 counties reported zero new growth in the data and that 35 counties reported not using all of their cap. The committee also received an oil tax presentation from Croshys on the stripper well extraction tax exemption. He outlined the number of active stripper wells, the production and revenue implications of the exemption, and projections for future biennia under different tax scenarios. He said the exemption represents substantial savings to operators but also corresponds to production tax revenue that would otherwise be collected, and he emphasized that future outcomes depend on oil prices, well counts, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly answered a question about why Red River wells have a different production threshold than Bakken wells, explaining it was tied to completion costs and lateral length. The committee then heard from Charlie Gorecki of the EERC, who presented an analysis of typical Bakken well decline curves and argued that most oil is produced before a well reaches stripper status, but that keeping wells open and investing in refracturing or other interventions can recover additional production. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; the main actions were receiving reports, asking for follow-up data, and scheduling further discussion for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• That bill is out on a seven-to-zero vote. SB 1092, mobile home parks, option to purchase, do pass.
• Five to zero. That bill is out. Let's be 943. SB 943, electricity industrial transition usage.
• Five to zero. That bill is out.
• SB 1322, Tribal Housing Grant Program Trust Fund. The motion is due pass.
• SB 1322, Tribal Housing Grant Program Trust Fund. The motion is due pass.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee met for a suspense-file hearing, which the chair noted was vote-only with no public testimony. The committee moved quickly through a large number of bills, mostly Senate bills with a few Assembly measures at the end, and repeatedly announced amendments that narrowed scope, made bills contingent on appropriation, removed certain provisions, or otherwise reduced fiscal impact. Topics covered included wildfire resilience and recovery, housing and homelessness, energy and utilities, health care and Medi-Cal, education, criminal justice, elections, labor and workforce issues, transportation, environmental regulation, insurance, privacy and technology, and several public safety measures. Most bills were approved, many on unanimous 7-0 votes or 5-0/6-0 votes, while a substantial number passed on 5-2 or 5-1 votes with Republicans generally voting no. A few measures drew more specific discussion: Senator Richardson said he would vote for SB 1203 on security services but expressed concern that it would impose different and doubled training requirements compared with last year’s law; SB 904 on wildfire recovery passed 6-1; SB 1135 on the California Wildfire Coexistence Act passed 6-1; and SB 1241 on skilled and trained workforce requirements passed 6-1 after amendments. The committee also took a reconsideration vote on one previously favorable action, which passed 5-0. No testimony was taken and no bills were held for further discussion during the hearing; the chair repeatedly noted that items not called were held under submission. At the end of the meeting, the committee announced that results would be posted online and that addendum analyses would follow for amended bills, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being 31 ayes and zero nays, the rules are suspended.
• There being 31 ayes and zero nays, the bill passes finally. Congratulations, Senator.
• There being 31 ayes and zero nays, the rules are suspended.
• There being 31 ayes and zero nays, the bill is finally passed. Congratulations, Senator.
• I hear what you're saying, and I always trust your guidance in the education policy world.

Bills: SB393, SB731, SB801, SB867, SB1232, SB1798, SB2082, SB2717, SB2919, SB3074, HJR133, HB2, HB18, HB24, HB26, HB35, HB43, HB49, HB75, HB103, HB120, HB126, HB143, HB163, HB180, HB216, HB413, HB647, HB700, HB748, HB851, HB1422, HB1445, HB1481, HB1545, HB1562, HB1586, HB1732, HB1828, HB1851, HB1916, HB1991, HB2014, HB2026, HB2038, HB2067, HB2193, HB2282, HB2293, HB2310, HB2464, HB2508, HB2516, HB2518, HB2524, HB2530, HB2674, HB2713, HB2715, HB2974, HB3016, HB3057, HB3062, HB3071, HB3120, HB3161, HB3180, HB3214, HB3234, HB3250, HB3463, HB3512, HB3556, HB3627, HB3680, HB3732, HB3801, HB3824, HB3833, HB3966, HB4044, HB4129, HB4226, HB4230, HB4263, HB4377, HB4384, HB4395, HB4396, HB4535, HB4668, HB4690, HB4751, HB4903, HB5033, HB5149, HB5154, HB5247, HB5331, HB5436, HB5667, HB5688, HB5693, HCR9, HCR40, HCR59, HCR127, SJR5, SB3, SB4, SB9, SB20, SB21, SB23, SB27, SB33, SB34, SB36, SB38, SB40, SB75, SB213, SB269, SB379, SB458, SB528, SB647, SB648, SB650, SB681, SB740, SB777, SB840, SB843, SB924, SB1061, SB1120, SB1121, SB1150, SB1188, SB1198, SB1202, SB1253, SB1318, SB1333, SB1398, SB1405, SB1423, SB1448, SB1535, SB1566, SB1574, SB1621, SB1709, SB1723, SB1789, SB1862, SB2037, SB2078, SB2268, SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB2544, SB2570, SB2601, SB2778, SB1, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB2308, HB2525, SB1538, SB1749, SB2603, SB3038, SB3062, SB3065, HB24, HB128, HB216, HB388, HB519, HB609, HB685, HB766, HB1237, HB1314, HB1445, HB1458, HB1522, HB1592, HB1606, HB1612, HB1633, HB2011, HB2025, HB2061, HB2259, HB2273, HB2358, HB2421, HB2434, HB2464, HB2518, HB2563, HB2637, HB2697, HB2713, HB2791, HB2856, HB3114, HB3126, HB3161, HB3233, HB3395, HB3424, HB3487, HB3505, HB3510, HB3597, HB3745, HB3803, HB3804, HB3806, HB4224, HB4310, HB4396, HB4738, HB4945, HB5084, HB5155, HB5180, HB5667, HB5686, HCR9, HCR10, HCR135, HCR142, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB1749, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3038, SB3045, SB1538, SB3071, SB3065, SB3062, HJR133, HB2715, HB3627, HB5033, HB2282, HB26, HB388, HB1633, HB685, HB1606, HB1458, HB2791, HB2061, HB647, HB4738, HB2563, HB128, HB766, HB2259, HB2358, HB4384, HB748, HB5180, HB3806, HB3804, HB3803, HB1522, HB3597, HB1612, HB4224, HB1314, HB1237, HB3126, HB2856, HB3114, HB3505, HB5652, HB2025, HB3395, HB18, HB2516, HB2713, HB24, HB519, HB609, HB1592, HB120, HB2421, HB2273, HB2464, HB5084, HB4396, HB43, HB5686, HB2518, HB4310, HB180, HB3745, HB4044, HB5155, HB5667, HB1445, HB1306, HB2637, HB5436, HB3966, HB2026, HB3487, HB4226, HB216, HB49, HB4112, HB3233, HB2310, HB2674, HB322, HB1481, HB126, HB3062, HB3180, HB2530, HB2524, HB1916, HB5650, HB4894, HB3120, HB1629, HB103, HB3234, HB3680, HB5698, HB3171, HB5693, HB2694, HB5664, HB3732, HB2508, HB2293, HB1991, HB2014, HB5331, HB5247, HB4751, HB4690, HB4668, HB4464, HB4395, HB4063, HB3833, HB3623, HB3214, HB3512, HB3250, HB3016, HB2520, HB2221, HB2213, HB3824, HB2067, HB1732, HB1562, HB700, HB1545, HB252, HB146, HB5596, HB1851, HB3619, HB3071, HB3556, HB851, HB4230, HB5320, HB5651, HB5670, HB5665, HB5437, HB5679, HB5699, HB5661, HB5662, HB5654, HB5672, HB5656, HB5149, HB4903, HB4743, HB4666, HB4377, HB4535, HB4129, HB3812, HB3801, HB3595, HB3057, HB2035, HB721, HB35, HB346, HB2974, HB2512, HB5695, HB5694, HB5671, HB5674, HB5688, HB1586, HB5154, HB2038, HB163, HB413, HB3463, HB3185, HB2761, HB2593, HB2348, HB2073, HB1828, HB1422, HB75, HB1871, HB108, HB2306, HB2017, HB1135, HB144, HB3689, HB5308, HB101, HB2193, HB5666, HB5677, HB5682, HB5680, HB5658, HB5696, HB4144, HB3159, HB3254, HB3866, HB3010, HB4520, HB3642, HB3928, HB3815, HB2686, HB2012, HB1960, HB227, HB654, HB1690, HB2128, HB4158, HB4530, HB4630, HB5659, HB1523, HB2078, HB2427, HB145, HB1973, HB3333, HB3697, HB3546, HB3225, HB3181, HB3133, HB3053, HB2885, HB2820, HB2294, HB2253, HB1661, HB1506, HB1234, HB640, HB621, HB551, HB521, HB493, HB272, HB229, HB223, HB201, HB186, HB119, HB2080, HB2818, HB5394, HB4795, HB4466, HB4454, HB3940, HB3749, HB3151, HB3284, HB1403, HB1106, HB2844, HB2851, HB1500, HB4488, HB4264, HB4, HB4170, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4157, HB4281, HB4285, HB4463, HB4749, HB4995, HB5081, HB5115, HB5138, HB5624, HB1449, HB3711, HB2598, HB3629, HB4361, HB824, HB1868, HB4848, HB2243, HB40, HB117, HB2313, HB3686, HB500, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB1056, HB42, HB4486, HB3000, HB100, HB2240, HB718, HB27, HB4904, HB4202, HB2853, HB5129, HB5093, HB4765, HB4748, HB4559, HB4350, HB4214, HB3388, HB3112, HB5196, HB4211, HB3516, HB3092, HB4233, HB4687, HB705, HB1094, HB2037, HB3005, HB3848, HCR141, HCR118, HCR127, HCR40, HCR59, HCR10, HCR135, HCR142, HCR9, HCR76, HCR108, HJR133, HB18, HB35, HB43, HB49, HB75, HB103, HB120, HB163, HB216, HB413, HB647, HB851, HB1422, HB1481, HB1545, HB1562, HB1586, HB1732, HB1828, HB1851, HB1916, HB1991, HB2014, HB2026, HB2067, HB2193, HB2293, HB2310, HB2464, HB2508, HB2524, HB2530, HB2974, HB3062, HB3071, HB3120, HB3180, HB3214, HB3234, HB3250, HB3463, HB3512, HB3680, HB3732, HB3801, HB3824, HB3833, HB4044, HB4129, HB4226, HB4230, HB4377, HB4395, HB4396, HB4535, HB4668, HB4903, HB5149, HB5154, HB5247, HB5331, HB5436, HB5688, HB5693, HB2282, HB2715, HB3627, HB5033, HB2674, HB3556, HCR127, SB3, SB21, SB379, SB1405, SB1538, SB1749, SB3038, SB3062, SB3065, HB24, HB128, HB388, HB519, HB609, HB685, HB766, HB1237, HB1314, HB1445, HB1458, HB1522, HB1592, HB1606, HB1612, HB1633, HB2025, HB2061, HB2259, HB2273, HB2358, HB2421, HB2518, HB2563, HB2637, HB2713, HB2791, HB2856, HB3114, HB3126, HB3233, HB3487, HB3505, HB3597, HB3745, HB3803, HB3804, HB3806, HB4224, HB4310, HB4738, HB5084, HB5155, HB5180, HB5667, HB5686, HCR9, HCR10, HCR135, HCR142, SB2603, HB3395, HB636, HB5655, HB5689, HB5690, HB636, HB5655, HB5689, HB5690

Keywords: SB 393, Sparks, Middleton, local government, political subdivision, public securities, government debt, municipal bonds, general obligation bonds, certificates of obligation, anticipation notes, debt maturity, weighted average maturity, economic life, useful life, tangible personal property, real property improvements, public finance, Texas Government Code, Chapter 1253

Transcript Highlights:

• The conversations I have with families in my district are grounded in trust—trust in parents, trust in
• Representative Stahl Hamilton: ...trust in parents, trust in doctors, and trust in the deeply personal
• House Bill 2085 breaks that trust.
• data privacy protections, zero limits on what data can be collected, zero retention requirements, zero
• restrictions on biometric ID, and zero rules for third-party sharing.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and several guest groups, including families affected by pediatric cancer, Arizona Bleeding Disorders, and charter school representatives. Members also read a proclamation honoring Dr. Joseph Charles Torkelson for his long career in pediatric hematology/oncology and military service. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering many bills and resolutions. On the first calendar, members adopted floor amendments and advanced HB 2117, HB 2744, HB 2751, HB 2917, HB 2939, HB 2957, HB 2970, and HCR 2038, with amendments generally described as technical fixes or clarifications. Notable discussion included HB 2957, which would protect non-Real ID data from sharing and preserve the choice between Real ID and non-Real ID, and HCR 2038, which addressed Colorado River conservation and expanded references to tribal communities and major population centers. All items on that calendar received due-pass recommendations. On later calendars, the House advanced additional measures including HB 2015, HB 2129, HB 2327, HB 2352, HB 2439, HB 2533, HB 2667, HB 2793, HB 2873, HB 2876, HCR 2044, HB 2014, HB 2055, HB 2145, HB 2185, HB 2267, HB 2413, HB 2418, HB 2440, HB 2661, HB 2665, HB 2763, and HB 2771, with several bills amended on the floor. Debate centered on housing assistance and corporate homeownership in HB 2667, homelessness coordination in HB 2533, school safety and firearms in HB 2076, parental rights in HB 2661, teen suicide prevention in HB 2665, and energy policy in HB 2267. HCR 2044, sent to voters, was defended as closing loopholes against discrimination and criticized by opponents as targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Most measures were approved by voice vote, but HB 2667’s proposed Villegas floor amendment was rejected on a recorded division vote of 23 ayes to 32 nays. Later, a motion to amend the Committee of the Whole report to include that rejected amendment also failed on a roll call vote of 22 ayes, 32 nays, and 6 not voting. HB 2267 also drew a division vote; after the final count, it was reported as passing as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, ordered the approved bills engrossed, and retained HB 2876 and HB 2720 on the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mahalo, uh, Dor Shin, our children's trust.
• our children's trust. Aloha. our children's trust. Aloha. >> Aloha.
• My name is D Shin with Our Children's Trust, with Earth Justice.
• state and HD dot to achieve zero state and HD dot to achieve zero emissions<00:16:16.639> transportation
• Uh, DURATION Our Children's Trust, we stand in very strong support.

Bills: HB2392, HB2462, HB2423, HB1771, HB2081, HB2334, HB2336, HB1666, HB2375, HB2415, HB2451, HB2373, HB1641, HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034

Keywords: transportation, tax credit, employer incentives, commuting, environmental impact, flexible work arrangements, carpooling, bicycling, public transportation, consumer protection, subscription services, motor vehicles, ownership expectations, transparency, biodiesel, renewable diesel, diesel blend, B5, blending mandate, clean energy

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 2356, relating to parking, drew support from the Office of Planning, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Appleseed Center, Realtors, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. Members discussed the bill in the context of the planned stadium-area mixed-use development, with questions about whether parking would be built in structures rather than as large surface lots. Senators expressed support and noted the measure’s broader housing and parking-reduction goals, but no vote was taken during the hearing. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2699, which would create a fare-free youth transit program, a special fund, annual evaluations, and appropriations tied to the environmental, energy, and food security tax. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about whether the special fund met statutory requirements. The Department of Education and Department of Health supported the bill, as did the City and County of Honolulu DOT, Appleseed Center, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Hawaii Bicycling League, Our Children’s Trust, and numerous youth testifiers. Supporters emphasized reduced family transportation costs, better school attendance, improved health and mobility, and environmental benefits. One senator raised emergency-planning concerns about how children using free transit would be handled during events like tsunamis; DOT and DOE responded that emergency procedures are being developed. The chair said the committee would work on language changes, including a delayed effective date to July 2027, and defer decision-making until the 12th. The final measure discussed was SB 2470, which would require leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and other safety improvements at state-controlled intersections, and create a process for community requests for accessible pedestrian signals. Appleseed Center, the Hawaii Association of the Blind, and the Disability Rights Center supported the bill, citing pedestrian safety, reduced collisions, and the need for audible cues for blind and low-vision pedestrians. Testifiers urged a phased-in approach that prioritizes high-traffic intersections. The hearing ended with the bill still under consideration and no final vote announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you trust these shops with your own kids?
• Would you trust the owner to do the right thing and turn them away?
• And Texans should be trusted with THC, just like they are trusted with alcohol, tobacco, and guns.
• THC, just like they are trusted with alcohol, tobacco, and guns.
• We specialize in all-natural products with zero synthetics.

Bills: SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• in support, six opposed, zero neutral. in support, six opposed, zero neutral.
• The motion carries on a vote of 16 to zero. 17 to zero.
• <02:03:48.159> Um vote of 16 to zero. 17 to zero. Um vote of 16 to zero. 17 to zero.
• >> 16 to zero. What did I say?
• pass carries on a vote of 14 to zero. pass carries on a vote of 14 to zero.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when we make that award, we're building on trust, right?
• So we are not at zero.
• This is trust being built in communities that have long been left out of the systems of care.
• Our trusted advocacy at the local level is critical.
• These are folks that do not trust the government. They trust their local fair housing centers.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extensive presentation on the administration’s housing reorganization proposal, which would centralize multifamily affordable housing finance under the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC) and align it with the Governor’s trailer bill language. Administration officials said the plan is intended to create a one-stop application and award process, reduce duplicative timelines and costs, and pair state subsidy with private activity bonds and federal tax credits more efficiently. They also described proposed changes to the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, including shifting a larger share of funding toward housing-related awards while preserving a portion for sustainable communities investments. The Legislative Analyst’s Office generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside timing and urged flexibility for integrated applications and future reporting on demand. Senators, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the proposal could weaken the original climate-and-transportation purpose of the sustainable communities program and that the reorganization would be undercut by the lack of new housing production funding in the budget. The item was held open without a vote. The committee then received a report from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee on federal and state housing tax credits. Staff explained that the federal H.R. 1 change lowering the bond-financing threshold from 50% to 25% greatly expanded the number of projects able to use the 4% federal tax credit, allowing California to fund many more projects and units. They also described the state low-income housing tax credit as an important gap-filling tool for projects that still need additional subsidy, and noted existing set-asides for rural, homeless, at-risk, and extremely low-income projects. Members discussed rehabilitation as well as new construction, and the item was informational only. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights policy changes and on three programs facing expiration: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal cuts and policy shifts have reduced support for fair housing and other civil rights functions, while CRD’s caseload has grown from about 8,700 open matters a year ago to more than 12,000, with a six-month wait for interviews despite overtime triage efforts. Senators expressed strong support for continuing the programs and concern about the broader federal rollback of civil rights enforcement. The department said it is using overtime, intake triage, and outreach partnerships to manage the workload and direct Californians to appropriate state, local, and nonprofit resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item D is an increase in the Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide Storage Trust Fund, number 827, also to biennialize
• item 6, underground injection well investigation team, there is an oversight that leads there to be zero
• They were lbb was reading out they zeroed out a number and I thought oh, we've zeroed out and I turned
• Trust Fund.
• Situation because we're 95% complete and there is like zero chance.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Zero present, not voting, and two absent, the motion prevails.
• There being 11 ayes, zero nays, zero present, I'll vote in two absent. The motion prevails.
• Zero nays, zero present on voting and two absent, the motion prevails. Members, that concludes.
• actually form a. get rid of it. public here and kind of how this process is working, when there is a zero
• General doesn't trust the fact that y'all are going to provide them with the information they've been

Bills: HB 111, HB1545, HB2145, HB2467, HB2520, HB4136, HB4181, HB4214, HB4218, HB4219, HB4359, HB4437, HB4822, HB111

Keywords: Texas Public Information Act, open records, public records, government transparency, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, governmental body, Chapter 552, public information law, nonprofit association, quasi-governmental entity, economic development, trade secrets, proprietary information, commercial financial information, Alamo restoration, local workforce board, TDCJ contract facility, civil commitment facility, water supply corporation

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 25 years of proven results and trusted, successful partnerships.
• We have the experience, capacity, and community trust to meet this urgent need.
• We have the experience, capacity, and community trust to meet this urgent need.
• <01:33:26.960> Mahalo trust to meet this urgent need.
• Mahalo trust to meet this urgent need.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: This joint informational briefing focused on Act 310 grants and aid, with committee members hearing one-minute testimony from organizations first in person and then by Zoom. At the outset, the chairs explained there would be no Q&A during the briefing and asked testifiers to focus on how federal cuts were affecting their work. The meeting was organized by registration number and included both neighbor island and Oʻahu applicants. Testimony centered on organizations seeking state support to offset federal funding losses or anticipated reductions. Health and social service providers described impacts from Medicaid, SNAP, ACA subsidy, Title X, and other federal changes, including Aloha Care, Community Clinic of Maui, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center, Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, Alcoholic Rehabilitation Services of Hawaiʻi, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Other groups highlighted losses affecting food security, housing, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, including the Kohala Center, Feeding Hawaiʻi Together, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Dynamic Community Solutions, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Several arts, youth, and education organizations also testified, including Hawaiʻi Literacy, Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi, Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi, Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi, and US Vets, each requesting funding to preserve programs and staffing. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing. The only action was procedural: the chairs moved through the applicant list, limited testimony time, and then transitioned from neighbor island in-person testimony to Oʻahu and later Zoom participants.

Transcript Highlights:

• Williams. 28 ayes, zero nays. 28 ayes, zero nays. Special order is adopted.
• Williams. 30 ayes, zero nays. The... 30 ayes, zero nays. The bill is adopted.
• Williams. 30 ayes, zero nays. SB171 is passed. 30 ayes, zero nays. SB171 is passed.
• Williams. 30 ayes, zero nays. The bill is adopted. 30 ayes, zero nays. The bill is adopted.
• Williams. 30 ayes, zero nays. Senator... 30 ayes, zero nays. Senator Gavan. Amendments adopted.

Bills: SJR 39, SB 22, SB 30, SB 33, SB 34, SB 37, SB 75, SB 209, SB 310, SB 505, SB 552, SB 618, SB 626, SB 636, SB 732, SB 747, SB 762, SB 769, SB 819, SB 825, SB 870, SB 926, SB 964, SB 1030, SB 1080, SB 1099, SB 1124, SB 1177, SB 1208, SB 1233, SB 1314, SB 1325, SB 1333, SB 1405, SB 1455, SB 1506, SB 1524, SB 1541, SB 1577, SB 1579, SB 1596, SB 1646, SB 1667, SB 1727, SB 1750, SB 1758, SB 1760, SB 1791, SB 1804, SB 1806, SB 1869, SB 1923, SB 1927, SB 1951, SB 1960, SB 1962, SB 2023, SB 2024, SB 2056, SB 2078, SB 2122, SB 2129, SB 2180, SB 2183, SB 2185, SB 2207, SB 2252, SB 2361, SB 2365, SB 2368, SB 2405, SB 2411, SB 2420, SB 2425, SB 2569, SB 2717, SJR 36, SJR 50, SJR 39, SJR 63, SJR 68, SCR 12, SCR 39, SCR 38, SCR 37, SCR 42, SCR 29, SB 762, SB 1596, SB 62, SB 666, SB 847, SB 284, SB 854, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1539, SB 1505, SB 583, SB 957, SB 1502, SB 507, SB 1026, SB 1349, SB 1433, SB 1434, SB 310, SB 505, SB 264, SB 1364, SB 1376, SB 1585, SB 1772, SB 2016, SB 1163, SB 619, SB 1122, SB 1877, SB 732, SB 731, SB 397, SB 508, SB 1333, SB 1436, SB 964, SB 287, SB 2143, SB 261, SB 1247, SB 1882, SB 618, SB 393, SB 2243, SB 2226, SB 1919, SB 1791, SB 22, SB 651, SB 1080, SB 826, SB 1079, SB 1243, SB 1504, SB 1851, SB 1879, SB 2237, SB 1257, SB 2034, SB 1522, SB 1151, SB 596, SB 1191, SB 226, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 1401, SB 1728, SB 586, SB 529, SB 217, SB 209, SB 1923, SB 1839, SB 387, SB 1874, SB 1872, SB 1873, SB 1921, SB 1883, SB 1620, SB 1838, SB 2024, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 2166, SB 510, SB 33, SB 2420, SB 1860, SB 1541, SB 1314, SB 1398, SB 1869, SB 1750, SB 855, SB 1233, SB 2425, SB 2037, SB 1758, SB 1759, SB 2365, SB 1924, SB 1818, SB 1405, SB 1762, SB 1968, SB 1977, SB 2077, SB 2321, SB 1662, SB 1663, SB 2124, SB 2204, SB 1855, SB 863, SB 37, SB 819, SB 2078, SB 2252, SB 1962, SB 2253, SB 825, SB 1577, SB 1184, SB 2018, SB 2206, SB 1901, SB 1030, SB 2368, SB 1963, SB 1960, SB 1643, SB 1625, SB 1299, SB 841, SB 668, SB 584, SB 231, SB 2411, SB 1085, SB 2431, SB 2231, SB 1490, SB 530, SB 34, SB 1261, SB 552, SB 1099, SB 1646, SB 2180, SB 1804, SB 1937, SB 1936, SB 2569, SB 1372, SB 1208, SB 1124, SB 1506, SB 1806, SB 1868, SB 2361, SB 2314, SB 769, SB 1409, SB 2122, SB 434, SB 1214, SB 1951, SB 2183, SB 2046, SB 1667, SB 1870, SB 1727, SB 2405, SB 2127, SB 1975, SB 1760, SB 1734, SB 1335, SB 2066, SB 2129, SB 2246, SB 2439, SB 1624, SB 1244, SB 1468, SB 2717, SB 1612, SB 1262, SB 604, SB 2395, SB 2185, SB 1832, SB 1745, SB 1746, SB 2207, SB 2023, SB 1784, SB 1524, SB 626, SB 528, SB 437, SB 269, SB 1137, SB 968, SB 636, SB 747, SB 1325, SB 1789, SB 1455, SB 2056, SB 75, SB 1940, SB 2052, SB 1927, SB 2010, SB 1579, SB 2068, SB 3034, SB 844, SB 1920, SB 1177, SB 1558, SB 1236, SB 1044, SB 926, SB 884, SB 463, SB 331, SB 227, SB 240, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1410, SB 1626, SB 1845, SB 1863, SB 2216, SB 2681, SB 1717, SB 2053, SB 546, SB 2141, SB 2949, SB 2323, SB 2200, SB 2332, SB 2199, SB 1642, SB 1150, SB 1757, SB 2050, SB 1138, SB 2051, SB 2626, SB 2458, SB 1864, SB 30, SB 2201, SB 1862, SB 1583, SB 1583, SB 1055, SB 2660, SB 1898, SB 2662, SB 2662, SB 2161, SB 2161, SB 2964, SB 2881, SB 1065, SB 1065, SB 801, SB 2743, SB 2533, SB 2533, SB 1413, SB 1413, SB 1, SB 34, SB 310, SB 819, SB 1030, SB 1124, SB 1208, SB 1233, SB 1333, SB 1405, SB 1541, SB 1750, SB 1758, SB 1869, SB 2078, SB 2365, SB 2411, SB 762, SB 33, SB 37, SB 505, SR 402, SR 409, SB 2695, SB 2695

Keywords: constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading

Transcript Highlights:

• it shows the actual postage cost and then the revenue coming in from state agencies, so net it's a zero-zero
• <01:00:47.559> zero<01:00:47.880> number agencies so net it's a zero zero number agencies
• so net it's a zero zero number in<01:00:48.319> terms<01:00:48.559> of<01:00:48.760>
• It's zero.
• We talked about the trust fund. My last slide is about the trust fund, regarding past response.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented an overview of its budget and operations, emphasizing that it is the lowest-spending agency in state government and that its general fund allocation has declined since 2019. Commissioner Arling House explained that DAS also handles back-office functions for several administratively attached boards, which has affected staffing and spending comparisons. He said the department’s current general fund spending is roughly split between retiree health and other operations, and that the presentation was based on adjusted authorized spending rather than the original budget figures. A major portion of the meeting focused on retiree health benefits and the long-term effort to control costs. Deputy Commissioner Cassie Keane described how the state moved from a projected deficit in retiree health to savings through a series of changes, including higher premium contributions, co-pay adjustments, and shifting Medicare retirees into Medicare Advantage arrangements to capture federal reimbursement. She said the state has about 12,500 retirees and spouses on the plan, with roughly 10,906 Medicare retirees and 1,580 non-Medicare retirees, and that the savings have depended heavily on federal funding and procurement decisions. She also noted that Medicare retirees pay Part B premiums and that the state has grandfathered older retirees from some premium contributions. Members asked about what the expenditures cover, why the state offers retiree health instead of simply giving retirees a payment to buy coverage themselves, and whether out-of-pocket costs changed under Medicare Advantage. Keane said the plan covers actual health claims or insurance premiums, that co-pays and maximum out-of-pocket limits remain in place, and that the state has no authority to change benefit details without legislative action. She explained that retiree health is a long-standing employee benefit that wraps around Medicare and is not collectively bargained in the usual sense, though its eligibility rules and cost-sharing have been tightened over time to better target the benefit to long-term state service. The discussion also covered vendor performance problems. Keane said Anthem recently won the contract back from Aetna, but its pharmacy subsidiary, Caroline, caused serious service disruptions. DAS responded by withholding payments, assessing more than $2 million in performance guarantees, and hiring a third-party auditor to review the pharmacy processes. The current contract runs through the end of calendar year 2026, and officials said they are watching federal Medicare Advantage reimbursement changes closely because future savings are uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• May their diligence reflect the dignity of their calling and the trust of those they represent.
• c><00:04:02.640> calling<00:04:03.200> and<00:04:03.320> the<00:04:03.400> trust
• <00:04:03.760> of<00:04:03.840> those of their calling and the trust of those of their
• calling and the trust of those they<00:04:04.200> represent.
• There being 67 yeas and zero nays, Senate File 3623 is passed. Senator Port votes I.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think what Minnesotans look at us and, trusting their votes with us and taxpayer dollars with us, that
• I think what Minnesotans look at us and, trusting their votes with us and taxpayer dollars with us, that
• c><00:27:32.880> rebuild<00:27:33.240> it<00:27:33.360> from<00:27:33.600> zero
• <00:27:34.480> we we don't have to rebuild it from zero we we don't have to rebuild it from
• zero we don't<00:27:34.760> necessarily<00:27:35.120> have<00:27:35.200> to<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The program covered the start of the 94th Minnesota Legislature, where the evenly split Senate adopted a bipartisan power-sharing agreement, Senate Resolution 1, by unanimous support. The agreement, reached in honor of the late Sen. Kari Dziedzic, sets up co-presiding officers, co-chairs and evenly split committees, and will remain in place until one party gains a majority. Republican Sen. Jeremy Miller and DFL Sen. Bobby Joe Champion were elected as co-presiding officers under the arrangement. A major segment focused on fraud, waste, and abuse in Minnesota and proposals to strengthen oversight. DFL Sen. Gerson discussed a bill to create an independent Office of Inspector General to oversee public and private entities receiving taxpayer dollars, arguing it would fill a gap and work alongside existing agencies such as the Office of the State Auditor, the attorney general, and the BCA. He said the issue has bipartisan concern and that the bill is intended to protect taxpayer money and the people who rely on public programs. Republican Sen. John Jasinski also said fraud is a serious problem, citing cases such as Feeding Our Future, child care assistance, and Medicaid-related fraud, and arguing that every dollar matters and stronger checks and balances are needed. He expressed support for anti-fraud efforts if they are independent and bipartisan, and pointed to the House’s new fraud oversight committee as a promising step. State Auditor Julie Blaha added that her office focuses on local government accountability, said workforce shortages are a major challenge, and emphasized that tips from the public and public employees are often the best way fraud is detected.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we had a year of zero<01:44:47.440> returns zero returns zero returns or<01:44:49.600>
• These trust funds work. They're proven. These trust funds work. They're proven.
• That is the cultural trust fund.
• <02:31:49.600> fund we went back to every trust fund we went back to every trust fund and<
• permanent mineral trust fund. permanent mineral trust fund.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I pray, Lord, that everyone in this place will trust you for their salvation, and if any... ... trust
• Zero nays. HB 372 is passed. Call the next item on page 44 of the calendar.
• I zero nays. HB 393 has passed. Clerk, call the next bill on page 44 of the calendar.
• The substitute has been adopted. ...zero nays. The substitute has been adopted.

Bills: HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, SB 14, HB 12, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912, HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, HCR 123, HCR 124, HR 57, HR 87, HR 111, HR 228, HR 230, HR 322, HR 624, HR 625, HR 626, HR 627, HR 628, HR 630, HR 631, HR 634, HR 635, HR 636, HR 637, HR 638, HR 639, HR 640, HR 645, HR 646, HR 648, HR 649, HR 651, HR 652, HR 653, HR 654, HR 664, HR 665, HR 668, HR 675, HR 676, HR 678, HR 679, HR 680, HR 683, HR 686, HR 688, HR 689, HR 694, HR 695, HR 697, HR 698, HR 699, HR 472, HR 622, HR 632, HR 633, HR 643, HR 655, HR 657, HR 660, HR 661, HR 662, HR 663, HR 667, HR 670, HR 674, HR 681, HR 682, HR 696

Keywords: animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, constitutional amendment, retail sale, tangible personal property, Texas tax code, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption, regulation, deceased transportation, HB 365

Transcript Highlights:

• For people in non-positions<00:05:06.960> of<00:05:07.120> of<00:05:07.520> trust,
• , uh or people with a position of trust, uh or people with a position of trust, they<00:05:18.320
• The rationale was the 14 and under is only for people in non-positions of trust.
• So, we thought if you're not in a position of trust, if you're under 14, then why are you talking to
• >> I With 18 yes votes, zero no votes, zero pass votes, House Bill 143 passes with favorable expression

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. House Bill 4, relating to grooming a minor, was presented as a response to child sexual abuse concerns and would create criminal penalties for adults who groom or solicit minors for sexual conduct. Members raised questions about possible impacts on teachers, youth ministers, nonprofits, and other good-faith communications, as well as concerns about vagueness and age thresholds. The sponsor and supporters said the bill was intended to target predatory conduct while exempting job-related, age-appropriate, and other non-predatory discussions. The committee approved HB 4 favorably by a vote of 14 yes, 0 no, and 5 pass. House Bill 84, dealing with local government liability for riot-related property damage, was described as a clarification of longstanding Kentucky law so it would apply to consolidated and unified local governments such as Louisville. The sponsor said the bill preserves accountability when governments have notice of a riot and fail to act, while opponents questioned whether language about citizens’ aid could encourage vigilante behavior. The sponsor and another member said the bill was not about vigilanteism but about preserving existing rights and ensuring equal protection for property owners across the state. HB 84 passed favorably by a vote of 15 yes, 1 no, and 1 pass. House Bill 188, relating to public safety in jails, would extend peer-support confidentiality protections from police officers to jail employees and add jail and medical staff to third-degree assault protections. The sponsor said the measure was prompted by concerns from Warren County jail leadership and was intended to improve mental and physical safety at no cost to taxpayers. Members voiced support for extending protections to jail and penitentiary staff, and the committee passed HB 188 favorably with 18 yes votes and no opposition. House Bill 143, relating to fiduciary bonds, would allow fiduciary bonds to be notarized instead of attested by the circuit court clerk, a change described as a practical request from clerks and attorneys. It passed unanimously, 18 yes, 0 no, 0 pass, and the committee then adjourned.