Transcript Highlights:

• Governmental affairs a g4506 by bonham relating to the electronic delivery of a notice for certain municipal zoning
• Affairs, HB 4880 by Olcott, relating to the signed requirements of construction or maintenance work zones
• Groundwater production zones are for the Committee of Natural Resources, HB 4897 by Munoz, relating to
• Committee on Pensions Investments and Financial Services HB 4946 by Gerties relating to the county zoning
• HB 599. by Buckingham and Erlington Media Production Development Zones and the functions of the Texas

Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not even because communities make choices with the money that they have and the zoning that they
• that they have choices with the money that they have and<00:21:00.720> the<00:21:00.880> zoning
• c> they<00:21:01.520> choose<00:21:01.760> to<00:21:01.919> have and the zoning
• that they choose to have and the zoning that they choose to have or<00:21:02.400> allow.
• We have many businesses and industries in our commercial and industrial zones, particularly our utility

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Committee on Public Health, HP 1742 by Hecklin relating to the protest changing in municipal zoning
• on the construction on rehabilitation of certain low income housing developments in the attendance zone
• Public Education HB 2123 by Bojani relating to the maximum number of media production development zones
• in the state or qualified media production locations in the zones or for the Committee of Culture, Recreation
• establishment of virtual film production institutes and the designation of media production development zones

Transcript Highlights:

• want to say blinders, but from the environmental lane without necessarily, you know, looking at your zone
• But those commissioners are in the zone of influence of what are the things that you're doing that are
• A few highlights of that rule package include the establishment of CWD zones throughout the state, visible
• Tell you about the containment zones, the surveillance zones, and all the other measures we've put in

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we do have 15 mph speed limits for school zones at certain times of the day.
• at certain times of the school zones at certain times of the day.<01:06:04.920> Right,<01:06:
• Do you know how many 15 mile an hour zones there are in the state at all?
• I don't track the school zone speed limits.
• I couldn't give you a number of that, but the speed limit in New Hampshire for school zone is 10 miles

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, in the last time the bill was heard, there was a lot of discussion about the zoning requirements,
• and that still remains in the bill in terms of if it's in a commercially zoned area, they'd have to
• <00:50:00.319> requirements discussion about the zoning requirements discussion about the
• terms of if it's in a commercial zoned terms of if it's in a commercial zoned area,<00:50:07.760
• c> area, commercially zoned area, they'd area, commercially zoned area, they'd have<00:50:09.680>

Bills: HF3579, HF3549, HF3548, HF4388, HF3566

Keywords: eggs, donation, quality assurance, food assistance, charitable programs, agriculture, grain indemnity, financial security, crop insurance, Minnesota agriculture, farm assistance, down payment, state funding, loan modification, rotational grazing, grazing management, livestock, pasture management, soil health, erosion control

Transcript Highlights:

• We again open a public hearing on Senate Bill 404 relative to economic revitalization zone tax credits
• tax credits and revitalization zone tax credits and recognize<00:11:00.079> the<00:11:00.240>
• Change is much slower than that when it comes to these zones that they're creating and all that is me
• just making sure they still meet the criteria to be a zone.
• these zones and the relatively<00:15:22.240> small<00:15:22.880> increase<00:15:23.199

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Children's Initiatives is a statewide initiative modeled after the nationally recognized Harlem Children's Zone
• The initiative is modeled after the nationally recognized Harlem Children's Zone in New York.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee met to hear three member bills before turning to budget discussion. First, the committee considered HB 1295 on memory care, which would set baseline operating standards for memory care providers and facilities, clarify resident contract requirements, and restrict facilities from advertising themselves as memory care providers unless they meet the bill’s criteria. AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Florida Senior Living Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably with no debate. The committee then heard HB 1235, which would authorize Florida to join the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. Representative Conerly and a representative of the Florida Society for Respiratory Care said the compact would improve workforce flexibility and patient access while preserving state oversight and using licensure fees rather than taxpayer dollars. The bill received favorable testimony and was reported favorably. Next, HB 933 was presented by Representative Rosenwald to add two new children’s initiative sites, one in Bay County and one in Broward County, expanding a program that coordinates education, health care, employment, and housing supports for children in disadvantaged communities. The bill had support from Florida Children’s Initiative and was also reported favorably. After the bill presentations, members were told the agenda would move to budget discussion, and the chair noted that budget recommendations had been submitted to Chair McClure. With no further business, Representative Redondo moved to recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• based on international experience and implementation in the United States, the use of 20 mph speed zones
• The use of 20 mph speed zones or speed limits in urban core areas where vulnerable road users share the
• Well, we do have 15 mph speed limits for school zones at certain times of the day.
• at certain times of the school zones at certain times of the day.<01:06:04.920> Right,<01:06:
• Lambert said he does not track school zone speed limits and could not give a number.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: House Transportation opened public hearings on three Senate bills and discussed a fourth scheduling issue. On SB 499, which would change Traffic Safety Commission reporting requirements, the sponsor’s representative said the bill would require annual aggregated data on the causes of traffic collisions in New Hampshire and recommendations to address them. Members asked about the added Trauma Medical Review Committee seat, and a representative explained that it is a longstanding state board of emergency and trauma professionals; the bill had already been amended and passed unanimously earlier in the process. On SB 500, concerning restroom access for certain commercial motor vehicle operators, the sponsor and trucking-industry supporters said the measure arose from concerns raised by female truck drivers and was intended to require larger commercial facilities with available public or employee restrooms to allow truck drivers to use them when there are no public safety concerns. Supporters from the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said driver shortages make it important to recruit and retain women, and that lack of bathroom access is a significant barrier. Committee members asked about the scope of the problem and whether the issue affected male and female drivers differently. The committee then heard SB 559, which would reduce the minimum allowable speed limit on locally controlled roads. Supporters, including bicyclists and the Bike-Walk Alliance, testified that lower speeds improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, citing personal crash experiences and national guidance supporting lower urban speed limits where warranted by traffic or engineering studies. They emphasized the bill would not mandate lower limits statewide but would give towns local discretion. Members questioned whether the group would support 15 mph limits and how congestion and travel-time concerns were weighed. A Department of Transportation official testified neutrally, saying the agency had no formal position but had concerns about public perception and possible spillover to unnumbered state roads. The chair also noted an earlier scheduling problem that prevented immediate executive action on a bill until later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I do want to clarify for both the zone of reasonableness and the AFRA programs.
• The AFRA program was a pilot program, and the zone of reasonableness was also a program born out of a
• <00:53:52.240> of flexibility in the zone of flexibility in the zone of reasonableness<00:
• I do want to clarify for both the zone I do want to clarify for both the zone of<00:54:10.400>
• program was a pilot program and the zone program was a pilot program and the zone of<00:54:16.840

Bills: HB1984, HB1593, HB2423, HB1691, HB2283, HB2386, HB1824, HB1697, HB2164, HB2165

Keywords: renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• exist, I would not want a zoning exist, I would not want a zoning department somewhere misinterpret
• area, it was against the particular area, it was against the particular area, it was against the zoning
• code, but they have it built zoning code, but they have it built zoning code, but they have it built
• somebody working in the zoning somebody working in the zoning department that say, "Well, it doesn't
• And when they the zoning department. And when they the zoning department.

Bills: HB 10, HB 12, HB 147, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if it gets, you know, it's going to get down to kind of like a yellow zone, then there would be more
• , then there would be like a yellow zone, then there would be more<00:59:41.720> oversight,<00
• back up into what they need to to get back up into that<00:59:51.680> green<00:59:52.040> zone
• <00:59:52.400> just<00:59:52.640> using<00:59:53.000> colors that green zone
• just using colors that green zone just using colors as<00:59:54.440> as<00:59:54.600> an

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oliva, Secretary Oliva, you might be able to answer concerning the educational renewal zones.
• that's reviewed by our agency and developed with the educational cooperative they're in, with that zone
• The ERZs, educational resource zones, are also a partnership that runs through a lot of our universities
• How many such zones do we have in the state? There's six.
• I want to say there's about six educational resource zones that cover the state, but then we can get

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations and took executive recommendations on several Department of Human Services divisions, including Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services; Children and Family Services; County Operations; Developmental Disability Services; and Medical Services, with most divisions showing little or no significant change in total appropriations. Staff and agency witnesses repeatedly explained that many large appropriations are maintained for flexibility, federal matching requirements, or contingency needs, even when actual spending is much lower than the authorized amount. Members also raised concerns about staffing vacancies, long-vacant budgeted positions, and the use of excess appropriation authority across DHS. In Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health, members questioned federal funding levels for mental health and substance abuse grants, the status of senior centers and Meals on Wheels, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, community alcohol safety grants, and the veterans mental health grant. Agency officials said federal block grants are largely committed, that senior center funding had been delayed by shutdown timing but was now back on track, that the tobacco settlement program had been moved internally within DHS, and that the veterans mental health appropriation remains unfunded. Senators also criticized the adequacy of support for seniors and asked for more detail on how transportation, meal services, and local contributions are funded. In Children and Family Services, members asked about rising appropriation levels, foster care and adoption subsidies, professional fees, the number of children in foster care, and the Children’s Trust Fund. DHS said increases reflect added flexibility for residential treatment, adoption subsidies, and prevention services, while the foster care population has remained fairly steady at about 3,400 children. The Children’s Trust Fund was described as supporting primary prevention programs such as Baby and Me and community schools, and members asked whether it could be administratively combined with other efforts. Questions also covered TANF subgrants, with DHS explaining that it had reduced outside subgrants after discovering over-obligation and was rebuilding reserves. In County Operations, members focused on the summer EBT program, SNAP employment and training, the farmer’s market program, and the state’s TANF reserve position. DHS said summer EBT is still being funded through temporary appropriations because it is a newer program, SNAP employment and training is largely federally funded and may expand under a pending policy change, and TANF reserves were drawn down after prior over-obligation but are now being stabilized. In Developmental Disability Services, members asked about vacancies, human development center staffing, facility construction funds, and the Booneville work program, and DHS said the program has reopened and staffing recruitment continues. In Medical Services, members asked about FMAP, the Our Kids B CHIP program, school-based Medicaid reimbursements, nursing home distress funds, and several large appropriation lines that far exceed actual spending; DHS said these are maintained for claims payment, nursing home receivership contingencies, and other flexibility needs. Each division reviewed was adopted by executive recommendation after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• change is directly tied to State Route 260, an area that is also a federally designated opportunity zone
• They were zoning decisions that shaped who had access to stability and who did not.
• Now, this is—I was on the board of planning and zoning for Maricopa County—and this is a typical argument
• We are not good at zoning. We are not.
• But I really do think there's an opportunity to start to calibrate the blunt instrument of the zoning

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2079, which authorizes a memorial for Arizona journalist Don Bolles in Wesley Bolin Plaza. The sponsor described the memorial as a no-cost way to preserve Arizona history and honor Bolles, who was assassinated in 1976 while investigating corruption and drug cartels. The bill was moved and passed unanimously, 7-0, for a due pass recommendation. Members then considered HB 2080, a strike-everything amendment addressing deed and title fraud. The bill would require photo identification for certain county recorder filings, add identifying measures for deeds and real property documents when notarized, create an assessor alert system tied to property addresses, and increase penalties for knowingly filing false claims or forged real property documents from a misdemeanor to a class 4 felony. Testimony from county assessors, the Attorney General’s Office, and a fraud victim emphasized the scale of the problem and the need for layered protections. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 7-0. HB 4064, concerning municipal improvement districts, drew more debate. The bill would move the petition requirement earlier in the process before a city or town adopts a resolution of intention for an improvement district. Supporters from Camp Verde, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, a developer, and the Yavapai Apache Nation said the change would improve transparency, reduce wasted planning costs, and help finance sewer and infrastructure projects in rural areas. Opponents argued it could force property owners into infrastructure they do not want and infringe on property rights. The bill passed 5-2. The committee also approved HCR 2048, which would withhold pay for statewide elected officials and legislators if the general appropriations bill is not enacted by April 30 and send the measure to voters. Supporters said it would create a stronger incentive to finish the budget on time; opponents said more work was needed on session length and bill volume. The resolution passed 4-3. Later, HB 2324, allowing municipalities with their own fire codes to petition for county buildings inside city limits to be inspected under local code through an intergovernmental agreement, passed 7-0 after testimony from county and state fire officials who supported the concept but wanted technical amendments. The committee then passed HB 4087, authorizing a memorial plaque for former legislator Barbara Leff, with the family covering costs. Finally, HB 2239 created a child care grant program and infrastructure fund to expand child care in underserved and rural communities. Supporters described severe child care shortages, economic impacts, and safety concerns; the sponsor framed it as an investment in workforce participation and child well-being. The bill passed 5-0 with one present and one not voting. The committee then began hearing HB 2375 on historic districts and middle housing, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• restrictions on building height and number of stories, allowing residential apartments in commercial zones
• , allowing small-scale commercial uses in residential zones, allowing duplexes and townhomes in residential
• zones and mixed-use lots, allowing additional dwelling units in single-family zoning districts, prohibiting
• restrictions on building height and number of stories, allowing residential apartments in commercial zones
• zones and mixed-use lots, allowing additional dwelling units in single-family zoning districts, prohibiting

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As provisions relating to small private schools that exempt such schools from zoning or land use changes
• that a municipality that operates water and wastewater utility services and an economic development zone
• It also limits municipalities' abilities to apply new land use and zoning requirements to upgrades of
• committee process here in the Senate, we talked a lot about the camera systems, red light, school zone
• We didn't really talk a lot about the school ...the camera systems, red light, school zone.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored a retiring Senate staffer and a wounded veteran, then moved into returning House messages and special order bills. Several measures were taken up and either concurred in or sent back to the House, with multiple unanimous or near-unanimous votes on noncontroversial bills. Among the bills addressed were SB 118 on recreational vehicle park assessments, SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, and HB 991 on election integrity. SB 118 and SB 572 were amended to reflect House changes and passed 38-0. HB 991 drew extensive debate over voter registration and identification requirements, with opponents arguing it would burden students, seniors, disabled voters, and others, while supporters said it would strengthen election security and streamline verification; it passed 27-12. The chamber also approved bills on historic cemeteries, chickee regulation, habitual traffic offender designation, military affairs, and a Department of Health package. The Department of Health bill (SB 902/HB 733) was the subject of detailed amendment work, including changes to medical marijuana rules, NICU educational materials, Early Steps, dental loan repayment, and pediatric trauma center designation. The Senate adopted an amendment to the amendment and then passed the bill 37-0. Other measures included a funeral services bill, which the Senate refused to concur in because the House strike-all would redefine cremation to include composting, and a veterans-related bill that was temporarily postponed. The Senate also recessed briefly, then returned to continue the calendar and additional recognitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know housing issues and so on and so forth, and we've done some work on things like zoning, lot size
• lot size and you know things like zoning lot size and you know trying<00:18:40.720> to<00:18:
• <00:18:59.280> and species rather than the other zoning and species rather than the other
• zoning and lot<00:18:59.919> size<00:19:00.400> things?
• They're not talking about the working-class family who needs to house on a maybe change zoning laws and

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hobson: Move to adopt and strike all zones 11 through 14.
• Motion for adoption and strike all zones. I'll move for adoption and strike all zones 9 through 14.
• Motion for adoption and strike all zones. I'll move for adoption and strike all zones 9 through 14.
• Motion for adoption and strike all zones. I'll move for adoption and strike all zones 9 through 14.
• Motion for adoption and strike all zones. I'll move for adoption and strike all zones 9 through 14.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the pledge, and then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber also recognized several guests and groups, including the doctor of the day, visitors from Quebec, the Sumrall High School boys soccer team, Starkville public safety officials, and the Hattiesburg High School choral arts program. A resolution honoring the long-standing partnership between Quebec and Mississippi was read and adopted, and Ms. Nathalie Rivard of Quebec addressed the Senate about historical ties and economic cooperation between Quebec and Mississippi. The Senate then moved through a series of procedural actions on the calendar, including multiple motions to table reconsideration on medical cannabis and ARPA-related bills, and several motions to not concur and invite conference on workforce and budget measures. Among those were Senate Bill 2294, the Mississippi Future Innovators Act, Senate Bill 2288 on workforce training, Senate Bill 2401 on workforce development, Senate Bill 2189 on budget transfers, Senate Bill 2895 on ARPA funds, and Senate Bill 2917 on appropriations transfers. These motions were adopted, sending the measures to conference or otherwise advancing them as noted. A major portion of the meeting focused on appropriations bills. House Bill 1935, the Education Department appropriation, was explained in detail and adopted after a strike-all amendment; the bill includes funding for the student formula, teacher and assistant pay raises, special education supplements, school attendance officers, testing contracts, early learning coaches, and CTE instructor raises, with offsets from reduced or eliminated line items such as school safety platforms and certain vendor programs. The Senate also adopted strike-all amendments and passed House Bills 1936 and 1937 for Mississippi Public Broadcasting and the Library Commission, and then moved on to House Bill 1933 for the Bureau of Building. The Senate recessed until 2:30 p.m. and announced an appropriations meeting shortly after recess, while leadership noted that many supplemental appropriations bills would be considered later with attention to whether they contained reverse repealers and would go to conference or final passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're supportive of the requirement that drivers education must include a section on work zone safety
• zone redesign activities, and safe road zones. one?
• And uh work zone<01:07:19.520> safety,<01:07:19.920> work<01:07:20.160> zone<01:
• 07:20.480> redesign zone safety, work zone redesign zone safety, work zone redesign activities
• activities and safe road zones. activities and safe road zones.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and<00:59:05.200> then<00:59:05.359> Sheron<00:59:05.720> marani comfort zone
• um and then Sheron marani comfort zone um and then Sheron marani also<00:59:06.839> requested
• month um we also started teaching the a month um we also started teaching the lock<01:26:16.800> Zone
• training uh through higher ed lock Zone training uh through higher ed as<01:26:18.840> a<01:26
• <01:26:31.560> for<01:26:31.760> people able to administer theck zone for people able

Keywords: 1183, house