Transcript Highlights:

• This touches a lot on regulatory and rate-paying processes, rate-making processes, but we're finding
• This touches a lot on regulatory and rate-paying processes, rate-making processes, but we're finding
• adjust rates of the public utilities.
• We do the market rate study.
• Findings from that are used to help set reimbursement rates for the child care assistance program.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability. Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts. North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about setting a high bar and helping these licensees reach that bar.
• He set up these testing labs. Um, so now we're having a better vetting process.
• On a first degree felony, it was about right now, the base rate is about $900.
• What's, what's the rate for a first degree felony? The base rate for that, Mr.
• We asked her about her, um, uh, vacancy rate because we asked everybody about their vacancy rate.

Transcript Highlights:

• TO INCREASE TO 17% AS A VERIFICATION RATE.
• IT SET SOME PARAMETERS ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL. THE SAME KINDS OF THINGS THERE.
• A VARIETY OF PLACEMENT SETTINGS EXIST FOR CHILDREN IN OUT OF HOME CARE.
• IN THE SLIDE, WE SHOWED YOU ABOUT THE DECREASE OF THE REVICTIMIZATION RATES.
• PREPARATIONS ARE WELL UNDERWAY FOR THE SECOND SET TO BEGIN IN TALLAHASSEE THIS MAY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This touches a lot on regulatory and rate-paying processes, rate-making processes, but we're finding
• The PSC's rate regulatory authority...
• adjust rates of the public utilities.
• We do the market rate study.
• Findings from that are used to help set reimbursement rates for the child care assistance program.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• but then we see that the unemployment rate is relatively low.
• So the 4.1% of New Mexicans who are unemployed and looking for work... in the rate in that regional rate
• and the employment rate.
• We know that the birth rate is dropping in New Mexico.
• Vacancy rate.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's just not all set for speeding.
• We have, as of January 1, increased some of our rates.
• So our water rates, sewer rates, and so forth, we have done that, which will help us generate additional
• a rate study.
• “It was hard for me to go to the citizens to raise our rates. And we did that.

Summary: The committee approved the prior minutes and then received a series of audit and compliance updates. Staff reported on delinquent private water and sewer reports, delinquent 2013-2023 water reports, and several municipal accounting code noncompliance cases. Denning and Gum Springs were recommended to be removed from the 60-day clock after staff visits showed improved records, while Fargo, Lead Hill, Almy, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove were discussed for repeat findings involving missing audits, poor bookkeeping, unpaid or misapplied street funds, deficit balances, and other accounting deficiencies. Several of these entities were given additional time or had reports filed without objection, while others were deferred for later review. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was working to improve its accounting systems; the committee voted to defer the matter to the August meeting. Lead Hill’s mayor described efforts to complete overdue water audits and improve office procedures, and the committee also postponed action for 60 days. Almy’s mayor and recorder-treasurer were present, and the committee placed the town on the 60-day clock for repeat accounting issues. Biggers and Gilmore both acknowledged long-running audit problems and said they were working with auditors and the IRS; their reports were filed. Holly Grove’s treasurer said she had only recently taken the position, and that report was filed as well. The committee spent considerable time on the street-fund misuse cases for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho was found to have exceeded the statutory threshold tied to fines and costs, with staff noting the town had since become current on its repayment plan; the committee deferred the report to September. Haynes was also behind on its repayment plan for street funds, with staff saying the town had recently made up the shortfall and was current as of the meeting, but the committee still deferred the report to September. Members and staff also discussed how the speed-trap law is applied, whether certain fines and costs count toward the threshold, and the role of the prosecuting attorney in deciding whether to take further action. The committee then reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which had six findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, competitive bidding, electronic funds controls, and unusually high advertising spending. District Director Craig Douglas said the board had delegated some authority, that receipts were missing during a temporary staffing gap, and that advertising was needed to educate the public; he also defended the sale of trailers and other equipment as a way to exit the trailer business. Several members questioned the explanations and the low resale value of equipment, but the committee ultimately deferred the report to September. The meeting also included a recognition of accounting students interning with audit staff and a final set of actions on deferred water and sewer reports: 11 were filed, seven were deferred for lack of proper responses, and a private report on Shannon Hills Water, Sewer, and Fire Department was noted as involving misappropriation by an office manager and inadequate internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first two sets of columns are the House budget.
• And then the last two sets of columns here are the special session energy budget.
• The first two set of shows the house.
• And we've got basically... finding some rate relief um in this this finding some rate relief um in this
• I think there’s very different approaches to rate relief.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So we set this goal of 300,000 new homes.
• <00:49:31.319> to substantially below Market rates to substantially below Market rates to
• <01:12:33.920> the of Labor and Industry sets the of Labor and Industry sets the construction
• <01:51:21.239> Rose work and interest rates Rose work and interest rates Rose and<01:51:24.159
• <01:52:02.719> reached interest rates reached interest rates reached 7%<01:52:04.920> as

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And money is actually set in reserve.
• <00:21:40.480> aside see that three months being set aside see that three months being set
• The standard rate for no on-site detention is $2,875 per acre, and there's a reduced rate at $575 an
• Um our current rate $921,000 budget.
• set the rules for what that looks like. set the rules for what that looks like.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We could visit about the priority set.
• set up is not based on the column.
• That's a misuse of funds rate of 0.001%.
• Every set of study done in the home is not homeschooling.
• So because I'm almost out of time, if you are dead set on setting this ESA program, Austin ISD students

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and our current error rate is around 8%.
• , and our current error rate is around 8%.
• We have put together proposals and bills to help lower the rate.
• We have put together proposals and bills to help lower the rate.
• The 3% error rate in SNAP is definitely a fairy tale.

Bills: HB4138, HB4139, HB4140, HB4141, HB4142, HB4143, HB4144, HB4145, HB4146, HB4147, HB4148, HB4149, HB4150, HB4151, HB4152, HB4153, SB1831, SB1832, SB1833, SB1834, SB1835, SB1836, SB1837, SB1838, SB1839, SB1840, SB1841, SB1842, SB1843, SB1844, SB1845, SB1846

Keywords: appropriations, education funding, health care, general fund, state budget, local funding, gaming, pari-mutuel, horse racing, regulatory assessment, first-time starters, budget implementation, federal funds, government services, budget stabilization, financial reporting, capital outlay, infrastructure, veterans services, highway construction

Transcript Highlights:

• the whole issue of error rate. Sure. the whole issue of error rate. Sure.
• all of us the future of the error rate? all of us the future of the error rate?
• If the error rate is between 8 and 9.99% If the error rate is between 8 and 9.99% we<00:42:05.200>
• the error rate is officially 7.57%. the error rate is officially 7.57%.
• I think we heard a lot about the error rate situation and the fact that we are only setting ourselves

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The work session was limited to House Bill 1750, a supplemental appropriation for the Department of Health and Human Services’ SNAP administration. Before testimony, Representative Terski distributed a written statement from Representative Priest for the record. Department officials Karen Heert and Nathan White then walked the committee through a chart showing SNAP participation, federal benefit dollars, and state administrative costs, emphasizing that the benefits themselves do not flow through the state budget. They explained that the reported administrative cost includes overhead and cost-allocation methods used to maximize federal reimbursement, and that the current participant count is about 75,000 with the trend steady in recent years. Members questioned whether the reported costs were stable, how much of the administrative expense was directly tied to SNAP, and whether reducing overhead would lower the need for the appropriation. The department said the cost per participant and per dollar distributed would be lower if SNAP were isolated, but that the broader allocation system also supports federal claiming across multiple programs. Officials said SNAP eligibility is redetermined every six months, that the department processes nearly 50 eligibility programs with about 250 field staff, roughly 70 unfunded positions, and a vacancy rate around 25%. They also said most errors in the program are unintentional and can come from either staff or participant mistakes, and that the department reviews errors to identify systemic fixes. The committee discussed the fiscal impact of the bill and related budget issues. DHHS said the current adjusted authorization for 2026 is about $31 million, but actual spending is expected to be closer to $25–26 million because of vacancies and unfilled positions. Members asked whether the $4.4 million shortfall identified in the fiscal note would come from the rainy day fund; staff said it would not be taken directly from that fund, but would reduce the amount available to flow into it at the end of the biennium. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 603 FN, which was described as an alternative approach that would require DHHS to transfer funds within its existing budget rather than provide new money; officials said it would simply codify an option the department already has. No vote or final action on House Bill 1750 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• by the federal government, including free, reduced, and paid rates.
• , which is challenging because the federal government sets those rates every July.
• The federal government sets those reimbursement rates every July.
• Their participation rate, those are already CEP or provision to schools.
• So obviously, we're going to expect a higher participation rate.

Summary: The Legislative Management Committee met to address the fiscal impact of Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 3, which would require public schools, public school districts, and public charter schools to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to students and allow reimbursement from the state, with implementation beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The committee first filled a vacancy created by Representative Jared Hagert’s resignation by appointing Representative Berg to the committee. Legislative Council and DPI staff explained the measure’s requirements, including federal reimbursement participation, possible use of the legacy earnings fund if other funding is unavailable, and the authority of the Legislature and superintendent of public instruction to clarify implementation details. Linnell Johnson of DPI testified that the estimated fiscal impact for the 2027-2029 biennium is between $124 million and $134 million, based on participation assumptions, federal reimbursement rates, and the extent to which schools continue to collect applications or use community eligibility/provision 2 options. She also noted a likely additional administrative cost of about $300,000 for DPI to operate the program. Members asked about school participation, Title I implications, special diets, staffing, and whether the measure could reduce federal reimbursements if families stop applying. Johnson said the estimate is uncertain and could be higher if applications decline, but that schools would still have incentives to participate in federal programs because of reimbursement and other funding ties. After discussion, the committee adopted a motion to report a fiscal impact range of $124,300,000 to $134,300,000 per biennium to the Secretary of State. The committee then received an informational update from Legislative Council attorney Dustin Richard on the ongoing redistricting litigation. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Eighth Circuit’s ruling and sent the case back for reconsideration in light of Louisiana v. Callais, while the district court-imposed map remains in effect for now. No action was taken on that update, and the meeting adjourned after members noted minutes from the prior meeting were not yet available for approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• So from 20% was their suspension rate two years ago to 10% last year.
• So from 20% was their suspension rate two years ago to 10% last year.
• double the rate for white students, with rates of 22% and 12% respectively.
• However, rates do remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
• Thank you. we spoke about today across multiple settings.

Summary: The Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access held its third hearing to review the state of youth mental health, progress under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), and remaining implementation and funding challenges. The chair emphasized that schools are often the main point where education, health care, and social services intersect for students, and that the committee’s goal is to ensure public investments translate into better access and outcomes. The hearing featured testimony from researchers, a youth advocate, state officials, and local practitioners. PPIC researcher Shalini Mostala reported that teen mental health remains a serious concern, with high rates of chronic sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, though recent California data show some improvement since the pandemic. She noted persistent disparities by gender, race, and rural status, and said school-based health centers, wellness centers, and community schools are associated with lower suicidal thoughts. Youth advocate Ella Cruz, speaking for NAMI California, described her own mental health struggles and argued that youth voice, peer-to-peer support, and reducing stigma are essential; she also said technology and AI cannot replace trusted adults or trained professionals. Committee members asked about phone use, stigma, cultural barriers, and how to make supports more accessible and relatable to students. Dr. Sohill Sood of the California Health and Human Services Agency said statewide survey data show declining stigma, increased counseling use, and lower suicide ideation among students, and he highlighted CYBHI’s certified wellness coaches, digital tools, awareness campaigns, and the first-in-the-nation fee schedule that allows schools and colleges to bill health plans for behavioral health services. He said the program is growing quickly, with more than 230,000 claims and over $11 million in new revenue to date, while acknowledging that billing systems and coordination are still being built. Trina Frazier of Fresno County described a multi-tiered system of care supported by CYBHI, CalAIM, and other grants, serving thousands of students through school-based services, wellness centers, and mobile therapy units; she said ongoing funding and flexibility are critical. Rachel Kroberniski of El Segundo High School’s James Morehouse Project described a long-running wellness center and peer mentorship model that supports students in multiple languages, and said peer programs help students feel seen, connected, and more willing to seek help. Members broadly praised the flexibility, collaboration, and peer-based approaches described by the witnesses. Questions focused on sustaining funding after one-time grants expire, improving coordination among schools, counties, and providers, expanding the fee schedule to higher education, and ensuring continuity of care for students after high school. Officials said county offices of education, DHCS, and other partners are using communities of practice and technical assistance to spread best practices, and that CYBHI services can follow some young adults through age 25, with additional supports through community-based programs and digital platforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• We raised dental rates.
• We raised dental rates. We this. We raised dental rates.
• rates.
• rates.
• rates.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, the coinsurance rate was reduced down to 60% for budgetary reasons.
• They're more at the market rate of reimbursement, is that correct? Chair, yes.
• They're more at the market rate of reimbursement, is that correct? Chair, yes.
• I don't recall why they set it at 50 and 250. Thank you, that would be great.
• <00:24:03.919> up different attachment points and set up different attachment points and set

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These plans are outside the normal rate-making process.
• Sixth, in setting rates, the Commission would balance the financial benefits and risks to the utility
• Seventh, to get at the non-energy drivers of utility rates, because there are reasons why utility rates
• So when you hear where our rates are, that's not what your bill is, right?
• So when you hear where our rates are, that's not what your bill is, right?

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated glitch bill to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to special-interest litigation, while preserving consumer protections. A representative from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 364 on public accountancy, which was described as a modernization and efficiency measure to expand CPA licensure pathways without lowering standards. An amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection. Jason Harrell of FICPA waived in support, while one speaker appeared to discuss a utility issue unrelated to the bill. CS for SB 364 was reported favorably. Chair Bradley’s SB 200 on utilities addressed utility-scale solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. The bill would authorize counties to adopt solar decommissioning ordinances, direct DEP to develop best practices, and require the PSC to consider whether storm protection plan benefits exceed costs. County and AARP representatives waived in support, and the Small County Coalition spoke favorably, saying the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development. SB 200 was considered favorably. The committee also heard SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, a strike-all bill focused on PSC reform and utility affordability. The amendment would add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order support, tighten intervention standards, set return-on-equity and review criteria, require consideration of executive compensation and affordability, and direct the PSC to weigh risk from storm and cost-recovery mechanisms. PSC staff answered extensive questions about utility hardening, storm recovery, and rate-setting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and affordability, while others urged stronger enforceable affordability standards and restoration of the return-on-equity cap. Despite concerns, the bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 126.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the existing rates. There is no increase in rates for New Hampshire E-ZPass holders.
• for rates.
• There is no increase in rates for rates.
• the tolls at this rate.
• this bill to set the tolls at this rate. this bill to set the tolls at this rate.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would set the rate at 8.3%, which is currently the all other property class, and statute is currently
• So it would separate residential property out from that class and set that rate at 8.3%. Sorry, Mr.
• <00:01:59.040> rate class in statute. it would set the rate class in statute. it would set
• the uh other tax rates went down. the uh other tax rates went down.
• going to raise their rates anymore. going to raise their rates anymore.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I sent a letter last week requesting to set up a Utah.
• The statute specifies a set six-month review period.
• The statute specifies a set six-month review period.
• Customers must demonstrate one of the following: have an investment grade rating from a public ratings
• It is set to expire in 2027.

Keywords: 985, all