Video & Transcript : 'covered entity' :

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HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CPC/CPN Joint Info Briefing - Thu Apr 3, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:18:01.840><c> uh</c> advantage of being a state entity uh advantage of being a state entity uh
  • </c><01:01:00.359><c> more</c> of the hhf to cover more of the hhf to cover more associations<01:01:02.799
  • It's been mentioned a little bit earlier that HHF and HPIA are different types of entities.
  • You're just covering the other perils, that's right.
  • </c><01:38:12.520><c> and</c> that you guys are covering and that you guys are covering and and<01:38
Keywords: 910, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Aug 6th, 2025

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • There is one opportunity for a waiver for a youth camp, which is covered on the next slide.
  • and recover the charge enough to cover the cost. associated with running the program.
  • The next slide covers a little bit on staffing and resources.
  • We cover everything from emergency...
  • brands, and then ...and with the governmental entities.
Keywords: 997, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Taxes - 03/25/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • And this is a against an entity. And this is a consumeronly<00:15:01.600><c> tax.
  • </c> their legal fees and the entity won't. their legal fees and the entity won't.
  • Now, we have all these flowthrough entities that were discussed in previous testimony.
  • Now, we have all these flowthrough entities that were discussed in previous testimony.
  • Now, we have all these flowthrough entities that were discussed in previous testimony.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 18th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • was House Bill 385 that caused so many problems a few years ago for some of our local government entities
  • So the system that works right now, the legislature has approved these governmental entities to approve
  • But in order to cover growth, it costs money, right? So, let me ask.
  • But in order to cover growth, it costs money, right? So, let me ask. All right.
  • I like the idea of a partnership between the governmental and nongovernmental entities.
Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee heard several bills related to fire districts, impact fees, and housing. House Bill 765 would allow partial annexation and merger of fire districts/departments to better align boundaries and improve efficiency; fire chiefs and city representatives supported it as a fix to problems created by prior law, and the committee sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 766 would streamline the process for fire and EMS districts to adopt development impact fees by reducing the number of required hearings and agreements; supporters said it would save time and attorney costs while preserving public input, and it also passed the committee with a due pass recommendation despite some concern about public visibility. House Bill 797, a cleanup bill to ensure fire district sub-districts retain representation, also passed unanimously to the floor. House Bill 767, which would allow fire districts to use up to 50% of development impact fees for replacement fire apparatus, drew the most debate. Fire chiefs argued it was needed because apparatus costs have risen sharply and growth is wearing equipment out faster, while the Idaho Home Builders Association opposed it as a departure from the intended use of impact fees and a potential step toward broader fee expansion. Several senators said the bill was a response to funding pressures created by House Bill 389, but a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee prevailed, so HB 767 did not advance. The committee also considered House Bill 760, a workforce housing bill that would expand an existing property tax exemption for affordable housing projects, allow nonprofit/for-profit partnerships, and let local governments opt in. Supporters said it would help finance workforce housing without state general fund money and preserve local control; senators noted it could still add pressure on local services, but the bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Natural Resources Feb 10th, 2026

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • But we do have most of the areas in the state covered, the counties covered, but that's the best way
  • That only covers about half the county.
  • Winter Garden covers Dimmitt, LaSalle, and Zavala.
  • Yeah, I mean an area covering the whole geography. Yes, it's the entire aquifer in Texas.
  • But that regulation is what regulated entities need to develop long-term projects.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025

Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But our entities are still having to borrow.
  • municipality and each entity.
  • Those are available to any entity in the state of New Mexico.
  • I think we're still in this kind of limbo with one of the bigger entities.
  • We decided community solar is sort of already covered.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, I mean, essentially we're trying to cover a hole, right?
  • They're covering all... us. Great.
  • They're covering all... Bringing diverse professional certifications and auditing expertise.
  • So anyway, that's why I went—I covered your items trying to cover for you.
  • We are now proposing to increase it to $1.25 to cover the approved budgets to date.
Summary: The committee first heard Issue 1 on trailer bill language to redirect funding for emergency demand-response programs. The Department of Finance proposed using about $26.9 million in General Fund originally set aside for the Distributed Energy Backup Assets program to bolster the Demand-Side Grid Support Program for summer 2026, and using about $70 million in CalCHAP interest to support ratepayer-funded demand response in summers 2027 and 2028. The CEC and CPUC said they are working on a transition from DSGS to ELRP or a successor program, while the LAO noted the General Fund money would otherwise revert to savings. Members pressed the administration on whether demand response remains important, whether DSGS has been successful, and whether the state should keep funding it through the CEC rather than shifting to a ratepayer-funded CPUC program. The CEC and CPUC said the programs are not directly comparable, emphasized different cost structures and enrollment metrics, and said a CPUC rulemaking is underway with a proposed decision expected in Q3 2026. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up Issue 2, a budget proposal tied to SB 254 and the new transmission accelerator. GoBiz and the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank described a five-year, roughly $26 million request to staff and administer the accelerator and manage Proposition 4 and AB 1207 funds for transmission financing. Members asked about state liability, ownership of financed lines, FERC revenue requirements, and whether the program would help underserved regions and offshore wind development. Staff explained that the accelerator would only consider projects already identified through CAISO’s competitive transmission planning process, and that state financing would be a small portion of large projects intended to lower overall costs to ratepayers. The LAO said it had no specific concerns but urged the Legislature to ensure the final language matches its intent. The committee also heard Issue 3 on petroleum market oversight. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested additional positions and funding to implement ABX2-1 and continue work on supply stabilization, refinery monitoring, and transportation fuels analysis. Members questioned why the work was funded through the Energy Resources Programs Account, whether existing staff from the paused price-gouging work could be reassigned, and whether the program had produced evidence of price gouging or improved supply conditions. CEC and Finance said the new positions are needed because the workload has expanded, while some existing staff remain on related analysis and reporting duties. The discussion ended without a vote in the transcript.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/19/2025)

Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> progressive destruction of this entity progressive destruction of this entity intended<00:14:32.519
  • </c><01:18:48.280><c> does</c> sections provided that the entity does sections provided that the entity
  • </c><01:46:07.080><c> that</c> license exemption to any entity that license exemption to any entity that
  • </c><02:09:27.280><c> some</c> when I was an analyst uh covering some when I was an analyst uh covering
  • I work as part of Amgen State Government Affairs, covering New England.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda May 26th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • On the backs of flatbed Ford trucks, which is so ironic that that's the entity that has donated to us
  • We’re planning to cover cable.
  • We’re planning to cover KBOI’s production of the Fourth of July parade.
  • We're planning to cover KBOI's production of the 4th of July parade.
  • This is a rough cut of the Fruitland event that we covered a few months ago.
Summary: The America 250 in Idaho Advisory Council met to review planning for Idaho’s 250th anniversary celebrations and related statewide programming. Members approved the May 11, 2026 minutes and received a financial update showing about $54,967.53 currently available to spend before fiscal year-end, with additional interest and donation revenue expected after July 1. Staff also reported that most grant funds have been dispersed, with about $17,500 remaining to be paid once grant agreements are finalized. Treasurer Ellsworth gave a broad update on America 250 activities across Idaho, including more than 1,900 volunteer ambassadors, co-branding by cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, and numerous local events and displays. He highlighted the Liberty Bell tour planning, the Liberty Grove tree-planting effort, the 250,000 acts of service milestone, and the distribution of “to-go” celebration packets and volunteer support for Fourth of July events. Jesse Barcroft outlined the July 4 Capitol celebration, describing a pancake breakfast, parade, flyover, booths, concerts, Capitol tours, food trucks, and a lineup of performers led by Josh Ritter, with outreach to groups such as the DAR and SAR. Other updates focused on statewide and national America 250 programming. Hannah Hine reported on federal initiatives including the “Our American Story” oral history program, America’s Block Party, the American Field Trip contest, the Freedom Truck mobile museum visit to Idaho, the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., and the American Heroes art contest. Stephen Hatcher described Arts Idaho’s Cowgirl Congress in the Wood River Valley and the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo partnership, emphasizing traditional arts, ranch culture, and archival documentation. Idaho Public Television also reported on educational materials, live coverage plans for the July 4 parade and concert, and an upcoming hour-long special highlighting how Idaho communities are celebrating America 250. The committee ended by setting its next meeting for June 10 and then adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • What does to entities with broader revenue-generating capabilities.
  • I have sort of two topics I'd like to cover.
  • Who ultimately decides which of these entities actually pays for soil testing?
  • Other media have covered legacy outages that were ignored by Cal OES.
  • I think everybody would agree that it's a critical issue that we need to cover.
Summary: The subcommittee met to hear budget-related updates from the Judicial Branch and the Office of Emergency Services, with no votes taken. The Judicial Council supported the Governor’s proposed budget, highlighting $70 million for increased trial court operating costs, additional funding for court-appointed counsel, Court of Appeal case processing, and courthouse construction and facilities. Trial court representatives emphasized staffing retention problems, especially in counties like San Bernardino, and said stable funding is needed to avoid delays and maintain access to justice. Members also discussed the branch’s remote proceedings program, which has been used in more than 6 million hearings statewide since 2022 and was described as especially important in rural areas and for vulnerable litigants; several members urged making the authority permanent rather than extending it temporarily. A major portion of the hearing focused on Proposition 36 implementation. Finance said the Governor’s budget maintains the $130 million provided in the 2025 Budget Act for court workload and pretrial services, but adds no new Prop. 36 court funding. Judicial Council staff reported nearly 35,000 felony Prop. 36 filings in 2025, with most cases still pending and only a small share of treatment-mandated cases already dismissed after treatment. Witnesses said courts are using the funds for staffing, coordinators, clerks, and treatment-court operations, but that workload varies widely by county and that data collection is limited because courts report aggregate information rather than case-level outcomes. The LAO raised a technical concern about the Department of Finance’s Prop. 47 savings estimate and recommended revising the methodology at May Revision. The committee also reviewed the Orange Central Justice Center facility modification project, where the Judicial Council explained that hidden construction deficiencies and fire-life-safety issues caused costs to rise substantially after demolition began. The LAO said the project itself was supportable but recommended that the Legislature set an ongoing funding level for court facilities, require a long-term facilities plan, and consider more oversight of facility modification projects. Finance said it continues to fund courthouse projects individually and through the State Public Works Board, while acknowledging project delays and cost increases. Finally, Cal OES and advocates discussed victim services funding. Cal OES said it administers about $315 million annually for victim service programs, including VOCA-funded services, but federal VOCA allocations have fluctuated sharply and the state has used one-time General Fund backfills to maintain services. Trauma recovery center advocates warned that an 85% reduction in funding would sharply reduce services for survivors of violent crime, while human trafficking advocates urged reauthorization of the Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Program before funding reverts to pre-pandemic levels in July 2026. Members asked about federal and state funding stability, referral pathways, and the long-term value of these programs in preventing worse outcomes and reducing public costs.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on State and Local Government - 03/03/26

State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:03:44.080><c> from</c><00:03:44.959><c> uh</c> government and other entities from uh government
  • and other entities from uh cyber<00:03:45.519><c> security</c><00:03:46.000><c> attacks.
  • Chair, I think it's really important for members to note that this bill covers a lot of things.
  • </c> that this bill covers a lot of things. that this bill covers a lot of things.
  • </c> County by 9% each year in order to cover County by 9% each year in order to cover those<00:54:21.920
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Insurance Apr 8th, 2026

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's just my health insurance covering my damages.
  • Some passengers are covered.
  • They're not covered at all.
  • That covers medical bills.
  • That covers, I believe, don't quote me on this, but I believe it covers some type of loss pay, lost compensation
Summary: The committee first took up HB 774, which would extend required hearing-aid coverage for certain individuals up to age 26. Representative Boyer said the bill helps young adults maintain access to hearing aids during school and early work years. The Louisiana Academy of Audiology supported the measure, and the committee adopted technical amendments and reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then heard extensive testimony on HB 702, which would require transportation network companies to provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Representative Landry and supporters argued that current law and court rulings have left injured drivers and passengers without meaningful coverage in some cases, especially for riders who do not own cars and therefore lack personal UM coverage. Insurance agents and legal witnesses said they cannot currently find a product to cover the driver in certain ride-share phases, while Uber representatives opposed the bill, warning it would raise fares and noting that drivers already have optional occupational accident coverage and that passengers’ own UM coverage would generally apply. After debate over costs, coverage gaps, and whether the issue should instead be studied further, the committee voted to voluntarily defer the bill. The committee next considered HB 477, as substituted, which would require coverage for prosthetic and custom orthotic devices and associated services. Representative Ebert and witnesses described the bill as a modernization of existing coverage rules so people with limb loss can obtain more than one medically necessary device, including activity-specific prosthetics. Testimony from amputees and a physical therapist emphasized the impact on mobility, work, sports, and quality of life. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably by substitute. The committee also reported HB 76, which updates oral anti-cancer medication parity rules, by adopting amendments that clarify applicability and exempt certain limited-benefit and ERISA self-funded plans. HB 903, which increases the commissioner of insurance’s fine authority, was amended to set higher aggregate caps and then reported favorably. Finally, HB 291, which would prohibit health plans from penalizing hospitals when a member of the care team is out of network, drew support from the sponsor and the Louisiana Hospital Association as a preventative measure against insurer pressure tactics; Louisiana Blue opposed it, citing cost concerns and questioning the need for the bill. The transcript ends during that bill’s hearing, before final action is shown.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - Senate Public Safety

Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • 2134 establishes the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act that prohibits a governmental entity
  • the geographic coordinates of the areas served by the prohibited equipment, and each governmental entity
  • If it's not going to do more harm to your entity to remove it, then remove it and replace it.
  • The Corporation Commission's For the most part, it's going to be self-certification by the entity.
  • that but but with that I always reward good behavior to cover that but but with that I always reward
Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met to hear several presentations and bills. First, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry presented on its K-9 program, describing staffing, specialized detection and trailing teams, and the need to replace retired dogs and modernize an aging, high-mileage vehicle fleet used to transport canines. The committee also heard a presentation from Biometrica on a privacy-focused facial recognition and sensor system designed to identify missing persons and known offenders using law-enforcement-only data; the presenters emphasized that the system does not store video or audio and is intended to balance public safety with privacy. The committee then considered HB 2134, which would prohibit Arizona governmental entities and critical infrastructure providers from contracting for critical infrastructure equipment or software from Chinese companies or the PRC. Supporters, including the sponsor and a national security witness, argued the bill would protect communications and other critical systems from foreign adversary access; concerns were raised about costs and implementation, but the bill was amended to be prospective and to rely on self-certification and risk-based audits. The committee passed HB 2134 with a due pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote. HB 2404, which would shift most inter-facility transport of behavioral health patients from peace officers to authorized transporters, drew support from law enforcement and police association witnesses who said officers are not the right personnel for these transports; it passed unanimously, 7-0. HB 2402, dealing with ambulance certificate-of-necessity rules for small or underserved areas, was presented as a compromise measure after work with ambulance stakeholders and firefighters. The bill and a 15-page amendment would require the Department of Health Services to issue certificates in certain small-population areas, streamline applications, add reporting requirements, and address GPS coverage issues; it passed as amended, 7-0. HB 2673, which originally proposed mental health screening and treatment requirements for jail and prison inmates, was narrowed by amendment to create only a study committee on inmate mental health services; family members testified about tragic failures in the system, and the bill passed as amended, 6-0 with one not voting. HB 2253, protecting public employees from retaliation or obstruction when testifying in law enforcement disciplinary appeals, passed 5-0 with two not voting. HB 2270, expanding county protections over seals, logos, and sheriff’s posse naming rights, passed 6-0 with one not voting. Finally, HB 2941, which would treat certain unsafe motorcycle lane-splitting or passing behavior as reckless driving while preserving legal lane filtering, drew both support and concern about overbreadth; after testimony from the sponsor and members of the public, it passed 5-1 with one not voting, and the committee adjourned.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Crime and Public Safety Feb 24th, 2026

Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are a public entity. We're a state entity. We can't just transfer budget numbers willy-nilly.
  • We're separate from them as a government entity.
  • We want all of our, we're a public entity, all of our numbers are public numbers.
  • We need to be more efficient as an entity.
  • We need to be more efficient as an entity.
Keywords: 959, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Jun 2nd, 2025

New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Committee, it can take a while to understand the depth and breadth that it covers.
  • Um, the New Mexico Finance Authority, as was mentioned earlier, is a quasi-governmental entity.
  • We are not a state budgeted entity.
  • of this disadvantaged entity funding.
  • everything we have to cover as well.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • And so some, apparently an outside entity, a contracted entity, And so apparently an outside entity,
  • a contracted entity, you know, a company, somebody would come in and provide that specialized instruction
  • It's like asking a struggling household to cover their neighbors' utilities while their lights are off
  • A business owner would never be forced to house another entity funded with its own business profits.
  • And co-location provides that, that school now, because transportation isn't covered, ...that school
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and took up several education bills. SB 1150, which would remove an unrelated exam barrier for school social workers to help districts retain them, was briefly explained and reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1514 on anaphylaxis in public schools, which would require emergency action plans and training for school personnel; amendments narrowed and clarified the bill, including applicability to K-8 schools and FDA-approved epinephrine devices. Orange County Public Schools waived in support, and CS/CS/SB 1514 was reported favorably. The committee spent the most time on SB 1708, which expands Schools of Hope and creates a co-location framework allowing high-performing charter operators to share space in underused public school facilities, with the sponsor explaining that agreements would address safety, supervision, grade levels, emergency protocols, and liability. Members raised concerns about who would be served, lottery access, accountability, and whether the bill would worsen inequities or strain public schools; many public speakers opposed the bill on similar grounds, arguing it would divert resources from already underfunded schools. The sponsor clarified that Schools of Hope recruitment is exempt from lottery, that the bill would not use classrooms already in use, and that districts would receive $600 per student plus associated funding for vacant space. Despite mixed debate, CS for SB 1708 was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 822, which updates charter school governance by limiting sponsor-imposed deadlines, preventing enrollment caps below facility capacity, improving data sharing, and allowing high-performing charter schools to assume existing charters. A charter school advocate supported the bill as a fairness and efficiency measure, while senators pressed him on claims of district “harassment” and the basis for the bill’s deadline changes. After brief debate, CS/SB 822 was reported favorably. The meeting ended with members recording votes on prior tabs and adjournment.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/05/26

Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:
  • the universe that is attempting to be covered.
  • </c> that that is attempting to be covered. that that is attempting to be covered.
  • If there is heavily damaged or soiled floor coverings, it's not financeable.
  • </c> floor coverings, it's not financeable. floor coverings, it's not financeable.
  • entity structure is complicated<00:51:10.360><c> in</c><00:51:10.600><c> Minnesota.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 28th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • in certain Chinese-affiliated entities.
  • You know, for them to read from cover to cover, like I said, tens of thousands of pages or hundreds of
  • I don't know how many books librarians read from cover to cover before they decide to put them on the
  • Yes, cover to cover. I have. 100%. And all the bills that we have for the legislature.
  • You should know every single bill that we lay out cover to cover.
Bills: SB15, SB646, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1610, SB1362, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB2972, SB973, SB865, SB506, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB974, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB857, SB2501, SB66, SB268, SB331, SB1302, SB519, SB2807, SB13, SB7, SB1718, SB1567, SB1233, SB413, SB2177, SB30, SB2024, SJR1, SCR27, SB2018, SB1580, SB2121, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1596, SB2753, SB2221, SB1719, SCR9, SB204, SB437, SB568, SB612, SB672, SB710, SB823, SB876, SB904, SB905, SB968, SB1084, SB1207, SB1230, SB1313, SB1504, SB1790, SB2232, SB2366, SB2367, SB2398, SB2515, SB2520, SB2589, SB2786, SB2790, SB3048, SB3050, SB3052, SB3053, SB3056, SB3029, SCR3, SCR18, SCR30, HCR146, HCR148, HCR149, HCR153, HCR155, HCR157, HB5560, HB762, HB1584, HB 107, HB 114, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323, HB4341, HB6, HB2712, HB171, HB3153, HB143, HB2688, HB3464, HB449, HB3486, HB4263, HB2, HB1522, HB24, HB 1237, HB2637, HB3126, HB3233, HB4310, HB3487, HCR9, HB5331, HB1397, HB163, HB3250, HB3071, HB3463, HB5033, HB35, HB3824, HB216, HB4226, HB3512, HB18, HB5154, HB 103, HB851, HB647, HB4520, HB3016, HB2313, HB2818, HB2851, HB4486, HB4264, HB1500, HB5081, HB2974, HB2080, HB4384, HB5659, HB493, HB4903, HB2516, HB4488, HB4530, HB3689, HB145, HB43, HB5247, HB2221, HB5671, HB700, HB3711, HB 120, SB17, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB21, SB2778, SB379
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:09:46.680><c> the</c> would not only be able to cover the would not only be able to cover the
  • </c> covered here would at least be covered covered here would at least be covered in<00:20:03.760><c
  • </c> some of this we might have covered some of this we might have covered before,<00:30:06.840><c> but
  • </c> say a fourth type of entity say a fourth type of entity assisting<01:19:33.720><c> with</c><01:19
  • But we don't have all 120 counties covered.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee first approved the August 12 minutes and then handled a large agenda of 355 contracts totaling about $278.7 million. It agreed to defer three Office of Energy Policy items to the October 2025 meeting and reviewed a deferred Kentucky Educational Television contract without objection. The main substantive discussion centered on two University of Louisville legal services PSC amendments and a Seven Counties Services MOA item. For the University of Louisville items, members questioned a large increase in hourly rates and the scope of the legal services, especially complex litigation work and a Colorado estate matter. University officials said the contracts followed an RFP, involved specialized litigation, included local counsel where required, and were expected to be offset by savings in other PSCs and by a potential financial recovery in the Colorado matter. The committee also discussed whether the $125 hourly rate was a statutory requirement or committee policy; the chair later said staff would verify whether it was an executive-branch regulation or statutory rate. Both University of Louisville items were ultimately approved, though Senator Meredith voted no on one and Senator Douglas explained his support while urging future adjustments and more information sharing. The Seven Counties Services contract drew questions about how the $18.7 million would be used and whether federal changes could affect future funding. Cabinet officials described 988 crisis response, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, prevention, recovery, and harm-reduction services, and said they were monitoring federal developments daily. Representative Petrie and Senator Thomas pressed the cabinet on the long-running Seven Counties bankruptcy and the need to push for resolution; officials said the matter was pending on a motion for reconsideration and that they would try to help move it along. The contract was approved. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the remaining agenda items as reviewed without objection, but Senator Meredith voted no on the blanket approval motion because of numerous retroactive contract requests and what she said were insufficient explanations such as administrative error or staff being on conference. She said retroactive approvals should be rare and supported stronger internal controls.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 15th, 2025

Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:
  • It was $2.1 million to cover, and if we were to cover 100 percent, it'd be $3.4 million. Okay.
  • And it would fit on number two, whereas by a provider agent of a provider entity... ...where this is
  • I'm not sure, you know, because right now you've got people who are currently covering or doing some
  • And we have some new entities, I believe, that are also popping up that provide...
  • And we have some new entities, I believe, that are also popping up that provide training.
Summary: The Committee on Education K-16 heard testimony on SB 1635, which would give certain coastal, recapture-paying school districts a credit against recapture payments for mandatory windstorm and hail insurance costs. Senator Hinojosa said the bill is intended to offset unusually high insurance expenses for districts in Tier 1 or Tier 2 coastal zones, and he estimated about a $12 million impact to state revenue. Witnesses from Port Aransas ISD and Gregory-Portland ISD described sharp premium increases, reduced coverage, higher deductibles, and the effect on teacher pay and classroom spending. Senators asked about the number of affected districts, the accuracy of the fiscal estimate, and whether the bill might encourage districts to maintain coverage. Public testimony was closed and SB 1635 was left pending. The committee then took up several other bills and committee substitutes, adopting and reporting favorably SB 2786, SB 2623, SB 646, SB 843, SB 2392, SB 1998, SB 1418, SB 2788, and SB 2076, with most votes unanimous or near-unanimous. SB 2392 was amended to add improper relationship between educator and student to mandatory reporting offenses and to authorize an attorney general civil penalty for failure to report. SB 2623 was revised to clarify duties and exemptions related to the Safe Schools and Neighborhood Task Force and school proximity restrictions. SB 843 would create a TEA database of school district bonds and related projects, and SB 2788 would exempt certain PSAT scorers from the Texas Success Initiative assessment. The committee also heard SB 2929, which would allow referees and other officials at school athletic events to immediately eject disruptive spectators. The Texas Association of Sports Officials testified in support, citing abusive spectator behavior and a shortage of officials. SB 2929 was left pending. Finally, the committee heard a substitute for SB 2927 on 1882 partnerships and a substitute for SB 2619, which would require more transparency and accountability for failing school districts, superintendent hiring, trustee training, and takeover timelines. Testimony on SB 2619 was mixed, with one witness from Texas 2036 supporting parts of the bill’s accountability provisions. The committee adopted the substitute for SB 2619, left it pending, and then recessed subject to the call of the chair.