Transcript Highlights:

• So what are the driving forces here?
• So what are the driving forces here?
• So what are the driving forces here?
• So what are the driving forces here?
• So what are the driving forces here?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission met to review and amend the minutes from its previous meeting, correcting the date, several spelling and wording errors, and clarifying references to a scholarship fund and a member’s title. The minutes were then approved as amended, with some members abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting. The chair then turned to the commission’s work plan under SB 57, emphasizing the need to prioritize the statutory topics and identify which issues require additional research, documentation, and possible spreadsheets. Members discussed a broad range of special education cost drivers and policy questions, including student referral rates, why students are classified as other health impaired, whether referrals increased after COVID school closures, intervention processes before referral, the cost of services required under IEPs and 504 plans, differences between federal law, state law, and DOE rules, reporting of special education costs, out-of-district and residential placements, district sharing of resources, dispute resolution, graduation rates, and adult learning outcomes. Several members raised concerns that school environments, mental health, bullying, and possible overidentification may be contributing to rising special education numbers and costs, while others cautioned that some reported district percentages may be inflated or unclear because of how the data are counted. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 742, which would eliminate prorated special education aid when state appropriations are insufficient and require the governor to draw a warrant to cover shortfalls. Representative Ames explained that the bill had been recommended for interim study because the commission is already examining special education costing, and he highlighted the gap between FY24 special education costs of about $977.1 million and state aid of $33.9 million for catastrophic aid, $67.4 million for differentiated aid, and $50.8 million in federal IDEA funds, leaving local districts to cover about $825.1 million. He argued the commission should ultimately make clear that both the federal government and the state should contribute more. The Department of Education, through Melissa White, answered questions about data and oversight. She said special education counts come from IEPs entered into the state system using SASIDs, that DOE monitors districts through both desk audits and on-site visits, and that billing is checked against the services listed in each student’s IEP. She also said DOE’s special education work is largely federally funded, with roughly $56.7 million received through IDEA this year and about $49.1 million flowing through to LEAs, while the department retains a small amount for administration and statewide support activities. Members also discussed how adequacy calculations use special education counts from the state system and how those figures are reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:18.960> up health care providers and drive up health care providers and drive up insurance
• the<00:59:41.440> cost of of insurance which drives up the cost of of insurance which drives
• Um, this is going to drive that up.
• Um, the concern drives the cost down.
• Um this is going to drive 8.86% rate. Um this is going to drive that<01:49:12.400> up.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I find when I drive around the state, and I did mention this in our transportation committee, when
• And I find when I drive around the state, and I did mention this in our transportation committee, when
• Again, I really—I know many of you know I drive all the way from the Eastern Panhandle.
• Again, I really—I know many of you know I drive all the way from the Eastern Panhandle.
• Engrossed House Bill 5406, relating to driving under the influence, third reading of the bill.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 11, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest and page introductions, including school groups, prayer caucus visitors, and advocates for Home Family Education Day and Women in Blue Day. The chamber then took up committee reports and a large number of House bills, most of them on third reading, along with several resolutions and referrals. Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day, was adopted after remarks emphasizing the value of athletic trainers in preventing injuries and tragedies in school sports. Several other resolutions and concurrent resolutions were referred to the Committee on Rules or laid over under the rules. The Senate passed a wide range of bills addressing economic development, public safety, health, licensing, and state administration. Measures approved included bills on the West Virginia Collaboratory at Marshall University, the Business Ready Sites program, volunteer fire company spending authority, the Load Forecast Accountability Act, funeral service licensure, work zone fines, biennial business reporting, correctional officer retirement law, the Right to Try Act, quick claim deed tax exemptions, an ibogaine drug-development grant program, aggravated vehicular homicide sentencing, 529 savings plan definitions, opportunity zones, barber apprenticeship, municipal and county hotel occupancy fund uses, criminal-record licensing standards, intimate image disclosure remedies, executor training materials, contempt penalties, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS information, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, capitation rate review expansions, convention and visitors bureau board membership, peer support services, cosmetology licensure compacts, natural resource police retirement, DNR fee indexing, ALS care services, the Neighborhood Investment Program, oil and gas well plugging and carbon capture-related provisions, DUI technical changes, abuse intervention program terminology, and a youth summer employment and career readiness program. Most bills passed overwhelmingly, with a few closer votes, including the Load Forecast Accountability Act and the DNR fee-indexing bill. Several bills were amended on the floor, including title amendments and strike-and-insert changes. The Senate also debated the work zone penalty bill, with supporters citing worker safety and fatalities and opponents arguing the bill increased fines too much without requiring removal of outdated work-zone signs. On the energy-related load forecast bill, senators discussed the inclusion of provisions from Senate Bill 420 and concerns about coal plant utilization and utility impacts. After debate, the Senate adopted amendments and passed the bill. In most cases, after passage the Senate ordered the bills communicated to the House, and for a few measures it also adopted title amendments or made bills effective from passage or on a specified date.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's what I'm most worried about, where we have driving costs and driving, you know, increasing
• And so that's what I'm most worried about, where we have driving costs and driving, you know, increasing
• And so that's what I'm most worried about, where we have driving costs and driving, you know, increasing
• And so that's what I'm most worried about, where we have driving costs and driving, you know, increasing
• We would want to address those things because that's what we know drives up costs and drives frustration

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I have zero problem hiring lawyers for that office, even though it's a 30-minute drive.
• But now, in order to properly staff Sequoia County, I drive lawyers down there every single day.
• So I've got him driving in 30 minutes to Wagner, getting in a car, and driving an hour to Sallisaw in
• take turns driving down to Sallisaw to demand that office.
• Flying lawyer from Oklahoma City that's driving back and forth every day.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We drive ships. We're really good at it.
• Driving a 1,200-foot cruise ship. They'll be driving a tanker, a 900-foot tanker.
• They drive very large container ships.
• They've been driving ships for 20 years, and it goes back to this 21 miles.
• I know that driving down here to Austin over the last couple of months, I'll drive through work zones

Bills: HB2007, HB2863, HB2921, HB3331, HB3332, HJR144, HB3514, HB3528, HB3720, HB3751, HB3859, HB3947, HB4148, HB4346, HB4880, HB5603, HB4337

Keywords: commercial signs, county approval, transportation code, regulations, road signage, vehicle title, revocation, hearing process, Transportation Code, county assessor-collector, confidentiality, personal information, local government, airport data, public records, vehicle regulation, transportation, steel industry, state fees, safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• On Wednesday, February 5th, I was driving home on K Highway.
• I don't go around driving around and looking for this kind of stuff.
• <00:32:58.840> home<00:32:59.840> on<00:33:00.159> K driving home on K driving home
• through between kamakani and PM driving through between kamakani and makawi<00:33:19.600> I<00
• spraying I don't go around driving spraying I don't go around driving around<00:33:42.360> and

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint AEN-PSM hearing on February 7, 2025 focused primarily on three agriculture-related measures and one animal welfare bill, with additional discussion of pesticide drift monitoring, coffee labeling, and a gas-pump labeling bill. SB 762 would create an Agricultural Crimes Council and authorize agricultural crime investigators; testimony from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Law Enforcement, the Attorney General’s office, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and several members of the public was generally supportive, with repeated calls for stronger enforcement, community involvement, and in some cases allowing investigators to be armed. Some testifiers also urged changes to the appointment process for council members, preferring neighborhood boards or local officials over gubernatorial appointments. The committee discussed combining related agricultural crime bills and noted concerns about investigator safety in remote areas. SB 763 would establish an agriculture enforcement program within the Department of Law Enforcement and a special fund. Testimony was strongly supportive from state agencies and farm groups, with speakers emphasizing the need for more effective response to agricultural theft, poaching, and related crimes. Several public testifiers linked the bill to broader community safety and asked for clearer funding, training, coordination, performance metrics, and technology use. The committee also heard SB 1022, which would prohibit leaving pets in dangerous conditions in vehicles and allow officers, firefighters, animal control, and in some cases private citizens to rescue animals; the Attorney General said existing cruelty statutes may already cover the conduct and suggested amendments, while HPD opposed the bill. Members asked about liability for rescuers and whether the proposal might affect property-crime enforcement. The committee also heard SB 1304 on pesticide drift monitoring funding, with the Department of Agriculture supporting the measure and explaining it was needed to complete a required project under an EPA-related agreement. A Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action representative raised concerns about the methodology of prior studies, and a public testifier described a recent odor incident near a roadway and school. SB 1015, requiring labels on gas dispensing equipment warning about fossil fuel impacts, drew support from the Department of Agriculture and the Public Utilities Commission but opposition from the Hawaii Energy Marketers Association. SB 500 on coffee labeling and regional origin was also heard, with the Department of Agriculture in support. In decision-making, the committees adopted recommendations to pass SB 762 with amendments, SB 763 with amendments, SB 1022 with technical amendments, SB 1304 with technical amendments, and SB 1015 as is; SB 500 was not acted on in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Hager: "...this program costs more than we can afford to drive it.
• And their decision should be simpler in driving it and driving it for the right decisions.
• And the decision should be simpler in driving it and driving it for the right decisions.
• That's trying to drive it to the board, do their work, and they manage it.
• a different, it can drive a different outcome.

Summary: The Higher Ed Funding Committee met to review how North Dakota might identify and address low-producing academic programs and to discuss draft funding formulas for the university system. Lisa Johnson of the NDUS explained that the State Board of Higher Education is already developing a system-wide policy, using models from other states such as Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, and Connecticut. She described how low-producing programs are typically flagged by multi-year enrollment or completion thresholds, then reviewed for workforce demand, mission fit, cost, accreditation, and regional need before any action is taken. Committee members asked about what counts as a program, how costs are analyzed, whether certificates are included, how exemptions work for mission-critical or high-demand fields, and whether the board or legislature should set the rules. Johnson said the board is the appropriate body to lead the process, but legislators could use funding leverage if they wanted to encourage action; the chair asked the board to bring a detailed proposal to the June meeting. The committee then heard a Legislative Council presentation on a draft formula for UND and NDSU. The proposal uses fall census FTE enrollment, with a placeholder undergraduate rate of $7,000 per FTE and a graduate/professional rate of $10,500, plus incentives for completions in in-demand fields and research productivity. Alex from Legislative Council walked through the projected funding effects, noting that the model would increase funding for NDSU and reduce it for UND in the current biennium, with different results in the next biennium as enrollment changes are recognized. Members questioned the use of the placeholder rates, the definition of in-demand programs, the treatment of research funding, and the exclusion of state-appropriated dollars from the external grants calculation. The chair emphasized that the numbers were illustrative and that appropriators would set the actual dollar amounts later. A second draft formula for the other nine institutions was also reviewed. That model uses fall census FTE without a weighted economic factor, applies a higher undergraduate rate, and adds completion incentives for in-demand credentials and all other completions. Members noted that the formula would benefit some institutions, such as Bismarck State College, while reducing funding for others, such as Mayville State, and discussed whether the nine institutions should be treated more uniformly or split into smaller groups because of their different missions and sizes. Committee members and staff repeatedly stressed that the formulas are still being refined and that some institutions would likely need hold-harmless adjustments or other transition measures. The meeting ended with the chair directing the committee to continue the discussion later and to expect further work on both the low-producing program policy and the funding formulas.

Transcript Highlights:

• strength and sacrifice are the driving strength and sacrifice are the driving force<00:10:34.000
• of us who drive next to them.
• of us who drive next to them.
• of us who drive next to them.
• of us who drive next to them.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• down Route 1, driving down 95 to Rhode Island.
• We’re going to hear protections, right, and all data drives decisions.
• Well, he had to drive through North Attleboro to do it.
• You’re not driving, Ken? Yeah, yes. You have two minutes. Yeah, I’m stationary.
• Small businesses gain customers and visibility from those driving to the casino.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies. The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools. The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That it's the carbon market and the price that it puts on pollution that drives emissions reduction in
• In most parts of the country, electricity prices need to rise. in order to drive down decarbonization
• This rare combination of being able to drive bold climate action while advancing fiscal priorities makes
• And that's what we allocate to the funds that would drive climate emissions down.
• Now, I live a five-minute drive from a BART station, but down windy roads that are actually not safe

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It drives a lot and everything for the people.
• Yeah, you know, you're not supposed to drive down a... you're not supposed to drive down a certain side
• Driving down the wrong side of the street, you should be arrested.
• Driving down the wrong side of... Yeah, sure, we do. We can't drive down the wrong side.
• You can't drive down the wrong side of the street. We know that.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the drive over was slow. Every truck on 4 was going 45. I understand, and rightfully so.
• to work and drive to shop, work, play.
• <00:06:00.520> to that everybody basically has to drive to that everybody basically has to
• drive to work<00:06:01.160> yes<00:06:01.720> and<00:06:01.840> drive<00:06:02.120
• Yeah, I have a number of employees that do not drive, really.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's very unpopular with the driving public.
• It's very unpopular with the driving public.
• It's very unpopular with the driving public.
• gets uh vehicle users who are driving gets uh vehicle users who are driving through<00:31:10.320
• and bridges that we all drive on. and bridges that we all drive on.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our ability to use our natural resources in a sustainable manner to drive our economy forward.
• driving is really driving US are we're driving is really driving US energy<00:03:43.120> use<
• , which we deserve, and also really drive our communities and our competitive industries.
• Drive federal investment communities.
• <00:35:00.320> some so that the that can maybe drive some so that the that can maybe drive

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One woman had her husband was really sick and she was for more than a year, she was the only person driving
• He couldn't drive.
• If you like to get up and drive your car, if you'd like to put on some clothes, if you like to eat.
• I do have reservations that may drive them up.
• It might actually drive it up. Happy to answer any questions. Members, any questions? Yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• the City of Honolulu to take necessary steps to finalize, prioritize, and materialize the Makakilo Drive
• the City of Honolulu to take necessary steps to finalize, prioritize, and materialize the Makakilo Drive
• the City of Honolulu to take necessary steps to finalize, prioritize, and materialize the Makakilo Drive
• Just so you all know, at the bottom of Makakilo Drive is a gas station.
• We'd be trapped in Makakilo with no way in, no way out, except for Makakilo Drive coming out from Kapolei

Bills: SCR11, SR9

Keywords: Civil Rights Act, discrimination, employment, housing, public accommodations, LGBTQ+ rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, Equality Act, civil rights, federally funded programs, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, Transportation, and later Judiciary heard two sets of resolutions. The first, SCR 132 and SR 124, urged the City and County of Honolulu to take steps to finalize the Makakilo Drive Extension Project. Testimony from a Makakilo resident emphasized the lack of a second access route and raised safety concerns about being trapped in the area in an emergency. Both committees voted to pass the resolutions unamended. The second set, SCR 11 and SR 9, requested that the U.S. Congress amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service. Supporters from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, IMUA Alliance, and Pride at Work in Hawaii argued that stronger anti-discrimination protections are needed to reduce vulnerability to violence, housing insecurity, and exploitation, and to provide federal protections that mirror state law. One senator asked whether state protections already exist and was told the resolutions seek federal-level protections because federal law can supersede state law. Both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 11 and SR 9 unamended, with votes in favor and some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• It drives a partnership between local entities and the state so that libraries can be more attractive
• It drives a partnership between local entities and the state so that libraries can be more attractive
• It drives a partnership between local entities and the state so that libraries can be more attractive
• program<00:04:51.000> so<00:04:51.320> key<00:04:52.120> it<00:04:52.240> drives
• <00:04:52.560> a this program so key it drives a this program so key it drives a partnership

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is what's driving up the cost of all of this.
• I drive to the store. I sit at home most of the time.
• They were at lunch and they were driving home.
• I drive a lot because I carry my portable scales.
• We don't drive for a living. I don't drive for a living.

Bills: SB 30, SB 517, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 1698, SB 1845, SB 1860, SB 2420, SB 2429

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• They can drive the tractor, they can drive the truck, they can drive the crawfish boat, but they can't
• LSU Ag Center to look at the impacts in rural Louisiana, places where families may not be able to drive
• As rural Louisiana, places where families may not be able to drive 10 miles or just to have to reach
• don't have the availability or the market isn't, I guess, populated enough to where individuals can drive
• The market isn't, I guess, populated enough to where individuals can drive in.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development met on May 12, 2026, approved the April 28 minutes, and heard extensive testimony on House Concurrent Resolution 77, which urges federal action to address labor shortages affecting Louisiana’s crawfish industry and other seasonal employers. Representative Butler, Commissioner Strain, industry representatives, landscapers, nursery operators, and Farm Bureau supporters argued that H-2A/H-2B visa limits and processing delays are hurting crawfish processors, landscapers, nurseries, and related businesses, causing lost production, higher costs, and broader economic harm. Members emphasized that the workers discussed are legal guest workers, not illegal immigration, and several senators voiced support. HCR 77 was reported favorably, with a motion to co-author also noted. The committee then considered House Bill 81 on property rights and accountability for violations. Representative Boyer presented the bill, but Senator Long asked that it be voluntarily deferred so he could work on possible amendments and improve the measure before it advances. The author agreed, and the bill was deferred. The committee also heard and acted on several bills related to agricultural policy and food systems. House Bill 512, concerning cell-cultured meat, was presented as a measure to protect livestock producers and allow continued research while prohibiting the product; after questions about research and labeling, it was reported favorably. House Bill 717, a labeling companion measure for cell-cultured meat, was also reported favorably. House Bill 1194, which would direct the LSU AgCenter to study food deserts and develop a plan, drew concern from the AgCenter over capacity and funding; members agreed to report it without action so it could be recommitted to finance and worked on further. Finally, House Bill 663, revising the membership of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District board, was presented on behalf of the absent author and reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.