Transcript Highlights:

• money is allocated and spent, and I think that's the appropriate method for moving ahead.
• money is allocated and spent, and I think that's the appropriate method for moving ahead.
• money is allocated and spent, and I think that's the appropriate method for moving ahead.
• money is allocated and spent, and I think that's the appropriate method for moving ahead.
• <03:11:58.800> for that that's the appropriate method for that that's the appropriate method

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, a bill allowing classification by biological sex in limited settings such as multiple-use bathrooms, certain sports, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters said it was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for minors, and argued it was consistent with recent federal and state developments. Opponents said the bill was poorly defined, unnecessary, and could create discrimination or confusion, especially because it did not define “biological sex” in the text. The committee voted 10-8 ought to pass, and the chair said a minority report would be written. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill concerning medical aid in dying. The chair moved ought to pass and described the bill as a matter of liberty for terminally ill patients within six months of death, arguing it should not be treated as suicide. Opponents raised religious, ethical, and policy concerns, including worries about a slippery slope, misuse by vulnerable people, and the effect on death records and public health data. The committee voted 11-7 ought to pass, and the chair said a majority report would be written with a minority report by Representative Perez. Finally, the committee turned to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment dealing with recoupment of costs for appointed counsel. The chair explained the amendment would restore the law to its pre-2020 form, allowing the Office of Cost Containment to seek repayment from some recipients of appointed counsel services, including those found not guilty, if they had the ability to pay. Supporters said the prior change had sharply reduced collections and that the state should not treat indigent defendants differently from people who hire private counsel. Opponents argued the policy unfairly bills innocent people and children who were entitled to counsel. The transcript cuts off during debate on the amendment, before a vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:25.279> and<00:31:25.600> taught<00:31:25.919> using<00:31:26.240> methods
• appropriately, and taught using methods appropriately, and taught using methods grounded<00:31:26.960
• amendments to truly flesh that out and be able to demonstrate that and turn it in to the WDE in a method
• <00:53:59.760> And<00:54:00.000> I resource and a different method.
• And I resource and a different method.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to changing the transmission cost allocation method, OPUC is also supportive of advancements
• Looking on the projected residential costs under proposed methods, it's going to give you our estimates
• Looking on the projected residential costs under proposed methods, it's going to give you our estimates
• It has become solely a method to shift costs between classes.
• Under the current paradigm, the 4CP method, co-ops have benefited from that, but with the magnitude of

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a mixed methods study, meaning that we use different kinds of data at different levels of analysis
• Individually, each of these methods is incomplete, but together they paint a fairly unambiguous story
• This is a mixed methods<00:03:19.840> study,<00:03:20.520> meaning<00:03:20.840> that
• <00:03:21.000> we<00:03:21.160> use methods study, meaning that we use methods study
• <00:04:03.640> is Individually, each of these methods is Individually, each of these methods

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's an alternative method of procuring construction contracts. >> So, it has to do with procuring
• general contractor, and other methods general contractor, and other methods that<00:07:06.919>
• So, it's it's<00:07:19.720> an<00:07:19.840> alternative<00:07:20.640> method<00
• :07:21.040> of<00:07:21.160> procuring it's an alternative method of procuring it's an
• alternative method of procuring construction<00:07:22.240> contracts.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved a motion and then deferred a large batch of 246 contracts totaling about $187.8 million until the April 2026 meeting. It then moved through the agenda and reviewed several pulled items, beginning with four Attorney General contingent-fee contracts. Committee members questioned why the contracts were new, what the $20 million maximums meant, and how the fees would work; the AG’s office explained they were new awards from a September RFP, that the $20 million was an outside estimate tied to a full recovery, and that one contract would require a $380 million recovery to pay out the maximum. The committee voted to consider those contracts reviewed without objection. The Department of Highways then explained an “alternative delivery support” contract, describing it as a procurement method different from the usual design-bid-build model and noting it can help with innovation, speed, timeliness, or cost reduction. After that explanation, the committee again voted to consider the contract reviewed without objection. The Kentucky Horse Park/Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation presented eight legal services contracts; members focused on differing hourly rates and retroactive approval. The corporation said it had selected four firms through an RFP to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts, would use in-house counsel first, and did not expect to use the maximum rates. Senator Thomas argued the committee’s statutory hourly rate cap is outdated and should be revisited. The committee then approved the contracts. One Transportation Office of the Secretary contract was deferred to the April meeting, consistent with the agency’s prior request. The committee then reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services items from the Department of Community Based Services: three contract amendments and one memorandum of agreement. Members asked about funding sources, service outcomes, and whether the programs reduce future need; the agency said one amendment was a $55,000 increase offset by reductions elsewhere, that the total contract amount with the agency did not change, and that follow-up data show over 90% of children remain in the home after services. The committee approved those items. Finally, the committee reviewed a LIHEAP contract amendment from the Division of Family Support, which the agency said used federal funds, not state general funds, to add newly appropriated federal money for low-income home energy assistance and crisis heating support. Members asked about future funding and were told that continuation depends on Congress. The committee approved that item. It then began reviewing Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities memoranda of agreement tied to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center staffing; members asked for a count of personnel, and the agency said it would provide that information, after which the discussion continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but currently there are only two ways to do it: convention of states and then the other method, which
• Um, but currently there are only two ways to do it: convention of states and then the other method, which
• that was my assumption without doing further research on the reasons why they drafted it in this method
• /c><00:51:52.800> But<00:51:52.960> I<00:51:53.200> think drafted it in this method
• But I think drafted it in this method.

Bills: HB0108, HB0039, HB0091, HB0070

Keywords: audit, transparency, government reporting, accountability, public access, firearm rights, restoration of rights, criminal justice, felony convictions, Wyoming law, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws

Transcript Highlights:

• For instance, there's a materials and method number removal in this bill.
• For instance, there's a materials and method number removal in this bill.
• For instance, there's a materials and method number removal in this bill.
• For instance, there's a materials and method number removal in this bill.
• For instance, there's a materials and method number removal in this bill.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 133 on energy, which drew opposition testimony from James Abraham, who said the bill was unnecessary because the Public Utilities Commission had already opened a proceeding to investigate wheeling, including intergovernmental wheeling, and should be allowed to finish its collaborative process. The committees then moved to SB 161 on county permitting and inspection, where several agencies submitted written comments or opposition, while the Grassroots Institute and HCDA-related testimony supported the measure. Members raised concerns about accountability and whether state agencies would report back on projects approved under any permitting exemption, and witnesses suggested annual reporting or amendment language to address that issue. The hearing then turned to SB 232 and SB 588, both related to renewable energy permitting. Testimony on SB 232 was largely supportive, but Rocky Mold of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association said SB 232 was an older version of a bill and that SB 588 was the preferred, updated measure. Members discussed whether the bill should be limited to residential or behind-the-meter customer-sited systems rather than utility-scale projects, and Mold clarified that the proposal was intended for customer-sited systems, not utility-scale facilities. For SB 588, the Department of Land and Natural Resources warned that state or county laws inconsistent with the National Flood Insurance Program could jeopardize flood insurance eligibility and related federal assistance, while Mold argued the bill’s FEMA floodway exemption was needed to avoid blocking solar installations on existing structures. The chair expressed concern about risking federal funding and questioned whether the exemption could be narrowed without defeating the bill’s purpose. SB 412, also on renewable energy, received supportive testimony from the State Energy Office and others. Members questioned whether a single coordinating entity should compile agency assessments, and Mark Glick said the Energy Office could take on that role if given the duty and sufficient staff. The committee then discussed SB 635 on energy efficiency, which would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting. Mark Glick testified that much of the work was already underway through benchmarking and related contracts, and a DAGS representative said the state was already assessing 590 buildings over 10,000 square feet, with results expected around 2027. Members suggested amending the bill to require annual status reports so the committees could track progress and avoid duplication. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature directed this study to evaluate and recommend alternative methods for local governments
• There's a number of different types of repayment methods. It is subject to the project.
• So I'm happy to give a 101 on just the methods, if you'd like. Okay.
• So I'm happy to give a 101 on just the methods, if you'd like. All right, thank you.
• And that is the traditional method for measuring volume, traffic volume, and also traffic speeds.

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked about the progressive design-build method that is the delivery method that we've chosen for
• We talked about the progressive design-build method that is the delivery method that we've chosen for
• I've got some other slides here to speak to the delivery method and why we're utilizing it and what the
• I've got some other slides here to speak to the delivery method and why we're utilizing and what the

Summary: The Joint Committee on Interstate 5 Bridge met remotely with Washington legislative members to receive updates on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, including environmental review, cost and funding, tolling, and procurement for construction. Program staff said the final supplemental environmental impact statement was published in April 2026, with a federal record of decision expected in early summer. They described the recommended design as a single-level fixed-span bridge, centered I-5 alignment, C Street ramps, one auxiliary lane in each direction, and dispersed park-and-ride parking. Members raised concerns about transparency, the closed chat function, and the decision not to include two auxiliary lanes; staff said the one-lane option was recommended through consultation with partner agencies and analysis, but the final decision would come with the record of decision. Staff also said the diversion analysis projected less than 3% traffic diversion to I-205 in 2045, though members from Oregon and Washington expressed concern about impacts to their communities and asked for more detail on mitigation and decision-making. The committee also reviewed a major cost update. Staff said the full five-mile program is now estimated at $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion, with a likely cost of $14.4 billion, up from a 2022 estimate of $5 billion to $7.5 billion, citing inflation, schedule delays, scope changes, and more detailed risk modeling. They said the first funded phase has been reduced to a $5.68 billion package focused on the Columbia River bridge replacement, connections to I-5, Hayden Island and SR-14, bridge demolition, tolling infrastructure, and advancing light rail design. Funding for that phase was described as $5.69 billion, including $2.1 billion federal funds, $1 billion from each state, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue. Members asked what would happen if costs rise further; staff said the estimate includes substantial contingency, the project will use progressive design-build to manage risk, and the team will continue updating the finance plan annually. A separate tolling and traffic-revenue presentation explained that four toll scenarios were analyzed using regional travel demand modeling, a toll diversion model, and a post-processing review. All scenarios assume pre-completion tolling beginning July 1, 2028, a 50% low-income discount for eligible users, and exemptions for tribal preemptions, emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and organized militia. Staff said the low-income discount would affect about 4% to 6% of annual transactions and reduce annual revenues by roughly 2% to 3%. They said Scenario 2 was used for the financial analysis and is sufficient to support the $1.5 billion toll contribution in the funded phase. Members asked about toll collection costs, revenue impacts of the discount, and how the scenarios differed; staff said collection costs are expected to be in line with other WSDOT toll facilities, but exact costs are not yet set because toll rates are not final. Finally, WSDOT staff outlined procurement and delivery steps for construction. They said WSDOT will be the lead contracting agency, using progressive design-build, with a request for qualifications targeted for early July 2026, a request for proposals in October, contractor selection in April 2027, construction starting in 2028, and tolling beginning in 2028. Staff said the approach is intended to consolidate scope, reduce interface risk, and allow transparent negotiation with an independent cost estimator, while preserving an off-ramp if a fair price cannot be reached. Members asked for more detail on timing, cost allocation, and the share of the first phase funded by tolls; staff estimated tolls account for about 26% of the first phase cost.

Transcript Highlights:

• On Leech Lake, we will be removing invasive species without harmful chemicals using mechanical methods
• On Leech Lake, we will be removing invasive species without harmful chemicals using mechanical methods
• On Leech Lake, we will be removing invasive species without harmful chemicals using mechanical methods
• <00:15:50.959> This chemicals using mechanical methods.
• This chemicals using mechanical methods.

Bills: HF3898, HF3957, HF4372, HF4350, HF3692, HF4085

Keywords: pesticides, wild rice, environmental protection, agriculture, water quality, pollinators, training, management plan, fertilizer research, education grants, Minnesota Agricultural Council, technology transfer, agricultural productivity, HF4372, Minnesota agriculture, meat processing, meat processing training, retention incentive grants, grant extension, project deadline extension

Transcript Highlights:

• Other scientific lead literature on this testing characterizes the method as a surface-sensitive test
• The study utilized this method because destructive testing methods would be unacceptable to the volunteers
• However, destructive testing methods like the complete acid digest and testing method the MPCA is using
• If the plated keys had been tested using a more accurate destructive testing method, like the test the
• But because of the testing method that has been used, some have argued that, in fact, the alternatives

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, we've looked at ways to do that where you list methods in order of restrictiveness, and we'd be
• Now, we've looked at ways to do that where you list methods in order of restrictiveness, and we'd be
• Now, we've looked at ways to do that where you list methods in order of restrictiveness, and we'd be
• Now, we've looked at ways to do that where you list methods in order of restrictiveness, and we'd be
• Now, we've looked at ways to do that where you list methods in order of restrictiveness, and we'd be

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is methodically destroying each of the federal science agencies, completely obliterating them.
• There were no effective biomedical methods to prevent or treat HIV infection.
• There were no effective biomedical methods to prevent or treat HIV infection.
• HIV infection was a death. medical methods to prevent or treat HIV infection.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the Department of Revenue using their methods to ascertain that you have that revenue.
• c><00:20:26.600> their Department of Revenue using their Department of Revenue using their methods
• :28.080> that<00:20:28.640> you<00:20:28.800> have<00:20:29.000> that methods
• to ascertain that you have that methods to ascertain that you have that revenue.<00:20:30.080> There

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Senator Steve Drazkowski and Representative Anderson held a press event promoting the bipartisan, bicameral “Take It Back Act,” a bill aimed at recovering taxpayer money lost to government fraud. They cited major Minnesota fraud cases, including medical assistance fraud, CCAP, and Feeding Our Future, and argued that the state has become a destination for fraud. They said the bill would impose a 100% tax or excise tax on money obtained through fraud, with proceeds deposited into a tax relief fund for income and property tax relief. The sponsors said the measure is intended to create a stronger deterrent and to recover money even when criminal restitution or prosecutions do not fully recoup losses. They discussed examples of unrecovered funds, said the Department of Revenue could use criminal findings, data analytics, and IRS-sharing data to identify fraud, and noted that the bill includes an appeal process through tax court. They also said the current draft focuses on convicted fraudsters and people or organizations determined by the commissioner to have obtained money by fraud, while trying to avoid sweeping in innocent employees or others who were unaware of wrongdoing. Anderson said the bill already has significant bipartisan support, including 11 House Democrats and Senator Rest, and that the House Tax Committee hearing is scheduled for April 30. He said the sponsors are working with the Department of Revenue on implementation and may revise the bill to make administration easier. The sponsors said they hope to move the bill through the House and Senate this session, and they closed by encouraging the press to review the fraud website they referenced, mnfraudfiles.com.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe this is not the method for it, but it is to start the conversation of how do we clean up our water
• Maybe this<00:24:54.080> is<00:24:54.240> not<00:24:54.840> the<00:24:54.960> method
• it,<00:24:56.160> but<00:24:56.440> it<00:24:56.560> is this is not the method
• for it, but it is this is not the method for it, but it is to<00:24:56.840> start<00:24:57.120

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That is to compensate for, or to incorporate, the time for some of the new electronic methods of submitting
• 41.760> electronic for some of the e the new electronic for some of the e the new electronic methods
• 44.799> um<00:17:45.039> submitting<00:17:45.440> that<00:17:45.600> that methods
• of um submitting that that methods of um submitting that that earnest<00:17:46.400> money.

Keywords: Business and Financial Institutions - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several banking, real estate, and licensing bills. Senate Bill 20007 would remove the repeal date for Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance authority to conduct joint bank exams with the Federal Reserve, after testimony that the program has been successful; it was passed out on a do-pass motion. Senate Bill 2011, extending the repeal date for the Mississippi Debt Management Services Act by three years, was also passed out. Senate Bill 2383, a banking modernization bill, was explained as updating definitions and procedures, including treating ITMs like ATMs, allowing state banks to approve dividends without prior regulatory approval if in good standing, streamlining articles-of-incorporation amendments by making the banking commissioner the final approver, and eliminating parity-request requirements for certain public welfare investments; it was passed out as a committee substitute. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2711, which would update residential mortgage lending recordkeeping and disclosure language under the SAFE Act to remove obsolete federal references and better fit manufactured-home lending; it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2706, a professional engineers and surveyors bill, was described as a reorganization and modernization of licensure statutes, with the main policy change expanding who may recommend board appointments, staggering six-year terms, and barring recent disciplinary offenders from board service; after questions about appointment advice-and-consent and term length, it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2713, supported by the Mississippi Association of Realtors, would codify buyer agency agreements and move the required signing deadline from before a home is shown to before an offer is submitted; it was passed out. Senate Bill 2748 would align real estate statutes with current rules, replace certified-mail renewal notices with email notices, and extend the earnest-money submission deadline from one business day to two; it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2715, from the Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, would clarify the new money transmitter law, direct collected fees and penalties to enforcement of the act, add consumer notices and fraud warnings, and create data-security requirements based on a model law; senators questioned the fund balance, annual budget, and the relationship to a separate virtual currency kiosk bill, but the bill was passed out. The final bill on the agenda, 2768, was postponed to the committee’s Monday meeting, and the committee then rose and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Only 25% of chemicals potentially present in produced water have approved methods for treatment, and
• We understand that some field reuse is a good disposal method.
• House Bill 4413 establishes clear definitions to align with industry standards and reauthorizes new methods
• facilities deal with solid and fluid waste from oil and gas operations. and dispose of them through methods

Bills: SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033, HB49

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, I don't know about the means and methods of how to go about this.
• why I would hope that they would operate and make the business decision in order to have a win-win method
• And so I'm at the point of having to have a method.
• It's not a method, but we can react in '27.

Bills: SB2037, SB1757, SB1758, SB1759, HB29

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, method to provide notice and ensure transparency.
• The bill also provides the option of providing notice by other commercially reasonable, uh, methods that
• and facility operators can still choose to publish in newspapers if that remains the most effective method
• While newspaper ads may have once been the best method for publishing a sale of any type, the reality

Bills: HB 186

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• And that number continues to grow, making newspaper publication really an out-of-date method to provide
• The bill also provides. notice by other commercially reasonable methods that it tracks. at least three
• And facility operators can still choose to publish in newspapers if that remains the most effective method
• with publishing the sale is added to the tenants' While newspaper ads may have once been the best method

Bills: HB186, HB517, HB 1093, HB 1268, HB1395, HB186

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, property owners' association, residential watering restrictions, vegetation, fine limitations, drought, technology, innovation, economic development, grants, Texas Economic Development, business funding, HB 1395, private passenger vehicle rental, car rental, vehicle rental