Transcript Highlights:

• ERIC COMPOS WITH THE NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU WAVING IN SUPPORT.
• AND ERIC DE COMPOS WITH THE NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU WAVING AND SUPPORT.
• PART OF THE HOME OF THE STRUCTURE IS NOT COUNTED TOWARDS LIVING AREA, THAT SQUARE FOOTAGE WE ARE REFERRING
• I THINK THERE ARE A GOOD AMOUNT OF THEM, WE ARE STILL IN THE FIRST COMMITTEE OF REFERENCE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've seen some of the statutes that legislation that you're going to see during this legislative session
• <00:27:33.559> that the statutes that legislation that the statutes that legislation that
• <00:30:14.519> but intent of the original legislation but intent of the original legislation
• For the record, I am Carolyn Lewis, bureau chief of the Bureau for Mental Health Services for DHHS.
• <01:25:12.119> for Lewis bureau chief of the Bureau for Lewis bureau chief of the Bureau for

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's one for legislative action.
• you back to the blue sheet and I refer you back to the blue sheet and I will<00:50:21.760> run
• again, referring to the tab down on K2. again, referring to the tab down on K2.
• of Reclamation, and then every Bureau of Reclamation, and then every year<00:55:35.920> we<00
• I think having some of the legislators I think having some of the legislators get<01:00:57.440><

Bills: HB0078, SF0012, SF0013, SF0052, SF0069, SF0070

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration

Transcript Highlights:

• this is our attempt has just references this is our attempt um<00:06:40.240> and<00:06:40.360
• Sometimes that's a handy reference for when you're looking for, well, where does something fall?
• Sometimes that's a handy reference for when you're looking for, well, where does something fall?
• We made none except for what was legislatively required of us.
• So we have a legislative cap of, cannot go over 3,000.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened an informational Division 3 Finance hearing focused on DHHS programmatic issues rather than budget line items. The chair emphasized that members should avoid questions requiring dollar figures and noted that the coming budget cycle would likely be difficult because revenues are expected to be tighter. Commissioner Lori Weaver said the department wanted to use the session to explain its functions at a high level, with more detailed presentations to follow, and to collect questions for later responses. Weaver outlined DHHS’s mission of supporting optimal health for state residents and described the department’s three main responsibilities: protection and prevention, client service delivery, and regulatory oversight. She said DHHS has eight divisions, a $3.6 billion total budget, about $1.217 billion in general funds, roughly a quarter of state positions, and personnel costs that are less than 11% of the budget. She also noted a recent hiring freeze, explained that the department did not request new positions except where required by law, and said vacancy rates had improved from 22% to 14% over the last two years but could rise again because of attrition and the hiring freeze. Weaver and CFO Nathan White then discussed why the DHHS budget is complex, explaining that it is built from multiple funding sources and is shaped by assumptions made months before the fiscal year begins, actual service demand, and cost allocation rules used to draw down federal funds. White highlighted maintenance-of-effort requirements, including TANF, where state spending is needed to secure federal matching funds and shortfalls can trigger penalties. At the committee’s request, DHHS agreed to provide a simplified historical accounting of TANF contributions to show how the match is assembled across positions, contracts, and other factors. The department also reviewed its roadmap, which Weaver described as a framework developed with staff and stakeholders around three themes: culture, community, and customer service. She highlighted priorities such as Mission Zero to end emergency department boarding, expanding access to community-based and residential behavioral health services, reducing reliance on institutional care, improving contract management with nonprofit and provider partners, using data dashboards to guide decisions, and investing in workforce stability and culture. No votes were taken; the main action was DHHS’s commitment to provide additional follow-up materials, including the TANF contribution breakdown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we pass legislation in 2010 to establish programs and then in 2020 in accordance with the prior
• legislation, the Department of Environmental Protection publish the Twenty-twenty recycling goal.
• And I'm not really sure what we're doing with this legislation.
• You know, it's hard to past legislation when there's just too many questions.
• It's just 2 unknown to legislate upon right now for that reason. I'm in now. Vice chair.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• legislative aides.
• My assumption is that the non-seasonal legislative staff that you're referring to would be based on the
• by the legislators?
• Legislators, all right.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee is that you haven't legislated committee is that you haven't legislated that<00:28:41.840
• <00:32:45.159> set Medicare however 20123 legislation set Medicare however 20123 legislation
• a neutral position on the legislation a neutral position on the legislation based<01:16:10.360><
• prices 80 to 90% below the reference prices 80 to 90% below the reference brand<01:18:08.520>
• <01:32:56.760> and to correct the internal references and to correct the internal references

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And those are devised by a National Guard Bureau head. Headquarters. Okay. All right.
• And you can always refer to that for that information. That concludes.
• He's joined us this legislative session as an intern and he's continuing to.
• I'm a legislative director for the Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations.
• Some have already been referred to...

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation addresses Texas arbitration provisions and surplus. Policies.
• So that's my only concern on this piece of legislation is that reason.
• This legislation, Mr.
• In the 78th legislative session, Tommy Williams actually passed a no-mandate bill.
• Again, I'll refer back to Alzheimer's disease, as we can all relate to that.

Bills: HB139, HB1818, HB1942, HB1959, HB2221, HB2254, HB2563, HB2067, HB2275, HB3211, HB139

Keywords: HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301

Transcript Highlights:

• We have support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau. Thank you, Chair.
• <00:23:57.000> in support East aahu County Farm Bureau in support East aahu County Farm Bureau
• <00:38:46.240> and you could do it legislatively and you could do it legislatively and obviously
• speeding it up obviously legislatively speeding it up obviously legislatively would<00:41:51.720
• First testifier on this measure is Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, in the south gallery, we have members of the Lee County Farm Bureau with us here today: Mr.
• Bureau, uh young farmers, Josh Clay, Bureau, uh young farmers, Josh Clay, Craig<00:08:36.960> Harrell
• the Bureau of Buildings. the Bureau of Buildings.
• >> It's over in the House. >> The enacting legislation for the department?
• legislation for the department?

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery. The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference. The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second thing is, does anywhere in this legislation talk about nonpayment?
• So, does it actually reference boxes that have been nonpayment for three years or just don't respond
• The credit bureaus can't charge you for those fees to freeze or unfreeze your credit. Okay.
• Uh the credit bureaus<00:36:50.480> can't<00:36:50.720> charge<00:36:50.880> you
• for those fees bureaus can't charge you for those fees to<00:36:51.839> freeze<00:36:52.160><

Keywords: Business and Financial Institutions - Room 409, 2 February, 2026; 2:00 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2725, which would shorten the required hold period for pawn brokers on precious metal coins and bullion from 21 days to 3 days, change fingerprinting renewal from annually to every three years to match FBI requirements, and make a technical address update. The sponsor and a Mississippi Pawn Brokers Association representative said the change was needed because gold and silver prices are volatile and pawn brokers are disadvantaged compared with jewelry stores. After questions about whether the bill affected pawn loans, the committee adopted a do pass motion and passed the committee substitute. Next, Senate Bill 2530 on perpetual care cemeteries would raise the trust-fund threshold from $50,000 to $75,000 and allow longer-term CDs so cemetery funds can earn more interest. Members discussed Secretary of State oversight, annual reporting, and the fact that only interest, not principal, may be used for cemetery care. The committee then moved the bill out with a title sufficient do pass recommendation. The committee also considered Senate Bill 2712, which would allow small lenders to charge up to a $10 fee for insurance in lieu of filing a UCC on certain collateralized loans. It was described as a way to reduce costs and follow guidance from the Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, and it was passed out on a do pass motion. Senate Bill 2714, a major unclaimed property bill, drew extended discussion about creating a legal process for abandoned safe deposit boxes: banks would inventory contents with a notary and two officers, notify owners and heirs, transfer contents to the Treasurer after notice periods, and allow the Treasurer to auction items while preserving proceeds for claimants. Members raised concerns about notice methods, privacy, wills and other documents, and whether first-class mail should be changed to registered mail; the committee adopted a conceptual amendment to use registered mail and added a reverse repealer, then passed the bill out. Finally, Senate Bill 2732 was introduced to combat identity theft by allowing a child’s credit to be frozen at birth through a form provided with the birth certificate. The sponsor said the bill is aimed at protecting minors from fraud and noted that credit freezes and unfreezes are free. The discussion was brief, and the bill was presented as a consumer protection measure for children.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill establishes legislative findings recognizing the internet. Social services for Floridians.
• Where we define the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council, or we have a reference,
• There are some references there.
• Tripp Hunter, waving in support, Farm Bureau.
• The first is Tripp Hunter representing the Farm Bureau, who is waiving in support.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 132, as amended, would require the Department of Financial Services to contract for a study on whether Florida should recognize gold and silver as legal tender; an amendment advanced the report deadline to December 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1050, also amended, expands the intellectual and developmental disabilities managed care pilot program statewide, emphasizes that enrollment is voluntary, adds transparency and reporting requirements for APD, creates a statewide family care council, and requires related studies and coordination; it was reported favorably after supportive testimony about reducing the APD wait list. SB 820 codifies the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office, and the bill drew extended debate over church-state separation and concerns about political activity by the office; despite opposition from several senators, it was reported favorably. SB 1060 creates a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations, with supporters citing the size of the program and the need for stronger legislative review; it passed favorably. SB 7032 presumes Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals receiving certain long-term services during redetermination, to prevent gaps in care, and was reported favorably with broad support. SB 12, a claim bill for a minor injured in a DCF-related case, was also reported favorably without opposition. The committee also approved several infrastructure and tax-related measures. SJR 318 proposes an ad valorem exemption for certain tangible personal property used in agriculture or agritourism, such as equipment and tractors, and was reported favorably with support from agricultural and business groups. SB 818, as amended, revises utility relocation funding for public road and rail projects, shifting the financing structure after constitutional concerns were raised and adding a $50 million grant program; it passed after discussion of the impact on local governments and utilities. SB 1348 modernizes DMV services through tax collectors, adds a distracted driving course option, bans appointment scalping, and extends certain disabled parking permit terms; it was reported favorably. SB 1664 requires voter reapproval of local taxes, including tourist development taxes and local option sales taxes, when they expire, with special rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds; it drew significant debate over impacts on tourism-dependent counties and was reported favorably despite opposition from some members and local government groups. SB 1050, SB 820, SB 1060, SB 7032, SB 12, SJR 318, SB 818, SB 1348, and SB 1664 all received favorable committee votes, and the meeting ended with final missed-vote requests and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau. >> Thank<00:01:56.560> you,<00:01:56.799> chair.
• of the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• Thank you, Ryan Miamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• I got a question for Farm Bureau. Bureau. Bureau.
• Thank you, Senator, for the Bureau.

Bills: SB2309, SB2317, SB2318, SB2319, SB2321, SB2323, SB2332, SB2405, SB2485

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once again, I want to compliment all the legislators that are here.
• Jesse Green, our legislative liaison, is here.
• It was established by legislation in 2020.
• As a result, we have two identical pieces of legislation.
• in this legislative session.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're referring to an incremental payment. You're not referring to an annual payment every year.
• You're referring to an incremental payment. You're not referring to an annual payment every year.
• :06:14.240> payment<00:06:14.960> every referring to an annual payment every referring
• That is the bill I can refer. Yes.
• . legislator. legislator.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 118, as amended, which contains several unrelated provisions with a modest fiscal note. Nathan White of the Department of Health and Human Services explained that section 1 would change the personal needs allowance for Medicaid-eligible residents of private and county nursing homes from an adjustment every five years to an annual adjustment, increasing the state cost by about $50,000 per year. He also described section 2, a one-time appropriation of about $160,000 to make certain Hampstead employees whole for missed bonuses and lost leave during the state’s transition of the facility to Dartmouth management. White then outlined sections 3 through 5, which would create a dedicated fund for Hampstead lease revenue to cover the state’s contractual obligation to match Dartmouth capital improvements dollar-for-dollar up to $3 million. He said the state receives about $1.141 million in lease revenue in the first year, with a 3% annual escalator, and that the fund would hold lease revenue until needed for reimbursement. Members questioned how the matching arrangement would work, what happens if Dartmouth spends before the fund has enough money, and whether the state could refuse to match certain improvements. White said Dartmouth has final determination under the agreement if disputes arise, and that if the bill does not pass the state could face difficulty meeting the obligation without cutting services or finding other general funds. Several members also raised policy concerns about the personal needs allowance becoming an automatic cost driver. Brian Clark, attorney for the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, clarified that current law requires the allowance to be updated at least every five years, but the legislature could change it in an off year if it chose. He also explained that the allowance is money residents retain from their own income, such as Social Security, as part of Medicaid cost-of-care calculations, and that the department does not regulate how residents keep those funds. No vote was taken during the discussion, and the committee paused to correct the bill copy before continuing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask that the committee look at this legislation, work with this legislation, and consider all of the
• um work with this at this legislation um work with this legislation<01:39:55.119> and<01:39:55.440
• Higgins, a legislative liaison and policy analyst for Behavioral Health at DHHS.
• <01:42:15.840> liaison Jed o Higgins I'm a legislative liaison Jed o Higgins I'm a legislative
• <02:16:17.280> of longer rested on the Bureau of longer rested on the Bureau of children's

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:24.880> to electioneering this statute refers to electioneering this statute refers
• <00:26:45.520> to<00:26:46.520> signs down does it refer to signs down does it refer
• Farm Bureau is an organization of the 10 county Farm Bureau organizations, and our membership is made
• <01:53:05.920> is<01:53:06.000> an Bureau is an Bureau is an organization<01:53:07.719>
• after my after my legislative after my after my legislative engagement<02:46:53.160> I<02

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I present this important legislation.
• I will work with the Legislative Council on court orders and guardianship.
• As you heard today, the current timeframe in which the Bureau of Vital Statistics...
• Thank you to Representative Davis for this legislation. I'm happy to answer any questions.
• And so what we do is we refer these grandparents to resources.

Bills: HB557, HB732, HB1892, HB1954, HB2301, HB3180, HB3405, HB3650, HB3758, HB4035, HB4621, HB4795, HB4870, HB5069, HB5137, HB5149

Keywords: child support, arrears, court enforcement, contempt, legal protections, healthcare, insurance, cost reduction, accessibility, regulations, impotency, marriage annulment, Family Code, Texas law, family law, Texas legislation, dissolution of marriage, annulment, marriage, child custody

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Faganbaum with Missouri Farm Bureau, testifying in favor of H.B. 2297.
• We want to thank Representative Hayden for his work on this legislation.
• The majority of prior sponsors of this legislation, this is the 16th And he was wrong.
• The majority of prior sponsors of this legislation, this is the 16th year, did not go forward.
• Mark Figenbaum, with the Missouri Farm Bureau, and I won't take too much of your time.

Keywords: 959, house, all