Transcript Highlights:

• First, it requires a comprehensive study to be conducted by Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A
• The bill also requires Texas A&M Forest Service to create and maintain a statewide database of firefighters
• we should give some consideration in East Texas where we've clear-cut 7,000 acres of our hardwood forest

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of H.B. 500, and a gubernatorial nomination for the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including SR 409 recognizing Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, SR 402 honoring the discovery of the woolly devil plant at Big Bend National Park, and recognitions for Operation Christmas RGV and Wilson County Day. The Senate also heard an announcement that the Committee on Senate Nominations action report had been placed on members’ desks. The body then took up and passed several bills. SB 2365 was passed to prohibit personal wireless communication devices by public school students during instructional time, with exceptions for health, special education, and safety needs. SB 1869 was passed to reaffirm the DSHS commissioner’s authority over controlled-substance schedule changes without rulemaking or judicial review. SB 1124 was passed to revise criminal discovery procedures in response to the Heath decision, with supporters saying it preserves exculpatory evidence protections while limiting suppression of inculpatory evidence when the defense already knew of it. SB 1758 was passed to create a Grayson County pilot study and temporary permitting hold concerning a cement kiln/quarry near a semiconductor wafer facility, and SB 2078 was passed to regulate composting in certain counties, after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed SB 33, barring governmental entities from transactions that support abortion assistance or out-of-state abortion procurement; SB 34, expanding wildfire preparedness measures, studies, equipment databases, and rural fire department funding; SB 1208, increasing the penalty for interference with public duties from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony; SB 1030, removing the maintenance, repair, and overhaul tax for general aviation; SB 505, creating processes to address election irregularities; SB 2411, updating the Business Organizations Code and changing filing-method requirements; and SB 1333, addressing unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, or conveyance of real property. Most measures advanced on voice vote or recorded roll call after motions to suspend the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule, with several members raising questions or objections, especially on the criminal justice, abortion, and public duties bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we have a project in the Boundary Waters or in Superior National Forest in Lake or Cook County,
• So if we have a project in the Boundary Waters or in Superior National Forest in Lake or Cook County,
• So if we have a project in the Boundary Waters or in Superior National Forest in Lake or Cook County,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year flooding, among other things, severely damaged the Rapidan Dam, the air pollution of forest
• Last year flooding, among other things, severely damaged the Rapidan Dam, the air pollution of forest
• Last year, flooding, among other things, severely damaged the Rapidan Dam, the air pollution of forest

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have um [Music] EXC John Richard, Flexible Packaging Association; American Forest and Paper Association
• Next we have um [Music] EXC John Richard, Flexible Packaging Association; American Forest and Paper Association
• Next we have um [Music] EXC John Richard, Flexible Packaging Association; American Forest and Paper Association

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, Red Hill cleanup, water testing, environmental governance, and beverage container recycling. For SB 472, SB 501, SB 675, and SB 958 on cesspools, most testimony supported accelerating cesspool conversion and expanding Department of Health capacity, though the Attorney General flagged a single-subject issue on SB 472 and the Department of Health and others raised concerns about funding, program structure, and coordination. Supporters emphasized cesspools as a major water pollution source and urged earlier deadlines, while some testimony questioned the tax credit approach and asked for clearer grant and staffing language. For SB 639 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill cleanup, the Department of Health asked for clearer cleanup standards and noted limits on laboratory detection and sampling, while supporters argued the bill would create a binding legal standard for remediation and help prevent reopening of the facility. Testimony also stressed the need to remove all contamination to the extent practicable and protect aquifers and drinking water. SB 664 on water quality testing drew strong support from residents and water advocates, but the Department of Health warned the measure could duplicate existing authority and create significant cost; the Board of Water Supply supported the concept while noting it would expand responsibilities into private-property testing. SB 674 on environmental advisory council and waste reduction received mixed testimony: supporters said it would help address landfill siting and protect water resources, while industry groups requested changes to advisory council membership and exemptions for certain products, and one witness opposed the measure. For SB 1067 on deposit beverage container recycling, the Attorney General said the grant language may be constitutionally problematic because it lacks standards, while industry testimony both supported the recycling goals and asked for amendments, including broader representation on the advisory council and clearer treatment of compostable and packaging-related issues. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Natives are a lot more resilient, a lot more drought resistant, a lot more fire resistant.
• We'll start looking at how we can plant natives in those zones just to make sure that we can be more
• at at planting natives in those areas. at at planting natives in those areas.
• <00:57:26.640> resilient,<00:57:27.359> um<00:57:27.440> a Natives are a lot
• in those zones just to make sure natives in those zones just to make sure that<00:57:52.079> we

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on hazard mitigation planning and recent tsunami and wildfire threats. Chair Dela Buladi opened by framing the meeting around the need for iterative disaster planning and lessons learned from events such as the Lahaina wildfires, the Puna Coast earthquake/tsunami, and recent wildfire activity. The committee heard first from Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Tomage Magno, who explained the federal and local hazard mitigation planning process, including the requirement for an active five-year mitigation plan to qualify for federal disaster funds. He described the plan as a living document built from prior plans, public and agency outreach, risk and capability assessments, and ongoing updates, with county departments, state agencies, and subject matter experts participating in the process. Magno outlined several FEMA-related mitigation funding programs, including flood mitigation assistance, post-fire assistance, pre-disaster mitigation, revolving loan funds, and dam safety grants. He emphasized that the Hawaii County plan was recently approved by FEMA, that the county council approves the plan, and that the county reviews it annually with a formal revision process beginning in the fourth year. Members asked about how the plan tracks project status, how priorities and funding changes are handled, and whether federal funding programs might be affected by HR1; Magno said the county is proceeding on the assumption that funding will remain available and noted some sources have been reestablished. He also said the county encourages council participation in meetings and planning. Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen then addressed the committee on DOT’s response to a recent tsunami threat, saying the agency had about four hours to prepare before the first wave arrival and was focused on its own operational response rather than the broader statewide planning process. In response to questions, he stated that FHWA funds cannot be used for evacuation routes, which is why prior legislative funding was important. Members also discussed specific mitigation projects such as fire breaks, bridge retrofits, and the Singing Bridge, with DOT noting that work is underway and that a replacement bridge upstream is being planned to carry traffic during repairs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:46:58.680> Americans the N the portrayers of Native Americans the N the portrayers of
• Native Americans were<00:46:59.359> people<00:46:59.559> who<00:46:59.720> lived
• Wild West um kind of portrayal of Native Wild West um kind of portrayal of Native Americans<00:47
• :09.559> we<00:47:09.720> have<00:47:09.920> many<00:47:10.160> Native<00
• :47:10.440> American Americans we have many Native American Americans we have many Native American

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Warren is a native of Boxford, and he joined the town in 1986 as a dispatcher.
• career in communications as a merchant marine, and after returning to Boxford, where he was also a native

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up several routine matters, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and then considering a bill directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for Antonio Pierce (Senate No. 27). The Senate suspended the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed. The chamber also approved final passage of House No. 4565, an act establishing a special recognition for Marie Lantra, an employee of the Department of Transitional Assistance, and the bill was laid before the Governor for approval. The Senate then received House No. 4814, a bill authorizing the town of Westwood to reissue certain alcohol licenses and grant additional off-premises alcohol licenses. On motion of Senator Tarr, the rules were suspended to consider the matter forthwith, and the bill was ordered to a third reading. No objections were raised to any of these procedural actions. The session also included recognition of two retiring Boxford public safety communications employees, Warren Edward Gould and Ronald, with remarks praising the importance of dispatchers and communications staff in public safety. The Senate adopted an order to adjourn to meet again on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the new law adds new exemptions for American Indians, Alaskan natives, urban Indians, and California
• Finally, the new law adds new exemptions for American Indians, Alaskan natives, urban Indians, and California
• Finally, the new law adds new exemptions for American Indians, Alaskan natives, urban Indians, and California
• Finally, the new law adds new exemptions for American Indians, Alaskan natives, urban Indians, and California
• value of SNAP benefits over Finally, the new law adds new exemptions for American Indians, Alaskan natives

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• school student to satisfy a world language graduation requirement by demonstrating proficiency in a Native
• The Senate amendment clarifies that a school district or charter school is not required to offer a Native
• course and permits the State Board of Education to establish criteria for evaluating proficiency in a Native

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of House bills that had returned from the Senate with amendments, with members repeatedly noting that sponsors intended to concur on most items. Topics included public health and vaccination rules (HB 2086, HB 2248), state investment in gold and silver (HB 2140), property records and voter-registration privacy (HB 2327), municipal and county regulation of business property and development fees (HB 2460, HB 2946, HB 2999), legislative subpoenas (HB 2745), cold plunge regulation (HB 2439), nursing-facility complaint timelines and licensed health aide rules (HB 2195, HB 2189), court-ordered treatment review (HB 2923), Access/Medicaid reimbursement and prior authorization for diagnostic services (HB 2932), inmate mental health study committee language (HB 2673), prenatal development instruction in schools (HB 2830), public records requests by legislators (HB 4056), parents’ rights and social transitioning in schools (HB 2249), school district financial compliance and facilities contracting (HB 2481, HB 2482), Native American language proficiency for graduation (HB 2895), advanced math auto-enrollment (HB 2423), special education and military-family procedures (HB 2621), AI rules for state agencies (HB 2592), eviction record sealing (HB 2244), tax filing penalties (HB 2016), shade structures in HOAs (HB 2342), homelessness-related community restitution (HB 2028), medical records timelines (HB 2557), PFAS firefighting foam restrictions (HB 2641), family-court expert testimony and prisoner transition services (HB 2662, HB 2440), address confidentiality protections (HB 2594), guardianship notice attestation (HB 2661), utilities for high-load customers (HB 2756), and nuclear-ready community planning (HB 2456). The committee also briefly moved to Caucus Calendar 19 for additional bills on mobile food vendors, school board training, out-of-state travel and meeting transparency, and a medical-intervention nondiscrimination bill. Several bills drew substantive discussion or criticism. Members debated HB 2932 at length, with staff explaining that Access said the bill would have a high fiscal impact because it would require reimbursement for non-contracted lab services and eliminate prior authorization for a broad range of diagnostic services, potentially increasing costs substantially. HB 2249 also prompted concern from members who argued it could force teachers to out students and create civil liability for using preferred pronouns or failing to notify parents about social transitioning. HB 2830 was criticized as requiring prenatal-development instruction while barring discussion of sexual activity or reproduction. HB 2028, which allows community restitution instead of a $20 probation assessment for people who are indigent and experiencing homelessness, was questioned as potentially punitive. HB 2481 was discussed as a way to help, rather than punish, small rural school districts struggling with financial-record compliance. The caucus also noted that several of the measures were sponsored by Democrats, which was highlighted as notable during the meeting. No formal votes were taken in the transcript. The caucus chair repeatedly asked for questions, and in most cases there were none, after which the sponsor was understood to intend concurrence with the Senate amendments. The meeting ended with adjournment after the caucus moved through the remaining calendar items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Native American communities in rural Arizona have borne the steepest cost of these failures.
• Native American communities in rural Arizona have borne the steepest cost of these failures.
• And indiscriminate reaction to the fraud that created, and has created irreparable harm towards our Native

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held another oversight hearing on Access, focusing on fee-for-service behavioral health management, prior authorization and claims processing, the Targeted Investment Program (TIP), and network adequacy. The chair and other members criticized Access for repeated transparency failures, including missing records related to the Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide, lack of public comment, unanswered questions about ARPA compliance, and concerns about ghost networks and delayed payments to providers, especially in Native communities and rural areas. Interim Director Roberta Harrison said Access had improved fraud controls after the sober living scheme crisis and acknowledged the need for modernization. She reported faster prior authorization processing, fewer denial codes, real-time dashboards, additional staffing, and claims processing under 30 days. She also said the agency wants more fraud referrals and is working to strengthen internal systems and communication. On the TIP program, Access officials explained that payments are delayed because of complex data validation and allocation across many provider sites; they said year one of TIP 2.0 was paid, but years two and three had not yet been distributed. The committee requested a formal plan within 30 days for paying the estimated $122 million in delayed TIP funds and asked for CMS-related documentation. Committee members also questioned Access about a direct contract with Constellation for claims processing, noting language in the proposal suggesting higher ROI from denying more claims; Access said that language was not part of the contract scope and was verbally rejected. On network adequacy, officials described time-and-distance standards, annual MCO reports, and internal review processes, but could not immediately confirm whether a fiscal year 2025 report had been submitted to CMS or whether any corrective action plans had been imposed. The chair concluded that Access’s improvements appeared to be driven by legislative pressure, said the committee would review the information received, and announced that Access would be sent detailed monthly reporting directions before the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• comes from: 'A weed is swallowing the Sonoran Desert, fuels wildfires, irritates lungs, and smothers native
• It results in the loss of native wildlife. It's an irritant for both animals and humans.
• The problem is you've got a lot of native species that you're getting wrapped up into.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Rural Economic Development met to hear two presentations. Representative Volk gave a presentation on invasive plant species in southern Arizona, focusing on buffalo grass and stinknet as wildfire fuels that also harm native ecosystems and can worsen respiratory issues. He described current removal efforts, including hand-pulling and coordinated treatment by groups such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and discussed the potential for drones and targeted herbicide application to improve mapping and treatment of infestations. Members asked about grazing uses, costs, herbicide selectivity, and the spread of stinknet, and Volk noted that mapping and treatment efforts are being expanded with grants and local testing of drone-based spraying. The committee then heard from Dr. Vishnu Reddy of the University of Arizona on space defense as an economic enabler for Districts 7 and 17. He described Biosphere 2, the Landscape Evolution Observatory, agrovoltaics, and freight-farm systems as research and economic development assets tied to water scarcity, food production, and renewable energy. He also explained the University’s planetary defense work, including asteroid tracking, international warning exercises, and the DART-style concept of nudging hazardous objects off course, while noting the Chelyabinsk event as an example of an unexpected airburst. Dr. Reddy emphasized the role of the University of Arizona, small businesses, and student workforce development in supporting space situational awareness and related research. He also shared meteorite, moon, and Mars samples with members and staff. No formal votes or committee actions were taken beyond the presentations and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• If it had not been for our native language, we could have been speaking a different language today.
• I am thankful that we are able to converse in our native language. and the English language, speaking
• I had a company back in 2008, Southwest Native Consultants, and I was I was the one who procured the

Transcript Highlights:

• California is home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the country, and protecting this native
• A Simi Valley native, Officer Jordan dedicated more than 29 years of service to Los Angeles.
• A Simi Valley native, Officer Jordan dedicated more than 29 years of service to the Los Angeles Police

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer honoring Pope Francis, and then proceeded through routine motions, guest introductions, and floor business. Members welcomed several groups, including youth art contest winners, local city officials for Cal Cities Week, emergency dispatchers and 9-1-1 youth heroes, a school group from Northridge Community School, and Sheriff Michael Johnson. The body also handled procedural actions such as re-referring bills, withdrawing AB 16 from Appropriations because it was no longer fiscal, and allowing committees to notice bills pending re-referral. On the floor, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 44, proclaiming April 20–26 as California Cities Week, was adopted by voice vote after opening the roll for co-authors. The Assembly then passed several bills, including AB 793 on dog dangerousness proceedings and AB 533 reauthorizing health care districts’ use of design-build for health facility construction, both by unanimous roll call. AB 764, which would add mute swans to the list of exotic non-game birds that can be legally managed, also passed unanimously. House Resolution 32, recognizing Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week, drew extensive remarks from multiple members about the historical tragedy and the Cambodian American community; it was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added, followed by a moment of silence. The consent calendar was then taken up and adopted 69-0, including AB 369 and a series of other bills and resolutions. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Officer Paul Philip Jordan, a longtime LAPD officer who served the Hollywood community, and the House adjourned until Monday, April 28 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• educators every year teaching about wildlife conservation and the critical role humans play in protecting native
• Um, today I'm protecting native species. Um, today I'm speaking in opposition to this bill.
• the state banning wildlife rehabilitators in the state banning the rehabilitation of the state's native

Bills: HB448, HB448

Keywords: wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, good samaritan, injured animals, orphaned animals, debilitated wildlife, wild birds, wild animals, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, permit exemption, animal rescue, animal welfare, veterinary medicine, veterinary licensing, animal cruelty, wildlife care, rehabilitation act, non-federally protected species, endangered species

Transcript Highlights:

• And ironically enough, at the very same time, another Rice County native by the name of Al Quie, at the
• another enough, at the very same time, another Rice<00:11:53.600> County<00:11:53.920> native
• the<00:11:55.040> name<00:11:55.200> of<00:11:55.440> Al Rice County native
• by the name of Al Rice County native by the name of Al Quei,<00:11:56.880> at<00:11:57.040>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a thriving native restoration business in central Minnesota, and I live in Representative T's
• Our company has restored thousands of acres of short-stem native prairie under solar arrays, and we're
• A few other pieces of legislation have accomplished as much to restore native prairie in Minnesota as
• that 2016 bill, creating habitat for songbirds, game birds, monarchs, and native insects all across

Bills: HF2928, HF2912, HF2297

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• The grantee is an organization called New Native Theater, and it's a free summer camp for grade school
• As the name New Native Theater might imply, they then use some sort of native traditional story and they
• The Native American Live series is where we've now expanded the number of books within that series from

Transcript Highlights:

• And we also changed healthy; we added healthy native flora, fauna, and ecosystem.
• resolution rather, page 1, line 14 talks about healthy water, soil, environments, and then it says healthy native
• We have palm trees, which are not native to southern New Mexico. We have pomegranates.
• Madam Chair, they're not native.

Transcript Highlights:

• grants to grassroots organizations serving African-American, Latino, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native
• I oversee the CRDP-funded Essence of Mana Program, serving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific
• This is one of the only programs that is directly focused on reducing disparities in the Native Hawaiian
• Today I'm here on behalf of Two Feathers Native American Family Services, specifically our ACORN program
• I work for Two Feathers Native American Family Services, and I am a substance abuse counselor.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's important to understand that Native Americans make up approximately 1% of Minnesota's population
• with ICWA, MIFPA, and other statutes, and looking at child welfare within Native communities.
• passage of MIFPA and to make sure that our agencies and our laws are here to support and lift up Native
• support<01:00:27.440> and<01:00:27.599> lift<01:00:27.839> up<01:00:28.000> native
• to support and lift up native families. to support and lift up native families.

Keywords: 1183, house