Transcript Highlights:

• They could they had to drop CPA >> right?
• >> So CPAs were prohibited from using it.
• </c> &gt;&gt; So CPAs were prohibited from using it.
• &gt;&gt; So CPAs were prohibited from using it.
• </c> &gt;&gt; We made them CPAs. &gt;&gt; We made them CPAs. &gt;&gt; Yep. &gt;&gt; Yep.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• We need more CPAs in Arizona, and we need more CPAs in the whole country, and this bill goes down that
• Chairman, this bill appears to make it harder to become a CPA.
• We do have a serious shortage of CPAs across the country.
• We do have a serious shortage of CPAs across the country.
• exam, and you are a CPA.

Bills: HB2118 , HB2181 , HB2308 , HB2309 , HB2402 , HB2476 , HB2682 , HB2698 , HB2875 , HB2877 , HB2903 , HB2910

Committees: House Commerce , House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Keywords: mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, HB2181, death certificate, death certificates, vital records, funeral establishment, funeral home, human remains, medical certification of death, death registration, state registrar, local registrar, county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner

Transcript Highlights:

• We need more CPAs in Arizona, and we need more CPAs in the whole country, and this bill goes in that
• Chairman, this bill appears to make it harder to become a CPA.
• We do have a serious shortage of CPAs across the country.
• exam, you are a CPA.
• Chairman, Representative Carter, it's the... before you become a CPA. Mr.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Commerce Committee heard House Bill 2181, which would extend the deadline for funeral establishments or responsible individuals to complete and submit death certificates. The committee adopted an amendment reducing the maximum extension to 14 days and clarifying that the medical certification deadline for health care providers excludes weekends and holidays. Testimony from a mortuary owner and the sponsor described delays caused by doctors’ schedules, county processing, holidays, and families needing more time; some members argued the bill did not address the underlying accountability problems for doctors and counties, while others supported the added flexibility. HB 2181 was approved 6-4-1 with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 2682, which creates a DES rental assistance program providing up to two months or $5,000 in aid and appropriates $5 million from the general fund for administration. Supporters said the bill would help families facing short-term crises stay housed, reduce evictions, and serve as a preventive measure that could save money downstream; a constituent testified in Spanish about receiving emergency rental help after falling behind. Some members raised concerns about the program’s cost, the limited target population, and whether seniors should be included, while others supported it as a pilot and asked for possible amendments. HB 2682 passed 7-4. House Bill 2698, which creates a rental assistance study committee to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs and repeals the committee in 2028, was heard next and passed on a 7-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2476, revising CPA certification and reciprocity requirements by creating multiple pathways to licensure and updating related rules and fees. Supporters said the bill would help address a CPA workforce shortage and align Arizona with other states; after questions about whether the bill made licensure harder or easier, the committee unanimously approved HB 2476, 11-0. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2308, which would bar dental insurers and certain holding companies from owning dental practices. The sponsor and Arizona Dental Association argued the bill would prevent conflicts of interest and preserve separation between payers and providers, while Delta Dental opposed the measure as overbroad and potentially burdensome for nonprofit insurers and investors. After discussion about private equity, nonprofit charity care, and vertical integration, the bill was approved 8-0 with three members present. The committee then started House Bill 2118 on mobile food vendors, with the sponsor and food truck operators arguing it would streamline duplicate local permitting, while cities and some vendors opposed it as a loss of local oversight and control; testimony continued, but no final action on HB 2118 appears in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• the TIF committee that was in my district that was considering a proposal to get an attorney and a CPA
• work and come and listen to a TIF committee presentation. a proposal to get them an attorney and a CPA
• make these decisions, so it would be their responsibility to find those people that meet those qualifications

Bills: HB3310 , HB4311 , HB3841 , HB3024 , HB3075

Committee: House General Government

Summary: The committee met for its first General Government meeting of the second part of session and laid over several agenda items, including bills listed as numbers 3, 4, and 10. HB 3310, the Government Accountability and Budget Transparency Act, was presented as a procurement accountability measure to strengthen oversight, efficiency, and timely payment to private vendors doing business with the state. After brief questioning about whether late payment is a widespread problem, the committee voted 8-0 to pass the bill. HB 431, which would increase the treasurer’s share of the unclaimed property administration fee from 4% to 6%, was presented as necessary to cover higher operating costs such as salaries and IT. The author emphasized that the change would not cost taxpayers anything or reduce the amount returned to owners of unclaimed property. The committee approved the bill after questions about long-term impacts on the unclaimed property fund. The most extensive discussion centered on HB 3841, a major reform of tax increment financing (TIF). The author said the bill would not ban TIFs but would require voter approval, separate consent from affected taxing jurisdictions, more transparency, annual training for review committees, independent legal and financial opinions, and economic impact studies. Members raised concerns that the bill’s wording—especially the “majority of the eligible voters” language and removal of executive-session confidentiality—could make TIFs impractical or eliminate trade-secret protections, and they also questioned costs and effects on economic development. At the author’s request and with committee support, the bill was laid over for further work. The committee then passed HB 3024, which creates statutory limits and oversight for state employee pay increases and bonuses, including a 10% cap unless higher amounts are approved through cabinet secretary/OMES procedures. Supporters said it would add transparency and curb large, unreported raises, while questions focused on whether it would help address broader pay disparities. Finally, HB 3075, as amended by a PCS, was presented to authorize rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel for state agencies and local governments in response to the practical disappearance of pennies. The committee approved that bill as well, and the meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sure they're sure Society of CPAs. I'm sure they're sure Society of CPAs.
• , they get what a qualifications, they get what a qualifications, they get what a assistant principal
• They they can hire accountants and CPAs who who uh in every accountants and CPAs who who uh in every
• That's what the cost model, which is a CPA model, has done. Some do which is a CPA model, has done.
• have the cost model which the CPAs have the cost model which the CPAs have endorsed and it's just a

Bills: HB 29 , HB 125 , HB 145 , HB 171 , HB 255 , HB 50 , HB 796 , HB 363 , HB 116 , HB 491 , HB 589 , HB 1495 , HB 368 , HB 1285 , HB 1905 , HB 1360 , HB 2002 , HB 917 , HB 2723 , HB 2067 , HB 1238 , HB 2337 , HB 745 , HB 1188 , HB 1606 , HB 2003 , HB 2147 , HB 2391 , HB 2355 , HB 2546 , HB 2495 , HB 2818 , HB 2249 , HB 1749 , HB 3109 , HB 3228 , HB 3240 , HB 1507 , HB 658 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2001 , HB 2798 , HB 107 , HCR 29 , SB 5 , SB 262 , HB 11 , HJR 72 , HB 106 , HB 18 , HB 48 , HB 27 , HB 37 , HB 1481 , HB 581 , HB 1696 , HB 2216 , HB 1035 , HB 1633 , HB 742 , HB 754 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 2669 , HB 391 , HB 517 , HB 1024 , HB 1607 , HB 252 , HB 1716 , HB 1562 , HB 4116 , HB 1866 , HB 1741 , HB 2103 , HB 2637 , HB 2884 , HB 503 , HB 1089 , HB 2986 , HB 972 , HB 502 , HB 29 , HB 125 , HB 145 , HB 171 , HB 255 , HB 50 , HB 796 , HB 363 , HB 116 , HB 491 , HB 589 , HB 1495 , HB 368 , HB 1285 , HB 1905 , HB 1360 , HB 2002 , HB 917 , HB 2723 , HB 2067 , HB 1238 , HB 2337 , HB 745 , HB 1188 , HB 1606 , HB 2003 , HB 2147 , HB 2391 , HB 2355 , HB 2546 , HB 2495 , HB 2818 , HB 2249 , HB 1749 , HB 3109 , HB 3228 , HB 3240 , HB 1507 , HB 658 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2001 , HB 2798 , HB 107 , HCR 29

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment to my amendment to the Senate Amendment to the House bill that we passed in regards to the qualifications

Bills: HB1520 , HB1545 , HJR110 , HJR203 , HB245 , HB1465 , HB1482 , HB294 , HB793 , HB809 , HB3928 , HB334 , HB2037 , HB1973 , HB285 , HB4341 , HB4264 , HB 1043 , HB837 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB 1194 , HB1646 , HB1729 , HB2498 , HB1314 , HB2295 , HB1353 , HB1531 , HB1988 , HB5398 , HB3960 , HB3923 , HB1407 , HB1764 , HB2221 , HB2214 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2213 , HB5008 , HB5092 , HB3421 , HB3663 , HB3748 , HB3800 , HB3756 , HB2613 , HB3782 , HB5246 , HB4344 , HB4044 , HB4066 , HB2702 , HB2807 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3181 , HB3250 , HB4153 , HB2091 , HB2115 , HB2542 , HB2768 , HB3349 , HB3352 , HB4406 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB3133 , HB4432 , HB4960 , HB3214 , HB3915 , HB3508 , HB2145 , SB304 , SB608 , SB2312 , SB494 , SB530 , HB45 , HB2520 , HB35 , HB47 , HB318 , HB349 , HB554 , HB1359 , HB1373 , HB2254 , HB2259 , HB2853 , HB3073 , HB3088 , HB353 , HB355 , HB786 , HB762 , HB705 , HB932 , HB849 , HB 1119 , HB3041 , HB713 , HB3104 , HB3970 , HB4042 , HB4490 , HB1731 , HB2607 , HB3689 , HB1788 , HB1612 , HB138 , HB15 , HB1971 , HB1338 , HB2989 , HB267 , HB 1201 , HB2954 , HB5265 , HB1804 , HB5061 , HB1520 , HB1545 , HJR110 , HJR203 , HB1887 , HB1914 , HB2402 , HB2306 , HB1809 , HB2350 , HB3000 , HB3237 , HB3326 , HB3211 , HB 1056 , HB2081 , HB2187 , HB3092 , HB3308 , HB3526 , HB3750 , HB3527 , HB4219 , HB4230 , HB4290 , HB5238 , HB4804 , HB4749 , HB245 , HB1465 , HB1482 , HB294 , HB793 , HB809 , HB3928 , HB334 , HB2037 , HB1973 , HB285 , HB4341 , HB4264 , HB 1043 , HB837 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB 1194 , HB1646 , HB1729 , HB2498 , HB1314 , HB2295 , HB1353 , HB1531 , HB1988 , HB5398 , HB3960 , HB3923 , HB1407 , HB1764 , HB2221 , HB2214 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2213 , HB5008 , HB5092 , HB3421 , HB3663 , HB3748 , HB3800 , HB3756 , HB2613 , HB3782 , HB5246 , HB4344 , HB4044 , HB4066 , HB2702 , HB2807 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3181 , HB3250 , HB4153 , HB2091 , HB2115 , HB2542 , HB2768 , HB3349 , HB3352 , HB4406 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB3133 , HB4432 , HB4960 , HB3214 , HB3915 , HB3508 , HB2145 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR34 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR74 , HCR75 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR93 , HCR100 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR90

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Summary: The Florida House considered multiple bills on Day 59 of the legislative session. Key legislation included CS for HB 1103 on developmental disabilities services, which expanded a pilot program statewide while maintaining current contracts. CS for SB 1730 addressed affordable housing with amendments protecting historic districts. CS for HB 443 on charter schools allowed stricter codes of conduct and virtual student athletic participation. CS for HB 209 prohibited golf courses and hotels in state parks. Lucy's Law (CS for HB 289) increased boating safety penalties and education requirements. CS for HB 1205 significantly restricted citizen ballot initiatives by requiring petition circulator registration, limiting volunteer collections to 25 signatures, adding financial impact statements, and imposing new penalties. The House also passed bills on animal cruelty databases, waste incineration restrictions, and spectrum alerts for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• filing requirements of certain reports of political contributions and expenditures, including as a qualification
• HB 4749 by Landgraf, relating to the reconstruction of the jury wheel and the jurors' qualification in
• Leach. ...wheel and the jurors' qualification in certain counties. Chair recognizes Mr.
• 522 facilitates mobility for certified public accountants by ensuring similar practice mobility for CPAs
• 522 facilitates mobility for certified public accountants by ensuring similar practice mobility for CPAs

Bills: HB1520 , HB1545 , HJR110 , HJR203 , HB245 , HB1465 , HB1482 , HB294 , HB793 , HB809 , HB3928 , HB334 , HB2037 , HB1973 , HB285 , HB4341 , HB4264 , HB 1043 , HB837 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB 1194 , HB1646 , HB1729 , HB2498 , HB1314 , HB2295 , HB1353 , HB1531 , HB1988 , HB5398 , HB3960 , HB3923 , HB1407 , HB1764 , HB2221 , HB2214 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2213 , HB5008 , HB5092 , HB3421 , HB3663 , HB3748 , HB3800 , HB3756 , HB2613 , HB3782 , HB5246 , HB4344 , HB4044 , HB4066 , HB2702 , HB2807 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3181 , HB3250 , HB4153 , HB2091 , HB2115 , HB2542 , HB2768 , HB3349 , HB3352 , HB4406 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB3133 , HB4432 , HB4960 , HB3214 , HB3915 , HB3508 , HB2145 , SB304 , SB608 , SB2312 , SB494 , SB530 , HB45 , HB2520 , HB35 , HB47 , HB318 , HB349 , HB554 , HB1359 , HB1373 , HB2254 , HB2259 , HB2853 , HB3073 , HB3088 , HB353 , HB355 , HB786 , HB762 , HB705 , HB932 , HB849 , HB 1119 , HB3041 , HB713 , HB3104 , HB3970 , HB4042 , HB4490 , HB1731 , HB2607 , HB3689 , HB1788 , HB1612 , HB138 , HB15 , HB1971 , HB1338 , HB2989 , HB267 , HB 1201 , HB2954 , HB5265 , HB1804 , HB5061 , HB1520 , HB1545 , HJR110 , HJR203 , HB1887 , HB1914 , HB2402 , HB2306 , HB1809 , HB2350 , HB3000 , HB3237 , HB3326 , HB3211 , HB 1056 , HB2081 , HB2187 , HB3092 , HB3308 , HB3526 , HB3750 , HB3527 , HB4219 , HB4230 , HB4290 , HB5238 , HB4804 , HB4749 , HB245 , HB1465 , HB1482 , HB294 , HB793 , HB809 , HB3928 , HB334 , HB2037 , HB1973 , HB285 , HB4341 , HB4264 , HB 1043 , HB837 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB 1194 , HB1646 , HB1729 , HB2498 , HB1314 , HB2295 , HB1353 , HB1531 , HB1988 , HB5398 , HB3960 , HB3923 , HB1407 , HB1764 , HB2221 , HB2214 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2213 , HB5008 , HB5092 , HB3421 , HB3663 , HB3748 , HB3800 , HB3756 , HB2613 , HB3782 , HB5246 , HB4344 , HB4044 , HB4066 , HB2702 , HB2807 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3181 , HB3250 , HB4153 , HB2091 , HB2115 , HB2542 , HB2768 , HB3349 , HB3352 , HB4406 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB3133 , HB4432 , HB4960 , HB3214 , HB3915 , HB3508 , HB2145 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR34 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR74 , HCR75 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR93 , HCR100 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR90

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard the invocation and pledges, and then took up a series of memorial resolutions and recognitions. Members adopted memorial resolutions honoring former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Alice Gail Hudgens, with remarks highlighting their public service and community impact, and adopted resolutions recognizing Victoria College’s 100th anniversary and May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The chamber also recognized Texas A&M system interns and later granted permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. The House then moved through a long third-reading calendar, passing a number of bills on wide margins. Measures approved included SB 304 on municipal court jurisdiction over nuisance abatement ordinances, SB 608 on reporting evidence collection kits, SB 2312 creating a Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict, SB 494 creating a petroleum theft task force, SB 530 on postsecondary accreditation, HB 45 giving the Attorney General a role in prosecuting human trafficking cases, HB 35 on peer support for first responders, HB 47 and HB 3073 on sexual assault policy and prosecution, HB 318 and HB 3000 creating rural sheriff and ambulance grant programs, HB 554 on Juneteenth fireworks sales with county opt-in authority restored, HB 705 and HB 932 joining licensure compacts for cosmetology and occupational therapy, HB 849 allowing county park boards to meet by video conference, HB 1119 on mental health bed reporting, HB 3041 on students with nontraditional secondary education, HB 713 on maternal mortality review reporting, HB 3104 on Webb County bailiff appointments, HB 3970 on electricity planning for large loads, HB 4042 on Railroad Commission safety provisions for gas distribution pipelines, HB 4490 protecting next-of-kin information, HB 1731 on the physician assistant compact, HB 2607 on Walker County Hospital District governance, HB 3689 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association funding, HB 1788 on continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists about abuse and trafficking, HB 1612 on hospital direct payments for uninsured patients, and HB 138 on health impact cost and coverage analysis. Several bills drew extended debate or amendments. HB 353, creating a trespass offense near schools and daycares, prompted questions about constitutional concerns and property rights before passing. HB 3211 on optometrists in managed care plans received a perfecting amendment and a Medicaid-related amendment setting a minimum payment level. HB 1056 on gold and silver specie and a state-based currency prompted detailed questioning about its mechanics and fees, followed by a point of order challenging the caption. The House also adopted or postponed a number of items, including postponing HB 2520 and HB 1359 until later in the calendar before later passing both, and laying several bills on the table subject to call. Many measures passed overwhelmingly, while a few, including HB 3326 on loan forgiveness for adjunct professors and HB 3237 on energy consumption goals, passed with narrower margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so they're going to determine technical expertise, qualifications, credentials of that size and scope
• Then it takes time to evaluate the technical capabilities, qualifications, the folks that would be on
• so I've certainly seen on other not somewhere projects, but let's say like projects where there is a CPA
• Friedman, I know CPA should have been in the room. Obviously you're talking about fixed assets.

Transcript Highlights:

• And on the bottom of page 27, Madam Chair, was narrowing the qualifications...
• And on the bottom of page 27, Madam Chair, was narrowing the qualifications for the GRT deduction for
• And so Ernst & Young, the largest CPA firm on the planet, needed to have our tax policy explained to
• If Ernst & Young, the largest CPA firm on the planet, can't figure out our tax code.
• I don't need a herd of attorneys and CPAs to figure it out. It's 2%. I can go to New Mexico.

Summary: The committee’s final day focused first on a historical overview of New Mexico tax packages by Pam Stokes of Legislative Council Services. She described how tax packages have alternated over the decades between tax relief, revenue raising, and tax reform, with examples ranging from the creation of the gross receipts tax in 1966 to major packages in 1981, 1986, 1991, 1994, 2005, 2019, 2022, 2024, and the vetoed 2025 package. Members discussed how tax policy often tracks revenue conditions, how packages can combine increases and decreases, and how local government gross receipts taxes and hold-harmless distributions have affected communities differently. Several members reflected on past packages, especially the 2004 food tax repeal and the 2013 film tax and manufacturing changes, and noted that tax policy can have major economic and political effects even when it is not “sexy” legislation. The committee then heard a proposal to expand the health care practitioner gross receipts tax deduction to include co-insurance, and to extend the sunset date. Sponsor Senator Figueroa said the bill was intended to help recruit and retain medical providers and build on prior deductions for co-pays and deductibles. Testimony explained that co-insurance is the patient’s share after the deductible, that providers currently absorb the gross receipts tax on those payments, and that the proposal would cost about $30 million to the state plus about $20 million to municipalities and counties, with the exact fiscal impact likely to be updated. Members raised concerns about the effect on local governments, whether insurers could be required to reimburse providers, whether the bill would actually attract doctors, and whether better evaluation measures and sunsets should be added. The sponsor said the bill was part of a broader set of efforts to address provider shortages and that the discussion would continue. Representative McQueen then presented a bill to update the Land Conservation Incentives Act. He and conservation partners said the program has protected more than 500,000 acres but has not kept pace with rising land values, especially for irrigated agricultural land in the Middle Rio Grande. The proposal would increase the percentage of conservation value eligible for the credit, raise the per-transaction cap from $250,000 to $2 million, and make the credit refundable rather than only transferable. Testimony emphasized that the program is voluntary, keeps land in private ownership and production, and helps land-rich, cash-poor landowners preserve farmland and water rights. Members asked about average credit amounts, how easements work, whether landowners could effectively buy land and then use the credit, and whether there should be inflation indexing or a statewide cap. The discussion also touched on water rights, fencing, and the role of conservation easements in protecting agricultural land and compact water deliveries. Finally, Senator Sharer previewed his 2% tax proposal with a historical presentation on New Mexico tax law, using props to illustrate the evolution from early territorial tax codes to the modern tax system. He argued that the state’s current tax structure is overly complex and that recent federal changes have disrupted the personal income tax base. The committee did not take any votes on the day’s presentations; the meeting was primarily informational, with members offering feedback and raising policy concerns for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> their qualifications and background. their qualifications and background.
• Um, wasn't a CPA, uh, didn't practice as a CPA, but that passed CPA exams and was working in private
• Um, wasn't a CPA, uh, background, right?
• a CPA, but that didn't practice as a CPA, but that passed<02:32:08.080><c> CPA</c><02:32:08.640><c> exams
• And let me just let me qualifications.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, Senator Perry obviously as an accountant, great CPA, understands these things, but this business
• No, it would not in the way that it's currently drafted. subsections that create those pre-qualifications

Bills: SB8 , SB650 , SB667 , SB779 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1378 , SB1585 , SB1721 , SB2312 , SB 8

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Bills: SB25 , SB250 , HB22 , HB27 , HB33 , HB47 , HB233 , HB290 , HB308 , HB324 , HB382 , HB533 , HB559 , HB575 , HB980 , HB1157 , HB1207 , HB1236 , HCR45

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: HB22, Act 279, Clerks of Court Retirement and Relief Fund, retirement system, pension, cost-of-living adjustment, COLA, retirees, beneficiaries, survivors, funded ratio, actuarial valuation, Consumer Price Index, CPI-U, employer contributions, funding deposit account, unfunded accrued liability, public retirement, Louisiana retirement law, court clerks

Transcript Highlights:

• The calculation for the conversion delivers an equivalent income qualification threshold.
• If you look on lines 5 through 9, we are going to define distinguished qualifications because it was
• So on page nine, the existing language says that the distinguished qualifications would be defined by
• So, do we have a working definition of what distinguished qualifications currently are?
• And so we're just going to ask them to promulgate roles again for distinguished qualifications.

Bills: HB2210 , HB2398 , HB2959 , HB3006 , HB3026 , HB3151 , HB3315 , HB3372 , HB3467 , HB3590 , HB4268 , HB4359 , HB4427

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: youth apprenticeship, career education, workforce development, high school programs, mentorship, vocational training, state oversight, credential of value, education, labor market, government reporting, school abuse reporting, child abuse, neglect, mandatory reporting, student safety, school employee misconduct, administrator reporting, superintendent, law enforcement notification

Bills: HB199 , HB222 , HB223 , HB224 , HB235 , HB246 , HB405 , HB535 , HB554 , HB907 , SCR3 , SB43 , SB52 , SB54 , SB113 , SB168 , SB219 , SB222 , SB270 , SB311 , SB359

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: nursing facilities, moratorium, healthcare, patient care, data collection, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, Department of Children and Family Services, sunset law, statutory entities, regulatory authority, re-creation, termination dates, child welfare, foster care, children's rights, legal guardianship

Bills: HB407 , HB871 , HB882 , HB2011 , HB3572 , HB3578 , HB4038 , HB4866 , HB4897 , HB4978 , HB5380 , HB5555 , HB5668 , HB5670 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5679 , HB5688 , SB673

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Bills: HB407 , HB871 , HB882 , HB2011 , HB3572 , HB3578 , HB4038 , HB4866 , HB4897 , HB4978 , HB5380 , HB5555 , HB5668 , HB5670 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5679 , HB5688 , SB673

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Transcript Highlights:

• I have people that are sent to me by attorneys, CPAs, and word of mouth.

Bills: HB4011 , HB2680 , HB4325 , HB4327 , HB4944 , HB1761 , HB4688 , HB3453 , HB40 , HB1707 , HB4749 , HB2322 , HB3647 , HB4139 , HB4081 , HB2203 , HB2100 , HB4170 , HB3104 , HB4623 , HB40

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we actually asked lawyers who are maybe great in trial after five years or other qualifications
• And so we actually asked lawyers who are maybe great in trial after five years or other qualifications

Bills: HB4011 , HB2680 , HB4325 , HB4327 , HB4944 , HB1761 , HB4688 , HB3453 , HB40 , HB1707 , HB4749 , HB2322 , HB3647 , HB4139 , HB4081 , HB2203 , HB2100 , HB4170 , HB3104 , HB4623 , HB40

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence met to hear House Bill 1761, a broad judicial package focused on increasing judicial compensation and adding accountability and efficiency measures. The chair explained that HB 1707 and HB 2100 were withdrawn from the agenda, and that HB 1761 would be taken up first because many judges and stakeholders were present. The committee substitute for HB 1761 proposed a 30% increase in base judicial pay to $182,000, changes to judicial retirement linkage, stronger judicial conduct provisions, and efficiency measures such as targeted reporting for judges not meeting benchmarks, appellate in-person meeting encouragement, and time limits on certain motions. The chair and several supporters said judicial pay had reached “emergency status,” citing Texas’s low national ranking and difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified judges. Witnesses in support included presiding and district judges, the State Bar’s judicial section, business and trial lawyer groups, and prosecutors. They emphasized that many judges work long hours off the bench, handle warrants at night and on weekends, manage heavy dockets, and face recruitment problems in both urban and rural counties. Supporters also said higher pay would help attract experienced lawyers, retain judges, and improve court efficiency. Several witnesses and members discussed judicial accountability, including public reporting of court performance and the role of the Texas Supreme Court and presiding judges in setting benchmarks. Some members raised concerns that raw statistics can be misleading because judges also do substantial off-the-bench work and often help cover other courts’ dockets. There was also testimony and discussion about the bill’s conduct and discipline provisions. A representative of the Texas Civil Rights Project opposed parts of the bill that would tie pay raises to changes affecting judicial independence, warning about subjective bail-related discipline standards and possible chilling effects. The executive director of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct cautioned against civil penalties for complainants, saying it could discourage good-faith complaints and create litigation risks. Other witnesses supported accountability reforms but urged caution about unintended consequences, especially for family and emergency cases and for judges handling warrants and other time-sensitive matters. After testimony, the committee withdrew the committee substitute and left HB 1761 pending, then recessed the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And on the bottom Of page 27, Madam Chair, was narrowing the qualifications for the GRT deduction for
• We have all of these things that we can do, and so Ernst Young, the largest CPA firm on the planet, needed
• can any business that's looking at coming to New Mexico deal with this if Ernst Young, the largest CPA
• I don't need a herd of attorneys and CPAs to figure it out. It's 2.

Committee: Joint Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We currently have four local CPA firms that conduct these audits.
• It appears that these audits will be the same audits conducted by these independent CPA firms and not
• firms and by these uh independent CPA firms and not<00:36:18.800><c> any</c><00:36:18.960><c> other<
• </c> them and as well as our accounting CPA them and as well as our accounting CPA firms<00:37:56.320
• This is a unique<00:51:51.359><c> set</c><00:51:51.520><c> of</c><00:51:51.680><c> qualifications</c>

Bills: HB2185 , HB2621 , HB2179 , HB2534 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB2560 , HB2565 , HB2172 , HB2298 , HB2304

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: sports officials, referees, umpires, athletic directors, school administrators, league administrators, coaches, assault, first-degree assault, substantial bodily injury, temporary restraining order, TRO, private counsel, Department of Education, DOE, sports safety, school sports, amateur athletics, professional sports, public schools