Video & Transcript Research : 'LA FIRST'

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 16th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • First up to testify, we have the University of Hawaii.
  • <00:37:51.160> up<00:37:51.319> to variance and first up to variance and first up to
  • And first up—oh, sorry, I apologize, hang on.
  • First up to testify, we have DCCA.
  • materials be after the lahina and La materials be after the lahina and La fires<02:32:11.080>
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • First on the agenda, we have HB 989 relating to plans.
  • HD1 relating to child performers first HD1 relating to child performers first to<00:38:10.839>
  • <00:41:47.640> part account laws so which is the first part account laws so which is the first
  • So that would be the first step.
  • to HB 478 relating to employment first to HB 478 relating to employment first to<00:44:26.440>
Keywords: 910, house, all
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • Who came first, the chicken or the dog? We don't know. Okay. Thanks, Ozzie. Next, SB 1503.
  • The helicopter pilot that crashed and was not technically under the law, a first responder, but truly
  • it was a first responder.
  • Who came first? The chicken or the dog? We don't know. Okay. Thanks, Ozzie.
  • , but truly it was a first responder.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate and House bills, many of them on consent or with strike-everything amendments. Topics included advanced air mobility for border security (SB 1457), raising the off-highway vehicle weight limit to 3,500 pounds while striking a proposed law enforcement fund (SB 1519), school property leases and a trampoline court safety citation change (HB 2383), electronic monitoring in health care facilities (SB 1041), dental school complaint handling and board jurisdiction limits (SB 1168), pharmacist-authorized testing and HIV prevention guidance (SB 1713), school district insurance/self-insurance requirements (SB 1497), reporting-requirement cleanup for education statutes (HB 2203), historic neighborhood housing zoning (SB 1118), construction contract payment protections in revitalization districts (SB 1189), timeshare salesperson licensing (SB 1274), workers’ compensation notice and recordkeeping (SB 1428), property tax disability exemption clarifications (HB 2120), insurance modeling/data organization requirements (HB 2174), HOA rules on chickens and pet breed restrictions (SB 1582), first responder death benefits for law enforcement pilots (SB 1503), and changes to virtual veterinary prescribing periods (SB 1286). Members generally asked clarifying questions, and several sponsors were said to intend to concur or refuse amendments, with HB 2010 headed to conference because the sponsor would not accept the Senate’s five-year refund window. On the second calendar, the committee heard HB 2176 on health facility complaint investigations, allowing DHS to investigate older complaints involving alleged abuse; HB 2050 on radiologic technologists and radiologist assistants, restoring direct supervision requirements with limited general-supervision exceptions; HB 2010 on digital goods, where the Senate reduced a refund window from 10 years to five and the sponsor planned to refuse; HB 2875 on unmanned aircraft, expanding airport drone-delivery buffer rules from one mile to two and a half miles and requiring airport consultation; HB 2428 on county certification of emission reduction credits, clarifying participation is voluntary and limiting new credits if fleet participation becomes mandatory; and HB 2877, which was struck and replaced with a veterinary technician certification pathway requiring 4,000 supervised work hours and allowing nonprofit curriculum evidence. Several members noted support or opposition based on prior votes or policy concerns, but no roll-call votes were taken in the caucus itself.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm also the first vice president of our association.
  • First, why don't they do this?
  • First, why don't they do this?
  • The next person is Nicole de la Garza? Nicole de la Garza? She had to leave, okay.
  • The first witness is Brian Hawthorne.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety, criminal justice, and regulatory bills. HB 4995 would create a training and certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would let tactical medical staff protect themselves while providing immediate care; the bill was left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the failure-to-appear-or-pay/OmniBase license-hold program, with the author and advocates arguing it creates compounding debt and unnecessary barriers to driving, while judges and municipal court representatives said the program is a voluntary, cost-effective tool that improves court appearances and reduces warrants; the bill was also left pending. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/Delta-9 THC substances, and HB 5436 would let licensed auto recyclers buy certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shops; both measures were left pending after brief testimony in support. The committee also heard HB 1777, which would require a discrete designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people required to register as sex offenders. The author and supporters argued the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and prevent harm, while opponents called it a stigmatizing “scarlet letter” that would increase harassment, family harm, and reintegration barriers. The bill was left pending. HB 4155 would create a two-year Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study family violence homicides, gather stakeholders, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, the Texas Council on Family Violence, and a survivor testified in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4514, which would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and privacy safeguards, to help businesses confirm identities and combat fraud; supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce theft and fraud, and the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 5139 would clarify that peace officers and jailers are justified in using less lethal force weapons when acting within training and official duties; law enforcement groups supported the measure as a way to encourage use of less lethal tools without fear of prosecution, and testimony was underway when the transcript ended.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Feb 18th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • One of my first memories and meals here in the United States was McDonald's.
  • Individuals men and women are selfless first responders.
  • I know this is the First time you are here at the Capitol. Enjoy, meet the legislators.
  • This is your first time. I hope this is first of many to come.
  • The first reading referral to committee, the clerk will read the resolutions.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Feb 18th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • First I want to recognize Denise Harlan, she's the Executive Director of the Giddings Chamber.
  • One of my first memories and meals here in the United States was McDonald's.
  • Individuals men and women are selfless first responders.
  • I know this is the first time you are here at the Capitol.
  • This is your first time. I hope this is first of many to come.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session Feb 18th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • One of my first memories and meals here in the United States was McDonald's.
  • From being their first jobs, building their careers, and connecting with the American dream.
  • Uh, these individuals, men and women are selfless first responders.
  • This is your first time. I hope this is the first of many to come. Welcome.
  • The following resolutions on first reading referral to committee.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Before we jump into our first issue, we're pleased...
  • I'll be covering incompetent-to-stand-trial solutions first.
  • We align our comments with the First Five Association.
  • Again, we align her comments with First Five Association.
  • And for the LA County area in particular, the LA County contract has facilities in the Los Angeles County
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard presentations on several May Revision proposals, beginning with an overview from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance on the state’s budget condition and the administration’s efforts to reduce out-year deficits through a mix of revenue measures, fund shifts, and program reductions. The chair expressed support for some administration proposals, such as added health IT funding, county administration support, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some immigrants, and additional Covered California subsidy backfill, but also criticized proposed Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other cuts affecting counties, workforce, and rural access. The LAO said the budget still relies heavily on reserves and borrowing and urged more reserves and caution on new commitments. The Department of State Hospitals presented several proposals, including reduced county bed billing authority, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscriptions, reversion of unspent prior-year funds, additional lease revenue authority for the Metro Central Utility Plant replacement, funding for electronic health record implementation, and a shift of workforce development costs to Behavioral Health Services Act funds. The department also described savings and realignments in its IST and CONREP programs, including making the Independent Placement Panel permanent and adjusting funding for jail-based competency treatment and conditional release services. Members questioned the BHSA workforce funding swap, and the administration said it was part of a broader General Fund offset strategy. The Emergency Medical Services Authority requested funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for continued operation of its enterprise systems, and the Department of Managed Health Care sought funds to modernize its complaint system and claims settlement data systems. The largest debate centered on the administration’s proposed use of Behavioral Health Services Act revenues to offset General Fund spending and fund state-directed behavioral health programs. The Department of Finance said the proposal would support population-based prevention, workforce programs, mobile crisis services, and other state-directed uses, while the LAO said it was still reviewing whether the uses comply with Proposition 1 and whether the non-supplement and eligible-use requirements are met. The Commission for Behavioral Health strongly opposed proposed cuts to its Innovation Partnership Fund and community advocacy grants, arguing that both programs are central to community voice, culturally responsive services, and statewide innovation. Commissioners and many public commenters said the cuts would reduce grants to community-based organizations, tribal groups, veterans, LGBTQ communities, youth, and other underserved populations, and that the advocacy program helps communities participate in local planning and access services. The Department of Finance defended the reductions as a way to prioritize direct services and said the programs fit within Proposition 1, but members criticized the proposal as a midstream shift that would weaken community engagement and redirect funds away from prevention and advocacy.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/23/26

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our first president, proposed language.
  • First, it strengthens constitutional...
  • I lived first-hand Um actually, yes.
  • <01:41:56.240> questions Senator Krowen in his first questions Senator Krowen in his first
  • Senator Cruz, talk to your LA. Senator Cruz, talk to your LA.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

November 18, 2025 - 03:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our first responders, towing professionals, and storage operators or even days after the initial incident
  • Our first responders, towing professionals, and storage operators across the state are facing situations
  • Las Galzo, Sunshine State Towing Association. Come on up, a proponent.
  • So my first question is the definition of indigent.
  • But this is that first starting point. Any further questions? No.
Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard four bills. HB 37 by Rep. Nix addressed the removal, storage, and cleanup of damaged electric vehicles, allowing towing and storage operators to charge an administrative fee when EVs are stored under enhanced safety standards such as a 50-foot separation or protective barrier. The sponsor and towing industry witnesses described post-crash battery fire risks, while Tesla and Enterprise Mobility raised concerns that the bill was too broad and could lead to triple storage charges even when battery damage is not present. Members largely supported the concept, though some urged further narrowing; the bill was reported favorably after debate. HB 401 by Rep. Tant would cap inmate health care compensation at 110% of the Medicare reimbursement rate for Jefferson County, with the sponsor and Sheriff Matt McNeil saying the measure would help a fiscally constrained county control rising outside medical costs and encourage providers to contract in advance. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered HB 4003 by Rep. Benaroch, a local bill for Marco Island that creates a special-election process for council vacancies when the council fails to act; an amendment extended the election window to 130 days and required the governor to call the election if the council does not do so within 30 days. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, HB 407 by Rep. Snyder would modernize the Martin County Health Care Fund and define indigency criteria for county-funded indigent care, including residency, income, asset, and Medicaid eligibility limits. County and hospital representatives supported the measure, and one member suggested comparing the bill’s indigency definition with existing criminal indigency standards for consistency. The bill also was reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/25/26

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • :04:09.920> SNAP First, this recommendation protects SNAP First, this recommendation protects
  • > increase<00:06:11.800> the First, this proposal would increase the First, this proposal
  • The first item regarding our all-payer claims database...
  • Um<00:30:12.760> this<00:30:12.960> first<00:30:13.360> item Um this first item
  • First, we'll go to Zoom.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • to establish a new First Star program.
  • The current-year appropriation of $1.8 million is the first state appropriation to the First Star program
  • First, the need for state funding is not clear.
  • In order to get into the first comes out that they are fostered?
  • We received our first state appropriation for First Star in the current year, and UC Riverside is in
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard May Revision proposals covering higher education, including the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, the University of California, California Community Colleges, the California Student Aid Commission, UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and trailer bill reporting changes. For the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, the administration proposed a one-time $10 million General Fund backfill to repay a special fund loan taken to cover litigation costs, plus provisional language to adjust for a pending legal expense and to repay the loan without interest. The LAO opposed shifting costs to the General Fund and raised legal concerns about an interest-free loan under Proposition 26. Senators asked about whether the $10 million would cover the litigation and about the estimated $245,000 in interest savings. For UC, the May Revision maintained the Governor’s ongoing support and included budget language requiring campuses to grow by 2,968 California undergraduates in 2026-27. UC also sought $1.5 million in one-time General Fund support for the First Star foster youth program. UC described strong outcomes for the UCLA program, while the LAO recommended rejecting the new spending because UC already has overlapping outreach programs, including the Early Academic Outreach Program, and because the need for new state funding was not clear. Senators debated whether the proposal duplicated existing services and discussed the program’s reported college-going and completion rates. The committee also heard a request for $1 million ongoing General Fund for UC College of the Law, San Francisco, to maintain campus safety services; the college described its shared-campus model and public-interest mission, while the LAO noted the college was also raising tuition and that the proposal would maintain, rather than expand, current security spending. The committee then reviewed community college proposals. Finance outlined a larger May Revision package centered on a 4.31% SCFF COLA, enrollment growth funding, categorical COLAs, a one-time Adult Learner Demonstration Project allocation, deferred maintenance, and other ongoing and one-time items. The Chancellor’s Office supported the package but asked for more enrollment growth funding, a higher growth rate, and additional policy changes. The LAO recommended at least funding the statutory 2.87% COLA, then considering whether to redirect remaining funds to enrollment growth, categorical COLAs, or one-time priorities; it recommended rejecting the Adult Learner Demonstration Project. Senators questioned the use of the discretionary COLA to cover paid pregnancy disability leave, the impact on hold harmless and basic aid districts, and whether the state should instead create a separate categorical. The Chancellor’s Office and Finance said the COLA approach was intended to provide flexibility, though Finance said it was open to further discussion about districts that would not receive direct funding. For student aid, Finance described May Revision changes to Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship, including a one-time reduction tied to lower estimated costs and a later true-up, as well as proposals for the Golden State Teacher Grant Program and implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. CSAC supported the financial aid investments but urged more time and clearer implementation planning for Workforce Pell, noting the need for state approval processes, data linkages, and likely ongoing administrative workload. The LAO recommended rejecting additional Golden State Teacher Grant funding and cautioned that the Workforce Pell trailer bill and one-time funding were premature given the new federal rules and unclear workload. Senators also raised concerns about the Middle Class Scholarship reduction, the need to support students facing higher living costs, and the decline in CADA/DREAM Act applications, with CSAC saying the drop did not reflect reduced need and that outreach should be strengthened. The final item was a set of technical trailer bill changes to shift some UC, CSU, and community college reporting from annual to biennial and consolidate reports; Finance said there were no programmatic changes.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Human Services Mar 4th, 2025

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • So let's call our first witness to give their testimony.
  • come, first served as they reach the top.
  • it truly first come, first served, like it's just a time thing or is it need-based because I mean we
  • But otherwise it really is a first come, first served.
  • Let, let me take the latter one first, if I may.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Human Services Mar 4th, 2025

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so that's really the first step. want to take.
  • Now, kind of just at a first glance, it would say.
  • come, first served.
  • Put first in line, if, is it truly first come first serve, like, it's just a time thing or is it need
  • But otherwise, it really is a first come, first serve.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 05/17/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The secretary will read the first message. The secretary will read the first message. Mr.
  • first reading and referred as indicated. first reading and referred as indicated.
  • First, the eviction moratorum. pieces. First, the eviction moratorum.
  • Senator La, for a motion. Mr.
  • La for a motion. La for a motion.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, members, our first bill is House File 29. Representative Kresha, House File 29.
  • <00:21:24.920> graders But under the standards, first graders But under the standards, first
  • I am part of the first ever required ethnic studies class from 2020.
  • Amelia Maria de la Luz Montes.
  • Amelia Maria de la Luz My name is Dr.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: House File 29 was heard in committee as a proposal to suspend adoption of the revised social studies standards, push implementation to 2030-31, repeal the requirement to embed ethnic studies across all standards, and cancel related appropriations. The bill sponsor argued Minnesota schools should focus on basic academic achievement and that ethnic studies requirements add burdens and distract from reading, math, and science. The chair moved the bill to the Committee on Education Finance after opening the hearing and then took extensive public testimony. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of HF 29, including Katherine Kersten, Deanna Moose, Kendall Qualls, Hillary Swanson, and Diane Smith, argued the ethnic studies framework is ideological, overly focused on race, insufficiently transparent, and costly in professional development time; several said it would divide students or burden teachers. Some supporters also claimed the standards or framework promote activism, critical race theory, or racial stratification. Opponents, including Mark Westfall, Crystal Johnson, Jim Grathwol, Marcus Penny, Claude Sigman, and Courtney Major, said the standards are inclusive, research-based, and designed to help students understand multiple perspectives, civic life, and the contributions of diverse Minnesotans. They emphasized that ethnic studies can improve engagement, critical thinking, and representation, and that teachers should be trusted to implement the standards. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal action noted was the chair’s motion to re-refer House File 29 to the Committee on Education Finance.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Mar 19th, 2025

Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:
  • We only got the first question. We only got the first question.
  • That was the first question that we got.
  • First.
  • I saw when all of our LA colleagues came through.
  • First, start in areas that have no homes or businesses.
Keywords: 988, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And we've had some success with both over the years, but this is the first here...
  • And we've had some success with both over the years, but this is the first here.
  • Yeah, I mean, just first off, thank you all for your work.
  • Yeah, the first panel was great to hear.
  • I think one of the things we have to do first, as Ms.
Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its second informational hearing at UCLA, focusing on California’s alternative protein sector and the role of public institutions in expanding plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated protein options. Chair Ash Kalra opened by highlighting prior state investments in UC research centers, the importance of student engagement, and the hearing’s three panels: reducing the carbon footprint of institutional meals, addressing market challenges to scaling alternative proteins, and advancing future food research and workforce development. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan also briefly praised the committee’s work and its relevance to climate and health goals. The first panel featured Friends of the Earth, UCLA Dining, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Megan Jones described California school food efforts, including technical assistance and microgrants that helped districts expand plant-based meals, reduce water and carbon footprints, and improve student satisfaction. Pete Angelese explained how UCLA Dining uses concept-driven venues, sustainable purchasing, and marketing nudges to increase plant-forward choices, while Dr. Michelle Wood outlined Los Angeles County’s 2024–2025 board motions to expand plant-based options in county food venues and programs, including joining the World Resources Institute’s Cool Food Pledge. Committee members asked about costs, procurement, and how student and consumer behavior can be influenced. The second panel addressed market barriers to scaling alternative proteins. Zach Weston and Daniel Gertner emphasized that the sector faces a cost-and-scale trap, high capital needs, and financing gaps, and they recommended grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, procurement commitments, and workforce development. T.K. Pillen of Beyond Meat argued that the category has faced a recent downturn due to consumer skepticism, industry attacks on “fake meat,” and pricing pressures, and said the key to renewed growth is increasing demand through better taste, health, pricing, and messaging around “plant protein.” Panelists also discussed hidden subsidies and structural advantages for conventional animal agriculture, and committee members raised questions about iBank loan guarantees and supply chain challenges. The final panel highlighted UCLA’s research and training efforts. Dr. Amy Roet described the Future Food Fellows program, which trains students across disciplines in science, communication, leadership, and community-building, and supports research on scalable, safe, and nutritious alternative proteins. Corinne Smith shared her cultivated meat research and student leadership in the Alternative Proteins Project at UCLA. Dr. Janet Tomiyama presented consumer psychology findings showing that disgust, gender norms, and terminology strongly affect acceptance, with “plant protein” and “complementary proteins” testing better than “fake meat.” The hearing concluded with support for continued public investment, clearer messaging, and expanded education and workforce pipelines to help California remain a leader in alternative protein innovation.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

S/C on State-Federal Relations May 1st, 2025

S/C on State-Federal Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have an outstanding first-class brand new terminal.
  • El Paso and its sister cities, and Las Cruces, form a thriving binational community of over 2.5 million
  • as opposed to walking across, except I think it may have been either this year or last year was my first
Summary: The Committee on State-Federal Relations heard testimony on HB 3484, which would formalize agreements between border municipalities and treat certain infrastructure, services, and facilities as Texas assets for funding eligibility if they are within 30 miles of the border. Representative Van Deaver and a witness from Texarkana described how the bill would help Texarkana, Texas, secure state funding for jointly used facilities such as wastewater, water treatment, and airport assets that are physically located in Arkansas but serve Texas residents. Members asked about whether Arkansas benefits from the facilities and whether the bill would apply only to U.S. border cities; testimony clarified that it applies to Texas municipalities bordering another U.S. state, and the bill was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. The committee also heard HCR 112, by Representative Perez, which urges Congress to allow state-issued Real ID cards, including Texas driver’s licenses, to be accepted as identification for U.S. citizens re-entering the country at land and sea ports of entry. Perez argued that Texas already verifies citizenship and lawful presence for Real ID issuance, that most Texans already have Real ID-compliant licenses, and that acceptance at the border would reduce costs and delays for routine cross-border travel without weakening security. Members asked about the security features of Real ID, implementation timing, passport delays, and how border crossings currently work; Perez said the resolution would not replace passports for international air travel and would apply only to U.S. citizens returning at land and sea ports. HCR 112 was also left pending, and the committee adjourned after HDR 125 was withdrawn from the schedule.