Transcript Highlights:

• You'll have two minutes.
• Thank you, Doctor. [00:10:50.000] You're over your two minutes.
• [00:15:50.000] The public line is open and working.
• The public line is open and working.
• Is there anyone on the line who would like to offer testimony in neutral?

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm looking at lines<00:26:37.679> 11 lines 11 lines 11 um<00:26:41.120> really<00:26:41.880
• Uh, can you again point me to which line number on this bill? Line 11. Last two words.
• Line 11. which line number on this bill? Line 11.
• <01:05:42.559> two natural gas which we saw um two two natural gas which we saw um two two
• right but then if you look up oh I6 two right but then if you look up oh on<01:32:30.080> line

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been two or three, anyways, since passed in the Senate, has not quite made it over the finish line
• 28 line 22 excuse me line 21 mentions 28 line 22 excuse me line 21 mentions 28 grams<00:44:10.920
• If you look under the line two, section A, there it's describing that if any person commits a violation
• under the line two section A there it's under the line two section A there it's describing<01:07:20.880
• <01:40:19.920> TP<01:40:20.119> two deterrence breaks down to two TP two deterrence

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the bottom line of this bill. Correct.
• I'm looking at line 16 on page two,...
• I'm looking at line 16 on page two, Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• I'm looking at line 16 on page two, and it says, I think you had mentioned it in the layout, maybe revoked
• You have two minutes. Blade Berkman. Mr.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up a long list of pending House bills, most of them on motions by Senator King or Senator Campbell. The committee adopted committee substitutes and favorably reported numerous bills, including HB 252, HB 700, HB 1500, HB 1545, HB 1562, HB 1732, HB 267, HB 2213, HB 2221, HB 2520, HB 2818, HB 3016, HB 3214, HB 3250, HB 3512, HB 3623, HB 3689, HB 3833, HB 4063, HB 4395, HB 4690, HB 4751, HB 5331, HB 3824, HB 4464, HB 4468, and HB 5247. Most of these were sent to the local and uncontested calendar, while some, including sunset and other significant measures, were reported to the full Senate. HB 146 was the only bill reported out on a divided vote, passing 6 ayes to 4 nays. Several bills received brief explanation of committee substitute changes. HB 3016, dealing with rental car collision damage waivers and stolen vehicles, was amended to change a cooperation standard from “fully cooperate” to simply “cooperate.” HB 3689, a major ESF/TWA financing bill, was described as making technical changes to align terminology with the Comptroller’s authority and to avoid creating state debt or new liability. HB 5247, a capital cost recovery bill for transmission in the Permian Basin, was revised to clarify how the new mechanism fits with existing Utilities Code provisions and to add a 2035 expiration date. HB 3824, the battery fire safety bill, also received technical changes to align terminology with industry usage. The committee heard public testimony on several pending measures. HB 3069, which would direct the PUC to develop supplemental multi-decade planning criteria for transmission certificates in ERCOT, drew support from industry, environmental, and manufacturing witnesses who said it would help address congestion costs while balancing consumer protections; the bill was left pending. HB 5196, requiring state agencies to adopt and post telework policies and use written telework agreements, received both support and concern: supporters said it would preserve productivity and retention, while a senator raised concerns about notice and family logistics; it was left pending after testimony. HB 3112, allowing closed deliberations on cybersecurity policy details, was laid out and left pending after brief discussion. HCR 102, supporting federal nuclear tax credits, drew testimony from nuclear industry and energy advocates, who argued the credits are essential for existing plants, new nuclear development, grid reliability, and U.S. competitiveness; the resolution was left pending, with discussion about whether the language should focus more exclusively on nuclear. HB 705, creating a cosmetology licensure compact, was supported by industry, employers, and compact experts as a mobility tool that preserves state authority; HB 3516, expanding a public information exemption for Railroad Commission administrative law judges and technical examiners, and HB 3388, authorizing group property and casualty coverage for personal lines, were also heard and left pending. At the end of the meeting, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's mainly got two purposes.
• Well, I guess I would say two things. I don't know.
• So I’m a blown instrument, so I want to go through page number two, lines 26 through 29 again.
• So I'm a blown instrument, so I want to go through page number two, lines 26 through 29 again.
• And I see that language starting in line 27: procedural defect.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2666, Representative Keithley’s anti-SLAPP bill, by an 8-4 vote. After that, the committee moved to a public hearing on House Bill 3054, also sponsored by Representative Keithley. He said the bill had two main purposes: rebalancing appellate workload by moving Cole County cases into the Eastern District, and requiring cases challenging the procedural validity of a bill, statute, regulation, or constitutional provision to originate in Cole County to reduce forum shopping. Members of the committee pressed Keithley on whether the bill was motivated by political or outcome-based concerns, and on how broadly the venue language would apply. Several members worried it could sweep in ordinary civil cases, personal injury suits, medical malpractice cases, or even criminal cases if a constitutional issue were raised. Keithley said his intent was limited to procedural and validity challenges tied to lawmaking or regulatory action, not ordinary fact-based cases, but he acknowledged the language might need clarification. Opposition witnesses from the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and the Missouri Circuit Judges Association argued the bill was drafted too broadly and could create venue problems and litigation over where cases belong. They said plaintiffs commonly raise constitutional counts in civil cases, including challenges to damage caps, and warned the bill could force many cases into Cole County or be used for venue shopping in reverse. A representative of the Judicial Conference of Missouri did not take a position but suggested the committee gather more data on case types before proceeding. No further action was taken on HB 3054, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• "So, as far as the conflicts on page two, uh, lines 20 through 23, and then on lines 27 through 30 is
• So that would be lines 20 to 23, and then 27 to 30 is just to say let's go with the two years from date
• "So, as far as the conflicts on page two, uh, lines 20 through 23, and then on lines 27 through 30 is
• So that would be lines 20 to 23, and then 27 to 30 is just to say let's go with the two years from date
• So, as far as the conflicts on page two, uh, lines 20 through 23, and then on lines 27 through 30 is

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><04:14:22.640> page<04:14:22.960> two that lines one and two on page two that lines one
• I will say on page two, lines 13 following, it talks about contracting requirements.
• I will say on page two, lines 13 following, it talks about contracting requirements.
• Representative Cormen asked about page two, line 15, which talks about transmission.
• two, line 15 that uh looking at page two, line 15 that uh talks<05:41:11.200> about<05:41:11.440

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will be presenting the first two bills, so I will ask Vice Chair Chaney to please take the gavel.
• Audits and will be appointed to two-year terms by the Legislature.
• It is language on page ten, lines 229 and 233. Rep. Miller: Got it. Chair: You are recognized. Rep.
• It is throughout the bill, so let's start on page 17, lines 412 to 417.
• Gantt: Now, regarding the lines that are stricken on page 19, lines 469 to 474, this entire process that

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met to consider four conforming committee bills tied to the proposed 2026-27 House General Appropriations Act. Rep. Maggard presented PCB SAB 26-04, the annual retirement bill, which updates Florida Retirement System contribution rates based on the annual actuarial study and was said to produce a $31.7 million state savings. He also presented PCB SAB 26-02, which addresses collective bargaining impasses for state employees by tying resolution to spending decisions in the appropriations act or implementing legislation. Both bills drew brief questions, mainly from Rep. Gantt, and both passed favorably on roll call. Rep. Miller presented PCB SAB 26-03, which reorganizes state audit functions and creates the Florida Accountability Office, consolidating legislative audit work into four divisions and adding whistleblower protections and reporting requirements. Rep. Gantt asked whether the bill changed the use of outside auditors and whether it had a fiscal impact; Miller said the work would be absorbed within existing resources and that the Legislature would retain responsibility. A taxpayer witness supported the bill and urged stronger local-government audit standards and broader whistleblower coverage. The bill passed favorably. Rep. Abbott presented PCB SAB 26-01, a broader appropriations conforming bill focused on the State Employee Health Insurance Trust Fund, prescription drug formulary changes, a health insurance assessment on agencies and vacant positions, the $3 traffic violation surcharge for the State Law Enforcement Radio System, Capitol complex space management, and changes to the Office of Supplier Diversity. Much of the discussion centered on whether a closed formulary would make medications harder to obtain, with Abbott saying prior authorization would still allow access and that the change was needed to control costs and protect the trust fund. Rep. Gantt and Rep. Robinson raised concerns about employee health benefits and the repeal of supplier diversity provisions, arguing the committee lacked data on the impact to minority- and women-owned businesses; Abbott said the changes would still allow small businesses to compete and that the bill was intended to save money and modernize procurement. PCB SAB 26-01 also passed favorably, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• So actually what we're looking for in page six, line two, what we want to add is—sorry, hold on a second—my
• So, section 2, line 1, line 2.
• one uh line one uh line two<00:33:55.399> sorry<00:33:56.039> page<00:33:57.039>
• two sorry page we were looking at line two sorry page we were looking at line on<00:33:58.760>
• <00:34:33.520> 19<00:34:33.960> so line on page five yes in line 19 so line on page

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB 284, which would remove the requirement that wiretapping applications to a designated judge be accompanied by a written memorandum from the Department of the Attorney General. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill as drafted and instead proposed a new emergency-wiretap procedure allowing county prosecutors to seek immediate judicial authorization in exigent circumstances, followed by AG review and a follow-up application within 48 hours. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported creating an emergency exception, citing a kidnapping case involving a missing material witness and the need to obtain live phone location data quickly, but asked that the AG be required to respond clearly within the follow-up period. The AG said the current wiretap process often arrives incomplete and noted a prior Honolulu application that was returned for more information and then abandoned. The committee also heard public testimony, including one speaker in support and another in opposition, and discussed whether the proposed emergency process should include imminent danger findings and what happens if the follow-up application is not approved. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up SB 295, which increases penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and makes related changes. The Deputy Public Defender opposed the bill’s higher penalties, arguing that not all restraining-order cases involve domestic violence and that the measure could affect family disputes, property conflicts, custody battles, and other non-domestic situations. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney supported the bill, saying it would create a more uniform and efficient charging framework and that violations of court orders can be serious even when the conduct appears minor in isolation. Domestic violence advocates also supported the measure, emphasizing the need for meaningful enforcement and deterrence; one witness cited statewide data showing thousands of TRO petitions but relatively few convictions and fines. A representative from the Domestic Violence Action Center supported the bill but requested amendments to reduce unintended consequences for survivors. During discussion, the committee focused on the proposed minimum sentence, with the Domestic Violence Action Center recommending reducing it from 15 days to 5 days. The witness explained that longer minimums can create hardships such as job loss, housing instability, and child care problems, while still allowing time for survivors to access shelter and services. The committee chair indicated support for amending the bill to reflect that recommendation. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney also clarified that the bill is intended to address violations of already-issued protective orders after judicial review, not the initial issuance of restraining orders, and said the office supports eliminating the distinction between domestic and non-domestic protective-order violations because charging decisions are often made under time pressure. Multiple individuals and organizations signed up in support, and one witness testified in opposition. No vote or final committee action was announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Southwest light rail line, Mr. Southwest light rail line, Mr.
• In fact, line 79.8.
• In fact, line 79.8.
• In fact, line 79.8.
• In fact, line 79.8.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I get two questions, but piggybacking in, I think.
• So the company in Springfield, CRRC, that had been the supplier of Red, Orange Line, and Red Line cars
• Yes, I think two related items there.
• And this may be—there are two questions, actually, that come to my mind.
• And this may be, there are two questions actually that come to my mind.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets held a public hearing on H. 5279, a bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. MassDOT and A&F testified in support, describing the bill as a more than $5 billion transportation bond package centered on a four-year, $1.2 billion Chapter 90 authorization, plus funding for MBTA rail reliability and modernization, housing-related transportation improvements, a new DCR/MassDOT PRISM program for parkways and other DCR assets, and reauthorizations of the Municipal Pavement Program, Shared Streets and Spaces, and highway programs. They said the bill would support safety, resilience, housing production, and multimodal transportation, and noted that some bonds could be issued as special obligation bonds backed by the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues. Committee members asked about the size and structure of the authorizations, the federal match for highway projects, the source of MBTA vehicle procurement, bridge repair needs, and whether the housing-related funds could be used flexibly for items like sidewalks, bike lanes, bus stops, and other local transportation improvements. Administration witnesses said the bill is intended as a temporary refill of existing programs until a larger transportation bond bill is filed next session, that the federal-aid line includes the full spending authority while the state only borrows the 20% match, and that the housing-related program is deliberately broad and not limited to MBTA communities. They also said Chapter 90 includes a road-mile component that especially helps rural communities and that preservation and safety are built into the programs. The Massachusetts Municipal Association also testified in strong support, emphasizing that Chapter 90 is the most important tool municipalities have to maintain the roughly 30,000 miles of local roads and bridges they are responsible for. MMA urged timely passage before construction season and praised the continued $300 million Chapter 90 level, especially the $100 million road-mile distribution that helps communities with large road networks and smaller populations. No votes were taken on the bill, and the hearing concluded with adjournment after testimony ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, on page 6, line 13, there is the definition of resident, resident.
• But my concern is, is that going to be the next one in line for that particular area?
• Madam Chair, going on over to page 19, starting on line 16...
• Let me see here, let's drop on down to page 19, line 23.
• When a family of two or three is paying two or three thousand dollars a month, and the rich state like

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• if we have two tiers.
• a net increase in staff working in the veteran crisis line.
• Two of them have gotten their jobs back, but one of them still hasn't.
• Both of my deployments were successful. or two combat zones.
• You didn't call the Veterans Crisis Line.

Keywords: veterans, mental health, suicide prevention, Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Grant Program, HOPE Act, BRAVE Act, Every State Counts for Vets Mental Health Act, advocacy, legislation, mental health resources

Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the critical issues surrounding veterans' mental health and suicide prevention. Discussions centered on the reauthorization of essential programs aimed at providing non-clinical support services to veterans, particularly the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Senators emphasized the urgent need for adequate mental health resources as the suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high. Key testimonies were provided by various advocates and officials, illustrating both successful implementations of these programs and areas needing improvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• about was it two weeks ago it was about about was it two weeks ago it was about about was it two weeks
• or three about two weeks ago about two or three about two weeks ago about two or three about two weeks
• floors two floors two floors off."
• This is line line line 1067. Oh, we 1067. Oh, we 1067. Oh, we Okay. Okay. 1058 all the way to 1067.
• the as you are well aware, Mobile is the only class two only class two only class two municipality.

Bills: HB 10, HB 12, HB 147, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• There are two of us—two Shannons—and we take our show on the road.
• We're going to gather the data for two years. At the end of that two years...
• What if on page two, line 18, we eliminate, shall develop and implement it.
• Page 2, line 18: If we eliminate “shall develop and implement” from that entire line, then you’re not
• So on page two, line 18, we're going to change the shall to May, making, um, making, 2, line 18, we're

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a major workers’ compensation overhaul centered on creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and modernizing fee schedule and claims data collection. Myers said the bill was designed to improve transparency, reduce disputes, address outliers and abuse, and help injured workers return to work faster. The committee adopted technical amendments, then considered a large amendment set combining portions of House bills 780 and 1101, which added preliminary determination procedures, fraud language, temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit changes, and a fallback deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached by 2029. Several members and witnesses objected that the amendments were dropped late and would turn SB 408 into an omnibus bill; supporters argued the package was the best chance for comprehensive reform. After debate, the committee adopted the amendments and reported SB 408 favorably as amended. Testimony on SB 408 was sharply divided. Supporters, including some providers and injured-worker advocates, said the bill’s core value was transparency through the database and that the system needed modernization and a better fee schedule. Opponents argued the added amendments would burden pro se claimants, expand litigation, and weaken injured workers’ rights, especially through fraud and preliminary hearing provisions. Committee members also questioned whether the combined package was germane and whether it should be allowed to move as a single reform measure. Louisiana Workforce Commission staff explained the timeline for data collection, electronic billing, dispute rules, and eventual fee schedule rulemaking, and said the department could execute the law as amended. The committee then turned to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, concerning workplace violence and safety plans for small-box discount retailers. The bill was revised through a substitute that required covered retailers to develop and submit a written workforce safety plan, or submit an existing plan if one already existed. Representative Glorioso raised concerns that requiring a written safety plan could create new civil liability under Louisiana’s assumption-of-duty doctrine and increase litigation and insurance costs. Chasson responded that the intent was simply to encourage safety planning and that businesses already had such plans. The committee discussed possible narrowing language, but the transcript ends before a final disposition on HB 585 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also add language on page two, lines 15 to 17, to include the full statutory range of relevant sections
• Similarly, we'll be doing the same on page two, lines 18 to incorporate relevant sections of HRS.
• <01:07:40.480> relevant two lines 18 to incorporate relevant two lines 18 to incorporate relevant
• , line two, ending with “private sector projects.”
• To do so, we’ll be replacing language on page three, lines two to six, and page four, lines 16 to 18,

Bills: SB2567, SB2448, SB3046, SB2231, SB2526

Keywords: harassment, restraining order, temporary restraining order, injunction, protective order, public employer, public servant, public employee, government employee, state employee, legislator, judge, judicial branch, executive branch, local government, political subdivision, workplace violence, threats, stalking, employee safety

Transcript Highlights:

• As you can line for a long time.
• So lines, it becomes quite a hindrance.
• January 1st, 2027, which is in line with January 1st, 2027, which is in line with the<01:09:36.400>
• just a quick question on line nine. just a quick question on line nine.
• So right now I've got two left in me. Uh, two left committee of conference.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Two of those days were Saturday and Sunday.
• We're building a two billion dollar hospital. That's about two miles from where I live.
• I think we're winning on two out of three.
• So you're pursuing two tracks now.
• How do they fit into batch one, two, three and so on? We don't have line of sight on that.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You've got two years.
• Two asterisks will show there's an addition or deletion of a line item.
• I just was curious about two other institutions.
• Those two might. I'm always hopeful, but I'm not aware. Those two might be. Those two might.
• On page 10, item two... ...the page 10 item two, the recommendation and the legislative and the executive

Summary: The committee first adopted revised JBC rules, which staff said were updated to reflect legislation passed in the 2025 session. It then heard a presentation from DFA Secretary Jim Hudson on the governor’s proposed balanced budget for FY27, with no action taken. Hudson said the budget reflects three priorities: limiting state-government growth, continuing investments in education, and advancing income-tax cuts. He highlighted increases for education funding through EFAs, pay-plan costs for Corrections, DPS, and the Attorney General, higher education productivity funding, drug task forces, a Corrections medical contract, the governor’s 1033 initiative, SNAP error-rate reduction efforts, and an additional $100 million set aside for Medicaid sustainability. Committee members questioned the size of the tax cuts, the balance requirement, public education funding, Medicaid trust-fund levels, EFA funding, and the expected impact of new SNAP cost-sharing rules. The Division of Higher Education then presented its productivity-based funding recommendations. Officials said institutions were 2.61% more productive overall, with funding changes driven by a statutory formula that rewards degree production, underserved populations, and high-demand fields. Members asked about declines at UA Little Rock, the formula’s multipliers, the role of the Arkansas Access Act and a new return-on-investment metric, and how two-year colleges are adjusted for size. The committee also reviewed special items and approved two letters: one authorizing 17 net personnel changes across nine institutions, and another adding special language for North Arkansas College’s entry into the University of Arkansas system. The committee then adopted the Higher Education Coordinating Board’s recommendations for all institutions. A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on the University of Arkansas system, especially Fayetteville’s athletics funding and the broader impact of the House/NIL settlement. Chancellor Charles Robinson and system officials explained that the board had waived a longstanding campus transfer and directed the university to provide an additional $6 million to athletics, with some costs likely to be passed through to students but partially offset by existing budget growth. Members debated whether the university should prioritize academics or athletics, how the transfer originated, and whether the athletic changes would affect affordability. The committee also discussed the 1890 extension program at UAPB and the Division of Agriculture’s land-grant funding. UAPB officials said the state match is intended to be one-to-one, that the current recommendation aligns appropriation with actual spending, and that a $2 million set-aside remains available if needed. The Division of Agriculture later clarified that its Smith-Lever extension and Hatch research funds are part of the UA system’s separate budget and that the state matched about $6.2 million in federal extension funding last year. The committee then moved to the Department of Corrections. It approved G1, transferring 51 positions to the secretary’s office to activate a recidivism program, with an estimated cost of about $4 million. Staff then began walking through the department’s FY27 budget, noting an increase of about $8 million for administration and shared services, including a $170,000 sex-offender assessment appropriation moved under Act 723 of 2025 and roughly $6 million more for medical contracts. Questions on the Corrections budget had just begun when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• When do we put those two together?
• I have two others.
• I rise today mainly to point out the two.
• You know we have two sides of every issue.
• When I was in school, teachers taught me you have to wait your turn in line, and if I cut in line, they