Transcript Highlights:

• </c> our state employees and all the systems our state employees and all the systems are<00:27:06.880
• , but of the company that the pension system is invested in, because the pension system needs the highest
• , but of the company that the pension system is invested in, because the pension system needs the highest
• , but of the company that the pension system is invested in, because the pension system needs the highest
• > not targeted the pension system and said not targeted the pension system and said please<00:32:09.480

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:17 Attendance Roll Call: 00:41 Approval of Minutes: 02:40 HB 694: 03:16 SB 183: 18:32 Discussion on PPOB Membership: 36:10 Adjournment: 42:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its January 27 meeting and then took up House Bill 694, which would create a default rule for the Teachers’ Retirement System health insurance trust fund once it reaches 100% funding, currently anticipated around 2027. The bill would redirect two funding streams now going to the health trust—state payments on behalf of local districts and other employer contributions—into TRS pension benefits if the health fund reaches and maintains full funding. The sponsor said this would add about $154 million annually to TRS pensions and would only serve as a default if no other plan is adopted later. Members asked whether the bill would shift the unfunded liability to teachers or affect employee contributions. The sponsor and staff said it would not shift liability to teachers and would not change the employee contribution; only the employer-side payments would be redirected. Several members asked about the meaning of actuarial 100% funding, whether the fund could fall back below 100%, and whether employee contributions might be reduced in the future. The sponsor said the bill is based on actuarial projections, would revert the money back to the health trust if funding fell below 100%, and does not prevent future legislative or board action. Senator Higdon and others spoke in support of discussing the issue, noting the 2010 shared-responsibility changes and the need for a default approach as full funding is reached. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183, which would amend Kentucky law governing proxy advisers used by retirement systems. The sponsor said the bill would require proxy advisers, when handling shareholder-sponsored proposals, to act solely in the interest of retirement system members and beneficiaries and to provide an economic analysis when voting against a company board’s recommendation. He argued the measure is aimed at proxy advisers such as ISS and Glass Lewis, which he said often advance ESG-related proposals not tied to shareholder value. A guest from APCIA said the bill is meant to distinguish proxy advisers from investment managers and to strengthen the 2023 law by requiring a clearer economic justification for votes that depart from board recommendations. Members asked how proxy advisers differ from other financial advisers, whether Kentucky uses them, and whether the bill would prevent pension funds from investing in companies with ESG factors if those investments are profitable. The sponsor and guest said the bill would not bar such investments; it is intended to regulate proxy voting recommendations, not investment decisions. They described the bill as a proactive measure to reinforce fiduciary responsibility and limit outside proxy influence on pension voting. No final vote on either bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trent Dilks was a representative from the Minnesota Commander Task Force. Mr. Tu Yang, Mr.
• that they have access to at the systems that they have access to at the<00:21:38.720><c> federal</c>
• Um, and we also will be working with county veteran service officers and the commander task force.
• So, the veteran commander task force.
• </c> service organizations of the commander service organizations of the commander task<00:27:04.240>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Hence, we divert them from the criminal justice system into the mental health system when it's appropriate
• I know the system, my team knows the system, and they understand the type of information that the courts
• So we understand the system.
• Knowing the system, this bill doesn't differ from anything.
• To an incident or complaint against a police officer.

Bills: HB1583, HB1775, HB1832, HB1836, HB1837, HB1866, HB1983, HB2029, HB2217, HB2318, HB2363, HB2486

Keywords: mental health, emergency detention, peace officer, mental illness, prevention of harm, border security, private landowners, study and report, General Land Office, participation, controlled substances, opioid antagonists, law enforcement training, substance abuse prevention, Texas-Mexico border, criminal justice, public safety, law enforcement, National Park Service, arrest powers

Transcript Highlights:

• soldier he served with the elite eightysecond Airborne division before being sent to Vietnam where he commanded
• rising to the rank of colonel from 1995 to1997 he served in Fort Leavenworth, the home of the army's command
• and generaltaff College as both the the garrison commander and dene for students and administration
• Captain, Ground Team One and Deputy Commander of Support.
• He is a Marine Corps Junior ROTC company commander and he went to the Junior Olympics on air rifle. team

Bills: SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100

Keywords: driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools

Transcript Highlights:

• soldier, he served with the elite 82nd Airborne Division before being sent to Vietnam, where he commanded
• He commanded headquarters company of the 39th Signal Battalion, the most decorated Signal Battalion in
• , as both the garrison commander and dean for students and administration.
• He is a Civil Air Patrol cadet captain, Ground Team One, and deputy commander of support.
• Senate Bill 2030, as I said, automating certain portions of the expungement system.

Bills: SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100

Keywords: driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Colonel Stanley L. Evans, Oklahoma City Young Professionals, state contest winners for America’s 250th anniversary, and a long series of page introductions. The chamber then moved into floor action on a large number of measures, many of them Senate bills and House joint resolutions dealing with administrative rules and agency oversight, public safety, education, health, agriculture, business, and tax policy. Among the major bills discussed were SB 1543 on aggregating multiple DUI charges within one year into a single felony case, HB 1933 on nitrous oxide violations, SB 1859 creating an OSBI Cybercrimes and Fraud Unit, SB 237 on ad valorem tax NAICS code changes, SB 2065 designating pollinator-related state symbols, SB 44 extending nonprofit sales tax exemptions to contractors, SB 2030 updating automated expungement procedures, SB 2045 expanding the Grow Your Own education program, and several water and agriculture measures including SB 1509, SB 1314, and SB 2071. Members also considered multiple joint resolutions approving permanent administrative rules for education, energy and agriculture, business and commerce, health agencies, and building code rules, with Kendricks explaining that some major rules were separated out for transparency and, in one case, a cost mitigation agreement had been reached. Testimony and debate were generally brief and focused on clarifying amendments. Several authors explained that amendments were added to address constitutionality, remove outdated or incorrect language, or reflect negotiated changes with agencies and stakeholders. Notable discussion included concerns about forum shopping in SB 1543, questions about the scope of the Grow Your Own program in SB 2045, and clarification that SB 1618’s pretrial report language had been changed to a public safety report agreed to by sheriffs and district attorneys. The House adopted numerous amendments without objection and passed the bills by wide margins, including some unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while a few measures drew more opposition, such as SB 1403, SB 1509, SB 2071, and SB 1618. The House also adopted HCR 1027 setting sine die adjournment for Thursday, May 14, and adjourned until the next day, May 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Bills: SB2097, SB2317, SB2319, SB2177, SB2190, SB2424, SB2524, SB2627, SB3084, SB895, SB896, SB3102, SB3157, SB3215, SB2050, SB2090, SB2211, SB2572, SB2096, SB2025, SB2127, SB2046, SB2262, SB2354, SB2387, SB2487, SB2955, SB3234, SB2851, SB2573, SB2391, SB3282, SB3055, SB2189, SB2194, SB3152, SB2635, SB888, SB2203, SCR1, SCR2, SCR3, SCR4, SCR5, SCR6, SCR7, SCR8, SCR9, SCR10, SCR11, SCR12, SCR13, SCR14, SCR15, SCR16, SCR17, SCR18, SCR19, SCR20, SCR21, SCR22, SR3, SR5, SR6, SR7, SR8, SR9, SR10, SR11, SR12, SR13, SR14, SR15, SR16, SR17, SR18, SR19, SB2010, SB3118, SB3276

Keywords: sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food system resilience, grant program, Hawaii agriculture, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, housing development, zoning exemption, government assistance, affordable housing

Bills: SB2097, SB2317, SB2319, SB2177, SB2190, SB2424, SB2524, SB2627, SB3084, SB895, SB896, SB3102, SB3157, SB3215, SB2050, SB2090, SB2211, SB2572, SB2096, SB2025, SB2127, SB2046, SB2262, SB2354, SB2387, SB2487, SB2955, SB3234, SB2851, SB2573, SB2391, SB3282, SB3055, SB2189, SB2194, SB3152, SB2635, SB888, SB2203, SCR1, SCR2, SCR3, SCR4, SCR5, SCR6, SCR7, SCR8, SCR9, SCR10, SCR11, SCR12, SCR13, SCR14, SCR15, SCR16, SCR17, SCR18, SCR19, SCR20, SCR21, SCR22, SR3, SR5, SR6, SR7, SR8, SR9, SR10, SR11, SR12, SR13, SR14, SR15, SR16, SR17, SR18, SR19, SB2010, SB3118, SB3276

Keywords: sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food system resilience, grant program, Hawaii agriculture, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, housing development, zoning exemption, government assistance, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2018, we moved to the tiered current system, and the cost per day was an average of $81 per day per
• "The American legal system has fostered human flourishing like no other legal system in world history
• Protecting that system of American law in Idaho courts is essential to ensuring the continued common
• I'm the commander of the Idaho ICAC task force.
• Our office is in support of this bill for the reasons that our ICAC commander just explained.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 556, which would raise the state reimbursement rate paid to counties for housing state inmates in county jails from the current $55/$75 tiered system to a flat $80 per day. Representative Skaug, county officials, sheriffs, and the Idaho Association of Counties all argued the current rates do not cover actual jail costs and shift a substantial subsidy onto county taxpayers. Testimony cited average county costs of roughly $106 to $120 per inmate per day, with Ada and Canyon counties describing large daily populations of state prisoners and limited programming for long-term inmates. Members asked about programming, out-of-state housing costs, and where the additional $3.1 million fiscal impact would come from. A substitute motion to hold the bill until February 25 failed 5-8, and the committee then voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 602, which states that Idaho courts should apply American law and not foreign law when doing so would conflict with Idaho public policy or fundamental rights. Sponsor testimony described the bill as a clarification that foreign law, foreign forum selection, and related decisions are unenforceable when they would limit rights such as privacy, marriage, due process, speech, or religion, while noting exceptions for certain entities, preexisting contracts, and religious exercise. Members asked whether the bill could affect treaties or prior international custody-related issues; sponsors said treaties were exempted and the bill would apply prospectively. Caleb Pierce of the Idaho Family Policy Center testified in support, and the committee unanimously sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 654, which adds electronic storage detection dogs to Idaho’s police dog protection statute. Representative Vili and Idaho Attorney General’s Office witnesses explained that these dogs are trained to detect a chemical associated with electronic storage devices, helping investigators locate hidden devices in child exploitation cases and other investigations. Testimony emphasized the dogs’ usefulness in search warrants and their role in comforting children present during enforcement actions. The committee then voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and adjourned after concluding its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• And he points out that our very own Ten Commandments have 'not to steal' and 'not to covet thy brother's
• , the Ten Commandments.
• For me, I look to Proverbs 31:8 and 9, that commands believers to speak up for the voiceless, for those
• Do you remember, or recall, what is the commandment number nine?
• “If the system has changed federally, then do we see ourselves in the same position?

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met on House Bill 7 by Speaker Pro Tem Johnson, the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, which would remove eminent domain authority for carbon capture and geological sequestration projects. After housekeeping and roll call, the committee adopted a set of technical amendments that cleaned up definitions, removed a stray statutory reference, and changed “commissioner” to “secretary.” The author then gave an extended presentation arguing the bill was needed to align Louisiana law with the state constitution’s property-rights protections and recent court rulings, and to ensure carbon capture projects proceed only through voluntary agreements rather than forced takings. Several members questioned the author and supportive witnesses about whether the bill would stop carbon capture, affect oil and gas pipelines, or disrupt investment. The author and supporters said it would not stop projects, only prevent taking land without consent, and argued that landowners—especially small and rural owners—should not face the threat of expropriation. Supportive testimony also emphasized family land, inheritance, and constitutional limits on takings. Some members raised concerns about changing the rules after prior legislative action and about the economic importance of carbon capture, but the author responded that the legislature had made a mistake in 2020 and should correct it now. Opposition testimony came from representatives of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, the Louisiana Chemistry Association, and attorneys who handle right-of-way matters. They argued that eminent domain is a rare last resort, that existing law and the Landowner Bill of Rights already protect owners, and that the Constitution’s provisions for private-entity expropriation are different from the provisions discussed by the bill’s supporters. They warned that removing the tool for carbon capture would chill investment, threaten jobs and revenue, and could spill over into other energy infrastructure. The committee did not reach a final vote on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 888 addresses a critical flaw in the system that unfairly penalizes disabled veterans by counting
• David Kuta, past commander of the VFW, supporting 85,000 veterans, combat veterans.
• And with me today, I have Patrick Henning, Chief Deputy Treasurer, and VFW State Commander David Kuda
• Commander David Kuda. And with that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you very much.
• And our goal is to seek progressive reform in California’s tax system that will improve equity while

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Bible, we find this powerful commandment in the book of Matthew.
• This is the first and great commandment, and the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself.
• Is it any surprise that our criminal legal system is filled with black bodies to this day?
• That the caste system better represented what was happening to black people here in this country.
• See, I came from the only black ethnic studies center in the entire UC system.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have a role within those systems.
• </c> within those systems. within those systems.
• It is the way we learn to understand the world we live in and the system that sustains our being.
• I am the state commander for the American Legion. I am a veteran.
• </c> quartermaster and past state commander. quartermaster and past state commander.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections. Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts. Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a bill concerning membership in the Public Employees' Retirement System for port workers who
• This is a pretty simple bill that directs the Department of Health to establish a system for sharing
• Chemical restraints and isolation are not a good way to command discipline.
• Chemical restraints and isolation are not a good way to command discipline.
• Chemical restraints and isolation are not a good way to command discipline.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Didn't have to pay anyone because he stayed within the system.
• David Kuda, Army veteran, commander of the VFW of California, I wholeheartedly...
• David Kuda, Army veteran, commander of the VFW of California, I wholeheartedly support this bill.
• My name is Phillips Zervantes, District 9, past commander. I wholeheartedly support this bill.
• I don't have access to their systems. I'm not representing a client on behalf of the VA.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met with a quorum and first approved its consent calendar, which included AJR 15, SB 56, SB 296, and SB 855, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then heard SB 694 by Senator Archuleta, a bill aimed at protecting veterans from unaccredited claims representatives and other for-profit entities that charge fees to assist with VA disability claims. The author and supporters, including county veterans service officers and veterans organizations, argued the measure would curb predatory practices, restore accountability, and steer veterans toward free, accredited assistance through CVSOs and other authorized representatives. Testimony in support emphasized that veterans are often targeted online and may pay large fees for services that are available for free, while supporters said unaccredited firms lack transparency and can exploit vulnerable veterans. Opposition witnesses, including representatives of claims-assistance companies and individual veterans, argued the bill would eliminate choice and that some contingency-based firms provide useful services, better outcomes, and faster claims processing. Committee members debated whether the bill would unlawfully bar legitimate assistance or whether it was needed to stop illegal business practices, with several members noting the issue is also being litigated in federal court and that an accreditation process already exists through the VA. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 694 and refer it to the Committee on Judiciary. The final vote was 6 ayes, with some members not voting. The committee then completed the consent calendar vote, which passed with eight votes, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• To my right here is Command Sergeant Major Thaad Edy, who serves as a command senior enlisted leader
• Sergeant Major Thaad Edy, who is Command Sergeant Major Thaad Edy, who serves<00:29:39.919><c> as</c
• </c> serves as a command senior enlisted serves as a command senior enlisted leader<00:29:41.840><c>
• </c><00:30:47.039><c> If</c><00:30:47.279><c> you</c> the blended retirement system.
• If you the blended retirement system.

Bills: HB0122, SF0004, SF0012, SF0013, SF0067, SF0070, SF0124

Keywords: healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, Medicaid, emergency medical services, ground ambulance, healthcare funding, reimbursement rates, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment

Transcript Highlights:

• Mindful of those whose lives are shaped by systems of care and protection.
• Mindful of those whose lives are shaped by systems of care and protection, may they ensure that safety
• Eric Olson, Commander, Mr. William Bentler, Mr. William Hickenthorn, and Mr. Is composed of Mr.
• Eric Olson, Commander, Mr. William Bentler, Mr. William Hickenthorne, and Mr. Jann Lehmert.
• Batiste, and Washington State Patrol Tacoma District 1 Commander John J. Guterman. Senator Leas.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer. The journal was approved, House messages were received, and several measures were introduced and referred, including Senate Joint Resolution 8212 and House Bill 2664. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 8672, honoring Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara Marissa Guding, who was killed in the line of duty. Senators spoke in support, emphasizing her service, the risks faced by troopers, and the importance of slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles. The resolution was adopted unanimously, all members were added as co-sponsors, and the Senate observed a moment of silence and welcomed Trooper Guding’s colleagues and family. The Senate then considered gubernatorial appointments. Kerry Heaton was confirmed to the Peninsula College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 47 ayes and 2 absent. Rebecca Chan was confirmed to the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees by a vote of 49 ayes and 0 nays. Bethany J. Martinez was confirmed to the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees by a vote of 49 ayes and 0 nays. Senators speaking on the appointments highlighted each nominee’s community involvement, professional background, and qualifications for the board positions. After the confirmations, the Senate agreed to stand at ease for caucus until 1 p.m. The transcript also included the reading of the prior day’s journal and routine procedural motions to advance through the orders of business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mindful of those whose lives are shaped by systems of care and protection.
• Mindful of those whose lives are shaped by systems of care and protection, may they ensure that safety
• Eric Olson, Commander, Mr. William Bentler, Mr. William Hickenthorn, and Mr. Is composed of Mr.
• Eric Olson, Commander, Mr. William Bentler, Mr. William Hickenthorne, and Mr. Jann Lehmert.
• Batiste, and Washington State Patrol Tacoma District 1 Commander John J. Guterman. Senator Leas.

Summary: The Senate convened with all members present, received the journal without objection, and took up messages from the House and first-reading referrals. It then considered Senate Resolution 8672 honoring Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara Marissa Guting, who was killed in the line of duty. Several senators spoke in support, reflecting on her service, the risks faced by troopers, and the importance of motorists slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the Senate observed a moment of silence and welcomed members of Trooper Guting’s family and the State Patrol. The chamber then moved to gubernatorial appointments. Kerry Heaton was confirmed as a member of the Peninsula College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 47-aye, 2 absent. Rebecca A. Chan was confirmed as a member of the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 49-aye, 0-nay. Bethany J. Martinez was confirmed as a member of the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 49-aye, 0-nay. Senators speaking in support highlighted each appointee’s community involvement, professional background, and education-related experience. After the confirmations, the Senate agreed to stand at ease for caucus and lunch until 1 p.m. No other substantive legislative action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assistant Commander Kevin Williams. Good morning. Good morning.
• This process is time consuming, must be done. done in person relies on a paper-based system.
• 32 was to incentivize small system consolidation.
• Delays are bad, bad for the water system, bad for money.
• to electronic filing systems, the clerk suddenly had a new electronic filing system and declare it substantively

Bills: SB 384, SB 503, SB 565, SB 616, SB 740

Keywords: hunting license, fishing license, donation, operation game thief fund, wildlife conservation, livestock, electronic registry, marks and brands, Texas Animal Health Commission, animal identification, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened under the leadership of Chairman Kelly Hancock, who opened the meeting with a prayer in remembrance of Chairman Perry, who was absent due to a personal loss. The session focused on the discussions surrounding SB384, which aims to support the longstanding initiative known as Operation Game Thief. Senator Flores presented the bill, emphasizing its essential role in the fight against poaching through public support. The operation has a successful track record of convictions but is currently dependent on donations and merchandise sales for funding. The committee aimed to vote on multiple bills during this session, contingent on achieving a quorum. Notably, discussions also revolved around fiscal notes on two bills that were set aside for later consideration, indicating the committee's intention to carefully manage their legislative decisions. The meeting showcased a productive atmosphere, with committee members actively engaged in the review and potential advancement of key legislative measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to clarify as well, though, prior to this mid-December startup of our unified command system
• and making sure that it works in their system.
• Do they fit any classification system?
• So there is another avenue for them, but that is through the same ...system of the inventory system,
• and on the local system.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section met with a quorum, approved the December 10, 2025 minutes, and received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. OMB reported the state was about $2 million ahead of forecast biennium-to-date, with an estimated ending general fund balance of about $397.5 million. Joe Morset also reviewed balances in major funds, oil tax revenues, interest income, federal grant reporting, fiscal irregularities, the voluntary separation incentive program, vacancy savings, and the FTE pool. Members asked about the higher-than-forecast interest income, the effective oil tax rate and stripper-well production, the impact of temporary pay adjustments and vacancy savings, and whether the voluntary separation program could reduce institutional knowledge or shift duties to remaining staff. The committee then approved four Emergency Commission requests: $5.26 million for DPI to support an AI-enabled tutoring platform, $105,000 from the general fund contingency for Corrections GPS monitoring, about $1.963 million for HHS SPACES eligibility system upgrades tied to Medicaid work requirements, and about $1.2 million for SNAP eligibility IT improvements. Legislative Council reported remaining interim spending authority after those approvals, and NDIT gave an update on digital accessibility compliance efforts, saying the state has made substantial progress on websites and PDFs but that applications will take longer to remediate. NDIT also reported on the Infinite Campus student information system rollout, noting data migration remains the biggest challenge and that a supplemental vendor is being brought in to help get districts ready for summer go-live. Greg Hoffman then gave a brief update on NDIT’s operational fund, saying cash remains negative in PeopleSoft but accounts receivable keeps the fund functioning within federal limits. The Supreme Court reported on its new and vacant FTE funding pool, saying it has filled 7 of 10 new positions and has realized some vacancy savings, and Legislative Council provided a similar report for the legislative branch along with a reminder that budget action reports are available online. The Department of Transportation presented its Flexible Transportation Fund, explaining the fund’s allocation formulas and ranking process, and sought Budget Section approval for two projects over the $10 million threshold: a Medora city streets and sidewalk project and a Cass County bridge replacement. Members questioned whether funding Medora streets could set a precedent for city street reconstruction and whether the bridge application process fully reflects statewide needs. DOT said the projects were scored competitively and that the bridge list does not capture all deficiencies statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> System and for other purposes. System and for other purposes.
• </c> the system as a whole." the system as a whole."
• </c> system. End of Truman's quote. system. End of Truman's quote.
• </c> a commander of the Pacific Air Forces? a commander of the Pacific Air Forces?
• </c> idea of the American free market system. idea of the American free market system.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 9, 2026, 1012, house, all