Transcript Highlights:

• That will complete this panel. Welcome to each of you, Mr. Talley.
• Senator Parker, you have the panel. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Chairman, he’s on the next panel. Senator Birdwell, we’ll come back to that when he comes up.
• You know, we have a small panel here that’s before you.
• Is there anything else for this panel?

Bills: SB2101, SB2334, SB2633, SB2637, SB2713, SB2781, SB2782, SB3059, HB1130, HB256, HCR19

Keywords: minors, sexually explicit materials, public libraries, age verification, civil penalties, library collection review, alcohol storage, airline permits, beverage regulations, airport, commercial flights, alcoholic beverages, local option election, zoning regulations, municipality control, land use, state law, social media, bot accounts, misinformation

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to mention a couple things before we move on to our next panel of witnesses very, very quickly
• And we're going to go on to our next panel of witnesses and we're up against the clock.
• I'm going to call our next panel of witnesses so we can make sure that we do.
• Thank you to this panel and to the previous panel for coming forward and helping this committee.
• Members, any other questions for the panel? Okay, thank you each for being here.

Bills: HB170, HB865, HB748, HJR112, HB 1110, HB1495, HB786, HB 1130, HB170

Keywords: civil liability, self-defense, force, deadly force, legal immunity, attorney's fees, criminal justice, firearms, liability, veterans, gun ownership, immunity, firearm hold agreement, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, parental rights, child upbringing

Transcript Highlights:

• Solar panel costs have dropped 90% in the past decade, reducing roughly 20% for each doubling of capacity
• Uh solar panels can be very expensive and if you are lower income or live in an apartment or just don't
• <00:05:08.639> Uh<00:05:08.960> solar<00:05:09.680> panels<00:05:10.080>
• Uh solar panels can be very of solar.
• Uh solar panels can be very expensive<00:05:11.520> and<00:05:11.759> if<00:05:11.919><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an announcement and support event for a Minnesota plug-in solar bill led by Rep. Larry Craft and Sen. Rob Coop. Craft described plug-in solar as a way to expand access to affordable solar for renters, people with shaded or unsuitable roofs, and others who cannot install traditional rooftop systems. He said the bill would define plug-in solar devices as up to 1,200 watts, allow storage, require certification to UL 3700 safety standards, and exempt these devices from utility interconnection agreements and submetering requirements. Sen. Coop said he was excited to sign on after hearing from a constituent interested in deck solar and after learning Craft already had a bill. He framed the proposal as both an affordability measure and a way to democratize solar access, especially for lower-income households and apartment residents. Supporters including Bobby King of Solar United Neighbors and Patty O'Keefe of Vote Solar said interest in plug-in solar is statewide, the policy would lower barriers and energy bills, and the systems are simple, safe, and well-suited to small spaces like balconies, decks, patios, and yards. John Gouki, an electrician from Duluth, submitted a statement supporting the bill on safety and resilience grounds, saying 1,200 watts is a safe limit for UL-listed plug-in solar and that the systems can provide backup power while reducing grid consumption. Craft and Coop also pointed to examples from other places, including Utah and Germany, as evidence that the technology is already spreading. The event ended with expressions of support and enthusiasm for moving the bill forward; no vote or formal committee action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why don't you interview him? And Anthony did interview him.
• Why don't you interview him? And Anthony did interview him.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The hearing concerned a Legislative Ethics Board complaint against Representative Tara Simmons in Washington State OAH Docket 401-645. The judge outlined the process, the two issues on appeal—whether Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070, and, if so, what penalty should apply—and admitted a number of exhibits by stipulation or prior ruling, while taking one exhibit under advisement pending an offer of proof. The board also moved to sequester witnesses, which was granted, and the judge deferred ruling on a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after hearing the board staff’s case. Opening statements followed, with staff alleging Simmons used her position to benefit an outside organization and to secure special privileges, and the defense arguing the conduct was lawful, technical in nature, and consistent with prior ethics guidance. Board staff then called Kimberly Gordon, an attorney and founding board member/treasurer of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), as its first witness. Gordon testified that AEJG used data dashboards to make justice-system data more accessible, received state proviso funding sponsored by Simmons, and also received two donations from Simmons—$10,000 and $40,000. She said the first donation was intended to help hire Antoine Coleman, whom Simmons had recommended and who was later identified as Simmons’s romantic partner, and that AEJG returned the $10,000 and declined the $40,000 after concluding there was a potential conflict of interest. Gordon also testified that AEJG believed Simmons’s involvement in the organization and her communications about Coleman created ethical concerns. Gordon further testified about a second proviso intended to expand AEJG’s work into education data and its subcontract with Equity in Education Coalition (EEC). She said EEC did not perform the expected deliverables, prompting repeated communications with the Administrative Office of the Courts and a meeting involving Chris Stanley, where AEJG raised concerns that EEC was not complying and that Simmons had intervened in the dispute. According to Gordon, Stanley ultimately directed the parties to rewrite the subcontract and continue, but AEJG later moved forward largely without EEC’s assistance. The board staff introduced AEJG’s complaint and related timeline exhibits during her testimony. After direct examination, the hearing recessed for lunch, and cross-examination by Simmons’s counsel began when the hearing resumed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our team led more than a dozen community engagement sessions, spoke with hundreds of Minnesotans, interviewed
• <00:04:33.919> motans, spoke with hundreds of motans, spoke with hundreds of motans, interviewed
• 35.759> 42<00:04:36.400> system<00:04:36.800> actors<00:04:37.280> in interviewed
• 42 system actors in interviewed 42 system actors in Minnesota,<00:04:38.800> conducted<00:04:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, somebody who applied for a job interview and falsified the licensing certificate when they did that
• Um somebody who applied for a job interview<00:31:41.080> and<00:31:41.200> falsified<00
• :31:41.720> the<00:31:41.800> licensing interview and falsified the licensing interview

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We educate our clients, particularly in the SNAP program, where there is a requirement for an interview
• with a caseworker, and that interview is a conversation between the clients and our staff.
• We do have that discussion in the eligibility interview.
• We do have that discussion in the eligibility interview.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the bill two years ago, and since that time, I've received I don't know how many requests for interviews
• <00:04:58.160> for don't know how many requests for don't know how many requests for interviews
• received<00:04:59.840> from<00:05:00.160> around<00:05:00.560> the interviews
• I've received from around the interviews I've received from around the country<00:05:01.520> about

Bills: SF0082

Keywords: registered agents, corporate governance, entity ownership, business regulations, transparency, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I saw a recent interview<00:30:16.640> with<00:30:17.200> uh<00:30:17.360> Representative
• interview with uh Representative interview with uh Representative Palowski<00:30:18.399> who's
• 00:30:21.440> the<00:30:21.679> process<00:30:22.080> is Um, I saw a recent interview

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Recently, this past week, I’ve been interviewed on the radio, and also today there’s an article out on
• /c><00:21:09.400> week<00:21:09.840> I<00:21:10.679> been<00:21:10.840> interviewed
• <00:21:11.320> on<00:21:11.679> the this past week I been interviewed on the this past
• week I been interviewed on the radio<00:21:12.520> and<00:21:12.840> also<00:21:13.320

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That disease was scheduled for review and possible addition to the panel in February.
• <00:56:40.400> has recommended newborn screening panel has recommended newborn screening panel
• in February that addition to the panel in February that meeting<00:57:00.000> was<00:57:00.200
• screening panel um the community<00:59:03.079> is<00:59:03.240> really<00:59:03.440>
• and what that newborn screening panel and what that would<00:59:18.119> look<00:59:18.280>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I plan to—we have two panels planned to call up one panel at a time; there are four invited witnesses
• on each panel.
• We have two panels, and I plan to call up one panel at a time.
• All right, panel. Thank you very much.
• The chair now calls up the second panel and then after that panel, we do have one more invited witness

Bills: SB 2

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have two panels. Our first order of business is to adopt the committee rules.
• Then we'll hear testimony on our second panel regarding rising insurance costs.
• The Chair calls up **Panel 2** regarding insurance.
• **Chairman Gleason:** ...calls up Panel 2 regarding insurance.
• The chair calls up panel two regarding insurance.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to ask you to interview the family right in front of us here.

Keywords: special education, legislation, Texas, personalized education, families testimonies, education reform, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting featured strong dialogues focused on improving educational provisions for special needs students in Texas. A key highlight was the discussion around legislation aimed at personalizing educational programs to cater to individual needs, which included testimonies from families who have benefited from similar initiatives. The overall sentiment was one of urgency to rectify past shortcomings in the education system and to foster an environment where every student is given the chance to thrive. Members also expressed frustration over delayed bills and a commitment to continue fighting for progress as the session approached its end.

Transcript Highlights:

• The court appointed a compensation panel.
• Wold. compensation panel. compensation panel.
• The court appointed a compensation panel.
• The court appointed a compensation panel.
• Thank you, honorable panel. Thank you, honorable panel.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Joint House and Senate Subcommittee on Claims convened on April 30, first without quorum and then with quorum, at which point the committee corrected and approved the prior minutes. Members then reviewed several claims held over for informational purposes, including injury claims for Fraser, Larson, Schmidt, Stuart, and Washington, and property claims for Lidberg, Robecky, and Young, with no action taken on those items. The committee dismissed a claim by Ms. Prevally seeking reimbursement for funds liquidated from irrevocable trusts after hearing that the matter had already been litigated in court and that subcommittee rules bar claims for public assistance compensation. The panel then approved two exoneration claims: James Jovan Davis, whose murder conviction was vacated after postconviction proceedings and who settled for $250,000, and Clayton Douglas Groves, whose sexual-conduct convictions were vacated after evidence of prior false accusations was admitted and who settled for $350,000. Testimony from counsel for both claimants emphasized wrongful conviction, the length of incarceration, and negotiated settlement amounts, with members asking about the basis for the compensation and attorney-fee allocations. The final exoneration claim, Marvin Haynes, was also approved. The committee heard that Haynes was convicted as a teenager, later exonerated after new evidence showed false evidence and suggestive eyewitness identification, and that the state and claimant had reached a $4.5 million settlement. The committee then turned to Department of Corrections injury claims, denying Arnold Baker’s claim for lack of evidence of a compensable permanent injury, and approving Mark Carroll’s claim for a $4,570.40 award after he suffered a compensable ankle fracture while working. In property claims, the committee discussed Anthony Edwards’s claim for food, a JPay tablet, and shoes. After testimony from Department of Corrections counsel about property inventory procedures and the lack of a current replacement tablet program, members agreed to compensate Edwards $70 for the missing shoes, deny the food claim, and deny the tablet claim because the tablet had been returned and any malfunction was reported outside the department’s reporting window.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, panel. Show it up.
• Good afternoon, panel.
• Good afternoon panel. Afternoon, panel. My name is James Samuels. I'm representing James Samuels.
• Get a new panel here: Chowan Bernard, Sherry Thomas, and Greta Anderson.
• Thank you, panel, for coming up. Our next panel will be Mr. Darlene Jones. Is Ms. Jones here?

Bills: SB256

Keywords: court consolidation, judicial administrative, Orleans Parish, civil district court, criminal district court, court clerk, judicial funding, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, let's move into our first panel. For cooperating and participating today.
• And with that, let's move into our first panel.
• The panel is Disaster Response and Resilience: Wildfires and Child Care Infrastructure.
• Then why don't we go ahead and move on to panel the next panel.
• Why don't we move on to our third panel? Thank you all of you that testified so far.

Summary: The hearing focused first on how wildfires and other disasters affect child care providers, families, and early education infrastructure. State officials from the Department of Social Services and Department of Education described disaster response and preparedness efforts, including shelter coordination, licensing outreach, emergency waivers, distribution of supplies, and the statewide child care disaster plan. Testimony from providers and advocates emphasized major gaps in recovery funding, insurance coverage, rebuilding support, mental health services, and coordination with local rebuild plans. Several witnesses urged more dedicated disaster-recovery funding for child care facilities and suggested statutory changes, including allowing greater flexibility for rebuilding costs and requiring early childhood programs to be included in local disaster planning. The second panel addressed immigration enforcement and its impact on child care. Advocates from the Children's Partnership, Every Child California, and CHIRLA said enforcement activity is causing families to keep children home, disrupting continuity of care, reducing enrollment, and creating fear and trauma for children and providers. They argued that immigrant and mixed-status families need clearer protections, privacy safeguards, legal support, trauma-informed guidance, and safe-haven policies for child care settings. Speakers also stressed that the child care workforce is heavily immigrant and that recent state laws such as AB 49 and AB 495 will require funding, training, and technical assistance to implement effectively. Public commenters, including child care providers, described personal experiences with fire damage, displacement, permit delays, lost income, and the emotional toll of serving families during crises. Others described how immigration enforcement has made parents afraid to attend events, drop off children, or remain connected to providers. Committee members repeatedly noted that child care is often overlooked in emergencies and asked state officials how child care systems are being integrated into disaster planning and how local and state agencies can better coordinate. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any questions for this panel? Representative Wood-Johnson.
• Okay, we'll get ready for the next panel. The chair calls Matt Gray. Chloe.
• Members, any questions for this panel? Representative Ward-Johnson.
• Members, any questions for this panel?
• Members, any questions for this panel?

Bills: HB232

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's see, let's bring up a panel of folks and we'll... We'll bring up panels together.
• All right, we're going to call up a panel of four now.
• All right, we're going to call up our final panel of the day.
• I'm going to go ahead and call up the next panel.
• Next panel. Amber Stelly, General Manager, Consolidated W.

Bills: HB3445, HB3448

Keywords: telecommunications, electric cooperative, rights-of-way, infrastructure, provider access, right-of-way, pole attachment, regulatory access, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members have any questions for this panel? Chair Meyer? Mayor Lin.
• Members, do we have any questions for this panel? Thank you.
• Justice Borland, members of the panel, thank you for being here. Thank you.
• Members, do we have any questions for this panel? Chair Mayer.
• Members, do we have any questions for this panel? Thank you both for being here.

Bills: HB134, HB135, HB 1109, HB 1243, HB1392, HB1399, HJR99, HB134, HB135

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location