Transcript Highlights:

• Some chapters do use the state elections and the county elections.
• The chapters will do that, and not all do that.
• I thought you said that some chapter houses do and some chapter houses don't. Yes.
• I can safely say that we, like my chapter, that's what happens.
• So a majority of the chapters, they do do that.

Bills: HB2006, HB2085, HB2109, HB2167, HB2205, HB2410, HCR2016

Keywords: sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair

Summary: The Judiciary and Elections Committee approved the minutes from February 18, February 20, and March 4, 2026, and then took up several election and traffic-related measures. House Bill 2006, which would require counties without a USPS processing and distribution center to mail printed sample ballots 14 days before an election instead of 11, was explained as a way to allow more time for mail delivery in affected counties. The Association of Counties supported the bill, and after brief discussion it passed on a 7-0 vote. House Bill 2109, dealing with hands-free driving penalties, drew extensive debate. The bill would raise penalties for repeat violations, add a penalty when a violation results in a motorcycle crash, and expand the prohibition to watching, recording, or streaming video on a device while driving. Two amendments were offered to remove the citation ban and to strike the “records” language, but members and witnesses raised concerns that the remaining video-streaming language was vague and could unintentionally affect dash cams, rear cameras, CarPlay, navigation, rideshare safety cameras, and other in-vehicle systems. After robust discussion, the committee held the bill without prejudice to allow a stakeholder meeting and possible revision. House Bill 2167, which would impose liability on the Attorney General for damages when a public nuisance or consumer fraud action is dismissed or found meritless under certain conditions, received divided testimony. Supporters argued it would curb overreach, while opponents said it would interfere with the AG’s ability to protect Arizonans. The committee approved the bill 4-3. Finally, HCR 2016, a referral measure that would eliminate county vote centers and on-site early voting and impose a precinct cap of 2,500 registered voters, drew strong opposition from voting rights groups, county officials, and rural and Navajo Nation witnesses who warned it would increase confusion, provisional ballots, costs, and access barriers. The committee did not act on the resolution and instead held it without prejudice for further stakeholder discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those were just some chapter 21.
• :56.160> or<00:14:56.560> different<00:14:56.880> ways<00:14:57.199> but<
• 00:14:57.440> this<00:14:57.680> is<00:14:57.760> the uh or different ways but this
• is the uh or different ways but this is the only<00:14:58.399> university<00:14:58.880> that's
• <00:14:59.120> required<00:14:59.519> by<00:14:59.760> law only university that's

Bills: HB245, HB138, HB151, HB152, HB245, HB138, HB151, HB152

Keywords: inhalants, controlled substances, butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, health, public safety, pregnancy, pregnant defendant, incarceration, jail intake, pregnancy test, bail, pre-incarceration probation, supervised probation, electronic monitoring, electronic supervision, perinatal care, prenatal care, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• A new section of Chapter 30. Section 7.
• A new section of Chapter 30, Article 7, NMSA 1978, is enacted to read: B.
• Your amendment here regarding page 13, 14, and the top of 15.
• Can you be 14, 15, 16 years old? Madam President... Can you be 14, 15, 16 years old?
• Line 14, page 8.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > is<00:14:32.639> that<00:14:32.839> often<00:14:33.079> there<00:14:33.199
• professional management<00:14:36.600> at<00:14:36.920> at<00:14:37.120> the<00:14
• <00:14:39.199> these<00:14:39.360> are<00:14:39.639> volunteers<00:14:40.639
• > not<00:14:45.519> knowledgeable<00:14:46.440> in<00:14:46.800> the<00:14:46.959
• > do<00:14:55.680> but<00:14:56.360> that<00:14:56.560> is<00:14:56.720><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1834, an act amending laws 2024, chapter 211, section 6, making capital outlay appropriations for
• SB 1835, an act amending section 5572, as amended by Laws 2024, chapter 210, repealing section 5572,
• as under 5575, as amended by Laws 2024, chapter 210, section 3, relating to commerce.
• As my colleague mentioned, cutting $14 million from housing. Basic support away.
• We are cutting $14 million from the housing trust fund, but... ...being removed by us.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and several guest recognitions, including a student honored for a national Mandarin speech contest, a Ms. Black Arizona candidate, and a Madison Elementary School reusable-tray pilot program. The body also recognized interns and approved the prior journal. The chamber then moved through Committee of the Whole calendars and adopted committee reports recommending passage of a series of budget-related bills. The main legislative business centered on the 2026-27 budget package and related omnibus measures, including appropriations, budget implementation, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, K-12 education, state property, revenue/taxation, and transportation bills. Most of these measures were advanced with do-pass recommendations, with repeated debate focused on the tax omnibus and the overall budget’s policy choices. Supporters argued the package provided affordability, tax relief, conformity with federal tax changes, reduced government spending, and reforms to entitlement and other programs; opponents argued it favored corporations and wealthy taxpayers, cut health care, food assistance, housing, tourism, wildfire response, and education, and would forfeit federal matching funds. Several members specifically criticized the failure to close the data center tax exemption and to raise sports betting taxes, while supporters defended those provisions as pro-business and pro-growth. There was also discussion of fund sweeps, including university research funds, housing trust funds, and other agency balances, with opponents saying the sweeps targeted encumbered or already-committed money. After debate, the Senate adopted Committee of the Whole reports and advanced the bills, and later took up House bills introduced and placed on third reading, with members explaining their votes on HB 4138, the General Appropriations Act, largely along party lines. At the end of the session, the Senate processed messages from the House requesting the return of SB 1160 and SB 1786 for reconsideration, and the Senate requested the House return HB 2415 for reconsideration. The chamber also introduced and placed several House budget bills on third reading, including HB 4138 through HB 4153, continuing the budget process.

Transcript Highlights:

• durness, and there's new language on lines 11.8 and 11.9 that provides that propositions that amend a chapter
• On page 14, you'll see updates to House Rule 4.3, which identifies the major finance and revenue bills
• that propositions that amend a chapter that propositions that amend a chapter of<00:02:02.200>
• On page 14, you'll see updates to House Rule 4.3, which identifies the major finance and revenue bills
• uh you'll see updates well um on page 14 uh you'll see updates to<00:02:28.080> um<00:02:28.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met to approve the January 15, 2025 minutes and then reviewed proposed permanent House rules for the 2025 session. House Research outlined the main changes, including eliminating the fiscal calendar and consent calendar, denying per diem reimbursement when a member is absent from a floor session, clarifying germaneness for certain statutory amendments, codifying election-challenge procedures from the temporary rules, updating the list of major finance and revenue bills, revising committee listings to match the new committee structure, and adding remote-operation rules that require the House Journal to identify members attending or voting remotely and bar per diem on those days. The committee first adopted an A6 author’s amendment clarifying that the per diem restriction for remote participation applies only to days a member attends and votes remotely during a floor session. Representative Schultz then offered the A4 amendment, which he described as improving public access to legislators and encouraging greater public engagement with members in their offices; it was adopted after no further discussion. After the amendments were approved, the committee adopted the permanent rules of the House as amended. The chair noted that the permanent rules would be taken up during session on Monday, January 27, 2025, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.360> that's<00:14:00.480> all<00:14:00.680> I<00:14:00.880> have<00:14
• :01.199> on<00:14:01.839> my<00:14:02.959> testifiers<00:14:03.959> oh um
• <00:14:04.560> sorry<00:14:04.839> forgive<00:14:05.120> me<00:14:05.360>
• no I'm sorry forgive me there's more um I<00:14:06.920> also I also I also have<00:14:09.720>
• tiny<00:14:10.920> hiai<00:14:11.920> on<00:14:12.199> zoom<00:14:12.880

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures related to cultural recognition and arts policy. HB 531 would authorize special license plates recognizing the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, and HB 458 would designate Brother Joseph Dutton Day; both received support testimony, including from the Department of Accounting and General Services and the Joseph Dutton Guild, and both were advanced. HB 345 would establish ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to help protect alkaline pool systems, with support from DLNR and multiple community and environmental groups, and it was also advanced. HB 194, relating to Maritime Day, received limited testimony and was moved forward with amendments to align the observance with National Maritime Day on May 22. The committee also heard HB 554, which originally would have established Lunar New Year as a state holiday. Testimony in support emphasized cultural recognition and community benefits, but the chair explained that creating a new state holiday would cost about $9 million, so the bill was amended to make Lunar New Year a day of recognition rather than a state holiday. The committee noted several supporters, including youth testimony, and advanced the measure with amendments. HB 957, relating to Lāʻau Day, similarly drew broad written support; the committee amended it to designate the first Friday of May rather than May 1 and advanced it. In each case, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations without opposition or reservations. The hearing concluded with HB 925, a short-form bill that would allow the state to levy a 1% tax on concert ticket sales to support arts access statewide; the committee recommended passing the bill with amendments and recommitting it for future public hearings, and that recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:14:00.399> yes,<00:14:00.639> the<00:14:00.880> two<00:14:01.120>
• > on<00:14:03.600> today<00:14:03.839> must<00:14:04.160> be<00:14:04.240
• <00:14:33.360> Um,<00:14:34.079> I<00:14:34.320> have<00:14:34.639> three
• quickly.<00:14:39.480> DCYF<00:14:40.480> reports<00:14:41.120> to<00:14:41.440
• <00:14:46.399> like<00:14:46.560> to<00:14:46.800> make<00:14:46.880> the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with a brief update and prayer for Oscar, a person known to members, noting he was making slow but encouraging progress and awaiting transfer to rehab. The hearing then began on House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of DHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCYF costs. Representative Erica Leyon, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how DCYF resources and shared services are used, and help future discussions about staffing, funding, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely comply without additional cost and was open to adjusting the reporting date, with the department preferring December 31 instead of September 1. Committee members and the DCYF director, Marie Nunan, discussed whether the bill was duplicative of existing reporting and whether it should also include federal funding mandates. Nunan said DCYF already has many policies and reports, but does not currently produce one consolidated DCYF-specific report in this form; she also said the department believed it had the capacity to file the report and was not taking a position on the bill. Several members questioned whether the measure was necessary, while others supported transparency but suggested the information was already available or could be obtained without legislation. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, meaning it will not advance to the calendar at this time. The committee then opened House Bill 775, sponsored by Representative Jod Nelson, concerning supervised visitation centers. Nelson introduced Dr. Scott Hampton, who testified that supervised visitation is important for child safety, domestic violence prevention, and family preservation. Hampton described the history of visitation centers in New Hampshire, saying funding cuts had reduced the number of centers over time and that prior legislation had failed due to budget reductions. He argued that supervised exchanges can reduce risks such as abuse, abduction, and homicide, and said the service can prevent harm without adding cost by avoiding more serious incidents. The hearing on HB 775 was still underway at the end of the transcript, with no vote or final action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The vote is 40 ayes, 14 nays, 6 not voting. You have passed.
• Senate Bill 1511, amending Title 28, Chapter 14, Article 2, A.R.S., by adding section 28-5-233, relating
• It is June 12, 2026, at 9:14 p.m. Mark this on your calendars.
• In my office, I have those who I've lost in all my 14 years here.
• After 14 years, leaving this place, damn, it hurts.

Summary: The House convened, completed roll call, approved the journal, and took up several Senate bills and one Senate concurrent resolution through motions to reconsider, return bills for reconsideration, and refer measures to additional Committee of the Whole sessions for further amendment. Early actions included returning SB 1175 and SB 1198 to the Senate for reconsideration, rescinding passage of SB 1336 so it could be reconsidered, and referring SB 1111 and SB 152 to an additional COW. The House also recognized Representative Travers for a personal privilege statement honoring National Women Veterans Recognition Day and recorded attendance. In Committee of the Whole, members adopted floor amendments and recommended passage for SB 1511, SB 1552, SB 1198, SB 1110, SB 1618, SB 1431, and SCR 1004, with some debate on SB 1110’s home-confinement/reentry program, SB 1618’s Military Affairs Commission changes, and SB 1431’s city and town authority over residential project standards and streetscapes. The House later adopted the COW reports and moved the measures to engrossing or third reading as appropriate. SB 1336 and SB 1519 were also advanced from committee, while SB 1004 was reconsidered and ultimately failed on reconsideration. On third or final reading, the House passed SB 1127, SB 1180, SB 1428, SB 1198, SB 1336, SB 1511, SCR 1004, SB 1552, HB 2104, HB 2105, HB 2114, HB 2311, HB 2729, and HB 4117. SB 1687, SB 1004, SB 1519, and SB 1502 failed. Members explained votes on several measures, including support for tax administration clarity in SB 1180, objections and support for the May primary proposal in SB 1687, concerns about sex offender monitoring in SB 1004, support for the Arizona Beef Council in SB 1198, and debate over the photo enforcement referral in SCR 1004. The session also included recesses for caucuses, lunch, and dinner, plus a brief technical outage of the live stream.

Transcript Highlights:

• California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, in support. Thank you so much.
• I'm also a member of the American College of Surgeons' Southern California Chapter, which is in support
• I'm also a member of the American College of Surgeons' Southern California Chapter, which is in support
• June Dutis, San Diego family member and representing the California chapter of the National Shattering
• Item 11, SB 13, 14 by Menjivar with the motion of due pass to Business and Professions Committee.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those students... ...about 14% of students.
• in that broadly applicable chapter, Chapter 1A.
• When I say reorganization, it's a renumbering of chapters: Division of Consumer Protection, Chapter 21
• , Credit Service Organizations Act; Chapter 22, Charitable Solicitations Act; and Chapter 26, Telephone
• And it creates prohibited filing practices across multiple chapters, so the chapters that I named earlier

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :35.640> than<00:14:35.800> through<00:14:35.959> fragmented<00:14:36.520> and
• right now, project owners bear the<00:14:43.040> burden<00:14:43.320> of<00:14:43.400>
• biweekly payroll<00:14:44.640> reports<00:14:45.040> throughout<00:14:45.360> the
• This portal<00:14:53.400> relieves<00:14:53.839> that<00:14:53.959> administrative
• burden, creates consistency across agency,<00:14:57.120> and<00:14:57.440> makes<00:14:

Bills: HF4364, HF4821, HF4543, HF3945

Keywords: Central and Eastern European Affairs, ethnic council, advisory council, Minnesota state government, immigrant communities, refugees, humanitarian parolees, Ukraine, Poland, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Czech Republic, Baltic states, Slovakia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Russia

Summary: The committee first approved the April 7, 2026 minutes and then held an informal hearing on House File 4364, which would establish a Central and Eastern European Ethnic Council in Minnesota. Representative Jordan and testifiers Mykola Mager and Julia Miller described the large Central and Eastern European community in Minnesota, its contributions to the state, and the need for a formal advisory body to help address barriers to government services, support refugees, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and cultural understanding. Members expressed general support and noted the bill’s importance, but no formal action was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then took up House File 4543, a bill to create a centralized payroll reporting portal for prevailing wage projects. Representative Frazier said the bill would reduce administrative burden on project owners, improve transparency and accountability, and help prevent wage theft, misclassification, tax fraud, and insurance fraud. Testifiers from county, city, and contractor groups largely supported the idea of streamlining reporting, but contractor representatives raised concerns about employee data privacy, public access to sensitive payroll information, duplication of existing systems, interoperability with contractor software, and the need for stakeholder engagement. Members echoed both support and caution, and the bill was laid over as amended rather than advanced. Finally, the committee considered House File 4821, described by Chair Klevorn as addressing the “penny problem” and a related change to high-deductible insurance plans. The bill would authorize state agencies to round cash transactions because of the penny shortage and would change MMB’s obligation to offer certain high-deductible health plans from “must” to “may,” producing modest administrative savings. Members questioned the drafting of the rounding language and asked about cash transactions at state agencies and the handling of cannabis tax payments. The chair noted the bill had missed the deadline and would be caught by the chief clerk’s office; the discussion ended with the bill being laid over as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• :04.839> for<00:14:05.040> the<00:14:05.240> last<00:14:05.440> few<00:14
• few months we tried<00:14:06.600> to<00:14:06.680> get<00:14:06.839> more<00:14
• :07.160> copies<00:14:08.279> um<00:14:09.279> uh<00:14:09.440> and<00:14
• 14:21.199> can<00:14:21.440> provide<00:14:21.759> it<00:14:22.639> uh<00
• <00:14:36.440> who's<00:14:37.160> interested<00:14:38.160> when<00:14:38.320>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met briefly to approve the January 16 minutes, then heard a series of informational presentations from legislative joint offices and commissions that fall under its jurisdiction. Michelle Urick of the Legislative Coordinating Commission explained the LCC’s governance structure, including its leadership-based membership and role overseeing joint offices such as the Legislative Auditor, Legislative Budget Office, Legislative Reference Library, Revisor of Statutes, and the LCC staff office itself. Christian Larson of the Legislative Budget Office described the office’s nonpartisan fiscal note work, local impact notes, and support for the Tax Expenditure Review Commission, noting the volume of requests it handles and that the office currently has 18 budgeted FTE. He also explained the LBO Oversight Commission’s role in setting standards and appointing the director. Elizabeth Lincoln of the Legislative Reference Library outlined the library’s services, including answering thousands of reference questions, maintaining state policy and legislative collections, archiving state documents, supporting the legislative website and search tools, and preserving House and Senate audio, video, and committee minutes. She also noted the library’s staffing levels and its move to the Capitol. In response to a question, she said copies of the book Minnesota Standoff were in constant circulation, that the title is out of print, and that the library had digitized it for use by legislators and staff. Ryan Inman, the Revisor of Statutes, described the office’s drafting, legal review, publication, IT, and other services. He said every bill introduced is reviewed by a Revisor attorney, the office publishes Laws of Minnesota, Minnesota Statutes, and Minnesota Rules, and it maintains the legislative drafting system now being replaced. He also discussed rule drafting for agencies, legal counsel, the claims subcommittee, court opinions reports, and the annual technical Revisor bill. Members asked about bill volume, amendment drafting, and the history of administrative rules review; Inman said the office is handling over 2,500 active bill requests and that a prior commission on administrative rules existed in the past. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:05.760> So,<00:14:05.920> this<00:14:06.079> is<00:14:06.240> a
• ><00:14:17.680> uh<00:14:17.839> alleviating<00:14:18.480> some<00:14:18.639>
• ,<00:14:24.720> I'm<00:14:25.040> going<00:14:25.120> to<00:14:25.199> be
• > I<00:14:26.720> want<00:14:26.800> to<00:14:26.959> thank<00:14:27.120>
• 14:37.279> that<00:14:37.440> way<00:14:37.600> today<00:14:37.920> too.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:15 HB 658 Discussion: 03:40 HB 658 Roll Call Vote: 04:50 HB 142 Discussion: 06:30 HB 142 Roll Call Vote: 22:45 HB 571 Discussion: 24:25 HB 571 Roll Call Vote: 29:10, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 658, which would require the Transportation Cabinet to adopt regulations extending the allowable period for a restricted CDL license from 180 to 210 days within a 12-month period for agriculture businesses. Rep. Felicia Rabourn presented the bill with support from Todd Griffin of the Kentucky Retail Federation and Agra Business Association. The committee quickly moved to a vote, and the bill passed with favorable expression. Members indicated it would move forward similarly on the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 142, a deer-management bill sponsored by Rep. Pollock and amended by committee substitute. Pollock said the bill is intended to help farmers and landowners more quickly obtain destruction tags and address overpopulated deer, especially does, after describing crop losses, vehicle collisions, and deer carcasses seen along roadways. Members from farming districts strongly supported the measure, saying deer damage is costly and widespread and that the bill would reduce paperwork by allowing landowners to obtain tags without having to route everything through each landlord. Questions focused on how Fish and Wildlife would determine overpopulated zones and how the damage-verification process would work; Pollock said the department retains discretion and must inspect damage within 15 days. The committee adopted the sub and passed the bill with favorable expression. Finally, Rep. Kim Holloway presented House Bill 571, which would require Transportation Cabinet light fixtures to be fully shielded to reduce light pollution affecting agriculture. She said light trespass can disrupt crop photoperiodism, pollination, and yields, and noted the economic importance of Kentucky agriculture. Members asked whether the bill applies only to Transportation Cabinet lights and how complaints would be handled; Holloway said it applies to state transportation lights and includes a process for landowners to request shielding, with a 30-day compliance period and a construction/maintenance exemption of up to 180 days. The committee approved the committee substitute and continued discussion of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now,<00:14:05.520> therefore,<00:14:06.520> be<00:14:06.680> it<00:14:06.760>
• Mark Sullivan<00:14:11.360> is<00:14:11.480> hereby<00:14:11.720> most<00:14:12.120
• > in<00:14:55.880> the<00:14:55.960> state<00:14:56.280> of<00:14:56.400>
• , chapters and 25 undergraduate chapters, chapters and 25 undergraduate chapters, each<00:27:18.280
• :14:05.520> this<01:14:06.160> bill<01:14:06.480> do<01:14:06.600> become

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:14:05.040> section<01:14:05.480> 2712<01:14:06.480> is<01:14:06.679> amended
• <01:14:07.600> this<01:14:07.760> bill<01:14:08.000> once<01:14:08.199> at
• c> note<01:14:15.080> that<01:14:15.800> um<01:14:16.000> some<01:14:16.159>
• > Amendments<01:14:17.080> that<01:14:17.239> are<01:14:17.520> in<01:14:
• :14:53.480> into<01:14:53.719> law<01:14:53.920> a<01:14:54.000> few<01:14

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:03.680> Um,<00:14:04.079> but<00:14:04.320> I<00:14:04.480> will
• /c><00:14:06.160> this<00:14:06.399> is<00:14:06.560> adding<00:14:06.880> to
• its<00:14:08.079> first<00:14:09.040> line<00:14:09.519> at<00:14:09.839
• and<00:14:18.880> it's<00:14:19.120> a<00:14:19.360> class<00:14:19.680>
• > So,<00:14:21.440> I<00:14:21.760> I<00:14:22.160> agree<00:14:22.480>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They<00:14:02.800> just<00:14:03.040> can't<00:14:03.360> manage<00:14:03.760>
• Some<00:14:24.480> would<00:14:24.639> argue<00:14:24.959> that<00:14:25.120>
• we'd love to<00:14:28.639> do<00:14:28.720> that,<00:14:28.959> but<00:14:29.199
• > the<00:14:29.360> fact<00:14:29.519> of<00:14:29.600> the<00:14:29.760>
• <00:14:34.480> every<00:14:34.800> student<00:14:35.360> ready<00:14:35.600>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The unemployment rate for military spouses is around 14 or 15%.
• The unemployment rate for military spouses is around 14 or 15%.
• Senator, we would love to work with you and the legislature in any and all efforts that reduce that 14
• There’s also another path that was introduced a couple of years ago and in our rules, and in Chapter
• We have Chapter 55, which lays out all the requirements for the states.

Bills: HB102, HB300, SB2255

Keywords: military education, early registration, ROTC, corps of cadets, higher education, military academy, scholarship, military, Texas Armed Services, military spouses, occupational licensing, state agency, license requirements, reciprocity, training and education

Summary: The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs heard three measures focused on military-connected students, service members, veterans, and their families. House Bill 102 would give eligible students in military-related university programs early registration privileges, similar to existing accommodations for expectant mothers and student athletes. House Bill 300 would modernize the Texas Armed Services Scholar program by increasing scholarship funding, clarifying the student employment agreement, and creating a scholarship coordinator at THECB to help students and families navigate the program. Senate Bill 2255 drew the most discussion and testimony. The bill would streamline occupational licensing for military members, spouses, and veterans by allowing Texas licensure based on an out-of-state license in good standing with a similar scope of practice, removing the Texas residency requirement, and shortening agency processing time from 30 days to 10 days in the committee substitute. Supporters from the Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations, the Texas Association of Business, the Institute for Justice, TDLR, and the VFW said the bill would reduce bureaucratic delays, improve employment opportunities, and help military families maintain income during relocations. TDLR also described current licensing confusion between state and federal rules and said the bill would improve alignment and data collection. No witnesses testified against any of the bills. After public testimony closed on each measure, HB 102, HB 300, and SB 2255 were left pending in committee. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1189, house, all