Transcript Highlights:

• facing a scenario with limited federal support.
• That's something that our members were strongly supportive of, strongly supportive of its reauthorization
• But more support is needed.
• Digital Lift strongly supports SB 716.
• The American GI Forum supports SB 716, introduced by Senator Durazo.

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee held an informational hearing on the state of broadband affordability in California. Chair Tasha Berner said the committee was examining how broadband prices, access, and affordability are affecting households, especially after the end of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and amid concerns about federal resistance to state broadband regulation. She noted the committee’s continued interest in policy options for 2026 and referenced prior legislation, including AB 353, that would have required affordable home internet as a condition of doing business in California. Industry witnesses from U.S. Telecom and CTIA argued that broadband and wireless prices have generally fallen in real terms even as inflation and other household costs have risen, citing competition, infrastructure investment, and faster speeds as the main drivers. They said California’s higher costs are tied to permitting delays, taxes, copper theft, and legacy obligations such as COLR requirements, and they urged the Legislature to preserve market incentives, reduce fees and regulatory burdens, and support infrastructure deployment. They also discussed fixed wireless access, federal BEAD funding, and Universal Service Fund reform, arguing that more entities benefiting from networks, including tech platforms, should contribute to support programs. Consumer and public-interest witnesses presented a different view, saying California still has a serious affordability and adoption problem, especially for low-income households. Sunny McPhee of the California Emerging Technology Fund said broadband adoption has improved dramatically over time, but about 500,000 households remain offline or underconnected and many low-income households still pay above the FCC affordability benchmark. Ernesto Falcon of the CPUC Public Advocates Office said California’s market is losing its competitive edge, with prices higher than in other states and meaningful price pressure coming mainly from fiber competition at the gigabit tier. He said roughly 4.8 million Californians are limited to one gigabit option and estimated that more competition could save consumers more than $1 billion annually. Both witnesses emphasized the need for stronger transparency, targeted subsidies, and a permanent affordability solution, including extending and refining the CPUC broadband Lifeline pilot and advancing SB 716. Public commenters, including representatives from cable providers, nonprofits, and digital equity organizations, largely supported SB 716 and a permanent broadband affordability program. Several urged the committee to remove a cap on the Lifeline program, expand the CPUC pilot, and invest in digital navigators, outreach, and enrollment assistance. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, after the chair thanked the witnesses and public commenters for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this can have bipartisan um support this can have bipartisan um support because<00:15:31.279><c>
• </c><00:20:25.679><c> this</c> organizations that are supporting this organizations that are supporting
• </c> Conservatory um which you know supports Conservatory um which you know supports the<00:45:48.280
• </c> $150,000 each um to continue to support $150,000 each um to continue to support planning<00:52:45.000
• </c> support and those who would be supported support and those who would be supported by<00:53:26.880

Bills: HF1013, HF1598, HF1656, HF2162

Keywords: energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> on socialization for the elderly, on socialization for the elderly, for<00:31:09.360><c> mental
• </c> there can be support for these bills. there can be support for these bills.
• I support this.
• So, I support it. uh cities and others. So, I support it.
• </c> your support for this measure. your support for this measure. Thank<00:48:55.160><c> you.

Bills: HF3455, HF3936, HF3860, HF3656, HF4060

Keywords: public television, funding, Minnesota, operations, appropriation, cybersecurity, state government, legislative commission, extension, technology, civil law enforcement, attorney general, record custody, government transparency, legal services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here on my own behalf testifying in support of the bill.
• I'm testifying in support of House Bill 2984.
• I am testifying in support of House Bill 2984.
• The supporters of the bill say that it happens in Dallas.
• Support. It's all about supporting victims and protecting victims.

Bills: HB 1194, HB 1221, HB1738, HB1913, HB2177, HB2178, HB2180, HB2229, HB2282, HB2448, HB2492, HB2777, HB2984, HB3357, HB3553, HB3602

Keywords: emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee

Transcript Highlights:

• Mexico ports of entry with the rest of the country is critical in promoting trade, supporting economic
• I'm here to testify in strong support of HB 3643.
• I humbly ask for your support on this bill. Thank you. Thanks for being here, Mayor.
• My name is Norma Owen City Council woman for Lago Vista and I'm proud to testify in support of house
• We urge you to support House Bill 3643 and give that voice back to the people. Thank you.

Bills: HB483, HB3345, HB3643, HB3821, HB3849, HB4472, HB4523, HB4524, HB5346, HB5347, HB5376

Keywords: high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> hope that you can consider supporting hope that you can consider supporting this<00:18:23.880><c
• </c><00:41:44.480><c> brothers</c> himself and he has two elderly brothers himself and he has two elderly
• I urge you to support the Starter Homes I urge you to support the Starter Homes Act<00:50:21.560><c>
• </c> and I am going to support it. Thank you. and I am going to support it. Thank you.
• </c> was for everyone that was supportive was for everyone that was supportive today.<01:08:07.680><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Every single senator supported this.
• I support your amendment, Representative Curry.
• I support that totally.
• I support, and I'm very pleased with what Chair Hull has done.
• I want to clarify, because you had my support.

Bills: SB835, SB3070, SB22, SJR59, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB973, SB974, SB865, SB506, SB781, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB505, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB3073, SB2920, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB2460, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB2595, SB857, SB37, SB8, SB10, SB227, SB261, SB12, SB15, SJR27, SB552, SB835, SB3070, SB22, SJR59, SB25, SB57, SB127, SB293, SB441, SB3059, SB512, SB241, SB1718, SB140, SB2055, SB2075, SB2018, SB1534, SB1567, SB785, SB1233, SB1580, SB1663, SB413, SB447, SB519, SB467, SB1579, SB1191, SB1021, SB1838, SB2807, SB2835, SB546, SB2121, SB2167, SB2035, SB2024, SB1032, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1302, SB401, SB1596, SB1281, SB1242, SB1343, SB310, SB1346, SB2753, SB2703, SB2221, SB1719, SB2177, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2972, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB961, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1610, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1362, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB973, SB974, SB865, SB506, SB781, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB505, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB3073, SB2920, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB2460, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB2595, SB857, SCR9, HB5560, HB762, HB 107, HB 114, HB300, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323

Keywords: sexual abuse, nondisclosure agreements, confidentiality agreements, public policy, victim rights, lottery, bingo, regulation, Texas Lottery Commission, Department of Licensing and Regulation, criminal offenses, state administration, audits, transfers, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to be below freezing, and it's an elderly person.
• He's Lieutenant Colonel Walt Gibson, who is over law enforcement support services.
• He's Lieutenant Colonel Walt Gibson, who is over law enforcement support services.
• Number five, the licensing and support. This was for $2.2 million.
• There's no longer support for those types of phone systems in the U.S.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Legislative Budget Board on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Article 5 budget. LBB recommended $3.7 billion in all funds for 2026-27, a 5.2 percent decrease from the base, while FTEs would rise by 856.7. Major items included funding for driver license services, DPS facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, border security, and rider changes. The committee also reviewed DPS exceptional items not included in the recommendation, including additional staffing, technology, and facility requests. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, criticizing long wait times, call abandonment, and repeated staffing increases without clear process improvements. LBB said the agency’s call-answer rate was about 9 percent in fiscal 2024, with average hold times around 34 minutes, later reduced to roughly 22-25 minutes. Senators questioned whether more FTEs alone would solve the problem and urged a broader efficiency study and better use of technology. DPS officials said they were pursuing process changes, including appointment-system upgrades, online pre-population of forms, and remote issuance options, while noting that Real ID requirements and population growth continue to drive demand. DPS leadership then outlined the agency’s priorities: completion of the Williamson County training academy, recruitment and retention of troopers, capital needs for vehicles and aircraft, and expanded responsibilities at the Capitol complex and the Alamo. Officials said the new trooper funding would help address staffing shortages, public safety, and border operations, and that overtime and deployment patterns had been adjusted to reduce burnout and improve flexibility. They also discussed Operation Lone Star, saying DPS spending is largely overtime, travel, and fuel, and that the agency continues to coordinate with federal partners while awaiting clarity on possible federal reimbursement for border security costs. Senators also raised concerns about oilfield theft, cartel activity, high-speed pursuits, bilingual pay, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and DPS said it would follow up on some of those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Child Support Services.
• Many of our school districts have signed on to a letter asking for our support and the support of other
• Two billion of that would go to support the Medi-Cal program and about $300 million to support the 2024
• They'll support key activities like enhanced care management, community supports, and behavioral health
• They'll support key activities like enhanced care management, community supports, and behavioral health

Summary: The committee first heard May Revision child care and human services items. The Department of Child Support Services described two technical adjustments, which the analyst supported. The Department of Social Services then walked through child care proposals, including a reduction in federal and Proposition 64 funding absorbed through a shift from General Child Care to the Alternative Payment program, a 2.01% child care COLA, disaster-related infrastructure grants, a new administrative support cost structure for Alternative Payment agencies, the removal of prospective pay funding after a federal rule change, a reappropriation for existing infrastructure grants, and estimates of unspent child care funds. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended asking for more justification for shifting reductions to CAP, supported the COLA reduction but wanted consistency across programs, recommended removing prospective pay funding, opposed the administrative cost shift, and suggested further review of disaster grant alignment. Members pressed the administration on why more slots would be cut for the same savings, why the COLA was reduced, and whether the administrative percentage would grow over time. The administration said the changes were intended to avoid disrupting currently enrolled families, reflect point-in-time relinquishments and unspent funds, and stabilize contractor operations. Public commenters, including providers, advocates, and county representatives, urged full COLA funding, rejection of child care slot reductions, preservation of prospective pay, and continued investment in child care infrastructure and access. The subcommittee then recessed before moving to health items. In Part B, the Department of State Hospitals presented its May Revision proposals, including a central utility plant replacement project at Metropolitan State Hospital, funding for a continuum electronic health record system, reduced county bed billing authority to reflect phase-in of additional LPS beds, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscription services, reversion of prior-year unspent operating funds, and a workforce development proposal to use Behavioral Health Services Act funds instead of General Fund for training programs. The department said the EHR would modernize records and improve continuity of care, and that the contract exemption would prevent delays in essential clinical information services. No votes were taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just curious to see how healthy our elderly population is financially.
• It's salaries and benefits of the people providing the support of those services.
• There's also mission critical support tool sets.
• There's also mission critical support tool sets.
• Desktop support is similar to that.

Summary: The Government Finance Committee met with new leadership, approved the December 11 minutes, and received a series of informational updates on the state’s finances and related policy issues. The Office of Management and Budget reported the general fund is tracking very close to forecast, with revenues about $2 million above forecast and an estimated ending balance of about $397 million, higher than previously expected. OMB also reviewed balances in major funds, including the budget stabilization fund, legacy fund, foundation aid stabilization fund, social services fund, and strategic investment and improvements fund, and answered questions about oil tax revenues and fund management. The Tax Department provided updates on taxable sales and purchases by county and industry, noting Cass County as the largest county by taxable sales and that retail trade remains the largest industry sector. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus also discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its estimated effects on North Dakota income tax collections, explaining that the projected revenue impacts are measured against a 2025 baseline and that some provisions are temporary while others are permanent. He also reported that primary residence tax credit applications were running ahead of last year, with more than 154,000 received so far and an expectation of roughly 160,000-plus applications. The committee also heard fee-study presentations from the Department of Transportation and the Information Technology Department. DOT explained that driver’s license fees cover only about half of program costs and that the shortfall is subsidized by the highway fund, while also noting recent changes such as the blackout plate and motor vehicle excise tax distribution changes. NDIT described its internal service fund model, current billing structure, and possible future changes to simplify invoices and billing frequency. Legislative staff also updated the committee on office space needs in Bismarck-Mandan and on legislative branch space planning, and subcommittees reported progress on fixed-route transit funding and regional jail capacity, including a visit to the Burleigh-Morton detention facility and discussion of future prison bed needs. No formal votes or legislative actions beyond approving the minutes were taken, and the committee adjourned with its next meeting set for June 25.

Transcript Highlights:

• Torrance County, I have quite a few in my area, so happy to support, happy to be here, and happy to learn
• It doesn't seem like much. and support our local families with small children.
• I do have very good support staff. My daughter served as secretary.
• There, I want to talk about the community support for the museum people.
• We have received support from the state legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would appreciate your support. Well, I thank the author. Do you have any witnesses in support?
• We support them, no doubt.
• Any other witnesses in support?
• , and I offer my support.
• This lack of funding jeopardizes continuing services such as policing, youth and elderly support services

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard several tax and property-related measures. SB 288, as amended, would clarify that the one-year Proposition 19 timeline for inheriting a family home through probate begins when the property is legally transferred, rather than during probate; it had support from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and was described as a fairness fix for heirs. The bill was moved 4-0 to Appropriations, with one member on call, and later the roll was completed with a 5-0 vote. SB 347, as amended, would reduce California’s annual minimum tax on LLCs, LLPs, limited partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations from $800 to $600; it received no opposition and passed 5-0 to Appropriations. The committee also heard SCA 4 and its companion SB 623, both authored by Senator Archuleta, to expand property tax relief for veterans by allowing eligible veterans to receive both the veterans’ exemption and the homeowners’ exemption, and to make conforming statutory changes if the constitutional amendment is approved. Testimony in support came from veterans’ organizations, a county representative, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Members praised the author’s work on veterans’ issues, and SCA 4 was adopted 5-0 to Elections and Constitutional Amendments; SB 623 was then passed 5-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 762 would authorize the city of Hercules to ask voters to approve a local sales tax increase of up to 1% to support public safety, parks, infrastructure, and other services. The city’s representative said the bill would simply allow the measure to go before voters and not impose a tax increase directly. The committee supported the local-control approach, and the bill passed 4-1 to Local Government, with Senator Valadares voting no. The consent calendar, including SB 575 by Senator Laird with technical amendments, was then adopted 5-0, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We support them, no doubt.
• , and I offer my support.
• Any other witnesses in support? Any witnesses in support?
• This lack of funding jeopardizes continuing services such as policing, youth and elderly support services
• Any witnesses in support? Thank you for your brief presentation. Any witnesses in support?

Summary: The committee heard several tax and local government measures. SB 288 would clarify Proposition 19 rules for inherited homes in probate so the one-year timeline to claim the property tax benefit starts when the home is legally transferred; it had support from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and passed 5-0 to Appropriations as amended. SB 347 would reduce the state’s minimum annual tax on LLCs, LLPs, limited partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations from $800 to $600; it also passed 5-0 to Appropriations as amended. SB 762 would authorize the city of Hercules to ask voters to approve a local sales tax increase of up to 1% to support city services and infrastructure; it passed 4-1 to Local Government, with one no vote from Senator Valadares. The committee also considered veteran property tax relief measures. SCA 4 would remove a constitutional restriction so eligible veterans could stack the homeowners’ exemption with the disabled veterans’ or veterans’ exemption, and SB 623 would make conforming statutory changes to implement that constitutional amendment. Both measures were supported by veterans’ organizations, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and county representatives, and both passed unanimously 5-0 to their next committees, with SCA 4 going to Elections and Constitutional Amendments and SB 623 going to Military and Veterans Affairs. The consent calendar, including SB 575 by Senator Laird, was adopted 5-0 after technical amendments were accepted. The committee then lifted the call on SB 288 and confirmed its 5-0 vote. The meeting concluded after all listed items were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just curious to see how healthy our elderly population is financially.
• It's salaries and benefits of the people providing the support of those services.
• There's also mission-critical support tool sets.
• Desktop support is similar to that.
• So it's an all-inclusive rate plus the support staff to do it. Thank you for that.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their love and support and enthusiasm for me serving again is a major reason why I feel that going back
• And I look forward to leading and supporting them as director once again as we labor together to make
• Of lower-income people, but two out of three people in nursing homes in America, elderly people, are
• All of us support greater government efficiency.
• Vought, I assume that you support making American communities safer. Yes, sir.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> currently have the capacity to support currently have the capacity to support only<00:37:42.760>
• </c><00:39:27.560><c> Thank</c> do and I'm honored to support. Thank do and I'm honored to support.
• And you can support this effort at our website, yourbizmo.com. We continue to support the arts.
• We need everyone's support.
• </c> work in supporting this space. work in supporting this space.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Everything else really is upstream and out of our scope, but we still support it.
• We also, it is very difficult to support the guardians of the youth.
• He's actually convicted when he robbed an 81-year-old elderly woman and assaulted her.
• And also peer support. We've heard about lived experience being important. Ms.
• We strongly supported the inpatient investment.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in Florida we have a large elderly population.
• We're not going to rest on our laurels and we appreciate your support, your willingness to take this
• The vote by mail bills also supported by House Rep Barnaby.
• And we have a citizenship bill supported by House rep Bernie Jacques and then the other the bill as a
• And we are looking to support Senator Garcia's bill, the citizenship bill in the House and 25% of our

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The International Association of Firefighters supported this bipartisan legislation, which was triggered
• </c> they have obviously a larger elderly they have obviously a larger elderly population<00:15:32.720
• Um, and I just want to support for this.
• Um I want to for her support as well.
• </c> supporting it. supporting it.

Bills: HF2354, HF3407, HF4359, HF4192, HF3356, HF3695, HF1597, HF3155, HF3871, HF4437, HF4446, HF3990

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, ghost guns, unserialized firearms, 3D-printed guns, 3D printer firearms, CNC milling, home-built firearms, firearm serialization, serial numbers, unfinished frame, unfinished receiver, ghost gun ban, gun control, firearm design files, CAD files, digital gun blueprints

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:59.600><c> and</c> testifiers uh share their uh support and testifiers uh share their uh support
• </c> in support of HF3513. in support of HF3513.
• </c> [clears throat] chamber supports House [clears throat] chamber supports House File<00:36:02.960>
• Such fees could support operations.
• </c> Minnesota Trucking Association supports Minnesota Trucking Association supports the<00:47:30.720

Keywords: 1183, house