Video & Transcript Research : 'licensing fees'
Page 96 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- or registration. refer to the Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures, HB 2828 by Paul,
- imposing fees authorizing an administrative penalty, referred to the Committee on State Affairs.
- and practice medicine to certain foreign medical license holders with all.
- Assures to employment authorizing a fee refer to the committee on public health HB 2853 by Perez of El
- And requiring a license application fees or for the committee on state affairs issue or 138 by elders
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Higher Education - 04/21/2026
Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill amends the education law to address discrepancies in licensing requirements for junior and
- And so they feel they're being penalized in terms of not being able to submit for a license.
- But they use, for example, licensing fees, renewal fees for licenses, etc.
- But they use, for example, licensing fees, renewal fees for licenses, etc.
- There are other parts that have... ...renewal fees for licenses, etc.
Summary:
The New York State Senate Committee on Higher Education met on April 21, 2026, with a quorum present and considered nine bills. The committee advanced bills addressing licensing discrepancies for junior and assistant landscape architects (S.1834A), SUNY/CUNY research foundation financial reporting (S.6745), credits for volunteer firefighters and EMTs enrolled in SUNY or CUNY (S.7367), campus pool and health membership for disabled veterans (S.7784A), early licensure eligibility for dental residents in multi-year specialty programs (S.8401A), a 90-day grace period for certain social workers awaiting limited permits (S.9303), interior designer certification standards (S.9673), and a transfer of excess tuition reimbursement account funds to support proprietary vocational school oversight (S.9682). One bill, S.948 concerning occupational therapists, was held pending resolution with the State Education Department.
Members asked questions on several measures, including whether firefighter/EMT credits were tied to service rather than coursework, how the dental residency bill would work in practice, and the funding source and purpose of the proprietary school supervision account transfer. Support was noted for the interior designer bill from ASID, CIDQ, and IIDA, while most other bills had no listed support or opposition memos. The committee explained that the fund transfer bill would move up to $500,000 from a tuition reimbursement account balance above $2.5 million to help the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision address oversight needs.
All of the bills taken up and moved were reported out of committee, with some sent to the floor and others to the Finance Committee as indicated by the chair. Several were reported without recommendation from individual members. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- We just need to be licensed.
- So there's two fees.
- But, yeah, member states have the ability to charge a fee on top of the compact commission fee.
- I have a clean license. There's no encumbrances on that license at all.
- : a dentist limited license and a regular dentist license.
Summary:
The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure focused on health care and human services, reviewed testimony logistics, and then heard a long series of witnesses on several bills. Much of the testimony centered on interstate licensure compacts for dentistry, social work, and occupational therapy, with supporters arguing these compacts would improve workforce mobility, continuity of care, and access while preserving state oversight and public protection. Dental witnesses were split on H.455/S.257, with supporters backing the AADB dental compact for its hands-on exam, background checks, and disciplinary safeguards, while opponents argued a competing compact would better promote portability and avoid conflicts tied to proprietary testing and outside commissions. Social work witnesses strongly supported H.380/S.252, emphasizing continuity of care for clients who move across state lines, reduced costs and delays for practitioners, and the compact’s public-protection features; occupational therapy witnesses similarly supported H.427/S.256, citing access, telehealth, military families, and maintained standards.
The committee also heard testimony on S.242, which would expand licensure for lactation care providers. Supporters, including lactation counselors and health center staff, said adding certified lactation counselors and related credentials would expand access, improve breastfeeding support, and allow reimbursement for services now often provided without billing. They described the training required and said the bill would help families, especially in underserved communities. Representative James O’Day also testified in support of the social work compact, and a Council of State Governments witness provided background on compact mechanics and state participation.
Another major topic was H.419/S.214 on medical debt. Physicians and researchers testified that cancer patients experience long-lasting medical debt and collections burdens, and they supported limits on the sale and collection of medical debt, bans on reporting it to credit bureaus, and related consumer protections. The hearing also included H.465 on a pathway to special licensure for certain long-term limited-registration dentists serving MassHealth patients, which Representative Senna supported as a way to allow immigrant dentists to practice independently. Finally, the committee heard sharply divided testimony on H.444/S.284, which would allow trained dental hygienists to administer Botox and dermal fillers: supporters framed it as a safe, preventive, and access-expanding tool for TMJ, bruxism, and pain management, while dermatologists opposed it as outside hygienists’ training and a patient-safety risk. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Costs, fines, fees, interest, and late payment fees that are imposed in connection with criminal proceedings
- :45.680>
late <00:03:46.000>payment fines, fees, interest, and late payment fines, fees - , interest, and late payment fees. fees. fees. that<00:03:47.840>
are <00:03:48.000>imposed - >> So, so this bill is to study what fees >> So, so this bill is to study what fees
- lost wages, that includes attorneys fees lost wages, that includes attorneys fees and<00:32:23.760
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 774, the Cost, Fines, and Fees Reporting Act, which would require data collection and reporting on criminal and traffic-related costs, fines, fees, interest, and late fees in Kentucky. Vice Chair Decker said the bill is intended to improve transparency and accountability, not to change collection policy. A representative from Reason Foundation supported the measure, saying policymakers need reliable data on legal financial obligations. Representative Marzian asked whether the bill would help enforce collection, and Decker replied that it is only a study/data bill. During roll call, some members raised concerns about funding, but Decker said Kentucky Stats already has the staff and systems in place. The bill passed favorably with 18 yes votes, no no votes, and two pass votes.
The committee then took up House Bill 542, relating to eminent domain and declared an emergency, and adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony. The sponsor described the bill as the product of extensive revisions and said it was aimed at improving notice, communication, transparency, and fairness in condemnation proceedings. He said property owners would have to be notified by certified mail or hand delivery, with sworn proof if delivery failed, and that condemning authorities could not make false or misleading statements during negotiations. A guest, Stephanie Barnett, described problems in her own eminent domain experience, including notices going to the wrong address and learning after the fact that people had been on her property. Members generally supported the bill as a fairness measure. It passed the committee substitute unanimously, 20-0.
Finally, Representatives Flannery and Whitaker presented House Bill 563, a DUI-related measure intended to reduce deaths and injuries caused by repeat drunk drivers. They said the bill would apply to a fourth DUI offense within 10 years and would place a two-year restriction on alcohol sales, marked on the person’s license or ID, with the goal of both public safety and encouraging treatment. Flannery cited the death of his mother by a repeat drunk driver and shared statistics on fatal crashes and the economic costs of drunk driving. The committee began discussion on the bill, but the transcript cuts off before any vote or final action is shown.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- When I go to renew my license, I can't because I haven't paid the fee or fine.
- When I go to renew my license, I can't because I haven't paid the fee or fine.
- I waived all the fines and fees. He didn't pay the Omni fee. He was released from Omni.
- My license had been suspended, and once I paid all the outstanding fees and the tickets had come off,
- a basic licensing academy.
Bills:
HB1455, HB1777, HB2101, HB2136, HB2609, HB3142, HB3552, HB3846, HB4155, HB4514, HB4879, HB4995, HB5014, HB5139, HB5228, HB5436, HCR40
Keywords:
mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and heard several bills, generally leaving them pending after testimony. HB 4995 would create a training/certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would protect tactical medical staff and improve emergency care; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the OmniBase/failure-to-appear-or-pay license hold program; the author and supporters argued it unfairly compounds debt and traps drivers in noncompliance, while judges and municipal court representatives said it is an effective, voluntary tool that prompts court appearances and reduces warrants. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/THC substances, and HB 5436 would allow licensed auto recyclers to purchase certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shop activity; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending.
The committee also heard HB 1777, which would place a discrete sex-offender designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for registrants under Chapter 62. The author said the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and cited other states and research in support, while opponents argued it would function as a scarlet letter, increase harassment, and punish people who are already complying with the law. HB 4155 would create a Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study risk factors, coordinate agencies, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, TCFV, and a survivor testified in support, emphasizing the number of family violence homicides and the need for coordinated, data-driven prevention, and the bill was left pending.
Finally, HB 4514 would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and confidentiality protections, to help businesses verify identities and combat fraud. Supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce losses from fake IDs and organized theft, while the author stressed privacy safeguards and limited, consent-based use. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We represent about 500 cannabis licenses throughout the state.
- If a licensed individual is doing something...
- I am a licensed court reporter in the state of California. I've been licensed for about 36 years.
- Hire a licensed contractor to pull the permit.
- with entities that also have state licenses unless otherwise exempted.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- Without an export license.
- these veterans... ...ensures fees for helping these veterans are one-time fees and that the fees are
- So the only thing that is prohibited by this fee model would be an upfront fee.
- Only require hourly or flat fees charged on the back end? Upfront fees, right?
- than contingent fee.
Bills:
SB1003, SB1060, SB1134, SB1275, SB1327, SB1429, SB1618, SB1634, SB1654, SB1803, SCR1002, SCR1005, SCR1023, SCR1027
Keywords:
election, canvass, certification, ballot tabulation, write-in candidates, registration, voting procedures, voter registration, temporary absence, absentee voting, residency, military voters, overseas voters, election law, Arizona Revised Statutes, political signs, campaign materials, public safety, municipal regulation, veterans
Summary:
The committee first heard a lengthy presentation and discussion focused on Arizona State University’s foreign research ties, especially collaborations and funding connected to China and Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research partnerships, citing federal reporting forms, the Wolf Amendment, export-control concerns, and alleged links to dual-use technologies such as quantum systems, AI, robotics, microelectronics, and biosecurity. A witness from American Global Strategies testified in support, saying the bill would help protect U.S. research security and national security by imposing state-level guardrails on sensitive collaborations. After questions, the committee considered a strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 that would bar public universities from entering into or continuing certain loans, gifts, contracts, research partnerships, or sponsored projects involving the PRC, the CCP, and listed Chinese military-linked universities, require ABOR review and approval, and impose reporting and budget penalties. The amendment was withdrawn, and the committee instead took up SB 1327, which directs ABOR to require university research security policies and to report annually on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000; SB 1327 received a 4-2 do-pass recommendation, with Del Santos, Hernandez, and Márquez voting no and Kolodin, Powell, Keshel, and Gillette voting yes. The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans bill regulating unrecognized persons who assist with VA disability claims. The sponsor and industry witnesses said the bill would protect veterans from bad actors by requiring disclosures, capping fees, banning certain practices, and filing service agreements with the Attorney General, while opponents argued it could restrict consumer choice, resemble a price ceiling, and still allow non-attorneys to engage in the unauthorized practice of law. After extensive debate over contingent fees, legal ethics, and whether the bill was too favorable to one company, the committee continued the hearing with additional testimony and questions.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations.(6-18-26)
Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you have insurance that pays that, or is it through fees that are paid through the cosmetology licensing
- >
licenses <00:15:17.120>to approving and issuing licenses to approving and issuing licenses - Your expenses are paid through the licenser fees.
- expenses are paid through the licenser expenses are paid through the licenser fees. fees. fees.
- licensing barriers. licensing barriers.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Mar 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Jason Mallet, the CFO of the Department of Tax and Fees.
- And we have a number of licensed dispensaries in my district.
- retailers of tangible goods charge tax on service fees.
- We do understand that this does bring in those service fees.
- We do understand that this does bring in those service fees.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration heard several budget proposals from CDTFA, the Board of Equalization, and the Franchise Tax Board. The first panel focused on cannabis, hemp, flavored tobacco, and related enforcement. CDTFA requested ongoing funding to implement cannabis tax changes, enforce the new intoxicating hemp restrictions and flavored tobacco seizure authority, and continue compliance work. The department said it is targeting illicit product, protecting licensed businesses, and using referrals from the public and lawmakers to focus inspections. The LAO supported some of the proposals but urged the Legislature to treat them as part of a longer-term enforcement strategy and raised concerns about the use of General Fund support for cannabis enforcement. Public testimony on the cannabis item largely supported stronger enforcement and funding for the legal market.
The committee also heard CDTFA’s request to reappropriate funds for an upgrade to the CROS tax collection system, which would improve taxpayer services, security, and software maintenance without adding new money. A separate CDTFA proposal would make all delivery network companies, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, marketplace facilitators for sales tax purposes. CDTFA said the change would reduce confusion for restaurants and improve compliance, while the LAO questioned whether the proposal functioned more like a tax increase because it would also capture service fees. Members raised affordability concerns, but the proposal was framed by the administration as a parity and compliance measure.
The subcommittee then considered a governor’s proposal for a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit. Finance argued the credit would help decarbonize aviation and support in-state production, while the LAO recommended rejection, citing cost, uncertainty about environmental benefits, possible diversion of diesel excise tax revenues from transportation programs, and concerns about consistency with voter-approved transportation funding rules. Testimony from airlines, labor unions, airports, and refinery workers strongly supported the credit, emphasizing union jobs, refinery conversions, and emissions reductions, while fuel retailers and some others warned about fiscal risk and higher fuel prices. The chair and some members expressed support for the proposal despite the funding concerns.
Finally, the BOE presented an IT modernization project for state-assessed property administration, saying the current system is outdated and manual and that a new system is needed to improve accuracy, cybersecurity, and workflow efficiency, especially with a likely increase in workload from new VoIP assessments. The LAO asked for more justification for the timing, but BOE said the urgency stems from aging systems and growing workload. BOE also requested modest funding to implement SB 293 changes to intergenerational property transfers and wildfire relief guidance, which the LAO did not oppose. The Franchise Tax Board began its presentation on the final phase of its Enterprise Data to Revenue modernization effort, describing the project’s rollout across audit, collections, legal, and filing enforcement workloads and noting it is now in a warranty period.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Transcript Highlights:
- Businesses have seen their credit card fees soar.
- I don't think they—you pay credit card fees on a debit card.
- You do pay some fee; you don't pay all of the fee, but you still have the interchange fee as well.
- We've heard a lot about the credit card surcharges and fees.
- On the debit side, debit card fees are much, much lower.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization.
State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake.
Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 107 May 1st, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We allow for direct fees.
- government and they hold my law license. government and they hold my law license.
- fee, flat fee, hourly fee, just any fee or any money that a business, which a law firm is.
- fee, flat fee, hourly fee, just any fee or any money that a business, which a law firm is.
- paid<02:44:06.880>
by licensing and regulatory fees paid by licensing and regulatory fees
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and heard several committee and floor announcements about upcoming hearings. The chamber then took up House Resolution 1006, a resolution honoring Colorado law enforcement officers. The resolution was read at length and supported by Representatives Woo and Clifford, who emphasized officers’ service, public safety role, and the need for community trust. Several members spoke in favor, including Representative Bacon, who tied the resolution to broader discussions of policing, transparency, body cameras, and community relationships. The resolution passed unanimously, 60-0, with five excused.
After the resolution, the House received committee reports and then considered Senate Bill 143, which renames the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee to honor Senator Faith Winter. Supporters, including Representatives Wilford and Garcia, said the change recognizes Winter’s commitment to youth leadership and civic engagement and does not alter the committee’s function or create new costs. The bill passed on a voice vote. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 124, which updates the automated protection order notification system by requiring the Colorado Integrated Criminal Justice Information System, in addition to CBI, to provide information needed for notifications.
The House then considered House Bill 1421, concerning prohibiting certain compensation arrangements in the legal profession and creating the Colorado Legal Practice Integrity and Fee Sharing Prohibition Act. Sponsors said the bill is aimed at preventing non-lawyer ownership and fee-sharing arrangements that could let outside investors influence legal strategy, while clarifying that it does not interfere with court regulation of the profession. Supporters from the business community argued it addresses profit-driven incentives in litigation, while one member objected to the late-night committee process and the number of amendments. The Judiciary Committee report was adopted, and the bill was then debated further as the transcript ended.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We're not here to worry about filing fees.
- The filing fee for an eviction in city court is around $254.
- been no study to determine—we may be talking 15 filing fees, or we might be talking 1,500 filing fees
- been no study to determine—we may be talking 15 filing fees, or we might be talking 1,500 filing fees
- or we might be talking 1,500 filing fees a year.
Summary:
The committee first approved the May 5 minutes and then heard House Bill 578, which would define sex in Louisiana law as biological sex, replace references to gender with sex in various statutes and forms, and direct the Law Institute to make conforming changes. Supporters from the governor’s office said the bill would bring clarity and consistency, while opponents argued it could create conflicts with existing law and weaken protections tied to gender identity. After debate, the committee reported HB 578 favorably.
Members then considered House Bill 1250, a measure aimed at aerospace-related litigation. The bill would allow a special motion to strike certain claims against aerospace flight entities when the claims are preempted by federal law. Senators raised concerns that the language was broad enough to affect airports, airlines, contractors, and even unrelated incidents, and the author said he was willing to work on narrowing amendments. The committee nevertheless reported HB 1250 favorably. House Bill 718, dealing with liability protections for private airstrips used for recreation, was amended to narrow its scope and then reported favorably, while House Bill 163, a narrower related airstrip bill, was voluntarily deferred so the committee could work from the other measure.
The committee also approved House Concurrent Resolution 61, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to review possible conflicts between the constitution and statutes on expropriation. House Bill 180, defining foreign adversaries and agents of foreign adversaries for a proposed constitutional amendment, and House Bill 192, a constitutional amendment barring foreign adversaries from expropriating land in Louisiana, were both reported favorably. House Bill 1008, which sets out academic freedom and whistleblower protections for higher education, was rejected on a roll-call vote after concerns about its scope and limits on university discipline. House Bill 638, a prompt-payment bill for contractors, was set aside while amendments were being located.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 71, which would extend existing liability protections for justified use of force to properly trained armed security guards. The author and the Board of Private Security Examiners said security officers receive training and often face dangerous situations, but opponents argued the bill would give too much protection to personnel with far less training than law enforcement and could shield bad shootings. After debate, the committee voted to defer HB 71. The last measure discussed was House Bill 1082, which would change venue rules for lawsuits involving the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System so actions by the system would be filed where the employer is located; the author said the bill was meant to help small municipalities, and members indicated they were open to narrowing amendments.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 17th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The senator has professional licensing.
- So, it's funded by the fees of the licenses.
- And so those are different fees for different boards and different professions.
- So, it's funded by the fees of the licenses.
- And so those are different fees for different boards and different professions.
NH
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- statewide, but you can also get a local license.
- It used to be that they could charge me a fee just to type my name into the website to see if my license
- is current, but you can't charge them a fee.
- We're just charging a fee at that point.
- So I don't... fee at that point.
Summary:
The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee held its first meeting of the 2025 session and focused on an overview of county and municipal home rule powers and state preemption. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Alex Rizzo and Vice Chair Griff Griffiths explained the constitutional and statutory basis for local self-government, the distinction between charter and non-charter counties, and how express and implied preemption limit local authority. Griffiths emphasized that home rule gives local governments broad power to address community needs, but the Legislature can override that authority through clear preemption, with courts ultimately deciding disputes. Representatives Holcomb and LaMarca added that local issues should generally be addressed locally first, but statewide standards can be appropriate when uniformity is needed or local action is ineffective.
The committee then heard from a panel representing counties, cities, business, and construction interests: Ginger Delegal of the Florida Association of Counties, Carolyn Johnson of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Rebecca O'Hara of the Florida League of Cities, and Carol Bowen of Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida. Delegal and O'Hara argued that home rule is rooted in local autonomy, policy experimentation, and accountability to voters, and warned against broad or “vacuum” preemptions that remove local authority without replacing it with state regulation. Johnson and Bowen supported preemption when local rules create a patchwork that hurts statewide competitiveness, raises costs, or complicates business operations, citing examples such as labor rules, heat safety, permitting, and procurement preferences. The panel also discussed the 2023 local ordinances law, which requires business impact estimates and provides attorney’s fees in certain challenges, as a mechanism to resolve disputes locally before resorting to preemption.
Members questioned the panel about the 2024 heat-safety preemption and how to protect workers in the absence of local ordinances. Business representatives said existing OSHA duties and industry best practices already require employers to provide safe conditions, while local governments and the state should avoid inconsistent standards across jurisdictions. Another discussion centered on construction permitting, licensing, and local boards that may slow projects and increase costs; Bowen suggested eliminating redundant local fees and barriers while preserving statewide licensing and enforcement against bad actors. No votes were taken, and the meeting remained informational, with the chair inviting continued discussion on when preemption is appropriate versus when local governments should retain authority.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs May 5th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- However, these designated groups are currently required to pay an additional $3 fee for their license
- plates, a fee not uniformly applied across all military merit plates.
- On the fee, the $3 fee, this is going to be exempted for all military license plates, is that correct
- This is going to wipe out that $3 fee. That first $3 fee. On all of them? Yes, sir.
- Members, if you recall, this relates to fees for the issuance of certain military specialty license plates
Keywords:
veterans, service members, military transition, Texas Veterans Commission, pilot program, self-reliance, employment assistance, housing assistance, mental health services, career training, veterans service organizations, spouses and dependents, military families, Texas military forces, post-separation support, reentry services, workforce development, benefits navigation, transition assistance, SB 651
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 23rd, 2026 at 10:43 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These reforms directed licensing boards to issue expedited licenses within 30 days when an applicant
- They call it a license privilege.
- A year in revenues in DOT, and there are the streams, including your driver's license fees, weight-distance
- , overload fees—there's tons of fees that...
- Distance, overload fees.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (08/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the chief of the childcare licensing I'm the chief of the childcare licensing unit. unit. unit
- There's a fee set for how much it is per page, but that's the only fee in this rule. second.
- We're not collecting those fees.
- Additionally, there is one fee in this Additionally, there is one fee in this rule,<00:17:45.440>
- it is per page, but that's the only fee it is per page, but that's the only fee in<00:17:54.880>
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two items: DES rule FP 25127 concerning dug-in boat basins and HHS child care licensing rule 25132. The child care licensing item was then taken up separately. HHS staff said the rule had been developed over more than a year with the child care advisory council and the broader child care community, and that it was urgent because the department is out of compliance with federal Office of Child Care requirements and needs database changes completed in time for a September 30, 2025 implementation deadline. After brief questions, the committee moved to approve the rule as presented, and it passed unanimously.
The committee also considered an HHS interim rule to restore expired rules and keep them in compliance while regular rulemaking proceeds. HHS explained the rules had expired in April and that the filing was intended to minimize the gap until permanent rulemaking could occur; the only fee in the rule relates to copying medical records, and the department said it is not collecting those fees. Committee members noted broader problems with keeping rules current in the state’s tracking system, but said the situation had improved. The committee then moved to approve the interim rule, and it was adopted unanimously.
For DES rule 25127 on project-specific requirements for boat houses, staff and committee members focused on language about new dug-in basins. Some members were concerned the rule read like an absolute prohibition without clear statutory authority, while DES staff said a waiver process exists and offered possible edits to clarify that dug-in basins could still be approved in rare cases if a waiver is granted or if they are the least impacting alternative. Because the language needed further work, the committee postponed the item for one month and asked DES to return with written conditional-approval language. The committee also voted to move its October meeting to October 17 at 9:00 a.m. in State House 100, and was told to expect an emergency Lottery Commission rule on slot machines next month. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Feb 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to update the phlebotomist certification fee from a biannual to an annual fee and make technical
- It looks like, I think you said there's two bills that are related to licensing and renewal fees and
- That's the laboratory field sciences fees.
- **Assemblymember Chavez:** I just want to clarify, I heard you talk about Genetic counselor license fee
- They have regular jobs at their respective licensing levels.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- for a marriage license, and a declaration of informal marriage.
- And let’s say your fee of—let’s say your fee on that was what? Five percent? What’s your fee on?”
- the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, for the Committee on Licensing and Administrative
- and Regulation, for the Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures.
- , for the Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, led the pledges, and approved a series of routine motions, including excusing absent members and granting permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. Members also adopted several memorial and recognition resolutions, including H.R. 1023 honoring Christian Beerbill, H.R. 1033 recognizing International Bereaved Mother’s Day, and H.R. 877 recognizing Urban League Advocates Day. The House also recommitted SB 17 and HB 4211 to committee and postponed SCR 27 and HB 2145 for later consideration.
The chamber then took up a long third-reading calendar of bills covering a wide range of topics, including Sunset review measures, health care workforce and pricing, child custody and family law, Medicaid, rural ambulance grants, energy reporting, public information requests, trail development, virtual meeting disruptions, occupational licensing, protective orders, county leave pools, animal cruelty, infrastructure, and higher education. Most bills were explained briefly by their authors and passed with broad support, though several drew notable opposition, including HB 5265, HB 2402, HB 3000, HB 3237, HB 3326, HB 1056, HB 281, HB 3308, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 294, HB 809, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 285, HB 1353, HB 3960, HB 4044, HB 4264, HB 2807, HB 3349, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 1201, and others.
Several bills prompted extended debate or amendments. HB 3237, extending public energy-use reporting for state and higher-education buildings, passed after questions about its public-sector-only scope and energy savings. HB 3326, addressing public service loan forgiveness credit for adjunct professors, initially failed on a 69-70 vote but later passed after verification and machine corrections. HB 3211, concerning optometrists in managed care plans, adopted a Buckley amendment before passing. HB 2213 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association board composition adopted a Metcalf amendment requiring certain board members to be Texas residents. HB 412, dealing with harmful materials and sexual performance of a child, generated extensive questioning about its scope, existing legal standards, and effects on educators and medical professionals; the excerpt ends during that debate.