Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCe14LJJSJY, 2026-07-02T01:22:35+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, INVESTIGATE COMPLIANCE WITH AUDIT NOS. 19-12 AND 21-01 Rep. Della Au Belatti, Chair Rep. Linda Ichiyama, Vice Chair Members Rep. Mark J. Hashem Rep. David A. Tarnas Rep. Dale T. Kobayashi Rep. Kyle T. Yamashita Rep. Amy A. Perruso Rep. Val Okimoto, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S3UyJdECkM, 2026-07-02T01:22:35+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, INVESTIGATE COMPLIANCE WITH AUDIT NOS. 19-12 AND 21-01 Rep. Della Au Belatti, Chair Rep. Linda Ichiyama, Vice Chair Members Rep. Mark J. Hashem Rep. David A. Tarnas Rep. Dale T. Kobayashi Rep. Kyle T. Yamashita Rep. Amy A. Perruso Rep. Val Okimoto, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvmffBqfEcM, 2026-07-02T01:22:35+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, INVESTIGATE COMPLIANCE WITH AUDIT NOS. 19-12 AND 21-01 Rep. Della Au Belatti, Chair Rep. Linda Ichiyama, Vice Chair Members Rep. Mark J. Hashem Rep. David A. Tarnas Rep. Dale T. Kobayashi Rep. Kyle T. Yamashita Rep. Amy A. Perruso Rep. Val Okimoto, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxysDw-5C_U, 2026-07-02T01:22:30+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_HSG_02-16-21_.HTM 6:09 - Introduction 6:35 - HB 525, HD1 (HSCR159) 23:22 - Decision Making (HSG 10:30 AM) 26:32 - Decision Making for HB 79, HB 1114, HB 1277, and HB 328 HD1, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• our program and our and our athletics our program and our and our athletics program<00:20:24.080
• and worker productivity and the school and worker productivity and we<00:55:08.720> do<00:55:
• And so, to do research and assist.
• > and addiction and behavioral health and and addiction and behavioral health and and other<01
• Um, personally, I think that the state needs to come and remove the chickens on their park.

Bills: HB1183, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1663, HB1664, HB1859, HB2116, HB2271, HB2276, HB2335, HB2360, HB2387, HB2472, HB1805, HB2469, HB1815, HB1860, HB2117, HB2118, HB2437, HB2438, HB2604, HB1590, HB2156, HB2268

Keywords: retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes, indebtedness, salary recovery, employee compensation, deductions, financial management, collective bargaining, employee relations, impasse procedures, arbitration, public employment, HB1661, cafeteria plan, Section 125, Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending account

Transcript Highlights:

• But listening and watching and tracking these cases with them.
• You're welcome, and you're right; there were effective treatments, and that was suppressed, and that
• And so...
• , and agencies.
• The other concern is the vague and subjective nature of the service plans and that vagueness and subjectivity

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB116, HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• And Kai Parsi.
• And I also ask this question, you and I have had... if you would state your name for the record and who
• these rights to consent and whatnot, and CPS is using it to their advantage. ... and people are calling
• And here is his handwriting neat and orderly in two months.
• And so we're going to skip you and go to Wayne Carson and come back. back to you. Dr.

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744, HB18, HB37, HB116

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388

Bills: HB14, HB 106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HB 1127, HB1359, HB1393, HB1584, HB1640, HB1710, HB2152, HCR101, HJR8, HR51, HB106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HJR8, HR51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• and processing testimony.
• and Palomato, Kumu Kaloa, Bishop, and and Palomato, Kumu Kaloa, Bishop, and Mihana<00:14:02.480>
• I'd like to introduce Laura Bergbar and Brian Lton and Sean, two homeschool advocates and an intern from
• Brian Lton and Sean, two Bergbar and Brian Lton and Sean, two homeschool<00:15:14.560> advocates<
• <00:15:44.079> and as listed on pages 1 through 18. and as listed on pages 1 through 18. and

Bills: HB1974, HB1853, HB1973, HB1574, HB2619, HB1966, HB1643, HB1671, HB2558, HB1854, HB2173, HB1575, HB2229, HB1535, HB1978, HB2508, HB1549, HB2187, HB1550, HB1977, HB2314, HB1871, HB2319, HB1591, HB1858, HB1898, HB2372, HB1765, HB2012, HB1706, HB1962, HB1963, HB1975, HB2009, HB2083, HB2224, HB1877, HB1959, HB1626, HB1665, HB2488, HB2456, HB2548, HB2207, HB1832, HB2079, HB1985, HB1618, HB2486, HB2242, HB2045, HB1703, HB2236, HB2480, HB1976, HB2287, HB2288, HB1777, HB276, HB1660, HB1676, HB1605, HB1751, HB1967, HB2383, HB2340, HB1946, HB2268, HB1950, HB2156, HB2118, HB1859, HB1863, HB1996, HB2114, HB2423, HB2429, HB2475, HB2534, HB2545, HB1813, HB1941, HB2474, HB2583, HB1576, HB1886, HB1939, HB2540, HB2590, HB2000, HB2163, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1692

Keywords: HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• with Chairman Tarnas, and we expressed our concerns. and full recreational adult use and full recreational
• Well, actually they looked at both medical and recreational.
• Well, actually they looked at both medical and recreational.
• Well, actually they looked at both medical and recreational.
• Well, actually they looked at both medical and recreational.

Bills: HB1974, HB1853, HB1973, HB1574, HB2619, HB1966, HB1643, HB1671, HB2558, HB1854, HB2173, HB1575, HB2229, HB1535, HB1978, HB2508, HB1549, HB2187, HB1550, HB1977, HB2314, HB1871, HB2319, HB1591, HB1858, HB1898, HB2372, HB1765, HB2012, HB1706, HB1962, HB1963, HB1975, HB2009, HB2083, HB2224, HB1877, HB1959, HB1626, HB1665, HB2488, HB2456, HB2548, HB2207, HB1832, HB2079, HB1985, HB1618, HB2486, HB2242, HB2045, HB1703, HB2236, HB2480, HB1976, HB2287, HB2288, HB1777, HB276, HB1660, HB1676, HB1605, HB1751, HB1967, HB2383, HB2340, HB1946, HB2268, HB1950, HB2156, HB2118, HB1859, HB1863, HB1996, HB2114, HB2423, HB2429, HB2475, HB2534, HB2545, HB1813, HB1941, HB2474, HB2583, HB1576, HB1886, HB1939, HB2540, HB2590, HB2000, HB2163, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1692

Keywords: HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• We've watched your mercy and grace keep us and protect us from danger seen and unseen.
• and treasured among the group and by all those around her.
• and loved her.
• Senate Resolution No. 174 by Senator Henry is a resolution to recreate and provide for the task force
• Yes, and history and community of interest and a whole host of other things.

Bills: SCR12, HB221, HB509, HCR58, HB75, HB1222, SB121, SB312, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB65, SB215, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR104, HCR32, HB944, HB17, HB41, HB73, HB223, HB244, HB410, HB750, HB759, HB906, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1086, HB1107, HB1112, HB1215, HB1242, SB208, SB217, SB283, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB441, SB449, HB134, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784, HB1117

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Transcript Highlights:

• We've watched your mercy and grace keep us and protect us from danger seen and unseen.
• and treasured among the group and by all those around her.
• Senate Resolution No. 174 by Senator Henry is a resolution to recreate and provide for the task force
• "Yes, and history and community of interest and a whole host of other things.
• "Yes, and history and community of interest and a whole host of other things.

Bills: SCR12, HB221, HB509, HCR58, HB75, HB1222, SB121, SB312, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB65, SB215, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR104, HCR32, HB944, HB17, HB41, HB73, HB223, HB244, HB410, HB750, HB759, HB906, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1086, HB1107, HB1112, HB1215, HB1242, SB208, SB217, SB283, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB441, SB449, HB134, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784, HB1117

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received a prayer and pledge, adopted the journal, and heard messages from the House reporting final passage of several Senate bills and concurrence in SCR 86 and 87. The chamber also observed personal privileges honoring the lives of Edith K. Kirkpatrick and Susan Ann Traylor Bidick, with family members present and a moment of silence held for Bidick. The House later refused concurrence on Senate amendments to HB 42 and HB 159. The Senate then took up a series of resolutions, most of which were adopted without objection. These included studies on energy infrastructure and modernization (SR 174, amended to add an alternative energy industry representative and a consumer advocate), breast pump Medicaid reimbursement (SR 175), digital student IDs (SR 176), lethality assessment protocols in domestic violence cases (SR 177), problem gambling prevention (SR 178), community water system grading (SR 179), condolences for Sharon Courtney (SR 180), and expansion of the Louisiana Tumor Registry (SR 181). The chamber also adopted SCR 85 honoring the Sam Houston High School Broncos baseball team after a recorded vote of 36 yeas and 8 nays. On bills returned from the House, HB 1222 on grocery initiative grants failed on final passage by a vote of 18 yeas and 19 nays. SB 312 had House amendments rejected, SB 348 and SB 485 had House amendments concurred in, and SB 121 on congressional redistricting was the subject of extensive debate over racial gerrymandering, district configuration, and expected litigation before the Senate concurred in the House amendments by 28 yeas and 10 nays. The Senate also concurred in several House concurrent resolutions, including studies or reports on flooded corn and migratory waterfowl, deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest, support for a Senator Kennedy letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service, boating safety reporting, and subsurface data review. Finally, HB 944 creating a Women’s Health Consortium within the Department of Health was amended to address funding concerns and convert it into a more task-force-like structure, then passed 37-0 with nine coauthors. The Senate then recessed until 1:30 p.m. to continue work, including conference committee reports.

Bills: HR72, HR73, HR74, HR75, HR76, HR77, HR78, HR79, HR80, HR81, HR82, HR83, HCR36, HCR37, HCR38, HCR39, HCR40, HCR41, HB368, HB433, HB1017, HB1018, HB1019, HB1020, HB1021, HB1022, HB1023, HB1024, HB1025, HB1026, HB1027, HB1028, HB1029, HB1030, HB1031, HB1032, HB1033, HB1034, HB1035, HB1036, HB1037, HB1038, HB1039, HB1040, HB1041, HB1042, HB1043, HB1044, HB1045, HB1046, HB1047, HB1048, HB1049, HB1050, HB1051, HB1052, HB1053, HB1054, HB1055, HB1056, HB1057, HB1058, HB1059, HB1060, HB1061, HB1062, HB1063, HB1064, HB1065, HB1066, HB1067, HB1068, HB1069, HB1070, HB1071, HB1072, HB1073, HB1074, HB1075, HB1076, HB1077, HB1078, HB1079, HB1080, HB1081, HB1082, HB1083, HB1084, HR70, HR71, HCR35, HB31, HB326, HB1013, HB1014, HB1015, HB1016, SB192, SB196, SB198, SB203, SB204, SB214, SB216, SB257, SB291, SB383, HB13, HB23, HB25, HB32, HB41, HB42, HB90, HB120, HB121, HB122, HB127, HB138, HB139, HB141, HB179, HB187, HB213, HB247, HB286, HB332, HB344, HB357, HB367, HB370, HB462, HB505, HB527, HB537, HB605, HB680, HB681, HB725, HB780, HB782, HB847, HB892, HB911, HB916, HB1012, HR15, HR20, HCR14, HB53, HB57, HB64, HB102, HB106, HB111, HB137, HB152, HB155, HB177, HB238, HB256, HB258, HB337, HB359, HB363, HB386, HB434, HB546, HB557, HB584, HB661, HB697, HB726, HB727, HB747, HB756, HB758, HB759, HB765, HB767, HB825, HB858, HB930, HB941, HB957, HB964, HB58, HB69, HB93, HB166, HB199, HB201, HB202, HB218, HB223, HB224, HB231, HB235, HB246, HB338, HB349, HB352, HB379, HB405, HB429, HB535, HB547, HB577, HB588, HB626, HB636, HB652, HB653, HB669, HB688, HB691, HB721, HB738, HB806, HB851, HB857, HB861, HB889, HB904, HB907, HB908, HB929, HB1009, HB868, HB119, HB140, HB739, HB842, HB875, HB919, HB61, HB185, HB233, HB613, HB848, HB52, HB228, HB289, HB735, HB796, HB722, HB284, HB301, HB827, HB953, HB901, HB9, HB46, HB193, HB400, HB436, HB468, HB570, HB582, HB733, HB746, HB923, HB952

Keywords: HR72, House Resolution 72, Sophia Patout, Layla Porter, St. Amant High School, Future Farmers of America, FFA, Coastal Restoration Heroes, coastal restoration, Louisiana coast, coastal land loss, wetlands, saltmarsh, barrier island, West Grand Terre Island, Restore or Retreat Inc., smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora, black mangrove, Avicennia germinans

Transcript Highlights:

• park rangers.
• and repair of detention and residential facilities, investments necessary to ensure safe and functional
• Apalachicola areas of stated concern, and state and local parks at $42.2 million.
• And, you know, I lean on the association and Bernie and his folks and Meredith.
• , self-confidence, and self-esteem and dignity.

Bills: S2500, S2502, S2504, S7028, S2506, S2508, S2510, S2512, S2514, S2516, S2518, S0482, S0678, S0984, S1016, S1074, S1706, S7030

Keywords: budget, appropriation, education funding, healthcare, environmental protection, infrastructure, local government, Appropriations Act, funding, education, rural development, economic assistance, collective bargaining, state employees, labor relations, impasse resolution, negotiations, retirement, elected officials, Deferred Retirement Option Program

Summary: The committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2026-2027 budget, SPB 2500, with chairs outlining major spending in K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Highlights included a $115 billion overall budget, pay raises for state employees and public safety workers, major K-12 funding increases and enrollment supplements, higher education workforce and nursing investments, expanded Medicaid/KidCare and behavioral health funding, corrections and law enforcement operational funding, transportation and housing investments, and significant environmental and water quality spending. Members asked about civic education funding, declining enrollment, professor retention, APD waiver waitlists, cultural grant allocations, and other line items. Public testimony also addressed HIV/AIDS drug assistance funding and prison air conditioning. SPB 2500 was adopted as a committee bill after amendment consideration and a roll call vote. The committee then took up implementing and related budget bills, including SPB 2502 (implementing the General Appropriations Act), SPB 2504 (state employee bargaining placeholder), SB 7028 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and related retirement changes), SPB 2506 (fuel tax distributions), SPB 2508 (state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge), SPB 2510 (termination of an unused court trust fund), SPB 2512 (new judgeships), SPB 2514 (K-12 conforming changes), SPB 2516 (higher education conforming changes), and SPB 2518 (health conforming changes). Most were explained as technical or conforming measures tied to the budget, and all were reported favorably as committee bills, with SB 7028 amended to direct a portion of increased contributions to disability and line-of-duty death benefits in the FRS investment plan. The committee also heard and passed several member bills, including CS for SB 1074 on rounding rules for cash transactions in a world without pennies, CS for SB 678 restoring the alcohol loss deduction framework for distributors, and SB 964 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention. SB 964 drew the most discussion, with questions about the one-year death-benefit window, the separate $25,000 cancer diagnosis payment, and whether the bill could create gaps in coverage for firefighters diagnosed or dying just outside the new time limits. Firefighter representatives testified in support, saying the bill would provide clearer protections for members and families. All of these measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have in the uh bay and holes drilled down that that in which we went down and extracted oil and gas
• and such.
• And such. Um, and many of those now have been depleted and they have been capped off.
• soil and water. soil and water.
• say I'm skeptical and and need to know say I'm skeptical and and need to know more<00:58:23.599>

Bills: SB174, SB39, SB40, SB206, SB200, HB169, HB345, HB381, HB25

Keywords: business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40, Houston/Hunter Act, firearm hold agreement, gun storage, temporary firearm storage, firearms dealer, federal firearms licensee, FFL, civil immunity, gun owner

Transcript Highlights:

• I went to PHP and IOP in both 2019 and 2021. And during PHP, I was there for about 30 hours a week.
• PHP and IOP.
• And I cried, and I sat down, and I knew I had to make some changes.
• and drinking, and also starting to walk and getting some exercise.
• And then the convenient food is the food that's quick and tasty and high in calories.

Bills: HB231, HB231, HB475, HB488, HB632, HB821, HB1786, HB1955, HB2036, HB2060, HB2659, HB2677

Keywords: HB 231, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, permit exemption, dam, reservoir, erosion control, flood control, floodwater control, sediment control, watershed protection, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, local sponsor, water appropriation, small dam, water diversion, maintenance, rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• . and the relationship between access to healthy and nutritious food and an individual's age, socioeconomic
• It's emotional, and it's unjust.
• Oliverson go and sign on to my bill, and let's make people healthy.
• ...and the right to health and the chance for a better future.
• program providers and HHSC.

Bills: HB231, HB475, HB488, HB632, HB821, HB1786, HB1955, HB2036, HB2060, HB2659, HB2677, HB231

Keywords: food access, food deserts, communities of color, health disparities, socioeconomic impact, nutritious food, health effects, socioeconomic disparities, legislative recommendations, nutrition, access to food, Medicaid, multisystemic therapy, healthcare, reimbursement, mental health services, education, funding, local control, school system

Transcript Highlights:

• It's consistent with what we've done on the hemp and leaving CBD and CBG on the shelves.
• Senator Paxton moves that the bill be certified and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar
• Senator Paxton moves that Senate Bill 1194 be recommended and certified for the local and uncontested
• and uncontested calendar.
• And rebounds.

Bills: SB801, SB1200, SB1410, SB1717, SB1862, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB506, SB2626, SJR63

Keywords: SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met with a quorum present and considered several pending measures. On Senate Bill 1868, Senator Perry explained a committee substitute that would keep kratom in its natural state legal while continuing to ban 7-OH and other synthetic derivatives, and would also add three synthetic opioids from another bill. The substitute was adopted, and SB 1868 was reported favorably to the full Senate and certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 39, Senator Birdwell’s proposed constitutional amendment related to veto overrides after a regular session, and reported it favorably to the full Senate; members noted a floor amendment would also be offered later. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1184, relating to the age of wine authorized to be sold by a wine collection seller, and reported it favorably to the full Senate. After some procedural discussion and a revote to clarify members’ positions, SB 1184 was also certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 1194 was likewise certified for the local and uncontested calendar without objection, though the transcript does not include its substantive discussion. Senate Bill 1577, relating to the temporary sale of alcoholic beverages at certain racing facilities, was reported favorably to the full Senate and then certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, Senate Concurrent Resolution 42, by Chairman Hughes, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-1 vote. The committee then recessed until called back by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• She had been picked up at a local park where the unhoused tend to congregate. And SAPD...
• And she called us. And she asked for help. And we said, come on over. So she came to us.
• Go on and kick us off and state your name and give us your testimony, please.
• hard to keep things moving and documented and broadcast and running smoothly.
• to keep things moving and documented and broadcast and running smoothly.

Bills: SB801, SB1200, SB1410, SB1717, SB1862, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB506, SB2626, SJR63

Keywords: SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on several bills, with most measures left pending after public testimony closed. SB 801, by Sen. Menéndez, would require DSHS and local clerks to issue birth certificates at no cost to people experiencing homelessness. The author and Maria Benavides of SA Youth said the fee and mailing requirements are major barriers to obtaining ID, housing, and work, and Benavides described clients who were able to secure housing and employment after getting birth records and IDs through her program. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard a set of bills related to the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf of America naming issue: SB 1410 would require state agencies to use “Gulf of Mexico” in official documents, SB 1717 would conform state law to the federal renaming to “Gulf of America,” and SJR 63 would amend the Texas Constitution to match that change. Support testimony for the latter two emphasized alignment with federal action and the use of different geographic names by different countries. All three measures were left pending. Members then heard SB 1200, which would require plaintiffs suing defense contractors to disclose in discovery whether they are receiving litigation funding from adversarial nations such as China, Russia, or Cuba. The author and Texans for Lawsuit Reform said the bill targets third-party litigation funding and foreign influence on lawsuits, especially those affecting defense contractors; the committee substitute narrowed the definition of defense contractor and expanded applicability to actions involving defense contractors’ activities. SB 2626, which requires continuing medical education on pregnancy-related emergencies for OB-GYN physicians and nurses, drew support from witnesses who said it would reduce confusion about Texas abortion law and improve care in emergencies. SB 506, SB 2681, SB 1862, SB 1863, and SB 2216 all focused on elections, including ballot language standards, voter registration challenges, interstate voter-roll cleanup, procedural audits, and election equipment security; testimony split between supporters who said the bills improve transparency and integrity and opponents who warned of vague standards, added costs, and possible voter disenfranchisement. Each of those bills was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, they are going to go to the bank and get a loan, and OWRD backs that loan?
• If I'm sitting next to 100 acres and I've got 100 acres and my neighbor drills a well, and then I want
• And if you punch a well on 100 acres and I move, I'm the next 100 acres over and they determine that
• , and you are recognized.
• Come to a mic and introduce yourself to us who you are and what department you're with.

Bills: SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB722, SB3

Keywords: water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield, aquifer management, water allocation, water permits, temporary permits, irrigation