Transcript Highlights:

• Last session we passed Senate Bill 991, which charged the Texas Department of Public Safety to establish
• Taking away community supervision as an option will... increase the length of stay in county jails for
• And you know, every session I've been chair now in finance, a couple of sessions before that I was on
• legislation being discussed today was not... brought before our advisory committee prior to this session

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Transcript Highlights:

• Throughout the session, we have heard bills that increase spending, including those totaling more than
• During the 2023-2024 legislative session, House File 2922 passed, which allows free communication services
• During the legislative session, we heard people testify that these calls often cost their families between
• measure because I don't know the average cost of housing an inmate for a year or what the average length
• We've got, in the last session, a whole committee that was nothing but homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• bright and just in the interest of time if you could keep your comments to 2 minutes because we have session
• It also amends the number and term length of the initial appointments made by the governor.
• Everglades speaking for informational purposes if you could keep it to 2 minutes or less as we have session
• No, we do have sessions. So I'll be very brief. And yes, I think this is a very important Bill.
• If you could go ahead and start just again in the interest of time, we weren't planning have session

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, when there's something that comes up in each legislative session that affects MPOs, be
• And, you know, in my experience, last session was very positive.
• And by the end of the session, I was able to read that bill and see our fingerprints in it.
• And by the end of the session, I was able to read that bill and see our fingerprints in it.
• Wong, you and I have talked at length and in depth on this, and I appreciate that.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation met to hear presentations from the Florida Department of Transportation on rural arterial roadways and transportation resiliency, followed by a panel discussion on metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). FDOT’s Will Watts described the state’s growing population and travel demand, emphasizing that rural arterials are critical for connectivity, freight movement, evacuation routes, and congestion relief. He outlined FDOT’s project selection factors, noted thousands of identified rural arterial needs with billions in unfunded demand, and explained that the department uses community input and long-range planning to prioritize safety, capacity, and economic development. Watts then discussed resiliency planning for hurricanes and flooding, focusing on structural design, storm readiness, and drainage. He highlighted efforts such as elevated bridges, wave attenuators, coastal armoring, drainage upgrades, and materials testing at FDOT’s research facilities to extend service life and reduce storm damage. Committee members asked about local project selection, materials research, LiDAR use, and legislative support; Watts said local coordination drives project priorities and asked lawmakers to protect the Transportation Trust Fund. The MPO panel, led by FDOT’s Kim Holland, explained that MPOs are federally required in urban areas over 50,000 population and that Florida has 27, the most in the nation. Holland said MPOs identify and prioritize transportation needs through long-range plans and public engagement, and she noted that several regions are exploring consolidation after the 2020 Census, especially in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. Representatives from MetroPlan Orlando, Forward Pinellas, Pasco MPO, and Hillsborough discussed their structures and the potential benefits and challenges of merging, including representation, governance, funding, and maintaining local voice. Members generally supported regional collaboration, urged patience as studies continue, and emphasized the need for transparent public engagement, while the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The change was made in the 2001 session and took effect on January 1st, 2002.
• Of course, this is the update on the business courts created last session.
• minor clarifications in the process and to remove outdated judge appointment directives from last session
• He has a girlfriend now and around the same time decided to stop coming to family therapy sessions.
• We're going to the Senate session, but we'll go a little longer if we need to.

Bills: HB40, HB1916, HB1973, HB2524, HB2530, HB3180, HB3421, HB3783, HB4170, HB4213, HB40

Keywords: business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, divorce, property division, family law, court jurisdiction, marital assets, parent-child relationship, birth certificate, identity proof, Family Code, court process, attorney fees, court costs, legal expenses, dispute resolution, child support

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to emphasize, though, that while the length of time in this bill may not seem very long,
• I would like to emphasize, though, that while the length of time in this bill may not seem very long,
• measure requesting the Department of Health to provide a report 20 days prior to the 2027 legislative session
• measure requesting the Department of Health to provide a report 20 days prior to the 2027 legislative session
• measure requesting the Department of Health to provide a report 20 days prior to the 2027 legislative session

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Labor and Technology, Transportation, and Culture and the Arts heard testimony on Senate Bill 396 and Senate Bill 47, then later the Labor and Technology committee took up Senate Bill 136 and Senate Bill 1523. SB 396 drew support from the Metropolitan Planning Organization and others, with a question raised about implementation costs; the director said costs would depend on the scope of the benefit package and the transportation mode involved. The committees recommended passing SB 396 with technical amendments and added appropriation language with a blank amount, and the motion was adopted by recorded votes in both committees. SB 47, which would designate the Lunar New Year as a state holiday, received support from the Office of Collective Bargaining and several individuals, including Charlene Chun, who spoke about family traditions and cultural recognition. Members asked about the cost and whether the day would be a paid day off for state employees; the response was that observance would be subject to collective bargaining. The committees moved SB 47 forward with amendments, noting the collective bargaining and cost issues, and adopted the recommendation by vote. In the Labor and Technology committee, SB 136 on the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund drew strong support from iron workers and related supporters, who argued the bill was about safety, training, and keeping dismantling work within the ironworkers’ trade. Several other unions, including operating engineers, carpenters, laborers, and plumbers and fitters, opposed the bill as too broad and potentially infringing on their jurisdiction. The measure was not decided in the portion provided, but members discussed possible amendments and jurisdictional concerns. SB 1523, which would expand private-sector collective bargaining rights under the Hawaii Employment Relations Act to include independent contractors and others under NLRB jurisdiction, received broad labor support, including from IATSE, AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Unite Here Local 5, and many individual testifiers. Supporters framed it as protecting workers’ rights and strengthening labor protections, while the Hawaii Labor Relations Board warned it could significantly increase workload and require more staffing, space, and operating resources; the board estimated the bill could expand its caseload substantially and suggested an appropriation would likely be needed. The committee then moved on to the next measure, SB 1440, before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as a reminder, no remote attendance by members if permitted in the 25 interim session.
• I believe I can't say it's been session I believe I can't say it's been been<00:36:29.200> a<
• of stay of between 15 and average length of stay of between 15 and 30<01:20:21.920> days<01:20
• <01:22:43.120> Thank<01:22:43.280> you to do them in this session.
• Thank you to do them in this session.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met in person, approved the October 15 minutes, and began with a moment of silence following a Louisville UPS plane explosion that was described as a local tragedy affecting many families and first responders. The main presentation was an overview of Kentucky’s Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NMT) program from the Department for Medicaid Services and the Transportation Cabinet. Witnesses explained that NMT is a federally required Medicaid benefit, administered by the Transportation Cabinet under a risk-based capitated model, with eligibility limited to Medicaid members traveling to medically necessary, Medicaid-covered services and who lack access to other transportation. They also described exclusions, including certain KCHIP, QMB, and PACE members, and outlined the brokered regional structure, call center operations, scheduling rules, vehicle and driver oversight, complaint handling, and rider surveys. The presenters reported that NMT handled more than 3.1 million trips in state fiscal year 2024, with over 1.38 million trips already recorded in October, and said customer satisfaction surveys were high. They said the FY 2025-26 contract total is about $360.6 million, with monthly per-member capitation rates set by region through an actuarial process and approved by CMS. They emphasized that payments are tied to monthly Medicaid enrollment and that the state draws down federal funds for the exact amount paid, with no leftover balance. They also said most NMT use comes from adult day centers and rehabilitative care such as dialysis. Members questioned the witnesses about how quality metrics and contract standards are set, whether the state had explored alternatives such as Uber Health or other integrated models, and how utilization was calculated. The witnesses said contract requirements are developed collaboratively by Medicaid Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and other agencies, and that studies of other models generally found higher costs and lower approval ratings, with additional research on a hybrid model expected by the end of the year. They clarified that one figure reflected the share of Medicaid members with registered vehicles, while another reflected actual NMT users, and they defended the capitated structure as shifting financial risk to brokers rather than the state. Representative Fleming also raised concerns about oversight, reporting, and the apparent gap between budgeted and contracted amounts, asking whether any unused funds would return to general funds; the discussion ended before a final answer was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know my members are still just a little bit concerned about the length of the rehire period, but again

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard three bills. AB 1136 would provide workers who are detained or deported by ICE with five unpaid days to handle immigration-related matters and up to 12 months of unpaid leave in detention/deportation cases, with an amendment allowing employers to require use of other leave first and a requirement to restore workers to their prior position once legal status is proven. Support came from labor groups including the California Federation of Labor Unions and SEIU California, while opposition came from the Association of California School Administrators and others who raised concerns about the length of the rehire period and impacts on public education and employers. Committee members described the bill as a necessary response to current immigration enforcement conditions, and the Senate amendments were concurred in. AB 1514, the committee’s cleanup bill for AB 5, would extend the sunset on the licensed manicurist exemption by three years and the commercial fisherman exemption by five years, while adding reporting requirements from EDD and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement on misclassification and unemployment claims. There were no witnesses in support or opposition, though one member noted the importance of continuing to work on manicurist issues, especially for API women in the industry. The committee approved concurrence in the Senate amendments. AB 406, presented on behalf of Assembly Member Chavira, makes technical and clarifying changes to prior legislation related to leave for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other violence. The bill adjusts enforcement timelines between the Civil Rights Department and the Labor Commissioner, adds sunset dates to certain Labor Code sections, and aligns paid sick leave language with a new Government Code section. There was no public testimony, and the committee voted to concur in the Senate amendments. All three bills ultimately received unanimous committee approval and were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so I am willing to talk at length about any of the things in this bill as much as people would

Bills: HB320, HB207, HB208, HB290

Keywords: public works, sealed bids, bid notice, public notice, newspaper advertisement, centralized website, digital platform, Department of Finance, Department of Transportation, county commissions, municipalities, contracting, procurement, construction bidding, Alabama code Title 39, bidding requirements, electronic bidding, online bid posting, HVAC, heating and air conditioning

Transcript Highlights:

• The difference is in the length of the term.
• The difference is in the length of the term.
• We have joint sessions in this chamber for a reason.
• We have joint sessions in this chamber for a reason.
• We have joint sessions in this chamber for a reason.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are meals and snacks covered depending on the length of time that people are in the facilities
• of time that people are in the length of time that people are in the<00:39:51.119> facilities
• <00:52:32.240> I'm<00:52:32.480> trying<00:52:32.559> to statute last session
• I'm trying to statute last session.
• and it does law did pass last session and it does apply<00:56:54.400> to<00:56:54.720> both

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Section four shows the length of time that the use of an ISA device were required and it increases by
• Section four shows the length of time that the use of an ISA device were required and it increases by
• Section four shows the length of time that the use of an ISA device were required and it increases by

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• subject to a pending investigation<00:49:38.079> for<00:49:38.319> the<00:49:38.480> length
• <00:49:38.800> of<00:49:38.960> the investigation for the length of the investigation
• for the length of the investigation.<00:49:40.319> Uh<00:49:40.480> and<00:49:40.640><

Bills: HB1849, HB2000, HB1753, HB1511, HB276, HB1513, HB2188, HB1876

Keywords: licensing, professional license, individual taxpayer identification number, immigration, state residency, right to repair, wheelchairs, consumer protection, repair providers, device documentation, HB1753, Hawaii Social Media Data Deletion Act, social media, account deletion, data deletion, privacy, consumer privacy, personal information, sensitive personal information, data retention

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 10, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills. HB 1849 relating to licensing drew comments from DCCA’s Professional and Vocational Licensing Division and the Hawaii Real Estate Commission, both of which stood on written testimony. The Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights testified in strong support, emphasizing that some immigrants, including DACA recipients, are already contributing in Hawaii and that the state should help create pathways for them to remain and advance professionally. No vote or final action was taken on HB 1849 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2000, the wheelchair right-to-repair bill. Encart opposed the measure, arguing that repair delays are largely driven by insurance prior authorization and that wheelchair repairs involve FDA-regulated medical devices where improper repairs could create health risks. Peter Fritz testified in support, saying the bill was modeled on similar laws in other states and that he had personal experience through his sister’s use of a wheelchair. Members questioned whether repairs done outside insurer networks might not be reimbursed, and Fritz said that was a concern but that the need for timely repair outweighed it. The committee also discussed HB 1753 on social media, where DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill but suggested an amendment to the definition of personal information. On HB 1511 relating to consumer protection, DCCA’s Insurance Division supported the bill, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association offered comments seeking to preserve legitimate manufacturer and dealer communications about vehicles, warranties, recalls, and related services. The committee also took up HB 276 HD1 and HB 1513 on condominiums. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission offered comments on HB 276 HD1. For HB 1513, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority supported the bill, but DCCA’s Insurance Division opposed it, warning that diverting HHRF funds could weaken reinsurance arrangements and raise premiums for consumers who rely on the fund. Members questioned whether the proposed condo loan program would need HHRF money and whether the amounts in the bill were necessary, and the division said it opposed using HHRF for that purpose. The committee also heard HB 2188 on housing, where OCP supported the measure and the Hawaii Association of Realtors raised concerns about conflicts with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the use of tenant screening reports, noting that a working group is already addressing landlord-tenant issues. Members asked OCP to research how other states handle similar laws and whether additional language is needed to avoid federal conflict. Finally, on HB 1876 relating to mental health, the Department of Health’s Adult Mental Health Division supported the bill but said it remains opposed to harmful, non-evidence-based treatment modalities; Pride at Work Hawaii also testified in strong support. No final votes or committee decisions were reported in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It went through municipalities and was discussed at length.
• It went through municipalities and was discussed at length.
• It went through municipalities and was discussed at length.

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 2191, which would expand the allowable uses of municipal use tax funds. The bill would add sidewalks to the list of eligible projects and remove remaining restrictive language that limited use tax spending to roads and bridges. A senator asked for confirmation that the funds would be limited to publicly owned property of the local government, and the sponsor confirmed that was the intent. The committee approved the bill and reported it out. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2257, the Mississippi Land Bank Act, which would create a local land bank tool for cities and counties to acquire, manage, and return vacant, abandoned, and tax-forfeited properties to productive use. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help address blight, especially properties held at the Secretary of State’s office, and emphasized that land banks would be locally created, subject to public accountability requirements, and barred from using eminent domain. The committee adopted the bill and reported it out. Members also discussed Senate Bill 2828, a committee substitute that would impose a fee on international wire transfers, with a credit available to Mississippi income taxpayers. The sponsor said half of the revenue would go to DPS for 287(g) programs and half to the general fund. An amendment was adopted to exempt certain transactions funded through U.S.-issued debit or credit cards or withdrawn from federally insured accounts. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill out. Later bills included SB 2863, creating a Jackson County industrial zone exempt from municipal annexation, and SB 2862, a related annexation measure brought forward with a reverse repealer; both were advanced after brief discussion. The committee also approved SB 2909, which lowers the unreduced retirement threshold in Tier 5 from 35 years to 30 years, and SB 2885, the Mississippi Work and Save program, a voluntary state-treasurer-run retirement savings option for small employers and employees. Throughout, the committee generally asked limited clarifying questions and then voted to adopt committee substitutes and report the bills out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other aspects of California law, including the Three Strikes Law, which can double the length of any
• So I'm just adding on to their caseload, and I am expanding the length of the cases that those judicial
• their Court of Appeal decisions, they will have served a prison sentence they should not have, or the length

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Proposition 36 and its implementation, with judicial and budget officials describing it as a major shift from misdemeanor to felony processing for repeat drug possession and certain theft offenses. Witnesses explained that the law creates a treatment-mandated felony process that can lead to dismissal if a defendant completes treatment, but also requires evaluations, court monitoring, and potentially long, open-ended supervision. Judicial representatives said the new law is already generating large numbers of filings, creating workload, staffing, courtroom, and facility pressures, and that access to treatment beds, housing, and evaluation capacity is limiting participation. Several speakers emphasized that collaborative courts are effective but are not a perfect fit for Prop. 36 because those programs are typically probation-based and serve different risk/need populations. Court officials from San Bernardino and Orange counties said the impacts vary by county but are severe, with some counties seeing hundreds or more filings in a short period and others moving more slowly to build treatment infrastructure first. They argued that Prop. 36 is effectively an unfunded mandate unless the state provides more resources for judges, staff, facilities, treatment, housing, and supervision. The Legislative Analyst’s Office noted that Prop. 36 will reduce the Proposition 47 savings that fund mental health and substance use treatment grants, but said the near-term reduction is relatively modest and that the full effect will take time to appear because of the way those savings are calculated. Members of the committee repeatedly raised concerns that the state is underfunding the courts and counties needed to carry out the new law. The committee also reviewed the Governor’s proposed trial court operations budget, including a partial restoration of a prior $97 million cut and additional ongoing funding. Judicial branch officials said the restoration helped avoid furloughs, hiring freezes, and service reductions, and supported cybersecurity, technology, staffing, and records management. The LAO recommended that the Legislature seek more detail on how midyear restorations are handled and consider clarifying language for transferring unspent trial court trust fund monies to the General Fund. Finance said the flexibility in the ongoing funding was intentional and would be taken back for consideration. In a separate item, the committee heard testimony on a $6.3 million increase for Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal appointed counsel programs. Judicial officials and appellate project representatives said the system is facing a crisis because indigent appeals have risen sharply while the number of panel attorneys has fallen, leaving many cases waiting months for counsel. They argued the proposed increase would help but is still below what is needed to recruit and retain attorneys and prevent delays that affect criminal, juvenile, and child welfare cases. The committee also discussed the Tracy courthouse project in San Joaquin County, where local officials said reopening a courthouse closed since 2011 is necessary to serve a growing population and relieve overcrowding elsewhere. The LAO and Finance both noted the project is next in line under the facilities plan, though LAO suggested the Legislature could consider whether other facility priorities should come first.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the beginning of this session, as a committee, we were looking to try to reduce mandates.
• This legislature has a chance to address this issue by enacting meaningful PBM reform this session.
• Robertson, did we do something like this last session?
• What are we missing that took place, like, last session to now, and what's the behind the scenes?
• Those companies at length, like surplus lines, aren't required to file forms, right?

Bills: HB1464, HB1635, HB2516, HB3317, HB3502, HB4012, HB4268, HB4386, HB4877, SB916

Keywords: prescription drugs, drug pricing, pharmacy benefits, health insurance, health benefit plan, insurer, HMO, self-insured employer, public employer, school district, county, municipality, university system, higher education, retirees, dependent coverage, stop-loss coverage, bulk purchasing, group purchasing, purchasing pool

Transcript Highlights:

• I got a motion to go into executive session. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye.
• All right, we're in executive session on what? Oh, Sophie, I'm so sorry.
• So we're in executive session on Senate Bill 119. We've got a motion and a second to pass.
• <02:41:19.760> I it just the the idea of some sessions I it just the the idea of some sessions
• <02:41:26.960> relationship appreciate the arms length relationship appreciate the arms length

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So would you not agree that by keeping these unfounded reports for the length of time we did, it could
• 31.480> the keeping these unfounded reports for the keeping these unfounded reports for the length
• 13:32.360> did<00:13:32.639> could<00:13:32.880> also<00:13:33.160> be length
• of time we did could also be length of time we did could also be helpful<00:13:34.880> if<00:
• on just this concludes the exec session on House<00:53:43.240> Bill House Bill House Bill 187

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee opened with a brief prayer for Representative Grossman’s son, Oscar, who was reported to be in critical condition after a traumatic fall. The committee then took up House Bill 430, which would reduce DHHS retention of unfounded abuse and neglect reports from 10 years to 3 years. Prime sponsor Chairman James Spain argued that 10 years is excessive and burdens families with a long-lasting stigma, while emphasizing that founded reports and reports with reasonable concern would still be retained indefinitely. Committee members questioned whether longer retention helps identify malicious reporting or patterns of abuse, and whether parents understand the distinction between unfounded and unfounded with reasonable concern. The Office of the Child Advocate and DCF opposed the bill. Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez said historical reports are important for identifying patterns, reviewing critical incidents, and understanding family dynamics, and that screened-out and unfounded reports can be essential context when later reports arise. She also noted that the records are highly confidential and not publicly accessible. DCF General Counsel Susan Larabe added that the bill could create inconsistencies by retaining screened-out reports longer than unfounded reports, and explained that unfounded reports can be used in court and in administrative reviews when there are multiple prior reports. The committee discussed how other states handle retention, with testimony that some keep records indefinitely and others for long periods. The hearing on HB 430 concluded, and the chair said the bill would not be executed until early March, leaving time for amendments. The committee then opened House Bill 187, concerning restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child. Prime sponsor Representative Mike Belcher said the bill is intended to correct a gap in the law so children can access the same restraining-order protections adults can, through a parent or guardian, and framed it as an equal-protection issue. Members questioned why the proposal was placed in the child abuse and neglect statute rather than the civil restraining-order statutes, and whether it should instead be handled as a broader civil-law fix. Alanda Peterson, who said she created Jade’s Law, testified that the original wording was meant to protect all children, not just those harmed by family members, and supported expanding the language. The hearing continued with additional discussion of the bill’s scope and purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and next session, for a while.
• I'm more just wanting to say that we've been talking a lot this session.
• Last session, through the house, thanks to you and your votes.
• This is a bill I passed two sessions ago called Kevin's Law.
• That we passed overwhelmingly two sessions ago.

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:

• Esteemed Speaker, at this juncture in our session, we have a certificate of condolences, este malo Speaker
• He would mention this during every legislative session in debates and committee discussions.
• But we became, as the more sessions we worked through, we actually became friends.
• The terms, perhaps by term, I mean the length of time: five years, two years, three years, the royalty
• In this afternoon session, no objection. It is so ordered. Mr.