Transcript Highlights:

• Currently in Texas, Texas has the highest rate of food insecurity in the United States.
• Making sure that those types of food are accessible to folks throughout the state.
• In Texas, we rank 6th in honey production in the United States.
• Bees are having a lot of trouble this year in the United States.
• The state of Texas does a great job with bees and habitat.

Bills: HB147

Keywords: government contracting, business program, discrimination, state procurement, equity, underutilized businesses

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard several bills, all of which were left pending. HB 1113, by Rep. Cain, would update Texas hemp law to keep state rules aligned with federal changes, require timely rule amendments by the Department of Agriculture, and create hemp research permits for universities and nonprofits. Supporters from the Texas Hemp Coalition said it would improve research, licensing, testing, and enforcement while helping the industry stay compliant and competitive; the author said the bill was intended to reward good actors and deter bad ones. HB 1203, by Rep. Gonzalez, would create an Office of Food System Security and Resiliency within the Department of Agriculture to address food insecurity and coordinate local food access efforts. Gonzalez said the office would build on a prior Department of Agriculture study and help connect farmers, agencies, schools, and local governments; members asked about the fiscal note, consumer costs, and whether the office would overlap with existing programs. HB 1269, HB 1276, and HB 1277 focused on plant disease and pest prevention, including a grant program and studies to identify gaps and track outbreaks. Gonzalez emphasized the need for a more intentional state response, citing crop losses from pests and a recent cotton disease outbreak in his district. HB 1437 would create a pollinator task force to address threats to Texas honeybees and related pollination industries. A Texas Beekeepers Association witness described major recent colony losses, emerging threats such as mites and hornets, and the need to bring agencies and researchers together; Gonzalez noted prior work adding a bee specialist at AgriLife Extension. Finally, HB 147, by Chairman Guillen, would modernize cattle brand registration by moving it to an electronic system at the Texas Animal Health Commission while keeping county clerks involved. Supporters said it would improve efficiency, accuracy, and access for ranchers and law enforcement, while an opponent warned about possible electronic tracking implications and costs for small producers. The committee took no final votes and adjourned after leaving HB 147 pending as well.

Bills: SB 4, SJR 2

Keywords: property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Father, we come before you humbly asking for your hand of protection upon those in our state who are
• We ask for your hand of protection across our state for wisdom and discernment for our members of the
• Senate and the legislature, our state leaders, that we may be wise in how we legislate this session.
• Members, as you know, some parts of the state are still experiencing hazardous travel conditions from

Bills: SJR36, SB1, SJR36, SB1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, 1185, senate, all

Bills: HB3622

Keywords: HB3622, 2030 Census, Decennial Census, U.S. Decennial Census Revolving Fund, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Commerce Department, census preparation, federal census, state treasury fund, revolving fund, continuing fund, deemed appropriated, technology upgrades, census outreach, redistricting, population count, Title 74, OMES, State Treasurer, budgeting

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:19.919> financial<00:04:20.320> aid on state on federal financial aid on state
• state grant the<00:04:41.040> state<00:04:41.199> grant<00:04:41.600> formula<00
• could cut and reallocate to the state could cut and reallocate to the state grant<00:16:16.240><
• <00:24:32.000> So, state more in emergency repairs. So, state more in emergency repairs.
• , money goes to local construction firms, money goes to local construction firms, engineers,<00:35

Bills: HF4266

Keywords: higher education, state grants, financial aid, college affordability, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Grant, need analysis, expected family contribution, student aid, grant formula, living and miscellaneous expense allowance, dependent student, independent student, parental contribution, student contribution, surplus appropriation, biennium, summer 2026, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• passed, public records requests must be processed and responded to in a timely manner according to state
• I would be open to even having something at the state level if we went through you, similar to what we
• Fourth, and most importantly, Alabama is of course an energy choice state.
• Association 58 and 54 and every state, including Alabama.
• So if you change the setbacks from 25 ft, 50 ft or whatever, you're adding to a code that we already

Bills: HB407, SB306, SB320, SB321

Keywords: local redevelopment, tax payments, transient occupancy, state revenue, authority powers, transparency, discretionary accounts, government accountability, public access, online publication, liquefied petroleum gas, safety regulations, public gathering places, cylinder storage, proximity regulations, drycleaning, environmental remediation, pollution, hazardous waste, trust fund

Transcript Highlights:

• , and decisions when making any determination relating to a generational energy commitment for the state
• energy commitment for the state. energy commitment for the state.
• Hawaii State Energy Office with comments in person. Not present.
• meeting state goals. meeting state goals.
• Energy Office with comments in State Energy Office with comments in person. person. person.

Bills: SCR142, SCR39, SCR40, SCR83, SCR168, SCR96, SCR166, SCR172

Keywords: dust monitoring, public health, environmental quality, Waimanalo Gulch, air quality, particulate matter, community engagement, health risks, pollution mitigation, mattress stewardship, environmental protection, recycling, producer responsibility, solid waste management, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection held its final hearing of the session on April 17, 2026, and took up a series of Senate concurrent resolutions focused on environmental protection, waste reduction, and energy policy. Measures discussed included SCR 142 on dust monitoring near Waimanalo Gulch, SCR 39 on a mattress stewardship program, SCR 40 on banning disposable bodyboards, SCR 83 on a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 168 on a demolition waste reduction working group, SCR 96 on reporting on the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, SCR 166 on PUC considerations for a generational energy commitment, and SCR 172 on a comprehensive analysis to reduce costs and financial risk while meeting state goals. Testimony was generally supportive of the environmental and waste-management measures. The Department of Health supported SCR 39 and provided comments on SCR 142; Climate Protectors Hawaii supported SCR 39, SCR 83, SCR 168, and SCR 172; the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and Hawaii Reef and Ocean's Coalition submitted comments or support on SCR 168; and the Public Utilities Commission provided comments on SCR 96 and SCR 166. On SCR 166, Greenpeace Hawaii testified in opposition to LNG, arguing it would worsen pollution and climate impacts, while Earthjustice supported the intent but suggested amendments. Earthjustice also supported SCR 172 and offered friendly amendments to improve the study language. In decision-making, the chair recommended deferral of SCR 142 because an existing regulatory framework already addresses the issue. The committee then voted to pass SCR 39, SCR 40, SCR 83, SCR 96, and SCR 166 unamended. SCR 168 was passed with amendments to reflect OPSD's requested changes and to make the working group temporary, with a two-year term and annual reports due before session. SCR 172 was passed with amendments accepted from Earthjustice. Rep. Quinlan was noted as excused for the votes, and the committee adjourned after adopting the final recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if so, are there any partners involved besides potentially the state?
• 2027 to the state treasurer to distribute to the city of Apache Junction for development and construction
• We've saved customers across the state over $300 million in our advocacy.
• They live throughout the state.
• Right now, 38 states have C-PACE financing. Arizona does not.

Bills: HB2113, HB2237, HB2824, HB2926, HB2939, HB2950

Keywords: utility consumer, rate intervention, public service corporation, Arizona Revised Statutes, residential rates, consumer protection, appropriation, Apache Junction, tourism, recreation, Superstition trails, funding, infrastructure, C-PACE, capital expenditure, special assessment, property improvement, local government financing, energy efficiency, water conservation

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the modernization of the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. Testimony from the port authority chair, a county supervisor, and the Nogales mayor emphasized that the port is outdated, flood-prone, congested, and a safety concern because CBP facilities and traffic lanes sit on or near the international boundary and stormwater infrastructure. Speakers said the port is critical to local and state commerce, tourism, and tax revenue, and requested state support and letters backing federal funding efforts. Members discussed the sewer/stormwater flooding issue, the estimated $1.5 billion to $2 billion cost, and the need for federal action; the chair said a letter of support would be prepared for committee members to sign. The committee then heard and passed HB 2237, which appropriates $4.5 million for Apache Junction’s Superstition Trails and visitor gateway project, and HB 2926, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act. HB 2926 would create expedited permitting for workforce housing, provide a single point of contact, reduce the state portion of prime contracting tax for qualifying projects, and lower the population threshold for certain industrial development authority bond actions. After an amendment, the bill passed 6-1. Testimony in support came from the sponsor and housing advocates, who said the bill would help address Arizona’s missing-middle housing shortage and reduce regulatory delays. The committee also passed HB 2113, which would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when proposed residential rate increases are 100% or more. The sponsor argued RUCO should focus more on rural customers facing large percentage increases, while RUCO’s director said the office has only nine staff, a $1.9 million budget, and limited capacity, warning the bill could increase costs and delay cases. Members discussed rural ratepayer impacts, and the bill passed 5-1-1. HB 2824, authorizing local C-PACE programs for voluntary financing of commercial property improvements, also passed unanimously after testimony that it would support energy, water, and infrastructure upgrades without state general fund exposure. Finally, HB 2939, a rural investment tax credit bill tied to large qualifying investments and net new jobs, passed unanimously after Lucid Motors testified in support. The committee held HB 2950 due to time and adjourned, noting it would be heard first next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:12.560> we healthcare workers around the state we healthcare workers around the state
• <00:09:18.680> of followed the protocol by the state of followed the protocol by the state
• Department of Labor rules and the state Department of Labor rules and the state of<00:21:08.240>
• appropriated by this by the state appropriated by this by the state legislature<00:35:31.040>
• construct tomorrow in 10 construct construct tomorrow in 10 construct tomorrow<00:56:58.880>

Bills: HF339, HF1272, HF2121, HF2122, HF1216, HF1003, HF2319

Keywords: HF339, Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, nursing homes, long-term care, elder care, workforce standards, certified worker organizations, labor funding, general fund appropriation, worker grants, Minnesota labor law, nursing home staffing, caregiver workforce, section 181.214, HF1272, nursing home, boarding care home, nursing home workers, labor standards, Medicaid-certified facility

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:28.280> and<00:20:29.320> construction construction and construction construction
• um all across the state. um all across the state.
• the state.
• communities across the state. communities across the state.
• around the state. around the state.

Bills: HF4470, HF2418, HF3417, HF3365, HF3463

Keywords: HF4470, Melissa Hortman, memorial, statue, memorial garden, State Office Building, Capitol Mall Design Framework, capital investment, appropriation, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Department of Administration, public art, commemorative monument, landscaping, artist selection, family consultation, Minnesota legislature, state building site, capital appropriation, political subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• But it also would expand the LGBTQ community affirmations in the state of Hawaii.
• , and that could open our state up to interstate litigation.
• a lot of privacy protections so that their medical records can't just be subpoenaed in a different state
• simply because they receive some kind of gender-affirming care like counseling in the state.
• And as stated at the committee hearing, um, we are a state of aloha, and I don't want to see a death

Bills: HB2139, HB1892, HB1893, HB1890, HB2335, HB2468, HB2091, HB2092, HB1878, HB2297, HB2127, HB1785, HB2345, HB2344, HB1780, HB1891, HB2398, HB1764, HB2564, HB1783, HB2567, HB1934, HB1778, HB1781, HB2621, HB2019, HB1803, HB2454, HB1811, HB1943, HB1589, HB1607, HB1851, HB2490, HB2546, HB2568, HB1972, HB2391, HB2575, HB1896, HB2399, HB2004, HB1894, HB2397, HB2498, HB2560, HB2310, HB2214, HB2167, HB2197, HB2116, HB1879, HB1596, HB2096, HB2298, HB2343, HB2566, HB1518, HB2044, HB2336, HB1603, HB1718, HB1740, HB1616, HB2171, HB2022, HB2347, HB1882, HB1708, HB2086, HB2154, HB2027, HB2179, HB1620, HB1913, HB2159, HB1597, HB2121, HB1864, HB2305, HB2576, HB1713, HB1729, HB1756, HB2122, HB2559, HB1743, HB1733, HB1868, HB1723, HB1711, HB1812, HB2515, HB1724, HB1604, HB2270, HB1722, HB1727, HB1920, HB1593

Keywords: invasive species, Queensland longhorn beetle, agriculture, environmental impact, University of Hawaii, Board of Education, Hawaii public schools, teacher representative, nonvoting member, bargaining unit 5, HSTA, teachers union, education governance, school board, executive session, collective bargaining, public school teacher, policy-making body, student representative, military representative

Transcript Highlights:

• You can't bounce back construction season to construction season.
• You can't bounce back construction season to construction season.
• construction late summer, early fall. construction late summer, early fall.
• debt, show that the state is managing its state and setting internal limits.
• > billing state assessment systems, state billing state assessment systems, state billing systems

Bills: HF4736, HF4737, HF3806, HF3352, HF4840, HF3748

Keywords: emergency shelter, grant program, homelessness, capital investment, Minnesota Statutes, appropriation bonds, public funding, housing, infrastructure bonds, funding, appropriation, Minnesota constitutional amendment, public debt, state bonds, general obligation bonds, information technology, IT infrastructure, software licenses, technology modernization, capital improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• It's already been done in many, many states.
• And this has been being done for many decades in many other states.
• And this is a good idea, tried and done in other states. And so I'm so glad to see you.
• Police are required to wear body cameras in most states.
• One of my children whose story is still very much on the state is Rebecca Baptiste.

Bills: HB2049, HB2178, HB2179, HB2307, HB2322

Keywords: radiation therapy, particle accelerator, critical access hospitals, patient care, rural healthcare, HB2178, Arizona, state agencies, chief medical officer, medical license, physician license, osteopathic license, licensure requirement, Title 41, Title 32, Arizona Revised Statutes, A.R.S. 41-5902, public health administration, agency leadership, state government personnel

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard several bills and held HB 2307. HB 2049 would allow particle accelerator treatment for human diseases under general supervision in certain rural counties and critical access hospitals, with documentation, observation, and physician availability requirements. Supporters from the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association and rural radiation oncologists said it would improve access to cancer care in underserved areas while maintaining safety. The committee also heard HB 2178, requiring state agency chief medical officers to hold an active medical license, and HB 2179, which separates air ambulance definitions and regulations from ground ambulances to clarify statute and align oversight with current practice; both were described as cleanup/common-sense measures and supported by the air medical industry. The committee also heard HB 2322, which would require audio or video recording of DCS interviews with children subject to investigations, with limited exceptions for equipment failure or lack of access. Testimony in support came from a human trafficking survivor, a health care worker and counselor, and a foster parent/child welfare advocate, who argued recordings would improve accuracy, accountability, and child protection, and help preserve a child’s exact words. No opposition was presented. The bill includes a conditional enactment tied to future federal grant legislation and directs DCS to apply for grants if available. After discussion, the committee voted unanimously to give HB 2049, HB 2178, HB 2179, and HB 2322 due pass recommendations, each by a 7-0 vote. The committee then announced HB 2307 would be held and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not sure if y'all know a lot about it, but it was a nuisance to the state of Texas.
• They were bypassing a lot of the laws that the state of Texas put in place.
• The state of Texas allows the officers to give it to their discretion.
• People just think, oh, people just got to get to to work and they have to live their lives and the state
• capability and aerospace technology, and these contributions have brought profound benefits to our state

Bills: HCR 10, HCR 9

Keywords: balanced budget amendment, federal budget, deficit reduction, deficit spending, fiscal restraint, constitutional amendment, U.S. Constitution, Congress, PAYGO, Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, national debt, budget deficit, taxpayer dollars, balanced budget resolution, memorial resolution, Texas Legislature, federal spending, budget reform, fiscal conservatism, HCR 9

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill converts those four to one at-large seat in the United States and three at-large in the state
• I understand completely because you remember the 1963 state Senate districts.
• We know four state at-large, and then y'all have them in state Senate districts.
• We represent the 14 public four-year universities in the state.
• You are the future of this state. ...state. You are the future of this state.

Bills: SB278, HB459, HB61

Keywords: SB278, released time, religious instruction, elective credit, public schools, K-12 education, Alabama Released Time Credit Act, church-state separation, First Amendment, school choice, parental consent, elective course, off-campus instruction, private religious entity, State Board of Education, local board of education, attendance credit, core curriculum, religious education, Bible class

Transcript Highlights:

• us and direct us and guide us for all that they are and what a great service they have given to the state
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• 01:06.720> United allegiance to the flag of the United allegiance to the flag of the United States
• 08.760> and<00:01:08.960> to<00:01:09.120> the<00:01:09.240> republic States
• of America and to the republic States of America and to the republic for<00:01:10.000> which<

Bills: SB216, SB229, SB216, SB229

Keywords: retired law enforcement, retirement benefits, employment, firemedics, salary cap, released time, religious instruction, elective credit, public schools, K-12 education, school board policy, church-state separation, parochial education, Bible class, faith-based instruction, student release, attendance credit, State Board of Education, local school board, parental consent

Bills: SB893

Keywords: foreign land ownership, military protection, critical infrastructure, whistleblower rewards, state security

Summary: The Chair opened the CCR Committee for Health and Human Services and took up Senate Bill 893. Representative Colwell explained that the bill is intended to protect military institutions and installations from foreign ownership in surrounding areas and offered to answer questions. No questions or objections were raised. The Chair then asked members to sign the bill out of committee. With no further objections, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony. Thank you for coming today.
• Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony. Thank you for coming today.
• I think we're not doing the best we could do for agriculture in this state.
• best we could do for agriculture<00:45:08.800> in<00:45:08.880> this<00:45:09.080> state
• agriculture in this state. agriculture in this state.

Bills: HF3548

Keywords: farm assistance, down payment, agriculture, state funding, loan modification, 1183, house

Summary: The Agricultural Finance and Policy Committee met on April 15, 2026, approved the April 13 minutes with a correction to Assistant Commissioner Peter Kesset’s name, and then took up House File 3548. The bill, moved by Chair Anderson for re-referral to Ways and Means, centered on the farmer down payment assistance program and the Department of Agriculture’s budget and policy provisions. Anderson described the DE4 amendment as compromise language that reserved up to 25% of funds for applicants with purchase contracts, removed a proposed marijuana exclusion, and allowed appropriated funds to remain available through June 30, 2030 rather than reverting to the general fund at the end of the biennium. Laura Schreiber of the Land Stewardship Project testified in support, emphasizing the importance of keeping funds available and urging that grants remain capped at $20,000 so more farmers could participate. The committee then adopted several amendments. A23, described as the governor’s budget request and department policy bill, was adopted and included moving the Emerging Farmers Office into the Agricultural Marketing and Development subdivision, combining some reports into the Agri report, and addressing delegated authority with MDA. A17, allowing certain eggs past their quality assurance date to be donated to food shelves under specific handling requirements, was adopted. A18, adjusting per diem rates for certain non-representative committee members, was adopted. A19, shifting about $20,000 to support farm land transition services such as mediation, contracts, financial planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and housing assistance, was also adopted. A22, which combined funding for wolf depredation claims and the local food purchasing program, drew the most debate. Representative Smith questioned why the two items were combined and sought to divide the amendment, but staff said that would be problematic because the funding changes were interdependent. Supporters said the amendment would pay about 80% of wolf-loss claims and add money for local food purchasing, while opponents argued the local food need was greater and the wolf depredation approach was not the best use of funds. The roll call on A22 was confusing in the transcript, but the amendment ultimately prevailed. A21, which would have removed a physical-contact requirement for farm cervidae containment, failed on a 7-7 tie after opponents argued it would weaken disease protections and supporters said the fencing costs were driving deer farmers out of business. Hansen then declined to move A24, which would have advanced a paraquat ban, saying there was no agreement and he did not want a negative vote at that time. After the DE4 as amended was adopted, the committee took a final roll call on House File 3548 as amended. The bill failed on a 6-8 vote and was laid over. In closing, members on both sides said the bill contained useful provisions for farmers, but disagreement over the unresolved paraquat issue prevented the committee from advancing it.

Bills: HF3396

Keywords: property tax, task force, assessment, state revenue, local government, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If we hit that floor, we can stop sending any money to state highway fund and preserve ESF.
• Those are dollars that are not state generated. And roughly how much is that?
• So should our state revenues dry up, we haven't really set aside 10% of them.
• My guess is that we're in a much stronger fiscal position than most states, so most states don't have
• Uh, the waitlist for the state hospital, we need to eliminate the IDD waitlist.

Bills: SJR 4

Keywords: term limits, state offices, constitutional amendment, governor, lieutenant governor, election reform