Transcript Highlights:

• And while they pay a big dividend, it is very expensive to incent development opportunities.
• And while they pay<01:40:03.679><c> a</c><01:40:03.920><c> big</c><01:40:04.159><c> dividend,</c><01:
• Which will bring in more foreign direct investment, which is good for all of us in this corridor.
• </c><01:47:59.119><c> direct</c> opportunity to grow foreign direct opportunity to grow foreign direct
• You talk a lot about international air service, foreign direct investment opportunities.

Summary: The committee received an update from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on the FY 2025 road fund. Officials reported road fund revenues came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, but were down about $11 million from FY 2024, largely because a motor fuels tax rate reduction took effect at the start of FY 2025. Motor vehicle usage tax receipts were stronger than expected, and the cabinet said the road fund ended the year with a $61.6 million surplus, which the budget bill directs to state highway construction. Members also discussed how the motor fuels decline affects formula distributions to cities, counties, and rural/secondary roads, with officials saying about $122.8 million had been planned for revenue sharing but was not distributed because receipts were lower than forecast. Members asked about broader revenue trends, including fuel efficiency, electric vehicles, and the removal of a hybrid fee. Cabinet officials said improved fuel efficiency and CAFE standards reduce gasoline consumption and therefore fuel tax receipts, while EVs and plug-in hybrids are subject to a user fee. They also said toll revenues from the Louisville bridges are covering bills and commitments, though they did not have detailed figures at hand. On project delivery, officials said delays are often caused by right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and the large volume of projects in the highway plan, and that much of the work happens behind the scenes before construction begins. The committee also reviewed the cabinet’s cash management approach, which was adopted after 2000 to avoid setting aside full project costs all at once and to keep the road fund cash balance above a required minimum. Officials said the balance typically rises in winter and falls in summer as project bills come due, and that the current balance was about $166 million. They also reported that project awards for the year were nearing $998 million and expected to exceed last year’s total. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh you know a number of uh foreign uh you know a number of uh foreign countries<03:09:41.960><c>
• Okay. tobacco well interest in dividends I tobacco well interest in dividends I guess<05:01:20.400><c
• Just one quick comment on the interest and dividends.
• </c><05:02:05.000><c> um</c><05:02:05.120><c> the</c> interest in dividends um the interest in dividends
• </c> a high low for interest in dividends a high low for interest in dividends you'll<05:02:12.120><c

Summary: The committee received a Department of Revenue Administration update from Commissioner Lindsay Stepp focused on revenue estimates for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. She explained the department’s forecasting method, which uses five scenarios based on the first seven months of actual collections and different assumptions for the remaining months, then selects a reasonable high and low range for FY 25 and applies projected growth rates for FY 26 and FY 27. Members asked several clarifying questions about how the scenarios are chosen and how the estimates relate to economic growth and taxpayer behavior. For business taxes, Stepp reported FY 25 year-to-date collections of $110.3 million, 18.2% below plan and 17.2% below prior year. She said the shortfall reflects both economic conditions and a resetting of estimated payments after unusually strong pandemic-era profits, and noted that the department cannot fully separate changes in taxpayer liability from changes in estimated payment behavior. She said approximately just under $72 million was refunded in FY 24 due to the CCO cap, and that FY 25 year-to-date refunds are at 41.7%. For business taxes, the department’s FY 25 range was based on either continued underperformance versus plan or a return to prior-year levels, with FY 26 and FY 27 growth projected at 3% to 8%. The committee also reviewed meals and rooms tax, tobacco tax, and related trends. Meals and rooms revenue was $6.9 million, or 3.3%, ahead of plan and prior year; the FY 25 gross estimate was $475.894 million, with a net range of about $331.82 million to $335.259 million after municipal transfers and school building aid. Stepp said recent monthly results suggest some fluctuation tied to disposable income, weather, and travel patterns, but no clear sustained decline. Tobacco tax was $18.1 million, 14% below plan and 4.8% below prior year; she said cigarette stamp sales are declining while e-cigarettes and other tobacco products are growing, with FY 25 tobacco revenue projected at $182.5 million to $185.3 million and FY 26-FY 27 growth ranging from -5% to flat. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we are kicking off the hearing today by hearing from four wonderful foreign exchange students sponsored
• hearing today by hearing from four hearing today by hearing from four wonderful<00:02:01.439><c> foreign
• </c><00:02:01.759><c> exchange</c><00:02:02.240><c> students</c> wonderful foreign exchange students
• wonderful foreign exchange students sponsored<00:02:03.600><c> by</c><00:02:03.840><c> Youth</c><00:02
• But this money that is in the fund, this $2.3 billion, spins off interest and dividend revenue every

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's not as if our workers are still exposed to those foreign oil entanglements under the existing
• So it's not as if our workers are still exposed to those foreign oil entanglements under the existing
• It only allows for, really, our foreign competitors to come in with a fuel that's not to our standard
• Is Texas foreign oil, or is Iran foreign oil, or is it all just foreign?
• Thank you. ...paid out $1.3 billion to its shareholders in dividends.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no investment that pays greater dividends to Americans' families than our investment in this
• Not just foreign nationals, Americans born in this country.
• while we focused on NIH and the FDA today in this hearing, other agencies, USAID, the CDC, CDC, our foreign
• So I wonder if you could speak to how the cuts to U.S. foreign assistance. particularly in the global
• I agree and sadly what we've seen is a pullback in our foreign assistance programs in countries around

Committee: Senate Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• We would have foreign jobs bringing us this gas, foreign revenue instead of Alaska revenue, and foreign
• We would have foreign jobs bringing us this gas, foreign revenue instead of Alaska revenue, and foreign
• country on a foreign ship and, as the majority leader said, with foreign workers and foreign profits
• country on a foreign ship and as the majority leader said with foreign workers and foreign profits that's
• all due to the Jones Act which is a majority leader said with foreign workers and foreign profits that's

Transcript Highlights:

• But this bill here allows reasonable transportation to foreign countries.
• And so through that global economy, I think that this bill does allow for reasonable travel to foreign
• countries by foreign countries or civic or nonprofit organizations, and I entertain any questions.
• accept reasonable transportation sponsored by a government or nongovernment person identified as a foreign
• It's just saying that if you're a foreign adversary, that that particular country won't be able to, like

Bills: HB117 , HB228 , HB250 , HB260 , HB393 , HB400 , HB446 , HB534 , HB551 , HB576 , HB842

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Keywords: Department of State, statutory entities, re-creation, termination, Louisiana laws, Department of State Civil Service, Louisiana legislation, government re-creation, authority termination, financial disclosure, public servants, ethics, immediate family, transparency, legislators, transportation, foreign travel, cultural exchange, public service, HB393

Transcript Highlights:

• reinvest in the state in a more direct way to be able to show that this quantum bet paid off in those dividends

Bills: SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Bills: SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Bills: HB88 , HB314 , SB46 , HB332 , HB86 , HB363 , HB88 , HB314 , SB46 , HB332 , HB86 , HB363

Committee: House Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: driver license, English examinations, language requirement, immigration, testing standards, motor vehicles, window tint, law enforcement, prosecutors, vehicle regulations, medical condition, communication, first responder, invisible disabilities, anaphylaxis, day care centers, training, child safety, healthcare, parole

Bills: HB136 , HB137 , HB220 , HB213 , HB256 , HB136 , HB137 , HB220 , HB213 , HB256

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: Teacher's Retirement System, TRS, DROP, Deferred Retirement Option Plan, retirement benefits, teacher retirement, classroom teacher, Tier I, Tier II, public pension, pension reform, education employees, retirement system, sick leave, cost-of-living adjustment, COLA, beneficiary, lump-sum payout, rollover, service retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• Foreign adversaries of our country have shown consistently they will not hesitate to come after Texas
• That, just like with our land, we need to protect our water from foreign adversaries.
• We don't need to add hostile foreign nations to that list.
• America stopped caring what foreigners think in 1776, and I don't think America...
• I don't think foreigners need to have any law enforcement ability here because if they're a foreigner

Bills: HB2034 , HB2436 , HB3010 , HB3033 , HB3138 , HB3177 , HB3426 , HB3686 , HB3858 , HB4176 , HB4257 , HB4264 , HB4804 , HCR98

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: groundwater, foreign ownership, national security, water permits, environmental health, deadly conduct, firearm, recklessness, peace officer, prosecution, Penal Code, Texas laws, disaster recovery, infrastructure, rural communities, grants, state funding, emergency management, HB 3033, Texas Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• think about what the ongoing threat for the state is, there's an ongoing threat of cyber attacks from foreign
• think about what the ongoing threat for the state is, there's an ongoing threat of cyber attacks from foreign
• This ribbon is a nominal expense for the state, but it pays massive dividends in the morale and retention

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Transcript Highlights:

• All that focus has paid great dividends in that we have moved in our National Report Card scores from
• on the forefront doing incredible work to improve outcomes for our students that are going to pay dividends
• on the forefront doing incredible work to improve outcomes for our students that are going to pay dividends
• Title 51, relative to critical infrastructure protection, and provides relative to protection from foreign
• It will include leaders from Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans

Bills: HR223 , HR224 , HR225 , HR226 , HR227 , HR228 , HR229 , HR230 , HR231 , HR232 , HR233 , HR234 , HR235 , HR236 , HR237 , HR238 , HR239 , HR240 , HR241 , HR242 , HR243 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR96 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR99 , HCR100 , HR218 , HR219 , HR220 , HR221 , HR222 , HCR91 , HCR92 , HCR93 , SCR41 , SCR42 , SCR43 , SCR44 , SCR45 , SCR46 , SCR47 , SCR48 , SCR49 , SCR50 , SCR51 , SCR52 , SB259 , SB347 , SB398 , SB469 , SB483 , SB518 , HR37 , HCR64 , SCR11 , SCR22 , HB89 , HB341 , HB451 , HB456 , HB541 , HB579 , HB595 , HB621 , HB818 , HB841 , HB1064 , HB1101 , HB1165 , HB1191 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , SB123 , SB125 , SB387 , SB401 , HB730 , HCR41 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR63 , HCR69 , HCR86 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB175 , HB198 , HB437 , HB457 , HB488 , HB646 , HB763 , HB909 , HB971 , HB981 , HB1066 , HB1089 , HB1125 , HB1154 , HB1231 , HB1246 , HB1248 , HB1249 , HB276 , HB508 , HB512 , HB599 , HB632 , HB656 , HB998 , HB1052 , HB1084 , HB1171 , HB1193 , HB1194 , HB1204 , HB1209 , HB1250 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , SB2 , SB19 , SB24 , SB50 , SB70 , SB96 , SB101 , SB103 , SB104 , SB114 , SB122 , SB159 , SB160 , SB173 , SB180 , SB182 , SB260 , SB412 , SB418 , SB424 , SB442 , SB460 , SB476 , HCR32 , HB911 , HB1223 , HB798 , HB824 , HB989 , HB1140 , HB1166 , HB1244 , HB459 , HB617 , HB804 , HB926 , HB225 , HB955 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB59 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1180 , HB1203 , HB1234 , HB1240 , SB89

Keywords: Southern Soul, Shreveport, tourism, economic development, cultural preservation, music history, Paul Hollis, United States Mint, Louisiana House of Representatives, commendation, honorary resolution, ceremonial resolution, public service, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, BESE, former legislator, Louisiana politics, recognition, tribute, House Resolution 224

Transcript Highlights:

• Like I'm not here for that, to benefit foreigners.
• Like I'm not here for that, to benefit foreigners.
• Like I'm not here for that, to benefit foreigners.
• In my opinion, I think we should consider restoring the interest and dividends tax.
• I've made interest in dividends tax.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• The VFW, Veterans of Foreign Wars... The Veterans...
• Veterans of Foreign Wars just stated the other day, and I quote part of what their statement was, we
• hearing record letters of support for the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act from the Veterans of Foreign
• Survivors. app, and Patrick Murray, the Director of National Legislative Service for the Veterans of Foreign
• Cultivated during service, a veteran's unique set of skills continues to pay tangible dividends to the

Bills: SB124 , SB201 , SB275 , SB410 , SB478 , SB607 , SB610 , SB611 , SB654 , SB702 , SB787 , SB831 , SB892

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: Department of Veterans Affairs, disciplinary procedures, accountability, personnel actions, whistleblower protection, cancer, military, aircrew, veterans, health study, toxins, morbidity, mortality, service members, mental health, community care, accessibility, treatment programs, substance abuse, appointments

Summary: During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1013, public appraisers; SB 1026, office schools; SB 1074, classroom management students; SB 1075, foreign
• I agree with my colleague in Legislative District 20, the dividends of investing in early childhood..
• The dividends of investing in early childhood are priceless.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jane Peterson, and a University of Arizona presentation featuring meteorites and space-related materials. The chamber also adopted a proclamation honoring Mama Luisa’s Italian restaurant for 70 years of family ownership and service. After routine committee and Senate message announcements, the House moved into third reading and floor action on a large number of bills. Several bills passed on third reading, including HB 2041 on child neglect, HB 2128, HB 2251 on midwifery, HB 2342 on planned communities/HOAs, HB 2402 on emergency medical services, HB 2403 appropriating money to AHCCCS, HB 2615 on parenting time, HB 2641 on firefighting foam, HB 2673 on incarcerated persons and mental illness, HB 2700 creating a Technology First Study Committee, HB 2951 on subscription cancellation/consumer protections, HB 2991 on minors’ access to technology content, and HB 4070 on human trafficking. Members’ comments reflected support for maternal care, consumer protection, parental controls, public safety, and services for incarcerated people with mental illness, while some members raised concerns about licensing, overbreadth, or unresolved amendments. HB 4018 on county officers failed on a 26-24 vote. The House then reconsidered and sent HB 4018 back to third reading, but a subsequent motion challenging the chair’s ruling on whether a division had been called failed. The chamber also entered additional Committee of the Whole sessions to amend and recommend passage of HB 2136 and HB 2923, both of which were reported out as amended. In later Committee of the Whole work, the House recommended passage of HB 2188, HB 2239, HB 2437, HB 2445, HB 2502, HB 2620 as amended, HB 2931 as amended, HB 4004, and HB 4064, with some bills retained on the calendar and several measures referred to engrossing. The transcript ended while the House was continuing through consent-calendar and additional Committee of the Whole proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• were one of the first states in the country to have that legislation, and it has paid off in huge dividends
• Tierney can speak to specific numbers. legislation and it has paid off in huge dividends. And Ms.
• The bulk of that is medical fraud, and the bulk of that is done by foreign actors or organized crime.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't get paid out as dividends to some global corporation.
• So we have way too much foreign sugar entering into the market.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• So that is bringing those foreign and those out-of-state opportunities.
• That campus is now engaged in bringing millions of foreign direct investment into the state of Utah.
• They have been one of our outreach partners to understand what limitations may be in place on foreign
• Right now with foreign direct investment.
• The Utah Center for Global Talent, so working with foreign-born or working with New Americans.

Committee: Joint Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee