Transcript Highlights:

• institution or state entity as a separate state entity.
• of the State address.
• state to state.
• And I would close by saying I had the opportunity... ...federal to state and then state to state.
• The lenders are state licensees, and yet, because of the strong protections under this law, the state

Bills: HB146, HB150, HB1500, HB1545, HB1562, HB2067, HB2520, HB2818, HB3214, HB3250, HB3466, HB3512, HB3623, HB4063, HB4395, HB4464, HB4668, HB4690, HB5331, HB3833

Keywords: HB 146, Texas Capitol, State Capitol, State Preservation Board, Congress Avenue, Travis County, traffic lanes, lane closure, road closure, municipal authority, local control, Capitol area, downtown Austin, special events, construction traffic plan, pedestrian safety, public works, transportation policy, government code chapter 443, cybersecurity

Summary: The committee took up several pending business items and reported a series of House bills out of committee, including HB 2467, HB 2468, HB 2518, HB 4310, HB 4386, HB 4490, HB 5323, and HB 149. Most of these were advanced on committee substitute motions and sent to the local and uncontested calendar or reported favorably to the full Senate. HB 2467 drew one nay vote, while the others were approved without opposition. HB 4310 and HB 4386 were described as committee-substitute versions with changes narrowing disclosure requirements and preserving attorney-client privilege in certain circumstances. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 149, an AI governance bill. The substitute was explained as addressing biometric identifier capture and storage, exempting certain AI uses for security and fraud prevention, clarifying definitions, restricting AI systems that simulate explicit child sexual content, adjusting Attorney General investigative authority, refining sandbox program waivers, reducing Texas AI Council powers and membership, and adding DIR coordination provisions. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard extensive testimony on HB 1500, the DIR sunset bill. The author said the bill would continue DIR for 12 years, restructure its board, update advisory committees, require regular cybersecurity assessments and penetration testing for state agencies, improve IT procurement training, and transfer the e-grants program to the Comptroller. A Texas 2036 witness supported the bill as a way to strengthen governance, procurement, and cybersecurity. Members asked detailed questions about the bill’s structure and then left HB 1500 pending. The committee also heard a lengthy presentation on HB 150, which would create the Texas Cyber Command as a component of the University of Texas System, administratively attached to UTSA and located in San Antonio. The author argued the command would centralize cyber threat intelligence, incident response, and digital forensics, and would be able to support state and local entities, with optional services for local governments. Members raised concerns about university mission drift, governance, security, chain of command, procurement authority, gifts and donations, and civil liberties implications of proactive cyber monitoring. Witnesses from UTSA/NSCC and SecurityScorecard testified in support, emphasizing the security of the downtown San Antonio facility, the existing cyber ecosystem there, and the need for a dedicated cyber capability. The bill remained under discussion with no final committee action announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• institution or state entity as a separate state entity.
• State senator, I want to commend the state of Texas for prioritizing the imperative to prevent, detect
• then state to state.
• There are particular state-based protections in this law that don't exist in any other state or federal
• And state licensees were implicated. The lenders are state licensees.

Bills: HB146, HB150, HB1500, HB1545, HB1562, HB2067, HB2520, HB2818, HB3214, HB3250, HB3466, HB3512, HB3623, HB4063, HB4395, HB4464, HB4668, HB4690, HB5331, HB3833, HB146, HB150

Keywords: HB 146, Texas Capitol, State Capitol, State Preservation Board, Congress Avenue, Travis County, traffic lanes, lane closure, road closure, municipal authority, local control, Capitol area, downtown Austin, special events, construction traffic plan, pedestrian safety, public works, transportation policy, government code chapter 443, cybersecurity

Transcript Highlights:

• Local Programs Project 220 Corridor Completion, and that increases the Move Ahead Washington account state
• , every corner of this state.
• . ...passenger rail through our state.
• We've heard from people across the state about their concerns with the state of our roads.
• Investments in preservation now will save the state money and more costly investments later on.

Bills: HB2306, HB2711

Keywords: transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit

Summary: The Transportation Committee met in executive session on three bills. On House Bill 2306, a supplemental appropriations bill for the 2025-27 biennium, members adopted a technical corrections amendment, a King County Metro electrification project amendment, and rejected an amendment to advance funding for the 220 Corridor Completion project. The bill then passed out of committee with a do pass recommendation on a 28-0 vote, with one excused member. Members discussed the bill’s ferry, maintenance, preservation, State Patrol, and other transportation investments as part of a constrained supplemental budget. On House Bill 2711, which revises transportation resource taxes and accounts, the committee adopted amendments to fix a timing issue for dealer penalties, delay the luxury vehicle tax trade-in amendment was rejected, and add a temporary motorhome exemption and interest-retention provisions for two transportation accounts. The committee also heard debate over whether trade-in deductions should apply to luxury vehicle and recreational vessel taxes, with supporters of the bill saying the substitute aligned the tax base and opponents arguing for consistency with other vehicle taxation. The bill passed out of committee 27-1, with Representative Orcutt voting no. On Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5203, the committee adopted an amendment requiring consultation with landowners, agricultural producers, and community members before wildlife crossing construction. Supporters said the bill would improve road safety and wildlife connectivity by directing WSDOT and WDFW to develop an integrated strategy and create two new accounts to leverage federal and private funding, while opponents raised concerns about future infrastructure costs and scope. The bill passed out of committee 16-12, with one excused member. The chair then reviewed the committee’s upcoming schedule, including public hearings on Senate bills, possible Friday action, and Monday work on autonomous vehicles and remaining Senate bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• It may actually, in a sense, help reduce and make us more efficient from an IT spend across state government
• get to a point where we can really focus on centralization, I think it would be the best bet for the state

Bills: SB193, SB132, SB35, SB145

Keywords: SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects, SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it for state-owned infrastructure? Yes. To help state-owned enterprise? That's correct.
• Is it for state-owned infrastructure? Yes. To help state-owned enterprise? That's correct.
• The state engineer has indicated they can get started, and this will count toward our eventual state
• Well, the state engineer is okay with getting extra state aid before the settlements have been finalized
• The state engineer is okay with getting extra state aid before the settlements have been finalized, and

Bills: SB193, SB132, SB35, SB145

Keywords: SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects, SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• State of Michigan, the argument is so compelling that the state of Michigan has given one or more of
• This is a legacy in our state of Arizona.
• Of those 15,000 documents, 11,000 were state IDs.
• First, well, if they're from another state, first of all, we can't simply get them an Arizona state ID
• About half of those are from out of state.

Bills: SB1063, SB1118, SB1153, SB1154, SB1209, SCM1001

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, safety improvements, Route 70, infrastructure, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, special license plate, special plate, license plate, vanity plate

Transcript Highlights:

• In the state of Minnesota, when it comes to deer hunting, currently the state is really a world of two
• If it's a state enforcement, as we write counties into law, then it becomes a state responsibility, right
• The lands bill may include amendments to state statutes that affect the administration of state land
• It may include changes to state park or state forest Authorization to sell certain lands, and the lands
• The Carly State Park and their contribution would border the Carly State Park. So go ahead.

Bills: HF647, HF2824, HF1249, HF623, HF820

Keywords: water appropriation, aquifer management, potable water, water conservation, environmental policy, fishing regulation, angling, sustainability, biodiversity, game fish, Carley State Park, Minnesota state parks, state lands, park boundary expansion, Wabasha County, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, public lands, land acquisition, park addition

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, the Attorney General serves on several state boards, including the Executive Committee, the State
• Each state gets two statues to send.
• state funds when suspected fraud occurs.
• This has to do with a requirement that state employees report suspected violations of state grant-making
• This is House File 2, which has to do with state grant agreements between the state and the grantee.

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:18.360><c> of</c> for Anglers throughout the state of for Anglers throughout the state of
• </c><00:04:31.720><c> of</c> everybody for representing the state of everybody for representing the state
• </c><00:05:22.600><c> of</c> The Advocate Group for the state of The Advocate Group for the state of
• So if it's a state enforcement issue, then it becomes a state responsibility, right?
• So if it's a state enforcement issue, then it becomes a state responsibility, right?

Bills: HF647, HF2824, HF1249, HF623, HF820

Keywords: water appropriation, aquifer management, potable water, water conservation, environmental policy, fishing regulation, angling, sustainability, biodiversity, game fish, Carley State Park, Minnesota state parks, state lands, park boundary expansion, Wabasha County, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, public lands, land acquisition, park addition

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:02.399><c> auditor</c> is Julie Blaha I'm your state auditor is Julie Blaha I'm your state
• </c> at a certain level that go through state at a certain level that go through state government<00:
• </c> the office of the state the office of the state auditor<00:04:09.799><c> so</c><00:04:10.000><c>
• It has to do with state grant agreements between the state and the grantee.
• House File 2 has to do with state grant agreements between the state and the grantee.

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• It caps the state grant to match tuition increases at Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota
• </c> the $239 million deficit in the state the $239 million deficit in the state grant<00:04:14.400><
• </c> 180 credits for coverage of the state 180 credits for coverage of the state grant<00:04:44.960><
• </c><00:08:51.040><c> So,</c> into the state grant program. So, into the state grant program.
• </c> family physicians um across the state. family physicians um across the state.

Bills: HF2431, HF2438, HF2783, HF1943

Keywords: higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX

Transcript Highlights:

• joint committees on water and culture in the arts and Hawaiian affairs on our 1:15 p.m. agenda here in State
• first blush, we supported it because the idea we are the activities and attractions throughout the state
• A lot of our members are throughout the state, but the specific group here, which is Lahaina Harbor and
• We um I myself am the state of Hawaii.
• but the specific throughout the state but the specific group<00:05:14.080><c> here</c><00:05:14.479>

Bills: SB2596, SB3002, SB3067

Keywords: government leases, state entities, real property, affordable leasing, budget impact, green infrastructure, urban development, sustainability, environment, climate change, public health, Hawaii State Planning Act, land records, registration, surveys, subdivision, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water and Culture and the Arts and on Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 3173, which would create a cultural training pilot program in the Department of Land and Natural Resources, administered by DOBOR, for commercial permit holders operating in Lahaina Harbor. Testimony was largely supportive from Lahaina Strong, which said the bill responds to community concerns and would help commercial operators return with greater cultural understanding and respect. Supporters framed the measure as a way to rebuild Lahaina intentionally and strengthen relationships between industry and community. Opposition came from Trilogy Excursions and the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii. They said they already provide or encourage cultural education, but argued the bill as written is too broad, potentially mandatory, and could create hiring and operational problems for businesses trying to restart after the fire. They asked that any program be voluntary, collaborative, and practical, with clearer details on who must take the training, how often it would be offered, and how it would be coordinated. In response to questions, a witness said most operators would likely participate if the training were accessible and well-marketed, but that the harbor’s limited current operations and staggered rebuilding make timing important. After testimony and questions, the chairs said they appreciated the comments but wanted to move the bill forward without amendments because of a filing deadline, noting that timing and other issues could be worked out in later committees with DLNR, OHA, and stakeholders. Both committees then voted to pass SB 3173 unamended, with one member excused in each committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you would, please state your name for the record along with your position on the bill.
• Could you state your name for the record, who you're with, and your position on the bill?
• Yes, ma'am, you used to be my state senator, so thank you very much.
• If you would, state your name for the record, your position on the bill, and you may begin.
• I just want to add that we are trending in the wrong direction in this state.

Bills: HB50

Keywords: constitutional amendment, ballot language, fiscal note, fiscal impact, cost estimate, savings estimate, Legislative Budget Board, LBB, secretary of state, Election Code, Government Code, voter information, ballot proposition, state budget, election administration, Texas, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes they also have to notify other state agencies.
• So a rule— and I'm going to state this and see if you know about this—but a rule means a state agency
• My bill would require the Secretary of State to include on a ballot any proposed cost to the state that
• Current law also states that state agencies shall develop procedures for use in achieving a management-to-staff
• We're the state chamber for the state of Texas, and I am testifying in strong support of HB 5195, alongside

Bills: HB565, HB3743, HB4310, HB5083, HB5129, HB5195, HB5331, HB5469, SB21, HB3185, SB 21

Keywords: constitutional amendment, fiscal impact, state budget, ballot measure, transparency in voting, management-to-staff ratio, state agencies, employee regulations, government efficiency, workforce management, public information, governing board, transparency, confidentiality, access rights, privacy, identifying information, state agency, consent, occupational license

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to call this meeting of the State Government Finance and Policy Committee to order for today
• accounting staff are not able to state accounting staff are not able to collect<00:02:32.400><c> uh<
• Please state your name and who you're with for the record. Good morning. Please be brief.
• Next testifier, state your name, who you're with. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• practices piece if you receive state money... ...if you receive state money, uh... thank you thank you

Bills: HF1, HF1754, HF1809, HF1478

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, we thank you for this opportunity to serve the great state of Alabama.
• It's not subject to state income tax.
• The rate is paid by the state, not by the employer.
• Okay, so it would be added to the employer contribution, but the state... A lot of questions...
• This is probably one of the most important parts of it because it's no cost to the state.

Bills: SB45, SB73, SB169, HB243, SB177

Keywords: athlete agents, commission, state regulation, Alabama, higher education, athletics, membership diversity, catastrophe savings account, catastrophe fund, storm savings, disaster savings, hurricane, windstorm, floodwaters, hail, tornado, property insurance, homeowners insurance, insurance deductible, FORTIFIED

Transcript Highlights:

• So the state is $8 million. The state jumps in. We'll give you that $8 million to keep you afloat.
• If there's any left, they bill the state, and then the state covers sort of the remaining last dollar
• corner of our state.
• The budget is an all-state budget.
• in almost the entire state.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005, SB6003, SB6129, SB6225, SB6228, SB6231

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate met on February 23, 2026, opened with the usual roll call, pledge, prayer, and approval of the previous journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 8698 recognizing piano teachers, with several senators sharing personal remarks about their own teachers and the role of music education in families and communities. Guests from the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then moved into budget debate, considering a series of amendments to the operating budget. Several proposals focused on housing costs, local planning, utility rates, and state spending restraint. Amendment 0772, which would have created a housing-related task force and increased funding, was rejected after debate over housing affordability and regulatory costs. Amendment 0785, restoring growth management planning funding for local governments, was also rejected. Amendment 0791, directing the Department of Commerce to study the effects of climate and clean energy laws on utility costs, and Amendment 0769, related to grid capacity and clean energy investments, were both adopted. Other amendments drew sharper partisan debate. Amendment 0798, which would have reduced the Supreme Court from nine justices to five and redirected savings to public defense, failed. Amendments 0794 and 0795, seeking funding for ballot measure costs tied to initiatives, also failed. Amendment 0799, intended to redirect Pacific Tower lease savings to developmental disability services, was rejected after discussion of the building’s current public uses. Amendment 0773, capping state spending growth and tying it to median wage growth, failed on a roll call vote, while Amendment 0777, addressing concurrent use of paid family and medical leave and sick leave by state employees, also failed after extended debate. Later, Amendment 0776 on tort liability reporting was adopted, as were Amendment 0758 creating a DSHS work group on community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Amendment 0786 was introduced to reduce cash and food assistance work-related funding, with debate beginning before the transcript ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the state is $8 million. The state jumps in. We'll give you that $8 million.
• So the state is $8 million. The state jumps in. We'll give you that $8 million.
• If there's any left, they bill the state, and then the state covers sort of the remaining last dollar
• The state of Washington is.
• corner of our state.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005, SB6003, SB6129, SB6225, SB6228, SB6231

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate convened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then moved to a resolution honoring piano teachers. Senate Resolution 8698 was adopted after remarks from Senator Conway and others describing the role of piano teachers in music education, family life, and community service. Members of the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then took up the operating budget and considered a long series of amendments. Several amendments focused on housing costs and local planning, utility and energy policy, ballot measure costs, state spending growth, tort liability, and paid family and medical leave. Some amendments were adopted, including a study of utility cost impacts from climate laws, a grid-related funding amendment, a tort liability oversight/reporting amendment, and a workgroup on services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Others were rejected, including proposals to create a housing task force, cap state spending growth, fund ballot initiative costs, restore local planning grants, and change paid family and medical leave usage rules. Debate on the budget amendments was often partisan and detailed, with supporters arguing for fiscal restraint, cost transparency, and relief for taxpayers and local governments, while opponents emphasized existing work, program solvency, and the need to preserve services. The Senate also heard amendments on zero-based budgeting, federal education tax credit opt-in language, reproductive health funding, food assistance work requirements, and support for the Pediatric Interim Care Center; some were defeated and some were adopted. Roll-call votes were taken on certain amendments, and the transcript ends during consideration of Amendment 0787, which would restore funding for the Pediatric Interim Care Center.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on state affairs come to order. Kirk call the roll.
• State your name, please. Uh, Claire Warren.
• And the same holds true for the state.
• And if so, why is this any business of the state of Texas?
• So I, I travel around all over the state.

Bills: HB 45, HB 755, HB 1232, HB 1555, HB 2460, HB 2702, HB 2973, HB 3120, HB 3225, HB 3314, HB 3356, HB 3371, HB 3634, HB 3638, HB 4247, HB 4283, HB 4290, HB 4302, HB 4503, HB 4511, HB 4565, HB 4581, HB 4627, HB 4632, HB 4660, HB 4668, HB 4960, HB 5042

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation

Bills: SB325, SB370

Keywords: AIDT, Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute, Department of Commerce, procurement, competitive bidding, contract review, legislative oversight, economic development, workforce development, Strategic Workforce Plan, state purchasing, state contracts, public procurement, exemption, higher education, universities, community colleges, public hospitals, health care procurement, transportation procurement