Transcript Highlights:

• title of the bill from creating a wildfire mitigation grant program to reducing non-renewal and cancellation

Bills: SB6248, SB5976, SB6079, SB6250, SB6257, SB6289, SB6230, SB6312, SB6149, SGA9060, SGA9169, SGA9265, SGA9266

Keywords: travel insurance, travel protection plan, travel assistance services, cancellation fee waiver, travel retailer, travel administrator, limited lines producer, insurance producer license, blanket travel insurance, trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel medical coverage, emergency evacuation, repatriation, inland marine, premium tax, consumer protection, unfair trade practice, insurance commissioner, Washington RCW

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Committee met on cut-off day and first received a staff briefing on several gubernatorial appointments and bills, including travel insurance (SB 6248), false subject lines in commercial emails (SB 5976), wildfire mitigation grants and insurance underwriting limits (SB 6079), small loan principal limits (SB 6250), appraiser trainee licensing tolling (SB 6257), the statewide economic development strategic plan (SB 6289), cash transaction rounding to eliminate pennies (SB 6230), surveillance pricing in grocery stores, and a late-added proposed substitute on the definition of rural counties. Staff noted fiscal impacts where available and described proposed substitutes that adjusted effective dates, reporting requirements, eligibility, and other technical details. In executive session, the committee voted to recommend confirmation for gubernatorial appointments 9060 (Alicia Levy), 9169 (Michael Charles), 9265 (Brian Bennett), and 9266 (Noah Skartford). It then advanced SB 6248, SB 6079, SB 6250, SB 6257, SB 6289, SB 6230, and SB 6149 with due pass recommendations, sending most to Rules and SB 6079 to Ways and Means. SB 5976 was not considered, and SB 612 was removed from the agenda. Members and the chair closed by thanking committee staff, stakeholders, tribes, and those who testified in person or online during the short session. The committee then adjourned.

Bills: SB2275, SB2390, SB2540, SB3142, SB2414, SB2340, SB2848

Keywords: Medicaid, disability, buy-in program, workers with disabilities, income eligibility, premium structure, biomarker testing, health insurance, medical coverage, state law, health maintenance organization, juvenile justice, youth penalties, minors, court fees, court costs, fines, surcharges, restitution, fee waiver

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues. The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments. HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the existing bill language regarding early return of a rental to ensure there is no additional CDW fees
• because our customers and the businesses that we do business with, they ask for Collision Damage Waiver
• , which we've referred to as CDW, or Damage Waiver.
• That if a rental is returned early or the damage waiver is canceled earlier than thought.
• No additional fees would be charged to that customer, which is a current practice that is in place today

Bills: HB186, HB517, HB 1093, HB 1268, HB1395, HB186

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, property owners' association, residential watering restrictions, vegetation, fine limitations, drought, technology, innovation, economic development, grants, Texas Economic Development, business funding, HB 1395, private passenger vehicle rental, car rental, vehicle rental

Transcript Highlights:

• It also authorizes the commissioner to establish a fee schedule to help offset the cost of burial.
• Removing the fees simply lowers costs for our disabled veterans.
• Removing the fees simply lowers costs for our disabled veterans.
• They're not going to have to fees. They can just designate disability. Is that correct?
• They're not going to have to fees.

Bills: HF4615, HF3532, HF4492, HF4171

Keywords: military, pay, officers, enlisted members, state active service, Minnesota Statutes, veterans, burial eligibility, honor guard, state cemeteries, military service, burial fees, veterans affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, advisory task force, commanders task force, veterans service organizations, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this bill relates to student access to certain academic records, authorizing a fee.
• Our Health Sciences Centers, if you look... at the overall makeup of their budget from tuition and fees
• We've been working very hard to hold tuition and fees. steady now, I believe this is the third session
• College application fees alone can be a deterrent. current for prospective students.
• Research shows that application fees, even modest ones, can discourage students from applying to malls

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• The fee has not changed since 1980, number one.
• where the fee is.
• But fee-wise, it would be in line with university fees. Thank you. Yes, sir. Okay.
• Do they see in their tuition and fees as compared to a resident of Texas?
• They would see the same increase because it would be a mandatory fee.

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members, House Bill 712 by Representative Boyd provides relative to fee waivers by the Office
• The waiver of the fees is not an issue for me.
• I just have a question on some of the language where it says the waiver of fees shall include the issuance
• Chairman, members, House Bill 732 by Representative Owen provides for a temporary waiver of fees for
• So each cancellation will stay at the fee that it is owed at that time.

Bills: HB372, HB582, HB593, HB613, HB712, HB722, HB732, HB746, HB762, HB781, HB845, HB882

Keywords: roundabouts, public education, traffic safety, motor vehicles, driver education, reinstatement fees, vehicle liability, insurance coverage, grace period, lapse of coverage, local fees, transaction fees, funding, government authority, driver's license, state identification card, citizenship verification, eagle symbol, Department of Public Safety, homelessness

Summary: The House Transportation Committee heard an update from Office of Motor Vehicles leadership, who said the agency had achieved efficiencies, was operating in the black, had improved employee morale and staffing, and expected to begin testing the driver’s license portion of its modernization project in September. Members then took up several OMV-related bills. HB 781, creating a fleet vehicle registration program, was amended to delay implementation until January 1, 2028 or until the OMV registration system is updated, and was reported with amendments. HB 712, which waives OMV fees for driver’s licenses and state IDs for homeless persons who meet eligibility requirements, drew support from homelessness advocates and some members who said it would remove a barrier to work, safety, and housing; concerns were raised about verification and workload, but the bill was amended to require the department to waive fees and to require proof of homeless status, then reported by a recorded vote. HB 372, requiring OMV public education on roundabouts, was discussed as a safety and awareness measure, but the author agreed to voluntarily defer it in favor of pursuing a resolution or other approach. The committee also advanced HB 746 on oversized trucking permits after amendments clarified a one-year moratorium on new local permit requirements while preserving existing permits, and HB 732, which would allow the OMV commissioner to waive or reduce certain fees in humanitarian cases such as hospice, was reported favorably. HB 722, providing for automatic reinstatement of driver’s licenses after payment of fees and fines except for DUI-related suspensions, was amended and reported with amendments. HB 593, increasing the maximum local service fee for certain OMV field offices, prompted debate over costs to motorists and local control; an amendment exempted Shreveport, and the bill was reported with amendments by a 9-5 vote. HB 613, adding an eagle image to indicate U.S. citizenship on licenses and IDs, was amended and reported with a recorded 8-5 vote after members questioned its practical effect and recognition outside Louisiana. The committee also heard HB 582 and HB 762 on insurance lapse fees and debt recovery, with HB 582 reported favorably after the author agreed to work with another member on a similar bill, while HB 762 was discussed as a way to avoid adding a 15% Office of Debt Recovery fee to OMV-related debts.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was, I think, birthed from a number of requests over the years to uh talk about license fees for those
• 00:02:18.519><c> talk</c><00:02:18.879><c> about</c><00:02:19.480><c> license</c><00:02:19.959><c> fees
• </c><00:02:20.920><c> for</c> years to uh talk about license fees for years to uh talk about license
• fees for those<00:02:21.640><c> buying</c><00:02:22.080><c> a</c><00:02:22.239><c> fishing</c><00:02:
• </c><00:10:38.160><c> I</c> provide the service uh with the fees I provide the service uh with the fees

Bills: HF276, HF413, HF411

Keywords: human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form

Transcript Highlights:

• However, these designated groups are currently required to pay an additional $3 fee for their license
• plates, a fee not uniformly applied across all military merit plates.
• On the fee, the $3 fee, this is going to be exempted for all military license plates, is that correct
• This is going to wipe out that $3 fee. That first $3 fee. On all of them? Yes, sir.
• It's basically multiplying the $3 fee for the applicable recipients, and we'll get you that number.

Bills: HB4458, SB651, SB1227, SB1931

Keywords: veterans, service members, military transition, Texas Veterans Commission, pilot program, self-reliance, employment assistance, housing assistance, mental health services, career training, veterans service organizations, spouses and dependents, military families, Texas military forces, post-separation support, reentry services, workforce development, benefits navigation, transition assistance, SB 651

Transcript Highlights:

• In response, the 2025 Minnesota legislature canceled $1 million of appropriation, returning it to the
• In response, the 2025 Minnesota legislature canceled $1 million of appropriation, returning it to the
• In response, the 2025 Minnesota legislature canceled $1 million of appropriation, returning it to the
• The net budget impact was slightly positive based on the fee adjustments.
• </c> positive based on the fee adjustments. positive based on the fee adjustments.

Bills: HF3298, SF3832, HF3528, HF3516, HF3972, HF4118

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration

Bills: HB1851

Keywords: automatic renewal, consumer protection, cancellation policy, Oklahoma Fair Renewal Act, contract transparency

Summary: In the Conference Committee for Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight, Reverend Shriver presented House Bill 1851. He described it as a consumer protection measure that would give consumers rights regarding auto-renewal on subscriptions. After the bill was introduced, the chair asked for questions, but none were raised. There was no debate on the measure. The committee then moved to open the bill for signature, with no further discussion or recorded vote in the transcript.

Bills: HB1851

Keywords: automatic renewal, consumer protection, cancellation policy, Oklahoma Fair Renewal Act, contract transparency

Summary: The Conference Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight met to take up Conference Committee Report No. 2 on House Bill 1851. Representative Shriver explained that the bill is a consumer protection measure aimed at giving consumers notice before annual subscriptions automatically renew, so they are reminded of upcoming charges and are aware they agreed to an annual subscription. Shriver also said the bill includes additional consumer protections to ensure people understand what they are agreeing to when signing up for such subscriptions. No questions or debate were raised during the meeting. After discussion, the chair opened the report for signatures, and the committee then adjourned.

Bills: HB1851

Keywords: automatic renewal, consumer protection, cancellation policy, Oklahoma Fair Renewal Act, contract transparency, 914, all

Bills: HB1851

Keywords: automatic renewal, consumer protection, cancellation policy, Oklahoma Fair Renewal Act, contract transparency, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And retired legislators' special prestige license plates fee distribution.
• Again, we're raising fees for Louisianians to pay a non-state entity.
• And, um, you want to talk about the fees?
• This fee increase—we had a fee increase in 2021—and the cost of doing business has greatly increased
• So the $4 increase to $27 is equivalent to the 2021 fee of $23, our current fee structure.

Bills: SB309, SB457, SB513, HB148, HB149, HB358, HB384, HB428, HB487, HB593, HB613, HB657, HB675, HB712, HB716, HB720, HB723, HB728, HB732, HB845, HB846, HB965

Keywords: driving school, driver education, prelicensing course, motor vehicles, Department of Public Safety, Office of Motor Vehicles, third-party tester, third-party examiner, private driving instructor, license application, consumer protection, course pricing, tuition regulation, administrative rules, transportation committee, construction, management, project delivery, public contracts, legislative approval

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on April 22, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several transportation-related bills, many involving license plates, toll exemptions, and administrative changes. The committee first advanced HB 988 by Rep. Bagley, which changes the fee distribution for current and retired legislators’ special prestige license plates so the proceeds support repairs at the Pentagon/first LSU building rather than going to the state. It then heard HB 1001 by Rep. Marcel, designating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway; the bill was supported with remarks honoring Jackson’s civil rights legacy, and the committee observed a moment of silence before reporting it favorably without objection. The committee next considered HB 989 by Rep. Boyer, which updates and clarifies fees charged by public license tag agents. Rep. Phelps offered an amendment to exempt Shreveport from the fee increase, but it failed on a roll call vote, and the bill was then reported favorably by a 13-2 vote. HB 1192, also by Rep. Boyer, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association specialty license plate, was amended to remove a restriction limiting issuance to association members and then passed favorably without objection. HB 1032 by Rep. Wiley, which clarifies the substances referenced in DUI-related motor vehicle statutes, received technical amendments and was reported favorably without objection. The committee also advanced HB 748 by Rep. Brough, exempting Louisiana school board-owned and leased vehicles from tolls on bridges and highways, including the Bell Chasse toll bridge area, after testimony from Plaquemines Parish school officials and the district attorney describing toll costs and operational burdens; the bill was amended to include leased vehicles and then reported favorably without objection. HB 1108 by Rep. Omade creating a homeschool pride specialty plate was also reported favorably without objection after discussion of the plate design and proceeds going to Homeschool Louisiana. Finally, HB 1081 by Chairman Wright, restructuring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce and DOTD for administrative support, was amended at the request of the Governor’s Office and reported favorably without objection. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The measure provides the spouse and children of a Goldar recipient with free tuition, fees, and room

Bills: HB3312, HB3700, HB2981, HB2961, HB3016, HB4478, HB4326, HB3025, HB3710

Keywords: firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient

Transcript Highlights:

• The measure provides the spouse and children of a Gold Star recipient with free tuition, fees, and room

Bills: HB3312, HB3700, HB2981, HB2961, HB3016, HB4478, HB4326, HB3025, HB3710

Keywords: firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met and first recognized visiting students and staff from Putnam City North and Edmond Public Schools. The committee then took up several House bills, beginning with HB 3312, which would require annual age-appropriate firearm safety instruction in public schools starting in the 2026–2027 school year, with CLEET and the Department of Education developing the curriculum. The bill was advanced on a 9-2 vote after the author described it as a safety measure and cited a personal tragedy involving children and a firearm. The committee also passed HB 3700, requiring colleges and universities to adopt policies ensuring grades are based only on academic performance, and HB 2981, requiring school districts to post school board meeting minutes within two weeks of approval. HB 2961, creating the Tech Sergeant Marshall Dakota Roberts Gold Star Surviving Act to provide tuition, fees, and room and board for spouses and children of Gold Star recipients at state public universities or career tech schools, passed unanimously after discussion of a possible fiscal impact. HB 3016, establishing a two-year pilot vision screening program for about 12 schools to identify convergence insufficiency disorders linked to literacy, also passed. Later, HB 4478 passed to raise the daily deposit threshold for school districts and sites from $100 to $500 while still requiring weekly deposits. HB 4326, a cleanup bill related to Oklahoma’s Promise deadlines, certified teacher definitions, and a contingent T-SET-related provision, passed after debate about its unfinished status and funding concerns. HB 3025 passed with a change excluding donations from general fund collections for carryover balance purposes for one year, and HB 3710 passed to make a new higher education program cohort-based, requiring students to begin eligibility as freshmen. The chair closed by noting the committee had moved quickly, and announced upcoming executive nominee meetings and another committee meeting the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Port has issued over 937,000 permits, generating more than 28... point one million dollars in permit fees
• Our operator has consistently invested, and we've used every penny of our lease fees to buy ties, install
• The bill allows peace officers to register one personal vehicle without paying standard registration fees
• , other than a $3.00 license plate fee.

Bills: SB 682, SB 1013, SB 1369, SB 1422, SB 2001, SB 2080, SB 2366, SB 2705, SB 2841

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several bills aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Texas transportation and port authorities. Key discussions included the implications of SB2080, which seeks to streamline operations for navigation districts by raising procurement authority, exempting security discussions from recording requirements, and aligning Texas ports with national standards to foster economic growth. Senator Alvarado advocated fervently for the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on competitiveness with ports in states like Virginia and New Jersey. Public testimony reflected mixed responses, with strong support from industry representatives but opposition from some municipal authorities concerned about the potential overreach of port authorities into local development.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $3.1 million in permit fees.
• Our operator has consistently invested, and we've used every penny of our lease fees to buy ties, install
• To peace officers to register one personal vehicle without paying standard registration fees.

Bills: SB682, SB1013, SB1369, SB1422, SB2001, SB2080, SB2366, SB2705, SB2841

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2601 is about motorcycle weight fees.
• Currently, motorcycles pay a weight fee of $35 at registration because that is the fee for the lowest
• , not based on their weight, with a fee of $15.
• This lower fee would take effect in July of 2007.
• In the vehicle weight fee schedule, House Bill 2601 would create a new lower category in the weight fee

Bills: HB2305, HB2601, HB2604

Keywords: vehicle registration, travel vans, motor homes, transportation regulation, HB2601, motorcycle weight fee, motorcycle registration, vehicle licensing, Department of Licensing, weight-based fee, motor home fee, RV registration, scale weight, vehicle weight, RCW, Washington state, registration fees, license fees, vehicle fee schedule, fee distribution

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three transportation-related bills. House Bill 2305 would exclude travel vans from Sound Transit’s motor vehicle excise tax by distinguishing them from motor homes; staff said the Department of Revenue saw no fiscal impact, while the Department of Licensing estimated a one-time $129,000 system update cost and an indeterminate revenue impact. The sponsor and one testifier argued the bill would correct a classification issue and reduce costs for owners of smaller camper-style vans, especially in the Sound Transit area. House Bill 2601 would create a new motorcycle weight-fee category with a $15 fee instead of the current $35 fee applied under the lowest vehicle weight bracket. Staff estimated about 190,000 annual transactions and roughly $3.8 million per year in lost revenue to multimodal transportation accounts, plus about $20,000 in Department of Licensing programming costs. The sponsor and a motorcycle rights advocate said the bill was a matter of fairness because motorcycles do not weigh anywhere near 4,000 pounds and the lower fee would better match actual road use. House Bill 2604 would remove notarization requirements for documents transferring ownership of totaled vehicles to insurers and for limited powers of attorney used for that purpose, allowing electronic or printed signatures. Staff reported no fiscal impact from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner or the Department of Licensing. The sponsor and three testifiers from Copart said the change would streamline title transfers, reduce delays and travel burdens for consumers, and help people—especially those in rural areas or without easy transportation—get paid faster after a total loss. The public hearings on all three bills were closed, and the committee adjourned to caucuses.