Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any questions for the author?
• The governor would be the only one.
• So this gives the governor the authority to make the agreement. Correct. Okay, thank you.
• Question of the author. Does the author yield? I yield. Senator Parker, I understand.
• It's acceptable to the author.

Keywords: legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 40, Senate Bill 871, constitutional amendment, emergency powers, governor authority, legislative oversight

Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when the governor sent out the press release, my phone was pinging.
• Are you the governor of State up in support? Thank you.
• Senate, but wouldn't be able to vote for governor.
• I don't have that authority as the committee chair.
• I don't have that authority as the committee chair.

Bills: S0460, S0748, S1180, S1334

Keywords: special elections, vacancy, Governor authority, election timeframe, judicial determination, voting rights, felony, sentencing, civil rights, criminal justice, rehabilitation, elections, voter registration, citizenship, provisional ballots, election fraud

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum and took up several election-related bills. CS/SB 1180 by Senator Arrington, which creates a recall framework for elected community development district board members and also addresses synthetic turf regulation and CDD eligibility, was presented briefly and then approved unanimously. SB 460 by Senator Polsky, requiring the governor to call special elections within set deadlines after vacancies and allowing judicial relief if deadlines are not met, also passed unanimously after members discussed flexibility for emergencies and the cost of delayed elections. The committee then heard SB 748 by Senator Bracy Davis, which would add constitutional voting-rights restoration language to the sentencing score sheet given to felony defendants. Supporters said it would improve clarity and notice without changing eligibility, and the bill was favorably reported unanimously. The committee also confirmed several appointees, including Jim Milliken and Alicia McShea to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Robert P. Estalas as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and additional gubernatorial appointees listed on the agenda, all by favorable votes. The longest discussion centered on Senator Grall’s strike-all amendment for SB 1334, an elections bill dealing with citizenship verification, Real ID and SAVE database use, paper-ballot voting, candidate qualification rules, and related election administration changes. Supporters argued it would streamline verification and ensure only citizens vote, while opponents warned it would create burdens, disenfranchise eligible voters, and impose costs and administrative confusion. After extensive public testimony both for and against, the committee adopted an amendment to allow supervisors of elections to observe holidays when not otherwise required to be open, then approved the strike-all as amended by a 6-2 vote, with Senators Polsky and Bernard voting no. The meeting then adjourned after members recorded their votes on earlier items.

Transcript Highlights:

• and in B it it talks about the governor and in B it it talks about the governor having<00:24:32.960
• the council might go and the governor. the council might go and the governor.
• I'm a policy adviser in Governor Gordon's office. Um, the governor sends his best regards.
• Currently, the governor has the authority to establish a state guard and appoint the state council of
• Currently, the governor has the authority to establish a state guard and appoint the state council of

Bills: SF0012, SF0013, SF0067

Keywords: military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, Wyoming state guard, emergency response, governor authority, state council of defense, 916, all

Bills: SF0012, SF0013, SF0067

Keywords: military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, Wyoming state guard, emergency response, governor authority, state council of defense, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• attempt at a description of what the ESF is for, but maybe the question is best for the, for the bill author
• I mean, how would you as a bill author describe the, the reason we have the ESF?
• opportunity cost if this thing were to pass, which is why would we, and maybe this is for the bill author

Bills: SJR 4

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

Transcript Highlights:

• This is what this bill is about, and it's a bill to require the governor...
• and it's a bill to require the governor and it's a bill to require the governor uh<00:10:10.480>
• uh for it to go through the governor. uh for it to go through the governor.
• formal certification for the governor formal certification for the governor and<00:10:30.800>
• to u certify that it is for the governor to u certify that it is an<00:11:00.880> emergency.

Bills: HB59, SB15, SB96, SB104, SB137

Keywords: public accountancy, CPA licensing, board regulations, educational prerequisites, electronic notifications, firm registration, assignment, creditors, insolvency, liquidation, assignee, secured transaction, bankruptcy, state law, voluntary process, distribution of assets, emergency rules, governor certification, state regulations, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:14.560> to would give the city the authority to would give the city the authority to
• and two others and National Governors and two others and and<00:07:55.680> it<00:07:55.919>
• <00:11:17.200> and the objections of their governors and the objections of their governors
• The governor essentially already has this power to object as far as the Title 32 deployments go.
• <00:14:32.320> the<00:14:32.480> governor governor's objections. the governor governor's

Bills: SB2363, SB2054, SB2057, SB2377, SB3322

Keywords: public lands, county authority, public health, safety regulations, cultural preservation, public safety, Hawaii National Guard, military deployment, governor authority, federal assistance, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2033 on renewable energy, focused on rooftop solar and grid-ready homes. Members discussed amendments intended to clarify retrofit provisions for new homes, cost-sharing requirements for interconnecting customers, compliance with relevant safety standards or certifications, and a date change. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. The joint committees then heard Senate Bill 2363 on county authority over access to encumbered properties such as streams. The City and County of Honolulu, along with the Department of Transportation and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, testified in support, saying the bill would help protect public safety, reduce flood risk, and prevent illicit activity. A Libertarian Party representative opposed the measure, arguing the problem stemmed from mismanagement and that the bill granted overly broad new powers. No action was taken during the hearing. The committees also heard Senate Bill 2054 and Senate Bill 2057, both relating to public safety and immigration-related state authority. Testimony on SB 2054 largely supported limiting state resources for federal or out-of-state deployments when the governor objects, with the Hawaii National Guard raising concerns about unclear obligations for service members and the distinction between Title 10 and Title 32 authority. On SB 2057, supporters including ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Legal Clinic said the bill would curb cooperation with ICE, protect constitutional rights, and preserve trust in immigrant communities; one witness also noted the rapid growth of 287(g) agreements nationwide. The committee then moved on to SB 2377 on property damage to critical infrastructure, where Charter Communications and Hawaiian Telecom supported the bill and asked for clarification to include broadband and telecommunications, while the Public Defender questioned whether the higher penalty was justified. Finally, the committee began SB 3322 on law enforcement, with testimony emphasizing clearer separation between local police and federal agents, limits on immigration enforcement cooperation, and protections for community trust; the hearing continued with additional testimony and questions.

Bills: HB0122, SF0004, SF0012, SF0013, SF0067, SF0070, SF0124

Keywords: healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, Medicaid, emergency medical services, ground ambulance, healthcare funding, reimbursement rates, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment

Transcript Highlights:

• obligations commanded by the governor obligations commanded by the governor through<00:42:15.440
• I'm a policy adviser in Governor Gordon's office. The governor sends his best regards.
• Currently, the governor has the authority to establish a state guard and appoint the State Council of
• . governor. governor.
• Governor supports this bill.

Bills: HB0122, SF0004, SF0012, SF0013, SF0067, SF0070, SF0124

Keywords: healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, Medicaid, emergency medical services, ground ambulance, healthcare funding, reimbursement rates, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment

Bills: HB0122, SF0004, SF0012, SF0013, SF0067, SF0070, SF0124

Keywords: healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, Medicaid, emergency medical services, ground ambulance, healthcare funding, reimbursement rates, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment

Transcript Highlights:

• Questions to either the bill author, or you, or the Comptroller, you are welcome to ask a question of
• best attempt at a description of what the ESF is for, but maybe the question is best for the bill author
• I mean, how would you as a bill author describe the reason we have the ESF?
• Which is, why would we— and maybe this is for the bill author—why instead of the $7 billion, I'm looking
• And last session, you voted and authorized it.

Bills: SJR4, SJR 4

Keywords: economic stabilization fund, state finance, constitutional amendment, budget management, financial security, term limits, state offices, governor, lieutenant governor, election reform, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• because now they're under the complete authority of the governor. >> Mr.
• because now they're under the complete authority of the governor. Correct, >> Senator Larson?
• because now they're under the complete authority of the governor. Correct, >> Senator Larson?
• c><01:31:31.040> to<01:31:31.280> be authority of the governor uh to be authority of the
• the complete authority of the governor. the complete authority of the governor.

Bills: SF0045, SF0058, SF0067

Keywords: pari-mutuel wagering, simulcasting, historic horse racing, HHR terminals, horse racing, gaming commission, Wyoming Gaming Commission, local control, city approval, county approval, municipal approval, permit renewal, gaming permit, wagering regulation, racetrack, live pari-mutuel event, district court appeal, public notice, land use, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So this bill simply says the governor has to give them a letter declaring an emergency.
• only if the governor prior to the<00:06:40.080> contract.
• they can do it is if the governor they can do it is if the governor certifies<00:07:20.080> that
• >> No, it has to be written from the governor. >> Okay. >> Governor has done it.
• <00:09:02.000> in the Alabama State Port Authority in the Alabama State Port Authority in

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

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

Bills: HB206, HB1238, HB2890, HB2970

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, injection wells, environmental regulation, water quality, site inspection, geoscientist, satellite imagery, interstate compact, liquefied natural gas, energy resources, Gulf Coast, regulatory coordination, HB 2970, Gulf Coast Protection District, Special District Local Laws Code, governor appointment

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum present and took up several bills, mostly as pending business. HB 1089, creating the Gulf Coast Protection Account to be administered by the General Land Office, was laid out as the House companion to SB 795; Senator Alvarado moved it be reported favorably, and it passed the committee 8-0. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for HB 2970 and then reported it favorably 9-0, despite the motion wording recommending the substitute in lieu of the original bill. HB 2890, HB 1238, and HB 206 were each laid out and reported favorably to the full Senate by 9-0 votes. For each bill reported favorably, members also approved motions to place the bill on the local and uncontested calendar, with no objections. The transcript reflects brief procedural repetition and some garbled audio, but the actions are clear: the committee advanced all measures considered during the meeting without recorded opposition. The chair then announced there was no further business and the committee stood in recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also permits the governor to appoint the presiding officer of the GCPD, mirroring the leadership
• The bill also permits the governor to appoint the presiding officer of the GCPD, mirroring the leadership

Bills: HB206, HB1238, HB2890, HB2970

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, injection wells, environmental regulation, water quality, site inspection, geoscientist, satellite imagery, interstate compact, liquefied natural gas, energy resources, Gulf Coast, regulatory coordination, HB 2970, Gulf Coast Protection District, Special District Local Laws Code, governor appointment

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum initially lacking, then took up several bills and heard brief testimony. HB 206, by Rep. Craddick, would prohibit counties from requiring cash bonds as a condition for pipeline construction approvals, while still allowing other forms of financial assurance; the sponsor and a Target Pipeline witness said cash-bond mandates create unnecessary costs and uncertainty, and the bill was left pending. HB 2890, by Rep. Patterson, would create an interstate compact among Gulf Coast states to coordinate and support the liquefied natural gas industry; the sponsor emphasized LNG’s economic importance and said the bill mirrors prior compact language that does not require congressional approval, and it was left pending after no public testimony. HB 1238, by Rep. Geren, would let TCEQ use third-party inspection reports and remote technology when reviewing proposed Class I injection wells; the sponsor and a uranium industry witness said it would streamline regulation and support industry, and it was left pending. HB 2970, by Rep. Paul, the House version of SB 410, would require the Gulf Coast Protection District’s final gate design to accommodate two-way vessel traffic and allow the governor to appoint the district’s presiding officer; the committee substitute was explained and the bill was left pending. With members scattered in other committees, the chair said the committee would recess and later reconvene to vote and complete its work.

Transcript Highlights:

• As such, SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and members of the legislature to communicate
• team provides that the communication from the governor, lieutenant governor, or member of the legislature
• That's a question for the author. Well, I'd be happy to answer.
• The bill expands the commission’s rulemaking authority and regulatory authority over this activity.
• We have sent some suggested language to the author of the bill.

Bills: SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Summary: The committee heard and laid out several natural resources and environmental bills, with testimony focused on balancing development, public health, wildlife protection, and regulatory authority. SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to communicate in writing with TCEQ about matters before the commission, with safeguards requiring the communication to be part of the record and allowing other parties to respond; a committee substitute narrowed it to written communications about permits only, limited legislator communications to facilities in their districts, and adjusted conflict-of-interest rules. HB 3556, as substituted, would require notice to Texas Parks and Wildlife for certain very tall structures in specified coastal counties and give TPWD a limited right to seek injunctive relief if mitigation is insufficient to prevent material harm to migratory birds; supporters said it would address ignored wildlife recommendations and protect key flyways, while opponents argued the bill was too broad, singled out wind energy, and gave one agency unusually strong enforcement power. HB 49 would expand liability protections for produced-water recycling and beneficial use; supporters said it would encourage reuse of a large wastewater stream and reduce disposal pressures, while opponents warned it could shield operators from responsibility before the science and standards are mature. HB 4413 would authorize mass-balance accounting for renewable biomass feedstocks, and HB 3866 would regulate intermediate bulk container recycling facilities near homes, with a committee substitute adding a grandfather clause and making implementation contingent on funding. The committee also heard bills affecting air and energy regulation. HB 5033 would create a trigger to end vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes to allow it; the substitute removed a Supreme Court-related trigger, and the lone public witness opposed the bill, warning it would worsen air quality and harm nonattainment areas. HB 4112 would clarify that on-site storage of high-level radioactive waste is allowed at current and future nuclear reactors and university research reactors only for waste generated at that site; the substitute clarified the language and removed an inoperative permit condition, and witnesses from environmental and nuclear groups said the clarification was needed to prevent unintended restrictions while avoiding off-site storage. HB 2440 would prohibit state agencies from using air-quality rules to ban or restrict vehicles based on energy source, including internal combustion vehicles, and no public testimony was offered. HB 4271 would require TCEQ to hold public meetings on request for composting facility authorizations; the substitute limited the requirement to future applications and was presented as a transparency measure after a denied local request and extensive public comments. Additional bills addressed landowner protections and Railroad Commission oversight. HB 3619 would require the Railroad Commission to restore surface land after plugging or replugging operations and indemnify landowners from damages tied to authorized entry; a witness supported the bill but urged fixing a separate statutory loophole that he said allowed operators to enter unrelated tracts without notice. HB 4042 would extend Railroad Commission pipeline safety and fee provisions to propane distribution systems by removing the word “natural” from the relevant definitions. HB 4426 would set a 10-year permit term for commercial surface disposal facilities, allow renewal based on compliance history, and require renewal applications 120 days before expiration. The committee took no votes because a quorum was not initially present, and each bill was left pending after testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also permits the governor to. to appoint the presiding officer of the GCPD, mirroring the leadership

Bills: HB206, HB1238, HB2890, HB2970

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, injection wells, environmental regulation, water quality, site inspection, geoscientist, satellite imagery, interstate compact, liquefied natural gas, energy resources, Gulf Coast, regulatory coordination, HB 2970, Gulf Coast Protection District, Special District Local Laws Code, governor appointment

Bills: HB206, HB1238, HB2890, HB2970

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, injection wells, environmental regulation, water quality, site inspection, geoscientist, satellite imagery, interstate compact, liquefied natural gas, energy resources, Gulf Coast, regulatory coordination, HB 2970, Gulf Coast Protection District, Special District Local Laws Code, governor appointment

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, questions of the author. All right.
• Does anybody wish to ask questions of the author? All right, we'll move to public testimony.
• can improve our border security measures and enhance coordination and address... ...and authorities
• HB 160 seeks to codify this authority and enable Texas to coordinate directly with Mexican officials.
• authorities to implement these agreements.

Bills: HCR98, HB180

Keywords: counter-unmanned aircraft systems, C-UAS, counter-drone, drone mitigation, unmanned aircraft systems, UAS, border security, U.S.-Mexico border, aviation safety, airspace regulation, federal preemption, Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, FBI, state-local coordination, tribal and territorial partners, border patrol, cartels

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security met with a quorum present and first took up HCR 98, a resolution urging Congress to improve coordination among federal, state, and local authorities on counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology for border security. The author and sponsor described increasing drone activity along the border, saying unauthorized drones are used to track agents, identify weaknesses, and smuggle contraband, and argued for clearer procedures to detect, identify, and neutralize such aircraft. There was no public testimony, and the committee voted 4-0 to report HCR 98 favorably to the full Senate; the resolution was also ordered for local and uncontested calendar placement without objection. The committee then heard HB 180, sponsored by Chairman Birdwell, which would authorize the governor to coordinate directly with Mexican officials and individual Mexican states on border security agreements and appoint representatives to implement them. Birdwell said the bill would codify prior border-security cooperation efforts, improve responses to cross-border challenges such as drug and human trafficking, and include a finding that entrants from foreign countries must use a legal port of entry. No questions were asked, and there was no invited or public testimony. After the hearing, the committee left HB 180 pending. The meeting concluded with no further business and the committee standing in recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Being a member of the governor's cabinet, that will be set by the governor.
• Governor, and as far as your question regarding whether the bill specifies that this person has to be
• Both the commissioner and the board have decision-making authority, and we cannot have it competing.
• come back with scars and wounds, but they go on to do great things, including becoming the elected governor

Bills: SB67, HB295, SB104

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion