Transcript Highlights:

• Examination pass rate below 80% and expedite approval of new nursing education program applications
• The NCLEX pass rate Tim talked about: they insist on 80% on the first try.
• That shows all of the changes we're making to the NCLEX pass rate metrics, to qualifications for nurse
• And that House Bill 2422 be passed out of committee with a due pass recommendation.
• Keaton votes, may, do not pass. Rep Keaton votes, nay, do not pass. Rep Levitt.

Bills: HB2498, HB2443, HB2567, HB2363, HB2422

Keywords: nursing education, nursing program standards, board of nursing, state board, national accreditation, accreditation body, nursing school, nurse educator, clinical simulation, simulation director, lead nurse educator, NCLEX, licensure exam pass rate, corrective action plan, technical assistance, higher education, program approval, Washington RCW, professional development, nursing licensure

Summary: The committee held courtesy hearings on three bills before moving to executive action on two unrelated measures. House Bill 2443 would create an Armed Forces Reserve post-secondary education grant. Staff explained the bill as written would apply to Army Reserve members and their spouses/dependents, with eligibility tied to Washington domicile or stationing, enrollment in an in-state postsecondary program, and a service obligation or repayment requirement. Rep. DeFoe said the intent was to extend educational support to reservists similar to benefits already available to Washington National Guard members. A reserve ambassador testified in support, emphasizing the role of reserve components in state and national security and disaster response. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. House Bill 2567 would restore Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award levels for students attending four-year private, not-for-profit institutions. The sponsor, Rep. Street, said the Legislature had made a budget-driven cut last session and should reinstate the aid as soon as possible. Students and representatives from private colleges testified that the cuts would reduce access, increase debt, and disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, and students of color; supporters also argued the aid helps students stay in Washington and supports workforce needs, including health care. Public university faculty and some others opposed the bill, arguing state funds should prioritize public institutions and that public higher education has also faced cuts. The committee heard extensive testimony but took no action on the bill in the hearing. House Bill 2498 would change nursing education standards by limiting the Board of Nursing’s authority where programs are nationally accredited, requiring technical assistance for low NCLEX pass rates, and expediting approval for certain programs. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce barriers, address perceived overreach by the board, and improve diversity and workforce supply in nursing. Community college leaders and some nursing educators supported the bill, saying current rules create unnecessary delays and hinder expansion, especially in rural areas. The Board of Nursing, nursing education groups, hospitals, clinical placement organizations, and other nurses opposed it, arguing state oversight is needed for patient safety, local workforce needs, and consistent standards; several said the board is already revising its rules through the existing WAC process. After the public hearings, the committee went into executive session and passed Substitute House Bill 2363 and Substitute House Bill 2422 out of committee with do-pass recommendations, each after adopting amendments that delayed implementation dates. The vote on 2422 was 9-7, with one excused member.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have a due pass and a second. Will there be discussion or debate, chair? I see none.
• I have a due pass, and that is a second. Will there be Discussion or debate, seeing none.
• Having her do pass, then a second. Will there be discussion or debate? Chair sees none.
• the exam while it's fresh on our mind.
• Right, members, before I pass this over.

Bills: HB3783, HB2955, HB3802, HB4488, HB2471, HB3781, HB3127

Keywords: HB3783, plumbing apprentice, endorsed apprentice, endorsed plumbing apprentice, journeyman plumber, plumbing license, Construction Industries Board, Committee of Plumbing Examiners, apprenticeship, trade license, vocational education, occupational licensing, professional licensing, Title 59, Plumbing License Law of 1955, licensure exam, journeyman examination, apprentice registration, plumbing industry regulations, administrative penalty

Bills: HF4261, HF4263, HF4264, HF4787

Keywords: natural resources, motorboat, boating safety, personal watercraft, PWC, watercraft operator permit, boater safety exam, off-road vehicle, ORV, ATV, snowmobile, state trail pass, cross-country ski pass, horse pass, state park permit, game and fish, hunting license, fishing license, wildlife permit, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I move Senate Bill 1137 do pass with a due pass recommendation.
• By your vote of seven aye, zero noes, and zero not voting, you have given Senate Bill 1137 a due pass
• Okay, Madam Chair, I move SB 1145 with a due pass recommendation.
• Madam Chair, I move Senate Bill 1128 with a due pass recommendation.
• Madam Chair, I move Senate Bill 1238 with a due pass recommendation.

Bills: SB1128, SB1137, SB1144, SB1145, SB1186, SB1235, SB1238

Keywords: scrap metal theft, study committee, Arizona, regulated industries, public safety, underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator King moves that Senate Bill 1008 do not pass, but the substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass
• Senator King moves that Senate Bill 1358 do not pass, but the substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass
• And definitely outside of a rate case, there is a rate case expense rider.
• They could do these update riders in between the rate cases, and then they would have a rate case.
• Water rate cases are not as expensive as the electric rate cases.

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness

Transcript Highlights:

• I only made the agenda. ...consecutive years immediately before applying for licensure in Florida, even
• that arbitrary timing requirement while keeping all other safeguards in place, including education, passing
• This amendment requires biosolids to be applied at or below the agronomic rate based on generally accepted
• stakeholders, we created really just closed the regulatory gap so that we say you have to do it at this rate
• We research... ...to do it at this rate.

Bills: S0204, S0540, S0772, S1294, S1474, S1504, S1708

Keywords: gaming, slot machines, veterans organizations, regulatory compliance, Florida Gaming Control Commission, declaratory statement, criminal penalties, financial regulation, vulnerable adults, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met with a quorum present and first took up confirmation votes for appointees on tabs 2 through 6, which were recommended favorably without public testimony. The committee then heard CS/SB 1474, which would direct DEP to stop issuing or reissuing permits for Class B biosolids land application when a wastewater treatment facility is reasonably accessible within 50 miles, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1708, which removes a timing requirement for veterinarians licensed in good standing elsewhere to qualify for Florida licensure; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and the ASPCA and was reported favorably. Members then considered CS/SB 204 on illegal slot machine operations. An amendment was adopted that set the baseline penalty at a second-degree misdemeanor, elevated violations involving six or more machines or repeat offenses to a third-degree felony, and made violations by a person of authority involving six or more machines or multiple prior convictions a second-degree felony. Testimony supported the bill’s effort to target larger illegal operations while protecting veterans’ organizations and other lawful users from felony exposure; the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a strike-all for CS/SB 1294 addressing Class AA biosolids, requiring agronomic-rate application, recordkeeping, IFAS guidance, and application of fertilizer-related requirements to bulk land application products, with an effective date of November 1, 2026; it was reported favorably after limited questions about oversight and IFAS’s role. Later, CS/SB 772 was heard to allow portable electronics limited licensees to sell “iware” insurance and define that term, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1504 updated pre-licensure education for the 440 customer service representative license so a high school student completing a half-credit insurance and personal finance elective can apply upon turning 18; it received supportive testimony from industry groups and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to CS/SB 540 creating cybersecurity program requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, extending oversight to certain investment advisers, clarifying emergency suspension authority for anti-money laundering violations, extending payment deadlines for examination costs, and adjusting director experience requirements for financial institutions; the bill as amended was reported favorably. Senators McClain and Truenow requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tabs 11 and 13, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• do pass and be printed.
• And definitely outside of a rate case, there is a rate case expense rider.
• And definitely outside of a rate case, there is a rate case expense rider.
• A base rate.
• that exam.

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness

Summary: The Senate Business and Commerce Committee met with a quorum and first took up pending business, voting out several bills. Senate Bills 1697, 1569, 1202 as substituted, 1029, 1364, 1185, 924, 1008 as substituted, 264, 1376, and 1358 as substituted were reported favorably, with some sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a substitute for SB 1202 and later corrected votes on several measures. SB 924 and SB 1376 drew some opposition, while the rest of the pending bills were reported without dissent or with limited nays. The committee then heard testimony on SB 1856, which would create an annual capacity-cost recovery rider for Entergy Texas customers in the MISO region. The author and Entergy argued the bill would better match rates to actual capacity costs and improve transparency, while the Texas Association of Manufacturers and the Public Utility Commission raised concerns about the short 10-day review period, rider proliferation, and the preference for full rate cases over piecemeal adjustments. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 522 on CPA reciprocity, SB 1664 requiring TDUs to provide clearer, standalone rate-change disclosures, SB 1877 expanding OPUC’s access to market data, SB 1254 and SB 1255 as TDLR cleanup bills on professional employer organizations and mold assessors, SB 1341 updating manufactured housing rules, SB 1239 on sovereign debt and Texas governing law, and SB 1259 streamlining the surveyor-in-training licensing process. Additional bills discussed included SB 1977, which would cap recoverable legal expenses in electric, water, and sewer rate cases; OPUC and some consumer advocates supported the idea as a way to reduce ratepayer costs, while utility representatives warned it could discourage participation and increase rate shock. The committee also heard SB 1762 clarifying that geothermal energy conservation wells are not battery resources, and SB 783 allowing SECO to proceed with future energy-code rulemaking for state-funded buildings. Both drew supportive testimony from industry and environmental groups. All remaining bills heard during the meeting were left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Consecutive years immediately before applying for licensure in Florida, even if the veterinarian is licensed
• that arbitrary timing requirement while keeping all other safeguards in place, including education, passing
• This amendment requires biosolids to be applied at or below the agronomic rate based on generally accepted
• stakeholders, we created really just closed the regulatory gap so that we say you have to do it at this rate
• We research... ...to do it at this rate.

Bills: S0204, S0540, S0772, S1294, S1474, S1504, S1708

Keywords: gaming, slot machines, veterans organizations, regulatory compliance, Florida Gaming Control Commission, declaratory statement, criminal penalties, financial regulation, vulnerable adults, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met with a quorum present and first approved a block of appointee confirmations on tabs 2 through 6 without public testimony. The committee then took up several bills, beginning with CS/SB 1474, which would direct DEP to stop issuing or reissuing permits for Class B biosolids land application when a wastewater treatment facility is reasonably accessible within 50 miles, requiring higher-level treatment of biosolids and septage. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard and approved SB 1708, which removes a timing requirement for veterinarian licensure by endorsement while keeping other competency safeguards in place; testimony in support came from Americans for Prosperity and the ASPCA, and the bill was reported favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 204 on illegal slot machine operations. The bill increases penalties and creates a process for veteran service organizations to seek binding declaratory statements from the Gaming Commission about whether a machine is lawful. An amendment was adopted that set a second-degree misdemeanor baseline, with felony penalties for larger-scale or repeat violations, including higher penalties for persons of authority and for violations involving six or more machines. Support testimony came from the Gaming Commission, Florida Moose, and the Amusement Machine Association, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee also approved a strike-all for CS/SB 1294 addressing oversight of bulk Class AA biosolids, requiring application at agronomic rates, recordkeeping, IFAS guidance, and application of fertilizer-related requirements to biosolids marketed or distributed for land application; the bill was reported favorably after debate about implementation and regulatory gaps. CS/SB 772, allowing portable electronics limited agent licensees to sell eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504, updating pre-licensure education for a customer service representative license to allow certain high school coursework to qualify applicants once they turn 18, were both reported favorably with support testimony. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all for CS/SB 540, which creates cybersecurity program requirements for certain mortgage and money service businesses, expands oversight of some investment advisers, clarifies emergency suspension authority for anti-money laundering violations, adjusts payment deadlines for examination costs, and changes director experience requirements for chartered financial institutions; the bill was reported favorably. Senators McClain and Truenow requested to be recorded in the affirmative on tabs 11 and 13, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2401 is declared passed.
• Senate Bill 2402 is declared passed.
• Was it due to interest rates?
• Senate Bill 2403 is declared passed.
• Senate Bill 2404 is declared passed. The House will now be on the Fourth Order of Business.

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several rural health-related bills. Senate Bill 2401, as amended, required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and also added language allowing criminal history background checks for the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Supporters emphasized the role of nutrition in reducing chronic disease, and the bill passed 92-0. The House then considered Senate Bill 2402, which expanded pharmacists’ limited prescriptive and therapeutic substitution authority for certain low-acuity conditions and clarified related lab-test and communication requirements. Members discussed examples such as motion sickness, cold sores, lice, hypoglycemia, COVID and flu testing, emergency access to medications and supplies, and limits excluding certain drug classes; the bill passed 91-1. Senate Bill 2403 created a temporary medical facility emergency operating loan option through the Bank of North Dakota for qualifying rural hospitals facing severe financial distress, with extensive debate over the targeted nature of the aid, anti-gifting concerns, repayment terms, and the hospital’s turnaround plan; it passed 80-12. Senate Bill 2404 appropriated funds for NDIT to address federal digital accessibility requirements and for the Public Service Commission’s litigation efforts related to transmission costs, with a backup loan authorization available if needed; it passed 92-0. At the close of the session, leaders thanked members and staff for their work on the rural health transformation package, a committee notified the Governor and the Senate that the House had completed its business, absent members were excused, and the House adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the majority of the rules amendments mirror those that have been passed during previous special sessions
• Those that have been passed during previous special sessions, and what they do is expedite floor procedures
• a majority vote of the joint committee members from each chamber is required for the committee to pass
• report is issued first to the chamber of introduction and then to the second chamber if the bill passes

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the reading of communications from the Secretary of State and Governor Kelly Armstrong certifying the special session call. The governor’s executive order said the session was called to act on funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program so the state could accept and appropriate federal funds and avoid interruptions to government services. Three new members, Representatives McNally, Scraw, and Timmons, were sworn in, and the roll showed 91 members present, establishing a quorum. The main business was a Rules Committee report outlining temporary special-session rules. The changes were designed to speed up floor action, including allowing second reading the same day a bill is reported from committee, final passage one day after first reading, and immediate transmission to the other chamber unless reconsideration is noticed. The report also replaced the regular standing committee structure with two joint committees: Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy, allowed remote testimony and remote member participation with approval, and limited bill introduction to Legislative Management-approved bills or bills approved by a two-thirds vote. Several deadline changes for resolutions and bill filing were also described, with some provisions delayed until the special session ends. The House adopted the Rules Committee report after a motion by Representative Bosch and no opposition. During announcements, the clerk listed the membership of the Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy committees, and the Highway Patrol announced safety sessions for legislators in the Rough Rider Room at 11 a.m. that day and the next day. The House then recessed until the joint session scheduled for 10 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So is the budget still balanced if the bill does not pass?
• The budget would have a gap if this bill does not pass.
• It's not necessarily an exemption from fair share; it's called the PTE, the pass-through entity.
• The other thing with slot parlors or casinos—I know that the law that was passed, they could have, and
• To be fair, part of it's due to interest rates, but, you know, as of last...

Bills: H4975

Keywords: federal tax changes, OBBBA, revenue impact, pass-through entities, state budget, tax relief, high-income earners, opportunity zones, 1212, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on H. 4975, Governor Healey’s bill to manage the impact of federal tax changes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) on Massachusetts revenues. Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorowitz said the federal law would otherwise reduce FY26 revenue by about $442 million and argued the bill takes a phased approach: immediately conforming to the research and experimental deduction, later phasing in other business tax provisions, extending the pass-through entity excise to income subject to the 4% surtax, delaying large federal tax changes over a $20 million threshold, limiting opportunity zone benefits to Massachusetts investments, adjusting PFML-related tax treatment, and aligning casino reporting thresholds. He said the proposal would protect the current-year budget while preserving competitiveness and that the administration had consulted both business and labor stakeholders. Committee members questioned the administration about why it chose phased conformity rather than full decoupling, the effect on the budget if the bill does not pass, and the rationale for the pass-through entity and opportunity zone provisions. Gorowitz said the budget assumes the bill will pass and would face a gap without it, and he emphasized that the PTE change would not reduce surtax collections. He also said the administration’s concern was balancing fiscal stability with support for sectors such as research, manufacturing, and capital-intensive businesses. On PFML, administration staff explained that the bill’s statutory and administrative changes would be cost-neutral for employers and employees when paired together. Several witnesses urged the committee to go further and permanently decouple Massachusetts from the federal corporate tax changes rather than delay them. MassBudget’s Phineas Baxendall, Progressive Massachusetts’ Jonathan Cohn, and CBPP’s Don Griswold argued that automatic conformity has previously caused revenue losses and that the state should opt out entirely of the five costliest OB3 provisions. Labor and public-sector advocates, including leaders from the Massachusetts Teachers Association, AFT Massachusetts, SEIU 509, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, and building trades unions, said the federal law will worsen budget pressures, harm schools, health care, human services, and construction employment, and shift costs onto working families. They called for permanent decoupling and warned that the bill’s corporate tax benefits would subsidize investments outside Massachusetts. Unite Here Local 26 also testified in opposition to sections 3 and 4, which would raise the slot-machine jackpot reporting threshold from $1,200 to $2,000, arguing the current threshold helps with problem-gaming intervention, preserves union jobs, and generates revenue. The committee also heard support for maintaining conformity to the R&E deduction from the Massachusetts Society of CPAs, which said the provision is important for the state’s innovation economy. No votes or final actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's the recidivism rate for prisoners coming out of our institution that go through the program?
• Department of Education had a very short window of time to implement the legislation once it was passed
• For one of the programs, they had a 97% completion rate, meaning they served.
• I want y'all to pass the word on to the other legislators.
• Senate Bill 95 is the companion bill to House Bill 160 that Representative Lee Black passed out of the

Bills: SB197, HB140, SB214, HB214, HB147, HB270, SB73

Keywords: business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, HB140, private sewer systems, wastewater utilities, Public Service Commission, PSC jurisdiction, utility regulation, rate setting, rate consolidation, affiliated systems, common ownership, private utilities, sewer rates

Transcript Highlights:

• We're capping the interest rate at 3% for medical debt.
• So basically, members, what we're doing is we're just capping the interest rate on medical debt at 3%
• The interest rate on medical debt is capped at 3%, which is similar to what other states have done.
• And I would also say, traditionally, we don't pass duplicate bills. We have one bill that we pass.
• And I would also say, traditionally, we don't pass duplicate bills. We have one bill that we pass.

Bills: SB147, SB414, HB220, HB750, HB799, HB827, HB952, HB953

Keywords: roof standards, construction code, residential property, fortified roofs, insurance, medical debt, interest rate, healthcare services, consumer protection, debt collection, Louisiana Medical Debt Protection Act, child exploitation, online reporting, platforms, cyber crime, PROTECT Act, automatic renewal, cancellation policy, subscription service, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's no further discussion, I move a do pass on House Bill 1404. Okay.
• House Bill 1404 has passed. House Bill 1404 has passed. Thank you, Senator Axtman, will carry.
• The amendment has passed. We have six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting.
• The amendment has passed, so we now have the amended House Bill 1363 before us.
• Chairman, I'd move a do pass as amended. Hearing none, Mr. Chairman, I'd move a do pass as amended.

Bills: HB1404

Keywords: HB 1404, North Dakota scholarship, scholarship eligibility, student aid, high school graduation, college readiness, career readiness, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, advanced placement, AP exam, International Baccalaureate, IB exam, ACT, SAT, WorkKeys, ASVAB, JROTC, Civil Air Patrol

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with six members present and first took up House Bill 1404, which would update North Dakota scholarship eligibility language by allowing the NDA Plus assessment to be used in place of ACT scores in certain pathways. The Department of Public Instruction explained that the bill does not eliminate the ACT entirely, but removes outdated references tied to ACT accountability testing that will no longer apply after this year’s seniors graduate. Members discussed how the change affects public and nonpublic schools, then voted 6-0 to give HB 1404 a do pass recommendation. The committee then returned to House Bill 1363, a bill dealing with school emergency response planning and automatic external defibrillators. Members adopted an amendment clarifying that the requirements apply to school-owned facilities and grounds, replacing language about school events and venues, and revising the planning language for school-based events not held on school-owned property. The committee also debated whether the bill should be mandatory or permissive; a motion to change “shall” to “may” failed, with members noting the bill’s liability protections. The committee then voted 5-1 to pass HB 1363 as amended, with Senator Gerhardt carrying the bill. Before recessing, the chair noted that House Bill 1533 would be taken up later in the day after additional information from DPI was received.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2019, the legislature passed Senate Bill 2, which reformed the property tax appraisal rate-setting
• Excuse me, the old rollback rate, but now we call it the voter-approved rate.
• tax rates at the voter-approval tax rate, and how often voters have approved tax rates in excess of
• rate, and 19% of cities approved by voters tax rates above the voter-approval rate.
• It passed 51-49.

Bills: SB9

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear Senate Bill 9, which would lower the voter-approval tax rate for certain local taxing units from 3.5% to 2.5%. Sen. Bettencourt, the bill author, argued the change would continue the state’s property tax reforms begun in 2019, slow local levy growth, and give voters more say over larger tax increases. He and supporters cited data showing property tax levies have grown faster than population plus inflation, and said the bill would help protect taxpayers while preserving the state’s broader investments in school tax relief, water, rural law enforcement, and ambulance funding. Supporters included the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers. They said the bill would improve transparency, encourage more disciplined budgeting, and create certainty for homeowners and businesses. They argued that lower tax-rate growth would help attract and retain employers and investment, and that voters would still be able to approve higher rates when needed. Local officials and other opponents said the bill would constrain cities and counties facing rapid growth, inflation, infrastructure needs, and public safety costs. Testimony from county judges, city finance officials, firefighters, and urban county representatives emphasized pressures from jail operations, roads, water, EMS, police and fire staffing, and unfunded mandates. Several witnesses asked for carve-outs or exemptions for public safety and disaster-related costs, warning that a one-size-fits-all cap could force service cuts or shift costs elsewhere. The committee heard extensive questioning but no final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the tax rates.
• tax rate.
• dissatisfied with your rate.
• For instance, you can't simply shop for another rate; it's the same rate.
• We need the bill passed, pending, and passed. A gavel. Thank you, Senator Nichols.

Bills: SB458, SB819, SB1238, SB1642, SB1643, SB1644, SB1791, SB1810, SB1824, SB1825, SB758, SB1455, SB1706

Keywords: insurance appraisal, property insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, residential property, disputed loss, loss valuation, appraisal clause, appraiser, umpire, Texas Department of Insurance, TDI, insurance dispute resolution, claims adjustment, total loss, windstorm insurance, FAIR Plan, surplus lines insurance, policyholder, insurer

Transcript Highlights:

• the Texas Municipal retirement System with greater flexibility in determining employee contribution rates
• Under current law, a city may set member contribution rates at 5%, 6%, or 7% of employee compensation
• It does not mandate an increase in contribution rates.
• Municipalities that adopted different contribution rates for different departments prior to September
• These clarifications, um, they, uh, on this commission was passed last year would help maintain.

Bills: HB104

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• A $5 billion investment at that rate earns about $210 million a year.
• Their average rate of return has been 8%.
• It doesn't pass the smell test. And while I've certainly not.
• What's the, what's the rate of return on that?
• Members, this is legislation that is required that we pass each session.

Bills: HB104

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• the CPA exam.
• Do you pass and second? Is there a debate? See no debate.
• Do pass. And a second. Will there be debate? See no debate.
• Madam Chair, I declare your bill to pass. Thank you.
• Move to do pass. Yield for questions. Will there be questions? Do pass.

Bills: HB3239, HB4317, HB4321, HB4322, HB3832, HB3673, HB3783, HB3800, HB2956, HB3960, HB2471, HB3338

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, elevator safety, inspections, Department of Labor, safety standards, regulatory compliance, funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer

Transcript Highlights:

• the CPA exam.
• Do pass and second. Will there be debate?
• Do pass and second. Will there be debate?
• Do pass. Second. Will there be debate? See no debate? Please open the... Do pass? Second. A second.
• Madam Chair, I declare your bill to pass. Thank you. I declare your bill to pass. Thank you.

Bills: HB3239, HB4317, HB4321, HB4322, HB3832, HB3673, HB3783, HB3800, HB2956, HB3960, HB2471, HB3338

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, elevator safety, inspections, Department of Labor, safety standards, regulatory compliance, funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer

Summary: The committee considered and advanced a series of occupational licensing, workforce, and regulatory bills, often after adopting proposed committee substitutes (PCSs) and, in some cases, live amendments. House Bill 437 updated CPA licensure pathways to align with the 2025 Uniform Accountancy Act and passed 6-0-9. House Bill 4321 added a restriction on the Department of Labor retroactively applying new rules to existing structures absent written findings of obvious safety hazards, and passed 6-0-9. House Bill 4322 removed the requirement that a funeral director in charge also hold an embalmer license, with supporters saying it would help rural funeral homes and opponents raising concerns about embalming coverage; it passed 7-1-1. House Bill 3783, a constituent-request bill for career tech/CIB testing changes in the plumbing field, was discussed as a work in progress to clarify experience-hour requirements and passed 8-0-2. House Bill 2956 made cleanup changes related to the Appraisers Board after a federal audit and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 2471 expanded and adjusted the Oklahoma Workforce Commission’s membership and quorum rules and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 3239 updated the Veterinary Practice Act and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 3673 allowed journeymen and contractors to renew expired licenses without reexamination if they meet fee, education, and disciplinary requirements, and passed 9-0-0-8. House Bill 3338, a constituent-request bill regulating the pool industry to address bad actors, also passed after adoption of a PCS, with the Attorney General reviewing the issue. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 3960, which would have required larger grocery stores and drugstores to employ more workers relative to self-checkout kiosks in an effort to increase staffing and reduce retail theft. Supporters framed it as a workforce and anti-theft measure, but the bill failed on a 2-6 vote. House Bill 3832 drew substantial discussion about human trafficking in exotic entertainment establishments; the sponsor explained that the bill was intended to require photo identification rather than lower the age threshold, so law enforcement could more quickly identify workers and shut down trafficking operations. Members asked about the practical effect of the proposal and related enforcement concerns, and the bill passed after the sponsor clarified the PCS was still being finalized. The committee then adjourned after the final bill was handled.