Transcript Highlights:

• The JLARC review assesses the program's effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with legislative intent
• understand and appreciate the intent behind this, particularly the desire to use staff, time, and resources
• as efficiently as possible.
• They allow pharmacists and prescribers to work together efficiently and safely to manage patient care
• Fourth, the location of an archaeological site or resource disclosed to the Department of Archaeology

Bills: HB2176, HB2244, HB2120, HB2333

Keywords: drug therapy, public records, confidentiality, healthcare, collaborative practice, transparency, accountability, exemptions, government accountability, audit, legislative review, resource efficiency, committee work, political violence, elected officials, election officials, criminal justice, protection, safety, threats

Transcript Highlights:

• Hunter is here as a resource witness from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
• And we have a resource witness. Thank you, Chairman. Any questions?
• I'm here as a resource witness testifying on the bill.
• We have a resource witness from TWC and the OAG.
• Health care entities and workforce boards will create a resource guide.

Bills: HB2564, HB2760, HB2765, HB2898, HB3260, HB3800, HB4341, HB4396, HB5195

Keywords: Defense Economic Adjustment, grant applications, economic assistance, local government, Evaluation panel, judicial review, Texas Workforce Commission, unemployment compensation, legal proceedings, labor law, rural development, infrastructure, Texas economic fund, private investment, job creation, meteorological evaluation towers, wind resources, aviation safety, regulations, construction notice

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a good government efficiency bill to remove the requirement that JLARC provide two reports to
• This will free up staff time and ensure that they can use their time and energy and resources on reports
• that are absolutely integral to the success of Washington. ...use their time and energy on resources
• So it just basically makes our operation more efficient and more effective.
• Wouldn't it be more efficient just to get rid of the plan altogether and leave the agency broad discretion

Bills: HB2205, HB2309, HB2206, HB2123, HB2120, HB2411

Keywords: sports wagering, gambling regulation, state control, licensing, consumer protection, state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• “Members, we’ve got a couple of resource witnesses.
• If you had the, if the Water Development Board had the resources to put up a web portal facing resource
• Members, we do have resource witnesses from TCEQ.
• Members, we do have resource witnesses from TCEQ.
• Members, we do have resource witnesses from TCEQ.

Bills: HB24, HB27

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Summary: The committee met to hear House Bills 27 and 24 on groundwater issues in East Texas, with members and witnesses focusing on a proposed large-volume groundwater export project and the need for more science before major permitting decisions are made. HB 27, which was within the special session call, would direct the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a hydrogeologic study of the aquifers in the affected area and temporarily pause new export permits while the study is underway. HB 24, a separate bill that would limit certain production and export permits to 5% of modeled available groundwater, was laid out but the chair said it would not be moved out of committee. Testimony on HB 27 was largely supportive, though some witnesses were neutral. Supporters, including representatives from a water supply corporation, the Trinity River Authority, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said the region lacks enough hydrologic data, that the proposed pumping could affect private wells, surface water, and local economies, and that the state needs better information on sustainable yield and groundwater-surface water interaction. Several witnesses emphasized that groundwater conservation districts need clearer tools and better data, while also noting concerns about property rights and the rule of capture. Committee members discussed the scale of the proposed project, the absence of a groundwater conservation district in Houston County, and the possibility that the study should examine desired future conditions and maximum sustainable pumping rather than only modeled available groundwater. The committee adopted the committee substitute for HB 27 and voted it out favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass, be printed, and be sent to the Committee on Calendars. The roll call was unanimous, 11 ayes and 0 nays. After the vote, members briefly reflected on the complexity of the issue and the need to continue working on broader groundwater policy in the interim and next session. HB 24 was discussed later in the meeting, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to include within its petition to TCEQ a plan for conservation of the district's proposed water resources
• Those are things that can be done most efficiently at the time of design and construction.
• We are doing all we can to protect that valuable resource that we have in the state, uh, is important
• little bit of rulemaking to set this up, but they believe they can do that within their existing resources
• still, uh, Chairman Gates, Vice Chairman Lalani, and members of the House Committee on Land and Resource

Bills: HB24

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Transcript Highlights:

• Resource management will come to order. The clerk will call the roll. Chairman Gates.
• Hearing none, the chair moves to adjourn the Committee on Land and Resource Management.

Bills: HB24

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Natural Resources will come to order. The clerk will call the roll. Mr. Harris?
• We'll be glad to provide whatever resources we can. I have technical experts.
• Ownership of it appropriately as the landowner's resource is crucial.
• If the Water Development Board had the resources to put up a water pervader facing, A resource for them
• Would anyone like to hear from those resource witnesses?

Bills: HB24, HB27, HB24, HB27

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Resources will come to order.
• Chair, my understanding from the districts that I have that employ folks directly as school resource
• to do it, those resources need to be directed at services.
• This is dealing with our state agencies and those different funds and resources that they're using as
• It's saying state resources and state dollars shall not be attributed to it.

Bills: HB3415, HB2206, HB3414, HB3265, HB3310, HB3413, HB4486, HB1219

Keywords: state government, vendor contracts, subcontracting, public database, contract assessment, transparency, retirement, law enforcement, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, school resource officers, public safety, public finance, contract management, service-driven contracts, state accounting, intangible assets, Oklahoma Police Pension, disability benefits, mental health, retirement system

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Resources met with a quorum and first took up two executive nominations for Ben Lepak, one to serve as Secretary of State and one to serve in the governor’s cabinet. Lepak described the Secretary of State office’s work on business filings, recordkeeping, and initiative petitions, and said the office’s career staff handled those duties well. Senators asked about fairness in the initiative petition process and administrative rules; Lepak emphasized transparency and ministerial, nonpolitical administration. Both nominations advanced on 8-0 votes. The committee then considered several House bills tied largely to government transparency and purchasing oversight. House Bill 3415 would require state entities to report contracts and subcontractors, include performance metrics, publicly post contracts and assessments, and document consultant outcomes; it passed 8-0 despite concerns about a $2 million fiscal impact and added OMES workload. House Bill 3414 would require OMES to identify whether contracts are service-based and create a digital warehouse for intangible assets; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3310 would authorize OMES payment-procedure rules, require invoice legitimacy checks and a 60-day payment window, and create compliance reporting with possible budget recommendations for noncompliance; it passed 7-0 after questions about appeals and penalties. House Bill 3413, requiring agencies to include more detail on contractors and consultants in annual budget submissions, also passed 7-0. The committee also approved House Bill 2206, which moves new school resource officers into a law-enforcement retirement system rather than teacher retirement, with testimony that it would help recruit officers and would apply only to new hires; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3265, which expands who can make PTSD disability determinations for first responders to include psychologists and certain licensed mental health professionals, passed 7-0 after discussion of psychiatrist shortages and concerns about diagnostic standards. House Bill 4486, authorizing a Gold Star monument at the Capitol funded by private donations, passed 7-0. Finally, House Bill 1219, barring state agencies and schools from using state funds or resources to promote LGBTQ or Pride Month events or fly the Pride flag, generated extensive debate over its impact on outreach, public health, education, and LGBTQ Oklahomans; it passed 5-2 and the committee adjourned with notice of a larger agenda the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, of course, the refinement of those technical resources.
• And then, of course, the refinement of those technical resources.
• Updating the DNR resource inventory would support our long-term planning.
• Updating the DNR resource inventory would support our long-term planning.
• We talk about exhausting resources; oftentimes the resources are exhausted, but it is covered up.

Bills: HF4807

Keywords: overweight vehicles, aggregate mining, local ordinance restrictions, legislative audit, transportation, resource inventory, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Resources will come to order.
• to do it, those resources need to be directed at services.
• This is dealing with our state agencies, the different funds and resources that they're using, as put
• This is about making sure that we stay on task, even in our schools, to make sure that our resources
• It's saying state resources and state dollars shall not be attributed to it.

Bills: HB3415, HB2206, HB3414, HB3265, HB3310, HB3413, HB4486, HB1219

Keywords: state government, vendor contracts, subcontracting, public database, contract assessment, transparency, retirement, law enforcement, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, school resource officers, public safety, public finance, contract management, service-driven contracts, state accounting, intangible assets, Oklahoma Police Pension, disability benefits, mental health, retirement system

Transcript Highlights:

• Up first is Senate Bill 20003 relating to natural resource management, which requires the auditor's report
• </c><00:24:22.400><c> in</c> try to be a little more resourceful in try to be a little more resourceful
• If there would be any resources.
• Um, but I don't think this is a solution to help make things more efficient. geographic areas.
• Um, and I'll just necessary resources.

Bills: SB2003

Keywords: Mauna Kea, land management, University of Hawaii, astronomical observatories, leasable lands, natural resource management, stewardship authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict. Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose. The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1. The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:37.200><c> in</c> Uh Darren Learner, Water Resources in Uh Darren Learner, Water Resources
• </c> lowering it's an energy efficiency lowering it's an energy efficiency measure,<01:00:04.240><c>
• Like if you're what do cost efficiency.
• So, this has the climate to resources.
• </c><01:09:17.839><c> website</c> kind of catchall resource website kind of catchall resource website

Bills: HB2245, HB1618, HB1985, HB2079, HB1921, HB2232, HB1567, HB1984, HB2608, HB2435, HB1623, HB1774

Keywords: wastewater systems, denitrification, environment, pollution, coral reefs, nearshore waters, public health, shoreline regulations, cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, wastewater, and clean water protections. On HB 2245, which would require additional denitrification capacity in wastewater systems near shorelines, the Department of Health offered comments, DLNR supported the bill, and multiple environmental and ocean groups testified in strong support, emphasizing nitrogen pollution from cesspools, reef damage, and the need to prioritize shoreline systems. Testifiers said the bill should move forward, with technical issues such as GIS mapping to be worked out later. No member questions or votes were taken on this measure. On HB 1985, concerning the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and accessible conversion loans for cesspool homeowners, HGI supported the bill and suggested making the program a revolving loan fund; DLNR and the Public Utilities Commission also supported it, while the Department of Health supported the concept. Committee discussion focused on program design, possible forgivable loans for low-income homeowners, and whether the program should be administered through existing infrastructure rather than a new procurement process. The committee then moved to HB 1985’s companion discussion on cesspool conversion outreach and deadline extensions, where DLNR and DOH supported outreach but DLNR and ocean advocates expressed reservations about extending deadlines, especially for financial hardship, saying that issue would need careful work. The committee also heard testimony on HB 2079, which would reestablish the accessible upgrades inversion or connection income tax credit. The Department of Taxation raised administrative and fraud concerns about refundable credits, explaining that nonrefundable credits reduce tax debt while refundable credits can function like cash payments and require more oversight. DOH, DLNR, OPSD, counties, Hawaii Realtors, and environmental groups supported the bill, with one ocean coalition witness saying tax credits could help homeowners but grants would be preferable. Members asked about the difference between refundable credits and grants and about whether the credit would cover sewer connections versus individual wastewater systems. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 1921, allowing certain priority-three cesspools to add a bedroom, with support from Hawaii Realtors and some other groups and no opposition discussion. HB 2232, preserving state water-quality protections at least as strong as the federal Clean Water Act, drew support from DOH and ocean advocates, with no questions. The committee also began hearing energy-related bills, including HB 1567 on energy equity and HB 1984 on self-certification for distributed energy resources, with a mix of support and some opposition or requested amendments, but no votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is House Bill 2426 relating to improving efficiency and appeals to the PCHB.
• I'd like to begin by stating salmon are not optional resources.
• To reach these goals, we do need a reliable grid and accurate resource forecasting.
• To reach these goals, we do need a reliable grid and accurate resource forecasting.
• To reach these goals, we do need a reliable grid and accurate resource forecasting.

Bills: HB2338, HB2367, HB2426, HB2606

Keywords: weatherization, energy efficiency, community projects, sustainability, environment, coal-fired plant, preferential treatment, energy policy, electric generation, regulatory reform, pollution control, efficiency, appeals process, environmental regulation, hearing board, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, SB5808, SB5949, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675, HB2426

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, a measure to terminate and restate the LEOFF 1 pension plan and use surplus funds for other state purposes if federal approval is obtained. During debate, senators discussed whether the plan should remain funded at 110% or 120% of actuarial value, whether surplus dollars should instead go to transportation or the budget stabilization account, whether members should receive an additional distribution, and whether local governments should be reimbursed for retiree health care costs. Several amendments were offered: a Gildon amendment to raise the funding target to 120% failed; a technical Robinson amendment adding a date passed; Holy, King, Harris, Schessler, and Conway amendments addressing member distributions, transportation, budget stabilization, local government health care costs, and a reconstituted board distribution all failed; and Robinson’s amendment removing Climate Commitment Act repayment language passed. The Ways and Means striking amendment, as amended, was then adopted. On final passage, supporters argued the bill was actuarially sound, had been reviewed by attorneys, actuaries, the State Investment Board, and the Department of Retirement Systems, and would allow use of excess funding for other state needs. Opponents warned it left too little in the pension fund, should dedicate surplus dollars only to one-time uses, and did not adequately reimburse cities and counties for retiree medical obligations. After debate, the Senate passed E2SHB 2034 by a vote of 25 yeas, 22 nays, with one absent and one excused. Afterward, the Senate returned to Substitute House Bill 2178, which was also passed on final passage by a vote of 39 yeas and 9 nays, with one excused. The chamber then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, testifying on the bill as a resource witness, um.
• As the population continues to increase, maintaining the viability of our natural resources becomes more
• I also worked for the USDA Natural Resources. Service, conservation service for 35 years.
• Our agent network provides expertise in agriculture, natural resources, and community health.
• The funding was critical, well-timed, and helped us place personnel and agency resources in areas of

Bills: HB294

Keywords: energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties, sustainability, real estate

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to increase efficiency. code. It's going to increase efficiency.
• efficiency standard that would lead to a less energy efficient code.
• Um we're also energy efficient code.
• </c> with a higher uh local energy efficiency with a higher uh local energy efficiency in<00:41:24.640
• </c> simplifying and making it more efficient simplifying and making it more efficient for<00:52:37.839

Bills: HF3545, HF4004

Keywords: energy efficiency, construction standards, building codes, environment, sustainability, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• previously that's relating to the model training curriculum for school district peace officers and school resource
• Secondly, directs Coordinating Board and TEA to identify current educational laboratory resources and
• how to create partnerships, incentives, or funding mechanisms that facilitate the sharing of lab resources

Bills: HB178

Keywords: efficiency audit, political subdivision, tax rate, fiscal management, government accountability

Bills: HM64, HM65

Keywords: capital outlay, Indian nations, tribes, technical assistance, state funding, resource allocation, firearm safety, public health, task force, violence prevention, alcohol misuse, legislation, 996, all

Keywords: Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency - Room 210, 19 March, 2026; 1:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does it have anything to do with water resources?
• >> I believe that it is for energy resources, is the way they describe it.
• resources? resources?
• </c> energy resources energy resources is<00:26:08.040><c> is</c><00:26:08.320><c> is</c><00:26:08.480
• </c> that resource, correct? that resource, correct?

Keywords: Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency - Room 210, 3 March, 2026; 2:30 P.M., 925, all