Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature in Texas provides a vast amount of support. to its veterans in the state of Texas through
• And so we oversee, train, and provide support to 66 veteran peer coordinators in the local mental health
• This change support, it supports the street lane internal management and alliance veteran services with
• It's more than a clinic and it's space for veterans and their families feel understood and supported.
• Veteran on the Veterans Affairs Committee in the Senate.

Bills: SB651, SB897, SB1814, SB1818

Keywords: SB 651, Texas Government Code, Section 434.032, veterans county service office, county veterans services, commissioners court, county executive official, county administration, local government, veterans affairs, veterans benefits, county oversight, reporting structure, public administration, large counties, population 200,000 or more, mental health, veterans, community support, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Wednesday, February 4th meeting of the Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans
• Once we have that expertise on board, we're asking them to support our subgrantees, to offer guidance
• I ask you to support this bill. Representative Volz, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, and I hope that you join me in supporting this joint memorial.
• arbitrary 20-year rule around something that affects a good number of veterans.

Bills: HB2684, HJM4012

Keywords: social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs, 904, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update from the Department of Commerce’s new state broadband director on Washington’s BEAD broadband program and permitting plans. He said Washington’s final BEAD proposal, submitted to NTIA in September and resubmitted in January after roughly 25 rounds of federal revisions, is still awaiting approval. He explained that the federal program now prioritizes lower-cost technologies more than fiber, and that Washington’s preliminary awards would connect about 166,000 homes and small businesses with roughly 35% fiber, 38% fixed wireless, and 27% low-earth-orbit satellite. He also described the state’s permitting strategy, including a goal of issuing broadband permits within 90 days, use of permitting roundtables, and hiring NEPA expertise to speed environmental and historic review while coordinating with state, local, federal, and tribal partners. Members asked about the relationship between NEPA and SEPA, how the federal funding total changed from earlier expectations, the long-term costs and durability of fiber versus fixed wireless and satellite, and whether broadband permitting lessons could inform other infrastructure work such as transmission. The witness said NEPA can function as an umbrella for other environmental reviews, that the federal allocation has not been rescinded but only a portion is currently available for deployment, and that fiber is the most durable long-term investment even though it is more expensive up front. Members also discussed how density affects the feasibility of fiber deployment, with the witness noting that remote areas become exponentially more expensive to serve. The committee then considered House Bill 2684, which would add Middle Eastern and North African groups to the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises’ socially disadvantaged certification framework. Five proposed amendments were debated, but none were adopted. The amendments would have narrowed the rebuttable presumption by requiring findings of current discrimination, required disaggregated subgroup data analysis, tied the rules to the state constitution, and required consistency with federal law and Attorney General review. After debate, the bill passed the committee on a 7-4 vote with two excused, and was reported out with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee unanimously approved House Joint Memorial 4012, which urges Congress to address the 20-year rule affecting certain combat-injured veterans and create parity in recognition and benefits. The memorial was reported out with a do pass recommendation on an 11-0 vote, with two members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• So all this does is bring it down so that a disabled veteran is 50% disabled or greater can apply and
• , I wasn't a disabled veteran.
• Now I am a disabled veteran and then eventually I was hired and I utilize a similar practice.
• ,</c><00:03:50.480><c> I</c> because even though I was a veteran, I because even though I was a veteran
• </c> working with the Department of Veterans working with the Department of Veterans Affairs.<00:03:57.200

Bills: HB292, HB307, SB33, HB292, HB307, SB33

Keywords: economic development, incentives, transparency, compliance, Alabama Jobs Act, speedy trial, visiting judge, court administration, public interest, criminal justice, SB33, marriage, premarital class, conflict resolution, marriage license reform, probate judge, Administrative Office of Courts, AOC, domestic violence, intimate partner violence

Transcript Highlights:

• We have great veterans organizations in the state, and the power companies support so many of them through
• want to do anything they can to not only support our veterans and servicemen and women, as well as their
• in supporting Alabama's veterans for nearly eight decades.
• Veterans.
• So, I cannot support what you're trying to do here as you take the voices of veterans out of the services

Bills: HB154, HB153, HB180, SB70

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, governor appointment, board advisory, veteran service organizations, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, veteran service officers, district managers, state veterans home trust fund, veterans benefits, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, active-duty service members, state agency reorganization, executive authority, governance reform

Transcript Highlights:

• OMWBE supports this bill.
• And staff has a report on supporting combat-injured veterans. Go ahead, please.”
• I'm a Marine Corps veteran and Iraq War veteran and service-connected disabled veteran, though I should
• The Veterans Legislative Coalition represents over 24 different veteran organizations throughout Washington
• We honor our fallen by supporting the living veteran. Again, thank you for your support.

Bills: HB2523, HB2606, HB2684, HJM4012

Keywords: community reinvestment, housing, local funding, urban development, economic revitalization, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy, social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs

Summary: The House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee met on February 3 to take executive action on House Bill 2523, concerning the Community Reinvestment Program, and House Bill 2606, concerning performance measures and reporting for the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, and then held public hearings on House Bill 2684 and House Joint Memorial 4012. Staff briefed a proposed substitute for HB 2523 that would change how Community Reinvestment Account funds are distributed, expand Commerce’s reporting and tribal consultation duties, add Office of Equity and WSIPP responsibilities, and require more detailed plan updates and oversight. During executive session, the committee adopted Amendment 285 to require the community reinvestment plan to be updated every five years instead of every 10, but rejected amendments that would have barred recipients from other state down payment programs, restricted grants to officers and family members, required an independent third-party audit, or expanded the WSIPP study. The proposed substitute HB 2523 then passed out of committee on an 8-5 vote. HB 2606, which responds to a JLARC audit by streamlining overlapping duties among the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, the state broadband office, and the Office of Equity, was moved out of committee with a unanimous do pass recommendation. Members described it as a modest but useful efficiency measure, and the vote was 13-0. The committee then heard HB 2684, which would create rebuttable presumptions that people in 10 specified groups are socially disadvantaged for purposes of OMWBE certification. Supporters, including Middle Eastern and North African business owners, argued the bill would correct exclusion of MENA-owned firms from certification and contracting opportunities; opponents argued it would entrench identity-based classifications and raise constitutional concerns. OMWBE testified that the bill would be workable and that social disadvantage is only one factor in certification. The committee also heard HJM 4012, which asks Congress to bring the Major Richard Starr Act to a floor vote to allow combat-injured service members who retire before 20 years of service to receive both retirement pay and disability compensation. Veterans advocates strongly supported the memorial, and the committee closed the hearing without taking final action on either public-hearing item, noting both would be considered again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota has a long history of supporting these veterans and acknowledging their sacrifices.
• ATV clubs, trail groups, and veterans organizations provide support, social interaction, and a sense
• House File 1225 is a simple, common-sense way to honor and support Minnesota disabled veterans.
• I urge you to support House File 1225 and pass ATV clubs, trail groups and veterans organizations provide
• veterans.

Bills: HF1355, HF78, HF1846, HF1225

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF78, Minnesota veterans, veteran retreats, Camp Bliss, Walker, Independent Lifestyles Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs grant, general fund appropriation, family members, spouse, domestic partner, children, therapy, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry. ...Also waving in support, and Krista Stevens is also waving in support for Autism Speaks.
• It supports aging in place through care navigation, caregiver support, and demonstrated reductions in
• Zane Smith, AARP, is waving in support.
• Zane Smith, AARP, is waving in support.
• So I hope we can support that.

Bills: S1002, S1016, S1030, S1594, S1630

Keywords: child welfare, substance abuse, neglect, parental rights, drug exposure, Medicaid, disabilities, employment, healthcare access, income eligibility, veteran benefits, minor clients, financial assistance, education services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health, aging services, disability assistance, long-term care, Alzheimer's support

Summary: The committee considered several bills affecting children, disability services, aging, recovery residences, and foster youth benefits. SB 1016 codified the working people with disabilities program for Medicaid waiver recipients, with amendments removing automatic enrollment and improving information sharing between agencies; advocates testified that the program helps people with developmental disabilities work while keeping needed care, though they raised implementation and training concerns. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1002, as amended, clarified that evidence of acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect in child welfare cases and allow court intervention and treatment requirements; it was also reported favorably. SB 1594 would preserve veterans’ benefits for foster youth for postsecondary education or aftercare rather than using them as reimbursement to the agency, and it passed favorably. SB 1630 modernized aging and long-term care statutes, expanded emergency service authority, updated oversight of area agencies on aging and guardianship, and permanently established the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence; after two amendments, it was reported favorably. SB 1030, on recovery residences/substance abuse services, was amended with a substitute that narrowed transfer definitions, sped licensure for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident records; members noted it remained a work in progress, but it was reported favorably. The committee also held confirmation hearings. Robert Astellos, nominated as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, described efforts to reduce the pre-enrollment list, improve transparency and customer service, expand family involvement, and streamline agency processes; multiple advocacy groups appeared in support, and the committee recommended his confirmation. The committee then unanimously recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• good jobs to support the children.
• This bill will support them to be ready to learn. Schools want to support student well-being.
• And supporting boys and men is not in competition with supporting women and girls.
• The Veterans Legislative Coalition strongly supports and endorses House Bill 1073.
• Redmond fully supports expanding access to permanent supportive and transitional housing.

Bills: HB1316, HB2401, HB2557, HB2720, HB1073, HB2685, HB2640, HB2403

Keywords: postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, special education, parental rights, educational access, evaluation reports, disability services, behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access

Summary: The committee heard staff briefings, public testimony, and no final votes on a series of bills. On Substitute House Bill 1128, staff described a proposed second substitute creating a Child Care Workforce Standards Board at L&I with an advisory role only, along with estimated staffing and board costs; supporters said child care workers need a forum to address understaffing and wages, while opponents called the bill duplicative and costly. The committee also heard support for Second Substitute House Bill 1634, which would have OSPI and ESDs develop a technical assistance and training framework for school behavioral health supports, and Substitute House Bill 2636, which would create a public education review advisory council to recommend K-12 policies for JLARC review; staff outlined fiscal impacts for both, and no one testified on 2636. Members then heard House Bill 1316 on expanding the Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness program so multiple campuses within an institution could apply, with testimony that the current language unintentionally limits access to already appropriated funds. Substitute House Bill 2474 would expand use of the Student Achievement Council Tuition Recovery Trust Fund to cover consumer protection violations tied to private college closures and teach-out obligations, with staff noting no expected fiscal impact from the fund itself. Substitute House Bill 2365 would broaden the State Broadband Office’s digital equity duties and rename the grant program, with supporters emphasizing rural access and the loss of federal digital equity funding; staff said Commerce would bear most ongoing costs. The committee also heard House Bill 2401, creating a Washington State Boys and Men’s Commission contingent on non-state funding, with supporters saying boys and men face worsening mental health, education, and social outcomes. Substitute House Bill 2475 would require the Office of Equity to develop statewide language-access guidelines and a plan to address interpreter shortages, with staff saying the office could absorb the work but other agencies’ costs were uncertain. Substitute House Bill 2517 would give regional transit authorities more flexibility to seek permits before acquiring property for high-capacity transit projects, and Substitute House Bill 2145 would restrict manufacturers from blocking 340B drug access through contract pharmacies and add reporting requirements; testimony was sharply divided over whether the bill protects safety-net providers or increases health care costs. Finally, Second Substitute House Bill 1420 would require a textile and apparel coordinating organization and a needs assessment for a future producer responsibility program, with supporters urging a careful first step and opponents warning it presumes the outcome and adds complexity and cost.

Transcript Highlights:

• When a veteran comes in contact with MDVA staff in connection with a program like the Veteran Stable
• , it has become obvious that veterans program staff supporting at-risk veterans within the Veteran Stable
• veterans program staff obvious that veterans program staff supporting<00:03:27.280><c> atrisk</c><00
• :03:27.799><c> veterans</c><00:03:28.280><c> within</c><00:03:28.519><c> the</c> supporting atrisk veterans
• within the supporting atrisk veterans within the veteran<00:03:29.000><c> stable</c><00:03:29.319><c

Bills: HF1662, HF2115, HF2159, HF1095, HF2160

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, human services

Transcript Highlights:

• We have so many veterans that struggle, and I’ve chaired the Veterans, Defense, and Veterans Affairs
• . veterans from World War II.
• I've dealt with so many veterans, and so many veterans...
• better support for veterans. their families and ensure that those who have served our state and country
• Texas Veterans Commission.

Bills: HCR92, HB 114, HB561, HB 1171, HB1894, HB2026, HB2143, HB2337, HB2564, HB114

Keywords: Tuskegee Airmen, commemoration, African American history, civil rights, military recognition, veterans, mental health, Texas Veterans Commission, peer support, suicide prevention, community mental health, grant program, defense, grants, local government, economic support, community development, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, state land use

Bills: HB 101, HB1819, HB1875, HB1965, HB2193, HB2914, HB3248, HB3354, HB3531, HB101

Keywords: Texas State Guard, task force, professionalization, state missions, critical infrastructure, veterans, veterans' affairs, mental health, community mental health, behavioral health, grant program, matching grant, non-state match, community services, family support, county population, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC, public safety, homeland security

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm here to support House Bill 201.
• I urge you to pass this bill to support our public servants and affirm our commitment to supporting Texas
• And this is why you're in support of this bill. Absolutely. Thank you so much.
• And I'm here to express my strong support for House Bill 272.
• We thank you for your support, Chairman and members, and you have a wonderful day.

Bills: HB201, HB272

Keywords: disabled veteran, partially disabled veteran, veterans property tax exemption, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax relief, surviving spouse, appraisal district, Tax Code, local government revenue, homestead portability, service-connected disability, veteran benefits, Texas property tax, residence homestead, disability rating, disaster response, financial assistance, helicopter, municipalities

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in support of this bill.
• Members, Adrian Shelley with Public Citizen speaking in support of House Bill 235.
• We're supportive, as the Chairman explained, the bill adds civil and criminal liability for the use of
• Determine that the evidence likely to be admitted at trial will be adequate to support a finding by the
• Um, to allow the jury to hear about prior similar acts to support the child's credibility and establish

Bills: HB207, HB235

Keywords: HB 207, Texas Government Code, Section 411.201, license to carry, LTC, handgun license, concealed carry, federal judge, immigration judge, immigration court, U.S. immigration court, judicial security, firearm carry permit, Texas handgun license, federal judiciary, HB235, Texas, sales tax exemption, use tax exemption, disabled veteran

Transcript Highlights:

• VA strongly supports the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Service Members Act. of
• VA generally supports the Service Members and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act or the SAVES Act of
• On behalf of the VA and the veterans we serve, thank you for your support, and thank you again for the
• Tom, can I count on you to support the Protecting, Putting Veterans First Act?
• So these are the Rep VA Act, Vet Pact Act, which VA support. supports, and the Veterans Fraud Reimbursement

Bills: SB124, SB201, SB275, SB410, SB478, SB607, SB610, SB611, SB654, SB702, SB787, SB831, SB892

Keywords: Department of Veterans Affairs, disciplinary procedures, accountability, personnel actions, whistleblower protection, cancer, military, aircrew, veterans, health study, toxins, morbidity, mortality, service members, mental health, community care, accessibility, treatment programs, substance abuse, appointments

Summary: During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Texas, we support our veterans, and this makes it official. ...state public policy to support veteran-owned
• We strongly support initiatives that create opportunities for veteran-owned businesses and keep Texas
• Supporting veteran entrepreneurs and workers is... ...essential for maintaining Texas' position as a
• I urge your support in passing this critical legislation for veteran-owned businesses. Thank you.
• I'm a big supporter of veterans and their pursuit of businesses.

Bills: SB 390, SB 1197, SB 1271

Keywords: veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, Veteran Affairs

Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.

Transcript Highlights:

• want their money to go to the veterans, they could play the veterans game; or if they want their money
• So they can support it.
• You won't find a legislature that is more supportive of veterans, I think, than the Oklahoma Legislature
• I want to clarify, I absolutely support trying to make sure we do the right thing for our veterans, and
• I absolutely support what you're trying to do.

Bills: HJR1074, HB3501, HJR1070

Keywords: Oklahoma veterans lottery, veterans trust fund, constitutional amendment, lottery proceeds, veterans services, military families, veteran assistance, emergency relief, indigent veteran funerals, veterans outreach, service organizations, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Guard, Air National Guard, Purple Heart, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, Oklahoma Veterans Council

Summary: The committee began with HJR 1074, a proposed Veterans Lottery Trust Fund measure. After adopting a scrivener’s-error amendment, the author explained it would create a veterans lottery game as a two-step process: first establishing the trust fund and board structure, then returning later to authorize the game itself. Members questioned how the money would be appropriated and whether the legislature could direct spending, as well as whether the lottery would compete with existing education lottery revenue. The author said the intent was for the funds to go to the Veterans Lottery Trust Fund and then be distributed by the board, and argued it would create recurring revenue for veterans without relying on annual appropriations. The committee approved the measure 7-1 and reported it do pass. Next, the committee considered HB 3501, which would allow the ABLE Commission to issue multiple manufacturing licenses for one premises. A PCS was adopted as the working draft without objection, and the bill passed 8-1 after brief discussion and no substantive debate. Finally, the committee took up HJR 1070, which would require the Attorney General to be a licensed attorney. An amendment was adopted to change the required practice threshold from 10 years to 5 years to align with requirements for district judges and Supreme Court justices. Members asked about residency, whether the requirement would apply to current candidates, and why the change was needed now. The author said it would not affect current candidates but was intended for future elections so the chief law enforcement officer would be an actual attorney. The resolution passed unanimously, 9-0, and was reported do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was grateful to see VFW statement supporting federal employees especially the veterans who have been
• While we understand and generally support the underlying desire for veterans to streamline access to
• We urge support for legislation that mandates the monthly housing allowance, ensuring veterans aren't
• We support legislation that would create a voucher program for all extremely low-income veterans and
• I want to ask you if there's a freeze on the grants that serve unhoused veterans or that support that

Keywords: veteran services, Secretary Collins, healthcare provisions, contract cancellations, transparency, accountability, committee meeting, legislation

Summary: During this committee meeting, various bills were discussed with a specific focus on veteran services and healthcare provisions. Notably, the cancellation of critical contracts under Secretary Collins sparked significant debate, with representatives emphasizing the adverse impact on veteran care. The meeting featured testimonies from veterans and stakeholders who expressed their concerns regarding the potential fallout of these cancellations, demonstrating the urgency of transparency and accountability in management decisions. Discussions also delved into various legislative proposals aimed at improving services for veterans amidst these challenges.

Bills: HB1382, HB3945, HB4449, HB5043, HB5388, HB5397, HB5499

Keywords: education, funding, student support, financial aid, K-12, higher education, weather modification, prohibition, criminal offense, Texas, agriculture, environmental control, agriculture law, Texas legislation, chemical control, Texas law, massage therapy, regulation, licensing, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we're proud of their support. Yeah. All right. Let's talk just about the amendment.
• This is just a principled issue that I cannot support. Mr. Chairman, if I could appreciate—yes, Mr.

Bills: SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307, SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, drug courts, accountability, veterans, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, criminal justice, court intervention, elder abuse, financial exploitation

Transcript Highlights:

• And for the creation of state veterans' homes in support of our nation's veterans. Thank you.
• We are a big fan of the veteran-to-veteran and peer-to-peer support.
• , yet much remains to strengthen support to veterans.
• For veterans health care, it's supporting veteran care by passing the Veteran Caregiver Re-Education,
• For veterans' benefits, we ask your support in ending the wait for the toxic-exposed veterans by codifying

Keywords: veteran services, homelessness, unemployment, VA funding, mental health, congressional oversight, testimonies, American Legion, Dole Act, suicide prevention

Summary: This meeting focused on veteran services, emphasizing the urgent need to address the alarming rate of unemployment and homelessness among veterans. Numerous testimonies were presented detailing the impact of mass furloughs and cutbacks at the VA on personnel, notably veterans who were serving as employees. Various representatives expressed deep concern over how these firings could drastically affect the quality of care available to those who have served the nation. There was a strong call for Congress to bolster funding for existing programs aimed at alleviating veteran homelessness and improving overall care quality, especially in mental health services.