Transcript Highlights:

• But I just wanted to ask at what point should we engage and make sure that our campuses are safe... .
• ..point should we engage and make sure that our campuses are safe, knowing that campuses all over the
• , it's your opinion that Texas should not act to keep people safe.
• Texas should always act to keep people safe, always, but not in a viewpoint-discrimination way.
• With terrorist activity or a terroristic organization, if it's the practice of the government, you know

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard several bills before recessing to the floor, with most measures left pending subject to the call of the chair. SB 2986 would allow public schools and universities to permit after-hours facility use by religious groups on the same terms as other nonprofits, and SB 1032 would open the Governor’s University Research Initiative to private and independent universities; both had committee substitutes adopted and were left pending after brief testimony. Supporters of SB 1032 from Rice and Baylor said the change would help Texas recruit top researchers and strengthen the state’s research economy. The committee also heard SB 2058, which would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to publish annual data on nursing clinical training sites to improve placement coordination, and SB 2683, which would bar public colleges from giving benefits or recognition to student organizations that receive support from foreign entities of concern; both were left pending after testimony. A large portion of the meeting focused on SB 2233, which would require public institutions of higher education to adopt policies prohibiting students or employees on nonimmigrant visas from publicly supporting terrorist activity or organizations, with enforcement through investigations, reporting to Homeland Security, and possible Attorney General action and fines. The author said the bill was intended to reinforce existing federal definitions and campus safety, while senators questioned the bill’s scope, the definition of terrorist activity, and the clause tied to U.S. policy or practice. Public witnesses, including civil rights advocates, law students, and others, argued the bill was vague, overbroad, unconstitutional, and likely to chill protected speech and increase surveillance of international students and Black and brown communities; several Jewish witnesses also said the bill misused Jewish safety concerns and could be used for viewpoint discrimination. SB 2233 was left pending after public testimony. The committee then took up SB 735, which builds on prior Holocaust education legislation by funding optional age-appropriate and bilingual curriculum, museum field trips, teacher preparation partnerships, annual reporting, and regional collaboration with Holocaust museums and education service centers. The author and invited witnesses said the bill responds to survey findings showing uneven Holocaust instruction and a need for better teacher training and accountability. A fifth-grade teacher and the director of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio testified in support, emphasizing the need for accurate, age-appropriate instruction and professional development. The committee recessed before finishing the agenda, and SB 735 was set to resume after the floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what street for safe streets.
• The last thing safe as we possibly can.
• > the you guys can do your job safely at the you guys can do your job safely at the same<04:17
• Second Amendment has also practical Second Amendment has also practical public<04:19:21.680>
• in 2001, so it is a long-held practice. in 2001, so it is a long-held practice.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Having a safe, regulated medicine is essential.
• highlight, like everyone here, the role that the Texas Compassionate Use Program plays in providing safe
• Since 2015, the Texas Compassionate Use Program has provided safe, regulated access to medical cannabis
• You're getting patients that are just coming into your practice, or are they over the internet, or are
• In our practice, I know there are access points for patients who don't have cancer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Having a safe, regulated medicine tailored to me with the guidance of my doctor gave me real peace of
• palliative care physician at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, which is a community oncology practice
• Since 2015, the Texas Compassionate Use Program has provided safe regulated access to medical cannabis
• Also question for doctors, do you generally see these patients they're just coming into your practice
• What most of my practice within the medical campus consists of. So, um, you know, I think that.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yarborough: ...rule-making authority to ensure responsible retail practices while culinary sales remain
• If this door is open or they can do better, they make everything safe.
• Jean Tuffett: This would help address those engaging in illegal and anticompetitive practices.
• We have a safe place to have tough conversations.
• Under this, the residents have limited options to hold CDD board members accountable and in practice

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This change resulted in outdated regulations. that were not aligned with TDLR's general practices.
• Senate Bill 968 would modernize podiatry regulations under ILR to reflect current practices.
• Practical application. How does this actually play out?
• We believe those telemedicine exams can be performed safely.
• This is a safe process. That's why we oppose the bill. Thank you.

Bills: SB437, SB528, SB626, SB636, SB884, SB968, SB1044, SB1608, SB2336

Keywords: healthcare, training, abuse, neglect, penalties, chemical dependency, safety, regulation, inpatient competency restoration, competency restoration, forensic mental health, mental health law, criminal competency, incompetent to stand trial, Chapter 46B, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state hospital, behavioral health, local mental health authority

Transcript Highlights:

• , this phase two of the study. and innovative practices study.
• Project Delivery and Innovative Practices.
• safely and get to the places we want to go.
• They invited our team back to their house in Sacramento to share our best practices. The L.
• So the second priority area calls for Washington state communities to be safe and...

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I encourage they feel safe in.
• and get to safe housing.
• <01:13:13.040> and helping them keep children safe and helping them keep children safe and
• where they aren't safe and and get<01:13:34.640> to<01:13:34.800> safe<01:13:35.120>
• So, anyway, thank just a practicality.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In practice, it has not been used because the field is so large.
• I have a small trial practice in Houston, Texas, since March 2020.
• It's not practically used.
• With all due respect, I've practiced a little longer.
• I can tell you Texas needs safe roads.

Bills: SB39, SB2129, SB2141, SB2246, SB2323, SB2439, SB2722, SB 39

Keywords: commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident

Transcript Highlights:

• It wasn't safe for us. We were not safe walking early in the morning.
• I also went to a school where the neighborhood wasn't safe, as I mentioned.
• So why would I want to go to school where it wasn't safe?
• And so I hope that this would be an addition to some of those best practices.
• They're best practices. Representative Quam, follow up.

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:45.960> efficiently transition the state safely efficiently transition the state safely
• indigenous crops and farming practices indigenous crops and farming practices now<00:59:50.880><
• to ensure there safe to ensure there safe access<01:13:06.440> before<01:13:06.679> I<
• <01:29:27.440> safe to mention that these are the safe safe to mention that these are the
• safe safe places<01:29:28.119> that<01:29:28.239> we're<01:29:28.400> kind<01:29

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:23.840> uh Office of restorative practices uh Office of restorative practices uh programs
• Intervention and restorative practices Intervention and restorative practices so<00:14:24.720>
• <00:29:01.080> harbor youth sex trafficking and safe harbor youth sex trafficking and safe
• I think it's Melissa Deilson with Safe Passage. I think she's on Zoom.
• it's Melissa deilson with uh safe it's Melissa deilson with uh safe passage<00:53:21.559> uh<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• School counselors are required to adhere to practices that are connected to classroom teacher certification
• As a former coach, I would have those students that would show up to practice, and we'd start talking
• And it's because he learned from someone who taught him how to use geometry practically as opposed to
• We don’t know what could come tomorrow, but our number one priority is to keep you safe. Mr.
• We don't know what could come tomorrow, but our number one priority is to keep you safe. Mr.

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended with a technical clarification and reported favorably. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and align notice and parent-exemption procedures; it also passed favorably, with support noted from PTA and other witnesses. SB 920 on mathematics education was reported favorably after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, the end-of-course exam, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, which would give districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degrees, also passed favorably with broad support from educators and former school board members. The committee then approved SPB 7022, which reenacts and extends a public records exemption for classroom examination and assessment instruments through 2031 and expands coverage to district school boards and public schools. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools was reported favorably after extensive debate about whether schools should be closed or could instead hold Veterans Day programs; supporters emphasized statewide consistency and honoring veterans, while some members raised scheduling and instructional-day concerns. SB 538 on physical education and extracurricular participation was amended to establish standardized eligibility rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, limit duplicate participation across schools, require annual participation in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, and leave coach compensation to district discretion; it was then reported favorably. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools was amended to add a $15,000 annual cap on coach personal spending per team and was reported favorably after discussion about good-faith support for student-athletes, recruiting concerns, and the need for guardrails. A temporary postponement was announced for SB 430 on the oath of school personnel. At the end of the meeting, Senator Osgood recorded a favorable vote on SB 1036, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to continue the practice of taking members in order of, uh, seniority present, except for
• And so I would like to continue the practice of also reserving the questions at the end of each person's
• Every child deserves a safe trip to school regardless of how they get there.
• Currently, the safe routes to school program is funded through the Federal hazard elimination Program
• multimodal options across our regions, including driving safely on local, city and county roads.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, Caltrans released a study, Caltrans Bay Area Bike Highway Study, which looked at best practices
• That right now we need to make sure that our roads are safe and that the money is going to where the
• If there is somebody there, CHP, that they also are able to keep the roads safe.
• If there is somebody there, CHP, that they also are able to keep the roads safe.
• They give space for practitioners to test new ideas and innovative best practices.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several transportation and climate-related bills. AB 954 would create a Caltrans pilot program for bike highways in two metropolitan areas and require a report to the Legislature; supporters said it would expand protected regional bike networks and help climate and equity goals, while some members objected that it would divert gas-tax-funded transportation dollars away from road repairs and rural needs. The bill passed on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open for later additions. AB 289 would authorize automated speed enforcement in active highway construction zones to protect workers. The author and labor and contractor witnesses described repeated work-zone crashes and fatalities and argued the cameras would supplement, not replace, CHP enforcement. Some members raised concerns about civil penalties and enforcement policy, but the bill advanced on a 9-? initial vote and later was approved 15-1 after the roll was completed. AB 674 would update the Clean Cars for All program to prioritize pre-2004 high-polluting vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities and improve reporting and incentive rules. Supporters said older vehicles produce a disproportionate share of emissions and that the program has already retired thousands of cars; the committee approved the bill unanimously on the floor vote and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources. AB 1237 would let LA Metro and VTA add a $5 fee to primary ticket sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup and NCAA championship events to fund transit service, with ticket holders able to use transit on event day. Supporters said the fee would help manage congestion and security needs, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association argued it was an unconstitutional tax requiring voter approval. The bill passed and was re-referred to the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 891 would create a Caltrans quick-build pilot for temporary safety improvements on state highways for pedestrians and bicyclists; supporters emphasized rapid, low-cost safety fixes, while opponents said the program could divert gas-tax funds and was not appropriate for rural areas. It passed 11-4 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved a six-bill consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Knowledge of what their practices are and why they have those practices doesn't leave with them.
• and maintain those practices during the course of the engagement.
• At a very high level, it's safe to say that the state does not have any data privacy policies.
• We also have alternative cropping practices that we look at, soil amendments, and soil carbon.
• Like this is the next generation of helping you guys be as effective and safe as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is deeply ingrained in us to fiercely protect our people and ensure that our communities are safe.
• Other than these three, no one else had lawyers ready to run into court for them to keep them safe.
• These practices make us feel less secure, because we have to go to get our food and go to work.
• These practices make all of us feel less safe because we are afraid to go grocery shopping and even to
• So no detention is safe.

Bills: SB100

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we try to ground in data in our practice. I think we try to ground in data in our practice.
• Our mission is that we believe every youth deserves to have a safe place to belong and a safe place to
• And we know that North Dakota can be a safe place for all youth.
• Rather, it is encouraged as a best practice standard of care.
• Rather, it is encouraged as a best practice standard of care.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Human Services Committee met in interim session and first approved the previous meeting minutes before receiving a series of presentations on homelessness and housing stability. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency updated members on the new Interagency Council on Homelessness, describing its executive-order mandate to review resources, gather input from stakeholders, identify gaps, and develop recommendations. She said the council’s first work is building a statewide program matrix of existing homeless services and funding sources, with attention to youth, tribal communities, and other vulnerable populations. Members raised concerns about youth homelessness, homeless veterans, and how the council will stay focused on a practical framework rather than getting lost in details. The committee also discussed possible connections to the rural health transformation grant and agreed to continue the topic later in the spring. Beth Olson of Presentation Partners in Housing described the organization’s housing-first model in Cass County and Clay County, including homeless prevention/diversion, housing navigation, and Cooper House, a 42-unit permanent supportive housing building in Fargo. She said the organization focuses on people with long-term and chronic homelessness, many with mental health, addiction, health, domestic violence, and Indigenous identity-related barriers, and reported strong outcomes: 85 of 86 people housed in 2025, 91% still housed after one year, and major reductions in emergency room use, ambulance rides, jail stays, detox days, and shelter use. She also explained that state funding has grown from a small share of the budget to about $1.1 million in state-connected funding for fiscal 2026, largely through contracts tied to supportive services. Members asked about vouchers, rent contributions at Cooper House, length of stay, and whether similar projects could be expanded elsewhere. Andrea Olson of the Community Action Partnership of North Dakota outlined statewide homeless and housing-related services delivered through six community action agencies in all 53 counties. She explained the Community Services Block Grant structure, said housing was identified as the top need in the most recent statewide needs assessment, and described programs including Supportive Services for Veteran Families, North Dakota Homeless Grant services, and Home ARP supportive services. She emphasized that the end of North Dakota Rent Help has increased pressure on the system, that the current $2 million annual homeless grant is far smaller than prior rent-help assistance, and that community action is using case management and financial assistance to move households toward self-sufficiency. Members asked about funding formulas, rural service delivery, and coordination with Presentation Partners to avoid duplication. YouthWorks then began a presentation on youth homelessness, describing services for ages 12 to 24, the special needs of youth and former foster youth, and the organization’s use of federal and state funds to support transitional housing, emergency shelter, maternity housing, and diversion services.

Transcript Highlights:

• As an organization overall, we strongly support the safe, lawful, and responsible use of crop protection
• As an organization overall, we strongly support the safe, lawful, and responsible use of crop protection
• As an organization overall, we strongly support the safe, lawful, and responsible use of crop protection
• and best practices and protective gear. gear. gear.
• develop guidelines about what is safe develop guidelines about what is safe and<01:02:46.680>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this is existing practice.
• Uh, this is existing practice.
• The alternative would run practice.
• The department has already practicing.
• qualified attorney admitted to practice qualified attorney admitted to practice in<00:22:04.320>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all