Transcript Highlights:

• We also have the senator from Yucaipa, who was the first Republican Latina elected to the Senate, but
• then, of course, the senator from Santa Clarita beat her by becoming the first Republican Latina elected

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been a supporter of the unions as a Republican for the entire 12 years in my state legislative career
• If the bill comes to, As a Republican for the entire 12 years in my state legislative career, my grandfather

Bills: HB3015 , HB3114 , HB3411 , HB3567 , HB3568 , HB3749 , HB3891 , HB4229 , HB4237 , HB4253 , HJR1019 , HJR1046 , HJR1084

Committee: House Rules

Keywords: electronic credentials, Service Oklahoma, digital identification, data protection, driver's license, electronic monitoring, criminal justice reform, nonviolent offenders, Department of Corrections, parole, state law, biosolids, PFAS, environmental safety, agriculture, public health, Department of Environmental Quality, testing regulations, soil amendments, HB3567

Summary: The committee first announced that House Bills 3568 and 3891 and H.J.R. 1019 would be laid over and not heard that day. It then took up a series of bills, adopting PCS versions where offered and generally moving them forward with do-pass recommendations. House Bill 3015 would allow Oklahomans to add a driver’s license to a digital wallet and use it as an optional credential; members questioned why legislation was needed now versus the 2019 digital ID effort and whether the state would work directly with Apple and Google rather than a third-party vendor. The bill passed 10-0. Other measures included House Bill 314, which adds a DOC electronic monitoring ineligibility item; House Bill 3567, which increases transparency in campaign fund use and was amended to correct a citation; House Bill 3749, which lets county clerks, county court clerks, and county commissioners retain outside counsel; House Bill 4229, which narrows when schools may declare emergencies for contracts when facilities are unusable; and House Bill 4237, which modernizes collection of criminal court fees, fines, and costs. Each of these bills advanced, with HB 3749 drawing the most discussion over whether it duplicates district attorney services and whether county commissioners would be approving their own outside-counsel contracts. The committee also advanced House Bill 4253, a union-related bill that the author said he was carrying as a vehicle and would substantially revise before final passage; members discussed federal labor-law concerns and the bill passed 10-0. House Joint Resolution 1046 would exempt homeowners from property tax for a year if a residence is uninhabitable for six months after a disaster; members debated the impact on local tax bases and whether existing ad valorem refund mechanisms should be used instead, and it passed 10-0. House Joint Resolution 1084, which states that Oklahoma and U.S. constitutional standards govern courtroom matters and no court should enforce incompatible religious law, passed 8-2 after questions about whether it addressed a current problem. Finally, House Bill 3411 on biosolids and PFAS testing would require DEQ testing and disclosure to landowners and authorize treatment protocols; it passed 9-1. The meeting ended with notice that the next rules meeting was moved to Thursday at 11:30 in a different room due to technical difficulties.

Transcript Highlights:

• There will be an immediate meeting of the Republican Conference in the Republican Conference Room.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space. The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration. A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• There will not be a Democratic caucus or Republican caucus today.
• We are adjourned. is an exciting opportunity thank you there will not be a democratic caucus or Republican

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 25 for executive action on three bills. House Bill 2306, a supplemental transportation appropriations bill for the 2025-27 biennium, was amended and advanced. The committee adopted a technical corrections amendment, a Fey amendment shifting King County Metro electrification funding from the South Annex Base project to the Central Campus Electrification Project, and rejected an Entenman amendment that would have moved $11 million for the 220 Corridor completion project from the 2027-29 biennium into the current biennium. Members discussed ferry vessel planning, maintenance and preservation, State Patrol staffing, and Climate Commitment Act investments before approving the bill 28-0 with one excused. House Bill 2711, dealing with transportation resources and tax changes, was also amended and passed. The committee adopted a technical amendment, rejected an Orcutt amendment that would have restored trade-in deductions for the luxury vehicle and recreational vessel taxes, adopted a Paul amendment temporarily exempting motorhomes from the luxury vehicle tax in late 2026, and adopted a Fey amendment directing interest earned on two transportation accounts to remain in those accounts. The bill’s substitute would repeal the luxury aircraft tax, change treatment of the luxury vehicle and vessel taxes, delay tow truck reimbursement provisions, and create a Preserve Washington Account. The committee approved the bill 27-1, with Representative Orcutt voting no without recommendation. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5203, which would direct WSDOT and Fish and Wildlife to develop an integrated wildlife habitat connectivity strategy and create wildlife corridor and crossings accounts, was amended and passed. The committee adopted Hall’s amendment requiring consultation with landowners, agricultural producers, and community members before construction of wildlife crossings. Supporters said the bill would improve road safety and conservation and help position the state for federal and private funding, while opponents argued it could create expectations for new crossings without identified resources. The bill advanced 16-12, with several members voting no or no without recommendation. The chair then outlined upcoming committee meetings, possible floor deadlines for the budget bills, and noted there would be no caucuses that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, the Democrats are in room 114 and the Republicans are in B-27.
• Okay, and by B-27, the Republicans mean the security closet.

Bills: SB5919 , SB5816

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, the Democrats are in room 114 and the Republicans are in B-27.
• Okay, and by B-27, the Republicans mean the security closet.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program to support low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production in Washington. Committee staff and agency witnesses described the bill as implementing recommendations from a prior work group and said the Department of Agriculture and Ecology could develop the program, though Ecology recommended clarifying lifecycle emissions accounting, defining green fertilizer, and tying incentives to emissions reductions. Supporters, including a labor representative, Atlas Agro, NRDC, and TRIDEC, said the bill could reduce emissions, stabilize fertilizer prices for farmers, create jobs, and help Washington capture federal hydrogen tax credits. The committee also heard testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 6097, which would add federally recognized Indian tribes as eligible participants in the Conservation Futures Program; tribal, county, and land trust witnesses said the change would improve conservation partnerships, reduce transaction complexity, and better support stewardship of open space, farmland, and habitat. Public testimony tallies were read into the record for both bills, with strong support and opposition noted on each. After the hearings, the committee took up executive session on three bills. Senate Bill 5919, encouraging fire districts and insurers to create voluntary incentives for wildfire mitigation and agricultural activities, was moved out of committee with a due pass recommendation on a 10-0 vote with one excused. Senate Bill 5816, adding juice grapes as a covered agricultural product under the Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act, was also reported out with a due pass recommendation on a 10-0 vote with one excused. The committee deferred action on engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5838, which concerns membership on the Board of Natural Resources and includes tribal representation; staff explained a proposed amendment would reduce tribal seats to one and alternate east-west representation by term. The chair announced the next day’s hearing would start at 9 a.m. and reminded members to submit any amendments by 6 p.m. that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Republicans will also caucus upon adjournment. The House is at ease for a caucus.
• The Republicans will also caucus upon adjournment. Houses at ease for a caucus. Correction.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2157 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2176 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2685 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, the flags were escorted by the Nisei Veterans Committee Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scout Alexander Bertelsen, and Reverend Masao Umoto delivered the invocation. The House then approved the previous day’s minutes and took up House Resolution 4692, recognizing the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and honoring Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated and incarcerated during World War II. The resolution recounted the history of the incarceration, the service of Japanese American veterans, the findings of the 1982 commission that the policy was driven by racial prejudice and war hysteria, and the later federal apology and reparations. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and guests connected to the Japanese American community and remembrance observances were recognized. Several members spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing the constitutional failures of the wartime incarceration, the importance of remembrance, and the need to guard against fear-driven violations of civil liberties. Remarks also highlighted personal family histories, the experiences of camps such as Manzanar and Camp Harmony, and the service of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and other Japanese American units. After adoption, the House agreed to spread Representative Stonier’s remarks upon the journal. The House then considered a motion to re-refer Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 536 to the Community Safety Committee instead of the Environment and Energy Committee. Representative Abbarno argued the bill dealt primarily with criminal penalties and prosecutorial authority, while Representative Fitzgibbon opposed the change, saying the bill’s predominant subject matter remained environmental. The amendment failed on a voice vote. The House then adopted the motion to read and refer the day’s introductions to the designated committees, with SB 6066 sent to Transportation. Finally, the House returned HB 1065, HJM 1412, and ESHB 1819 to the Rules Committee, announced caucuses, and adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Friday, February 20.

Transcript Highlights:

• And before we adjourn the committee, just to note that Republicans will be caucusing in the briefing
• And before we adjourn the committee, just to note that Republicans will be coxing in the briefing room

Summary: The Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on several bills. Senate Bill 5109 would raise the mortgage lending fraud prosecution surcharge on recorded deeds of trust from $1 to $5 and remove the 2027 sunset on the surcharge and account. Committee staff said the change would generate additional revenue for county auditors and the Department of Financial Institutions to contract with prosecutors; King County and the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys testified in strong support, saying the current funding has eroded and the bill would better sustain mortgage fraud prosecutions. A question was raised about whether other budget funding could serve a similar purpose, but supporters said the dedicated surcharge/account structure was the best fit. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5500, which would require DCYF’s biennial child care report to include a current cost-of-quality study in addition to the market rate survey. Testifiers from Child Care Aware of Washington, child care providers, and the early education design team supported the bill, saying the market rate survey alone does not capture the true cost of providing quality care. Staff said the bill would have a small fiscal impact for DCYF. The committee then heard Substitute Senate Bill 5834 and Senate Bill 5835, both Department of Retirement Systems request bills: one would broaden use of pension fund interest earnings for fund-protection expenses beyond the 2025-27 biennium, and the other would raise the threshold for lump-sum payment of small monthly benefits from $50 to $250. Neither bill drew public testimony, and staff said the fiscal impacts were minimal. Later, the committee heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5872, which would create the Pre-K Promise Account for ECAP funding and allow gifts, grants, and donations to be used solely to expand the program. Supporters including rural health coalitions, the Balmer Group, and Snohomish County said the account would help expand access to early learning, especially in child care deserts; DCYF estimated staffing costs to administer the account. Substitute Senate Bill 6007 would direct WSIPP to study DCYF’s child welfare screening tools and their effects on outcomes, with a reported cost of about $234,000; there was no public testimony. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6019 would clarify home care agency rate-setting and require that no more than 20% of Medicaid home care rates go to administrative costs, with DSHS saying there would be no fiscal impact. Labor and caregiver witnesses supported it as a parity and accountability measure. Finally, Senate Bill 6065 would allow school districts in binding conditions or enhanced financial oversight to use transportation vehicle funds more flexibly, including temporary loans or permanent transfers with approval; a rural education representative supported the bill, and staff said OSPI would incur only modest administrative costs. The committee took no final action and adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clyburn is that he has equal relationships, both on the Democratic and the Republican side, of both presidents
• And as a Republican, I'll say, you actually campaigned against me when I ran for Congress, and I said

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, offered a prayer and pledge, and welcomed several guest delegations, including Hubert Humphrey Fellows and Congressman Jim Clyburn. Members gave extended remarks honoring Clyburn’s civil rights and congressional leadership, as well as his work on rural issues, the Affordable Care Act, and bipartisan relationships. The chamber also announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment. The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, celebrating Lunar New Year. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and community, and California’s large Asian American population. Several members also noted the history of Chinese immigrants in California and the importance of recognizing and supporting Asian American communities amid ongoing concerns about anti-Asian hate. The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of 37-0. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senator Becker honored Niles Telenius, a young climate and aviation advocate; Senator Gonzalez, joined by Senators Strickland, Laird, Cabaldon, and Umberg, honored former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster for his leadership in city government, energy policy, and public service; and Senator Wiener honored Terence Allen for his work in San Francisco’s cannabis, LGBTQ, small business, and nightlife communities. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for adjournment proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clyburn is that he has equal relationships, both on the Democratic and the Republican side, of both presidents
• And as a Republican, I'll say, you actually campaigned against me when I ran for Congress, and I said

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, and heard opening prayer and pledge. Members also welcomed Hubert Humphrey Fellows from several countries and received introductions of guests, including California State University Chancellor Mildred Garcia and Congressman Jim Clyburn. The chamber then approved the Senate journals and announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment. The main floor item was Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Lunar New Year. Senators from several caucuses and districts spoke in support, describing the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and prosperity, and California’s large Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Senator Wiener also highlighted the history of Lunar New Year celebrations in San Francisco and the contributions of Chinese immigrants and workers to California. The resolution passed by a 37-0 roll call vote. At the end of the session, members offered adjournment memorials for Niles Telenius, former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, and Terence Allen, with tributes describing their public service, community leadership, and personal impact. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with the chamber in recess until later that day for adjournment proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Republicans in this coal room? Sure. All right. See you soon.
• And the Republicans in this coal room? Sure. All right. See you soon.

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 process. Jordan Arnold said Washington’s final BEAD proposal has been submitted to NTIA but remains unapproved after months of back-and-forth over federal rule changes, technology choices, cost, and tribal sovereignty. He said the program is expected to bring about $1 billion in broadband investment, connecting roughly 166,000 homes and small businesses, with a mix of fiber, fixed wireless, and low-earth-orbit satellite. He also outlined permitting challenges, including rights-of-way and environmental/historic reviews, and said the office is working on permitting roundtables, federal coordination, and NEPA expertise to speed reviews. Members asked about the interaction of NEPA and SEPA, the reduction in deployable federal BEAD dollars, the long-term value of fiber versus other technologies, and possible coordination with other infrastructure permitting efforts. The committee then took executive action on 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. Four proposed amendments were considered and all failed: an amendment narrowing the rebuttable presumption to groups with specific current discrimination, an amendment requiring disaggregated subgroup data and limiting use of aggregated data, an amendment tying the rules to the state constitution, and two amendments requiring consistency with federal law and Attorney General review. After debate over whether the bill was too broad or needed more specificity, the committee voted 7-4 to report HB 2684 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 seeks parity in recognition and benefits. The memorial was reported out with a do pass recommendation by an 11-0 vote, with two members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Doty London Program is a premier leadership initiative that prepares Republican women from across
• With your permission, the Republican Caucus will be meeting tomorrow in hearing room 1 at 10 a.m.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and a series of guest introductions and personal privilege remarks recognizing visitors, health care advocates, short-term rental representatives, firefighters, and a Guatemalan ambassador, along with a proclamation affirming Arizona’s bilateral relationship with Guatemala. Members also announced committee meetings, and the chamber later recessed and reconvened before adjournment. The main floor action came in Committee of the Whole, where the House considered and gave do pass recommendations to HB 2029 (water grant application details), HB 2045 (addressing drive-by shootings), HB 2062 (Buffalo Soldiers monument), HB 2126 as amended (with a floor amendment after discussion with the ACO Association), and HB 2131 (criminal justice-related, described briefly as targeting “bad guys”). The Committee of the Whole report was adopted and those bills were sent to engrossing. The House then took up HB 2792, an emergency measure on property tax exemptions for veterans, and passed it 57-0, with members from both parties praising the bill as veteran tax relief and a cleanup of prior budget language. The chamber also adopted HCR 2043, which applies to Congress to call an Article V convention for a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on members of Congress; it passed 33-24 after extended debate, with supporters arguing for term limits and opponents warning about the risks of a constitutional convention and urging Arizona to impose term limits on itself first.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Doty London Program is a premier leadership initiative that prepares Republican women from across
• With your permission, the Republican Caucus will be meeting tomorrow in Hearing Room 1 at 10 a.m.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Republican caucus will meet at 10 a.m. in Caucus Room 1.
• Okay, Republican caucus will meet at 10 a.m. Caucus Room 1.

Summary: The Arizona Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the journal. The chamber then recognized several guest groups and proclamations, including Alzheimer’s Association advocates, Arizona Society of CPAs members, the Arizona Airports Association, and students from Onyose Day Academy. A proclamation was read declaring January 26, 2006, as Arizona Aviation Day, highlighting the economic and public-safety importance of Arizona’s aviation sector and its airports. The bulk of the meeting consisted of points of personal privilege and floor statements, many focused on condemning recent deaths and injuries involving federal immigration enforcement actions in Arizona and other states. Senators called for investigations, transparency, due process, and an end to what they described as excessive force and warrantless enforcement. One senator also read a resolution supporting human rights and the people of Iran, condemning state violence and supporting secular protections and international accountability. The chamber also handled routine business, including gubernatorial nominations, which were referred to the appropriate committees, and the introduction and first reading of numerous bills and resolutions covering topics such as taxes, education, immigration, elections, health care, water, labor, housing, firearms, and appropriations. After committee announcements, the Senate adopted a motion to adjourn and recessed/adjourned until Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker members I would like to recognize a group that's my Republican Women's Club that's here for a
• tour that was sponsored by Representative Schofield and we want to welcome Texas Tea Party Republican

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Republicans were here ready to do the work.
• there is an open seat that happens to be in a more Democrat district, but to have an open seat so Republicans

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you to the amazing staff, both of the committee and the Republican caucus, who worked together
• So thank you to the amazing staff, both of the committee and the Republican caucus, who worked together
• We're lawmakers who are parents trying to figure this out before we're Democrats and Republicans.
• We're lawmakers who are parents trying to figure this out before we're Democrats and Republicans.
• I heard my colleague say earlier that he represents the libertarian wing of the Republican Party.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Republican Nail, is that how we say his name? >> Yes, he'll be back when... >> Okay.
• </c><01:09:40.480><c> Um</c><01:09:41.199><c> Republican</c> there were some questions.
• Um Republican there were some questions.
• Um, if Republicans could stay for a brief caucus after this, that'd be good.
• "All right, we'll wait like the Republicans to hang around a little while." Okay.

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is Jamie Detwiler, president of Hawaiian Islands Republican Women. Also on Zoom?
• </c> president of Hawaiian Islands Republican president of Hawaiian Islands Republican Women.
• Jamie Detwiler, Hawaiian Islands Republican Women. Happy New Year.
• The Hawaiian Islands Republican Women stand in opposition to SB 2143 for the following reasons.
• Next up is Jamie Detweiler for Hawaii Island Republican Women. faces.

Bills: SB2041

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so Republicans should want to vote for this along... It protects children.
• That's not what the Republican Party and our voters charge us with.
• Does this bill fully satisfy the directions of the Republican Party of Texas?
• That's cruelty in the committee substitute and Republican amendment.
• So please, please, please vote against SB 17 and all those Republican amendments.

Bills: SB17 , SB1569 , SB2420 , HB5138 , HJR161 , HB1937 , HB3334 , HB5444 , HB5137 , HB361 , HB321 , HB5447 , HB464 , HB678 , HB2294 , HB4172 , HB3225 , HB1769 , HB5394 , HB1837 , HB1787 , HB2271 , HB2440 , HB5134 , HB5149 , HB2151 , HB2073 , HB2186 , HB2025 , HB1936 , HB1777 , HB1663 , HB 1306 , HB 1290 , HB1527 , HB4802 , HB3462 , HB2963 , HB2462 , HB2560 , HB644 , HB2725 , HB2621 , HB2588 , HB1443 , HB1403 , HB3032 , HB1557 , HB1664 , HB2811 , HB2088 , HB2598 , HB3062 , HB3134 , HB3940 , HB4027 , HB4097 , HB4862 , HB4170 , HB4157 , HB4205 , HB4279 , HB4377 , HB4838 , HB5424 , HB5294 , HB4870 , HB4763 , HB5639 , HB4112 , HB2275 , HB1677 , HB5014 , HB3848 , HB3797 , HB3727 , HB3709 , HB3177 , HB3057 , HB4176 , HB4202 , HB2180 , HB3528 , HB3658 , HCR76 , HCR127 , SB906 , SB1229 , SB855 , SB703 , SB1025 , SB888 , SB1119 , SB1080 , SB929 , SB1355 , SB2231 , SB1877 , SB1998 , SB552 , SB17 , SB1569 , SB2420 , HB2697 , HB3801 , HB3488 , HB3477 , HB3466 , HB3469 , HB2594 , HB2564 , HB2298 , HB5331 , HB5646 , HB5247 , HB5323 , HB4384 , HB3896 , HB4014 , HB3627 , HB3594 , HB2524 , HB510 , HB561 , HB 1181 , HB3963 , HB5111 , HB2785 , HB1661 , HB200 , HB1803 , HB249 , HB721 , HB851 , HB 1128 , HB1904 , HB30 , HB1916 , HB541 , HB5560 , HB3071 , HB5627 , HB5435 , HB2688 , HB3045 , HB3483 , HB4213 , HB4226 , HB783 , HB175 , HB4735 , HB5155 , HB5057 , HB4813 , HB5339 , HB5196 , HB5033 , HB3486 , HB4211 , HB74 , HB4730 , HB4743 , HB4463 , HB4139 , HB4752 , HB4486 , HB4437 , HB4426 , HB4396 , HB4263 , HB3487 , HB3418 , HB2266 , HB2229 , HB2189 , HB5224 , HB5195 , HB3947 , HB3358 , HB3370 , HB3745 , HB3697 , HB2001 , HB1968 , HB3371 , HB3909 , HB4944 , HB2284 , HB4506 , HB3317 , HB4166 , HB3913 , HB1768 , HB4603 , HB2494 , HB3099 , HJR138 , HB133 , HB3832 , HB1988 , HCR34 , HB3421 , HB3892 , HB5138 , HJR161 , HB1937 , HB3334 , HB5444 , HB5137 , HB361 , HB321 , HB5447 , HB464 , HB678 , HB2294 , HB4172 , HB3225 , HB1769 , HB5394 , HB1837 , HB1787 , HB2271 , HB2440 , HB5134 , HB5149 , HB2151 , HB2073 , HB2186 , HB2025 , HB1936 , HB1777 , HB1663 , HB 1306 , HB 1290 , HB1527 , HB4802 , HB3462 , HB2963 , HB2462 , HB2560 , HB644 , HB2725 , HB2621 , HB2588 , HB1443 , HB1403 , HB3032 , HB1557 , HB1664 , HB2811 , HB2088 , HB2598 , HB3062 , HB3134 , HB3940 , HB4027 , HB4097 , HB4862 , HB4170 , HB4157 , HB4205 , HB4279 , HB4377 , HB4838 , HB5424 , HB5294 , HB4870 , HB4763 , HB5639 , HB4112 , HB2275 , HB1677 , HB5014 , HB3848 , HB3797 , HB3727 , HB3709 , HB3177 , HB3057 , HB4176 , HB4202 , HB2180 , HB3528 , HB3658 , HCR76 , HCR127

Keywords: foreign ownership, real property, national security, criminal penalties, civil penalties, personal information, higher education, privacy protection, governing board, institutional security, software applications, mobile devices, age verification, parental consent, data protection, app store regulation, HJR 161, Texas constitutional amendment, voting rights, non-citizen voting