Transcript Highlights:

• And when there's an ambiguity or conflict between statute and rule, we generally interpret the statute
• <01:30:51.440> so<01:30:51.639> rules statutes uh supersede rules so rules statutes
• the uh we between statute and rule the uh we generally<01:31:00.840> interpret<01:31:01.320><
• expedited Ru making exempt rule making expedited Ru making exempt rule making and<01:31:19.920><
• I guess and obsolete rule rule making or I guess rule<01:31:22.719> removing<01:31:24.040>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the rule changes implement those recommendations that were made by CASO.
• Members, do we have any questions on the new procurement rules? Seeing none.
• The rules have been passed. Thank you. That's going to take us down to item number C.
• Finally, they offer the rules report, which you all have heard.
• The rules have been voted to review them, so that's Jessica Patterson's letter.

Summary: The committee met to review a supplemental agenda item, procurement rule revisions, methods of finance, discretionary grants, contracts, reports, and a member disclosure. The supplemental agenda was accepted, and the Office of State Procurement’s rule revisions were approved after Jessica Patterson explained they were driven by 2025 legislative changes, including Act 782, CASO Consulting recommendations, and updates to sole source, bid, protest, and debarment provisions. The methods of finance and discretionary grants were also approved, covering a range of university capital projects, health and human services grants, historic preservation awards, and tobacco prevention and cessation programs. The committee then reviewed RFQs and six ratifications. The ratifications included a Workforce Connections payment to ACT WorkKeys for services provided during a contract gap, a Department of Health ratification for water-leak repairs, a large Department of Public Safety ratification for Motorola’s Arkansas Wireless Information Network upgrade, a Veterans Affairs HVAC ratification, an ADFA medical services ratification, and a UA Little Rock painting contract ratification. Members questioned the Public Safety ratification at length about why the expired Motorola contract was not caught sooner and why it took months after discovery to come forward; agency officials said the work was tied to bond funding and was not tracked in ASIS, and the chair urged agencies to develop better monitoring procedures. The committee approved a large slate of construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including many recurring service agreements for DHS, higher education institutions, corrections, health agencies, and state support functions. Several members asked about specific contracts, including aerial application services for correctional farms and a Southern Arkansas University custodial contract, and staff or agency representatives provided brief explanations. The meeting concluded with review of reports and approval of a member disclosure involving Representative Andrew Collins’ investment interest in a company leasing property to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a new set of rules that are established.
• Hearing none, the rule is suspended. Chair lays out.
• Move to suspend the constitutional three-day rule.
• Senator Perry moves suspension of the three-day rule.
• The secretary will call the roll. 6 ayes, 0 nays, the rule is suspended.

Bills: SB 8, SB 1, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB27, HB7, HB17, HB1, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB20, HB18, HB7, HB17, HB1, HB20, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, SR85, SR87, SB8, SB5, SB2, SB10, HB27

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Waggoner: I have a resolution from Rules.
• All right, Secretary, read and receive the resolution from Rules.
• President, I have three resolutions from Rules.
• All right, Secretary, receive the three resolutions from Rules.
• previous rules.

Bills: SCR 5, SCR 13, SB 3, SB 6, SB 10, SB 12, SB 13, SB 15, SB 17, SB 18, SB 19, SB 24, SB 35, SB 57, SB 65, SB 112, SB 284, SB 290, SB 388, SB 400, SB 402, SB 412, SB 495, SB 499, SB 502, SB 509, SB 621, SB 706, SB 740, SB 815, SB 842, SB 854, SB 875, SB 893, SB 917, SB 974, SB 1025, SB 1061, SB 1073, SB 1106, SB 1268, SB 1281, SB 1300, SB 1362, SB 1379, SB 1447, SB 1451, SB 1555, SB 1902, SJR 36, SJR 12, SCR 13, SCR 25, SCR 5, SCR 22, SCR 12, SCR 24, SB 495, SB 412, SB 10, SB 18, SB 565, SB 372, SB 842, SB 765, SB 62, SB 19, SB 666, SB 707, SB 888, SB 687, SB 706, SB 847, SB 290, SB 13, SB 1248, SB 740, SB 14, SB 1006, SB 504, SB 917, SB 925, SB 388, SB 1902, SB 1121, SB 995, SB 857, SB 305, SB 296, SB 284, SB 35, SB 6, SB 815, SB 3, SB 1281, SB 1379, SB 1300, SB 1497, SB 1499, SB 1498, SB 1451, SB 1061, SB 15, SB 65, SB 241, SB 304, SB 402, SB 499, SB 621, SB 974, SB 1023, SB 1024, SB 1025, SB 1106, SB 686, SB 112, SB 371, SB 204, SB 400, SB 609, SB 1447, SB 670, SB 502, SB 427, SB 850, SB 854, SB 413, SB 1555, SB 1362, SB 1346, SB 1033, SB 1220, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 987, SB 1539, SB 893, SB 447, SB 875, SB 406, SB 509, SB 985, SB 965, SB 17, SB 1119, SB 1505, SB 12, SB 24, SB 57, SB 1194, SB 1253, SB 1215, SB 1532, SB 1268, SB 1302, SB 856, SB 650, SB 583, SB 673, SB 840, SJR 57, SCR 8, SB 213, SB 681, SB 1172, SB 1252, SB 378, SB 610, SB 918, SB 1343, SB 608, SB 487, SB 955, SB 957, SB 988, SB 990, SB 1019, SB 1021, SB 1120, SB 251, SB 958, SB 535, SB 761, SB 1, SB 541, SB 315, SB 379, SB 1018, SB 1737, SB 266, SB 1415, SB 3, SB 6, SB 15, SB 35, SB 290, SB 706, SB 842, SB 917, SB 1281, SB 1451, SB 1902, SB 12, SB 13, SB 17, SB 19, SB 388, SR 261, SR 265, SR 276, SR 277, SR 281, SR 286, SR 293, SCR 5, SCR 13, SB 2425, SB 2880, SB 10, SB 12, SB 13, SB 17, SB 18, SB 19, SB 388, SB 412, SB 495, SB 2425, SB 2880

Keywords: SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame, football coach, school facility naming, education K-16, State Affairs, Texas Legislature, public school tribute, water rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Your standing committee on rules begs leave to report that it has carefully examined the Journal of the
• House Resolution Number 52 by the House Rules Committee.
• But that's how we work in the rules committee. Okay, and I'm not...
• Does rules meet later today? We're... Does rules meet later today?
• This type of calendar will be a rarity, and you're very seasoned on the rules committee as well.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Senator Dibble, I assume that the Rules Committee is not expecting this bill.
• Yeah, they haven't indicated to me that they're really excited to get it into Rules.
• Rules Committee is not expecting this Rules Committee is not expecting this bill.
• really excited to get it into Rules. really excited to get it into Rules.
• , the EPA's updated lead and copper rule, the EPA's updated lead and copper rule, which<01:03:59.359

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there anything else that you would interpret as expanding the scope of nursing? No, ma'am.
• However, a shift in interpretation there requires. school nurses to have a signed physician's order before
• However, school districts have not consistently interpreted this statute as requiring excused absences
• Some districts in Texas have an interpreter. mental health appointments as well, but this interpretation

Bills: SB207, SB611, SB920, SB1174, SB1207, SB1325, SB1396, SB1551, SB1619

Keywords: SB 207, Texas Education Code, public school attendance, excused absence, mental health appointment, mental health care, behavioral health, school district, student absenteeism, same-day return, health care professionals, physician certification, religious holy days, court appearance, DFPS, foster care, education policy, student wellness, school mental health, attendance policy

Transcript Highlights:

• what they’re doing and to make sure that we have a facility that complies with the statute and the rules
• If a person in a recovery house disrupts the rules, relapses, and uses drugs on premises, how is that
• prepared to the state don't seem to be prepared to um<01:47:07.239> really<01:47:07.560> rule
• on those types of um really rule on those types of applications<01:47:10.520> so<01:47:10.760
• is we are congregate interpretation is we are congregate housing<01:53:25.360> according<01:53

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the rule provides for H.R. 4593, the Shower Act, to be considered under a closed rule.
• Clause 1(c) of rule 19 and clause 8 of rule 20 shall not apply to the consideration of HR 1834.
• <07:40:12.240> shall rule 19 and clause 8 of rule 20 shall rule 19 and clause 8 of rule 20 shall
• Clause 1(c) of rule 19 and clause 8 of rule 20 shall not apply to the consideration of HR 1834.
• Clause 1(c) of rule 19 and clause 8 of rule 20 shall not apply to the consideration of HR 1834.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the rule changes implement those recommendations that were made by ACASO.
• Members, do we have any questions on the new procurement rules? Seeing none.
• The rules have been passed. Thank you. That's going to take us down to item C.
• Finally, they offer the rules report, which you all have heard.
• Finally, they offer the rules report, which you all have heard.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, just a few quick ground rules: I'd ask that everybody turn off or silence their cellular devices
• It's a six-person board that would oversee the rules and regulations of hoisting licenses.
• bill will establish a board appointed by the governor it's a six-person board that would oversee the rules
• If you only read the holding of that case, which was based on the Home Rule Amendment, you might think
• "The commission is handling a lot of different things, still interpreting the law that was created because

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing on a wide range of bills affecting law enforcement, corrections, fire services, emergency management, telecommunicators, and sex offender policy. Testimony strongly focused on proposals to restore an education incentive for Massachusetts State Police troopers hired after the Quinn Bill was repealed, with State Police Association witnesses arguing the current system creates unfair pay disparities, hurts recruitment and retention, and leaves newer troopers earning less than some supervisors with the same or less education. They urged favorable reports on H. 2651, S. 1759, and S. 1783. A separate witness also supported H. 2627, a sheriff’s pay-parity bill, while suggesting amendments to avoid distinctions between correction officers and jail officers and warning that the proposal should not be viewed as a funding issue alone. The committee also heard testimony on public safety and oversight bills. A rape survivor testified in support of S. 1663, arguing that municipal fire or police personnel convicted of sex offenses should not remain in positions of public trust. Senator Miranda testified in support of S. 1723, S. 1724, and S. 1727, which would create correctional officer training/accountability standards, a correctional inspector general, and privileged communication with legislators for incarcerated people; he said the bills respond to misconduct and lack of independent oversight in the Department of Correction. In contrast, the Fire Chiefs Association and Professional Fire Fighters opposed H. 2572/S. 1668/S. 1740 on emergency management, saying the bill was developed without enough collaboration, lacked local-control safeguards, and could undermine incident command and local decision-making during disasters. Several panels supported other public safety measures. The Fire Chiefs Association and PFFM backed S. 1641 and S. 1744 to create a Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority to help fund fire station and municipal public safety building projects, and supported S. 1647 to implement the Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendations on hot works and welding safety, including tougher penalties and training requirements. Witnesses also supported H. 2664/S. 1736 to create a hoisting machinery regulations board, saying current licensing standards for heavy equipment are too minimal. Another panel backed H. 2663/S. 1761 to classify 911 telecommunicators as first responders, citing stress, burnout, and the expanding role of dispatchers. Finally, an attorney from CPCS testified in opposition to S. 1752, warning that expanded sex offender residency restrictions would likely increase homelessness, make supervision harder, and raise constitutional concerns based on prior court rulings.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the witnesses and public comment I want to make sure everyone understands that the assembly has rules
• We apply these rules consistently to all people who participate in our proceedings regardless of the
• Rules for today's hearing include no talking or loud noises from the audience, public comments may be
• Please be aware that violations of these rules may subject you to removal or other enforcement actions
• of these coordinators who may be at odds with the local interpretation. and then somebody eventually

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, so we waited to get prepared a ruling that proposes a work plan for how the program will run.
• We issued that ruling last week, April 1st, and as always with our process, there's time for parties
• Can you give us the basics of the ruling?
• So if DWR were to no longer own the resources, there could be an interpretation that these resources
• it's very appropriate that you're being cautious to make sure there's not a challenge to the interpretation

Summary: The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions. The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline. Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:48.040> where<00:01:48.200> duly I’m going to go through the normal education rules
• The ability to have continuity in our laws or our rules is really important.
• One of governance of a new governing model, one of a rules group that's creating new rule structure that
• rules group that's creating new rule rules group that's creating new rule structure<00:27:29.080
• Management Group that is creating rules Management Group that is creating rules for<00:27:45.919

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:01:04 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:12 Senate Bill 3 (Sen. Wise): 00:05:28 Senate Bill 6 (Sen. Givens): 00:32:17 House Bill 241 (Rep. Truett): 00:52:18 Senate Bill 268 (Sen. Reed): 01:11:57 Adjournment: 01:24:48, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met and first handled introductions of guests and visitors from several school districts and education groups. The committee then took up Senate Bill 3, which relates to student athletes and includes an emergency clause. The bill sponsor and invited witnesses, including athletics directors from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, said the measure is intended to update Kentucky’s NIL laws in light of the House v. NCAA settlement and other national changes in college athletics. Supporters said SB 3 would let Kentucky universities directly compensate student athletes, help them secure third-party NIL deals, require reporting of deals over $600, and create guardrails and fair-market-value review to reduce pay-for-play concerns. They emphasized that the bill is meant to keep Kentucky institutions competitive, align with expected national standards, and prepare for changes expected around July 1, 2025. Witnesses also discussed the need for more uniform rules nationally, the role of the Power Four conferences in developing governance and clearinghouse systems, and the desire to preserve both athlete mobility and continuity in college sports. Several members raised concerns about the transfer portal, NIL incentives, and the broader effect on college athletics, with one senator saying NIL and the portal have damaged the sport but acknowledging Kentucky must compete. Witnesses responded that tighter portal windows and clearer national rules would help, while still preserving student-athlete transfer rights when needed. After discussion, the committee moved to a vote on SB 3; the roll call was taken, and the bill advanced out of committee, with at least one senator explaining a reluctant yes vote because of competitive pressures on the Commonwealth.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> All persons not entitled to privileges of the floor under the rules of the Senate must now vacate
• those bills and resolutions having received their second reading are now in the possession of the Rules
• those bills and resolutions having received their second reading are now in the possession of the Rules
• those bills and resolutions having received their second reading are now in the possession of the Rules
• Next order of business would be meeting of the rules committee and committee on committees.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and roll call, establishing a quorum with 33 members present. The chamber approved the prior journal, excused absent senators, welcomed viewers, and received House messages announcing passage of House Bill 253, House Bill 436508, and House Concurrent Resolution 44 for concurrence. New filings were also reported: Senate Bill 197 on economic development and Senate Joint Resolution 99 designating the Destiny Brewer Memorial Highway in Martin County. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 72, a measure on recruitment and retention of health care professionals and declaring an emergency. The bill’s sponsor argued it would protect health care workers’ conscience rights, improve recruitment and retention, and address provider shortages and corporate pressures in medicine, while emphasizing that emergency care would still be required under federal law. Supporters said the bill would protect providers from being forced to participate in procedures that violate their moral or religious beliefs and cited examples from other states and physicians who had left practices over conscience concerns. Opponents argued the bill’s language was too broad and could allow denial of non-emergency care based on vague moral, ethical, or religious objections, potentially harming patients in health care deserts and sending the wrong message about caring for all people. One senator raised a hypothetical about racial discrimination under the bill’s definitions, while supporters responded that the bill was intended to protect providers and patients and that existing professional ethics and hospital policies would prevent abuse. Additional supporters said the measure would not deny basic care and would help keep physicians in the state. The bill was still under debate at the end of the excerpt, with questions and responses continuing; no final vote or disposition on Senate Bill 72 is shown in the transcript provided. Other bills reported from second reading were referred to the Rules Committee for further action, and Senate Bill 69 was passed over and retained its place on the orders of the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We apply these rules.
• These rules are consistent to all people who participate regardless of the viewpoints they express.
• Rules for today include no talking or loud noises. Discussions from the audience.
• I am not sure whether it's appropriate to leave it that wide open for interpretation.
• I am interpreting this correctly, right? That's correct. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the counties that chose to be county-specific, that's still the old law, then you went to a new rule
• It passed out of the consent rules by 9-0.
• It’s some operating rules that need to be set so that there are some guidelines.
• I'm not sure, but that would be my interpretation and why the need for this bill still exists.
• Last year, the bill passed this committee 15 to 1 with 6 present, passed Rules and Legislative Oversight

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• understanding of how the, once you worded it per the code, and that would be how the code would be interpreted
• We have a new court treasurer, and committee rules are that we give them one year.
• So the normal rule of this committee is we don't invite them until they make that mistake.
• That's the rule. That's the rule. But if you want to meet them here, we can invite them up here.

Summary: The committee first heard updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. For reports due as of December 31, 2012, staff said five additional 2024 reports had been received since the December meeting, bringing the total of released escrow funds to 17 and leaving 26 still escrowed. For reports delinquent as of December 31, 2023, two more reports were received, bringing 59 of the original 64 into compliance and leaving five outstanding. Both update reports were filed without objection. The committee then discussed Act 709 of 2021 and the town of Daisy’s repayment of street turnback funds. Staff said Daisy had made improper payments to a nonprofit, used restricted street funds for fire truck and fire department building costs, and had not adopted the required repayment ordinance or obtained approval for a reduced repayment percentage. Mayor Lisa Cogburn said the city council had not approved repayment because members disputed the amount, though she said the city had funds to pay. After questions from members and staff explaining the audit calculations, the committee adopted a motion requiring Daisy to repay 10% of unrestricted general fund revenues under the statute and to withhold turnback funds if the city fails to comply. The report was then filed. The committee reviewed numerous deferred and current audit findings from cities, counties, and water systems. Several local officials appeared and described corrective steps, including Harrison district court, Carroll County airport, Izard County treasurer, Alexander district court, Town of 56 officials, Bull Shoals, Lone Oak County, Beaver, Central City, Gravette, Ralston Water Department, Thornton Waterworks, Ozan, and Lee County. Findings included missing or inaccurate reconciliations, unsupported credit card charges, payroll and compensation issues, improper use of public funds, missing receipts, and budget overruns. Some matters were referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General, including Bull Shoals and Lone Oak County, while others were filed or deferred as appropriate. The committee also deferred two private water and sewer reports for lack of proper responses, filed 19 reports with resolved findings, and filed 53 reports with no findings. Before adjourning, the committee set its next meeting for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• For decades, I've analyzed the effects of disease on the human body, interpreting diagnostic tests and
• You know, some information from them, as a general rule...
• Information from them, as a general rule: if I had an individual on a low-level offense that was still
• the district attorney of the prosecuting authority does not file an objection, then the court shall rule
• without a hearing. then the court shall rule without a hearing.

Bills: SB210, SB225, HB280, HB287, HB94, HB88, SB157, HB7, HB8, HB42

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so Chapter 20, as part of our comprehensive rule review plan, as we've said, we removed any rule
• We consolidated repetitive rules into single rules, for example. but we no longer have separate, identically
• worded rules providing dates for semi-annual reports.
• The proposal before you today would be to publish in the register a rule. and the rule would basically
• Last agenda item under rules concerning current progress and next steps for our conference of rules.

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, HB18, SB12, political contributions, civil penalties, Attorney General, criminal election offenses, legislation

Summary: In the latest meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, significant discussions centered around newly passed legislation, specifically HB18 and SB12. HB18 introduces a civil penalty for members who accept political contributions while absent from the state, addressing potential obstructions to legislative actions. Senators and commissioners engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the implications of this bill, with many expressing concerns regarding enforcement and compliance. In contrast, SB12 expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal election offenses, further tightening the oversight of election activities. The meeting concluded with acknowledgement of the efforts put forth by previous commission chairs, highlighting their contributions to the commission's success.