Transcript Highlights:

• Texas A&M, West Texas A&M, and some pretty impressive programs that are working.
• According to the Texas Water Development Board, there are currently no operational ASR projects in Texas
• Caddo is the only natural lake in Texas.
• House Bill 4530 addresses a Texas Water Development Board legislative priority. The Texas Water...
• Since then, the TCEQ, in consultation with the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Parks and

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman from Texas is recognized. >> Mr.
• THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED. >> MR.
• The gentleman from Texas reserves the balance of his time.
• The Chair now recognizes the gentleman from Texas. >> Mr.
• The gentleman from Texas is recognized. >> Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas DPS system.
• is the penal code is the penal code.
• You require that all hemp flour sold in Texas be grown in Texas.
• and to the citizens of Texas, And yet do our duty to the state of Texas and to the citizens of Texas
• Let's give Texans the opportunity and freedom to succeed and grow Texas hemp on Texas land for Texas

Summary: The House Committee on Public Health heard House Bill 5, a proposal to ban THC products outside the Texas Compassionate Use Program while allowing non-intoxicating CBD and CBG products under tighter regulation. Chair Van Deaver gave a lengthy background on the 2018 federal Farm Bill and Texas’s 2019 hemp law, arguing that the lack of guardrails allowed a large, unregulated THC market to develop. HB 5 would impose licensing fees, product registration, testing and inspection requirements, and restrictions intended to keep products away from children. Invited witnesses from law enforcement strongly supported the bill. Steve Dye of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and Brian Hawthorne of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas argued that THC consumables are widely mislabeled, often far more potent than advertised, and linked to youth access, impaired driving, and organized crime. Both said regulation would be ineffective and would amount to legalization, while a ban would be easier for officers to enforce. They also emphasized support for the Texas Compassionate Use Program and said medical THC should remain available. Dr. Peter Stout of the Texas Association of Crime Lab Directors and Alice Amelot of Texas DPS testified as resource witnesses about forensic testing. They said current lab resources are already stretched thin, that quantitative testing for THC and related cannabinoids is expensive and time-consuming, and that a ban would simplify enforcement because labs could focus on presence/absence testing rather than concentration. Amelot said DPS labs are neutral on the bill but explained that mislabeled products and inaccurate certificates of analysis are common. Committee members asked about traffic safety, impairment, youth use, and the costs of enforcement and lab testing; witnesses repeatedly said the bill would reduce complexity for law enforcement but that any approach would still require more resources for labs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas Transportation Commission, Senator Parker, and Senator Middleton.
• I recognize you to introduce Commissioner Vaughn of Texas Transportation.
• I am honored to be here today as a nominee of the Texas Transportation Commission.
• The other thing is that transportation for Texas is very important.
• Number of physicians that want to practice in rural Texas, or if the Texas Education Code (TEC) has anything

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm all over Louisiana and Texas. Texas has programs that allow discounts up to a dollar a gallon.
• Another code that typically gets put in that same boat is the National Electrical Code.
• The other thing the International Code Council has just done in relation to the energy code, because
• a... ...code to see if they could basically create a streamlined version of that code.
• And the only reason why that's in the plumbing code is because it's in the state sanitary code.

Bills: HB1163, HB1168, HR252, HR253, HCR103, HCR108, SB80, SB131, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB384, SB414, SB468, SB469, SB496

Keywords: fireworks, retail sales, fire safety, legislation, holiday celebrations, construction standards, precast concrete, DOTD, building regulations, minimum requirements, public projects, private projects, consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction

Transcript Highlights:

• The state of Texas is...
• They happen from North Texas to South Texas.
• busts across North Texas.
• The Texas Penal Code on non-livestock animal cruelty states that a person commits an offense if the person
• Penal Code section 6.03.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas knows that.
• JP Morgan has more employees in Texas now than they do in New York.
• Texas is building their own stock exchange.
• JP MORGAN HAS MORE EMPLOYEES IN TEXAS NOW, THAN THEY DO IN NEW YORK.
• TEXAS IS BUILDING THEIR OWN STOCK EXCHANGE.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then processed a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate or Assembly versions for third reading. The chamber also adopted the resolution calendar with exceptions and took up several resolutions and ceremonial recognitions, including a resolution mourning Hudson Talbott, a Dairy Month resolution highlighting New York’s dairy industry, and introductions honoring Niskayuna academic teams, Gabriella Scheer for receiving the Liberty Medal, the Hartstein family’s civic engagement, and Diana Cochran’s advocacy for safe firearm storage. The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed many bills on topics including insurance, public health, education, labor, social services, banking, local government, veterans, public service, consumer protection, criminal procedure, cannabis, parks, taxation, election law, and highway matters. Several members explained votes on notable measures: support for acupuncture insurance coverage, consumer protections for doorbell-camera data sharing, expanded protections in debt collection cases, trauma-informed procedures for sexual assault survivors, a Legionnaires’ disease awareness program, changes to mandatory minimum sentencing, and universal safe storage of firearms. A number of home rule and local authorization bills were also approved, including parkland alienation measures and local tax exemption authorizations. Most measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew recorded opposition. Notable roll calls included the consumer debt uniformity bill, the mandatory minimum sentencing bill, the safe storage/firearms bill, and the public housing and public health measures, each with more divided votes. The chamber also accepted a lengthy Rules Committee report sending many additional bills directly to third reading, and then began the supplemental calendar, passing at least the first items before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not Florida or Texas, okay?
• It's not Florida or Texas, okay?
• Texas doesn't have that problem.
• in new investments in public education and transportation.
• For example, Texas has lots of private roads and highways.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on two proposed ballot initiatives: one to reduce the state personal income tax rate from 5% to 4% over three years, and another to revise the state’s tax collection cap/62F process so it would be based on prior-year collections plus wage growth and include surtax revenue. The committee chair and House co-chair outlined the hearing process, and the first witness was Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, who testified as the committee’s subject-matter expert on both measures. He said the income tax proposal would lower taxes broadly but would reduce state revenue by about $5.4 billion when fully implemented, with an estimated $800 million hit in FY27, and he discussed possible effects on competitiveness, taxpayer savings, and public finances. On the 62F proposal, he said the revised cap would make refunds more likely, could have produced several large refunds in recent years, and would reduce stabilization fund deposits and constrain recovery after recessions. Committee members questioned Howgate about competitiveness, outmigration, prior tax ballot measures, spending growth, MassHealth, and the interaction between the income tax and surtax. He emphasized that taxes are only one part of the state’s overall competitiveness and that housing, public services, and other factors also matter. He also noted that the surtax is constitutionally restricted but can still support ongoing spending choices. After his testimony, the committee moved to the proponents’ panel. Proponents of both initiatives, including representatives from Taxpayers for an Affordable Massachusetts, the National Federation of Independent Business, Pioneer Institute, and the Mass Opportunity Alliance, argued that the measures would improve affordability, help retain residents and businesses, and support job growth. They cited polling support, outmigration, small-business reinvestment, and comparisons to lower-tax states such as North Carolina. Their economist, Rebecca Paxton, said her model showed smaller revenue losses than critics claim and projected that the revised revenue cap would not create additional annual revenue losses while producing more regular taxpayer refunds. Committee members pressed the panel on competitiveness, prior ballot initiative implementation, and whether the measures would actually address broader affordability pressures; the hearing ended with the committee continuing to take questions from the proponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• It amends section 22.002 of the government code to allow the Texas Supreme Court to issue writs that
• I welcome you to the Texas Capitol.
• Such an important thing for Texas. Texas can lead the country in this area. that.
• Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
• These concerns, by mending the Texas Business and Commerce Code, place guardrails around non-competitors

Keywords: legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 40, Senate Bill 871, constitutional amendment, emergency powers, governor authority, legislative oversight

Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we'll have soon the Texas Successful Texas model for them, and we'll have soon the Texas Homeschool
• Texas state schools.
• Of Texas.
• Texas public school.
• We all recognize the state of Texas is the state of Texas is a state.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• We apply criteria that are spelled out in Chapter 325 of the Government Code. the Texas Sunset Act, and
• That I believe is in the Texas Administrative Code.
• One is Chapter 531 of the Texas Government Code, and it's suited to... to go to chapter 544 in April
• And so, uh, tax code, the Texas tax code generally covers how districts set their INS rates.
• That's the Texas Education Code. He opened it up and says, what law was that? And I said, 11.15.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to transportation. Is there anyone in the audience that is in favor of this bill?
• It's a million dollars... ...and I know about the local road fund or local transportation fund because
• Which connects New Mexico 404 to the Texas state line.
• Thank you, Department of Transportation. Go back to page 12.
• On page number 12, this is an overview of our Transportation Project Fund projects.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment reflects as well, the appropriate code section.
• amendment reflects as well, is the appropriate code section.
• How many personnel were in the Department of Transportation to handle...?
• § 61-7-4(e) of this code.
• § 61-7-4(e) of this code.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee considered and advanced several bills. House Bill 4995, concerning video cameras in special education classrooms, was explained as requiring parents to be notified of recording interruptions, providing written notice of the law to parents and school employees, shortening the required random review of recordings from every 90 days to every 30 days, and clarifying that school boards must still conduct independent investigations even if DHS or prosecutors do not act. The committee adopted the motion to report the bill to the full Senate. House Bill 5214, dealing with drug testing in child abuse and neglect cases, would allow courts to order testing of parents in certain cases, require laboratory confirmation of positives, and require DHS to notify the court and other parties; the committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, then reported the bill as amended and adopted a title amendment. The committee also advanced House Bill 4025 and House Bill 5441, both restructuring state personnel systems. HB 4025 would exempt employees of the Department of Health, health facilities, and human services from classified civil service and grievance procedures beginning July 1, 2026, while preserving status for some current employees and allowing exemptions to comply with federal requirements; the committee adopted a piecemeal amendment and reported it as amended. HB 5441 would eliminate separate civil service systems for Transportation, Revenue, and the Bureau for Social Services and move classifications and compensation structures to the Division of Personnel, with testimony from the governor’s counsel emphasizing faster hiring and more flexibility; the committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment and reported the bill as amended. House Bill 4602, a child welfare pilot program creating a private community-based system for post-removal services, drew testimony from DHS about concerns over costs, continuity, oversight, and child well-being outcomes, while supporters argued it could reduce caseloads and improve flexibility. The chair amended the bill to remove one of the two pilot regions, leaving only the Berkeley/Jefferson County pilot, and the committee then reported the bill as amended despite opposition from the senator from Marion. House Bill 4106, removing the provisional concealed handgun license requirement for ages 18 to 21, heard testimony from a pediatrician opposing the change and from a gun rights advocate supporting it; an amendment requiring firearms training for under-21 carriers failed by a 1-14 roll call, and the committee then reported the bill as amended. Finally, House Bill 4198, after a subcommittee rewrite, was advanced with a strike-and-insert amendment that refined E-Verify requirements for public and private employers, added exemptions for certain small or new employers and sole proprietors, clarified recordkeeping and notice requirements, and adjusted penalties and enforcement procedures. After a motion for the previous question, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 4198 as amended. House Bill 5319 was removed from the agenda, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• in Texas.
• Texas.
• I'll begin with water rights permitting, which is governed by the Texas Water Code, Chapter 11.
• So, Texas Water Code 16.060 outlines the criteria for zone designation.
• Water Code 36.122.

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• In honor of Milan's impact on Texas history...
• Ocelots are endangered wild cats in South Texas.
• In 2015, we lost 8 cats on Texas roads.
• That prompted the Texas Department of Transportation to work with Texas Parks and Wildlife as well as
• in Texas.

Keywords: wildlife corridors, animal-vehicle collisions, HB5259, licensing, concurrent resolutions, cultural significance, Senate Bill 1247, public safety, environmental conservation

Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around significant legislative measures, including several bills aimed at enhancing wildlife safety through the establishment of wildlife corridors and licenses for outdoor activities. Key discussions highlighted House Bill 5259, led by Vice Chair Flores, which proposes a wildlife corridor action plan to reduce animal-vehicle collisions in Texas. This bill is crucial given Texas's alarming rate of wildlife-vehicle accidents, and testimonies from supporting members emphasized the need for action to protect both wildlife and public safety. Furthermore, Senate Bill 1247 was brought forward, simplifying the non-resident hunting license system to improve compliance and conservation funding. The committee also addressed multiple concurrent resolutions recognizing towns for their cultural significance, reflecting a broader commitment to community identity and heritage.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Transportation are transported on privately owned commercial vessels of the United States and for
• will be transported on U.S.
• GENERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WILL BE TRANSPORTED ON U.S. FLAGGED SHIPS.
• the Secretary of Transportation that all cargoes furnished or financed by the Department of Transportation
• that all cargoes furnished or financed by the Department of Transportation are transported on commercially

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas home today.
• It was a need from the state of Texas, as identified by the Texas... mortality child with the maternal
• The Texas Child Mental Health Care.
• There is medical transportation that is available. Okay. emergency medical transportation.
• Next, the Texas Lottery Commission.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill provides common sense safeguards into the election code.
• Chair calls Emily French with Common Cause Texas. Good morning, ma'am.
• Chair called Zachary Doling with the Texas Civil Rights Project.
• Texas law organizes our election systems by precincts, not polling locations.
• SB 2166 harmonizes the pre-election testing requirements that are in the Texas election code to ensure

Transcript Highlights:

• bill was signed by the president on July 4, 2025, and contained over 100 changes to the federal tax code
• He explained that Massachusetts automatically conforms to the federal corporate tax code, meaning the
• You know, being our tax code is a little complicated.
• Thank you. and transportation and health care and housing. We don't bribe the rich to stay here.
• That starts with permanently decoupling our tax code from Trump's corporate tax cuts.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on H. 4975, Governor Healey’s bill to manage the impact of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) on Massachusetts tax law and state revenues. Administration officials, led by Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorowitz, said OB3 would otherwise reduce FY26 revenue by about $442 million and argued for a phased-in conformity approach that would preserve the current-year budget while still adopting selected federal business tax provisions over time. The proposal would phase in the research and experimental expenditure deduction first, delay other major corporate provisions for two years, extend the pass-through entity excise to income subject to the 4% surtax, add a one-year delay mechanism for future federal tax changes over $20 million, limit opportunity zone benefits to Massachusetts investments, and make smaller technical changes to DFML contributions and casino reporting thresholds. Committee members questioned the rationale for phasing in rather than fully decoupling, the effect on the budget if the bill did not pass, and the treatment of opportunity zones, the surtax, and future federal tax changes. Public testimony was split. MassBudget, Progressive Massachusetts, and several labor and public-sector groups urged the committee to permanently decouple from the federal corporate tax changes rather than delay them, arguing that the bill would still send state revenue to corporate tax breaks, often for investments outside Massachusetts, and that the state should protect funding for schools, health care, human services, and other public services. The Massachusetts Society of CPAs supported the administration’s timing and the research-and-development provisions, citing filing deadlines and the importance of certainty for businesses and startups. Business and tax experts also testified that rushed conformity can create revenue losses and that the governor’s review-and-delay framework was a prudent improvement, though some said decoupling should be the default if the Legislature does not act. Unite Here Local 26 testified against sections 3 and 4, which would raise the slot-machine jackpot reporting threshold from $1,200 to $2,000, arguing the current threshold helps with problem-gambling intervention, preserves slot attendant jobs, and generates revenue. Several union leaders, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, AFT Massachusetts, SEIU 509, the Massachusetts Building Trades, the AFL-CIO, and 1199 SEIU, urged permanent decoupling, warning that OB3’s federal tax cuts and related spending reductions would worsen budget pressures, harm public services, and shift costs onto workers, patients, and schools. No votes were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• as the state book of Texas.
• Texas road safety.
• Texas fall behind when it comes to the safety of our wildlife in Texas.
• Texas needs a wildlife corridor action plan for the safety of communities and wildlife in Texas.
• That prompted Texas Department of Transportation to work with Texas Parks and Wildlife as well as federal