Transcript Highlights:

• I think our friend from Texas PTA, Ms.
• Howdy, James Hallameck with the Texas State Teachers Association.
• We urge the Texas Legislature to preserve power and more democratic and transparent processes required
• I was born and raised in Texas.
• I'm the Director of Education and Workforce Policy at Texas 2036.

Bills: HB8

Committee: House Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Oliverson, who was a House member in Texas from Houston.
• The same company that was involved in the Texas case at the Coleman Ranch.
• We only have immunity on the floor of the legislature.
• They're putting state legislatures together to where this is an option.
• I live in Texas.

Committee: House Agriculture

Summary: The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban. After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this will extend that recognition.
• Well, if this were successful, and this resolution, and it's almost 50 co-authors in the legislature
• And we are pleased by the 47 bipartisan members of the legislature who are co-authors on this important
• In recognition of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which occurred on this day 37 years ago and for which the
• In recognition of the Exxon Beldez oil spill, which occurred on this day 37 years ago and for which the

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee heard several measures focused on conservation, wildlife access, and coastal protection. SB 1108 would create the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in Merced County to coordinate land, water, habitat, and wildlife corridor protection in the largest remaining wetland/grassland complex west of the Mississippi. Supporters, including the Grasslands Water District and Audubon California, emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, groundwater sustainability, and voluntary conservation easements; there was no opposition. The committee members generally praised the bill’s regional coordination and ecological significance. The committee also heard SB 1021, which would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create a program allowing youth with physician-certified life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities under structured supervision. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate, tightly limited program with conservation safeguards, hunter education requirements, reporting, and a sunset. There was no opposition, and members expressed support for the bill’s intent. SB 949 would designate the Santa Cruz Mountains as a resource of statewide significance, with an emphasis on biodiversity, watershed protection, wildfire resilience, public access, working lands, and collaboration with tribes and private landowners. Support came from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Sempervirens Fund, and several local and conservation organizations; no opposition was heard. The committee also considered SJR 12, which urges the federal government to remove California from proposed offshore oil and gas leasing plans and calls for stronger environmental review and public engagement. Supporters cited spill risks, coastal economic harm, and prior local and state opposition to offshore drilling. All measures were approved by the committee, with the bills and resolution moving forward on recorded votes, and the consent calendar items were also adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this will extend that recognition. And it's been particularly pronounced since the CZU...
• That recognition, and it's been particularly pronounced since the CZU fire just because, for those of
• Well, if this were successful, and this resolution—and it's almost 50 coauthors in the Legislature do
• And we are pleased by the 47 bipartisan members of the Legislature who are coauthors on this important
• In recognition of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which occurred on this day 37 years ago and for which the

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Transcript Highlights:

• And so before we do that, Senator Arrington, I understand you have a recognition.
• Before we move on, Senator Burgess, you are recognized for a recognition. Mr. President.
• Before we move on, Senator Collins, you have a recognition. You're recognized. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Davis, I understand you have a recognition as well. You are recognized. I do, Mr.
• The Florida Legislature made this change last year for auto warranty companies.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including visiting student groups, chambers of commerce, and apprenticeship participants. Senators also observed a moment of silence for a fallen Walton County deputy and later for the late John Pasadoma. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and special order calendar, with most bills passing overwhelmingly and several amendments adopted along the way. Among the major measures, SB 234 on criminal offenses against law enforcement officers passed 37-0 after debate and an amendment clarifying “good faith” in an officer’s duties; SB 7020 on open government and cybersecurity information passed 37-0; SM 1488 urging Congress to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund was adopted by voice vote; SB 944 reducing insurance overpayment claim deadlines for psychologists passed 37-0; SB 878 expanding misdemeanor probation treatment provisions to controlled substances passed 36-1; SB 538, the state court system package, passed 37-0; SB 480 on nonprofit agricultural organization medical benefit plans passed 32-4; SB 472 on correctional-facility education credit for licensure passed 37-0; and SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification passed 28-9 after extensive debate about enforcement, federal preemption, and the bill’s purpose. Later, the Senate passed CS/HB 421 on peer support for first responders 37-0 after substituting the House companion, and SB 164 on vessel accountability advanced with a technical amendment. SB 166 on administrative efficiency in public schools drew the most extended debate and multiple amendments; it changes testing, promotion, teacher evaluation, certification, and facilities rules, and passed 37-0. The chamber also passed SB 282 on warranty association financial requirements 36-0, SB 316 creating series LLCs 35-1, and SB 384 on annexing state-owned lands 36-0. At the end of the day, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, received budget schedule guidance from Appropriations Chair Hooper for SB 2500 and SB 2502, and adjourned until April 9.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will have a certificate of recognition.
• At this point, I would yield to Senator Paul to do the Certificate of Recognition for Big Brothers Big
• Hearing no objection, the reader will read the Legislature of the State of New Mexico 57th.
• Legislature, First Session 2025, the New Mexico State Senate does hereby extend its recognition and acknowledgment
• I've got several guests here today that deserve a lot of recognition for what they do for Big Brothers

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this year we had 15 state legislators from Texas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Arkansas, and Utah.
• Uh, this year we had 15 state legislators from Texas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Arkansas, and Utah.
• ,</c> 15 state legislators from Texas, 15 state legislators from Texas, Nebraska,<00:07:47.919><c> Missouri
• I mean, if we don't get a bill out, and I'm not sure there's a lot that the legislature can do about
• can do about lot that the legislature can do about this,<00:10:27.519><c> but</c><00:10:28.000><c> if

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• at Texas A&M.
• at Texas A&M.
• Is that something that happens in Texas through this law?
• We don't think the legislature can delegate constitutional authority of other offices.
• We don't think the legislature can delegate constitutional authority of other offices.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on January 29, 2026, and announced it would not hold executive session that day because of the large number of public hearing sign-ups; those executive sessions were pushed to the following Monday. The committee first heard House Bill 2558, relating to the mental health sentencing alternative (MHSA). Staff explained that the bill narrows eligibility to people diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, adds restrictions for certain domestic violence and prior violent offense cases, requires more detailed DOC reports, lengthens some community custody terms, mandates regular progress hearings, and shifts assessment work to contracted providers. The sponsor said the bill is intended to refocus the program on people whose offenses are tied to serious mental illness and to reduce misuse in domestic violence and other violent cases. No public testimony was taken on HB 2558 that day, and the hearing was held open for later testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 2217, which would replace the current first-time offender waiver with a pretrial deferral option and a suspended sentence option for eligible first-time felony defendants. Supporters, including public defense, immigration advocates, judges, economists, and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission, argued the bill would create a meaningful rehabilitation pathway, reduce recidivism, improve employment outcomes, and avoid the long-term harm of an immediate felony conviction. They also said the deferred-adjudication structure could help immigrants avoid immigration consequences and would better incentivize restitution and compliance. Opponents, including sheriffs, prosecutors, and victim advocates, raised concerns about expanding eligibility to offenses such as assault 2 and robbery 2, the meaning of “violent offense,” the possibility of judicial diversion without prosecutor consent, and the impact on victims and public safety. After testimony, the sponsor said she would remove the bill’s strong presumption in favor of relief, and the committee closed the public hearing on HB 2217. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2641, the “ICE Out Act of 2026,” which would bar Washington law enforcement agencies from hiring people who were sworn ICE officers after January 20, 2025, with the restriction applying prospectively beginning October 1, 2026. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect communities and prevent hiring officers associated with federal immigration enforcement practices she described as harmful. The committee then heard House Bill 2648, which would require state and local officers who encounter suspected ICE employees conducting immigration enforcement to activate body and dash cameras, report the encounter, and document it, while providing state indemnification for officers acting in good faith. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and protect communities and officers; the Washington State Patrol said many of the practices already align with its policies. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs expressed concerns about added reporting requirements, possible effects on federal-local cooperation, and asked for changes to soften mandatory language and strengthen indemnification. The committee ended the hearing without further testimony and adjourned, noting executive sessions on about a dozen bills would occur the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Set of budget and policy proposals for the legislature to consider.
• The Legislature requested a report in 2016. In 2019, it was delivered.
• We recommend that the legislature consider directing DDS to produce this type of report so that the legislature
• Seventeen states filed Texas v.
• That is recognition of the diversity that is necessary within our community.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a nonpartisan organization focused on the recognition of biological sex in law.
• Now, it's also important, which is also modeled off the way the legislature dealt with this under the
• And because those loans revolve back into the fund, it is a one-time commitment from the legislature,
• . ...establishes the county requirements only upon appropriation of funds from the Legislature.
• So are we, welcome to the legislature.

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we're going to pause for a recognition.
• Members, we're going to pause for a recognition.
• We're going to do some recognitions. Thank you.
• Members, we're going to pause for our recognition.
• We're going to pause for a recognition.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of a quorum, then adopted the special order calendar for the day. The first major item was CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Rayner Act, which revises laws on resisting officers and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses eligible for a life sentence reclassification. The sponsor said the bill was intended to honor Officer Jason Rayner and clarify that questions of fault belong in court; opponents argued it removed judicial discretion, could sweep in unintended cases, and was a broad response to a case-specific prosecutorial failure. After debate, the bill passed 108-8. The House then passed CS/SB 688 on naturopathic medicine, which creates a regulatory structure and licensure framework for naturopathic physicians, defines scope and limits of practice, and establishes a board under the Department of Health with medical doctor oversight. Supporters described it as a consumer protection and medical freedom measure; opponents called it an expansion of scope and criticized the low penalty for impersonating a naturopathic physician. The bill passed 85-22. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, creating a Florida Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, a Florida Speech and Debate Week, and a statewide debate initiative, by a vote of 112-0. Additional measures approved included CS/CS/SB 1220 on transportation, which covers a wide range of issues including FDOT authority, airports and seaports, drone delivery, autonomous vehicles, toll revenues, and related regulatory changes; it passed 87-23. SB 962 on affordable housing, which clarifies that Live Local Act zoning preemption does not unintentionally capture working farms and farm operations, passed 109-2. CS/CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming was introduced and explained as a crackdown on illegal slot machines and unregulated gaming arcades, with questions focused on VFWs, sweepstakes, fantasy sports, and the Seminole gaming compact, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill. The session also included several recognitions and lengthy farewell remarks from departing members, including Leader Driscoll and Majority Leader Sirois.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the legislature is in session. the legislature is in session.
• If I would uh could I have recognition.
• </c> he provided to the Alabama legislature. he provided to the Alabama legislature.
• He retired from the legislature after 33 years in 2022.
• And whereas during his esteemed tenure in the legislature, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's kind of what the legislature is kind of proud of, that we're based on a citizen legislature that
• versus a full-time legislature?
• versus a full-time legislature?
• for and serving in the legislature.
• for and serving in the legislature.

Committee: Joint Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Right on Crime is a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where we focus on conservative
• state over the past 10 or 20 years, thank God this governor has been proactive in leading this legislature
• Has been proactive in leading this legislature to make sure that we're not favoring criminals over victims
• maybe the obvious, but this is very different from the other bill that's been moving through the legislature
• The legislative auditor did do a report in 2025 in order to provide the legislature and all public with

Committee: Senate Judiciary B

Summary: The committee first approved the April 28 minutes and announced that Senate Bill 499 was voluntarily deferred. It then heard several House bills, beginning with HB 168, a reentry/transitional housing program for female parolees near release; supporters said it would improve public safety and reduce recidivism, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 322, a cleanup bill from the Maggie Grace Act clarifying that victims or families requesting transcripts would not be charged, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 622, which aligns Louisiana criminal history information practices with federal rules, was amended and then reported favorably. HB 821, moving the School for Safe Centers from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, was reported favorably as well. The committee then took up HB 364, which directs State Police to partner on public awareness efforts about the illegality of discharging firearms, especially around holidays. An amendment removed a proposed printing cost and shifted the bill toward PSAs; the bill was reported favorably with amendments. HB 568, which strengthens enforcement of drug-free school zone laws by creating a clearer offense for openly smoking or vaping illegal drugs in school zones and setting a specific penalty for marijuana, drew extensive debate. Supporters, including the author and governor’s office, said it was needed to protect children and families and to give law enforcement a workable deterrent. Opponents argued it would impose harsh, geography-based penalties, sweep in medical cannabis patients and veterans, and worsen racial and fiscal disparities. After roll-call, the committee reported HB 568 favorably by a 3-2 vote. The committee also approved HB 296, a cleanup bill removing long-defunct programs from statute, without objection. HB 823, creating an Orleans Parish DA pilot diversion program for unhoused people accused of nonviolent offenses, was supported by Covenant House and others as a way to avoid criminalizing homelessness and was reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 1038, a major bill revising the authority and liability structure of city marshals and local governments, prompted extensive testimony. The bill and amendments would limit some marshal powers in smaller jurisdictions, require local approval for certain staffing/insurance matters, and allow local governments to restore powers by ordinance. Supporters said it would reduce liability, clarify authority, and address problems in some marshal offices; opponents, including multiple marshals and law enforcement supporters, said it would undermine elected marshals, hurt small offices, and was too broad and under-studied. The transcript ends amid that hearing, with no final committee action shown on HB 1038.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Linda Litzinger, I'm with Texas Parent to Parent.
• I'm the executive director at the Autism Society of Texas.
• I'm here on behalf of the Texas Association of Business.
• With the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
• I am a legal fellow and an attorney with Texas Appleseed.

Bills: HB 1022 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HJR5 , HB6 , HB 120 , HB210 , HB1458 , HB 1188 , HB3126 , HB6 , HB120 , HB210

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• organization for homeschooling and family rights in Texas.
• In the five years that I've been in Texas, our crime rate has decreased.
• As we move into the 89th session of the Texas legislature, there are 15 items listed of interest, and
• Yes, the executive officers of the Texas Police Chiefs Association.
• Not the entire body of the Texas Police Chiefs.

Bills: HB1511 , HB1831 , HB1988 , HB2147 , HB2234

Committee: House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• We have from Houston, Texas, Jennifer Doliac, who is the former—she's an economist, former...
• at Texas A&M.
• Is that something that happens in Texas through this law?
• I had the opportunity to study the impact of a similar diversion option in Harris County, Texas.
• We don't think the legislature can delegate constitutional authority of other offices.

Bills: HB2217 , HB2558 , HB2641 , HB2648 , HB1239 , HB1591 , HB2209 , HB2310 , HB2526

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: rehabilitation, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, first-time offenders, pathways to rehabilitation, mental health, sentencing alternative, criminal justice, diversion programs, HB 2641, ICE out act, law enforcement hiring, immigration and customs enforcement, ICE officers, former federal employees, sworn officer, police staffing, general authority law enforcement agency, limited authority law enforcement agency, immigration enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislature.
• News Texas Cable Association against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members.
• Larry Texas land USA LLC for the bill. If you would please come forward.
• Texas ranked as the 11th most deadliest state for pedestrians.
• Texas Pedestrian... traffic deaths increased by 20 percent.

Bills: HB769 , HB2132 , HB3383 , HB3792 , HB5431 , HB5682 , HB5677 , HB5678 , HB5680 , HB5681 , HB5683 , HB5684 , HB5685 , HB5686 , HB4078

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to say thank recognition. I just want to say thank recognition.
• Uh for the recognition. Listen, I know you and I recognition. Listen, I know you and I recognition.
• Thank you for recognition. recognition. recognition.
• Speaker, for that recognition. House Bill 319 that recognition. House Bill 319 that recognition.
• Speaker for the recognition recognition recognition yield. This is a very appropriate bill. yield.

Transcript Highlights:

• Throughout Texas and the Hill Country in this flooding event.
• Senate Resolution 1 by Flores et al., in memory of the lives lost due to the 2025 Texas flood.
• God bless these families, and God bless Texas. I move adoption.
• She was so kind and out there as a warrior during my very first race for the legislature.
• The Senate of the 89th Legislature, second call session, stands adjourned.

Bills: SB 2 , SB 10 , HB27 , HB18 , HB17 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB18 , SR 1 , SR 2 , SR 5 , HB18 , HB17 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , SR1 , SR2 , SR5 , SB2 , SB10 , HB27