Transcript Highlights:

• You multiply that number times 1.6, and that's the number you claim your kids.
• The administrative burden at the district level is free and reduced apps, turning in the claims,...
• Claims, and managing all the people, because food service does require a lot of people.
• But we've had to adjust those a little bit.
• claim as high as 85% of that 201, all the way down to 40% of that 201.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we've already seen the harmful impacts of legislation like this. wide elections for any budget adjustments
• before accepting the case, create guidelines from magistrate judges... ...habeas corpus claims before
• Numerous examples where claims have expired before they can be fully investigated or even discovered.
• Numerous examples where claims have expires. for us to prosecute.
• Numerous examples where claims have expired before they can be fully investigated or even discovered.

Bills: SB330, SB663, SB1020, SB1152, SB1164, SB1896, SB2111, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2797, SB2798, SB2371

Keywords: county funding, prosecutors' offices, elections, law enforcement, local government, community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 1020, Texas, personal bond office, pretrial release, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, global positioning system, bond conditions, probation, parole

Summary: The committee heard several criminal justice bills, with testimony largely focused on public safety, court procedures, and local criminal justice administration. SB 2371 would expand mandatory skimmer-reporting requirements from gas pumps to ATMs, point-of-sale systems, and virtual currency kiosks, with the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center saying centralized reporting would improve investigations, preserve evidence, and help identify organized criminal groups. SB 2581 would repeal a special law governing commissary funds in certain large counties; the sponsor and the Sheriff’s Association said it would restore parity with other counties while keeping spending subject to audit and inmate-benefit limits. Both bills were laid out and left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them at the hearing. The committee also heard SB 330, which would require voter approval before counties over a certain size reduce prosecutor funding, similar to an existing law for law enforcement budgets. Supporters argued prosecutors are essential to public safety and need stable funding, while an opponent from the Texas Civil Rights Project said the bill would restrict local budget flexibility and impose costly elections. SB 663 would remove district judges’ approval role for community supervision and corrections department budgets, replacing it with judge review after TDCJ-CJAD approval; probation officials said the change would reduce delays and confusion without reducing judicial oversight. SB 1020 would require more immediate sharing of ankle-monitor violation information and clarify that such records are not judicial work product; the Harris County DA’s office and Crime Stoppers supported it, citing inconsistent local practices and delays that can hinder prosecutions. The committee then took up SB 1164 on emergency detention and court-ordered mental health services. The bill, from the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, would update emergency detention forms, clarify officer duties, allow filings in the county where a person is apprehended or located, and add a factor related to a person’s inability to recognize symptoms or appreciate treatment risks. Supporters included family members, law enforcement, and mental health and judicial witnesses who described cases where earlier intervention might have prevented tragedy; opponents warned the broader language could be misused and emphasized due process and the need for dangerousness to remain the standard. SB 2111 on indigent defense would expand access to counsel at first hearings, strengthen managed assigned counsel programs, create internships and fellowships, and adjust other defense-related procedures; the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and county defense program leaders supported it, while the committee substitute removed some provisions to reduce fiscal impact. Finally, SB 2383 would let recently retired DPS officers return to work in limited roles to help address staffing shortages, and SB 2797 would create reciprocal discovery requirements for criminal cases; prosecutors and some committee members said it would reduce trial surprise and improve truth-seeking, while others questioned whether the bill fully matched the state’s disclosure obligations and whether it could burden defense rights. Several bills were left pending after testimony, and the committee established a quorum later in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, you know, I'm not going to claim this is solving the problem now and forevermore.
• , I'm not going to claim this is solving<00:41:41.960><c> the</c><00:41:42.080><c> problem</c><00:41:
• </c> Higher Education flexibility to adjust Higher Education flexibility to adjust living<00:59:33.240
• Claiming that we don't have the money to fix this is showing that we are making the choice not to fix
• Students who all have adjusted gross incomes under $100,000.

Bills: HF4252

Keywords: higher education, student aid, financial aid, grant programs, scholarships, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, community college, technical college, postsecondary institution, college affordability, student fees, athletic facilities, competitive athletics, developmental education, remedial courses, pregnant students, parenting students, priority registration

Transcript Highlights:

• So we made adjustments there on those numbers, and we added an additional bump for students that have
• And that helps us to understand, from a metric standpoint, where do we need to make adjustments?
• The problem there is, and they would claim an interest in separating church and state even more than
• Despite claims of historic levels of spending on education, public school districts across the state
• changes, To support public education, we recommend increasing the basic allotment, adjusting it for

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. Several senators emphasized support for public education, teacher pay and safety, parental choice, and the combined K-16 jurisdiction of the committee. The chair also reviewed hearing procedures, including public testimony registration and time limits. The main item was Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, laid out by Chairman Creighton. He described the bill as an education savings account program intended to expand school choice, with a $200 million universal eligibility pool and an additional $800 million targeted to students with disabilities and lower-income families. He said the bill includes anti-fraud safeguards, criminal background checks for vendors, reporting requirements, data protections, and annual testing for participating students, while not imposing STAAR on private schools or homeschoolers. He also said the bill removes a prior hold-harmless provision for public schools and is separate from public school funding and teacher pay legislation. Members questioned the bill’s income threshold, lottery and priority structure, treatment of homeschoolers, microschools, charter schools, religious freedom protections, citizenship/lawful presence language, cybersecurity, open records, and disability-related issues, including whether 504 students and foster children should be included. Creighton said the bill is designed to prioritize former public school students with disabilities or lower incomes, while also allowing universal eligibility within the program’s first funding tier, and that the Comptroller would oversee vendor screening and cybersecurity rules. He said the bill does not direct curriculum or interfere with religious beliefs and that amendments may be offered later on citizenship and other issues. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, starting with EdChoice representative Robert Inlow, who testified in support of SB 2 and cited national growth in school choice programs and studies he said show positive effects for students and public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• It might make the and adjust them.
• I claim no particular expertise in terms of finance or taxation.
• I claim first of all I think it's important to note I claim no particular expertise in terms of finance
• people's salaries adjustments for people's salaries adjusting<02:58:10.880><c> with</c><02:58:11.040
• </c><03:42:04.479><c> the</c> the budget committee could adjust the the budget committee could adjust

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't explain why someone wants to make false claims.
• </c> standpoint to deal with audits of claims standpoint to deal with audits of claims some<04:06:24.279
• So the actuarial analysis is using claims data to say, you know, generally of all the ambulance claims
• of all the ambulance claims generally of all the ambulance claims you<04:41:42.798><c> know</c><04:41
• </c><05:18:18.840><c> data</c> work with the data the claims data work with the data the claims data

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up several bills and repeatedly chose to retain or table them rather than advance them. House 167, dealing with past wax, was voted ought to pass; House 312 was retained because members said NCAA-related advertising and uniform policy issues were still unresolved; House 434, requiring insurers to provide rental cars for at least seven days, was voted inexpedient to legislate; and House 454, on biodegradable packaging claims, was also voted inexpedient to legislate after members said the proposal lacked a workable enforcement mechanism and would likely be only a symbolic state-by-state measure. House 721, making gold legal tender, was retained, with members saying the bill needed more work and that the issue was less compelling in New Hampshire because the state has no sales tax. The committee then discussed House 310, which was amended to create a study commission on blockchain and related regulatory issues. The amendment expanded the commission’s charge to include legal, regulatory, financial, technological, and environmental considerations, added review of federal developments, included blockchain-based trust and stable token issues, broadened membership, and extended the repeal and report dates by a year. Members said the commission would help New Hampshire develop expertise and a report for future legislation, while also noting that federal action could affect the state’s role. The amendment was adopted 8-1, and the bill itself was then retained. Finally, the subcommittee heard a revised amendment to House 406 on business filings and registered agents. The Secretary of State’s office explained that the amendment, drafted with input from the Business and Industry Association, narrows the bill to address fraudulent or unauthorized entity filings after a written complaint and sworn statement, sets minimum requirements for registered agents, bars use of commercial mail-drop addresses as registered offices, and allows removal or cancellation of fraudulent filings with penalties for false filings. Members asked about which entities must maintain registered offices and how the rules would affect home-based businesses; the sponsor said most New Hampshire business entities must have a registered office, with some exceptions such as domestic nonprofits and trade names. The discussion emphasized concerns about synthetic entities, identity misuse, and the need for a physical in-state registered agent address.

Transcript Highlights:

• Claims. What I can tell you is that it's a wide variety of institutions.
• Fund claim, I believe the average claim amount is around $12,000.
• at the Bureau, which would speed up claims.
• this who has filed a student tuition recovery fund claim I believe the average claim amount is around
• at the Bureau perspective, which would speed up claims.

Summary: The joint Sunset Review Oversight Hearing focused on the Bureau for Private Post-Secondary Education (BPPE) and its reauthorization, with committee chairs and members emphasizing the Bureau’s role in protecting students, overseeing private postsecondary schools, and responding to a changing federal higher education landscape. BPPE and the Department of Consumer Affairs reported that the Bureau has modernized data systems, improved enforcement, increased citations and inspections, reduced pending complaints, and is now meeting its statutory inspection mandate. They also said the Bureau faces a structural budget deficit and has reduced costs through staffing cuts, streamlined inspections, and shifting some student-relief functions to the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF).

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, a health insurance survey found that 18% of adults experienced a wrongfully denied claim.
• Millions of wrongful deaths go unaddressed because health insurance companies make appealing a claim
• These companies deny valid health care claims for necessary care like prescription drugs or emergency
• It was about denying their claims. And health care is about affordability.
• It was about denying their claims.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It makes certain tort claims against the state or other subdivisions subject to civil arbitration for
• any dollar amount prior to scheduling for trial based on the age of the claim.
• It requires legislative hearings after judgment or settlements of claims against the state for over $5
• It's an act relating to adjusting monetary limits regarding contracting rules for state highway construction

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• destructive behavior referred to the Committee on Public Education AB 1082 by Curry relating to the claiming
• Students referred to the Committee on Public Education HB 1086 by CurRI relating to the cost of living adjustment
• Economic Development, HB 1088 by Slawson relating to the statute of limitations on health care liability claim
• prohibited provisions of a settlement agreement between a governmental agency and employee regarding a claim

Transcript Highlights:

• Referred to the committee on public education it'd be 1082 by curry relating to the claiming an exemption
• Students refer to the committee on public education, HB 1086 by Currie relating to the cost of living adjustment
• economic development Hb 1080 by Slauson relating to the statute of limitations on health care liability claim
• prohibited provisions of a settlement with agreement between a governmental agency and employee regarding a claim

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You asked about the number of STRF claims by institution and dollar awarded.
• Fund claim, I believe the average claim amount is around $12,000.
• from the Bureau's perspective, which would speed up claims.
• this who has filed a student tuition recovery fund claim I believe the average claim amount is around
• at the Bureau perspective, which would speed up claims.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:40:23.760><c> authorize,</c> likely based on our adjusted authorize, likely based on our adjusted
• So, we have claims data for individuals who have a substance use disorder who's been in Medicaid.
• So, we have claims data for individuals who have a substance use disorder who's been in Medicaid.
• . in terms of unique claims for mental in terms of unique claims for mental health<01:14:35.360><c> prescriptions
• So, so I think that claims.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met on January 23, 2026, to approve prior minutes and receive an update from the Department of Health and Human Services. The main presentation focused on “Project Compass,” an internal cross-department effort to prepare for changes to Medicaid and SNAP eligibility. Department staff said the goal is to maintain continuous coverage for eligible people, align policy, operations, communications, legal, finance, and eligibility work, and use the new integrated New HEIGHTS system to streamline implementation. They emphasized outreach to beneficiaries, providers, managed care organizations, and other partners, and said temporary manual workarounds had already been used to stay in compliance with fast-moving SNAP changes. Members questioned how the department would avoid repeating the costly outreach effort used in a prior Medicaid work-requirement rollout. Department officials said they are focusing on ex parte processes, sharing eligibility information across programs, and using community partners to reduce duplicate contacts and paperwork. They also said the department is monitoring the SNAP error rate closely, expects automation and a planned system contract amendment to help reduce it, and noted that current error rates are trending downward and remain below the national average. Questions were also raised about possible future SNAP restrictions on certain foods; the department said it can implement whatever the legislature directs, but that defining and administering such restrictions would be complex. The commissioner and CFO then outlined the department’s budget reduction plan. They said the department has begun implementing required “back of the budget” reductions for fiscal year 2026, using contract savings and not cutting existing services where possible. Examples included dental and home-visitation contracts, where spending was adjusted based on utilization and projected need. Officials said they had already written down a little over $15 million in prior-year encumbrances, but that this one-time source will not be available next year, making fiscal year 2027 more difficult. They also explained the difference between legally required back-of-budget cuts and lapse, and said staffing remains a major challenge because vacancies have increased and customer-facing service levels are strained. Dr. Jonathan Ballard then began an update on opioid overdose fatalities, presenting the latest medical examiner data and describing the long-term rise in deaths after fentanyl entered the illicit drug supply, with a peak in 2017 and a later increase in 2022. The transcript cuts off before his full presentation and any further committee action beyond discussion of the minutes and receipt of the department updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it kind of closes the claim, so to speak, for them.
• so to speak closes it closes the claim so to speak for<00:41:24.079><c> them.
• </c> situation is um for total loss claims situation is um for total loss claims that<00:41:59.359><c
• </c> total loss settlements reduce claim total loss settlements reduce claim handling<00:49:18.400><c
• their speeds, should merging, adjusting their speeds, should be<01:29:57.760><c> focusing,</c><01:29

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the really real and important impact of uh one, streamlining the process for taxpayers to be able to claim
• to take advantage of this really important program, um, because we just made it easier for them to claim
• something</c><00:02:49.519><c> that</c><00:02:49.760><c> they</c><00:02:50.000><c> already</c> to claim
• something that they already to claim something that they already qualify<00:02:50.959><c> for.
• And filing became simpler because the renters' credit is based on adjusted gross income.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to somebody is: say you have an insurance company that has company cars so they can go out and do claims
• somebody is, so say you have an insurance company that has company cars so they can go out and do claims
• This proposal comes at a time when the tech industry is already undergoing significant adjustments to
• are costs we must pass on to our customers if we are to remain solvent, healthy, and able to pay claims
• Adjusting the excise taxes on cigarettes, vapor products, and other tobacco products is a good policy

Summary: The committee heard briefings, sponsor presentations, and public testimony on several finance bills. HB 2038 would impose an additional B&O tax on businesses operating social media platforms beginning in 2027 and create a youth behavioral health account funded by the tax. The sponsor argued the bill would help address youth mental health harms linked to social media and support implementation of the Washington Thriving plan. Supporters in testimony, including youth advocates and some public health voices, said social media contributes to youth anxiety and addiction and that the revenue should be used for behavioral health services. Opponents, including technology and business groups, argued the tax unfairly singles out one sector, could be passed on to consumers, and may violate federal internet tax law. The hearing on HB 2038 was suspended and later reopened for public testimony; no vote was taken. HB 2297 would create tax incentives for grocery stores in underserved communities, including local B&O preferences, a sales tax exemption for security services, a 30-year property tax exemption program, a B&O tax credit, and a B&O exemption for certain locally owned or employee-owned stores. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to preserve and attract grocery stores in food deserts, especially after recent store closures, and to help communities with limited transportation and access to healthy food. County representatives supported the goal but raised concern about the bill’s sales tax exemption and its effect on local revenues. Public testimony was largely supportive, with advocates, local officials, grocers, and residents describing grocery stores as essential community infrastructure. No action was taken. HB 2382 would raise cigarette taxes by $2 per pack, restructure vapor and other tobacco product taxes, and dedicate portions of the revenue to a time-sensitive emergency system, tobacco enforcement, and the foundational public health services account. The sponsor said the bill would generate needed revenue, support cancer research funding, and strengthen public health and enforcement. Supporters said higher tobacco taxes reduce use and help cover long-term health costs, while some public health witnesses supported the revenue but suggested directing more funds to existing tobacco prevention accounts. Opponents from retail and industry groups argued the proposal is regressive, could increase illicit sales and cross-border purchasing, and would hurt small businesses and low-income consumers. The committee also heard HB 2487, a Department of Revenue request bill that would narrow the B&O exemption for insurers to clarify that it applies only to premium income subject to insurance premium tax, and apply the change retroactively to 2019. The sponsor and supporters said the bill closes a loophole created by a recent Supreme Court ruling and preserves tax equity, while insurers and business groups objected to the retroactive application, warning of higher premiums and unfair taxation. Finally, HB 2018 would increase the solid waste tax by 0.5% per year for five years and direct the new revenue to a local government solid waste assistance account for county and city waste management plans. County officials supported the bill as a way to stabilize funding for solid waste systems, and testimony emphasized rising disposal and infrastructure costs. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I don't think anybody will ever claim or promise that that's a reasonable level to expect.
• excessively, for needlessly long periods, and as a tool to force immigrants with legitimate legal claims
• to abandon their rights. ...periods and as a tool to force immigrants with legitimate legal claims to
• It will not sacrifice risk-adjusted returns, and it can be implemented in a phased, cost-conscious manner
• How can a state that claims to provide sanctuary to immigrants, that shelters thousands of war refugees

Summary: The committee began with a work session from the State Investment Board, where staff described the board’s structure, $230 billion in assets under management, and its mandate to maximize returns at a prudent level of risk for pension and other state funds. They reviewed long-term performance, noting strong historical returns and explaining that the board generally invests public equities passively through low-cost index funds. Members also discussed sustainability practices, including ESG integration, proxy voting, climate and DEI blueprints, and the board’s view that divestment or asset-class restrictions can reduce returns and increase costs. Senators asked about deferred compensation, legislative influence over investment policy, and digital assets; staff said the board is slow-moving and that any major change would be studied carefully. The public hearing then focused on SB 5439, which would prohibit new thermal coal investments beginning in 2026 and require full divestment by 2030, with limited exceptions. Supporters argued coal is a poor long-term investment and a major climate and health risk, and several said the bill still gives the board flexibility to retain holdings in companies transitioning to clean energy. The committee also heard testimony on SB 6109, which would bar investments in private detention facilities and require divestment by 2030; supporters said state money should not profit from immigrant detention, while staff confirmed the board currently holds a small investment in Geo Group. SB 6304 would require responsible investment principles for the State Investment Board, including consideration of human rights, environmental degradation, corruption, and related risks, along with proxy voting guidelines and annual reporting. Testimony in favor emphasized ethical investing, climate risk, and avoiding complicity in human rights abuses, while board staff had earlier said they view such decisions through an investment-risk lens rather than a values-based lens. The committee also heard Substitute SB 5945, which would exclude most offenses committed before age 18 from counting as strikes under the state’s persistent offender law and would allow retroactive resentencing for affected people, with exceptions for first- and second-degree murder and serious sex offenses. Staff said the substitute would likely affect fewer cases than the original bill, with estimates ranging from about 10 to 24 resentencings. Public defense, prosecutors, and sheriffs’ representatives raised concerns about workload, victim impacts, and retroactive application, while supporters and pro bono providers said they were prepared to help with resentencing and reentry support. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• claims database, we do collect claims information.
• </c><01:05:25.200><c> That's</c> collect claims information. That's collect claims information.
• </c> payer claims database? payer claims database?
• </c> Yeah, it's the claims information. Yeah, it's the claims information.
• </c> information in in the claims database. information in in the claims database.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and all sorts of things if you claims and all sorts of things if you kept<00:52:50.800><c> reading.
• It started in 1999 and it's been adjusted every few years since then. So, it's pretty much a mess.
• It started in 1999 and it's been adjusted every few years since then. So, it's pretty much a mess.
• </c> started in 1999 and it's been adjusted started in 1999 and it's been adjusted every<01:04:08.640
• Uh, so the date for the February 1st, 2027, uh, would have to be adjusted for 2028.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• forecast adjustments, then reduce 18,000. $110,400 for population forecast adjustments, then reduce
• adjustments, then reduce... $610,400 for population forecast adjustments, then reduce $8 million for
• the classified staff adjustments.
• for population forecast adjustments, then reduce $9,200,000 from the classified staff adjustments.
• It's titled 'IDLA budget adjustment.'

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee first approved a technical correction to the Health and Welfare Division of Licensing and Certification budget, restoring 2 FTP that had been cut in error while leaving funding intact. The committee then adopted language extending the deadline for Medicaid’s state plan amendments and waivers related to the move to comprehensive managed care, after discussion of delays tied to the MMIS procurement and litigation. Both items received do-pass recommendations. The committee next considered Public School Support, beginning with a FY 2026 supplemental for the Division of Student Support to add $7.8 million in federal spending authority so schools can access full federal grant allocations. That supplemental passed. For FY 2027, members debated several competing motions on the Student Support Division budget, including proposals to reduce classified staff funding, add health insurance funding, and cut virtual school-related funding. After multiple failed motions, the committee ultimately approved a motion reducing the general fund by $14,751,600, including a $3 million reduction to virtual school discretionary funding, and adopted related language. Additional language was also approved to require reporting on virtual enrollments, shift English learner funding from central services to direct LEA distribution, modify technology curriculum contract requirements, require special education expenditure reporting, and reduce transportation funding by $7.5 million by undoing a prior statutory change. The committee then turned to the Idaho Digital Learning Academy. After extensive debate over alleged double-funding, rural access, and the absence of a policy bill, members rejected a larger $15 million reduction and then approved a smaller $13,500 reduction tied to the pending policy bill’s fiscal note. They also adopted language restricting PCIF access, requiring compliance reporting on DEI-related courses, and requesting a detailed report on IDLA expenditures, enrollments, and usage, including synchronous versus asynchronous instruction and course-level data by LEA. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would next take up the Secretary of State budget and trailer bills, with an additional 7:30 a.m. meeting before the Monday session.