Transcript Highlights:

• However, he is currently meeting with victim families ahead of today's parole hearings, and he sends
• <00:43:56.480> in programs have been instrumental in programs have been instrumental in bringing
• And I'm hearing um mixed entirely.
• And I'm hearing um mixed reviews<00:47:37.520> from<00:47:37.839> our<00:47:38.000>
• Oh, I didn't hear that. Sorry.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to facilitate the goal of hearing as much from the public within the limits of our time, we
• Did you hear all that? On SB 1148 (Niello), Bauer-Kahan, aye. Lowenthal, aye.
• At that point, we're going to adjourn the hearing.
• If you are hearing this and you have not added on yet...
• If you are hearing this and you have not added on yet, or if staff is hearing this, please have your

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair hears none. The motion is adopted.
• When they hear that nine minority districts are going to go to four.
• I'm talking specifically about hearings.
• There was no amount of hours of hearings, no number of hearings in any number of places, whether geographically
• Objection, hearing none, we stand in recess until 11:30.

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Transcript Highlights:

• We urge your support, and thank you so much for hearing this. Thank you.
• We will hear from me-toos in support of this bill.
• And I'm sure if we had more time to hear from the opposition, we'd hear examples of folks who are out
• And I'm sure if we had more time to hear from the opposition, we'd hear examples of folks who are out
• If we had more time to hear from the opposition, we'd hear examples of folks who are out there running

Summary: The committee heard several labor and workforce bills. SB 1059 would modernize the Employment Training Panel by allowing electronic record-keeping, digital attendance documentation, and updated training terminology; supporters said it would reduce paperwork and better match current training systems, while no opposition appeared. SB 966 would codify refinery process safety protections adopted in 2017 after the 2012 Chevron Richmond fire, including worker participation in safety proceedings, anonymous hazard reporting, access to safety information, and stop-work authority; labor supported it, while the Western States Petroleum Association opposed it as conflicting with a 2024 settlement and potentially preempted by federal labor law. SB 1024 would provide 26 weeks of paid postpartum and recovery leave for firefighters who give birth, with job restoration and no requirement to use sick or vacation time first; firefighters and labor groups strongly supported it, and the committee discussed staffing and operational coverage concerns, but no opposition testified. The committee also heard SB 1316, which would strengthen wage theft enforcement by allowing Labor Commissioner liens to be renewed, limiting employers’ late use of records, and requiring Cal/OSHA to report complaints and citations data annually. Supporters said the bill would help workers actually collect wages after long delays and prevent employers from hiding records; it passed the committee on a 5-0 vote. SB 1185 would apply skilled and trained workforce requirements to pharmaceutical facility construction and maintenance, with supporters arguing these facilities require high precision to protect public health and supply chains; construction industry opponents said the bill was an unnecessary expansion of state mandates into private projects. SB 1227 would create apprenticeship pathways into DIR enforcement jobs, including Cal/OSHA and Labor Commissioner roles, to address staffing shortages and improve labor law enforcement; supporters emphasized vacancies and backlogs, and the bill was framed as a way to build a merit-based pipeline into state service. After hearing testimony, the committee took final votes on all six bills once the full membership returned. SB 966, SB 1024, SB 1059, SB 1185, and SB 1227 were all reported out of committee, and SB 1316 was also passed and sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The recorded final votes were unanimous or near-unanimous in favor, with the bills advancing on 4-1 or 5-0 votes depending on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• That are going to be heard later in this hearing.
• You may not like to hear this, but yes, there's some history on this.
• You can't buy instruments just to create a cause of action. So thank you.
• Hearing none, we're going to open up public testimony. Benjamin Heller.
• Hearing none, we're going to open up public testimony.

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an informational hearing today. So the first order of business will be to hear House File.
• We will also be hearing each.
• Thank you for hearing this.
• I just want to make sure you can hear me. Yes, we can hear you. Thank you.
• Thank you, Chair Bang and Co-Chair McDonald for hearing this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Brooke was instrumental in the publication of our first state's flood plan, advancing the construction
• are in, so I'm hard of hearing.
• Say again. of hearing as well, so I can't hear you. This is going to be a fun line of questions.
• Thank you, Chairman Birdwell, for hearing the bill and helping to get it passed.
• So I'd love to hear your feedback, and I just want to make sure that it is implemented.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll then hear from the nominees. open it to a round of questioning. So let's start.
• Thank you so much for having this hearing for the wonderful panel that we have here.
• I also look forward to hearing your plans to work with France.
• I hear it all the time.
• I'm pleased to hear that.

Keywords: diplomatic nominations, foreign policy, ambassadors, U.S.-European relations, Bilateral relationships, security, trade

Summary: The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I hear what you're saying. I have concerns with all of the data, right?
• The chair hears none and the bill is left pending.
• The chair hears none, and the bill will be left pending.
• Chair hears none and the bill is left. The bill is left pending.
• The chair hears none and the bill The bill is left pending.

Bills: HB 1105, HB1527, HB1787, HB1972, HB2081, HB3296, HB3976, HB4071, HB4234, HB4438, HB4701, HB5092, HB5150, HB5180, HB5265, HB5333, HJR203

Keywords: tuition exemption, paramedics, higher education, laboratory fees, emergency medical services, peace officers, criminal justice, law enforcement, degree programs, public institutions, HB 1787, HPV, human papillomavirus, college health, university health, student health, public health education, prevention program, screening, early detection

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, of course, members will be able to ask additional questions and hear from the nominees.
• I have no questions about your judgment, and we'll get into that in this hearing.
• Why don't you lean forward a little bit so I can hear you a little bit.
• Sure, can you hear me?
• Well, the hearing is adjourned.

Keywords: national security, intelligence community, Aaron Lucas, Joe Kent, John Eisenberg, China threat, terrorism, collaboration, oversight, intelligence capabilities

Summary: The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding national security and intelligence community leadership. Notably, nominees Aaron Lucas for Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joe Kent for Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and John Eisenberg for Assistant Attorney General for National Security were introduced. Concerns were raised about the current state of U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly in relation to threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and ongoing risks from terrorism. The dialogue emphasized the necessity for robust oversight and the importance of collaboration within the intelligence community, as well as with international allies, to ensure effective security measures are in place.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas, over the course of her 43 years of service, Monie Smith has played an instrumental role
• When Representative Hardin called and said, 'Did you hear about Paul?', I was shocked.
• Are you hearing 10 cents a gallon? I've seen several different proposals.
• to be clear, if the federal government reduces the fuel tax, all of our constituents are going to hear

Bills: HCR1030, HB1370, SB893, SB2, SB1589

Keywords: legislative procedure, session calendar, deadline schedule, bill deadlines, joint resolution, Oklahoma Legislature, 61st Legislature, regular session, adjourn sine die, floor deadline, third reading, committee deadlines, bill drafting, appropriations, budget bills, ethics commission, agency rules, administrative procedures act, local and special laws, pension legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• If you didn't hear the cry of the child, you would never know that a child was there.
• Live Local developments: they may not require quasi-judicial or administrative board or review body hearings
• Ensures that any financial instrument used in retail theft, such as gift cards and prepaid cards, will
• of our cities in the state of Florida do not use fluoride in their systems, and I do not remember hearing

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests and groups in the gallery, including students, business groups, and university basketball coaches. The chamber then moved through a long special order calendar, taking up a series of bills on trust law, school district reporting, debt collection, service of process, lodging and food service establishments, lien waivers, public records protections for Crime Stoppers personnel, foreign ownership/health care licensure issues, diabetes management in schools, platting, fentanyl testing, third-party reservation platforms, electronic landlord-tenant notices, leaving the scene of a crash, background screening for athletic coaches, surrendered infants, and affordable housing. Several bills were temporarily postponed, and multiple House companion bills were substituted where the measures were identical or had only drafting differences. Debate focused on a few measures. Senators questioned the trust code bill’s effect on out-of-state attorneys general; the school reporting bill was described as strengthening arrest and misconduct reporting for instructional personnel; and the service-of-process and lodging bills were presented as technical and consumer-protection fixes. The fentanyl testing bill drew emotional support from the sponsor and families affected by overdose deaths. The surrendered-infant bill prompted opposition over safety, anonymity, and the limited use of baby boxes, while supporters argued it could save lives. The affordable housing bill, updating the Live Local Act, was amended to adjust parking reductions and allow certain properties to use the administrative approval process, with additional limits and exclusions added. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, including the trust code bill, school reporting, debt collection, service of process, lien waivers, public records, foreign-country business interest restrictions, diabetes management in schools, platting, fentanyl testing, third-party reservation platforms, electronic landlord-tenant notices, leaving-the-scene restitution, athletic coach background screening, surrendered infants, and affordable housing. The day’s most divided vote was on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which drew extended debate over fluoride policy and other provisions; it passed 27-9. At the end of the session, the Senate agreed to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, recognized a Taiwan-related resolution for the journal, made additional announcements, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Veterans Committee on your first bill hearing.
• So, I really appreciate hearing that. Thank you. Mr. Chair, thank you so much.
• Co-Chair Bridges, Co-Chair Xiong, members of the Hearing Committee.
• It's an honor to be here and to be a part of this bill hearing today.
• Thank you, committee members, for hearing the bill today.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you hear me now? All right, we didn't hear, we didn't read in the amendment yet.
• We didn't hear, we didn't read in the amendment yet.
• Because I think... ...this instrument that we could possibly work on?
• And I was happy to hear that you were interested or would entertain amendments.
• Hearing none, the three-minute rule is adopted. Thank you.

Bills: HB267, HB478, HB617, HB659, HB800, HB922, HB924, HB947, HB1166, HB1223

Keywords: home inspectors, board membership, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board, utility, reimbursement, overcharges, consumer protection, economic relief, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price, service fees

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 267 by Vice Chair Polly Thomas, which would revise the membership rules for the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors. The bill would update who may nominate board members, add qualifications and term limits, and allow the governor more flexibility in appointing or reappointing members from less populated districts. After adopting technical amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably with amendments. The committee then considered House Bill 478 by Representative Knox, dealing with utility overcharge reimbursements. The bill requires reimbursements to be clearly labeled on customer bills and sets a deadline for repayment; after discussion with the Public Service Commission and utility representatives, the committee amended the bill to extend the repayment period from 45 to 90 calendar days and clarified that some settlement or regulatory credits would be treated differently. The bill was then reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 924 by Representative Glorioso, a consumer-protection measure aimed at contractor solicitation after disasters. The bill would restrict certain direct solicitations of residential property owners during a declared disaster period, address misleading insurance-related practices, and add disclosure and rescission requirements. After substantial debate over impacts on legitimate contractors, emergency repairs, and enforcement, the committee adopted a conceptual amendment shortening the disaster-response period from six months to 30 days. Testimony was split, with the sponsor, the insurance commissioner, and some contractors supporting the bill as a fraud-prevention measure, while other contractors argued it would hurt small businesses and was better addressed through enforcement. The transcript ends before final committee action on HB 924.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, it says they don't have to have a hearing. Well, the hearing isn't for the spacing.
• The hearing is for the maximum yield that can be pulled, the amount of water that can be pulled out of
• So, you're still going to have a hearing on the maximum yield.

Bills: SB3, SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB259, SB1191, SB1246, SB1314, SB1439, SB1613, SB1930, SB1976, SB330, SB2069, SB2095, SB3, SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB259, SB1191, SB1246, SB1314, SB1439, SB1613, SB1930, SB1976, SB330, SB2069, SB2095

Keywords: industrial hemp, program licensing, agriculture, cannabinoids, state regulation, water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for hearing it, Mr. Chairman.
• Thank you for hearing it, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Senator Farnsworth.
• Okay, so there's no reason to testify because we're not going to hear the bill.
• I look forward to seeing everyone ahead of floor for our committee hearing.
• I look forward to seeing everyone ahead of floor for our committee hearing. Agendized for 8 a.m.

Bills: SB1246, SB1338, SB1428, SB1443, SB1501, SB1566, SB1571, SB1645, SB1646, SB1663, SB1688, SB1805, SB1808, SB1825, SCR1023, SCR1029, HB2079, HB2080, HB2130, HB2239, HB2324, HB2375, HB2610, HB2619, HB2620, HB2716, HB2745, HB2749, HB2837, HB2857, HB2968, HB4064, HB4066, HB4087, HB4130, HCR2048, HCR2058

Keywords: homeowners associations, foreclosure, common expense liens, condominiums, special assessments, unit owner, public benefits, eligibility, immigration status, documentation, Arizona law, county governance, supervisorial board, population-based representation, local government, elections, noise pollution, environmental nuisances, building permits, urban development

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair hears none. The bill is left pending.
• Hearing none, the chair...
• We hear it all the time.
• I've, through all of the committee hearings, you know, we've been hearing for the last couple of months
• The chair hears none, the substitute is adopted.

Bills: HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24, HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• to testify before the committee, please register at the kiosk located in the hallways behind the hearing
• But also, we don't want to hear the same thing over and over again.
• written comments given the two minutes and some of the accusations that we will have heard and may hear
• I'm also concerned with the the timing of this hearing and the rush to get something done.
• Hearing none, the motion prevails. The committee stands in recess.

Bills: HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369, HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24

Keywords: non-human behaviors, education, Texas schools, policy, regulation, funding, teacher salaries, school districts, state budget, non-enrolled students, University Interscholastic League, participation, eligibility standards, school participation, academic standards, Texas education, interscholastic league, extracurricular activities, academic proficiency, AED

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, we'll close the public hearing.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.

Bills: SB249, SB546, SB744, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1365, SB1366, SB1394, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1745, SB1746, SB1772, SB1816, SB1841, SB1939

Keywords: memorial markers, law enforcement, officer memorials, killed in the line of duty, highway signage, school bus, school district, student transportation, child safety, seat belts, three-point seat belt, two-point seat belt, bus retrofit, bus warranty, Texas Education Agency, TEA, transportation code, school activity bus, multifunction school activity bus, school-chartered bus

Transcript Highlights:

• we put the bill out in 2016 and '18, Even after we put the bill out in 2016 and '18, I would still hear
• An amendment dignifying individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Senator Creem: Thank you, Mr.
• it with the term 'deaf or hard of hearing.'
• impaired' and due to the overwhelming preference of those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Obviously, it's been subject to a public hearing. The committee has opined on it, and, Mr.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up several committee reports, resolutions, and House messages, then moved through a series of bills on the calendar. Early action included adopting a Ways and Means order on Senate Bill 2549, which promotes student learning and mental health, by substituting a new draft and setting amendment deadlines and a second reading date. The chamber also adopted congratulatory resolutions for the Sport Fish Restoration Program’s 75th anniversary and the Hawthorn Hotel’s 100th anniversary, and suspended rules on a sick leave bank petition for a trial court employee and on a House bill validating a special election in Hardwick, which was ordered to a third reading. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Peter Hayden Lapin of Springfield, a veteran and former public servant. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 137, renaming and updating references in the General Laws to replace outdated and offensive terms regarding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Senators spoke at length in support of the bill, emphasizing respect, disability rights, and the work of advocates such as Melissa Riley and the Arc of Massachusetts. An amendment by Senator Creem replaced “hearing impaired” with “deaf or hard of hearing,” and a corrective amendment by Senator Lovely was also adopted. The bill was then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous 40-0 roll call. Next, the Senate considered Senate Bill 1034, which repeals archaic laws including sodomy-related provisions, the common nightwalker law, and the blasphemy statute, and creates a commission to review archaic laws going forward. Senators described the measure as a civil liberties and dignity issue, with particular attention to the misuse of the common nightwalker law against women and trans people and the historical injustice of blasphemy laws. Amendments were adopted to add the Supreme Court as a recipient of commission reports and to remove the crime of petite treason. The bill was then passed to be engrossed unanimously, 40-0. Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2558, the “blue envelope” bill to improve interactions between police officers and people with autism spectrum disorder. Supporters said the voluntary program would help drivers and passengers with ASD during traffic stops and would be made permanent through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the State Police and advocacy groups involved. An amendment requiring in-service training by the Massachusetts Police Training Council was adopted, while a proposed yellow-dot amendment for older drivers with chronic illness was rejected 5-34. A Ways and Means amendment was then adopted, and the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously, 39-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.