Transcript Highlights:

• And then also the House keeps on line 26 the cancellation of the ALS research grant that was in FY25
• 00:04:10.640><c> cancellation</c><00:04:11.120><c> of</c><00:04:11.280><c> the</c><00:04:11.360><c> ALS
• </c> line 26 the cancellation of the ALS line 26 the cancellation of the ALS research<00:04:12.239><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Al Duncan, Division Director, State Veteran Cemeteries, representing Wesley District 91st and Madison
• 00:06:44.280><c> of</c><00:06:44.440><c> and</c><00:06:44.560><c> boy</c> counties<00:06:47.840><c> Al
• c><00:06:48.160><c> Duncan</c><00:06:48.680><c> division</c><00:06:49.080><c> director</c> counties Al
• Duncan division director counties Al Duncan division director State<00:06:49.680><c> veteran</c> State

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection held its first meeting of the 2025 session, welcomed new members, announced a 24-hour rule for committee amendments, and reviewed basic meeting procedures. After roll call confirmed a quorum, members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. The chair also recognized Representative Thomas for his service to the committee and presented remarks of appreciation as he moved into other duties. The committee then considered House Bill 191, which would extend burial eligibility in Kentucky state veterans cemeteries to certain National Guard and Reserve members who were honorably discharged but never activated under Title 10. Testimony from Rep. Aaron Thompson and KDVA officials explained that the bill aligns with the federal Burial Guard Reserve Act of 2022 and would cover some long-serving Guard and Reserve members, including those who served during disasters such as the Eastern Kentucky floods and western Kentucky tornadoes. Members voiced support, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation after adoption of a title amendment. Next, the committee took up House Bill 152, which would create a supplemental Medicaid payment program for public EMS agencies through voluntary intergovernmental transfers, with no general fund dollars used. Rep. Michael Meredith and EMS chiefs testified that the measure would help public agencies recover more of the cost of Medicaid transports; one example cited was a local agency that could increase reimbursement substantially under the program. In response to questions, witnesses said the existing program for public and private agencies is mandatory, while this bill creates an additional voluntary enhancement for public agencies only, and that the program could be affected if Medicaid match rates change. The committee approved the bill with a favorable recommendation and a title amendment. The meeting ended with announcements about Military Kids Day on February 25 and a Kentucky National Guard Association reception and dinner on February 15, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have written testimony from AIG Insurance Management Services and support; Al Global Inc. in support
• Services<00:21:25.400><c> and</c><00:21:25.640><c> support</c> Services and support Services and support Al
• <00:21:28.559><c> Al</c><00:21:29.000><c> Global</c><00:21:29.279><c> Inc</c><00:21:29.559><c> in</c>
• <00:21:29.960><c> support</c><00:21:30.960><c> Paramount</c> Al Al Global Inc in support Paramount Al
• Al Global Inc in support Paramount insurance<00:21:32.080><c> and</c><00:21:32.760><c> support</c><00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several insurance and condominium-related bills. SB 1137 would require insurers to notify policyholders of approved rate changes within 30 days and at least 30 days before the effective date. The Insurance Division supported the bill, while testimony focused on condominium master policies and whether the notice period would be enough for associations to respond to rate increases. The division said the bill would mainly affect admitted carriers, not surplus lines insurers that write many condominium master policies, and warned against limiting the nonadmitted market. SB 293, requiring sellers to disclose when USPS cannot deliver mail or packages to a residential property, was also heard with HAAI Realtors commenting. SB 752 would extend notice periods for cancellation or nonrenewal of property-casualty policies; the Attorney General’s Office raised concerns about contractual impairment and retroactive application. The committee also heard SB 575, which would allow authorized insurers to offer building and hurricane damage coverage for condominium buildings at a lower rate than prior surplus lines coverage. The Insurance Division stood on written testimony, and a condominium owner urged amendments to require a membership vote before such coverage changes, citing concerns about condominium self-governance. SP 1046 would require managing agents to notify unit owners and the Real Estate Commission when a condominium association fails budget and reserve reporting requirements. The Real Estate Commission said the bill was administratively workable as drafted but noted ambiguity over who counts as the “managing agent”; several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it could disrupt the principal-agent relationship and impose legal judgment on nonlawyers, while others supported it. SP 150, dealing with captive insurance companies seeking exemption from examinations, drew the most detailed discussion. The Captive Insurance Council supported the bill as a way to reduce duplicative oversight and improve Hawaii’s competitiveness, while the Insurance Division opposed it as drafted, citing concerns about broad commissioner discretion, possible missed issues between exams, staffing shortages, and the need to preserve oversight. A committee member asked about a possible middle ground, including a shorter exemption period or limiting the bill to self-attestation companies; the division said it would need more information and that annual filings and approval requirements would still provide oversight. The committee also heard SP 212, which would require at least two Real Estate Commission members to be licensed engineers or architects; testimony included support and a concern about conflicts of interest among people who serve in multiple roles in the condominium and real estate sectors. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved from one measure to the next after testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Dossett, Al, Har, Goodwin, Green.
• Senator Dossett, Al, Har, Goodwin, Green.
• Senator Dossett, Al, La, H, Er, Goodwin, Green, Howard.

Bills: HB2947, HB3257, HB3264, HB3834, HB3940, HB3944, HB3979, HB4003, HB4118, HB4326, HB4346, HB4421

Keywords: behavioral health, Medicaid expansion, clinical interns, mental health services, licensing requirements, veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, criminal justice, minimum sentences, parole eligibility, violent crimes, Oklahoma statutes, HB3834, Oklahoma Breakthrough Therapy Act, ibogaine, ibogaine-based therapeutics, ibogaine analogs

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1300 by Flores et al., relating to the prosecution and punishment of the criminal offense
• Senate Bill 1307 by Cook et al., relating to the biennial health coverage reference guide developed by
• Senate Bill 1621 by Huffman et al., relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses

Summary: The Senate met briefly to receive first-reading referrals of a large number of bills, resolutions, and joint resolutions. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public education, health care, criminal justice, business regulation, transportation, water and natural resources, local government, taxation, elections, and public information. Many of the filings were by Senators Hughes, Perry, Alvarado, Creighton, Hancock, Parker, Zaffirini, Blanco, and others, and included proposals on school safety, health records and billing, election procedures, water planning, housing and rent issues, energy and environmental regulation, and criminal penalties. The chamber also read several concurrent and joint resolutions, including measures designating state symbols and local honors, a proposed constitutional amendment related to gaming by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, a proposal concerning special-session subjects, and resolutions on fiscal restraints and retirement obligations. No debate, testimony, or substantive action on the merits of the measures occurred in this portion of the transcript; the items were simply read and referred to committees. At the close of the proceedings, the Senate adjourned pursuant to a previously adopted motion and announced it would reconvene at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• He thought a lot about time, more so after he was diagnosed with ALS and our total...
• He thought a lot about time, more so after he was diagnosed with ALS in October 2023.
• As most know, ALS is one of many nervous system disorders that causes loss of muscle control.
• For many ALS patients, the end is gruesome: trapped in your body as it shuts down.
• And the hardest part of ALS: there is no definitive timeline—months, a few years, 10 or more.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on bills in three areas: emergency medical services/AED access, athletic training and student safety, and end-of-life options. Committee chairs outlined testimony rules and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. Some bills had no live witnesses, while others drew extensive testimony from advocates, professionals, and legislators. On AED-related bills, the American Heart Association supported requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events and athletic fields, citing sudden cardiac arrest survival rates and urging cardiac emergency response plans as an added safeguard. A parks and recreation professional supported AED access but raised concerns about the cost, staffing, maintenance, and feasibility for municipalities with limited resources. Athletic trainers supported expanding their scope of practice and removing workplace restrictions, arguing it would improve injury prevention, reduce costs, and help retain professionals in Massachusetts. The committee also took extensive testimony on end-of-life options legislation. Supporters included legislators, physicians, hospice volunteers, clergy, patients’ family members, and advocacy groups, who described the bills as allowing terminally ill, mentally capable adults to choose a peaceful death with strict safeguards and self-administration requirements. They emphasized personal stories of suffering, public support, and the claim that other states have not seen abuse. Opponents, including faith-based, disability-rights, and family policy representatives, argued the bills amount to physician-assisted suicide, could pressure vulnerable people, and may be influenced by prognosis errors, coercion, or financial incentives. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 248 by Parker et al., relating to the Trinity River Authority of Texas, to Local Government
• Senate Bill 2488 by Parker et al., relating to the implementation of a statewide homeless data sharing
• Senate Bill 2530 by Middleton et al., relating to the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, to Business
• Senate Bill 2571 by Middleton et al., relating to funding of access losses and operating expenses of
• Senate Bill 2725 by Cook et al., relating to the authority of a municipality to alter speed limits, to

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with remarks highlighting UTRGV’s growth, degree production, research expansion, medical school, and role in serving the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. The chamber also recognized the doctor of the day and adopted additional resolutions, including one for Denton County Days at the Capitol and another recognizing Texas HBCU Day. The Senate gave extensive recognition to outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp through Senate Resolution 368. Senators from both parties praised his long public career, leadership of the A&M System, support for regional universities, and bipartisan approach. The resolution was adopted after multiple members added their names. The chamber also heard from advocates with the Texas Streets Coalition, and received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. On legislation, the Senate passed several major bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to address teacher vacancies, bilingual certification testing, paid leave options, classroom removals, and appeal rights, then passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment on parents’ right to direct a child’s education, advanced on a 22-9 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, aimed at preventing foreign influence and intellectual property theft at public institutions of higher education, passed unanimously. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the business entities bill, also passed after debate over corporate governance and shareholder protections. Senate Bill 857, authorizing law enforcement to tow certain vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed despite some concern about towing abuses during disasters. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, but the transcript ends as that bill is being laid out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bauer-Kahan, Caloza, aye, Koloza, aye, Chen, aye, Ellis, aye, Al-Hawari, Hadwick, Hadwick, aye, Haney
• On SB 351, Cabaldon, Al-A-Nice, aye. Al-Nice, aye. On SB 788, Nilo? Flora.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several bills, including SB 788 by Senator Niello, which clarified that CPAs and CPA firms, including employees and out-of-state CPAs authorized to practice in California, are regulated by the California Board of Accountancy rather than subject to Tax Preparation Act registration requirements. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative regulation and confusion; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 351 by Senator Cabaldon, aimed at strengthening enforcement of California’s corporate practice of medicine rules as they relate to private equity and hedge fund involvement in medical and dental practices. The author and physician supporters argued that private equity can interfere with clinical decisions and patient care, while opposition from the American Investment Council said the bill could sweep in legitimate business practices and requested a narrow amendment. The bill passed to Judiciary. SB 312 by Senator Umberg was heard next and would require health certificates for imported dogs sold in California to be submitted to CDFA and made publicly available, with supporters describing it as a transparency and consumer protection measure to combat puppy mills and misleading online sales. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Agriculture. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 291, SB 387, SB 517, SB 602, and SB 773, all moving to their respective committees. The meeting ended after additional roll calls and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the United States of America<00:05:34.600><c> I</c><00:05:34.759><c> pledge</c><00:05:35.039><c> Al
• the</c><00:05:36.479><c> flag</c><00:05:37.280><c> of</c><00:05:37.400><c> the</c> America I pledge Al
• to the flag of the America I pledge Al to the flag of the United<00:05:38.080><c> States</c><00:05:38.400

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Al Almoden, Director of the Office of Veteran Services.
• And so, finally, I just want to make a point about the AL.
• We are in support of the extension of AL, having seen the effects of having only one year of AL in this
• a</c><02:22:21.560><c> law</c><02:22:22.359><c> but</c> Oklahoma Al Al abama passed a law but Oklahoma
• Al Al abama passed a law but Mississippi<02:22:23.439><c> and</c><02:22:23.720><c> Oklahoma</c><02:22

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure. House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt. The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, ironically enough, at the very same time, another Rice County native, by the name of Al Quie, at
• their courthouse, in a prominent location, and I would urge the members a green vote to, in honor of Al
• And, ironically enough, at the very same time, another Rice County native, by the name of Al Quie, at
• their courthouse, in a prominent location, and I would urge the members a green vote to, in honor of Al

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Al Brittain? Mr. Williams: 30 I's. Senator Coleman-Madison's amendments.
• Al Brittain? Mr. Williams: 30 I's. Senate Bill 165 passes. Mr. Williams: 30 I's, 0 Nays.
• Al Brittain? Mr. Williams: 30 I's, 0 Nays. The BR is adopted. Secretary, call the...
• Al Brittain? Mr. Williams: 31 I's, 0 Nays. Senator Coleman amendments adopted.

Bills: SJR 3, SB 5, SJR 36, SJR 3, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 5, SB 21, SB 72, SB 140, SB 262, SB 370, SB 372, SB 495, SB 627, SB 703, SB 764, SB 842, SB 971, SB 790, SB 767, SB 480, SB 1066, SR 44, SR 135, SR 171, SR 180, SR 185, SR 187, SR 188, SR 191, SR 197, SR 198, SR 199, SR 200

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code

Transcript Highlights:

• There are the ALS Association. Budget resolution 56 says ALS United is getting $300,000.
• So, okay, so ALS United is the same as ALS Association?
• I do know that ALS went in.
• I do know that ALS went in. I don't remember seeing the Tourette's. Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• So extraordinarily grateful for the three gentlemen sitting beside me, Jerry, Al, and Mike, Mike as the

Keywords: 1146, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Record shows we have Al Davis, director of Texas Forest Service. Is that correct?
• Chairman Al Davis, Colonel Marines, retired director of Texas Indian Forest Service.
• Al Davis, agency director, Texas A&M Forest Service.
• Al Davis, uh, agency director, Texas A&M Forest Service.
• Chair, chair is going to recall Al Davis, Westmorehead, and Nim Kidd.

Transcript Highlights:

• Director of Texas Force Service and Al Davis, Director of Texas Force Service. Hmm. All right.
• Record shows we We have Al Davis, director of Texas Forest Service. Is that correct?
• Al Davis, Colonel Marines retired, director Texas Indian Forest Service.
• Al Davis, agency director, Texas. Indian Forest Service.
• All right, just so we're following the rules, we have Al Davis.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 248 by Parker et al., relating to the Trinity River Authority of Texas, to Local Government
• SB 2409 by Blanco et al., relating to the Angelina and Natchez River Authority, to Local Government.
• Senate Bill 2488 by Parker et al., relating to the implementation of a statewide homeless data-sharing
• Senate Bill 2571 by Middleton et al., relating to funding of access losses and operating expenses of
• Senate Bill 2725 by Cook et al., relating to the authority of a municipality to alter speed limits, to

Bills: SJR12, SCR39, SB27, SB29, SB241, SB406, SB414, SB464, SB568, SB578, SB609, SB660, SB689, SB693, SB785, SB857, SB879, SB921, SB922, SB955, SB985, SB993, SB996, SB1008, SB1035, SB1036, SB1059, SB1098, SB1120, SB1122, SB1147, SB1188, SB1197, SB1209, SB1227, SB1245, SB1267, SB1307, SB1321, SB1332, SB1386, SB1396, SB1453, SB1484, SB1494, SB1536, SB1537, SB1596, SB1610, SB1664, SB1741, SB1814, SB1822, SB1841, SB1948, SB2065, SB2155, SB2188, SB2230, SB2406, SB2407

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with senators highlighting the university’s growth, medical school, research expansion, and role in serving South Texas. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 368 honoring outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, with numerous senators praising his long public career, leadership in higher education, and statewide impact. Senate Resolution 361 recognizing Texas HBCU Day and Senate Resolution 362 recognizing Denton County Days at the Capitol were also adopted, along with other routine recognitions and gubernatorial appointments being read into the record. The Senate then took up several bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to shorten vacancy posting requirements, allow bilingual certification candidates to retake only failed test sections, give teachers more flexibility with paid leave, clarify classroom removal procedures, and ensure parents are informed of appeal rights. The bill passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment to establish a parent’s right to direct a child’s education, was also brought up and passed to engrossment after a contested suspension vote. The Senate next passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, which would require reporting of foreign funding at public universities, bar gifts from adversarial governments, and require training and reporting systems to prevent foreign influence and intellectual property theft in higher education. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the so-called “Dexit” bill, was debated at length for its corporate governance changes, including codifying the business judgment rule and altering internal corporate litigation and records rules; it passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed by a 30-1 vote. Senate Bill 857, allowing law enforcement discretion to tow vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed after discussion of towing abuses during flooding and disaster conditions. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536, requiring dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, passed with broad support, and Senate Bill 922, addressing delayed electronic disclosure of sensitive medical test results so physicians can discuss them first, was taken up and passed to engrossment as the chamber continued through its calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2 by Creighton et al., relating to the establishment of an education savings account program
• Senate Bill 2 by Creighton et al., relating to the establishment of an education savings account program

Bills: SB2

Summary: The Senate received a message from the Governor submitting appointments for advice, consent, and confirmation, including nominees to the Texas State Board of Accountancy and the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners. The chamber also read Senate Bill 2 by Creighton and others, which would establish an education savings account program for K-16 education, and referred it to committee. A motion by Senator Zaffirini was adopted without objection to have all remarks made for the election of the President pro tempore reduced to writing and entered in the journal. The Senate then considered and adopted a motion to adjourn. No votes were recorded on the appointments or the bill in this transcript. The Senate adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 28.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware that currently CD 9 is represented by Congressman Al Green? Yes.
• For the record, you have currently the 9th congressional district that is Congressman Al Green.
• They had Congresswoman Sheila... and Lee paired with Congressman Al Green, correct? That's correct.
• Congressman Al Green has been a freedom fighter, speaking truth to power.
• El ejido tiene una responsabilidad al pueblo, no al revés.

Bills: HB4, HB 4

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um, we lose sight of where the money goes, but because some of it is going to regions controlled by al-Shabaab
• um, we lose sight of where the money goes, but because some of it is going to regions controlled by al-Shabaab
• um, we lose sight of where the money goes, but because some of it is going to regions controlled by al-Shabaab
• um, we lose sight of where the money goes, but because some of it is going to regions controlled by al-Shabaab
• um, we lose sight of where the money goes, but because some of it is going to regions controlled by al-Shabaab

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• OHA, uh, Lena Al, uh, sense communication and support. I see our dear friend Ernie. Yes. Aloha.
• uh</c><00:16:11.680><c> sense</c><00:16:12.120><c> communication</c><00:16:12.800><c> and</c> Lena Al
• uh sense communication and Lena Al uh sense communication and support<00:16:14.480><c> um</c><00:16:
• Senator Al has the same questions that the chair has.
• That first set of roads was a cost of about $10 million or $15 million. million okay Senator Al yeah

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.