Transcript Highlights:

• No, I'm very open to your feedback.
• I would love to hear your feedback so we can do that. Questions? Yes, Representative Flores.

Bills: HB 1181, HB3704, HB1363, HB1610, HB1615, HB1620, HB3223, HB1317, HB2884, HB2176, HB4027, HB1664, HB933, HB2613, HB3353, HB2086, HB4101, HB3441, HB4145, HB3455

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair the amendment incorporates feedback from staff to clarify how school grades are calculated by Deo
• And I'm grateful for their input and feedback and the product.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the feedback today, the conversations with the members earlier, especially Senator Harrell
• individuals have access to their health care records in order to make the best decisions for them. ...feedback

Summary: The committee took up a large health policy agenda. SB 1568 on electronic prescribing was explained as a federal conformity measure, but members raised concerns about preserving patients’ ability to obtain paper prescriptions and about exemptions for emergency, hospice, and other situations. Emergency physicians testified in support of e-prescribing but asked for flexibility, and the bill was reported favorably despite Senator Harrell’s opposition. SB 1606 on patient access to records sought to standardize record-production timelines and require electronic delivery when available; after an amendment correcting a drafting error, the bill drew concerns about HIPAA, behavioral health confidentiality, and the distinction between personal and legal representatives, and it was reported unfavorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved SB 1346 on fentanyl testing, with a technical amendment, to require hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine testing for suspected overdose or poisoning. SB 1224 on administration of controlled substances by paramedics was amended to clarify language and reported favorably. SB 656 on health care billing and collection activities was substantially revised by strike-all amendment to allow sale of medical debt to third parties under new limits, including no interest or fees and return of debt if charity care applies; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 68 expanded health facilities authority financing to include not-for-profit LLCs and parent companies, and SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening panel; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 1842 on out-of-network referrals after multiple amendments, requiring providers to verify network participation at the point of service and notify patients in writing, though several members and physicians warned it could burden providers and increase workload. The committee also advanced proposed committee bill SB 7028, which revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, adds oversight and reporting requirements, creates a pediatric cancer research incubator, and establishes the Bascom-Palmer VisionGen initiative; cancer center representatives testified in strong support, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. SB 172 on specialty titles and designations was amended to clarify enforcement and was reported favorably after supporters said it would prevent misleading use of specialist titles, while opponents argued it could confuse practitioners’ titles. Finally, SB 1690 on surrendered infants was reported favorably after supporters said it would codify and expand safe-haven baby box procedures and opponents raised safety concerns about the devices. The committee also noted SB 1606 remained pending for reconsideration next week before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• really making them aware that we're working on this, letting them know, you know, Getting their feedback
• It seems like some of the commentary or feedback we were getting from our local leaders was based on

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• members from this committee that are also serving on that committee, so we'll have pretty instant feedback
• Yes, we'll have pretty instant feedback, and we'll have to see how that all comes out.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on February 18 and retained several bills for possible inclusion in the budget. House Bill 97, appropriating funds to the Department of Environmental Services for wastewater infrastructure projects, was retained on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 197, which would have the state pay 7.5% of certain political subdivision employees’ retirement contributions at an estimated annual cost of $28 million to $29 million, was also retained unanimously. House Bill 246, creating the Conservation District Climate Resilience Grant Program with a small appropriation of about $50,000 per year for two years, was retained 22-0. House Bill 519, appropriating $500,000 annually to support the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was likewise retained 22-0. The committee then shifted to a broader budget discussion. Representative Maguire said the committee was facing a roughly $732 million gap between projected revenue and spending, based on preliminary Ways and Means figures and the governor’s budget. He noted that the governor’s plan included $81 million from the rainy day fund and $127 million from proposed slot machine revenue, while other potential obligations such as $150 million in YDC payments and prison down payments were not included. Members discussed how Ways and Means revenue estimates are based on current law, meaning proposals not yet enacted would not be counted in the official forecast. Members also asked about the relationship between the education funding committee and Finance, and were told that many education bills would likely come back to Finance after action in the other committee and on the floor. The chair and members discussed donor towns, swept funds, and the possibility of moving more information technology spending into the capital budget if appropriate. The meeting ended with agreement to let Division 2 head to education funding, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• INDUSTRY, SPECIFICALLY, BECAUSE IT WAS FOR THE AGENCY OF ADMINISTRATION WE WANT TO GET SOME REALLY GOOD FEEDBACK
• WE ALSO WANTED TO GET FEEDBACK FROM OUR INDUSTRY LEADERS AS WELL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to move around because our hearing in our T-coil is not always real helpful, and we get a lot of feedback
• So we tried to set it up to avoid the Zoom feedback as much as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• But she is making outreach to the boards and trying to get their feedback. >> Very good.
• I know that she goes down to meetings to get feedback and to tell them about what the processes are,
• But she is making outreach to the boards and trying to get their feedback. >> Very good.
• and to tell them about what the feedback and to tell them about what the processes,<00:24:41.360><c>
• </c> to get their feedback. to get their feedback. &gt;&gt; Very<00:25:16.480><c> good.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.

Transcript Highlights:

• And to kind of throw this in there without kind of getting their feedback and cost analysis.
• 10 years ago, I just find we've had departments come in here for much smaller cuts to get their feedback
• And I think not to have feedback.
• </c><03:08:32.160><c> is</c><03:08:32.560><c> just</c><03:08:32.880><c> so</c> and give us some feedback
• is just so and give us some feedback is just so irresponsible<03:08:34.000><c> and</c><03:08:34.240>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through several HB 2 budget amendments, focusing first on energy-related transfers and then on judicial funding. For the energy item, members discussed moving remaining money from the renewable energy fund into the general fund for the biennium, with later-year amounts going to the general fund rather than ratepayers. They noted the proposal was based on prior House Bill 111 language, that the exact amount was still being worked out with the Department of Energy, and that some language about “incentive payments” was being removed or clarified. Amendment 1211H was moved and adopted on a 5-4 vote. The committee then considered amendment 1040 on the governor’s scholarship fund, which would eliminate the program and sweep uncommitted funds. Members supporting the program argued it helps New Hampshire students afford in-state college and should be reworked rather than repealed; opponents said the remaining balance was limited and the program should be ended. Amendment 1040 was defeated 4-5. The committee then turned to a judicial council request tied to a Franklin Pierce criminal justice clinic that had previously used ARPA funds. Supporters said the clinic cleared 323 cases in nine months, provided training for future attorneys, and could reduce more expensive assigned-counsel costs by helping the public defender system handle cases more efficiently. The amendment would add $100,000 to the judicial council line for that purpose. There was some confusion over the line item and whether the request should be attributed to the judicial branch or judicial council, which was corrected during discussion. Members also discussed a larger issue: the judicial council’s budget request appeared lower than intended because of a possible clerical error in how prior-year funding was calculated, especially after the last budget combined HB 1 and HB 2 funding. The committee compared the public defender line and assigned counsel line, noting that if public defender funding is cut, more cases would shift to assigned counsel, which is more expensive. No final vote on the judicial council amendment is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We get feedback from our constituents and towns and governments back home about what is really hurting

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on General Government and Local Assistance held its first meeting on the 2026/2027 state budget, with opening remarks from Senate Co-Chair Senator James Skoufis and Assembly Co-Chair Assembly Member Michaelle Solages. They introduced members, designated secretaries, and identified the agencies and budget areas under the subcommittee’s purview, including tax and finance, the Division of Budget, ethics and lobbying, financial services, general services, state charges, inspector general, state, audit and control, tax appeals, IT services, aid to localities, statewide financial systems, the Board of Elections, alcohol beverage control, and miscellaneous general government. Discussion focused on affordability, local government aid, and the strain on municipalities from rising costs, aging infrastructure, and state mandates. Senator Walczyk emphasized lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and increasing support for local governments, including AIM and CHIPS funding, while criticizing high housing, energy, and insurance costs. Assembly Minority members echoed concerns about the 2 percent property tax cap, utility bills, mandated costs, and the need for more permanent aid rather than temporary assistance. Assembly Member Ari Brown argued that the proposals did not provide enough long-term certainty, noting differences among the Governor’s, Assembly’s, and Senate’s funding levels for municipal aid and related programs. Assembly Member Burdick also supported stronger funding for municipalities, drawing on his local government experience. The co-chairs noted that no table target had yet been received and that negotiations would continue on open issues in general government. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks about ongoing budget talks among the Senate, Assembly, and Governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• understanding of what happened for the person to get in the facility that day, help with medication and feedback

Keywords: 959, house, all

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• The member then asked whether Navitus had provided any feedback on the formulary decisions and whether

Keywords: 1204, all

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• And after some feedback, it was determined that the increase in the licensing fees for alcohol and beer

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee met with a quorum and first approved the January 30, 2026 minutes on a motion by Senator Adams, seconded by Senator Thames. The committee then considered the gubernatorial appointment of Ryan Lanham to serve as state athletic commissioner through October 1, 2026. Lanham described his background in combat sports, including more than 20 years as a coach, participant, and corner, ownership of a boxing gym in Meridian, and prior amateur boxing matches. Members asked about his experience, the role of the athletic commission, and his views on the future of combat sports in Idaho; he emphasized athlete safety, fair matchmaking, and support for regulated expansion of sports such as boxing, Muay Thai, and bare knuckle, while expressing skepticism about “Power Slap.” The committee did not vote on the appointment, noting it would likely be taken up at a later meeting. The committee also heard RS 33216 from Senator Guthrie, which would phase in an increase in alcohol, beer, and wine licensing fees over three years rather than imposing the full increase at once. After brief discussion, Senator Harris moved to introduce the RS, Senator Den Hartog seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting ended with notice that the committee likely would not meet again on Monday, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• system with Your Health Idaho, and the Idahoans that have been involved with the program have given feedback

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met with a quorum, approved the January 15, 2026 minutes, and then heard testimony on three gubernatorial reappointments to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board: Hyatt Erstad of Boise, Janice Folkerson, and Cynthia Fairfax of Boise. Each nominee briefly described their background and interest in serving, with Erstad emphasizing his long insurance career and volunteer service, Folkerson noting her health care experience and current board service, and Fairfax describing her perspective as a recently retired urologist and her interest in helping Idahoans obtain coverage. Committee members offered strong praise for all three nominees, particularly highlighting their experience, preparation, and service on Your Health Idaho and the state high-risk pool. During questioning, Folkerson explained that the exchange’s success comes from staff leadership, transparency, mission focus, and collaboration with carriers, brokers, and community partners, and she described Your Health Idaho as the nation’s most successful exchange. Fairfax responded to a question about affordability by saying the exchange helps people find appropriate, cost-effective coverage and access assistance, especially for lower-income Idahoans. No votes were taken on the appointments during this meeting. The chair said the committee would likely vote on the reappointments at its next meeting on Thursday, and the committee then adjourned after exhausting the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that the feedback that we have received from the marketplace? OK. Thank you.

Bills: SB1370

Keywords: medical examiner, forensic services, county coroner, autopsy, death investigation, forensic pathology, county government, commissioners court, medical examiners district, regional district, public health, criminal justice, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 49.25, county population threshold, interlocal agreement, 1184, house, all

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• Committee chair notes that feedback. We can wait. Let's wait for Representative Ruby.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened to hear a revised version of Senate Bill 2385, with Representative Casper walking through changes made in consultation with the bill sponsor and agency counsel. He explained that the amendments restored language on change of ownership and license transfer for mobile home parks, recreational vehicle parks, and campgrounds; removed a proposed $5,000 civil penalty and returned the violation penalty to an infraction; extended the correction period before disciplinary action to 30 days with possible additional time for good-faith compliance; and removed the tenant right of first refusal, leaving park sales to willing buyers and sellers. Casper said the changes simplified the bill and addressed concerns raised earlier in committee. Members asked about how licenses would work after a sale, and Casper said a transferred license would continue for the current year, but the new owner would need to reapply annually. He also said all participating parties and the Attorney General’s counsel were amenable to the amendments. The committee adopted the Casper amendments by voice vote and then moved to a do pass as amended recommendation. The first roll call on the amended bill was confusing because several members were absent, and the committee briefly discussed whether to wait for Representative Ruby and whether votes should be repeated. Members explained their earlier no votes, with Representative Koppelman saying he had intended to vote against the amendment rather than the bill, and Representative Schauer citing concerns about provisions affecting park owners and evictions. After waiting briefly, the committee retook the vote and approved SB 2385 as amended on a 7-3-4 roll call. Representative Casper was asked to carry the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I just asked this question: do we have any feedback from The tip employees or from the restaurant

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• orders, I sought guidance and clarification from the White House team and took into account... ...feedback

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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• Bill 2 item, but I said we will engage this process however you would like, and the two pieces of feedback
• Bill 2 item, but I said we will engage this process however you would like, and the two pieces of feedback
• We got the feedback from leadership about how they wanted us to approach this after the bill. Okay?
• </c> two requests and then we got feedback two requests and then we got feedback back<00:30:28.240><c
• </c> process you have we got the feedback process you have we got the feedback from<00:31:09.320><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of those that um there has been feedback of those that um there has been feedback that<00:41:37.040
• Um, so what we designed with stakeholder feedback was a municipal solar program.
• 19.679><c> a</c><01:29:19.840><c> municipal</c> stakeholder feedback was a municipal stakeholder feedback
• Um there is &gt;&gt; I I appreciate the feedback.
• Um, that's good feedback. We'll certainly better define that term, that phrase.

Keywords: 1189, house, all