Transcript Highlights:

• :00.399> going<00:31:00.480> to<00:31:00.559> set<00:31:00.720> the<00:31
• If you've<00:31:09.200> had<00:31:09.559> kids,<00:31:10.559> you<00:31:10.799><
• <00:31:14.080> The<00:31:14.399> other<00:31:14.640> thing<00:31:14.799>
• 00:31:16.480> kids,<00:31:16.799> and<00:31:16.960> I've<00:31:17.200> had
• > of<00:31:44.240> school<00:31:44.880> and<00:31:45.120> we<00:31:45.360

Keywords: 1183, house

Bills: HR65, HR66, HR67, HR68, HR69, HCR33, HCR34, HB1006, HB1007, HB1008, HB1010, HB1011, HR58, HR59, HR60, HR61, HR62, HR63, HR64, HCR32, SCR2, SCR5, SCR6, SCR11, SCR16, SCR17, HB43, HB447, HB573, HB1000, HB1001, HB1002, HB1003, HB1004, HB1005, SB8, SB10, SB12, SB16, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB29, SB32, SB41, SB42, SB44, SB49, SB58, SB68, SB75, SB77, SB81, SB97, SB103, SB159, SB163, SB172, SB180, SB182, SB244, SB248, SB253, SB254, SB279, SB306, SB318, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB397, HB53, HB57, HB64, HB100, HB102, HB106, HB111, HB137, HB152, HB155, HB177, HB238, HB256, HB258, HB272, HB337, HB350, HB359, HB363, HB386, HB434, HB445, HB546, HB557, HB584, HB661, HB697, HB726, HB727, HB747, HB752, HB756, HB758, HB759, HB765, HB767, HB825, HB858, HB930, HB941, HB957, HB964, HB203, HB228, HB234, HB260, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB289, HB351, HB400, HB413, HB469, HB534, HB551, HB552, HB574, HB576, HB634, HB649, HB677, HB735, HB739, HB779, HB784, HB796, HB842, HB850, HB919, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB15, HB16, HB17, HB18, HB19, HB22, HB33, HB34, HB35, HB44, HB46, HB47, HB48, HB61, HB101, HB126, HB135, HB142, HB164, HB185, HB215, HB226, HB232, HB233, HB242, HB284, HB292, HB297, HB301, HB334, HB436, HB468, HB548, HB571, HB582, HB593, HB594, HB609, HB613, HB712, HB722, HB732, HB746, HB827, HB845, HB848, HB921, HB923, HB951, HB953, HB999, HB733, HB875, HB952, HB868, HB119, HB140, HB52, HB901, HB193, HB570

Keywords: condolences, Sam Goodwin, Northwestern State University, football coach, athletic legacy, obituary, ShaMonica Huggins, Louisiana, community support, public service, law enforcement, memorial resolution, Louisiana Legislature, tribute, centenarian, community recognition, Louisiana history, birthday celebration, Jeanerette, French bread

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:07.840> The<00:31:08.080> other<00:31:08.320> half<00:31:08.559> will
• <00:31:27.360> 100%<00:31:28.080> of<00:31:28.240> the<00:31:28.480> area
• :31:34.559> receive<00:31:34.960> the<00:31:35.200> MSAs<00:31:35.840> first.
• Once<00:31:37.120> all<00:31:37.600> in<00:31:38.080> all<00:31:38.159> all
• <00:31:55.760> at<00:31:56.159> 20,000<00:31:56.960> total<00:31:57.360>

Keywords: MS House Floor - 15 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and approval to dispense with the reading of the journal. Members introduced guests from Humphreys County and South Haven, then moved to the calendar and took up House Bill 2, a broad education-related measure. The bill was called up, the rules were suspended, and a committee substitute was adopted. An initial amendment correcting drafting errors in the charter school section and subsection numbering was then adopted without objection. Members then gave extended explanations of HB 2, describing it as a comprehensive school choice and education reform package. Supporters said the bill would create Magnolia student accounts/education savings accounts funded from existing per-pupil dollars, prioritize lower-income families, require testing and financial audits, expand special needs ESAs, and allow public-to-public transfers without a sending district veto. The bill also would expand charter schools into districts with D or F schools, create an accountability dashboard for public and private school reporting, expand the Tim Tebow Act for homeschool extracurricular participation, extend literacy and math requirements through eighth grade, adjust teacher and assistant teacher pay and retirement-related provisions, create a specialized school option program, and require a federal testing waiver. Supporters framed the measure as empowering parents while preserving public schools. During questions, members raised concerns about charter schools, the cost of the program, accountability, and whether the bill would help or harm public education. One member asked whether failing charter schools were addressed; the response was that the bill was aimed at reconstituting the system rather than directly fixing those schools. Another questioned why a child accepted for transfer could still be denied by a receiving district; the bill sponsor said districts would set and publish acceptance policies and could deny students for lack of room. The discussion remained focused on the bill’s scope and policy rationale, and the transcript does not show a final vote on passage of HB 2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will take up late filed Amendment bar code 3, 4, 3, 7, 0, 0, and you are recognized to explain the
• There's 87,000 people who live here SB 630, 31 has inadvertently unintentionally negatively impact our
• They filed a quiet title action a number years ago and nobody object ID.
• They own the land because they have the title and they take the the not an unreasonable view.
• But but which people bought think they have title for?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• H.R. 192 is a bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to require Amtrak to include information on
• H.R. 189, a bill to amend title 40, United States Code, to eliminate the leasing authority of the Securities
• > States bill to amend title 40 United States bill to amend title 40 United States code<05:02:
• The clerk will report the title: H.R. 192, a bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to require Amtrak
• The Clerk will report the title.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, January 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:31:01.880> Um<01:31:01.960> we<01:31:02.120> have<01:31:02.320> on
• And<01:31:07.920> if<01:31:08.080> you<01:31:08.200> can<01:31:08.680> state<
• /c><01:31:08.920> your<01:31:09.000> name<01:31:09.160> for<01:31:09.280> the
• /c><01:31:31.640> 4<01:31:31.800> days<01:31:32.040> a<01:31:32.120> week
• 01:31:37.000> 90<01:31:37.280> miles<01:31:37.600> away<01:31:37.840> from

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:31:04.559> call<00:31:04.799> to<00:31:04.960> serve<00:31:05.200> their
• <00:31:14.080> His<00:31:14.320> cousin<00:31:14.799> said<00:31:15.120>
• 00:31:18.480> he<00:31:18.640> loved<00:31:19.039> flying<00:31:19.840> and
• <00:31:21.919> Captain<00:31:22.320> Eris<00:31:22.960> Curtis<00:31:23.360>
• Each of these<00:31:55.519> men<00:31:55.840> have<00:31:56.159> families,<00:31

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Protecting Alabama from hostile foreign influence is what we title the bill. Why do we need this?
• So keep that in the back of in Alabama. So keep that in the back of your<00:02:58.319> mind.
• Uh protecting Alabama from your mind.
• <00:03:06.159> In title the bill. Why do we need this? In title the bill.
• They have in Alabama? >> We care about the ones where they actually own 20% of the business.

Bills: HB358, HB358

Keywords: juvenile justice, detention, age of majority, jurisdiction, child welfare, foreign influence, political activity, transparency, registration, civil penalties, hostile foreign principals, state ethics, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have worked with the AMA and ASCO on coding and payment improvements.
• Currently, there aren’t even proper billing codes or protocols for treatment.
• There are no current diagnostic codes specific to detransition.
• I have heard that doctors can use workarounds with billing codes, but this is not...
• I live in Alabama. Alabama. And I just tell you, coming out, it's very difficult.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of health insurance and public health bills, with most speakers focused on expanding coverage for specific treatments and services. Bills discussed included H. 1187/S. 792 on rehabilitation counselors, H. 1173/S. 692 on patient navigation, S. 2600 on scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients, S. 2599 on medically necessary treatment for port wine birthmarks, H. 1164 on licensed educational psychologists for child and adolescent mental health services, S. 754/H. 1254 on autism diagnosis and treatment by nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, S. 714/H. 1137 on infectious disease response and coverage, and S. 791 on making nature a prescriptive therapeutic intervention. Speakers generally argued these bills would improve access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and address gaps in current insurance reimbursement rules. Testimony in support emphasized personal stories and clinical evidence. Cancer patients and providers described the benefits of patient navigation and scalp cooling for dignity and quality of life during treatment. Boston Children’s Hospital staff and families said port wine birthmark treatment is medically necessary, can prevent complications, and should not be denied as cosmetic. Rehabilitation counselors and school psychologists argued their services are effective, cost-saving, and underused because they cannot bill insurance. Autism advocates said current insurance statutes are outdated because nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists already provide evaluations and should be recognized for reimbursement to avoid delays in early intervention. Public health and GLAD Law testimony supported stronger infectious disease coverage to remove barriers to testing, treatment, and PrEP access. The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 1172, a bill requiring insurance coverage for detransition-related care. Supporters said it would ensure coverage for medically necessary care for people who regret or reverse gender transition, while opponents argued it would legitimize anti-trans narratives or, conversely, that detransition care is needed because transition procedures can cause harm. The committee also heard strong support for S. 791 from advocates who described nature access as a health intervention that could help with trauma, anxiety, substance use recovery, and environmental justice, with claims that insurance coverage and reduced park fees would improve access. No votes were taken during the transcript, and the chair repeatedly thanked speakers and moved through the long list of public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:08.000> from<00:31:09.200> y<00:31:10.000> good<00:31:10.240> please
• <00:31:43.519> our<00:31:43.840> team<00:31:44.240> stepped<00:31:44.559>
• > tried<00:31:45.200> to<00:31:45.440> negotiate<00:31:45.840> with<00:31
• Uh, and<00:31:54.559> asked<00:31:54.799> the<00:31:54.960> judge<00:31:55.200><
• :31:57.279> some<00:31:57.519> back<00:31:57.679> and<00:31:57.840> forth

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's duplicative of the existing structure of the code, Children's Code and Criminal Code.
• So it's duplicative of the existing structure of the code, children's code and criminal code.
• And the additional mandates, they're of the code, children's code and criminal code.
• And I would like to point out that the bill does rely on Title VIII of the Children's Code when it comes
• There being none, that amendment is adopted. 31-24, is there any objection?

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard House Bill 1033, which expands the definition of critical infrastructure to include airports, heliports, spaceports, aerospace facilities, certain government and military sites, and oil and gas platforms. Supporters said the bill is part of a broader effort to position Louisiana for aerospace and defense investment, while opponents from the Sierra Club warned that repeatedly broadening critical infrastructure could chill protest and free-speech activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1034, which authorizes local officials to declare temporary protection zones for public safety for up to 72 hours, with one extension. The sponsor and the Department of Economic Development said it would be a tool for aerospace and defense projects and other public-safety needs; ACLU testimony raised concerns about notice, property rights, and possible impacts on public waterways. The bill was also reported favorably. The committee next considered several criminal justice bills. House Bill 51, barring post-conviction bail for defendants convicted of aggravated offenses against children, and House Bill 55, limiting public disclosure of juror information to protect juror privacy, both received broad support and were reported favorably. House Bill 635, aimed at protecting Louisianians from transnational repression by foreign governments through penalty enhancements for underlying crimes, was supported by a national security advocate and reported favorably. House Bill 133, increasing penalties for students who commit attacks on teachers or other students, was amended to address juvenile procedure and exceptionalities; teachers testified about serious injuries they suffered, while the ACLU and criminal defense lawyers raised concerns about mandatory minimums and individualized sentencing. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 676, which creates the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or “body brokering,” in the substance-use treatment industry. The sponsor and Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives described schemes that steer vulnerable patients into fraudulent treatment arrangements for profit; the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 159 created a Caddo Parish pilot program for pretrial home incarceration with electronic monitoring to reduce jail overcrowding. The sheriff said the jail is far over capacity and that the program would be limited to nonviolent, non-sex-offense defendants with risk assessments, court approval, and behavioral-health check-ins. Witnesses supported the concept but urged tighter liability language; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill with amendments. House Bill 106, dealing with unauthorized administration of melatonin to children in child care settings, was reported favorably. Later, the committee amended and reported House Bill 108, which changes juror qualifications to exclude people convicted of crimes of violence or sex offenses from criminal juries, after opponents argued it would unnecessarily bar citizens from jury service. House Bill 784, a cleanup bill on sex offender registration and notification, was amended and reported with technical changes. Senate Bill 388, which removes a trigger clause tied to a border compact and authorizes review of state contracts for foreign-adversary benefit, was amended and reported. Finally, House Bill 772, a bail-procedure reform requiring accurate mailing and electronic notice information and consolidating notice rules, was presented as a fairness and efficiency measure and had support from the bail industry and prosecutors; the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:31:02.840> the<01:31:02.960> political<01:31:03.400> process<01:31:03.800><
• and no person<01:31:04.639> gains<01:31:05.400> as<01:31:05.520> a<01:31:05.679
• c> more<01:31:07.560> access<01:31:07.880> to<01:31:08.000> the<01:31:08.199
• <01:31:14.920> and<01:31:15.199> I<01:31:15.480> think<01:31:16.199> you<
• c> the<01:31:16.920> order<01:31:17.280> you<01:31:17.400> would<01:31:17.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Elections Committee met on February 6, 2025, and first considered the reappointment of Steven Swanson to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Swanson described his background in legal aid, lobbying, judging, and international rule-of-law work, and said he wanted to continue serving the public. Committee members praised his experience and discussed the importance of campaign finance oversight, including preventing corporate participation in Minnesota elections. Senator Wosinski moved to recommend Swanson’s confirmation, and the motion was adopted. The committee then heard Senate File 529, a proposed constitutional amendment to state that elections shall be free, fair, and equal, and that no civil or military power may interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote. Senator Dibble presented the bill as a way to strengthen voting rights and provide a constitutional basis to challenge voter suppression, gerrymandering, and unfair campaign practices. Testimony in support came from David Fischer of Clean Elections Minnesota and Jean Massie of Fair Vote Minnesota, both of whom argued the amendment would protect access to voting, increase confidence in elections, and align Minnesota with other states that have similar language. Members discussed whether the amendment’s broad language could invite judicial interpretation or affect future election laws. Senator Koran questioned how the proposal would improve Minnesota’s already high turnout, while Senator Grant raised concerns that the terms “free, fair, and equal” were undefined and could shift power to the courts. Senator Lucero proposed an oral amendment to add “ensuring one eligible citizen, one vote” after the word “equal,” saying it would address concerns about future voter ID laws. The amendment was restated by counsel and discussed, with Senator Dibble saying it did not significantly harm the bill but suggesting it might imply a requirement he did not intend. The transcript ends during discussion of that oral amendment, and no final vote on the bill itself is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so the title and here in Kentucky.
• Department of Human Services, Alabama Department of Human Services, Alabama created<01:02:54.000
• In Alabama, different quality standards.
• Council of Alabama has shown that the Council of Alabama has shown that the academic<01:06:57.760>
• care in Alabama. care in Alabama.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee began with introductions of student guests, including an FCCLA national officer who spoke in support of career and technical education. She emphasized that CTE connects classroom learning to real careers, builds leadership and employability skills, and deserves continued state supplemental funding to keep programs current, expand offerings, and support student organizations. Members thanked her for her remarks and for representing FCCLA students. The committee then considered House Bill 67, a cleanup bill to address unintended consequences from last session’s Senate Bill 181 on traceable communication in schools. Rep. Josh Calloway explained that the substitute clarified definitions of family members, coaches, volunteers, certified/classified/contract employees, and virtual instruction; exempted group messaging, public social media posts, translation services, parent-provided phone numbers, emergency communications, and field trip/work-based learning contacts; and allowed teachers to disclose outside commercial or nonprofit involvement so they can communicate with students for those purposes. He said the bill was developed with input from school boards, administrators, KDE, school HR groups, Kentucky League of Cities, and Farm Bureau. The committee approved the substitute and passed HB 67 favorably. Next, the committee heard House Bill 759, which KDE described as a consistency bill for teacher certification pathways. The bill renames and standardizes alternative certification routes, clarifies content mastery requirements, allows teachers to add certifications more consistently, and lets educators extend certification into lower grade bands if they already hold higher-level certification and pedagogical knowledge. Members asked about chemistry majors, CTE occupational pathways, the veterans pathway, and grade-band “bandwidth”; KDE said the bill preserves the veterans route, does not create a new pathway but reorganizes existing ones, and will help make certification options easier to understand. HB 759 also passed favorably. Finally, Rep. Shane Baker presented House Bill 654, a follow-up to last year’s effort to reduce administrative burdens on schools. He said the bill would eliminate additional reporting requirements, bar KDE from requiring components of a comprehensive improvement plan not expressly required by statute or federal law, and allow EARS to temporarily authorize reports when the legislature is not in session while preserving necessary reporting tied to SEEK funding and school operations. The committee took up the substitute and began discussion of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• > these<00:31:23.320> new<00:31:23.519> diseases<00:31:23.919> are<00:31:
• > right<00:31:29.960> here<00:31:30.080> in<00:31:30.200> our<00:31:30.399
• <00:31:35.000> of<00:31:35.159> medicine<00:31:36.159> and<00:31:36.279>
• > window<00:31:45.440> of<00:31:45.639> opportunity<00:31:46.200> for<00:31:
• early identification<00:31:54.159> is<00:31:54.320> only<00:31:54.559> the<00:31

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Deputy to step down, and it's titled, quote unquote, "Failures."
• The Uniform Code of Military Justice is for uniformed officers who betray the code of justice and also
• And you are familiar, I imagine, with Section 6002 of Title IX. 18.
• And so when we look at that, obviously, Huntsville, Alabama. Alabama, to me, is a Redstone.
• FBI headquarters to Alabama.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ladies and gentlemen, the Alabama Senate will now come to order.
• President, I have the title ready now. All right, secretary, read the title.
• Just the title? Okay, secretary, read the title.
• Welcome to Alabama Senate. Great to have y'all today. special guests in the gallery.
• Welcome to Alabama Senate. Great stand. Welcome to Alabama Senate.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer and pledge led by Todd Russell of ALCAP, followed by roll call showing 32 senators present, establishing a quorum. Senator Wagner moved to excuse absent senators and to dispense with reading the previous day’s journal; both motions were adopted without objection. No bills were introduced during the bill introduction segment. Under committee reports, the Committee on County and Municipal Government reported House Bill 1 favorably by a vote of 6 yeas and 3 nays. The bill concerns primary elections and would authorize a special primary election for congressional districts affected by a federal court ruling, require the governor to call such an election under certain conditions, set an election calendar, and address qualification of affected candidates. The title was read, and the bill received second reading and was placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. After committee reports concluded, Senator Gudger moved to adjourn until 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 8, and the Senate adjourned by voice vote. Before adjournment, the presiding officer recognized special guests in the gallery, including fourth graders from Springville Elementary, guests of Senator Bell.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this morning in the<00:31:06.000> news, the news, the news, central<00:31:08.399> Alabama
• central Alabama central Alabama from<00:31:10.240> over<00:31:10.640> there<00:31:
• players, some athletes going<00:31:44.159> to<00:31:44.320> Alabama<00:31:44.799> and
• <00:31:45.039> Auburn<00:31:45.440> and<00:31:45.919> South going to Alabama
• and Auburn and South going to Alabama and Auburn and South Carolina Carolina Carolina SEC<00:31:48.880

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, let me turn to some of the findings of the TRIP New Mexico report, which is titled New
• So is it the $31 million difference that actually goes into this new bonding program? Mr.
• doing $200 annually; Alabama, $200 annually; $100 to $200 more per year for EV registration.
• Chairman, this is titled NMDOT major investment projects with bonding timeline.
• This apparently the bond... 31, there's been some work done.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard TRIP’s annual New Mexico transportation report from Carolyn Boniface Kelly, which described deteriorating roads and bridges, congestion, safety concerns, and a large transportation funding gap. The report said more than half of major roads statewide are in poor or mediocre condition, over 170 bridges are rated poor, congestion costs drivers significant time and money, and traffic crashes and road conditions impose billions in annual costs. Members broadly agreed the report underscored the need for more stable transportation funding, with several noting the state’s recurring underinvestment and the safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2, a transportation bonding and revenue package. Senator Gonzales and Governor’s office and NMDOT representatives said the bill would authorize about $1.5 billion in additional bond debt for ready-to-go highway projects, while also increasing certain motor vehicle excise, registration, weight-distance, and EV-related fees to help support debt service and transportation funding. Supporters, including contractors, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, the Department of Finance and Administration, and transportation officials, argued the bill would improve safety, economic development, project delivery, and funding stability, and help preserve federal dollars. Opponents, including the Rio Grande Foundation and some committee members, objected to the tax and fee increases, argued the state should use existing surpluses or other funds instead, and raised concerns about impacts on families, businesses, and local governments. Committee members questioned how projects would be selected, how the new fees were calculated, how EV surcharges would work, and whether local government distributions would be affected. NMDOT said the projects would be reported to the legislature annually, selected using crash data, asset management, and project readiness, but bond approval would remain with the State Transportation Commission. After debate, Representative Romero moved do pass on SB 2 as amended, Representative Hochman-Vigil seconded, and the committee approved the bill 7-2, with Representatives Brown and Dow voting no and several members expressing reservations despite supporting the need for transportation investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• 25 of the United States Code,” amendment submitted by Representative Fetgatter.
• in lieu thereof the following language: “Number four, criminal offenses listed in Section 13.1 of Title
• Amendment submitted by Representative Stewart. ...is listed in Section 571 of Title 57 of the Oklahoma
• 21, anyone registered under the Sex Offenders Registration Act... ...of Title 21, anyone registered
• under the Sex Offenders Registration Act, and any of the offenses listed in Section 571 of Title 57.

Bills: HB1322, HB3053, HB3180, HB3244, HB3269, HB3299, HB3301, HB3302, HB3430, HB3497, HB3584, HB3586, HB3587, HB3606, HB3742, HB3743, HB3755, HB3764, HB3767, HB3835, HB3848, HB3903, HB3905, HB4108, HB4130, HB4142, HB4227, HB3996

Keywords: domestic violence, offenders registry, public safety, law enforcement, victim protection, conviction records, elderly, parole, criminal justice reform, inmate rehabilitation, Oklahoma statutes, firearms, handgun permits, self-defense, training requirements, Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, elderly exploitation, identity theft, crimes and punishments, criminal offenses

Transcript Highlights:

• The 2024 state flood plan was to raise codes and standards.
• , more modern building... ...all over in flood-prone areas, requiring more modern building codes.
• And in the 1998 floods, by the way, about 31 people died in central Texas.
• Chapter 232 of the Local Government Code allows counties to adopt model subdivision rules.
• Chapter 232, the local government code allows the county's adopt model subdivision rules.

Bills: HB48, HB66, HB68, HB71, HB75, HB164, HB171, HB254, SB3, SB18, HB123, HB149, HB117

Keywords: HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired

Summary: The committee met in special session to hear a series of flood, preparedness, and youth-camp safety bills, with members repeatedly noting that many of the measures were intended as planning, warning, or authority-clarifying bills rather than direct spending bills. House Bill 254 would expand eligibility for the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program to include Kerr County and 18 other flood-affected counties by raising the GDP cap and lowering the poverty threshold; it drew no opposition and was left pending. House Bill 68 would direct a study of flood mitigation in flatland areas, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, to develop cost-effective drainage and infrastructure recommendations; local officials and advocates supported it, and it was also left pending. The committee then heard several youth camp bills tied to the recent Hill Country flooding. House Bill 75 would impose flood-aware building and site standards for youth camps near floodplains, and House Bill 71 would require camps and youth activity entities to submit emergency preparedness plans to TDEM, coordinate with local responders, and maintain readiness protocols; both bills were supported by safety advocates and camp representatives, and both were left pending. House Bill 171 would require campgrounds near flood-prone waters to give written flood-risk notice to campers and obtain signed acknowledgment; it was presented as informed consent and left pending. Testimony on these bills emphasized Camp Mystic and other recent flood tragedies, with some witnesses urging broader building-code and floodplain reforms. The committee also heard House Bill 117, which would let counties regulate impervious cover for flood mitigation in unincorporated areas. Supporters, including county officials, environmental groups, and residents, argued that rapid development in the Hill Country and other growing areas is worsening runoff and downstream flooding; opponents from the builders’ association said counties already have substantial authority and warned about overreach into rural property use. After extensive testimony, the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 18 would streamline permitting for certain flood control districts to repair dams and reservoirs and build small holding areas, and it was left pending after supportive testimony from Plum Creek Conservation District. Senate Bill 3 would create a state-backed outdoor flood warning siren program for identified flood-prone areas, funded through a grant program; witnesses generally supported it, though some cautioned that sirens are not sufficient by themselves and may not be heard indoors or in overnight storms. It too was left pending. The committee also began hearing House Bill 149 on public-safety radio interoperability, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full testimony or action is shown.