Transcript Highlights:

• Moved to public testimony. Austin Lawson. Hello. Thank you. Good morning.
• Seeing no questions, move to public testimony. Tanya Jackson. Thank you so much.
• Seeing none, we'll move to public testimony.
• Seeing no questions, I don't have any public testimony. Is there debate?
• That does it for public testimony. Senators, we're now in debate.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to consider a full agenda of bills, moving quickly through 20 measures and several amendments. Early bills reported favorably included SB 976 on procedures for challenging court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care provider access outside regular business hours, and SB 584 on housing supports for foster youth and college students, which drew supportive testimony from former foster youth and was backed by members as a way to improve stability and educational opportunity. The committee also approved SB 1412 to modernize home health regulations and SB 1800 to create a Parkinson’s research consortium at USF, with members citing the need for more research and future funding opportunities. The committee adopted amendments on several bills, including technical and conforming changes to the Parkinson’s bill and other measures. The committee then advanced a series of health care and child welfare bills. SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening; SB 1156 revised the Home Health Aide Program for medically fragile children, including training, reimbursement, and work-hour flexibility; and SB 1490 reorganized services for medically fragile children by shifting program administration to AHCA and requiring a redesign plan for the Medicaid waiver. SB 1174 allowed foster home and child-caring agency licenses to be amended when a foster parent relocates, and SB 1620 implemented selected recommendations from the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, including a new research center at USF and school-based behavioral health review requirements. SB 1568 revised e-prescribing exemptions, and SB 78 authorized certain veterans’ nursing home beds and related certificate-of-need transfers. All of these measures were reported favorably after brief debate or supportive testimony. Several bills prompted more extensive discussion and some opposition. CS for CS SB 1270, the Department of Health agency package, included provisions on vaccination-related patient rights, medical marijuana reporting, background screening, temporary licensure, compact participation, and sovereign immunity for volunteer dentists; it passed despite concerns from Senators Berman, Brodeur, and Harrell about vaccination language and board/voting-power provisions. CS for SB 1606 on patient access to records drew strong opposition from physicians and health information professionals over privacy, security, fines, and portal access; it was initially reported unfavorably, then reconsidered and ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill. CS for SB 1736, allowing insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives for individuals with developmental disabilities, and SB 1808, requiring timely refunds to patients, both passed. CS for SB 1842, requiring referring providers to help patients determine whether referred providers are in-network, also passed over concerns about burden on small practices. The committee also advanced SB 1354, a behavioral health oversight bill requiring audits, performance reporting, and system transparency measures for managing entities, and SB 1768, which authorizes physicians to perform certain stem cell therapies using specified products and requires informed consent; both drew supportive comments but also concerns about patient understanding and oversight. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to create presumptive Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals during redetermination, and after reconsideration it reported SB 1606 favorably as a committee bill. The meeting ended with members noting their recorded votes on select tabs and adjourning after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, if no further questions, we'll proceed to public testimony Yvonne.
• Okay, we'll begin to public testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony. Thanks, sir. The chair calls Mark Stover.
• I'm going to, as I'm listening to your testimony and I'll listen to the other gentleman's testimony,
• Thank you for your testimony.

Bills: HB602, HB1322, HB1930, HB2225, HB2304, HB2494, HB3275, HB3810, HB3919

Keywords: affordable housing, land use, zoning, urban planning, community development, housing crisis, mixed-use development, sustainability, municipal utility district, board of directors, qualifications, land ownership, Texas, taxation, residency, municipal approval, subdivision plans, local governance, plats, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• So if there's no further questions, we'll proceed to our invited testimony.
• Yeah, thanks for your testimony today. This is very.
• OK, we'll go to public testimony. Okay, so the chair calls John Hawkins.
• I'm trying to understand your testimony and so I'm sorry not trying to be.
• We appreciate your testimony.

Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388, HB138

Keywords: health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Thank you so much. Chair calls Daniel Perez.
• Thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Thank you. against House Bill 912.
• As you heard from Police Chief Davis when she added her testimony.
• Thanks chief and I appreciate your testimony today. I want to ask a question.
• Bullock, thank you for your testimony. Appreciate it, sir. All right.

Bills: HB 13, HB143, HB144, HB145, HB366, HB470, HB805, HB912, HB13, HB143, HB144, HB145

Keywords: emergency communication, infrastructure, first responders, grant program, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, local governments, HB 143, Texas Railroad Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas, well site, surface facility, electrical power line, National Electrical Code, NEC, electrical safety, utility disconnect, service disconnection

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, as always, public testimony will be available after we have invited testimony, and if you're going
• It's like Jordan day here at Article 4 testimony. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• We really appreciate your testimony and all the work the OCA does.
• Um, members, this includes, this concludes our invited testimony for today.
• We'll now move to public testimony. Testimony will be limited to 3 minutes per person.

Transcript Highlights:

• As always, that's great testimony.
• As always, that's great testimony.
• As always, that's great testimony.
• As always, that's great testimony.
• I appreciate your testimony. Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate your testimony.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For taking my testimony this afternoon.
• Um, I'm really honestly testimony.
• <04:10:40.080> I say thank you for your testimony. I say thank you for your testimony.
• >> and my last sentence of my testimony >> and my last sentence of my testimony actually
• We have asked the public uh testimony.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 1598 and an amendment, 2026-0463H. Elliott Barry and Nick Norman testified that the amendment reflected a hard-fought compromise balancing concerns from all sides, and they urged no further changes. With no questions from members, the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend the bill with the amendment to the full committee, 3-0, and closed the subcommittee. The housing committee then moved through several executive session bills. HB 1010 was amended with 2026-0274H, described as clarifying and implementing prior housing law (HB 631) governing residential units above office and retail space; the amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 17-0 vote and placed on consent. HB 65 was then voted ought to pass and also placed on consent, with members saying it was duplicative of the compromise reached on HB 1010. HB 1349 was reconsidered for a clarifying vote and again received unanimous support for its prior disposition, 17-0, and was placed on consent. The committee next took up HB 1523, which concerned homeowners associations. An amendment, 2026-0380H, removed Section 5’s Attorney General enforcement mechanism, added HOA conflict-of-interest approval language, and delayed the effective date to give stakeholders more time; it was adopted unanimously. The bill then passed 18-0 as amended and was put on consent. The committee also voted ITL on CACR 16, a constitutional amendment related to sleeping or homelessness issues, after debate over unintended consequences and whether it protected a basic right; the vote was 10-8, with a majority report assigned and a minority report to be written. Later, HB 108, dealing with inclusionary zoning, was voted ITL 10-8 after members argued the bill imposed unrealistic burdens and could halt development; a minority report was noted with amendment 0149H. HB 7, concerning ADUs and restrictive covenants, was also voted ITL 10-8 after discussion of unintended consequences and a proposed amendment to encourage second ADUs; it was sent to the regular calendar with a minority report and amendment 0289H. HB 1120, on water-related subdivision requirements, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent, with one member noting a study amendment had been offered. HB 1143, addressing housing-provider obligations and municipal enforcement powers, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent. Finally, HB 1145, a fee/tax proposal tied to housing development, was ITL’d 11-7; members debated whether it would discourage development, and a minority report was assigned.

Transcript Highlights:

• see over there uh as written testimony. see over there uh as written testimony.
• Uh, thank you for your testimony.
• testimony. Are you providing that to the testimony. Are you providing that to the committee?
• copies of my testimony. copies of my testimony. >> Thank<01:07:55.440> you.
• Um, thank you for your testimony.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and provide their testimony.
• and provide their testimony.
• their testimony.
• . testimony. testimony.
• testimony yesterday. testimony yesterday.

Bills: HF4810, HF4597, HF1082, HF3230

Keywords: public safety, radio communications, infrastructure funding, county funding, interoperability, ARMER network, local jurisdictions, HF4597, Minnesota public safety, 911, emergency dispatch, emergency communications, public safety appropriation, Metropolitan Emergency Services Board, PSAP, dispatch interoperability, real-time coordination, emergency response coordination, cross-jurisdictional response, 911 center awareness platform

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to be taking testimony today, and general folks, please keep the testimony brief and to
• yourself and present your testimony. yourself and present your testimony.
• Thank you very much for that testimony. I think that's helpful.
• we have some testimony first from the<00:42:27.040> city?
• your testimony. your testimony.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, we will move to testimony.
• Sorry, thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you very much for your testimony.
• testimony testimony next<00:28:58.919> up<00:28:59.120> Derrik<00:28:59.399> Mo

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Tracy Sirles began testimony, saying, "Good morning.
• Yes, we are passing out some written testimony.
• <01:57:21.440> because some of the previous testimony because some of the previous testimony
• Thank you for your testimony.
• things thank you for your testimony things thank you for your testimony could<05:03:04.040> you

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee opened with a brief prayer for Representative Grossman’s son, Oscar, who was reported to be in critical condition after a traumatic fall. The committee then took up House Bill 430, which would reduce DHHS retention of unfounded abuse and neglect reports from 10 years to 3 years. Prime sponsor Chairman James Spain argued that 10 years is excessive and burdens families with a long-lasting stigma, while emphasizing that founded reports and reports with reasonable concern would still be retained indefinitely. Committee members questioned whether longer retention helps identify malicious reporting or patterns of abuse, and whether parents understand the distinction between unfounded and unfounded with reasonable concern. The Office of the Child Advocate and DCF opposed the bill. Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez said historical reports are important for identifying patterns, reviewing critical incidents, and understanding family dynamics, and that screened-out and unfounded reports can be essential context when later reports arise. She also noted that the records are highly confidential and not publicly accessible. DCF General Counsel Susan Larabe added that the bill could create inconsistencies by retaining screened-out reports longer than unfounded reports, and explained that unfounded reports can be used in court and in administrative reviews when there are multiple prior reports. The committee discussed how other states handle retention, with testimony that some keep records indefinitely and others for long periods. The hearing on HB 430 concluded, and the chair said the bill would not be executed until early March, leaving time for amendments. The committee then opened House Bill 187, concerning restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child. Prime sponsor Representative Mike Belcher said the bill is intended to correct a gap in the law so children can access the same restraining-order protections adults can, through a parent or guardian, and framed it as an equal-protection issue. Members questioned why the proposal was placed in the child abuse and neglect statute rather than the civil restraining-order statutes, and whether it should instead be handled as a broader civil-law fix. Alanda Peterson, who said she created Jade’s Law, testified that the original wording was meant to protect all children, not just those harmed by family members, and supported expanding the language. The hearing continued with additional discussion of the bill’s scope and purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have some observations and maybe some testimony to refute.
• I have some observations and maybe some testimony to refute.
• But I will give other testimony full consideration before I make my final decision.
• Is there any portion of that angel— I know it was mentioned in previous testimony, witness testimony,
• Has anyone come in that would like to give opposition testimony to Senate Bill 1694?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:01:40.800> you And if you look at our testimony, you And if you look at our testimony
• And we do have two pieces of supportive testimony.
• And I've conferred with myself and I will be taking— testimony. And I've conferred with testimony.
• I guess my testimony here. So, hi.
• I actually have three points of concern as part of my testimony.

Bills: HCR202

Keywords: Hawaii, renewable energy, task force, energy independence, cost savings, decarbonization, public utilities, stakeholders, clean energy goals, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection heard HCR 202 HD2, a resolution creating a task force to study Hawaii’s electric generation mix and related costs. Testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office was neutral and stood on written comments, while another testifier supported the resolution, emphasizing affordability, reliability, and the need to understand the right balance of thermal generation and renewables as the state moves toward its 2045 renewable goals. The chairs said they had conferred on the measure and outlined recommended amendments, including adding study of the separation of ownership and control of generation versus transmission and distribution, and adding Senate committee representation to the task force. The Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection committee voted to pass HCR 202 HD2 with amendments; the chair, vice chair, and another member voted aye, with one senator excused, and the recommendation was adopted. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee did not have quorum at that time and said it would take its vote later. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also heard HCR 165, concerning pickleball courts in Hawaii Kai. One resident testified in opposition, citing concerns about permanent lights, permanent nets, noise, light pollution, safety, maintenance, and the loss of multi-use flexibility. After discussion, the chair recommended passing the measure as is, and the committee said it would vote the next day because it lacked quorum. The committee also heard HCR 154 and HCR 43 with the Transportation Committee; HCR 154 was passed unamended, and HCR 43, which urged raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary School for pedestrian safety, was also passed unamended. Supporters of HCR 43 described heavy pedestrian traffic, schoolchildren crossing, and unsafe vehicle turning patterns at the intersections. The Transportation Committee adopted both recommendations, while the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee scheduled its votes for the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any neutral testimony on the phone lines, Ava? Thank you, Chair.
• We submitted written testimony for multiple J-1 visa educators.
• Okay, seeing none, AVH, any opposition testimony?
• AVH, we'll stay right here with the phone line for neutral testimony.
• Any neutral testimony for Assembly Bill 472?

Bills: SB175, SB277, SB374, SB400

Keywords: military, veterans, education, teaching, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, licensure, certification, public schools, charter schools, school social worker, school counselor, school psychologist, internship, practicum, student support services, mental health, harassment, bullying, power-based violence, school safety

Transcript Highlights:

• This time we'll open up the testimony on Senate Bill 1214.
• I will go back and reset public testimony. The testimony will be limited to two minutes.
• To provide the committee with testimony, I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
• I'll let testimony be heard.
• Thank you both for your testimony. I appreciate it. Senator Hancock.

Bills: SCR13, SB1248

Keywords: water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals

Transcript Highlights:

• They want to hear what the testimony was.
• There is all of that testimony out there that really will inform the decisions that have to be made,
• was there was great the test testimony was there was great testimony<00:07:31.960> from<00:07
• district officials testimony from school district officials that<00:07:34.000> are<00:07:34.240
• two years there is all of that testimony two years there is all of that testimony out<00:07:42.919

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republican leaders used the briefing to argue that Democrats were absent from the House for the 16th day, calling it a shutdown and saying the absence was preventing the chamber from doing its work. They said Republicans were still meeting in person with constituents, interest groups, pages, and agencies, and were continuing unofficial committee meetings and line-by-line budget work even though formal bill introduction and committee operations were disrupted. The discussion focused heavily on negotiations over whether any Democrats might return, whether there were talks with Leader Hortman or Leader Long, and whether a power-sharing arrangement was possible. The speaker said there were no direct discussions with Hortman that day, no talks with Long, and no side agreements, but that any Democrat who returned would have a place to work. They rejected the idea of equal power-sharing under the current 67-66 House split and said the immediate issue was simply getting members back to work before the May 19 end of session. The speaker also said the Supreme Court decision had negated prior work, including bill introductions, and that the House was trying to preserve the historical record while committee videos and bills were restored. They pointed to testimony from school district officials about financial challenges from prior Democratic mandates as an example of the work that had been done before the process was interrupted. No votes were taken, and no new official legislative action was announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your testimony. Good to see you.
• I appreciate your testimony.
• I appreciate the testimony today.
• So I've provided written testimony.
• You have in your packet a copy of my written testimony. I am not going to read from that testimony.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s H-2 budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard first from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who outlined a $1.72 billion budget, up $69.8 million from FY26. She said the proposal emphasizes core operations, readiness, and partnerships with municipalities, and highlighted work on firearms-law implementation, State Police reform, DOC reentry efforts, hate-crimes prevention, emergency response, and planning for major events including the World Cup. Members also raised concerns about DNA backlog reporting, State Police academy boxing and training standards, ICE communication, disaster relief funding, crime lab staffing, EMS placement, and diversity in public safety leadership. Several exchanges focused on specific operational issues. Secretary Kwan and her team said the State Police are tracking the influx of forensic work from local sheriffs, that the boxing program remains suspended pending an IACP review and likely will not return in its prior form, and that EOPS has no direct communication with ICE but supports law-enforcement coordination where appropriate. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, though members urged a more permanent funding source. On the crime lab, staff said the roughly $4.5 million increase is intended to cover core operations and a structural funding gap rather than expand services. The secretary also said EOPS is not ready to absorb OEMS from DPH at this time, though she would keep an open mind. The committee then heard from district attorneys, led by Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden, who said the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association is seeking a 10% increase in operating budgets, including about $16.7 million for staffing salaries, to recruit and retain prosecutors, advocates, and support staff. He said the request reflects rising workload and the need to keep the criminal justice system functioning efficiently and fairly. The hearing was recessed briefly after the district attorneys’ opening remarks, with additional testimony expected to continue afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll take up invited testimony and then move to public testimony.
• And your testimony was was interesting.
• Public testimony is closed.
• I have a full testimony that I submitted.
• If not, that concludes public testimony, and public testimony is concluded and is closed.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• About 30 seconds left for your testimony, so in closing I just want to say this: like the testimonies
• About 30 seconds left for your testimony, so in closing I just want to say this: like the testimonies
• About 30 seconds left for your testimony, so in closing I just want to say this: like the testimonies
• About 30 seconds left for your testimony, so in closing I just want to say this: like the testimonies
• About 30 seconds left for your testimony, so in closing I just want to say this: like the testimonies

Bills: HF1355, HF1469, HF1768

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release