Transcript Highlights:

• Prevention chapter of the statute with Justice probe.
• provision of the chapter since its creation of the 30 years ago and doing this bill will improve the
• Next up, we're going to go actually to 14 SB 1660.
• That's tab 14 prostitution by Senator Grall bill. A bill about prostitution.
• And that was actually the substitute Amendment 14, 6, 5, 3, 8, That's right. I apologize.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1162, amending Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to health
• Senate Bill 1162, amending Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to health
• By your vote of 43 ayes, 14 nays, 2 not voting, and 1 vacant, you have passed Senate Bill 1274.
• Because she has been my quasi assistant the last 14 months.
• And so I want to recognize her and all the work that she has done to help me get through these last 14

Summary: The House met in regular session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized several guests and personal privileges, including introductions of students and family members. The chamber also took up a motion to request the Senate return SB 1160 for reconsideration, and then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, members considered SB 1118, SB 1178, and SB 1419. SB 1118 received an appropriations committee amendment and a floor amendment related to balancing housing affordability with historic preservation, and was recommended do pass as amended. SB 1178, dealing with naturopathic medicine accreditation and scope issues, drew debate: supporters said it would protect patient access and provider supply by updating accreditation-related definitions, while opponents argued it expanded scope too far and sidestepped federal accreditation concerns; the bill was ultimately recommended do pass as amended. SB 1419, concerning solar energy devices and disclosure protections for residential, multifamily, commercial, and industrial units, was also amended and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1497 was retained on the calendar. The House then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1242 and SB 1270. SB 1242, which allows audio and audio-visual technology for mental health evaluations or treatment hearings, was amended to modify the definition of a mental health treatment agency and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1270 also received a floor amendment and was recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole and additional Committee of the Whole reports, properly engrossing SB 1118, SB 1178, SB 1419, SB 1242, and SB 1270, while retaining SB 1497. On third reading, the House passed SB 1162, SB 1274, SB 1426, SB 1552, and SB 1814. SB 1814, which establishes a substance use disorder treatment standards and oversight study committee, drew remarks in support of a study committee to address fraud, waste, abuse, and treatment reform. The House also announced upcoming committee and caucus meetings and adjourned until 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Robin Breed, and I'm here to testify in opposition of House Bill 3428 for the Texas chapter
• An unarmed 14-year-old girl was shot by a 19-year-old male.
• I'm here to testify in opposition to HB 259 on behalf of myself and the Texas chapter of Moms Demand
• a 16-year-old male. 25-year-old Novita Kurnia Pri, AKA AKA Novita Brazil, was shot and killed by 2 14
• And based on the reading, based on looking at it, I have gone through every single chapter.

Bills: HB259

Keywords: redistricting, Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, Texas Legislature, elections, district boundaries, voter representation

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as the coverages that we provide, they are prescribed by Chapter 284 in Florida statutes, and
• As far as the coverages that we provide, they are prescribed by Chapter 284 in Florida Statutes, and
• And for us, this is Florida Chapter 631."
• Currently, we're administering 14 receivership estates in liquidation. 11 of those are proper..."
• Currently, we're administering 14 receivership estates in liquidation.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Department of Financial Services and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, then returned to its ongoing budget workshop with the Department of Management Services. DFS’s Division of Risk Management described its role as the state self-insurance fund, covering about 200,000 employees and 27,000 vehicles, paying roughly $150 million in claims last year, and managing a pilot ETS treatment program for veterans and first responders that had 49 patients and 804 treatments as of the latest report. The Division of State Fire Marshal outlined its fire prevention, training, emergency response, and grant programs, including hurricane deployments, the Florida State Fire College, and several capital and grant requests for roof, courtyard, memorial, and equipment needs. The Division of Rehabilitation and Liquidation explained how it handles insolvent insurers under Chapter 631, currently administering 14 estates with $1.2 billion in assets and $3.7 billion in liabilities, and said no new receiverships had been opened since February 2023. Members asked about grant backlogs, fire truck procurement delays, memorial repairs, and whether affiliate transfers were occurring in insurer liquidations. Secretary Griffin then updated the committee on DBPR’s implementation of House Bill 1021 on community associations. He said the department had used the new authority to expand education, complaint handling, and ombudsman services, including 10 free standardized courses, a new condo website, and a four-hour board certification course that had already drawn more than 12,000 attendees. He reported that outreach to condominium communities had increased by more than 60%, that complaint filings were up 39% while jurisdictional dismissals dropped to 11%, and that about 81% to 82% of the 65 new positions had been filled. Members pressed him on whether the department had enough authority and funding, how condominium counts are determined, how self-reported structural integrity reserve study data is verified, and whether more public-facing complaint tracking and better reporting from local governments or developers would improve the system. The committee then resumed questioning Secretary Allende of DMS about outstanding budget and operations issues. Members focused on the delayed People First contract extension required by statute, with the secretary saying the delay involved technical and contractual complexity in moving a legacy hard-coded system to the cloud. They also revisited the state data team and data catalog project, asking why a statutory 2022 deadline had not been met, how the four-person team and broader data staff were organized, how many applicants were considered for key positions, and what each role was doing. The secretary said the catalog work was being simplified into six metadata fields and supported by a broader community of practice, but no firm completion date was given during the exchange.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also make changes to our parental rights law, Chapter 1014, and...
• We also make changes to our parental rights law, Chapter 1014, and add similar provisions in that area
• Related to Chapter 456, the amendment clarifies that both individuals and the Attorney General, versus
• Related to Chapter 1014, the amendment synchronizes with the language in Chapter 456 to clear up ambiguity
• Her youngest patients were as young as 14, a practice that this legislature rightfully ended through

Bills: S0560, S0590, S0778, S1010

Keywords: child welfare, psychotropic medication, Department of Children and Families, community-based care, liability insurance, forensic services, defendants, mental health, judicial system, defense, legal definitions, minors, healthcare, parental rights, criminal penalties, civil action, sex-reassignment, investigations, economic damages

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered four bills. SB 590, by Sen. Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement; an amendment clarified retroactive application for offenses not already time-barred by the bill’s effective date. Sen. Bradley said the bill is intended to ensure accountability in institutional abuse cases and not to change the reasonable-suspicion reporting standard. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 778, by Sen. Simon, which would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency can be housed with other Chapter 916 residents, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Barney Bishop appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably without amendment. SB 560, by Sen. Garcia, would streamline procedures for psychotropic medication prescriptions for children in DCF custody, reduce duplicative background checks and reporting, and simplify consent documentation. Amendments removed language allowing licensed clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists to serve as evaluators and narrowed changes to the Road to Independence Program’s postsecondary education services and supports, extending eligibility ages from 18 to 26 while keeping the five-year cap. Senators discussed the fiscal impact and funding blend for the education stipend. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1010, by Sen. Yarbrough, which adds criminal and civil enforcement for violations involving sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures for minors and related parental-rights provisions. An amendment clarified that the civil action authority applies to minors and that damages benefit the affected minor. Public testimony was heavily divided, with supporters saying the bill enforces existing protections and opponents warning it would chill care, counseling, and school-based support for transgender youth. Senators Harrell, Sharief, and Rouson raised concerns about vagueness, standing, and impacts on teachers and health professionals; Sharief voted no, while the bill was still reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is a thoughtful, necessary update to Chapter 140, Section 157, which governs how municipalities
• Many times these calls do not fall under Chapter 272 for felony charges.
• The living conditions were less than desirable but didn't meet Chapter 272.
• Because we cannot charge under Chapter 272, one of the challenges that we encounter, having no police
• Fast in all of the different new topics that we might have not been able to imagine when this chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a lengthy hybrid hearing of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, with testimony spanning local board training, animal welfare and enforcement, municipal charters, water district dissolution, and other home rule matters. Chairs Rausch and Lewis set strict time limits because of the large number of speakers and explained that written testimony would also be accepted. Members heard from local officials, advocates, municipal employees, and residents, with many bills receiving broad support from municipal and advocacy witnesses. Several speakers supported bills requiring or expanding training for local boards and commissions, including pre-service training for planning, zoning, and other land use boards. Supporters said training would help volunteers understand complex laws, improve consistency, reduce legal challenges, and speed up housing and development decisions. Related testimony also backed a bill to modernize historic district commissions and another to allow associate planning board members to serve more broadly when needed to maintain quorums. A major portion of the hearing focused on animal legislation. Witnesses supported bills to expand citations for cruel conditions beyond dogs, update dangerous dog procedures, improve animal health inspections and breeder oversight, strengthen tethering rules, and protect pet consumers. Animal control officers, humane organizations, and some victims of dog attacks described enforcement gaps and the need for clearer standards, while several dog trainers and the American Kennel Club opposed parts of the dangerous dog bill and tethering restrictions, arguing they would limit humane training tools and professional discretion. The committee also heard strong support for a bill to create a statewide pet shop and consumer protection framework. The committee also heard testimony on several local home rule petitions. Medford officials and residents strongly supported a new city charter that would replace the current at-large council with ward-based representation and periodic charter review. Wayland representatives supported a bill to preserve the library’s Millennium Fund as intended, Cambridge officials backed creation of an employment and job training trust, and Carver officials supported dissolving the North Carver Water District due to compliance and financial problems. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Sure.<00:14:18.480> I<00:14:18.639> think<00:14:18.720> the<00:14:18.880
• >> I I<00:14:21.680> was<00:14:21.760> trying<00:14:21.920> to<00:14:22.079
• > get<00:14:22.240> up,<00:14:22.399> but<00:14:22.560> I<00:14:22.639>
• <00:14:24.000> For<00:14:24.240> those<00:14:24.399> of<00:14:24.560> us<
• <00:14:27.440> Can<00:14:27.680> you<00:14:27.839> let<00:14:28.000> us

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 132 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and adopted a House resolution honoring United Communities Against Poverty for 60 years of service in Prince George’s County fighting poverty. The organization’s board members were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then handled introductory business, including first-reading referral of House Bills 1587-1596, two introductory House bond initiatives referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 25 and other Senate bills received in the House and referred to committees. The House also took up committee reports and special orders. The Economic Matters Committee reported favorably on several bills, including House Bills 236, 241, 242, 259, and 308, all of which were adopted and ordered printed for third reading. On House Bill 146 regarding on-site wastewater systems, a friendly amendment was adopted to allow repair or replacement of failed drain field components needed to meet the bill’s requirements. On House Bill 220 concerning individual water meters/submetering, a substitute amendment was adopted to strike a provision related to eviction proceedings and keep the bill aligned with existing law; the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. Members also made several announcements recognizing visiting groups and observances, including the ALS Association, Career and Technology Education Month, Economic Development Day, Developmental Disabilities Day, Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, the start of Ramadan, and Easter season. The House heard a Black History Month-style recognition of Ethel Beh Hill and welcomed multiple delegations and student groups. Committee and subcommittee meeting announcements followed, and with 134 members present, the House remained in session before the majority leader moved adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:16.000> uh<00:14:16.120> while<00:14:16.399> having<00:14:17.040> 128<
• <00:14:19.199> and<00:14:19.440> place<00:14:20.000> uh<00:14:20.399> 516
• uh<00:14:34.759> and<00:14:34.920> of<00:14:35.120> that<00:14:35.399> 17
• > in<00:14:40.399> Hilo<00:14:40.959> and<00:14:41.160> two<00:14:41.440>
• :14:46.639> bring<00:14:46.880> a<00:14:47.000> few<00:14:47.199> things

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance held an informational briefing with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on its budget, staffing, and operations. The director reviewed department leadership and reported on recruitment and retention efforts, including a 14% vacancy rate, a 10.5% workforce increase from filling 189 positions, and the Hela Imua internship program, which has placed 516 interns since inception and led to 62 permanent hires. The department also described modernization efforts, including the UI Huakai project and the Disability Compensation Division’s electronic case management system, and said the unemployment compensation trust fund exceeded $71.5 million, triggering Schedule C for calendar year 2025. The department’s main budget requests included $2.9 million for fiscal year 2026 to support maintenance and operations of the electronic case management system, plus restoration of two enforcement specialist positions. Officials said those positions are needed to address a decline in investigators from 11 to six since 2009, improve compliance, and handle Hawaii Compliance Express certificate work. Additional requests included two human resources specialists to address recruitment backlogs, two labor enforcement specialists to reduce a backlog of Chapter 104 prevailing wage and wage cases, and two positions for the Office of Community Services to expand immigrant services and access centers. The department also discussed federal funding for unemployment insurance and workforce programs, including National Dislocated Worker Grants and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, and said some funding is received in increments and may require extensions. Members asked about Kauai inspection coverage, federal funding uncertainty, the size of the special unemployment insurance fund, and whether the department could ramp up staffing during a future crisis. Officials said Kauai is currently served by inspectors from Honolulu and there are no plans to open a permanent island position because of staffing constraints. They said the department is meeting federal guidelines and is not in jeopardy, and that the special unemployment insurance fund has about $10 million, with current UI operations funded at a little over $15 million, meaning the fund may need to cover roughly $5 million if federal support declines. The director said the department would use the special fund to supplement shortfalls, but noted that federal funding cuts and the loss of ARPA support have already affected operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.040> c<00:14:00.360> St<00:14:00.639> Peter<00:14:01.000> nckl<00:14:
• 00:14:04.240> decided<00:14:04.560> to<00:14:04.639> join<00:14:04.839> tax
• > I<00:14:05.399> heard<00:14:05.519> it<00:14:05.600> was<00:14:05.759><
• <00:14:07.600> also<00:14:07.800> as<00:14:07.920> a<00:14:08.040> formal
• > see<00:14:17.240> what<00:14:17.360> we<00:14:17.480> can<00:14:17.600>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a $14 million savings that we can account for in our budget right now for the taxpayers of Bexar
• Okay, so that's $14 million per year savings that is $14 million on the projects that we have on the
• This bill clarifies that the local charter modifying Chapter 174 impasse rules are valid.
• It also allows municipalities under Chapter 174 to use custom impasse processes and ensures that arbitration
• House Bill 3680 addresses that by adding a new subchapter G to Chapter 232 of the Local Government Code

Bills: HB103

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was honored and privileged to be initiated into the Gamma Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
• I'm proud that my district is home to the Ventura County Alumni Chapter. Yes.
• And to all the chapters present today, welcome to the State Senate, your State Senate, and thank you
• a couple points to point out: our chapter was chartered on August 28, 1966, as the 253rd chapter of
• The Los Angeles South Bay alumni chapter was founded during a pivotal movement in Los Angeles...

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and approval of the Senate journals. Members then considered several gubernatorial appointments to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Despite protest from Senator Grove over the lack of action on a separate rehabilitation appointment, the Senate confirmed Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson, with each confirmation passing overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber next adopted Senate Resolution 86 recognizing Cinco de Mayo Week and the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing Mexican history, Latino civic engagement, and solidarity across communities. The Latino Caucus then introduced the honorees, including leaders in higher education, philanthropy, labor, health, advocacy, environmental justice, journalism, culinary arts, and the legacy band Los Tigres del Norte. The Senate also adopted SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, and SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day to honor veterans who died by service-related suicide and their families. Later, the Senate adopted SCR 123 for California Peace Officers Memorial Day after emotional remarks naming officers killed in the line of duty and honoring their families, and SCR 164 recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, with speakers citing racial disparities in health outcomes and maternal mortality. The body also adopted SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, with a guest recognition for a behavioral health advocate. In third reading, the Senate passed SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public participation, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 and SB 1195 on alcoholic beverage tied-house exemptions, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of labor leader Kent Wong and Navy veteran and artist Victor Valar.

Transcript Highlights:

• :06.759> 20124<00:14:07.519> 25<00:14:07.959> base<00:14:08.199> was<00:14
• ><00:14:10.199> 26<00:14:10.560> and<00:14:10.800> 27<00:14:11.800> um<00
• the 26 and 27 um base is $2 million<00:14:19.360> again<00:14:19.639> within<00:14:19.880
• :55.399> and<00:14:55.720> their<00:14:56.399> 2425<00:14:57.399> fiscal<
• <00:14:58.199> me<00:14:58.320> 2425<00:14:59.279> base<00:14:59.480> was

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Housing Finance and Policy Committee met for an informational session with no bills taken up and no votes or formal actions. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Speno said the committee would focus on understanding housing policy and barriers to building more homes, noting Minnesota’s housing shortage and the need to support both single-family and multifamily construction. House Research analyst Mary Davis and House Fiscal analyst Katrina Heimark gave an overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency’s programs and funding streams. Davis outlined areas the committee may hear about, including real estate law, landlord-tenant law, manufactured home parks, housing cooperatives, zoning, property taxes, and MHFA programs. Heimark described MHFA’s five main budget areas—development and redevelopment, housing stability, homeownership assistance, preservation, and resident/organization support—and reviewed recent appropriations, emphasizing that much of the large 2024–25 funding was one-time money and that ongoing base funding is lower in 2026–27. Members asked several questions about how prior appropriations were spent, whether unused funds return to the general fund, and whether funds can be repurposed. Heimark said transferred funds generally are not returned to the general fund if unspent, but are expected to be used for the purposes outlined in the appropriation; she also said she had requested more detailed expenditure information from the agency and would follow up. Questions also focused on who benefits from programs such as rental housing rehabilitation and the affordable rental investment fund, with the testifiers explaining that most MHFA programs are targeted to low- and moderate-income households and that income eligibility varies by program. The committee also discussed the new metro-area sales tax revenue dedicated to housing, with members requesting more detail on reporting, oversight, and allowable uses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and<00:14:03.040> 90%<00:14:03.760> of<00:14:04.000> every<00:14:04.480>
• > that<00:14:07.600> I<00:14:07.839> had<00:14:08.079> this<00:14:08.480>
• :18.480> put<00:14:18.639> up<00:14:18.880> signs<00:14:19.839> uh<00:14:
• <00:14:22.880> So,<00:14:24.079> I<00:14:24.480> am<00:14:24.720> all
• :14:35.360> want<00:14:35.680> records<00:14:36.240> to<00:14:36.480> be<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:04.239> in<03:14:04.479> the<03:14:04.640> town<03:14:04.800> of way
• <03:14:53.279> went<03:14:53.439> all<03:14:53.600> the<03:14:53.680> way
• c><06:14:46.320> filed<06:14:46.558> the<06:14:46.718> bill<06:14:46.958> in<
• <06:14:49.600> we<06:14:49.760> got<06:14:50.000> to<06:14:50.080> to
• And<06:14:58.320> the<06:14:58.638> other<06:14:58.798> problem<06:14:59.120>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And sometimes kids make mistakes, but is justice really served, especially when juveniles are 14 or 15
• The current law, which allows children as young as 14 to be indicted and face adult penalties such as
• Treating 14- and 15-year-olds, youth who can't drive, vote, buy alcohol, or do many other adult things
• From my best research, the final sentence in Chapter 272, Section 28, was added in 1974, and prior to
• sentence in Chapter 272, Section 28, was added in 1974, and prior to that, there were no exemptions

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing began with opening remarks from the House and Senate chairs outlining procedures for a large public hearing with more than 100 witnesses on 64 legislative proposals. They explained time limits, rules for in-person and virtual testimony, written testimony procedures, and the committee’s reporting deadline. Testimony then moved through a series of juvenile justice, child protection, and civil liberties bills, with witnesses generally urging favorable reports or, in one case, opposing expanded juvenile court transparency and child advocate access to records. Several witnesses supported bills aimed at juvenile justice reform. Representative Hendricks backed H. 1744 to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking, citing federal findings of child labor in seafood processing and calling for stronger penalties and a ban on minors working in such facilities. Senator Gomez supported S. 1131 and S. 1121 to reduce juvenile fees, fines, restitution burdens, and bail-related costs, arguing they worsen racial and economic disparities. Senator Crean and other advocates supported S. 1051/H. 1695 to expand juvenile diversion eligibility, while multiple witnesses from juvenile justice and immigrant advocacy groups supported H. 1657/S. 1058 to expand juvenile expungement and to limit sharing juvenile fingerprints with federal authorities, describing recent ICE detentions of Chelsea students and the resulting fear in immigrant communities. Witnesses also supported H. 1918/S. 1240 to narrow the youthful offender statute, raising the minimum age and reducing mandatory adult-style penalties for youth. The committee also heard testimony on child safety and bodily autonomy bills. Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan supported H. 1752 to protect children left in extreme temperatures, explaining it would create civil penalties, allow emergency responders to remove children from cars without liability, and add criminal penalties when serious injury results. Representative Thurber and Senator O’Connor testified for H. 2011/S. 1227, a bill prohibiting coercion or mandates for health-related interventions, including vaccinations, and allowing legal remedies for violations. Senator Jalen supported S. 1136/H. 1847 to prevent false confessions by requiring recording of interrogations and banning deceptive tactics, and several innocence-project and legal-services witnesses described wrongful convictions tied to false confessions and coercive interrogations. Another major topic was H. 1626, which would require age verification for pornographic content and launch an education campaign about online sexual exploitation; Representative Cruz and survivor Udoz Wallace testified in support, describing nonconsensual image sharing and deepfake harms. Not all testimony was supportive. The Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed S. 1035, which would increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings, and H. 1689, which would expand the child advocate’s access to confidential juvenile records, arguing both would undermine privacy and trauma-informed protections for children and families. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the session consisted of opening remarks and public testimony on the listed bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is a member of the Dothan Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
• of Delta member of Sigma ADA chapter of Delta member of Sigma ADA chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
• Record the vote. 14 nays, no nays. House Bill 540 vote. 14 nays, no nays.
• president, Vida Boyd. their chapter president, Vida Boyd. their chapter president, Vida Boyd.
• ADA 14 days. The B is adopted. Thank you. Uh 14 days. The B is adopted. Thank you. Uh 14 days.

Bills: SB 1, HB 500, SB 1, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HB 500

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll<01:14:32.320> come<01:14:32.560> follow<01:14:32.800> up<01:14:32.960> with
• Does the department<01:14:39.840> have<01:14:40.159> like<01:14:40.400> a<01:14:
• And if you were<01:14:47.040> to<01:14:47.199> get<01:14:47.440> funding,<01:14:
• <01:14:49.520> being<01:14:49.679> requested<01:14:50.000> in<01:14:50.239><
• facing.<01:14:54.239> I<01:14:54.400> think<01:14:54.560> there<01:14:54.719>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2485, which would require cardiovascular screening for student athletes. The Department of Education and Department of Health said they support the bill’s intent but noted that many screenings are already part of existing school-entry and well-child exams. The Attorney General’s office asked for clarifying language on who performs the screenings, where results go, how “positive findings” are defined, how referrals would work, and whether funding would be appropriated if DOE must hire health professionals. The American Heart Association strongly supported the bill, citing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and arguing that sports physicals are an effective opportunity for early detection. No vote was taken, and the committee moved on after testimony. The committee then heard HB 89, concerning a school psychologist working group and possible licensing or credentialing of school psychologists. The Department of Education and Board of Psychology supported the measure. The Hawaii Psychological Association said it supports licensing school psychologists but asked to be included in the working group, arguing it is an important stakeholder. The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists opposed including HPA, saying the issue is between school psychologists and DCCA and that HPA is not part of their organization. Testimony and discussion focused on the long-running disagreement over whether school psychologists should be regulated under the Board of Psychology or another mechanism, and on title protection and scope of practice. No action was reported during this portion. The committee also took up HB 2445, relating to standardized emergency responses for immigration enforcement at or near schools. The Department of Education said it already issued internal law-enforcement guidance and questioned whether the bill was necessary, while also raising concerns about the bill’s 1,000-foot buffer language and the limits of school authority over activity off campus. The Board of Education echoed those concerns and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions. Supporters, including the White Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and an attorney testifying on Know Your Rights training, argued that recent federal changes have increased ICE activity near schools and that a law is needed to ensure clear, public protocols, staff training, and family protections. A student testifier said the measure was a top priority of the state student council. The transcript ends during testimony, with no vote or final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It amends a section in Chapter 3 of the code, clarifying that foreign drivers are not eligible to vote
• It amends a section in Chapter 3 of the code, clarifying that foreign drivers are not eligible to vote
• And in Ireland, there's about 14 drivers' tests for our folks.
• But as soon as they establish a residence and they're working in Ireland, they have to take 14 tests.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met, approved the March 9, 2026 minutes, and then took up the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577 relating to driver's licenses. Counsel explained that the bill would authorize the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to enter reciprocal agreements with Ireland and Japan to recognize each other’s driver’s licenses, provided the foreign licensing standards are at least as stringent as West Virginia’s. The bill also requires drivers using recognized foreign licenses to carry insurance and comply with state financial responsibility laws, clarifies that foreign license holders are not eligible to register to vote through the DMV, and allows the commissioner to set related fees and adopt rules. A strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment were adopted. The committee heard from DMV counsel Adam Hawley and the bill’s House sponsor, Delegate Mike Hornby. Hawley said the measure would allow citizens of the listed countries to avoid retaking written and skills tests when transferring licenses, and noted West Virginia already has similar arrangements with Taiwan, South Korea, and Germany. Hornby said the bill was intended to support economic development and trade ties, especially with Ireland, where American workers and companies face licensing hurdles; he said Ireland had requested state-level reciprocity and that Japan was added because of West Virginia’s existing trade relationship there. Several senators expressed support, describing the bill as a symbolic and practical step toward foreign investment and job creation. After discussion, the committee voted to report the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577, as amended, with a recommendation that it do pass. The title amendment was then adopted, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You were 14. Well, you were over there. You don't count over there. Okay.
• But, you know, I can't give you chapter and verse on that. Senator Walsh. Thank you.
• ...the purposes of item number 14 on the agenda, House Bill 180.
• Senator Lawson: To the tune of $14 million? To the tune of at least half of that.
• Madam President, I could read another probably 10 chapters.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3448 addresses this by amending the utilities code to add Chapter 254.
• That is an existing Chapter 253 applicable to broad.
• Band providers, and then Chapter 252 applicable to cable providers.
• We have two chapters that we work under with with attachers today for that need.
• Unlike House Bill 3448, which proposes an entirely new chapter.