Transcript Highlights:

• Most of them continue to live with their parents, who are aging, and that has the parents very concerned
• concerned and that has the parents very concerned and that has the parents very concerned the<01
• You know, they just want to continue, and their parents want to make sure that once their parents are
• Chair, and thank you for taking my question and for sharing your insights as well.
• So do you share any of those concerns?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1914 ensures that when one parent becomes incapacitated, the non-incapacitated parent can
• with a fit parent when the other parent is incapacitated.
• . respecting the parent-child relationship.
• HB1973 by Cook relating to the proof of the identity of a child's parent in a suit affecting the parent-child
• These maps will be secure and only shared with DPS.

Bills: HB1520, HB1545, HJR110, HJR203, HB245, HB1465, HB1482, HB294, HB793, HB809, HB3928, HB334, HB2037, HB1973, HB285, HB4341, HB4264, HB 1043, HB837, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 1194, HB1646, HB1729, HB2498, HB1314, HB2295, HB1353, HB1531, HB1988, HB5398, HB3960, HB3923, HB1407, HB1764, HB2221, HB2214, HB2517, HB2518, HB2213, HB5008, HB5092, HB3421, HB3663, HB3748, HB3800, HB3756, HB2613, HB3782, HB5246, HB4344, HB4044, HB4066, HB2702, HB2807, HB2869, HB2898, HB3181, HB3250, HB4153, HB2091, HB2115, HB2542, HB2768, HB3349, HB3352, HB4406, HB1593, HB1899, HB3133, HB4432, HB4960, HB3214, HB3915, HB3508, HB2145, SB304, SB608, SB2312, SB494, SB530, HB45, HB2520, HB35, HB47, HB318, HB349, HB554, HB1359, HB1373, HB2254, HB2259, HB2853, HB3073, HB3088, HB353, HB355, HB786, HB762, HB705, HB932, HB849, HB 1119, HB3041, HB713, HB3104, HB3970, HB4042, HB4490, HB1731, HB2607, HB3689, HB1788, HB1612, HB138, HB15, HB1971, HB1338, HB2989, HB267, HB 1201, HB2954, HB5265, HB1804, HB5061, HB1520, HB1545, HJR110, HJR203, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB1809, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB 1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB3527, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HB245, HB1465, HB1482, HB294, HB793, HB809, HB3928, HB334, HB2037, HB1973, HB285, HB4341, HB4264, HB 1043, HB837, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 1194, HB1646, HB1729, HB2498, HB1314, HB2295, HB1353, HB1531, HB1988, HB5398, HB3960, HB3923, HB1407, HB1764, HB2221, HB2214, HB2517, HB2518, HB2213, HB5008, HB5092, HB3421, HB3663, HB3748, HB3800, HB3756, HB2613, HB3782, HB5246, HB4344, HB4044, HB4066, HB2702, HB2807, HB2869, HB2898, HB3181, HB3250, HB4153, HB2091, HB2115, HB2542, HB2768, HB3349, HB3352, HB4406, HB1593, HB1899, HB3133, HB4432, HB4960, HB3214, HB3915, HB3508, HB2145, HCR6, HCR12, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR78, HCR80, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR90

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• He will share some of the actions we took which helped save lives, and he will share some of the lessons
• My parents bought a cabin out here in 2000.
• And your parents, Emlyn and... And your parents, Emlyn and Penny, right? Emmy. Got it.
• I am very honored to share my knowledge here today.
• I am very honored to share my knowledge here today.

Summary: The joint Senate and House disaster preparedness and flooding hearing opened with quorum calls, prayer, testimony time limits, and remarks from legislative leaders emphasizing decorum, respect, and the goal of learning from the July 4 flood to prevent future loss of life. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows said the special session and hearings were intended to hear directly from local officials and residents, and that the state would pursue immediate and longer-term legislation and continue working beyond the current session. The committee then heard invited testimony from Kerr County, Kerrville, Kendall County, Real County, and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, followed by member questions. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Sheriff Larry Leitha, and emergency management coordinator William B. Thomas described the flood as a sudden, unprecedented event that overwhelmed local systems before many officials or residents understood the danger. They said the county received multiple National Weather Service and IPAWS alerts, but the rain fell in remote upstream areas with limited gauges, and the flood rose too quickly for normal response. They detailed the emergency response, including dispatchers handling heavy call volumes, deputies and volunteer firefighters conducting rescues, and state and federal partners assisting. County officials said 108 people died, including 37 children, and two remained missing. They called for better real-time flood detection, stronger rural emergency management resources, improved broadband and cell coverage, and more funding for swift-water rescue and warning systems. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring and City Manager Dalton Rice said the city had floodplain rules, emergency plans, and prior preparedness efforts, but the event exposed gaps in communications and regional warning capacity. They urged the Legislature to fund a flood warning system, whether sirens, automated alerts, or a hybrid, and asked for support for predictive weather modeling, broadband expansion, a hazard mitigation fund, and disaster recovery resources. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority said it had long funded gauges and pursued flood-warning and mitigation projects, including a new software-based flood prediction system and possible retention dams, and planned to dedicate reserve funds to feasibility studies and infrastructure improvements. Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk said his county’s emergency action plan and early alerts helped prevent deaths there, and he recommended easier access to alerting tools, a river-wide warning system, simpler grant applications, and regional coordination. Real County Judge Bella Rubio said rural counties face major challenges because of limited cell service, broadband, staffing, and funding, especially for camps and visitors along the Frio and Nueces rivers, and argued that reliable alert systems should be treated as a necessity, not a luxury. Members asked about the timeline of the flood, low-water crossings, communications failures, sirens, bridges, and funding, and several witnesses said the key lessons were better communications, better warning systems, and more investment in rural flood mitigation and emergency response.

Transcript Highlights:

• The parent was textual statement.
• > provides<00:04:43.680> a The parent or guardian provides a The parent or guardian provides
• > parents<00:08:59.680> think<00:08:59.839> is whatever action the parents think
• As a<00:20:33.200> parent, a parent, a parent, I'm<00:20:35.039> ashamed<00:20:35.520><
• foster parents? foster parents?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Carry Muscle, representing the Florida Parent Teacher Association, waives in support.
• We always talk about making sure we contact parents and let parents know and have those conversations
• AND LET PARENTS KNOW AND HAVE THOSE  CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS AND FAMILY AND I THINK  
• I see you put parent consent. Does parent consent then waive responsibility?
• parent gets amnesia and forgot they told you it's okay because the parent did not sign anything, one

Summary: The House Education Employment Committee heard seven bills and reported each favorably. HB 129 on Florida Virtual School would remove a priority system, confirm access for all Florida students and eligible military dependents overseas, clarify teacher retirement status, allow local schools to administer required exams, and authorize direct-support organizations; it passed unanimously after brief questions about audit-related updates and waitlists. HB 423 on student elopement, sponsored by Rep. Eskamani and Rep. Tramont, would require schools to establish safety teams and prevention plans for students who may leave supervised areas; testimony from autism advocates emphasized drowning and other safety risks, and the bill passed 16-0 with strong bipartisan support. The committee also approved CS for CS HB 753 on school counselors, which removes certain certification barriers while keeping the master’s degree requirement and sets evaluation criteria based on state counseling standards. Supporters said the bill would help address counselor shortages and align evaluations with the profession’s actual duties. CS HB 1253 on coach support for student-athletes, as amended, allows coaches to use personal funds up to a capped amount for student needs with written parental consent; members raised concerns about liability, fairness, and the need for clear guardrails, but the bill passed 15-0. CS HB 833 on private school facilities would make small private schools of 100 students or fewer a permitted use in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts and allow use of existing buildings if fire and code standards are met; supporters said it would reduce local barriers while preserving safety, and it passed 15-0. PCS for CS HB 1325 would update the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund by clarifying matching contributions, allowing expansion or modernization of existing space but not new construction, and streamlining awards; it passed unanimously with broad college and health system support. Finally, CS HB 1437 on conversion charter schools would create clearer dispute-resolution options for facility maintenance issues and, via amendment, allow capital outlay funds for repairs if the charter assumes full responsibility; after debate over whether the amendment was premature, the bill passed 13-3. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're going to spend a little bit of time sharing some information that we hope will feed off of each
• As this information has been shared in the past, where we're at now is really discussing how it fits
• They added that they would be glad to share more later, but at this time they were not able to speak
• The speaker said students and parents are encouraged to do that through financial aid opportunities,
• So we've got students and parents encouraged to do that with financial aid opportunities.

Summary: The committee approved the November 3 minutes and then received an extensive presentation from Arkansas education and workforce officials on how the LEARNS and ACCESS Acts are affecting career and technical education, concurrent enrollment, and postsecondary readiness. Officials said the state’s goal is for students to leave high school employed, enrolled, or enlisted, and reported increases in K-12 CTE enrollment from about 161,000 to 171,000 students and concurrent CTE enrollment from about 12,000 to 16,000. They also described the new success-ready pathways, merit and distinction designations, and how those measures tie into school accountability and graduation outcomes. The discussion then turned to scholarships and grants. Officials explained that ACCESS expanded concurrent credit support, increased funding per credit hour, and broadened eligibility for the Arkansas Academic Challenge and Governor’s Scholar programs by adding diploma-of-merit and diploma-of-distinction pathways. They said the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship itself did not change, but the non-distinguished Governor’s Scholar award now includes diploma of distinction as an additional eligibility route. Members raised concerns about how these requirements apply to private school and homeschool students, and officials said the intent is to ensure those students can qualify if they meet the same standards, though some implementation details are still being worked out. Questions also focused on whether students who explore multiple pathways could be penalized in school letter grades; officials said the system allows multiple ways to earn credit, including AP, IB, concurrent credit, technical certificates, and apprenticeships. Officials also reviewed workforce scholarships and short-term training funding. They said the state is developing policy for the Workforce Challenge and related professional skills training to set an 80-hour minimum and tiered funding, and they discussed the new federal Workforce Pell rules, which they said are very narrow and will likely apply to only a small number of Arkansas programs unless providers repackage training into stackable, credit-bearing pathways. Members asked for lists of eliminated programs, apprenticeships, and data on scholarship recipients, and staff said they could provide those. The committee also heard from Cody Waites on a $35.8 million U.S. Department of Labor cooperative agreement for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, which Arkansas will administer nationally. He said the grant will support advanced manufacturing apprenticeships, use a pay-for-performance model, and be distributed to sponsors after apprentices are employed for 90 days, with applications opening January 28 and the state expecting to keep administrative costs under 8-9%.

Transcript Highlights:

• Between 2021-22 and 2023-24, the share of students Between 2021-22 and 2023-24, the share of students
• But I think it stems from, again, parents to kids, even like parents to babies, the teaching of mental
• I've shared it with committee staff, who hopefully shared it with all of you, but I'm happy to recirculate
• There's a lot of sharing of tools like release of information or consent-sharing tools, as an example
• There's a lot of sharing of tools like release of information or consent-sharing tools, as an example

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on youth mental health and treatment access, with the chair framing the issue around California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), school-based supports, and the need to coordinate education, health, and community systems. The first panel featured PPIC researcher Shalini Mostala, who said teen mental health remains a serious concern but recent California Healthy Kids Survey data show improvement in chronic sadness and suicidal thoughts since the pandemic peak. Youth advocate Ella Cruz described her own struggles, emphasized stigma reduction, peer support, and the importance of youth voices in shaping policy and outreach. Members asked about phone use, cultural stigma, and how to encourage young people to seek help and connect with trusted adults and peers. The second panel, led by CYBHI director Dr. Sohill Sood and DHCS Deputy Director Autumn Boylan, provided implementation updates. Dr. Sood said recent data show more students receiving counseling, lower stigma, and a drop in reported suicidal ideation, while also highlighting growth in certified wellness coaches and the CYBHI fee schedule. He said the program has generated more than 230,000 claims and over $11 million in new revenue for participating entities, though implementation is still early and technical assistance remains important. Fresno County’s Trina Frazier described a multi-tiered system of care with wellness centers, mobile therapy units, and strong outcomes in attendance, suspensions, and academic performance, while Rachel Kroberniski of the James Morehouse Project described a long-running school wellness center and a peer-to-peer model that helps students feel connected and supported. Members pressed witnesses on rural staffing, billing coordination, higher education participation, and how to sustain services after one-time grants expire. In the final panel, WestEd’s Lisa Eisenberg discussed what makes the fee schedule work best, saying schools are most successful when they build on existing staff, relationships with health plans, and data-sharing agreements rather than creating entirely new systems. Across the hearing, witnesses and members repeatedly returned to themes of flexibility, sustainability, youth-led and peer-based supports, and the need to reduce stigma while improving coordination across schools, counties, providers, and colleges. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ADA law, and to create an immediate need for positive impact that will generate peace of mind for parents
• Winer Vice shared Klein here Shar Winer Vice shared Klein here Shar Lewis Lewis Lewis here<00:01:26.159
• <00:04:13.040> and parents and parents and caregivers<00:04:14.799> according<00:04:15.120
• Thank you for sharing your story with us and for taking time today. I'm so sorry for your loss.
• your story with us for taking sharing your story with us for taking time<00:10:39.720> today<

Keywords: The previous live stream for this committee experienced a technical issue. This is the complete meeting recording recovered from backups., 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 44, “Landon’s Law,” sponsored by Rep. Candy Massaroni. The bill would allow schools to keep anti-choking devices such as LifeVac on hand while limiting liability. Testimony from Equal First Aid and LifeVac emphasized that choking is a leading cause of death for children, that the devices are noninvasive and FDA-registered, and that updated Red Cross guidance allows their use when standard rescue protocols fail or are not feasible. Lauren McCubbins, Landon McCubbin’s mother, gave emotional testimony about her 8-year-old son’s death from choking at school and urged the committee to give schools an added rescue option. Members asked questions about how the device works, whether the Heimlich maneuver remains part of the protocol, and whether the bill is limited to LifeVac or applies to similar devices. The bill was reported favorably, with a roll call vote showing unanimous support from members present. The committee then heard a bill sponsored by Rep. J. Baker aimed at reducing administrative burdens in schools and supporting teacher recruitment and retention. The measure would lengthen the required evaluation cycle for tenured teachers from every three years to every five years, provide teachers a copy of their employment contract upon request, streamline professional development provisions, update continuous school improvement plan filing requirements, restore schools’ ability to use Title II funds for certain programs after an unintended consequence of prior legislation, and require KDE to review reporting requirements and eliminate those not required by law. Rep. Baker said the bill was developed with teachers and administrators through a working group and is intended to reduce “check-the-box” tasks so educators can focus on instruction. Amanda Butler of Spencer County Schools and other educators testified that the changes would save time, preserve funding for mentor and induction programs, and reduce repetitive paperwork. Rep. Fleming asked for clarification on the longer evaluation cycle, and an educator witness explained that each evaluation involves pre-observation, observation, and post-observation time and that districts would still retain flexibility to evaluate more often if needed. No final vote on this bill was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It can be scary entering into therapy, sharing one's vulnerabilities, fears, and secrets.
• The parents and families I have worked with trust me.
• Every mother, every parent here in Massachusetts should be able to have one of us to guide them.
• Look how many parents can we help. We got this, we just need to be licensed.
• Look how many parents can we help. Thousands of us. Look how many parents can we help.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure focused on health care and human services, reviewed testimony logistics, and then heard a long series of witnesses on several bills. Much of the testimony centered on interstate licensure compacts for dentistry, social work, and occupational therapy, with supporters arguing these compacts would improve workforce mobility, continuity of care, and access while preserving state oversight and public protection. Dental witnesses were split on H.455/S.257, with supporters backing the AADB dental compact for its hands-on exam, background checks, and disciplinary safeguards, while opponents argued a competing compact would better promote portability and avoid conflicts tied to proprietary testing and outside commissions. Social work witnesses strongly supported H.380/S.252, emphasizing continuity of care for clients who move across state lines, reduced costs and delays for practitioners, and the compact’s public-protection features; occupational therapy witnesses similarly supported H.427/S.256, citing access, telehealth, military families, and maintained standards. The committee also heard testimony on S.242, which would expand licensure for lactation care providers. Supporters, including lactation counselors and health center staff, said adding certified lactation counselors and related credentials would expand access, improve breastfeeding support, and allow reimbursement for services now often provided without billing. They described the training required and said the bill would help families, especially in underserved communities. Representative James O’Day also testified in support of the social work compact, and a Council of State Governments witness provided background on compact mechanics and state participation. Another major topic was H.419/S.214 on medical debt. Physicians and researchers testified that cancer patients experience long-lasting medical debt and collections burdens, and they supported limits on the sale and collection of medical debt, bans on reporting it to credit bureaus, and related consumer protections. The hearing also included H.465 on a pathway to special licensure for certain long-term limited-registration dentists serving MassHealth patients, which Representative Senna supported as a way to allow immigrant dentists to practice independently. Finally, the committee heard sharply divided testimony on H.444/S.284, which would allow trained dental hygienists to administer Botox and dermal fillers: supporters framed it as a safe, preventive, and access-expanding tool for TMJ, bruxism, and pain management, while dermatologists opposed it as outside hygienists’ training and a patient-safety risk. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You will also see updates to the student bullying law that align with the guidance MDE has been sharing
• You will also see updates to the student bullying law that align with the guidance MDE has been sharing
• <00:02:45.360> with guidance MDE has been sharing with guidance MDE has been sharing with
• Article 2, section 3, beginning on line 17.5, amends the parent notification section of the READ Act
• in other places, we say parent or legal guardian.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We've shared many memories, dinners at their home, at my home, and many, many professional and personal
• lucky enough to be confirmed, I will work every day to earn, protect, and honor the trust of our shared
• My husband grew up on a ranch in Willowa County, Oregon, and his parents Lou and Dale are watching over
• They watched the DOJ be weaponized, show favor to some and disfavor to others like parents that were
• I want you to go after parents who are exercising their First Amendment rights.

Keywords: nominations, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, Todd Blanch, Gail Slater, confirmation hearing

Summary: The meeting focused on the nominations of Todd Blanch and Gail Slater for the positions of Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, respectively. The committee considered the qualifications of both nominees, with opening statements provided by the nominees themselves. There was an evident emphasis on the rigorous vetting process that nominees undergo before their selection, highlighting the importance of the roles within the Department of Justice. Members of the committee engaged in a structured question-and-answer session to further evaluate the nominees' capabilities and fit for the positions they were nominated for, with each member allotted seven minutes to pose questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just a fun fact about my pastor today is we've shared the pickleball court many times together as
• My pastor today is, we've shared the pickleball court many times together as teammates.
• Members, this was about criminal records being shared.
• Now, many parents have concern about Act 260. This is a 2015 act, about 40 pages long.
• But I want you to know that some parents, mostly single parents, believe that they cannot discipline

Bills: HR320, HR321, SCR55, SCR69, SCR75, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SB259, SB295, SB312, SB348, SB444, SB485, HR73, HR118, HR144, HR196, HR237, HR249, HR260, HR267, HR272, HR278, HCR85, HCR100, HCR105, HCR107, HCR114, HR245, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, SCR30, SCR40, HB62, HB193, HB210, HB220, HB246, HB364, HB420, HB475, HB584, HB622, HB772, HB784, HB949, HB953, HB1043, HB1070, HB1092, HB1134, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1214, HB119, HB129, HB233, HB283, HB538, HB789, HB850, HB870, HB1236, HB1241, HB54, HB137, HB321, HB368, HB386, HB414, HB431, HB552, HB555, HB578, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB638, HB670, HB692, HB707, HB708, HB715, HB718, HB732, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB796, HB807, HB822, HB848, HB856, HB887, HB888, HB917, HB921, HB1082, HB1243, HB1246, HB378, HB509, HB1090, HB1259, SB80, SB131, SB143, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB367, SB384, SB388, SB389, SB398, SB408, SB431, SB468, SB469, SB496, SB4, SB52, SB57, SB83, SB145, SB152, SB194, SB276, SB319, SB333, SB448, SB450, SB465, SB484, SB501, SB509, SB149, HR168, HB463, HB998, SB123, SB353, SB479, SB495, SB82, SB97, SB283, SB326, SB518, SB197, SB268, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB89, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB441, SB449, SB487

Keywords: Arsenal, Arsenal F.C., Premier League, English football, soccer, football club, Mikel Arteta, Emirates Stadium, North London, Tottenham Hotspur, Gunners, sports resolution, commendation, celebration, championship, silverware, Louisiana House Resolution, ceremonial resolution, domestic violence, forensic medical examinations

Transcript Highlights:

• Many entities have been required to start sharing data since January 2024.
• And on behalf of all our cats and cat parents, please respectfully vote for this bill. Thank you.
• So, again, I just want to share that that's what's true the most.
• if we understand parents so well.
• School supplies, ask parents if we understand parents so well.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, observed a moment of silence for John Burton, and proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and routine procedural motions. Members approved a rule suspension to allow floor amendments on SB 271 and SB 67, and several committee notices and bill referrals were handled. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading file, with many bills passed and a number of items temporarily passed or retained on file. Among the major measures approved were bills on civil rights and public safety (SB 477, SB 19, SB 36, SB 571, SB 580), health care and coverage (SB 257 on pregnancy as a qualifying life event, SB 530 on Medi-Cal access standards, SB 660 on health data exchange, SB 754 on menstrual product contaminant disclosure), housing and disaster recovery (SB 610, SB 655), transportation and climate (SB 533 on EV charging payments, SB 30 on diesel locomotives, SB 71 on CEQA exemptions for transit, SB 263 on tariff impacts), and natural resources/energy (SB 283 on battery storage safety, SB 88 on biomass emissions, SB 427 extending the Habitat Conservation Fund). The Assembly also passed urgency measures including SB 864 on tribal gaming compacts, SB 663 on wildfire-related property tax relief, SB 471 expanding DDS ombudsman authority, and SB 497 on privacy protections for legally protected health services. Several bills drew notable debate. SB 41 on pharmacy benefit managers saw opposition over concerns about moving ahead before broader PBM data and licensing reforms take effect, but it still passed. AB 1340, a concurrence item on gig worker collective bargaining rights, prompted extended debate over labor rights, consumer costs, and union influence. Other concurrence items included AB 671 on restaurant permitting, which passed without opposition. The Assembly also took up SB 640 on direct admission to CSU, SB 702 on demographic reporting for appointees, SB 710 preserving a solar property tax exclusion, and SB 793 on counterfeit lighter safety, all of which passed. The session ended with the Assembly continuing through the file, including concurrence votes and additional bill actions, with most measures approved by substantial margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• I lost parents to cancer. I'm a 24-year cancer survivor. I don't know. I lost parents to cancer.
• It’s in statute that we have to have a revenue-sharing agreement.
• We had LBB do a study, which I will share.
• And I'm here to share my gratitude for your support of Sepret.
• Doyle shared earlier Ms.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Legislative Budget Board and agency officials on several agencies, starting with the Texas Historical Commission. LBB described a large biennial reduction driven mainly by the removal of one-time funding and discussed capital projects, rider changes, and exceptional items including Presidio La Bahia and the National Museum of the Pacific War. Senators asked about heritage trails, courthouse grants, unexpended balance authority, and the status of historical-site funding. Historical Commission leadership emphasized preservation, courthouse restoration, heritage tourism, coordination with the Alamo and other Texas Revolution sites, and requested additional IT, staffing, and vehicle funding. No votes were taken. The committee then reviewed the Pension Review Board and the Employees Retirement System. The Pension Review Board’s budget was largely unchanged aside from IT maintenance and salary adjustments, with an exceptional item for additional IT enhancements. Members discussed the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System’s funding dispute and the need for a workable restoration plan. ERS presented a much larger budget, including funding for the retirement system, the group benefits plan, and the legacy payment intended to reduce unfunded liability. Senators focused heavily on pension investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health-care costs, especially pharmacy spending driven by GLP-1 drugs; ERS said the plan covers about 540,000 lives and that premiums would rise 8% while benefits remain unchanged. ERS also said it had no exceptional items, and committee members requested more detailed benchmark information. The committee also heard from the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. TESSORS reported an unfunded liability, an infinite amortization period, and requested additional state support, staffing, and IT funding, including a statutory change to allow a higher contribution level; the agency warned that without more funding it may have to cut benefits. CEPRIT’s presentation covered its bond-funded cancer research and prevention portfolio, revenue-sharing from funded projects, and a request to increase salary limits for its CEO and chief scientific officer. Senators questioned CEPRIT’s accomplishments and return on investment, while CEPRIT cited screening, prevention, and research outcomes, including tens of thousands of detected cancers and precursors and hundreds of thousands of first-time screenings. The meeting ended after these presentations and questions, with no recorded committee action or vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mariana is a native New Mexican, a product of the Albuquerque Public Schools where both of her parents
• Their parents had limited educational opportunity; however, hard work and dedication was a way of life
• My parents constantly emphasized that anything we strived for is possible through education.
• I'm proud of the work my parents have done for children in our state, and I'm incredibly grateful for
• My experiences as a student, an educator, a state and federal policymaker, a foster parent, and a parent

Transcript Highlights:

• This directly impacts the economic success of working parents in the state.
• In short, El Paso's working parents need our help.
• Um, 96% of these parents are female, and 70% of them, both female and male, are single parents.
• Very often in our, uh, with our childcare parents.
• And, and once that's in place, they will share that fee with the nonprofit.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we share your concerns and we want to be supportive of that.
• Please share your testimony. Thank you.
• DTA is always striving. both parents and children simultaneously.
• I would share with you that in terms of total SNAP benefits that we're seeing...
• It is a concern that we have shared together.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony. Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection. The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ADE official says that 12 News was accurate in reporting that 20% of parents had misspent millions of
• ADE official says that 12 News was accurate in reporting that 20% of parents had misspent millions of
• And it was, I asked for the numbers, and it was around $9 million, is what was shared in committee.
• And it was, I asked for the numbers, and it was around a $9 million is what was shared in committee.
• I was pleased to hear one of my colleagues make comments on this bill, and shared a perspective about

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing April 1, 2026, as NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four in Arizona Day. Members also highlighted visitors from the Arizona Psychiatric Society, Tucson International Airport, and Autism Bringing Change, along with remarks tied to World Autism Day and Passover. The chamber then considered several Senate bills in Committee of the Whole. SB 1024, SB 1078, SB 1123, SB 1164, SB 1232, SB 1293, SB 1493 as amended, SB 1520, and SB 1572 all received do-pass recommendations, while SB 1665 was retained on the calendar. SB 1142 drew the most debate, with supporters describing it as conformity with a federal scholarship tax credit that would help Arizona students, and opponents arguing it would further divert public dollars to private education and expand voucher-like programs without accountability. Despite the opposition, the bill received a do-pass recommendation. Members also debated SB 1293, which would limit how GPLET property tax abatements can affect school district taxes; supporters said it would prevent unequal treatment and protect statewide taxpayers, while opponents warned it could hinder housing and economic development. SB 1572, requiring Celebrate Freedom Week civics instruction, was supported as a civics and civic-health measure and opposed as an unfunded mandate that bypasses the State Board of Education. SB 1160, as amended, addressing drone restrictions near venues, was defended as a public safety measure and criticized as overbroad and potentially criminalizing innocent conduct. On third reading, the House passed SB 1097 unanimously, SB 1166 and SB 1216 by wide margins, and SB 1787 by a narrower 31-24 vote. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, placed several bills on third reading or engrossing, and adjourned until April 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• COULD YOU SHARE THAT? >> Sen. Leek: SENATOR BURGESS? >> I THINK A LOT OF IT WAS ALREADY TOUCHED ON.
• UNDER THIS PILOT, ON SOCIAL MEDIA, THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO CLICK ON THE IMAGE THAT WAS SHARED ABOUT THE
• ON THE IMPLICATION FOR CAMPAIGNS AND CANDIDATES, I AM ENVISIONING THAT ANY PHOTO, ANY PHOTO THAT I SHARE
• IF THEY ARE UNDER 18 IT REQUIRES THAT THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGN OFF.
• I WANT TO SHARE WITH THE SENATE SPONSOR THAT WE DO HAVE A MEETING REQUEST. IT TURNED OUT ALL RIGHT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• students and parents as well. students and parents as well. Follow<00:33:02.559> up.
• responsibility of the parents? responsibility of the parents?
• <00:37:53.359> That parental code of conduct. Correct. That parental code of conduct.
• places where the parents fit into this. places where the parents fit into this.
• We have a parent clearing house?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all