Transcript Highlights:

• you know the federal government you know decreasing<00:25:00.720> funding<00:25:01.360> in
• We depended a lot on federal funding, and, you know, I hate to jump to another bill that isn't on the
• Federal government and the impacts, um, we are very reliant when it comes to federal aid in natural disasters
• We recognize there's so many areas that folks have expertise on.
• <00:34:00.399> Forest to the late 1800s recognizing Forest to the late 1800s recognizing Forest

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I recognize and I understand that cell phones are here to stay. They're a part of life.
• In light of what Senator Hickey just said about the federal government, we don't want the federal government
• They recognize that there's a policy. They recognize that there's..." "Mr.
• The federal government mandates that each school that receives support from the federal government through
• State and federal law already require districts to pay for transportation.

Bills: SB23, SB73, SB210, SB234, SB243, SB244, SM16

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh The chair recognized Amanda Cherry.
• Chair of his none and recognizes representative Curry to close. Thank you, Mr.
• The chair at this time lays out House Bill 2524 and recognizes its author.
• The Chair recognizes Representative Orr to close. Thank you.
• Chair recognizes Vice Chair Hayes to close. Close. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we know federal workers aren't being paid.
• Are the federal funds you receive recurring?
• In New Mexico, we have a huge amount of money that we send to the federal government for federal lease
• The federal government to provide back pay to federal employees, but it certainly is something that I
• And the federal lands in their areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognizes the Budget Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Louis County is recognized to inquire of the motion maker.
• The gentleman is recognized to explain his motion. Same explanation.
• Seeing none, the gentleman is recognized to close. I renew my motion.
• This matches those SORNA regulations at the federal level.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House first approved the journal for the 54th day by roll call vote, 117-5, after a prayer, pledge, and a long series of introductions of guests and school groups. The chamber then took up a motion from the Clay County member to reconsider perfection and adoption of House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3283 and 3306, which was described as a precautionary step to send the bill back for legislative review because of possible conflict with current case law involving arbitration and court jurisdiction. Members supporting the motion said the bill protects first responders and should be tightened up before returning to the floor. The reconsideration motions and the motion to commit the substitute to the Committee on Legislative Review all passed, each by roughly 98-43 or 99-43 votes. The House then considered House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 982, a sex offender registry bill. The sponsor said it would streamline Missouri’s registry by moving to a clearer tier-based system, standardizing who must register, reducing litigation exposure, and aligning state law more closely with federal SORNA requirements. The bill also included language allowing the Department of Mental Health to contract with the Department of Corrections for housing sexually violent predators, plus other technical provisions. After a small technical amendment correcting a typo, members asked about whether the bill would allow offenders to petition off the registry; the sponsor said it would make removal easier for those who meet the tier requirements. The House adopted the substitute 141-4 and then third-read and passed the bill 141-4. The main floor debate centered on House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, which would place before voters a constitutional change aimed at eliminating the state income tax over time and potentially broadening sales and use taxes to replace lost revenue. Supporters argued the proposal would shift Missouri from taxing income to taxing consumption, improve economic development, help attract businesses and workers, and give taxpayers more control over how they are taxed. They repeatedly described the measure as revenue-neutral and emphasized guardrails such as requiring any sales-tax expansion to be tied to income-tax reduction, done in the same legislation, and limited to a five-year window. Opponents argued the plan would raise taxes on most Missourians, especially lower- and middle-income families and seniors on fixed incomes, and would shift costs onto everyday goods and services, health care, and local governments. They also warned it could weaken funding for schools, hospitals, and other public services and noted that many witnesses and constituents opposed the measure. No final vote on the joint resolution was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for letting me ask to be recognized. On Mr.
• We finally got around to recognizing that it was... causing cancer.
• The chair lays out Senate Bill 314 and recognizes its author, Senator...
• The government, both federal and state, are the customers in this case.
• Let me recognize Senator Blanco, who is present. Go ahead.

Bills: SB 25, SB25, SB314

Keywords: attorney ad litem, indigent parents, parent-child relationship, legal representation, Texas Family Code, court procedures, nutrition, health standards, food labeling, education, dietary guidelines, medical education, food safety, school meals, child nutrition, food additives, public health, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I now recognize Ranking Member Whitehouse for his opening statement.
• The federal government was a committed partner in the effort to rebuild.
• I now recognize Mr. McMurray and thank him for coming.
• Many of our products are funded through federal funds. They aren't all.
• on a federal highway?

Keywords: Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair lays out Senate Bill 1372 and recognizes Senator Hinojosa to explain the bill.
• I recognize Senator Hinojosa to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• The Chair now recognizes... Senator Huffman.
• I recognize Senator Hinojosa to explain the bill. Mr.
• Senate Bill 1208 recognizes Senator Huffman to explain the bill in place of Senator King.

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, if I could be recognized to ask Ms. McGeary?
• The chair recognizes Representative Ordaz to explain the bill.
• As you mentioned, who is recognized is not arbitrary.
• If not, the Chair recognizes Representative Boggianni to close.
• We recognize Representative Simmons to close. Thank you so much.

Bills: HB3000, HB2622, HB2283, HB541, HB1776, HB1803, HB1669, HB2588, HB220, HB3415, HB50, HB1314, HB 107, HB220, HB50, HB107

Keywords: ambulance service, rural healthcare, grants, financial assistance, qualified counties, mental health, patient transport, female attendants, security measures, healthcare regulation, epinephrine, anaphylaxis, health care, school safety, training, emergency response, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services

Transcript Highlights:

• Just want to quickly recognize Representative Paulino has joined us. Thank you. Great. Okay.
• Critically, both bills recognize the financial challenges facing our farmers as well.
• Critically, both bills recognize the financial challenges facing our farmers as well.
• Critically, both bills recognize the financial challenges facing our farmers as well.
• Just want to quickly recognize that Representative... Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the co-chairs explaining committee procedures, testimony limits, submission instructions, and the new deadlines for acting on House and Senate bills. The committee then heard testimony on several bills related to agriculture, land use, environment, housing, transportation, and taxation, with legislators often taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was H. 3206, a bill to allow fossil fuel-free 529 college savings plans to qualify for the state tax deduction if MEFA does not offer a comparable option. Representative Steve Owens said the bill would not force MEFA or Fidelity to change existing plans, but would create a definition for fossil fuel-free funds and extend the deduction to qualifying out-of-state plans. The committee also heard strong local testimony on a Belmont home-rule petition, H. 3970, to change tax treatment for the Belmont Country Club under Chapter 61B. Belmont residents and officials argued the private golf course receives an unfair tax break that shifts costs to other taxpayers, while Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers supported the measure as a way to help the town recover revenue. Committee members asked about town meeting support, the club’s lack of payment in lieu of taxes, and the size of the tax savings. The committee next heard testimony on a vehicle miles traveled tax proposal, S. 1925, from Senator Barrett and economists Gilbert Metcalf and Christopher Knittel. They argued that declining gas-tax revenue and rising fuel efficiency, especially with electric vehicles, require a more stable transportation funding source; they also said a VMT tax could be designed to be revenue-neutral and mildly progressive, though members raised concerns about administration, fairness, EV disincentives, and the possibility of annual tax shocks. The largest block of testimony focused on the Ahead Act, H. 3194/S. 1973, which would double the deed excise fee and dedicate the new revenue to affordable housing and climate adaptation. Supporters from MACDC, MAPC, FICC, Boston Climate Action Network, CLF, 350 Mass, CHAPA, and a tenant advocate said the bill could generate about $300 million annually for housing production, vouchers, weatherization, resilience, and environmental justice communities, and that it links two urgent crises with a stable funding stream. The committee also heard testimony on the Conservation Land Tax Credit bills, H. 3147/S. 2083, which would raise the annual cap on the credit from $2 million to $5 million for three years and then sunset back down. Conservation groups and a landowner said the program has conserved thousands of acres and that the higher cap would reduce delays and help meet state conservation goals. Finally, the committee took testimony on the Fairness for Farm Workers bills, S. 2011/H. 3107 and S. 2012, which would extend overtime, minimum wage, breaks, and paid time off protections to farm workers and include a refundable tax credit to help farmers offset overtime costs. Senator Gomez and advocates described the bills as overdue civil rights and public health measures, citing low wages, long hours, dangerous conditions, and the racial history behind farm labor exclusions. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3240, a bill to give municipalities a local option vacancy tax on chronically vacant shopping malls, with the sponsor arguing it would help towns address blight, encourage redevelopment, and potentially create housing and tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fattman, resolutions recognizing the town of Sturbridge for its enduring contributions to the United
• The chair recognizes the Senator from Second Suffolk, Senator Miranda.
• The chair recognizes the Senator from Second Suffolk, Senator Miranda.
• I think it's important to recognize the work that's taken us to get there.
• I want to especially recognize the advocacy of the American Federation of Teachers and the Boston Teachers

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted two resolutions recognizing the town of Sturbridge on the nation’s 250th anniversary and congratulating Zachary Erich on becoming an Eagle Scout, and then took up several committee reports and extension orders. The chamber suspended rules multiple times to act immediately on committee extensions for Financial Services and State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and it referred a House petition on cleft lip and cleft palate treatment to Financial Services. Members also adopted an order extending the Financial Services committee’s reporting deadline on credit union and mortgage financing matters. The Senate then considered and passed House No. 4361, a bill on teacher retirement benefits, after extensive debate in support of a one-time window for certain teachers who were excluded from Retirement Plus due to administrative errors. Senators described the measure as a long-overdue fix for more than 8,500 educators, noting that eligible teachers would have to pay the difference in contributions. The bill was ordered to a third reading, passed to be engrossed by a 39-0 roll call, and sent on for further action. The chamber also passed Senate No. 3106 on toxic-free medical devices and Senate No. 3107 on commercial interior design licensure, both after supportive remarks about patient safety and professional regulation. A major item was the conference committee report on H. 5280, the FY26 fair share supplemental budget. Supporters highlighted funding for municipal winter relief, MBTA operations and capital needs, education initiatives, housing incentives, home heating assistance, and collective bargaining agreements, while opponents raised concerns about MBTA subsidies, legal defense funding, and tax policy implications. After roll call, the report was approved by a 37-3 vote. The Senate also adopted the emergency preamble and passed H. 5470, the FY26 supplemental appropriations bill, and later enacted local bills including Berkeley recall authority, a Milton school deadline extension, a Lexington parkland exchange, and long-term municipal roads and bridges financing. Near the end of the session, the Senate recognized guests from the Caribbean diplomatic corps and the Authentic Caribbean Foundation, who spoke about Caribbean American Heritage Month and partnership agreements with Massachusetts. The chamber then concurred in a House amendment to Senate No. 2563, a bill updating disability-related terminology in the general laws, with senators emphasizing the importance of person-first language and dignity for people with disabilities. The Senate adopted the emergency preamble and enacted the bill. The session concluded with an adjournment order to meet again the following Monday and with adjournment in memory of Richard Louis Volpe of Sturbridge.

Transcript Highlights:

• He asked them to stand and be recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Please also stand to be recognized.
• So today is Primary Care Day. 100% of the federal poverty level.
• Speaker, did you recognize me? I sure did.
• Speaker, did you recognize me? I sure did.

Bills: HM19

Keywords: New Mexico Aviation and Aerospace Day, aviation, aerospace, space industry, missile programs, Spaceport America, White Sands Missile Range, White Sands Test Facility, Kirtland Air Force Base, drone, unmanned aircraft systems, commercial space transportation, NASA, aircraft, STEM education, research laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, flight testing, medical evacuation

Transcript Highlights:

• You're recognized to present HB4294. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• B2929, you're recognized to present your bill. Thank you, Chairman Hill.
• Now recognizing you for HB2956, you're recognized to present your bill.
• Thank you for recognizing me for this bill.

Bills: HB2929, HB2956, HB2955, HB3128, HB3880, HB4294, HB2970, HB3338, HB3443, HB3783, HB3800, HB3818

Keywords: homeowner insurance, insurance premium, claim history, insurance regulation, at-fault claims, flood insurance, state law, consumer protection, appraisal management, Real Estate Appraiser Board, appraiser registration, background checks, ownership requirements, captive insurance, protected cell, sponsored captive, captive insurer, insurance commissioner, premium tax, dormant captive

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator from Windham, you could be recognized after the third reading to share your piece. >> Thank
• >> Recognize<00:11:06.000> the<00:11:06.240> senator<00:11:06.640> from<00
• :11:06.880> Franklin >> Recognize the senator from Franklin >> Recognize the senator
• We recognize the fact that Russia invaded Ukraine not just in 2022, which we generally think of as the
• sovereign and internationally recognized sovereign and internationally recognized Ukrainian<00:16

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair will recognize Senator Zaffirini first.
• Senator King, you're recognized to explain any differences. Thank you.
• Senator Menéndez, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator West, you're recognized. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
• I will ask you to recognize me on Senate Bill 2617. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Bills: SB205, SB582, SB625, SB1884, SB1903, SB2600, SB2617, SB2751, SB111, SB3061, SB1908

Keywords: fetal development, health curriculum, public schools, middle school health education, grade 7, grade 8, State Board of Education, school health advisory council, Texas Education Code, pregnancy, reproductive health, infertility, birth defects, prenatal development, unborn child, trimester, medically accurate instruction, age-appropriate instruction, drug and alcohol effects, lead exposure

Transcript Highlights:

• Kelsey, you're recognized. Thank you. Good afternoon.
• Section 3A provides an overview of DPS's federal funds.
• You're recognized. Give us your presentation.
• You're recognized. Give us your presentation.
• I want to recognize we have our board chair, Mr.

Bills: SB 1

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

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Legislative Budget Board on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Article 5 budget. LBB recommended $3.7 billion in all funds for 2026-27, a 5.2 percent decrease from the base, while FTEs would rise by 856.7. Major items included funding for driver license services, DPS facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, border security, and rider changes. The committee also reviewed DPS exceptional items not included in the recommendation, including additional staffing, technology, and facility requests. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, criticizing long wait times, call abandonment, and repeated staffing increases without clear process improvements. LBB said the agency’s call-answer rate was about 9 percent in fiscal 2024, with average hold times around 34 minutes, later reduced to roughly 22-25 minutes. Senators questioned whether more FTEs alone would solve the problem and urged a broader efficiency study and better use of technology. DPS officials said they were pursuing process changes, including appointment-system upgrades, online pre-population of forms, and remote issuance options, while noting that Real ID requirements and population growth continue to drive demand. DPS leadership then outlined the agency’s priorities: completion of the Williamson County training academy, recruitment and retention of troopers, capital needs for vehicles and aircraft, and expanded responsibilities at the Capitol complex and the Alamo. Officials said the new trooper funding would help address staffing shortages, public safety, and border operations, and that overtime and deployment patterns had been adjusted to reduce burnout and improve flexibility. They also discussed Operation Lone Star, saying DPS spending is largely overtime, travel, and fuel, and that the agency continues to coordinate with federal partners while awaiting clarity on possible federal reimbursement for border security costs. Senators also raised concerns about oilfield theft, cartel activity, high-speed pursuits, bilingual pay, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and DPS said it would follow up on some of those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• RANKING MEMBER YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> THANK YOU MR.
• EX OFFICIO TANT YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> THANK YOU MR. CHAIR.
• YOUR RECOGNIZED. >> THANK YOU MR. CHAIR.
• THANK YOU SO IF YOU WOULD CLARIFY THAT. >> REP WILSON RECOGNIZED IN DEBATE. >> REP WILSON RECOGNIZED
• YOUR RECOGNIZED SIR. >> IS IT ON NOW?

Transcript Highlights:

• > related<00:11:38.240> to recognized certain principles related to recognized certain
• >> Representative Brown is recognized. >> Representative Brown is recognized.
• year's um allocation of federal funds. year's um allocation of federal funds.
• <03:50:48.800> federal<03:50:49.120> highway what we charge federal federal highway
• <04:42:10.638> federally mile. some uh of the federal federally mile. some uh of the federal

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ben, I want to recognize your extensive knowledge and experience.
• Erickson, you're recognized.
• And now got an email saying the federal government is going to stiff him.
• John Zimmerman is also with us and John is the chairman of the National Turkey Federation.
• regulations, taxes, federal programs and trade. my fellow producers.

Keywords: agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Irwin, you are recognized.
• Soria, you are recognized. Debate on the matter. Ms. Soria, you are recognized.
• Sharp-Collins, you are recognized.
• Bonta, you are recognized on the matter.
• recognized tribe for conservation purposes. ...transfer tax treatment to land held by a federally recognized

Keywords: 988, house, all