Transcript Highlights:

• statute currently allows only the SAT and ACT to be used for admissions eligibility, with fixed score thresholds
• detainment history is included in viable evidence, the detainment, so that it can occur with a low threshold
• In the bill, as far as if you've been detained several times, can that add to the low threshold for reasonable
• So what your bill seeks to do is in Section 2, reduce the threshold for standalone admission...
• Is in Section 2, reduce the threshold for standalone admission so that any admission, any statement or

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received the House message that HB 35 had passed, and heard a gubernatorial message submitting Trinity River Authority board appointments for Senate confirmation. The chamber also adopted a slate of Senate resolutions by voice vote and later postponed reading and referral of bills and resolutions until the end of the calendar. Several members introduced bills with brief explanations before the Senate took them up under suspension of the regular order. The body then considered and passed a series of measures, often by wide margins, including SB 2846 on wildlife disease control and quarantine authority; CS SB 1224 requiring school superintendents or directors to report certain employee misconduct to local law enforcement; CS SB 2310 on transparency for degree and transfer requirements at public colleges; SB 1502 limiting school districts’ ability to exceed voter-approval tax rates after a failed TRE; CS SB 1141 on notice requirements before full adversary hearings in child-protection cases; CS SB 2568 exempting certain flood-control reservoirs from TCEQ permitting; SB 1524 on confidentiality of information about weapons in foster homes; CS SB 2925 creating a task force on modernizing manufacturing; CS SB 2269 on dispute resolution and enforcement for long-term care facilities; CS SB 1266 on Medicaid provider enrollment and disenrollment notices; SB 243 on migrant labor housing standards; SB 2200 on overweight vehicles transporting hazardous materials; CS SB 2480 on the Texas Physician Health Program; CS SB 1585 restricting government contracts with companies tied to foreign adversaries; CS SB 2357 establishing maternal health training; and SB 1551 requiring accessible AED placement in public schools. The Senate also debated more contested bills. CS SB 2019, which would extend vaccine exemption rules to medical and veterinary students, advanced only partway after a divided vote. CS SB 1442, directing a study on veterinary telemedicine relationships, and CS SB 1241, which would allow the Higher Education Coordinating Board to study alternative college entrance exams, prompted extended questioning about agency authority and whether changes should return to the legislature before taking effect. CS SB 2753, which would integrate early voting and election day voting into a single in-person voting period, was amended and passed to engrossment despite opposition. CS SB 2201, dealing with gang and foreign terrorist organization intelligence databases, and CS SB 2514, creating a DPS hostile foreign adversaries unit, drew detailed debate over civil liberties and national security. CS SB 2422, aimed at limiting Texas Medical Board discipline related to COVID-19 treatments and practices, also advanced after lengthy discussion and a close vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this does is say, on the independent expenditure side, it's a higher threshold, but it basically
• So what this does is say, on the independent expenditure side, it's a higher threshold, but it basically
• So what this does is say, on the independent expenditure side, it's a higher threshold, but it basically
• So what this does is say, on the independent expenditure side, it's a higher threshold, but it basically
• So what this does is say, on the independent expenditure side, it's a higher threshold, but it basically

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so what Redbud did is establish at least a minimum threshold that all public schools, including charter
• they actually applied for them, I don't know, but they could have qualified based on their income thresholds

Bills: HR1051, HR1048, SB2074, SJR39, SJR47, SB1983, SB444, SB1503, SB1561, SB592, SB1501, SB1946, SB1567, SB1833, SB2026, SB904, SB2178, SB1651, SB1558, SB1565, SB1553, SB1257, SB65, SB1749, SB1242, SB1642, SB640, SB667, SB1436, SB1484, SB1562, SB1794, SB1644, SB1533, SB933, SB1555

Keywords: livestock, judging, Oklahoma State University, championship, agriculture, military children, recognition, community support, military families, April 15, pharmacy benefits managers, reimbursement, healthcare, prescription drugs, cost regulation, property valuation, tax limit, homestead, income threshold, elderly

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill adjusts the threshold for DRS to pay a lump-sum settlement in lieu of a monthly retirement
• The bill raises the threshold in Plan 2 from $50 a month to $250 a month, and that threshold is for cashing

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Select Committee on Pension Policy approved the November minutes by roll call vote, then held its annual officer elections. Senator Conway was elected chair, Representative Couture vice chair, Mike Yastramski to the executive committee as the active member representative, Bev Hermanson as the retiree representative, and Anthony Marietta as the employer representative. Each election passed by roll call vote, with 14 yes votes and 5 excused members. Staff then presented a high-level overview of the 2026 legislative session, focusing on pension-related bills and studies. Topics included the termination and restatement of LEOFF 1 in Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, DRS administration changes in House Bill 2124, administrative expense authority in Substitute Senate Bill 5834, exclusion of certain port workers from PERS in Engrossed House Bill 2179, and a one-time 3% COLA for PERS and TERS Plan 1 retirees in Substitute Senate Bill 5862. The presentation also covered new studies directed to the committee, including LEOFF 1 pension board and medical liability issues and oversight of the restated LEOFF 1 plan, plus related studies assigned to the LEOFF 2 Board and the Office of the State Actuary. Committee members asked about DRS’s role in implementing the LEOFF 1 termination/restatement bill, and DRS said it would help seek IRS approval and notify members about the bill and any challenge deadlines. A separate orientation presentation reviewed committee procedures, public comment, staff roles, voting rules, and the interim work plan. Public commenters from retiree and school administrator groups urged the committee to pursue another one-time COLA and to consider an ongoing COLA for Plan 1 retirees, pointing to inflation and the LEOFF 1 surplus account created by HB 2034. No further committee action was taken beyond adjournment, and the meeting ended after scheduling the executive committee to meet later that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The $7,500 threshold, where did you get that figure from? Chair Jacques: You are recognized. Rep.
• document a lower price for a service that would be over $7,500 in order to qualify for this $7,500 threshold
• we don't need a permit and we can move forward when we all know it's going to be over that $7500 threshold

Transcript Highlights:

• There's, it has to be a certain speed threshold or be under a certain speed threshold with certain technologies
• we're looking now at a drop of about 67%, 250,000 locations in the state of Texas that meet that threshold

Transcript Highlights:

• that I have provided to the committee a list of school districts that are under the 500, uh, uh, threshold
• And of that 114, how many are below this threshold, this 500, do you know?
• And secondly, the bill would modify the applicability of the IPPPE reporting thresholds for subsequent

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:18.240> Now, twice what Wyoming's population is.
• Now, twice what Wyoming's population is.
• They reach a threshold and then that is to come to us for approval.
• of 10% ownership or setting a threshold of 10% ownership or something?
• As to the threshold, this discussion was actually had in committee. I am not opposed.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To the constituents of the new Fourth District, now the largest by population in our great state, thank
• multiple times because you were interested and you wanted to know how we could support our aging population
• multiple times because you were interested and you wanted to know how we could support our aging population
• The bill requires counties and municipalities with populations over 2,000 to include affordable housing
• The income thresholds are different, the application processes are different, the documentation required

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and read several committee reports and communications into the record. Members also observed moments of silence for two young people who had recently died, and the prayer and pledge were offered before the chamber moved into business. Consent calendar number 28, consisting of several resolutions, passed by voice vote. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and retirement remarks for Representative Jeff Holowski, who was praised by colleagues for his work on financial literacy, veterans’ issues, health care, diabetes policy, and constituent service, as well as for his military service and community involvement. Holowski thanked staff, colleagues, and his family, and said he was retiring to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. The chamber also recognized former Representative Harvey Kenton as a guest. The House then acted on several measures. Senate Bill 286, as amended by House Amendment 1, passed 40-0 and extends consumer protections and dealer equity standards to ATVs, side-by-sides, and vessels. Senate Bill 179, which updates the Delaware Sentencing Accountability Commission and its bench book/data analysis process, passed 27-14. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23, the housing supply and affordability bill, was presented with extensive explanation and questions about local control, zoning, and implementation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and directing flags at half-staff, was also discussed in emotional remarks about overdose losses and the state’s ongoing response. The House later recessed for party caucuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we're talking about this population that's going to be served and what responsibilities you have
• So the last thing that we would do is to target a population that doesn't have a voice.
• This will help us to have that continuity to help this population. And I'm on board with help.
• want to—” “And I want to applaud Representative Knox because he is truly committed to the homeless population
• We undergo annual financial audits, agreed-upon procedures audits, single audits when we meet the threshold

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first advanced SB 1224, which requires DCFS to look into cases where a child under 17 is involved in a pregnancy, with added oversight for children under 12; it was reported favorably. The committee also favorably reported SB 1100, described as repealing an outdated statute. White Coat Day remarks welcomed physicians to the Capitol and thanked them for their service, including efforts to improve Medicaid reimbursement. Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and physician licensure, was reported favorably. HB 1231 clarified that Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitoring applies to insulin-dependent patients, including those with gestational diabetes, and was also reported favorably. HB 198, which sets reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures such as colonoscopies, eye, ENT, and gastroenterology services, passed favorably. HB 1160, creating a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical graduates, prompted a lengthy exchange about delayed rulemaking and whether the board had added requirements beyond statute; despite concerns, it was reported favorably. The committee also advanced several resolutions and oversight measures. HCR 67, prompted by a personal family experience with a special-needs child’s acute care needs, creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children; it was amended and reported favorably. HCR 27, calling for a statewide evaluation of autism services by LDH and the Department of Education, was reported favorably. HB 223, which recreates DCFS, was amended to shorten the sunset date and require law enforcement reporting through a secure web platform, then reported favorably. HCR 28, creating a task force on school nurse orientation and training for new graduates, was reported favorably after testimony from school nurses about the lack of standardized orientation and the risks of placing inexperienced nurses alone in schools. The committee also took up HB 469, which would allow pharmacy license renewal applicants to designate a portion of fees to eligible schools including Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy; after opposition from Senator Cloud and a roll call, the bill was deferred. HB 1182, a cleanup bill changing the occupational therapy certifying entity and adjusting fees, and HB 1076, eliminating one of two sunset provisions for the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board, were both reported favorably. HB 1216, a major rewrite of clinical laboratory personnel rules, was deferred after concerns that it would restrict existing phlebotomy and lab functions in ways that could conflict with recent law. Finally, HB 457 and HB 616, both by Representative Knox and focused on homelessness, drew extensive testimony: HB 457 established minimum standards for shelters and similar facilities and was reported favorably as amended, while HB 616 would allow audits of homelessness-related funding and databases; after debate over privacy, federal funding oversight, and accountability, the committee adopted an amendment changing enforcement language from "may" to "shall" and continued hearing testimony from opponents and supporters.

Transcript Highlights:

• But if we can take 30% of Oklahoma's smoking population and move them to this product, which has some
• Representative, can you just speak to your rationale on this only applying to those with a population
• end of the day, I think the decision was made that when you talk about a municipality reaching a threshold
• apologize if this was already asked, but how did we decide where that cutoff limit is in determining populations
• You've narrowed this down to just a subset of the population.

Bills: HB3329, HR1039, HR1040, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3419, HB3420, HB3706, HB3711, HB4139, HB1268, HB3660, HJR1023, HB3298, HB3056, HJR1084, HB3934, HB3919, HB4118, HB4119, HB3791, HB4260, HB4178, HB4215, HB4324, HB3270, HB4352, HB4305, HB2955, HB3315, HB3066, HB1245, HB4125, HB3075, HB3129, HB3239, HB4153, HB3265, HB4491, SB680, HB4263, HB4268, HB1675, HB3885, HB2984, HB3697, HB2959, HB3671, HB3852, HB2933, HB3057, HB3802, HB4294, HB4285, HB3708, HB3979, HB3977, HB3986, HB3985, HB3588, HB3742, HB3845, HJR1070, HB3590, HB3595, HB3391, HB3183, HB3764, HB3765, HB1002, HB4434, HJR1086, HB4060, HB3881, HB3500, HB4408, HB3648, HB3127, HB3606

Keywords: long-term care, advisory board, sunset legislation, mental health, psychologists, University of Oklahoma, gymnastics, NCAA, congratulations, sports excellence, recognition, honor, athletics, Joseph Castiglione, leadership, education, sports management, HB3413, public finance, state budget

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, a lot of my teachers and students work with Native American populations, and what we discovered
• So ensuring that if you're going to go into a school That is serving a large population of English learners
• Identified populations, whether it be ELLs, whether it be students.
• The kids that have high IQs are as different from the general population as those with lower IQs, though
• Medicaid and it's like, oh no, sorry, you don't have Medicaid anymore because you're above that threshold

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this policy change is important because at this time that the population is aging, there's a definite
• And that serve those exiting homeless populations.
• enterprises like ours who provide workforce development training for the formerly incarcerated population
• suggestion to increase eligibility for the Proposition 64 grant program by setting small jurisdiction threshold
• Secondly, for the remaining population in the program, this proposal simplifies the reporting responsibility

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, getting that threshold to qualify people for surplus coverage is becoming easier.
• optometrists from participation when more optometrists are needed to care for the growing and aging population
• But you know, what's the percentage of the Texas population that is having the brain injuries that are
• In Texas, approximately 2% of the population has similar statistics, being disabled due to their brain
• neighboring state around us, states that have less mandates and potentially have a very different patient population

Bills: HB139, HB1818, HB1942, HB1959, HB2221, HB2254, HB2563, HB2067, HB2275, HB3211, HB139

Keywords: HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301

Transcript Highlights:

• It updates legacy thresholds, some over 45 years old, and extends clearer statutory parameters so the
• It updates legacy thresholds some over 45 years old and extends clearer statutory parameters so the framework
• Again, back to my point, with the original threshold was $3,000 to 36%, correct?
• But if enacted, insurers can no longer offer or tie payments to vaccination rate thresholds without violating

Bills: SB1165, SB1206, SB1212, SB1291, SB1347, SB1516, SB1554, SB1649, SB1689, SB1812

Keywords: breast cancer, screening services, health insurance, cost sharing, preventive care, storm damage, catastrophic storm, hail damage, wind damage, roof repair, roof replacement, post-storm repairs, insurance claim, property and casualty insurance, adjuster, public adjuster, contractor licensing, homeowner protections, deductible waiver, insurance fraud prevention