Transcript Highlights:

• You would be penalizing those people who did show up because they did not get enough people there to
• You would be penalizing those people who did show up because they did not get enough people there to
• penal penalizing those people 15% you're penal penalizing those people who<02:01:28.800> did<
• zoning C zoning codes zoning C zoning codes locally locally locally sure<04:50:00.798> representative
• It has to do with fire codes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, my name's Terry Hall, and today I'm representing TURF, Texas for Toll-free Highways, True Texas
• Um, again, speaking on behalf of TRF and Texas for Toll-free Highways, True Texas Project, Grassroots
• We need that in Texas. We move traffic.
• This bill would help put Texas back on top.
• Texas taxpayers have had enough.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a physician in Austin, and I'm here representing the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Pediatric
• I, I'm still here for the Texas Pediatric Society and the Texas Medical Association, and, um, we are
• Dejara Sims with the Texas Association of Naturopathic Doctors. OK, great.
• As a naturopathic doctor in Tyler, Texas, I am seeing patients come in.
• I'm supporting Senator Hughes because I'm from Tyler, Texas.

Bills: SB 25, SB 314

Keywords: nutrition, health standards, food labeling, education, dietary guidelines, medical education, food safety, school meals, child nutrition, food additives, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• The next one is in Carthage, Texas, and the other one is over near Timpson, Texas.
• What are the building codes?
• in East Texas.
• I assume you were talking about Texas in general, not East Texas.
• In 2012, Timpson, Texas had a 4.8, the largest earthquake ever in the state of Texas.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster. Laura Sori of the Department of Conservation and Energy said the agency has inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the earthquakes, found no permit violations, and is requiring monthly reporting of daily injection data. LSU and Tulane researchers explained that the swarm includes about 50 earthquakes detected by USGS since December 2025, including a 4.9 magnitude event on March 5, and that better monitoring is needed because Louisiana has very limited seismic station coverage. Dr. Cynthia Ebinger said her temporary array has detected more small quakes than USGS, that the pattern looks more like a swarm than normal aftershocks, and that the data suggest pressure changes in the subsurface, though no definitive cause was identified. Keith Hall of LSU described how other states responded to suspected induced seismicity with more monitoring, more frequent reporting, injection limits or moratoria, and “traffic light” systems that escalate regulatory responses as seismicity increases. Members asked about depths, fault locations, possible links to injection or fracking, and whether more monitoring and data-sharing should be pursued; several speakers said Louisiana likely needs a denser monitoring network and more structured data collection. A Texas geoscientist, William Berger, also testified that Texas uses large-scale data analysis and AI to study injection-related seismicity and argued for secure sharing of operator data to improve forecasting and risk management. The committee then took testimony on UAV and drone incursions over Barksdale Air Force Base. GOSEP said the incident was logged in WebEOC and the common operating picture, but that Barksdale did not request direct GOSEP resources and that the matter was handled through law enforcement channels. Louisiana State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose, but confirmed multiple drone sightings on the morning and evening of March 9 and continued monitoring for several days. State Police said they have created a task force with the Police Chiefs Association, Sheriffs Association, GOSEP, and LSP, and that officers are receiving FBI-related training to help detect and, where authorized, mitigate drones. Members discussed whether the activity was nefarious, what counts as an incursion, and the need for better public education about drone restrictions near military and critical infrastructure sites. No formal action was taken, but members said the issue will continue to be tracked alongside pending legislation. Finally, the committee received a one-year update on the merger of GOSEP with the Louisiana National Guard and Military Department. Major General Thomas Freelieu and Brigadier General Jason Maffus said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, shifted administrative functions to the Military Department, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance. They said the agency has modernized its common operating picture, returned staff to in-person work, and continued statewide preparedness exercises. Freelieu highlighted Guard missions including cyber expansion, the new Air National Guard cyber squadron at Jackson Barracks, modernization of the 159th Fighter Wing, and ongoing support for homeland security missions in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. Maffus said GOSEP’s core mission remains emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, and that the merger is intended to make state support to parishes faster and more efficient.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I saw that in the Texas... evaluating.
• And I saw that in the Texas model as well.
• In Texas, did they withhold money?
• But then Carlo worked in Texas, you know, brought up the fact of the Texas part of this.
• And that SIP code is truly six digits long.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• code a little bit too.
• code a little bit too.
• But the Texas contained within Texas, so there's less federal authority over ERCOT, but the Texas regulators
• Texas, although as a percentage, Texas is projected to be kind of similar to North the Texas, although
• data center growth in Texas.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So Texas remains open for business.
• At TSS, we want to see as much equipment as possible made in Texas by Texans for the Texas power grid
• Now, to date, we have not had a battery storage fire in Texas, and again, we have new codes, new standards
• County fire code. Yes.
• in Texas.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From Texas.
• School at Texas A&M.
• Texas economy needs.
• Texas keep Texas students and staff safe.
• Historically, a superintendent had to look in. in code defined the laws, had to go to the Texas School

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Director of Public Policy for Texas CASA.
• Recently, due to federal audit findings, Texas...
• Arc of Texas. Arc of Texas? Okay, I did miss that at the beginning. Thank you very much. OK.
• I'm a Director of Government and Fiscal Policy with Texas 2036, and I'm here to express Texas 2036's
• I serve as the CEO for the Texas Council representing the 39 local mental health authorities across Texas

Bills: SB1, HB500, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in Texas.
• Texas.
• I'll begin with water rights permitting, which is governed by the Texas Water Code, Chapter 11.
• So, Texas Water Code 16.060 outlines the criteria for zone designation.
• Water Code 36.122.

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• KHOU in Houston, Texas.
• Our role is outlined in Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code.
• Texas, East and West Texas.
• Texas.
• I think there are three: University of Texas, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M, all of which are training hydrologists

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1228 seeks to add language to the local government code, which would allow for new municipal and county
• So it's Texas Water Code 16315, um.
• the insurance side of things, it's just being brought forward over statute over here for building codes
• , a locked and coded gate, it's private to that community, right?
• Um, City, a lot of cities in Texas septic tanks are acceptable.

Bills: HB24

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Transcript Highlights:

• We lived through the Black Codes. We lived through the Jim Crow era.
• We lived through the Black Codes. We lived through the Jim Crow era.
• We lived through the Black Codes. We lived through the Jim Crow era.
• For Black folk in Texas to know that they were free.
• We lived through the Black Codes. We lived through the Jim Crow era.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 578 by Representative Michael Johnson is an act to amend the Civil Code, the Code of Criminal
• Dallas, Texas, is... ...crazy. In Mississippi, you know, it's $20,000. Texas is $14,000.
• Texas is 14. In Louisiana, in New Orleans, it's $35,000 in Shreveport, $17,000.
• Well, I think in Texas they do the merit system. Let's look at Texas. Let's look at Mississippi.
• Have we looked at Texas as far as the cap? Let's look at Texas. Let's look at Mississippi.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is growing at an unprecedented pace.
• system and the Texas A&M University system.
• Texas A&M University System.
• And that is a problem here as well in Texas.
• And Texas is no exception to that.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Texas.
• Uh, under the current occupations code in the Texas Racing Act, uh, medication or drug testing performed
• In the state of Texas, so in the state of Texas, we have a very competitive market.
• Of the Texas legislature.
• On the people in the Texas House and the Texas Senate who have allowed our state to be not just.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another big issue that the school safety center can take a lead on in Texas: they do this, they issue
• introduced legislation to lower prescription drug costs, hold insurance giants accountable, and penalize
• introduce legislation that lowers prescription drug costs, holds insurance giants accountable, and penalizes

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and recognition of Arizona School Board Association members and local school board representatives visiting the Capitol for Advocacy Day. Members also honored the House Doctor of the Day, Dr. Heather Serran, and approved the journal and attendance. The chamber then moved through a large number of Senate messages and House calendar items, including committee assignments and first and second readings of many bills. A major floor action was the unanimous adoption of SCR 1054 honoring former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, followed by remarks remembering his public service and consumer-protection work. The House also agreed to return SB 1278 to the Senate for reconsideration and referred several House bills to an additional Committee of the Whole for further amendment. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and advanced numerous bills, including HB 2055, 2150, 2426, 2456, 2457, 2728, 2755, 2918, and 2923, with several floor amendments adopted. HB 2728 drew the most debate over Department of Economic Security continuation and added policy changes affecting SNAP, unemployment, and eligibility verification; after a divided question and recorded vote, it received a do-pass recommendation by 32-25. The House also advanced HB 2134, 2142, 2289, 2290, 2331, 2379, 2397, 4026, and 4033 in later Committee of the Whole sessions, with discussion focused on school safety funding and governance, school board training, HOA disclosure reforms, tax sourcing clarity, and bond disclosure language. Several bills were retained on the calendar, including HB 4041, HB 2444, HB 4018, and HB 4070. In final third-reading votes, HB 2053, HB 2327, and HB 2416 passed; HB 2175 and HB 2492 failed; and HB 2805, which would make school board races partisan, was under debate at the end of the transcript amid strong arguments both for and against increasing partisanship in school board elections.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Um, so, it seems unnecessary to penalize employers for not filing something that already gives the
• 15:55.520> seems<00:15:55.800> unnecessary<00:15:56.480> to<00:15:56.600> penalize
• >> Um so, it seems unnecessary to penalize >> Um so, it seems unnecessary to penalize
• allows corporations to extract the maximum amount, set different prices based on people's income, zip code

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2455, HD2, relating to employment practices. Testimony was limited, with support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and UPW; the committee noted nine support, zero opposition, and zero comments. No vote was taken on this bill during the portion provided. The committee then took up House Bill 2165, HD2, relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law. DLIR supported the measure but requested an amendment moving language in Section 2 from subsection A to subsection C to preserve the legal structure. Members questioned DLIR about a January 8 U.S. Department of Labor letter and whether the bill would keep Hawaii in conformity with federal unemployment insurance requirements. DLIR said the federal guidance requires the state to remove the carve-out for labor-dispute claimants, though unions with hiring halls and members in good standing could still be exempt from work-search requirements under an authorized list. UNITE HERE Local 5 opposed the bill and said the current law already gives the department discretion to exempt striking workers. The committee recessed the bill before any final action was taken in the portion shown. In the joint hearing with Commerce and Consumer Protection, the committees heard House Bill 1509, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill, DHER offered comments and requested an amendment, UPW supported it, and one Zoom testifier described personal experience with delayed care and urged faster decisions. After testimony, the committees voted to pass the bill with amendments. The adopted amendments restored the 7-day treatment-plan deadline from 10 days, changed the effective date to January 1, 2077, and struck the proposed $500 fine for employers who fail to respond within 10 days. Back in the Labor and Technology agenda, the committee heard House Bill 1515, HD2, also relating to workers’ compensation, with testimony noting seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, but no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard House Bill 1514, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation plans. A Zoom testifier opposed the bill, arguing the 120-day timeline was unrealistic for complex cases. DLIR said the bill would give the director discretion to extend the vocational rehabilitation plan timeline beyond 120 days with no cap on extensions, and the committee noted five support, four opposition, and zero comments. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2458, HD3, relating to surveillance pricing. OCP said it stood on written testimony, while supporters argued the bill would prevent corporations from using personal data to set prices, especially for groceries. Retail and grocery interests opposed the measure, saying it was too broad and could restrict loyalty programs, promotions, and discounts; one witness asked that a loyalty-program exemption be restored.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we'll have soon the Texas Successful Texas model for them, and we'll have soon the Texas Homeschool
• Texas state schools.
• Of Texas.
• Texas public school.
• We all recognize the state of Texas is the state of Texas is a state.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is growing at an unprecedented pace.
• system and the Texas A&M University system.
• The Board is chaired by the Commissioner of the Texas...
• I'm General Counsel with the Texas Municipal League.
• Over 1,300 people move to Texas every single day.

Keywords: 1184, house, all