Transcript Highlights:

• cap or, or I was even thinking if someone got a ridiculous, not, I won't say ridiculous, a double-digit
• percentage raise in 2025 that A double-digit percentage raise in 2025 that maybe they would not get
• willing to see that their raises go up and more commensurate with what we're seeing, for a double-digit

Summary: The committee first took up the Special Language Committee report, which adopted nine amendments tied to Governor’s Letter 7 and HB 1005, and then approved several items for due pass as amended, including HB 101 (Department of Corrections), HB 1017 (Department of Agriculture promotion boards), HB 1009 (Department of Public Safety), and SB 10 (Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services). A question was raised about the $10 million unemployment insurance modernization item in SB 10, and Commerce staff said it was a continuation of a previously approved appropriation rather than a new increase. The main discussion centered on the Treasurer’s budget request, especially salary increases. Committee members questioned why the office had already received substantial raises in 2025 and whether additional funds would go to lower-paid staff or mainly to top leadership. Treasury staff said the request was intended to retain talent, that the office’s investment team manages an $11.5 billion portfolio, and that the state benefits from those returns; they also said the treasurer would be open to discussing a cap on raises. Members expressed concern that prior funds had not gone where expected and that the treasurer was not present to answer directly. Representative Lundstrum moved to hold the Treasurer’s budget until the treasurer could return and provide more information, and the motion passed. Representative Kavanaugh also asked about a $150,000 preparedness and safety appropriation, and staff said it would support IT and security upgrades related to a move from AIS to S4 HANA and a cloud-based system. The committee then batched and passed a series of supplemental and reappropriation bills, followed by individual due-pass votes on multiple House and Senate bills, all of which were approved without objection. The meeting ended with procedural guidance about filing special-language items and a request to release a hold on HB 1064, after which the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So last year, the House unanimously passed the products liability bill that added digital products to
• LPL to a Representative Schlegel continued: The House passed the products liability bill that added digital
• Through this bill, all I want is for big tech to exercise reasonable care when it comes to their digital

Summary: The Civil Law and Procedure Committee met on March 10, 2026, with a quorum present. At the outset, HB 292 and HB 437 were voluntarily deferred at the request of the authors. The committee then heard HB 112, which clarifies how the 75-mile distance for child relocation is measured. Representative Behan and witness Claire Jacobs argued the bill would reduce ambiguity and avoid costly custody litigation. The committee reported HB 112 favorably without objection. The committee next considered HB 190, which establishes a standard of reasonable care for certain software and computer programs, especially interactive digital products. Representative Schlegel and Louisiana State Law Institute witnesses explained the bill was developed after prior work on digital products liability and is intended to impose a negligence-style duty of reasonable care without resolving breach, causation, damages, or constitutional issues. Members asked about the meaning of “person,” vicarious liability, the scope of the duty, and how the bill relates to content moderation and Section 230. The bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 410, dealing with recording in direct in-person conversations, was voluntarily deferred by the chair after the author said an amendment would clarify that notice, not consent, would be required. HB 427, which revises the duty of care for online platforms that contract with minors and aligns definitions with existing Louisiana law on harmful material to minors, was then heard and reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 78 increased the civil jurisdictional limit of the Bogalusa city court from $25,000 to $50,000; the author said local stakeholders supported the change, and the committee reported it favorably without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• which amends the rules of the Senate to add the Emergency Management Committee as well as the Privacy Digital
• The privacy, digital technologies, and consumer protection committee will focus on bills relating to
• data privacy, artificial intelligence, digital and information technologies and systems, and the consumer

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized guests in the gallery. The body then took up several gubernatorial appointments: confirmation of Hampas to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, and Diane White to the State Mining and Geology Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove and approved by roll call, with later calls on the items lifted and the confirmations finalized by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The main floor debate centered on SCR 112, designating January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Senator Grove and several colleagues described human trafficking as modern-day slavery and emphasized survivor support, law enforcement tools, public awareness, and the vulnerability of foster youth, Indigenous women and girls, immigrants, and children targeted online or in hotels and other venues. Senators Rubio, Troy, Valadez, Arreguín, Wahab, and others spoke in strong support, citing local cases, online grooming, and the need for prevention and services. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SR 74, which amended the Senate’s standing rules to create two new committees: Emergency Management, and Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection. Senator Ashby explained that the new committees would better address wildfire response, disaster preparedness, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and consumer protection. The chamber then approved a consent calendar containing SB 557, SB 57, SB 674, SB 623, and SB 837, all by 39-0 votes. The Pro Tem thanked members and staff for completing deadline-week work and announced the next floor session for February 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• which amends the rules of the Senate to add the Emergency Management Committee as well as the Privacy Digital
• The privacy, digital technologies, and consumer protection committee will focus on bills relating to
• data privacy, artificial intelligence, digital and information technologies and systems, and the consumer

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If a newspaper isn't available in that area or can't print the advertisement, then the digital copy will
• year, and this will be the vehicle, subject to a committee substitute, for those other naming opportunities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you again for the opportunity to provide this input as part of this process. Thank you.
• And thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in the Sunset Review.
• Thank you very much for the opportunity to present to you today.
• Thank you very much for the opportunity to present to you today.
• Good morning, chairs and members, and thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Dr.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and the need to evaluate whether licensing boards are functioning efficiently. BRN leadership reported major process improvements since the last sunset review, including faster license processing, streamlined enforcement, improved consumer satisfaction, and growth in nursing education enrollment. Members questioned the board extensively about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international licensure, online nursing programs and clinical placements, military pathways, the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option, workforce shortages, diversity in nursing, and retention of new graduates. The board explained California’s tiered APRN system, the NCLEX and national certification requirements, clinical hour standards, and its role in approving programs and assigning nursing education consultants. Public testimony on the BRN was mixed: nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist groups largely supported the sunset report and especially the proposed APRN-to-RN delegation language, while physician and hospital stakeholders raised concerns about out-of-state NP practice, specialty delegation, ratios, and the need for regulatory parity and clearer standards. Higher education representatives urged reduced duplication in documentation, more flexible clinical placement rules, and better coordination to address bottlenecks in placements and faculty hiring. The committee did not take a vote during the excerpted BRN discussion. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California, where the board’s president began an overview of the board’s mission, structure, vacancies, and public-protection role under the Physical Therapy Practice Act. The transcript excerpt ends before substantive questioning, testimony, or any action on the physical therapy item is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you again for the opportunity to provide this input as part of this process. Thank you.
• And thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in the Sunset Review.
• Thank you very much for the opportunity to present to you today.
• Thank you very much for the opportunity to present to you today.
• Good morning, chairs and members, and thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Dr.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• entire system, we want to make sure that we aren't leaving anyone behind by this transition to the digital
• At the time, it included an opportunity for this legislative body to...
• At the time, it included an opportunity for this legislative body to review and approve this final vendor
• At the time, it included an opportunity for this legislative body to review and approve this final vendor
• So we'll have another opportunity there. All right, any other final questions?

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on State Administration held an informational hearing on whether the Employment Development Department is ready for the next recession, with a focus on EDD Next, the department’s long-running technology modernization effort. The Legislative Analyst’s Office reviewed EDD’s major benefit programs, the history of prior modernization attempts, the current Integrated Claims Management System work, and the department’s remaining risks, including continued reliance on a COBOL-era mainframe and the challenge of adapting quickly to future federal or state policy changes during a downturn. The LAO also explained that most pandemic-era fraud was tied to temporary federal unemployment programs rather than California’s core UI system, and that the state’s UI loan repayment is not largely attributable to fraud. Members raised concerns about the cost of repeated modernization efforts, paper versus online claims, appeal overturn rates, WARN notices, and legislative oversight of the project. EDD’s panel said the department has made substantial customer-service and processing improvements, including online self-service tools, improved call center features, identity verification, fraud controls, language access upgrades, and a new document management system. Officials reported that as of early 2026, about 83% to 85% of claims across programs were being processed timely within two weeks, and said paid family leave delays in 2024 were tied to the transition into the disability insurance online platform and seasonal workload patterns. They also said EDD is working with the Department of Technology on EDD Next and that the project will proceed in phases, with paid family leave and disability insurance first and unemployment insurance later. Members pressed EDD on persistent paid family leave backlogs, the share of paper applications, response times for constituents, and whether the department tracks long-running cases and WARN notice trends. EDD said its service standard is generally immediate response through phone, chat, or callback tools, while more complex cases can take longer because the department may be waiting on claimants or medical providers. The department also said it tracks call outcomes and outstanding cases, and that it can provide additional data on WARN notices. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with plans to continue discussing EDD Next and paid family leave at a later March 10 budget hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• entire system, we want to make sure that we aren't leaving anyone behind by this transition to the digital
• At the time, it included an opportunity for this legislative body to...
• At the time, it included an opportunity for this legislative body to review and approve this final vendor
• At the time, it included an opportunity for this legislative body to review and approve this final vendor
• So we'll have another opportunity there. All right, any other final questions?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The passage of it will ensure that our seniors have an opportunity to be able to get a proper... have
• The session is focused on going after the next water supply opportunities for Texas.
• I appreciate the opportunity to clarify.
• I'm concerned that we're giving some opportunities for them to utilize taxpayer dollars.
• Interference with digital expression. You recognize the final passage.

Bills: SCR46, SB31, SB39, SB227, SB330, SB401, SB407, SB467, SB482, SB500, SB506, SB512, SB527, SB584, SB619, SB636, SB646, SB647, SB648, SB659, SB663, SB715, SB732, SB758, SB801, SB816, SB847, SB870, SB884, SB1020, SB1055, SB1065, SB1137, SB1169, SB1181, SB1283, SB1383, SB1395, SB1410, SB1433, SB1490, SB1558, SB1574, SB1626, SB1666, SB1718, SB1727, SB1756, SB1757, SB1845, SB1924, SB1964, SB1972, SB2018, SB2031, SB2075, SB2076, SB2080, SB2111, SB2117, SB2154, SB2161, SB2173, SB2206, SB2225, SB2253, SB2268, SB2314, SB2322, SB2351, SB2371, SB2476, SB2533, SB2540, SB2570, SB2589, SB2623, SB2658, SB2660, SB2692, SB2693, SB2717, SB2722, SB2753, SB2779, SB2877, SB2880, SB2900, SB2920, SB3031, HJR4, SB5, SB260, SB1786, SJR3, SJR18, SB1, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR46, SCR48, SCR19, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1433, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB529, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1924, SB2253, SB2018, SB2206, SB584, SB1085, SB1490, SB2314, SB2046, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB1524, SB1137, SB636, SB2056, SB1558, SB884, SB227, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1626, SB1845, SB1863, SB2681, SB2200, SB2199, SB1757, SB2050, SB2458, SB2201, SB1055, SB2660, SB2662, SB1065, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB648, SB647, SB512, SB1721, SB2268, SB2366, SB1013, SB2692, SB2570, SB2797, SB2111, SB2371, SB2383, SB646, SB1169, SB1754, SB1718, SB2779, SB2004, SB1756, SB2119, SB527, SB2322, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB407, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB3031, SB2877, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2920, SB2929, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB2742, SB2595, SB2217, SB2117, SB715, SB2330, SB1964, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB2001, SB2080, SB2722, SB506, SB2514, SB2623, SB2658, SB1574, SB2900, SB2753, SB2398, SB401, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB467, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB2031, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB31, SB2880, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB2351, SB410, SB659, SB816, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB482, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SB2843, SB2801, SB800, SB2055, SB784, SB2986, SB735, SB1012, SB324, SB2926, SB2938, SB2007, SB2138, SB1242, HJR4, HB135, HB1109, SCR30, SCR3, SB2615, SB1049, SB2310, SB1224, SB2972, SB1568, SB2841, SB2885, SB3016, SB2858, SB2610, SB2139, SB1856, SB2035, SB2308, SB2306, SB2041, SB1528, SB1681, SB1141, SB2401, SB2530, SB2375, SB547, SB1266, SB1373, SB1467, SB2069, SB2269, SB2480, SB2544, SB672, SB904, SB2695, SB2891, SB2422, SB2543, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB2925, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB457, SB2357, HCR35, HCR64

Keywords: Texas beef, cattle industry, agricultural heritage, Texas strip steak, economic growth, SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, unborn child, abortion exception, abortion ban, physician liability

Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate the opportunity to present AB 2508.
• This is an opportunity to do that. We appreciate the intent of the legislation.
• Data centers are the backbone of California's digital economy, supporting millions of jobs nationwide
• Good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
• And thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

Summary: The committee hearing covered a long agenda of energy, utility, and data-center bills, with members hearing extensive testimony on affordability, ratepayer protections, wildfire liability, and grid planning. Several measures were presented by Assembly Member Irwin and others, including AB 2182 on industrial energy efficiency incentives, AB 2396 on allowing community choice aggregators to develop transmission projects, AB 2589 on returning federal tax savings to ratepayers, AB 2508 on shifting public purpose program costs off utility bills, AB 1577 on data center reporting, and AB 2383 on large energy-use facility rate design. The chair noted the hearing began without a quorum and later proceeded once quorum was established for the data-center and AB 2383 votes. AB 2182 and AB 2589 were discussed but not acted on during the portion shown, while AB 2396 drew substantial debate over wildfire liability, financing, and whether CCAs should be allowed to own transmission lines. AB 2508 generated the most divided policy discussion, with supporters arguing that public purpose programs and energy efficiency costs should not be borne by ratepayers and should instead be funded through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund or other public sources. Opponents warned that moving those programs to GGRF would threaten funding stability, undermine cost-effective efficiency programs, and jeopardize important safety-net and wildfire-related spending; wildfire survivor advocates asked for amendments to ensure victims are paid first before any reallocation. Committee members raised concerns about whether GGRF is an appropriate and stable funding source, and several said they could not support the bill as drafted. AB 1577, requiring data centers to report energy, water, and noise information, passed on a 10-1 vote after supporters said the bill would help local and state planners manage rapid load growth, while opponents argued it was burdensome, duplicative, and could expose proprietary or security-sensitive information. AB 2383, which would direct the CPUC to create a new rate structure for large energy-use facilities and require long-term contracts to prevent cost shifts and stranded assets, also drew strong support and opposition. The Little Hoover Commission and NRDC backed the bill as a way to protect ratepayers from data-center-related costs, while CCAs, the Chamber of Commerce, manufacturers, and petroleum interests objected to the bill’s scope and to CPUC oversight, especially as it could affect CCAs and other large users beyond data centers. After discussion about preserving local authority and avoiding stranded costs, the committee approved AB 2383 on a 13-0 vote and left the roll open for absent members. The hearing then moved to AB 1774, a wildfire accountability bill by Assembly Member Berman, which was introduced with testimony from fire survivors and consumer advocates emphasizing the need to verify that utility wildfire mitigation spending is actually performed before ratepayers are charged.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just last year, I had an opportunity to be part of a collaborative...
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
• Also, digital anti-fraud. For seniors. Also, digital anti-fraud.
• So we do educate them for digital safety. That's it. Thank you. Thank you.
• So thank you again for this opportunity.

Summary: The Assembly Human Services Committee held an informational hearing with members of the API Legislative Caucus on California’s Stop the Hate Program and broader efforts to address hate incidents. Opening remarks emphasized the rise in hate during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of culturally and linguistically competent services, and the program’s role in serving not only AAPI communities but also Latino, Black, Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and other impacted communities. Legislators and presenters repeatedly highlighted the value of trusted community-based organizations (CBOs) in reaching people who may not report to law enforcement or seek traditional services. The first panel included the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), and the Commission on the State of Hate. They described the program’s origins in the state’s equity budget, its funding structure, and its service model: direct victim services, prevention, and intervention. CDSS said 180 organizations statewide have participated, with grantees selected based on experience, capacity, and service to priority populations. The Commission on the State of Hate reported that hate remains widespread and underreported, citing survey data showing about 3.1 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year and that many victims need mental health, legal, and other supports beyond police response. Members asked about best practices, youth impacts, administrative costs, and the role of regional leads; CDSS said it would provide more detail on funding distribution and that the final evaluation is still in progress. The second panel featured grantees from Jewish Family Service San Diego, Inland Chinese American Association, Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, and Equality California. They gave examples of how Stop the Hate funding supported culturally specific response teams, counseling, language-access services, self-defense and safety workshops, youth and elder programming, legal navigation, and reporting tools. Several speakers said the program helped build trust, reduce isolation, and connect people to services they otherwise would not use. Legislators pressed the panel on lessons learned, whether the model should be reauthorized, and what would be lost if funding ends. Panelists emphasized that the program’s flexibility, regional convenings, and support for small, trusted organizations were key strengths, while also noting the need for more direct funding to frontline providers and more data on what interventions work best.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to give you a different opportunity this morning to vote yes on a Basineer motion.
• Or reserve transfers can indirectly involve state fiscal resources or opportunity costs.
• Any time by providing through informal digital correspondence or by submitting a digital form the entity's
• And so the state has the opportunity to...
• And so the state has the opportunity to say, "Yeah, you know what?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This hearing was set up with invitation only for those testifying as an opportunity for the committee
• They're about giving people better, safer, more consistent access to opportunity.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
• We can see if that's something that we have some opportunities on.
• Thank you for the opportunity to talk with everyone.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held an informational hearing with invited testimony from MassDOT leadership, the MBTA, Massport, and the state’s Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. MassDOT officials outlined work across highways, rail and transit, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and aeronautics, emphasizing major capital spending, bridge and roadway programs, transit grants, rail expansion, airport safety, and modernization efforts. They highlighted Chapter 90 and municipal grant programs, the Compass Rail and West-East Rail efforts, RMV upgrades such as electronic titles and driver licensing systems, and aeronautics work on airport pavement, drones, and advanced air mobility. Committee members focused on safety, service access, and project implementation. Questions to MassDOT covered automated enforcement and rising roadway fatalities, the Allston multimodal project’s federal funding, Complete Streets access for rural communities, and South Coast Rail staffing and future electrification. The RMV was asked about the Work and Family Mobility Act, Real ID demand, and appointment access, especially in Metro West. Members also raised concerns about South Coast Rail operations, Keolis staffing, and whether the Stoughton route remains part of future plans; MassDOT and MBTA officials said they are working on staffing, service reliability, and long-term expansion, while noting that nothing is off the table for future rail improvements. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng reported progress including workforce growth, elimination of subway speed restrictions, expanded reduced-fare access, bus network redesign, South Coast Rail launch, and commuter rail signal upgrades. He said the agency is pursuing a new commuter rail operating contract designed to support future regional rail, electrification, and higher-frequency service, while maintaining service and workforce stability amid funding uncertainty. Members also asked about fare collection data privacy and the impact of state funding levels; Eng said the MBTA needs the governor’s proposed funding to preserve service and staffing, and that the fare system’s data are encrypted and handled through a secure vendor system. Massport CEO Rich Davey reported record activity at Logan, Worcester, and the cruise and maritime facilities, along with major capital and climate investments such as sustainable aviation fuel planning, shore power at Flynn Cruiseport, renewable diesel, and expanded ground transportation. He said Massport is planning for continued passenger growth and managing congestion through parking, HOV, and curbside changes, while monitoring federal policy, tariffs, and air traffic control staffing issues. Federal Funds Director Quentin Palfrey described the administration’s efforts to secure federal infrastructure dollars, citing about $9 billion in federal awards since the start of the administration, including major transportation grants for the Cape Cod Bridges, Allston, West-East Rail, North Station drawbridge replacement, roadway safety, and clean school buses. He warned that changing federal policies, grant delays, and possible future congressional actions create uncertainty, but said the office is working case-by-case with municipalities and agencies to protect awarded funds and find alternative financing where needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be here today.
• incredible opportunity that lies ahead for us at Tarleton State University.
• incredible opportunity that lies ahead for us at Tarleton State University.
• So we're really excited about the opportunity.
• You will be developing new residency opportunities for your students. Absolutely.

Bills: HB42, HB125

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement, stormwater management, counties, regulation, environment, water quality

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending. Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending. The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> committee, thank you for the opportunity committee, thank you for the opportunity to<00:03:36.159
• My name is appreciate this opportunity.
• </c><00:31:32.320><c> are</c> I know that these uh opportunities are I know that these uh opportunities
• </c> opportunities that they need to succeed. opportunities that they need to succeed.
• This also goes opportunity to touch on.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just last year, I had an opportunity to be part of a collaborative...
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
• Also, digital anti-fraud. For seniors. Also, digital anti-fraud.
• So thank you again for this opportunity.
• So thank you again for this opportunity.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am so sorry for what you've been through, and I wanted an opportunity to introduce you all and to talk
• Wildlife Corridor Day events are a great opportunity to highlight our progress and look forward to the
• What's lacking in the bill is just, I mean, this is the opportunity or the window to go ahead and do
• Thank you, Senator Gruters, for providing the opportunity for this policy to move forward.
• Thank you, Senator Gruders, for providing the opportunity for this policy to move forward.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and moments of silence, including tributes to those affected by the Florida State University shooting and recognition of Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, John Thrasher, student advocacy groups, conservation organizations, and visiting school groups. Members also adopted Senate Resolution 1878 honoring Coach Abdur-Rahim. The chamber then moved into special order business and considered a series of bills, many of them with House companions substituted in and passed by wide margins or unanimously. Among the measures passed were bills updating child care and early learning provider regulation, imposing costs on false swatting reports, extending protections against extraordinary hospital collection actions, expanding hazardous walking conditions for schoolchildren, creating young adult housing support for foster and homeless students, clarifying school choice disclosure requirements under the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, adjusting interest rules for trust accounts supporting legal aid, revising transportation and traffic enforcement provisions, expanding public records exemptions for certain judicial and health care investigators and appellate clerks, changing municipal water and sewer utility rates in Miami-Dade, strengthening motor vehicle offenses involving impersonation and obscured plates, increasing trespass penalties at certain law-enforcement-controlled sites and large ticketed events, requiring refunds of patient overpayments, authorizing certain stem cell therapies, allowing relatives and direct support professionals to administer insulin in group homes, addressing rideshare impersonation and transit funding rules, and updating the Uniform Commercial Code for digital assets and emerging technologies. Several bills drew notable debate. The trust fund interest bill prompted extended discussion over legal aid funding, bank participation, and whether the measure would reduce support for legal services; it ultimately passed 28-10. The transportation bill was heavily amended, including removal of speed-limit increases and changes to school bus camera enforcement and micromobility rules, and passed 37-0. The Miami-Dade water and sewer rate bill sparked debate over fairness, fiscal impact, and accusations of racism, but passed 36-2. Public records bills protecting agency investigators and JQC employees also drew questions about accountability and transparency before passing. Most other measures passed with little or no opposition, and a few bills were temporarily postponed or set aside.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an opportunity for those It, that's their decision too.
• This is an economic growth, job opportunity. Move passage. The chair recognizes Mr.
• We need to open the doors of opportunity to all Americans. Is that correct? That's absolutely.
• We need to open the doors of opportunity to all Americans. Is that correct?
• I had an opportunity to talk to a Spurs... Mr. Speaker, can I get a little order around here?

Bills: SB17, SB1569, SB2420, HB5138, HJR161, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HCR76, HCR127

Keywords: foreign ownership, real property, national security, criminal penalties, civil penalties, personal information, higher education, privacy protection, governing board, institutional security, software applications, mobile devices, age verification, parental consent, data protection, app store regulation, HJR 161, Texas constitutional amendment, voting rights, non-citizen voting

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, received the invocation and pledges, and heard several announcements and recognitions before moving into floor action. Members honored the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley chess team for winning a share of the 2025 President’s Cup, recognized educator Jessica Lopez, and paid memorial tribute to Jennifer Maddenly, along with recognitions for Jeanette Valdez Duran’s food pantry work, TAMACC’s 50th anniversary, and Bernardine Steptoe’s retirement from WFAA. The House also granted permission for committees to meet while the House was in session, set a local consent calendar, and suspended posting rules for a Public Health Committee hearing on SB 2721. The chamber then considered a long series of Senate and House bills, with many passing on record votes. Measures addressed local law enforcement authority (SB 906), veterans highway designation (SB 1229), foster care medical billing (SB 855), massage therapy trafficking safeguards (SB 703), tax ballot language (SB 1025), occupational licensing for people with convictions (SB 1080), lien deadlines (SB 929), liquor sales complaints (SB 1355), higher education application fee waivers (SB 2231), utility data access (SB 1877), pediatric preceptorships (SB 1998), and several House bills on bond forfeiture notice, health workforce coordination, indigent civil commitment representation, consumer transaction cancellations, bird dispersal rules, theft venue for digital property, military grant applications, AI cancer-detection grants, cybersecurity contract language, in-state tuition for military-related programs, utility capital recovery, energy waste advisory oversight, gas utility rate recovery, psychedelic therapy study, teacher retirement funding transparency, pension changes, tax payment plans, and voter registration security. Some measures drew notable debate or amendments, including HB 5247, where a ratepayer-credit amendment failed, and HB 2298, HB 4014, HB 510, HB 561, HB 1128, HB 1904, HB 30, HB 200, HB 3045, and HB 5111, which all passed after recorded votes with varying margins. A major point of contention was SB 2420, the app store age-verification bill, which prompted extended debate over whether the bill should also require app developers to verify users’ ages. Representative Bryant offered an amendment to preserve developer verification obligations, arguing the bill would otherwise shift responsibility away from app makers; the author opposed it, saying the bill’s approach was more workable and raised concerns about First Amendment issues. Multiple points of order were raised and withdrawn during the debate, and the amendment discussion remained unresolved in the excerpt. The House also postponed further consideration of SB 17, SB 552, and SB 2420 at different points, and recessed for lunch after completing a large block of third-reading votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the opportunity to provide remarks.
• Thank you again for the opportunity to come before you today.
• Thank you again for the opportunity to come before you today.
• where there's linguistics opportunities.
• where there's linguistics opportunities.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum, adopted its interim rules on a 6-0 vote, and heard opening remarks from members and staff introductions. The chair emphasized higher education’s role in workforce development and noted a Legislative Budget Board survey issue that was resolved after a community college initially did not respond because the survey was marked optional. The committee then focused on monitoring implementation of Senate Bill 37, which governs public higher education boards, curriculum review, faculty senates/councils, training for regents, and the ombudsman office. Testimony from Chancellor Brandon Creighton of Texas Tech, Commissioner Wynn Rosser, UNT Chancellor Michael Williams, and Ombudsman Brandon Simmons described how SB 37 is being implemented. They said boards now have stronger authority, faculty senates are advisory, and institutions are reviewing general education curricula and other programs for rigor, relevance, and workforce value. Rosser said the statewide advisory committee is reviewing the core curriculum and board training requirements are being administered, while Simmons reported the ombudsman office has received 73 complaints, opened two investigations, and expects a third, with many complaints outside its jurisdiction or harassing in nature. Members questioned witnesses about transfer credits, board training content, auditing, conflicts of interest, curriculum decisions, and whether any institutions were missing deadlines. Rosser said non-transferable credits have declined since reporting began under earlier law, and that the most common reason is courses outside degree requirements. Witnesses said they were not aware of institutions missing the SB 37 review deadlines. Senators also raised concerns about an appearance of impropriety in a Texas Tech-related matter and about whether a Dred Scott case should be taught in law school, with Creighton saying the curriculum review process did not prohibit teaching Supreme Court cases and that he would follow up. Later testimony from University of Houston, Texas State, UT, and Texas A&M system officials said their systems had updated policies, abolished prior faculty senates, created compliant advisory councils, and completed or were completing core curriculum reviews and related governance changes.