Transcript Highlights:

• My immediate reaction was, one, recognition of when someone has been exposed to xylazine, and then, two
• I love what you said, Millie, around recognition and immediate steps because it’s like an immediate flow
• The step before, I think, recognition is just like the really the basics of the drug: like this is what
• xylazine and its harms; two, describe signs of xylazine poisoning because Millie wanted to talk about recognition

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Working Group on Education and Training of the Special Commission on Xylazine held its first meeting to begin developing findings and recommendations on education and training for first responders, the medical community, the substance use treatment community, and people who use drugs. Members discussed the need for baseline information on what xylazine is, its clinical effects and harms, signs of exposure or poisoning, wound care, and immediate response steps, while also noting that training should be tailored by audience, geography, and role. Several members emphasized that the training should be practical and action-oriented, helping people recognize xylazine exposure and know what to do next, including whether naloxone is relevant and how to reduce risk and mitigate harm. A major theme was whether the group should recommend a needs assessment or survey to identify what different audiences already know and what they still need to learn. Members suggested that BSAS, DPH, local public health departments, licensing boards, and other stakeholders could help gather this information, and that existing resources such as DPH materials, MADS data, Brandeis materials, and trainings already being funded at BMC should be reviewed. The group also discussed the importance of using plain language for non-clinical audiences while still including clinical detail for providers, and of distinguishing between clinical and non-clinical training tracks. The working group agreed to divide into subgroups: Senator Keenan will focus on first responders, Dr. Simon on the medical community, and Millie Batiya on the substance use treatment community, while Chair Domb will focus on people who use drugs. Staff will send meeting notes, an early draft PowerPoint framework, and a shared Google Drive folder for materials. Members were asked to gather sources and ideas by November 25 ahead of the December 11 public meeting. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, and unanimous thanks to staff and participants.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moreover, the parole office vehicles were not equipped with vehicle recognition lights or sirens, preventing
• Moreover, the parole office vehicles were not equipped with vehicle recognition lights or sirens, preventing
• Bird, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation released a memo titled Vehicle Recognition
• This memo describes how vehicle recognition lights are now authorized for installation on the vehicles

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a large suspense-file agenda and established a quorum at the start of the meeting. SB 1167 was announced as not being heard and rescheduled for the following week. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills before the committee. Most measures were taken up with waived presentations, brief public testimony, and no committee questions, and were moved to the suspense file without objection. Several bills received author presentations and public support. SB 872 by Senator McNerney proposed creating a fund to support repairs to State Water Project canals and Delta levees, with testimony from water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments emphasizing flood risk, water reliability, and the need to protect state assets; the bill was moved to suspense. SB 962 by Senator Archuleta would authorize CDCR to install blue emergency lights on parole vehicles, with supporters citing officer safety and the death of parole agent Joshua Bird; it also moved to suspense. SB 950, presented on behalf of Senator Weber-Pierson, would require coverage for FDA-approved medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, with committee discussion noting the bill’s relatively small near-term fiscal impact and a possible future sunset amendment; the committee voted do pass, with the item held open for additional votes. The committee also heard support or opposition testimony on a few other measures, including SB 1123, which drew opposition from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, and SB 1069 and SB 1138, which received support from industry and clean-energy groups. After processing the full agenda, the committee moved the remaining suspense-file candidates to suspense and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• made possible through the encouragement and guidance of a strong school community, and today's recognition
• strong school community,<00:03:13.520> and<00:03:13.680> today's<00:03:14.160> recognition
• community, and today's recognition community, and today's recognition reflects<00:03:16.280>

Bills: HB1166, HB389, HB644, HB1509, HB1692, HB1842, HB1878, HB1926, HB1949, HB2116, HB2581

Keywords: HB1166, automated speed enforcement, speed cameras, traffic enforcement, road safety, traffic safety, Department of Transportation, state highway fund, special fund, appropriation, fiscal year 2026-2027, camera enforcement, speeding citations, automated traffic enforcement, highway safety, HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill recognizes outstanding teachers who work at charter schools, and the Florida School Recognition
• One other separate question: the school recognition program, we know it's designed to reward the success
• As we've currently structured the amendment to the school recognition program, there is a direct focus

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K through 12 Education met with a quorum present and took up three bills. SB 1618, by Senator Calatayud, was presented as a broad education package affecting VPK through grade 12. It included changes to VPK enrollment flexibility, repeal of the Council for Early Grade Success, agriculture and financial literacy curriculum updates, reading intervention requirements, limits on certain public-school spending, corporal punishment consent, educator certification and screening provisions, and changes to the school recognition program. A late-filed technical amendment clarifying prior legislation for certain private schools in Brevard, Clay, Sarasota, and Bradford counties was adopted. Senator Osgood raised concerns about the bill’s school recognition provisions and the impact on paraprofessionals and other support staff, and the sponsor said she would continue those discussions. SB 1618, as amended, was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 1058, which would update Florida references from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in state, district, and charter school materials beginning after July 1, 2025, without requiring existing materials to be changed. The bill was presented by Senator Calatayud on behalf of Senator Gruters and was reported favorably without amendment or opposition. Next, the committee heard CS for SB 1470 on school safety, which would align school security guard training with guardian program requirements, refine locked campus and classroom rules, and improve panic alert and digital map coordination. Several amendments were adopted, including a late-filed amendment capping guardian training fees, creating a stakeholder work group for a Florida Institute of School Safety, adjusting locked-zone requirements and exceptions, requiring substitute teachers to receive safety protocol training, and a funding amendment providing $450,000 in recurring funds for a centralized panic alert and digital map system. Support was voiced by school district, sheriff, and safety representatives, and Senator Osgood praised the recurring funding as avoiding an unfunded mandate. The committee also passed SB 1472, linked to SB 1470, extending a public records exemption to school security guards’ records held by FDLE, with the exemption set to sunset in 2030 unless renewed. President Gaetz questioned the need for the exemption, and Senator Burgess responded that it was intended to protect school safety personnel from exposure of personal information after an incident. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any agency seeking recognition?
• Any other uh agency seeking<00:03:34.159> recognition? seeking recognition?
• seeking recognition? Okay.<00:03:36.720> Thank<00:03:36.879> you.
• Is any other member seeking recognition?
• Is any other member seeking recognition? recognition? recognition?

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:03 Roll Call: 00:00:09 Agency Updates: 00:01:44 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Update: 00:03:36 Department of Juvenile Justice Update: 00:23:10, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council approved the minutes from its November 8, 2024 meeting and welcomed new member Representative Nick Wilson. The council also heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on a school attendance awareness campaign aimed at reducing truancy referrals to court, and a member requested a future, more detailed presentation on truancy trends. The council then received an update from the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board from Dr. David Frink and Elsie Berger. They described the board’s membership, meeting schedule, public access, annual report and three-year plan, and its role in helping Kentucky remain compliant with federal juvenile justice requirements so the state can receive Title II funding. They said the board reviews grant applications for community-based services, substance use, and early intervention programs, with about $584,000 in federal funds this year and a little over $600,000 expected next year. Members asked about participation, board vacancies, and how to engage with the board, and the presenters emphasized the importance of statewide representation and community input. The Department of Juvenile Justice then provided a broader update through Commissioner Randy White and Deputy Secretary Mona Wamik. White said DJJ is under an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice investigation focused on conditions in detention facilities, including use of force, isolation, abuse, mental health care, and special education, and said the department has cooperated with repeated information requests and site visits. He also reviewed recent legislative and administrative changes, including 2023 Senate Bill 162, regional detention planning, facility segregation requirements, staffing and salary investments, improved staffing levels, reduced mental health vacancies, and training efforts related to security threat groups. He said DJJ has made progress but continues to work on staffing, safety, and facility improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the House bill is a commitment to families, a recognition that housing is the foundation.
• And the House bill is a commitment to families, a recognition that housing is the foundation.
• <00:05:25.680> to<00:05:25.919> families,<00:05:26.720> a<00:05:26.960> recognition
• commitment to families, a recognition commitment to families, a recognition that<00:05:27.919>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley held a press event ahead of the House floor debate on the housing budget bill, focusing on funding for the Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP). She described FHPAP as emergency rental, mortgage, and utility assistance that helps families avoid homelessness, and said the bill reflects a community effort to keep families stably housed across Minnesota, including in rural areas. Jenny Larson, executive director of Three Rivers Community Action, testified that her organization administers FHPAP in a 20-county region and uses it to help renters and homeowners remain housed, maintain employment, and stay in school and community. She said the program is fiscally responsible, estimating it costs about $3,500 to resolve a household crisis versus as much as $45,000 to help a family recover after homelessness. Community members Mierra Allen, Ebony McMillan, and a written statement from Tamita Gaines described how FHPAP helped them avoid or recover from homelessness and maintain stability for their children. The speakers also said the House housing bill includes broader housing investments, including funding for new housing units, housing infrastructure bonds, a challenge fund, and affordable/workforce homeownership initiatives, with attention to greater Minnesota. In response to questions, they said homelessness is not partisan, that current FHPAP funds are depleted, and that local providers use quarterly allocations and advisory committees to prioritize urgent cases. Momanyi-Hiltsley urged support for House File 2298 and said the program was a top priority because of limited funding and the need to prevent families from falling into homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we are designating USF Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 15th, in recognition of the University
• USF Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 15th, in recognition of the University of South Florida's contribution
• Before we go on, Senator Davis, I understand you have a recognition. All senators voted.
• Before we go on, Senator Davis, I understand you have a recognition.
• Senator Davis has a recognition? Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. President.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several introductions recognizing guests, family members, and a USF Day at the Capitol presentation. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar, where it first passed two Open Government Sunset Review bills: CS/SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008/HB 7003, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both measures passed unanimously. The Senate also passed CS/SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, a bill intended to help victims enforce judgments against terrorist entities, and CS/CS/SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, aimed at improving veterans’ access to benefits and transition support. Additional measures passed included CS/CS/CS/SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, CS/CS/CS/SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, and several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric and Jennifer Miles on behalf of EEM, and Marcus Button. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements also passed after an amendment making texting while driving a moving violation with points and a distracted-driving course requirement. The most extended debate centered on CS/CS/CS/SB 700, where senators discussed provisions on fluoride in drinking water, labeling of plant-based products, drone penalties, charity registration, agricultural housing, and other agriculture-related policy changes. Several amendments on fluoride were offered and defeated, while a technical amendment on financial institution definitions was adopted. Senators also briefly discussed the policy implications of the bill’s fluoride language and its relationship to local control and public health. Several other bills on the calendar were temporarily postponed, and at the end of the session the Senate adopted motions to certify passed bills to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and remove CS/SB 7016 from the special order calendar. The Senate then adjourned until April 16.

Transcript Highlights:

• back to the guiding principles referenced at the beginning and around the community committee, our recognition
• You know, one thing I would just say is that since the pandemic, I would say the recognition of the power
• the the pandemic, I would say the since the the pandemic, I would say the the<00:26:49.200> recognition
• the<00:26:50.559> power<00:26:50.799> of<00:26:51.360> unified the recognition
• of the power of unified the recognition of the power of unified enterprise<00:26:53.120> IT<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• President, move adoption of the resolution. resolution. resolution.
• Resolutions right now. We're on resolutions. Senator Wagner, you got any resolutions?
• resolution from Rules. resolution from Rules.
• resolution from rules. resolution from rules.
• . resolution. resolution.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Todd Freeman, Superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, as Alabama Superintendent of the Year. Senators praised his leadership in public education and noted the recognition was especially meaningful as one of the last such honors in the current chamber. The Senate also adopted a resolution commending the 2026 Alabama Law Institute Senate interns for their service, and members offered personal remarks thanking the interns and encouraging them to remain and contribute to Alabama in the future. The chamber then took up several conference committee and House messages. The Senate concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 341 after extended remarks, and later concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 32, described as a veterans-related bill that would make benefits automatic for those under the federal poverty level and allow cities and counties to opt in for veterans above that level. The Senate also received House amendments to Senate Bill 199, concerning sex offenders, and voted to non-concur and send the bill to conference, naming conferees. In resolutions from the Rules Committee, the Senate adopted an amended House Joint Resolution 198 establishing the Alabama Mental Health Task Force. It also adopted House Joint Resolution 326, which recognizes the need for a north-south transportation route in East Alabama. Throughout the meeting, senators made extended floor remarks about slowing down on legislation, focusing on rural hospitals and other priorities, and the importance of treating children, seniors, and low-income residents fairly.

Transcript Highlights:

• The interest in farm-to-school is very, very high because of the recognition that if we can work with
• I think for CDFW it was definitely in recognition of the service-based budgeting.
• I think for CDFW it was definitely in recognition of the service-based budgeting.
• And so there's this recognition that we all appropriate funds for a program.
• And so there's this recognition that we all appropriate funds for a program.

Summary: The meeting began with a lengthy opening discussion with Secretary Karen Ross of the Department of Food and Agriculture, who reviewed the department’s proposed budget, emphasized California agriculture’s record output, and highlighted major priorities including climate-smart agriculture, groundwater management, local food systems, farm-to-school, food hubs, invasive pest prevention, bird flu response, and food safety. She also warned about federal budget cuts, especially at USDA and FDA, and discussed market access challenges abroad, rising input costs, labor shortages, and the need for automation and workforce training. Members raised questions about the future of Farm to School, the California Nutrition Incentive Program/Market Match, local food procurement, and how to better connect farmers to schools, food banks, and food hubs; Ross said the department had strong evidence the program benefits small farms and Title I schools and noted continued interest in building out local food infrastructure. The committee then took up item one on eliminating vacant positions at the Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Parks and Recreation, and Food and Agriculture. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that the Governor proposed eliminating 6,000 vacant positions statewide, with the Joint Legislative Budget Committee previously rejecting 650 of them, including 174 in these three departments. LAO and Finance said the vacancies represented a source of budget flexibility, but warned that eliminating them could create program impacts; LAO recommended retaining the special-funded positions at Fish and Wildlife and Food and Agriculture, while weighing the General Fund positions against other priorities. Finance argued the reductions were part of a broader budget-resiliency exercise and that departments could reclassify or shift vacancies to higher priorities. Members focused heavily on the practical impacts of the cuts. Assemblymember Petrie-Norris argued that Fish and Wildlife staffing shortages were already slowing permits needed for housing, clean energy, water, and transportation projects, and questioned the value of saving relatively small amounts of money. Fish and Wildlife officials said the department had prioritized mission-critical work and could still meet permitting obligations, but acknowledged limited-term staffing constraints. State Parks said the proposed ranger and maintenance cuts would not have immediate effects but could slow maintenance and eventually worsen deferred maintenance. Food and Agriculture said some of the eliminated positions supported early pest detection and eradication, but that the department believed it could still meet its mandate and reclassify positions if needed. The chair and several members signaled concern about the Fish and Wildlife and Parks cuts, while also noting the broader need for budget reductions. The committee then moved to item six, hearing an overview from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. Staff described the office’s role in CEQA implementation and said the budget requests were baseline funding to maintain existing functions, including IT services and administrative/legislative support, rather than new programs. The chair asked the presenters to move quickly through background material so the committee could get to questions, and the item began with no votes taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any member seek recognition? Representative Marzian. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Um, any member seek recognition?
• Um any<00:26:09.240> member<00:26:09.560> seek<00:26:09.840> recognition?
• No other members seeking recognition. Mr.
• other members seeking recognition. Mr. other members seeking recognition. Mr.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm disappointed we lost the recognition of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
• I'm disappointed we lost the recognition of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
• I'm disappointed we lost the recognition of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
• I'm disappointed we lost the recognition of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
• disappointed we lost uh the recognition disappointed we lost uh the recognition of<00:32:13.360>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite our vital contribution, we veterans have never been granted the full recognition we deserve.
• Despite our vital contribution, we veterans have never been granted the full recognition we deserve.
• No formal recognition, no title, just a simple license plate which he cherishes with pride and a state
• It is a recognition of duty, honor, and sacrifice, and it is long overdue. Thank you for your time.
• So, thank you for that recognition. So, thank you for that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• for compensated absences, which, for example, are annual and sick leave balances, and required recognition
• these SIF funds—that they were actually transferred to an account that was subject to their revenue recognition
• . ...to an account that was subject to their revenue recognition.
• As far as future agenda items, I would like this committee to take a serious look at... ...a resolution

Summary: The committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with the statewide Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and OMB reported a clean, unmodified opinion for the state, with strong financial results including a $40.6 billion net position, $30.99 billion in assets, $1.81 billion in liabilities, and continued Legacy Fund growth. OMB also explained the new GASB 101 compensated-absences reporting change and discussed pension-liability fluctuations tied to discount-rate assumptions and investment performance. Members asked about how the state compares to others and about the effect of short-term commodity price swings, and OMB said the report reflects actual fiscal-year results rather than forecasts. The committee then heard the University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund revenue, insufficient monitoring of service organizations at CTS, NDSU, and UND, improper bank reconciliations at Dakota College of Bottineau, Dickinson State, and Williston State, and investment/cash reconciliation problems at Bismarck State College related to bond proceeds. University officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations. Members raised questions about NDSU’s use of certificates of deposit, and university staff explained that CDs are used to earn interest on funds being accumulated for future projects. Several other audits were presented, most with clean opinions and no findings, including the State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Notable exceptions included a State Fair Association audit with an adverse opinion on the foundation component unit because its financial statements were not available for audit, and a Securities Department performance audit finding that performance-based pay increases and bonuses were issued without required evaluations. The committee also discussed the State Auditor’s future needs, including more staff capacity, data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, possible subpoena authority, independent legal counsel, and whether some audits—such as the Ethics Commission and State Fair—should be handled by independent third parties or under different statutory arrangements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The joint resolution, which was passed along with Senate Bill 2, yes, lays out the value assumptions
• And I do think judges in Texas—we should raise their base salary in recognition of the importance that
• We are very grateful for the recognition and support. And salaries for our skilled staff.
• We are very grateful for the recognition and support for the work that we do.

Bills: SB 1

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

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in closing, I hope to find a resolution that keeps GUIC available as an option.
• This is in recognition of the fact that there was a cut to the base that was made last year of about
• This is in recognition of the fact that there was a cut to the base that was made last year of about

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dispute resolution options: parents have access to mediation, state complaint procedures, and due process
• New resolutions have legislative resolution LR ...
• New resolutions have legislative resolutions LR 500 by Senator Klaus, LR 501, LR 502 by Senator Merman
• Dispute resolution options, Rules 9.12 through 9.15: parents have access to mediation, state complaint
• So that's why I'm standing up here and hopefully we will come to some kind of resolution.

Bills: LB815A, LB838A, LB912A, LB972A, LB1126A, LB962A, LB1114, LB921, LB937, LB803, LB803A, LB1032, LB1032A, LB1075, LB1075A, LB889, LB878, LB933, LB304, LB304A, LB1096, LB1096A, LB1165, LB1165A, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787

Keywords: LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill, Nebraska Department of Revenue, Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement and Collection Cash Fund, motor fuel tax, gas tax, fuel tax, tax enforcement, tax collection, cash fund, budget, state spending, per diem, salaries, fiscal year, enrollment and review, final reading, Nebraska

Transcript Highlights:

• So there they have statewide county-level weather stations that are providing a higher-resolution look
• So there they have statewide county-level weather stations that are providing a higher-resolution look
• So there they have statewide county-level weather stations that are providing a higher-resolution look
• And then at a higher resolution, we have weather stations that are designed for more of a local need.
• So the purpose of that project is to essentially get a high-resolution historical look at the disasters

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force met with a quorum, adopted the minutes from the previous meeting, and heard a presentation from Western Kentucky University’s Disaster Science Operations Center. WKU described its multidisciplinary disaster science effort, including meteorology, emergency management, the Kentucky State Climate Center, the Kentucky Mesonet, and the Disaster Science Operations Center, which was created in 2021 and serves as an operational hub for forecasting, emergency planning, crisis management, training, and decision support. Speakers emphasized applied learning, student field work, partnerships with industry and event venues, and a five-year NSF/UK-led research project focused on weather hazards, disaster preparedness, and building a statewide disaster database to improve mitigation and resilience. Members asked about flooding, the relationship to EKU’s program, Tennessee’s capabilities, and the timeline and goals for the research project; WKU said the data collection is underway and that the evidence suggests tornado risk is shifting east and occurring more at night. A WKU graduate student also described the value of hands-on storm-chasing and operational forecasting experience, saying it helped prepare her for work in forecasting and emergency management. Members asked about her motivation for joining the program and about the practical realities of storm chasing. The discussion also touched on whether Kentucky’s tornado risk is shifting east; WKU said the evidence from tornado observations and other studies points in that direction, with added concern about nighttime events and communicating warnings to vulnerable communities. The task force then heard from Amy Shaquinn of the Mayfield Graves County Long-Term Recovery Group, who outlined the county-level recovery process after the 2021 tornadoes. She said Kentucky ranks among the top states for federally declared disasters, has seen a high number of tornadoes in recent years, and also faces major flood risk and earthquake concerns along the New Madrid fault. Shaquinn stressed the distinction between immediate response and long-term recovery, explaining that response covers rescue, cleanup, temporary housing, and short-term assistance, while recovery is the longer effort to restore survivors to safe, sanitary, and secure housing through local long-term recovery groups. She said community-led recovery is essential and that preparedness and mitigation follow once immediate recovery needs are addressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 706, of course, related to recognition of handgun licenses issued by other states.
• That Senate Joint Resolution 34.
• Thank you. that we report it favorably, Senate joint resolution report favorably to the whole Senate
• Senate joint resolution 34 will be reported favorably to the whole Senate.
• Especially as we make This bill does not find any resolution.

Bills: SB3, SB810, SB965, SB1073, SB1119, SB1505, SB 3

Keywords: Texas Education Code, public schools, school district, open-enrollment charter school, teacher speech, employee speech, biological sex, pronouns, gender identity, retaliation, discipline, workplace protections, school personnel, education policy, LGBTQ, transgender, charter schools, SB 965, religious speech, prayer

Transcript Highlights:

• taxes; HB 2955, gasoline formulations and air quality; HCR 2047, legislative media and Samaria recognition
• taxes; HB 2955, gasoline formulations and air quality; HCR 2047, legislative media and Samaria recognition
• And whereas this day deserves recognition with events and activities that reflect the cultural values

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day and several guests, including advocates for rare diseases, a community civil rights leader, and representatives from Lucid Motors. The chamber also heard multiple personal privilege remarks honoring guests and community figures, and the clerk recorded attendance at 55 present, zero absent, and five excused. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered HB 2022, HB 2122, and HB 2138. HB 2022, an elections bill, was amended to extend provisions affecting overseas military voting and clarify observer access at voting locations; it received a do-pass recommendation. HB 2122, a technical reciprocity correction for engineers, also received a do-pass recommendation. HB 2138, a workers’ compensation cleanup bill clarifying coverage for firefighters as well as police, was amended and recommended do pass. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent the three bills to engrossing. On third reading, the House passed HB 2022, HB 2046 (probation-related changes), and HB 2116, which appropriates money to the Colorado River Litigation Fund. All three passed 56-0 with four not voting, and HB 2022 was passed as an emergency measure requiring a two-thirds vote. Members speaking on HB 2116 emphasized protecting Arizona’s Colorado River water rights and supporting litigation efforts. The session also included several commemorative remarks and announcements, including recognition of Notre Dame Preparatory’s state hockey championship, a proclamation for Mexican American Heritage Day, and a tribute to Mary Green as an early African-American pioneer in Arizona. The House later received first readings of multiple bills and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026.