Transcript Highlights:

• needed, and I'm not afraid to roll up my sleeves and be in the trenches with the team to find a solution
• needed, and I'm not afraid to roll up my sleeves and be in the trenches with the team to find a solution
• Gas Corbella, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, is waiving in support. Thank you.

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of health care, Medicaid, and patient-access measures, along with confirmation votes. The committee first reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal obligations, deleting a section affecting nursing home facility records, and setting a January 1, 2026 effective date; the bill then passed favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after Harris testified about priorities including financial accountability, managed care oversight, transparency, and quality improvement. Senators asked about audit findings and Medicaid managed care performance, and several witnesses and committee members voiced support for her appointment. The committee then advanced a series of bills, most of them with amendments, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on death certification by physician assistants and APRNs, SB 1412 on home health administration flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies by physicians, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills received support from industry, advocacy, or provider groups and were reported favorably as committee substitutes. The most debated measure was SB 1270, a broad strike-all amendment combining provisions on mRNA vaccine documentation, vaccination-status protections in the Patient Bill of Rights, medical marijuana reporting and background-screening definitions, compact language, and volunteer immunity. The committee heard extensive testimony both for and against the vaccine-related provisions, including concerns about discrimination, patient safety, provider discretion, and medical liability. After additional technical amendments and a time-certain motion, the bill passed favorably as a committee substitute, with Senators Davis and Osgood voting no and Senator Harrell expressing a weak yes. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I do just want to say, a lot of people think that underground power is a solution.
• So looking at solutions for how we can keep our community members locally is really critical.
• think it's important to realize that the funding for this debris removal is not ad valorem taxes or gas

Transcript Highlights:

• Somebody told me that working public safety with certain people in this chamber was like using my gas-powered
• struck down and cost taxpayers tens of, not millions of, dollars in litigation is not a constructive solution

Keywords: March 05, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, we offer telemed solutions and things like that.
• And so, working with Dcu, working with other We have sought guidance and counsel from the oil and gas

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Conservancy to try to conduct a situational analysis to figure out what would be some long-term solutions
• changes every year based on how many bullets people buy, how many fishing poles they buy, how much boat gas

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a solution in search of a problem.
• This clarification is made at the request of the Texas Oil and Gas Association and clarifies that electronic

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and then handled several procedural matters, including a failed motion to excuse Senator Johnson’s absence after a roll-call vote. The chamber also postponed the reading and referral of bills until later in the calendar and adopted motions allowing the Education K-16 Committee to meet while the Senate was in session. The Senate then recessed until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6. The main floor action centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 9, which lowers the voter-approval tax rate for certain cities and counties from 3.5% to 2.5% for maintenance and operations. Senator Bettencourt argued the bill would slow local property tax growth and align city and county limits more closely with school district limits, while Senators Hinojosa and Menendez raised concerns about reduced local revenue, public safety funding, and the short time for cities to assess the impact. The Senate suspended the regular order, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the constitutional three-day rule, and finally passed SB 9, with a clarification later entered that the final passage vote was 18-3. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 7, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, which sets state policy for the use of certain spaces and facilities according to biological sex and creates enforcement mechanisms for state agencies and political subdivisions. Supporters said the bill was needed to protect women and children in restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and schools, while opponents questioned the scope, enforcement, civil penalties, and possible conflicts with federal law and local control. After extensive questioning, the chamber adopted a clarifying amendment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed SB 7 by a vote of 19-2. Finally, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 15, which addresses deed fraud and real property theft by tightening recording requirements for certain property documents and creating new criminal offenses for real property theft and fraud. Senator Hinojosa explained that the bill combined civil and criminal provisions, added photo ID requirements for in-person filings, and included restitution and enhanced penalties for certain victims and properties; a floor amendment made cleanup changes, removed a training mandate, and clarified that electronic and mail filings were not affected. The Senate adopted the amendment, suspended the three-day rule, and passed SB 15 unanimously, 21-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• Challenges in border security, water crisis, affordability crisis, cybersecurity, some oil and gas concerns
• prioritize, prioritizes residents' voices and local partnerships, creating holistic place-based solutions

Transcript Highlights:

• 21 Miller leaders of Ivy Hydrogen peroxide over 5 times as well as administering to him direct ozone gas
• open and willing to consider changes that some would like to make that I believe we must pursue a solution

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• not a solution.
• And that's, I work at a large oil and gas company.
• So those are all good things that may have a chance to be part of the solutions.
• I know you're not getting into solutions, but... ...extraordinarily variable.
• I know you're not getting into solutions, but you were listening.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At that time, a wide variety of solutions were thought of and put into place.
• Dan Failen: At that time, a wide variety of solutions were thought of and put into place.
• But the ratepayers do because if we put in a new pipeline, for example, a gas pipeline, and gas prices
• It's not like they need to go buy more natural gas capability because I put in solar panels.
• It's not like they need to go buy more natural gas capability because I put in solar panels.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• do this; a few years back they got relief from the EPA, and this has been what it is: reformulated gas
• do this; a few years back they got relief from the EPA, and this has been what it is: reformulated gas
• ><00:02:24.440> reformulated been what it is is reformulated been what it is is reformulated gas
• supposedly<00:02:28.440> reduces<00:02:29.200> the<00:02:29.480> emission gas
• uh supposedly reduces the emission gas uh supposedly reduces the emission for<00:02:31.360> uh

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:56 SJR 28 Discussion 01:44 SJR 28 Roll Call Vote 03:32 SB 179 Discussion 04:08 SB 179 Roll Call Vote 07:33, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the minutes. After no special guests were recognized, members took up a joint resolution carried by Senator Nemes for Senator Adams concerning reformulated gasoline requirements in Jefferson County and parts of Oldham and Bullitt counties. The resolution would direct the Energy and Environmental Cabinet to revise the state air quality implementation plan to remove the reformulated gas mandate. Senator Nemes argued the requirement is outdated and has little practical effect given modern vehicles and fuel standards, and members voted to pass the resolution unanimously. The committee then heard Senate Bill 179 from Senator Danny Carroll, which would create a nuclear energy development grant program within the Nuclear Energy Development Authority. Carroll explained that the bill would set aside $10 million from the previously appropriated $40 million investment for grants supporting nuclear energy development in Kentucky, with grants capped at $2 million and administered entirely by NEITA rather than through Economic Development. He and several members emphasized the need for Kentucky to invest in nuclear energy to keep pace with states like Tennessee, which was cited as having invested heavily and attracting business activity around small modular reactors. Members expressed strong support for the bill, with Senator West and others praising the initiative and calling it important for Kentucky’s energy future. The committee voted the bill out favorably with an expression that it shall pass. Before adjournment, the chair encouraged members to review the other energy bills that had been heard recently and stressed the importance of moving quickly on energy policy measures. A motion was then requested to close the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Was there any consideration around, like, a break on gas, like some sales tax relief around gas?
• done stuff about gas previously.
• done stuff about gas previously.
• No, they're saying I can't afford gas. Publix groceries are going up because of gas prices.
• No, they're saying I can't afford gas. Publix groceries are going up because of gas prices.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• administration that was promised to bring lower cost and deal with inflation and we have seen no solutions
• He led the Columbia University Surgical Labs. where he pursued cutting-edge solutions to heart disease
• I began developing high-tech solutions, life-saving medical breakthroughs, ranging from mechanical hearts
• We have to provide a better solution for the people in those areas, a financially viable one for the
• Well, Senator Scott, thank you for bringing sickle cell anemia and similar CRISPR solutions into the

Keywords: Michael Falkender, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, IRS, taxpayer privacy, nomination process, committee hearing

Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot come up with solutions.
• We will come up with some solutions, but the work will not be done.
• I know we can find solutions together. Dalton. Lieutenant Governor.
• The software solution will integrate existing sensors.
• Let's back local solutions for the resources they need.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our citizens are looking for relief from all the various costs that are rising: insurance, housing, gas
• However, we don't believe that dramatically reducing property taxes is the long-term solution.
• So we do need relief, but eliminating homestead property taxes is not the solution.
• How about gas tax relief? Anything. I cannot support this.
• I was up for the last few nights looking to find solutions.

Summary: The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes by lowering assessment caps on non-homestead property, expanding homestead exemptions over time, and allowing local governments to increase exemptions further. The sponsor argued the measure would provide broad property tax relief while requiring revenues to be directed to core services such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and natural resource projects, with a trust fund intended to help local governments transition. Senators raised concerns about the lack of a fiscal score, the effect on counties, cities, school districts, and special districts, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. Several amendments were debated. Senator Polsky’s amendment to explicitly authorize user fees and non-ad valorem assessments to offset lost property tax revenue failed. Senator Avila’s amendment broadening permissible uses of ad valorem revenue to include county constitutional officers and other expenditures approved by local governing bodies was adopted after debate over whether the bill would otherwise underfund essential functions. Senator Smith’s sunset amendment, which would have made the constitutional changes expire after five years, failed. Senator Smith’s amendment to allow tourism development tax revenue to support public safety and education also failed. Senator Graal’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund language was adopted, with supporters arguing the Constitution should not promise an unfunded account. Additional late-file amendments were considered. Senator Berman’s proposal to change the ballot title to more neutrally describe the measure as affecting property taxes and local community service reductions failed. Senator Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal was adopted, preserving school taxes. Senator Smith’s amendment narrowing the non-homestead assessment cap reduction to small businesses only failed. The committee then returned to the bill as amended and continued questioning the sponsor about eligibility, fiscal impacts, and whether the proposal could lead to local governments offsetting lost revenue through special assessments or other charges.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just make one more comment: this was the best solution to the previous bill that was submitted
• And I just make one more comment: this was the best solution to the previous bill that was submitted
• And I just make one more comment: this was the best solution to the previous bill that was submitted
• to the previous bill that was solution to the previous bill that was submitted<01:39:10.599> that
• Commission cover the response and watching drunks enter the establishment, and that won't cover the gas

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up an amendment to a bill dealing with digital assets, zoning, utilities, and noise. Members discussed removing the “private key” language, clarifying that the bill would prohibit state or local governments from treating digital asset mining differently from other industrial uses, and narrowing several provisions based on feedback from the Municipal Association. There was also discussion about electricity use, rate schedules, and whether the bill would allow payment of electric bills in Bitcoin; members clarified that bills would still be paid in dollars and that discriminatory rates were not allowed. The amendment was approved on a straw vote, and the committee then voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. The committee then considered a separate bill related to a paint stewardship program. The sponsor explained that the amendment would remove references to a fee structure that had troubled him in public hearing, while still preserving the plan and oversight by the Department of Environmental Services. Members discussed whether the bill’s liability and disclosure language affected antitrust concerns, and a representative from the American Coatings Association testified that the program’s environmental management practices and liability provisions were intended to ensure responsible handling and cleanup. The committee ultimately voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. Later, the subcommittee moved to liquor-related business. It first voted unanimously, 7-0, to retain a cannabis-related item. It then discussed a tavern license bill that would create a 21-plus tavern category, with the Liquor Enforcement Division explaining that the restriction was tied to alcohol-only venues and the potential for late-night entertainment and nightclub-style operations. Members raised concerns about local control and public safety, and the discussion referenced existing cocktail lounge rules and the possibility of towns opting into such a license. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on that item is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And yes, we did approve that for natural gas.
• Natural gas plants, I think, are in the neighborhood of $800 million or something like... page 4 from
• And yes, we did approve that for natural gas.
• Natural gas plants, I think, are in the neighborhood of $800 million or something like Gas.
• Natural gas plants, I think, are in the neighborhood of $800 million or something like that.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Working a lot with our friends in oil and gas and a lot of those companies that are kind of headquartered
• So oil and gas is the big one because they're a big revenue generator out here, both on the production
• So oil and gas is the big one because they're a big revenue generator out here, both on the production
• You mentioned shared services being a potential solution as opposed to creating more of a centralized
• You mentioned shared services being a potential solution as opposed to creating more of a centralized

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system. Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education. Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• When those total balances are gone, then you need another solution to pay for operating budgets.
• When those total balances are gone, then you need another solution to pay for operating budgets.
• Where are we that we are looking to Pew to help us bring forward solutions? What's the problem?
• Where are we that we are looking to Pew to help us bring forward solutions? What's the problem?
• bring forward solutions? What's the problem?

Summary: The committee held its first meeting, with co-chairs and members introducing themselves and staff outlining the committee’s statutory mandate under the 2025-27 supplemental operating budget. Staff explained that the Joint Legislative-Executive Committee on Budget Transparency and Fiscal Sustainability will receive technical assistance from a nonpartisan organization, with work split into two phases: first on revenue growth, spending assumptions, and cost drivers in the four-year outlook, and later on staffing, overhead, performance management, and public reporting. Members broadly said they hoped the committee would build a shared factual understanding of the state’s fiscal situation, structural deficits, and budget processes, and identify a sustainable path forward for the operating budget. Staff then gave a detailed presentation on operating budget basics. They reviewed the size and composition of the operating budget, noting that most spending is concentrated in grants/client services and salaries/benefits, with K-12, DSHS, HCA, DCYF, DOC, and higher education making up most NGFO spending. They explained the distinction between constitutional, federal, statutory, and discretionary spending, using examples such as K-12, Medicaid, collective bargaining agreements, court-driven obligations like McCleary and Trueblood, and one-time appropriations. They also walked through how the state uses incremental budgeting, carry-forward and maintenance-level calculations, caseload and per-capita forecasting, and the four-year balanced budget outlook, including reserve calculations and the budget stabilization account. Members asked extensive questions about what is and is not included in the outlook, especially future collective bargaining agreements, health care and compensation growth, tort and other liabilities, and whether the state could better distinguish mandatory from discretionary spending. Staff explained that current CBAs and other already-enacted obligations are included, but future CBAs are not; some liabilities are reflected as expenditures when appropriated, while broader long-term liabilities are not fully captured in the outlook because they depend on future policy choices. Staff also noted that the legislature and ERFC can adopt assumptions such as reversions and growth factors, and that an outlook accuracy report is produced every five years to compare projected and actual maintenance-level spending. The committee agreed to follow up on some of the more complex liability and assumption questions. After a short break, Josh Goodman of the Pew Charitable Trusts began a presentation on Pew’s role and approach to state fiscal sustainability. He described Pew as a nonpartisan organization with long-standing state fiscal research, emphasizing its 50-state comparative data, interviews with state officials and experts, and focus on long-term sustainability, reserve policies, and recession preparedness. The presentation was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's got to be a financial solution statewide to help those communities build back better on the utility
• They would love to do septic-to-sewer, but there's no funding solution available.
• and the inability to run generators after a fire, especially if they're on propane, because natural gas
• So it's highlighting the importance of the need, but being open about, we don't have a solution for that
• It's a full-on solution to the prevention, a full-on solution to the prevention, which you're all talking

Keywords: 988, house, all