Transcript Highlights:

• And I know that the future of all Texans need to be secured.
• And if you've got a soup today in the cafeteria here at the Capitol, there's a Graphic Packaging logo
• My colleagues on the Region C Board fully support and applaud your efforts to secure dedicated funding
• And that's every ratepayer, from a person living on Social Security to industrial users.
• And that's every ratepayer, from a person living on Social Security to industrial users.

Bills: HB1523, HB2109, HB2694, HB3525, HB3898, HB4646, HB5188, HB5219, HB5320, HB5651, HB5655, HB5659, HB5662, HB5672

Keywords: aquifer conservation, Class V injection well, environmental regulation, groundwater protection, municipal water supply, temporary prohibition, water management, reservoir construction, state water plan, Texas Water Code, environmental impact, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, elections, vacancies, resignation, HB 3525, North Texas Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater permit, permit amendment

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources heard House Bill 2109, which would remove certain long-proposed reservoir projects from the state water plan after 50 years without progress. Chairman Van Deaver and many landowners, local officials, timber interests, and conservation advocates testified in support, arguing that the Marvin Nichols Reservoir has burdened Northeast Texas landowners for decades with the threat of eminent domain, depressed property values, and uncertainty over homes, farms, ranches, schools, churches, and cemeteries. Supporters also said the project would flood tens of thousands of acres, require extensive mitigation, harm timber and agriculture, and that Texas now has better alternatives such as conservation, reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, and desalination. Several members expressed sympathy for the affected families and questioned whether a project could remain in the plan indefinitely without progress. Opposition came from North Texas water interests, including the North Texas Commission, Tarrant Regional Water District, and the Texas Water Association, who argued that the bill would interfere with the state’s long-term water planning process and remove needed future supply options for a fast-growing region. They said Region C faces major projected shortages by 2070, that conservation and reuse have already delayed the need for new supplies, and that reservoirs remain one tool in the state’s water-planning toolbox. TWDB staff explained the existing inter-regional conflict process and noted that the substitute would affect several unique reservoir sites, not just Marvin Nichols. After testimony, Chairman Van Deaver closed by urging passage of the bill, but the committee withdrew the substitute and left HB 2109 pending. The committee then took up House Bill 5188, a brackish groundwater bill. The author said the bill would reduce permitting burdens for wells in designated brackish groundwater production zones, and the committee substitute added requirements on monitoring, groundwater-rights ownership, and allocation of pumpage limits while removing some exclusions and export-fee provisions. Texas Wildlife Association testified against the bill, warning that the exemptions could weaken groundwater conservation districts’ ability to protect freshwater resources and surface-owner rights. San Antonio Water System testified in favor, saying brackish groundwater is a key future supply and that the substitute would help speed development of desalination and brackish projects. The Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts testified neutrally but raised concerns about reduced district oversight, especially around injection-well exclusions and the loss of export fees, and said discussions on the bill were ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a Ginnie Mae portfolio for our mortgage-backed securities.
• We have a Jeannie Mae portfolio for our mortgage-backed securities.
• We contract a private security firm.
• There is no safety or security on where your data is going.
• We contract a private security firm.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if the Chief of Domestic Security were aware of such a concerted... ...of Domestic Security were
• Sarge, please secure the chamber. The Senate will be in order.
• If we did that on the national level, we'd have national security issues.
• organizations, and potentially receive national and domestic security information.
• Those standards are those with which the Chief of Domestic Security applies.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief introduction of the doctor of the day before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up several claims bills, including SB 6/HB 6507 for relief of L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, which was described as compensation for severe injuries after DCF returned the child to unsafe parents; the House bill was substituted and passed 34-0. SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata, involving catastrophic injuries tied to FDOT negligence, was also substituted with the House version and passed 35-0. SB 42/HB 47 on specific medical diagnoses and child protective investigations passed 34-0 after supporters said it would require child protection teams to consider certain medical conditions that can mimic abuse. Later, SB 1002 on child welfare passed 37-0 after sponsors said it clarifies that parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect and allow earlier court intervention and services, while not changing parental rights law. The Senate then considered education and health-related measures. SB 206/HB 851 on students with autism spectrum disorder was amended to the House bill and passed 35-0; the sponsor said it expands teacher preparation, requires autism-related training, creates a loan forgiveness program, and adds salary supplements for teachers with autism endorsements. SB 556/HB 453 on high school diploma requirements passed 36-0 and would allow students with disabilities to use Special Olympics participation to satisfy PE requirements, while also fixing a marching band credit issue. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine passed 33-3, reestablishing licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors. SB 878/HB 1347 on clinical laboratory personnel passed 37-0 to address staffing shortages by aligning Florida more closely with federal CLIA standards. SB 914/HB 867 on dry needling by occupational therapists passed 37-0, clarifying authority for that treatment. SB 530 on state lotteries passed 36-0 with updates to operations, security, and retailer rules. SB 964/HB 6011 on financial disclosures and gifts/honoraria passed 36-0 after an amendment restored a percentage-based reporting option. The chamber also approved several government-administration and public-records measures. SB 326/HB 131 on curators of estates passed 36-0, updating probate rules for temporary court-appointed curators. SB 758/HB 625 on the Justice Administrative Commission passed 37-0 after an amendment broadened the judicial member to a judge or senior judge rather than only a circuit judge. SB 830 on public records passed 31-5, creating exemptions for the personal information of county and city managers and certain family members. The Senate also passed SB 21/HB 218 on land use regulations, which preserves hurricane-recovery restrictions in affected counties while lifting them later for unaffected counties, and the sponsor thanked colleagues for helping address unintended consequences from prior law. SB 354 on Blue Ribbon Projects was debated extensively over concerns about local control, conservation protections, and vague standards; after a late amendment excluding data centers from commercial areas, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than passed. Finally, SB 1632/HB 1471 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles and domestic terrorist designations drew significant debate over references to Sharia law, religious freedom, notice, and due process; one amendment striking Sharia references failed, and a second amendment with broader revisions was under discussion when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It gives me great pride to drive up Lincoln Boulevard and see the state capitol, knowing that as an individual
• So, we feel like this is probably going to be like an OA personnel whose either pay or job security may

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Budget trailer bill AB 137 has allowed for SVTAP contracts to have security regardless of a continuous
• And now we'll have the mayors, who are no strangers to our Capitol building here and do good work in

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact met on July 11, 2025, and heard six measures focused on small business contracting, ports and trade, local economic development, clean energy transition, tariff impacts, and infrastructure finance. SB 70 would raise the Small Business Procurement and Contract Act contract cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and index it to inflation; supporters said it would reflect current economic conditions, while opponents argued it could reduce transparency, favor larger firms, and strain small businesses’ ability to carry inventory and wait for payment. The bill was approved 7-0 to Appropriations. AJR 14 urged federal agencies to consider the effects of tariff policy on California ports, with testimony emphasizing impacts on cargo volumes, jobs, supply chains, and infrastructure needs; it passed 7-0. SB 781 would require cities and counties to adopt small business utilization plans and strengthen the California Small Business Technical Assistance Program; chambers of commerce and committee members supported it as a way to expand procurement opportunities and technical assistance, and it passed 7-0 to Local Government. SB 227 would extend and expand the Green Empowerment Zone in Contra Costa County, add environmental justice representatives, and extend authorization to 2040; it passed 7-0 to the floor. SB 263 would direct the California Transportation Agency to study the statewide impacts of tariffs, with supporters from the ports, retail, and trucking sectors arguing that better data is needed to guide budgeting and policy responses; it passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 769 would create the Golden State Infrastructure Fund to finance major infrastructure projects through a revolving public-private investment model; supporters said it would help address long-term infrastructure needs and prepare for major events, and the bill passed 6-0 to Appropriations after opposition was withdrawn. All measures were reported out of committee, and the meeting adjourned at 10:39 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• IF WE ARE GETTING A TAX BREAK WE MUST ALSO MAKE IT EASIER TO SECURE IT.
• A SLIGHTLY REBRANDED VERSION OF THE FAILED NEW MARKETS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM THAT ADVANTAGE CAPITOL LOBBIED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the 4th time this legislation has come to Come to the state capitol.
• This bill seeks to enhance the privacy and security of judges by making it more difficult for bad actors

Bills: HB 408, HB 787, HB 1029, HB 1126, HB 1136, HB 1607

Keywords: cultural attractions, highway signs, Texas Department of Transportation, travel guidance, Museum of the Big Bend, traffic control, tourism, sunscreening devices, motor vehicle, judicial specialty license plate, vehicle safety, Texas Transportation Code, disability, parking, Governor's Committee, mobility impairment, disabled veterans, legislative recommendations, license plates, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senate Bill 2654, State Security Operations, create within the Mississippi Department of Information
• please read the title. >> House Bill 1596, money transmitters required to implement certain data security
• I move that we do reconsider the vote by which the bill passed. development clinical trial which secure
• development clinical trial which secure FDA's<04:06:25.920> approval<04:06:26.440> of.
• is at 6:15 tonight at the old Capitol is at 6:15 tonight at the old Capitol for<04:09:51.120>

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 10 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and then dispensed with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests and pages were introduced, including junior pages, a doctor of the day, Farm Bureau representatives, and other visitors in the galleries. The chamber also recognized a birthday and welcomed a House member to the Senate. On the calendar, the Senate took up several bills and mostly adopted strike-all amendments before passing them, often by morning roll call. These included HB 1646, which increased disaster trust fund transfer limits for declared and non-declared disasters; HB 1649, which authorized additional state fund transfers for Main Street revitalization projects and increased the total authorized expenditure; HB 1653, which kept a local improvements project fund bill alive for possible repurposing of funds, including a Mississippi Valley State residence hall project; and HB 669, which allowed patrons to bring wine into licensed premises with a corkage fee and changed wine shipment reporting from quarterly to semiannual. HB 1620 created an economic zone around the Chevron refinery in Jackson County, and HB 2787 changed school district gas-piping inspection requirements from annual testing to a two-year cycle, with funding support from gas companies. The Senate also handled several concurrence and conference motions on House and Senate bills, including SB 2263 on probable-cause requirements for Marine Resources officers boarding or stopping vessels, SB 2524 establishing the Postsecondary Attainment Council, and SB 2597 involving the ABC warehouse transfer in Madison County, with the chamber choosing not to concur and to invite conference on those items. SB 2368 made technical changes to the higher education legislative plan grant program, and SB 2526 on the Rural Water Oversight Committee returned with changes removing a reverse repealer and shifting administration of some duties to a nonprofit using rural water revolving loan funds. The Senate also tabled motions to reconsider on some items, and one nomination-related motion drew extended remarks about the role of the capital post-conviction counsel office and respect for crime victims.

Transcript Highlights:

• one time to continue cyber security one time to continue cyber security consultant<01:01:08.319>
• ,<01:07:53.119> reliable initiative to ensure secure, reliable initiative to ensure secure
• don't reduce the security don't reduce the security vulnerabilities Vulnerabilities, vulnerabilities
• Again, most of the stuff is security.
• ><01:43:25.440> we<01:43:25.600> could minimum security inmates, it we could minimum security

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The new part is they have to provide the Social Security number on the paper form.
• Okay, so the form that they submit now includes Social Security number. That is correct. Mr.
• and address and and your Social Security and address and and your Social Security number<01:02:23.200
• number so do I understand Security number so do I understand correctly<01:03:05.799> that<01:
• the social security number on the<01:03:21.480> paper<01:03:21.760> form<01:03:22.440>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for the safety, security, and comfort of all attendees, Please note the following guidelines.
• Troopers and House security personnel are present to ensure everyone's safety.
• So, thanks, Kaggel. security personnel are present to ensure security personnel are present to ensure
• Capitol. Uh Lisa Gujier who was a St. Capitol. Uh Lisa Gujier who was a St.
• I'm looking forward to being back at the Capitol with you all in person soon.

Bills: HF3429, HF3418, HF3431, HF1597

Keywords: intelligent speed assistance, transportation, speeding offenses, public safety, license restrictions, speed control, pedestrian safety, traffic safety, roadway improvements, nonmotorized transportation, crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, complete streets, Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, MnDOT, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, local road authority

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, sustainable aviation fuel is one of the specific examples of buyers interested in securing
• buyers interested in securing buyers interested in securing certificates<00:04:52.520> for
• I have been a strong supporter, and when I then came to the Capitol and had the good fortune of serving
• I have been a strong supporter, and when I then came to the Capitol and had the good fortune of serving
• I have been a strong supporter, and when I then came to the Capitol and had the good fortune of serving

Bills: HF2103, HF2793

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, community solar, energy policy, sustainability, solar garden program, regulation sunset, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• legislative email, there's a risk that they are included in Senate or House-wide emails regarding security
• So, Article 1 includes appropriations for the legislature to support ongoing security measures, added
• the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, grants to public television stations, and the Capitol
• legislature to support ongoing security legislature to support ongoing security measures.<00:57:
• Mall Design Framework and the Capitol Mall Design Framework for<00:57:29.920> a<00:57:30.000>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are community bankers from all over the great state of Wyoming who have come to the Capitol on
• state of Wyoming who have come<00:23:48.480> to<00:23:49.200> the<00:23:49.520> capitol
• and<00:23:50.320> the<00:23:50.480> snowy<00:23:50.960> day come to the capitol
• and the snowy day come to the capitol and the snowy day toh<00:23:51.840> be<00:23:52.000>
• , security, security, functionality<01:02:01.760> of<01:02:02.000> their<01:02:02.240><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Treatment centers charge per month what my husband receives from Social Security in a year.
• I was told it was national security, and I was given a direct order to which I had to answer, 'C.R.,
• And so one of the things that they have done is continue to come to the Capitol with the lobbyists.
• I am representing the SREC Election Integrity Committee and the SRC Secure Texas Elections Legislative
• And then we ended up taking the flag down off in the Capitol and handed it to Colleen after we passed

Bills: SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Housing and security among our students reduces the power and promise of higher education to transform
• Housing and security among our students reduces the power and promise of higher education to transform
• lives, and security among our students reduces the power and promise of higher education to transform
• AB 675 will secure the future of California's Farm to School program by making it a state law.
• AB 675 will secure the future of California's Farm to School program by making it a state law.

Summary: The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, established a quorum after a roll call, and proceeded through a long House of Origin floor session with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine parliamentary actions. Early in the day, a motion by Assembly Member Gallagher to suspend the rules and take up AB 12 immediately failed on a 18-39 vote. The chamber then moved through the daily file, with many measures passing by wide margins, often with bipartisan support and little or no opposition. Among the notable bills discussed were measures on law enforcement oversight and records access (AB 847), CalFresh data-sharing exemptions (AB 593), campus-area housing for students and staff (AB 893), insurance and wildfire hardening updates (AB 1), missing middle housing code changes (AB 6), tribal peace officer status in a pilot program (AB 31), utility bill analysis before new mandates (AB 61), fairgrounds funding (AB 258), Diwali as a state holiday (AB 268), labor and worker organizing rights (AB 288), algorithmic price-fixing and antitrust enforcement (AB 325), elections and jail voter information (AB 331), protections for judges and court personnel (AB 343 and AB 352), school construction procurement (AB 361), school-zone speed limits (AB 382), transit worker protections (AB 394), blue carbon coastal mitigation (AB 399), K-9 standards for law enforcement (AB 400), livestock carcass composting (AB 411), translation of housing materials (AB 413), immigrant educational rights notices (AB 419), gun violence restraining order implementation (AB 451), special education and child care measures (AB 560 and AB 563), cannabis tax relief (AB 564), and disability access protections for businesses (AB 649). Several bills addressed housing, energy, public health, and public safety, and many authors emphasized affordability, transparency, and administrative efficiency. The session also included several ceremonial or recognition items, including ACR 73 declaring Italian American Heritage Month, which was adopted by voice vote after 65 coauthors were added. Most measures were approved overwhelmingly, though a few drew some dissent, including AB 421? no—AB 399 passed 42-30, AB 450 passed 49-6, AB 461 passed 49-8, and AB 621 passed 58-0. The transcript ends partway through AB 772, which was introduced as an educational equity bill addressing cyberbullying after school hours, but the remainder of that item is not included in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first exception is that the federal earned income credit requires taxpayers to have a Social Security
• 02:43.280> Social requires taxpayers to have a Social requires taxpayers to have a Social Security
• number to file and claim the Security number to file and claim the credit<00:02:45.599> and<00
• We have worked at the Capitol to expand the Working Family Credit and create a robust version of the
• <00:14:42.680> puzzle to the family Economic Security puzzle to the family Economic Security

Bills: HF2254, HF2302, HF2502, HF2315, HF2475, HF2086

Keywords: HF2254, Minnesota child credit, baby bonus, child tax credit, income tax, individual income tax, tax relief, newborn, birth credit, family tax credit, tax refund, advance payment, Department of Revenue, taxable year, parenting, families with children, child credit, state regulations, families, taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• >> [applause] Welcome to your Capitol. Good-looking group of young people.
• Glad to have you here, your Capitol. Welcome. >> [applause] Gentleman from Warren, Mr. Ford.
• Welcome to the Capitol. Welcome. >> [applause] long term friend, David Dabbs.
• Welcome to the Capitol. >> [applause] Gentleman from Panola, Mr. Hawkins. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• So, welcome to your Capitol.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 24 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with a prayer by guest minister Lee Carson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After a quorum was confirmed, the journal reading was dispensed with and there were no reports from select committees or resolutions, petitions, or memorials. Members then introduced a large number of guests, with many of the introductions focused on pharmacists and pharmacy owners from across Mississippi, along with visitors from the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind and other local guests in the galleries. During the floor proceedings, members also announced that students from the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind would be available to meet legislators in Room 402, and the clerk announced a public utilities joint hearing with the Senate Energy Committee later that day. Representative Powell reminded members that the Beam office had broadband maps available in Room 204 for review. Representative Eubanks distributed information about the Morgan Freeman Symphonic Blues Experience, and Representative Ford announced an evening Builders and Contractors of Mississippi crawfish boil. On the legislative calendar, Representative Robertson moved to invite conference on House Bill 1395, and the motion was adopted. The House then recessed subject to call so members could wait for state championship teams expected from the Senate for recognition, but before that occurred, the chamber later adjourned on motion of the gentleman from Rankin until 10:00 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker and a Lieutenant Governor have ever joined a committee. going out somewhere, or even at the Capitol
• Ulysses on various county roads and a local tech stop maintenance section with a. 11 employees to secure
• Valley the night of July 5th when I was holding security to secure the items that I had secured.
• My name is Jacob Wellens, I live here in Kirk County, I work in cyber security incident response.
• represent you at the Capitol? Absolutely, Texas Association of Counties.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This afternoon, as I was walking back into the Capitol after...
• This afternoon, as I was walking back into the Capitol after lunch, I passed by, as you all probably
• myself but reflect on the fact that about 50% of those middle schoolers that were hanging out on the Capitol
• It's stability, security, the ability to study in an environment where students support each other rather

Bills: HB4, HB20

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2853, which would allow the UT System Board of Regents to adjust the University of Texas at El Paso student union fee above the current statutory cap, subject to student approval, to help fund a new student union building. Senator Blanco explained the bill and the committee substitute, there were no questions or witnesses, public testimony was closed, and the committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending subject to the call of the chair. The committee then heard House Bill 610, which would limit severance payments for terminated independent school district superintendents to six months’ salary and benefits. Senator Paxton described large severance payouts and said the bill had passed the House overwhelmingly. There were no witnesses, public testimony was closed, and the bill was left pending. A lengthy hearing followed on House Bill 4623, which would waive school district immunity in certain cases involving negligent hiring, supervision, or employment of professional school employees who commit abuse or related misconduct against students. Senator Paxton and several witnesses, including survivors and parents, argued the bill was needed to address cover-ups, delayed reporting, and repeated failures to remove dangerous employees; some members raised concerns about liability caps, litigation, and how the bill would interact with the Tort Claims Act. The committee also heard from TEA staff and employee-group witnesses who discussed possible injunctions and stronger no-hire protections. Public testimony was then closed and the bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4, an accountability and assessment bill that would restore A-F ratings, change the state testing system, and replace STAAR with shorter, more instructionally useful assessments. Senator Bettencourt explained the committee substitute, including annual ratings, limits on taxpayer-funded lawsuits, and a phased-in testing redesign with beginning, middle, and end-of-year assessments. Testimony was generally supportive from education and business groups, though some witnesses favored norm-referenced testing while others emphasized criterion-referenced, TEKS-aligned assessments; one witness noted social studies assessments were restored in the bill. The hearing concluded with additional invited testimony and no final vote reported in the transcript.