Transcript Highlights:

• We get a lot of evidence in the mail now, and in the current state of the mail system, that concerns

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and began with introductions from members and staff, who shared brief personal facts. Chair Franson then announced that the committee would hear the governor’s bonding request for state agencies, starting with the Department of Public Safety. Commissioner Bob Jacobson, BCA Superintendent Drew Evans, and State Patrol Colonel Christina Boich were introduced as the presenters. The Department of Public Safety focused on three capital projects: a new Southern BCA regional office and laboratory, an expansion of the BCA regional office and laboratory in northern Minnesota, and a new Minnesota State Patrol headquarters funded with trunk highway cash. Evans said the BCA’s St. Paul headquarters is severely overcrowded and that demand has grown because of sexual assault kit testing, digital evidence work, drug evidence, and a sharp rise in cybercrime and child exploitation cases. He said the regional facilities would improve turnaround times, reduce travel for testimony and evidence drop-off, expand training access for local law enforcement, and allow the BCA to serve southern and northern Minnesota more efficiently. Members questioned the high cost of the projects, including Representative Skraba’s concern about the per-square-foot cost. Evans responded that the facilities are expensive because they are specialized laboratories, not office buildings, and must include costly equipment, HVAC systems, redundant power, and other lab-specific features; he said retrofitting existing buildings would cost about the same as new construction. He also said the Southern Minnesota project had increased from about $48 million to $68.1 million due to final design changes, larger space needs, and rising construction costs. Representative Sexton asked about training availability, and Evans said the new facility would include a classroom for 40 to 60 students and could be used by other agencies at low or no cost. Representative Hansen asked about regional training centers, and Evans said the BCA uses them for specialized training but still needs this classroom-based regional space. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• your screen, J-L-A-R-C at L-E-G.WA.gov. ...which is on your screen, J-L-A-R-C at L-E-G.WA.gov, or by mail

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee held a hybrid hearing to receive three State Auditor’s Office performance audits. The first audit examined implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act. Auditors said the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training, but six community/cultural topics were still unfinished, the patrol tactics curriculum was incomplete in one area, and the agency lacked a systematic project management approach. They reported that most officers had not completed the 40 required hours, with low participation in patrol tactics training, weak communication, limited data to track compliance, and ineffective incentives or consequences. Committee members questioned staffing, liability, and enforcement, and the Commission said it generally agreed with the findings and had begun implementing recommendations, including improving training development and communication. The second audit reviewed Washington’s digital equity planning. Auditors concluded the state lacked a comprehensive, unified digital equity strategy, a designated lead, and reliable funding. They said the existing PEAR/Impact Plan, BEAD five-year plan, and NTIA-approved digital equity plan each addressed parts of the issue but none provided a full statewide framework with clear authority across agencies. The Department of Commerce’s Broadband Office and the Office of Equity said they agreed with the findings and were open to working with the legislature and the Digital Equity Forum on a more structured approach. A public witness described local and regional digital equity planning efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination and community-based work. The third audit focused on Commerce’s management of the Digital Navigator Program. Auditors said Commerce did not consistently use a competitive process, did not adequately vet grantees and subgrantees, wrote contracts that lacked clear deliverables and monitoring requirements, failed to enforce reporting, and paid $10.7 million without sufficient documentation to verify reimbursement eligibility. They said agency staff had raised concerns that were ignored and that some payments and contract expansions occurred despite warnings. Commerce officials said new leadership had already begun major contract-management reforms, including centralized oversight, risk assessments, clearer documentation standards, and staff training, and they said they would pursue recapture where appropriate. Committee members expressed strong concern about accountability, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to mail a pocket constitution to the president on my dime.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Current law requires the agency to send notices and contested cases via certified mail.

Bills: HB 1301, HB2278, HB2776, HB2820, HB3848, HB3920, HB4172, HB4215, HB4284, HB4285, HB4463, HB4517, HB4690, HB4765, HB4766, HB4767, HB4768, HB4769, HB4773, HB4830, HB5506

Keywords: alcohol, beverages, winery permit, restaurant, malt beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, alcohol production, home brewing, family use, craft beverages, massage therapy, licensing, criminal offenses, sexually oriented businesses, public safety, bingo, charitable gaming, operating capital, regulation, funding

Summary: The Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures met with a quorum present, corrected the minutes from April 8, and then took up a long list of pending bills, most of which were reported favorably or left pending after hearing testimony. Early action included HB 1764 (accounting practice for certain out-of-state CPAs), HB 1788 (continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists on recognizing and assisting victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking), HB 2204 (land surveyor regulation), HB 2885 (local option elections on alcohol sales), HB 2996 (gambling offense definitions and prosecution), HB 3250 (real estate appraisals and appraisal management companies), HB 3352 (driver education on work zones), HB 3385 (farm winery permit), HB 3756 (powers of certain nonresident sellers’ permit holders who also hold a winery permit), HB 3816 (cruelty to livestock animals), HB 3913 (real estate licensing), and HB 3928 (electronic notice of towed vehicles), all of which were advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several of these bills were reported with committee substitutes, and some were also sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars. The committee then heard testimony on HB 2278, which would legalize limited home distilling of spirits for personal or family use and add honey as an approved ingredient; supporters framed it as a consistency and freedom issue, and the bill was left pending. HB 3920, a TDLR workforce/CTE bill, and HB 1301, which would allow beer or malt beverages to be sold at certain wineries with on-site restaurants, were also laid out and left pending after discussion. HB 2776, aimed at tightening massage therapy licensing restrictions for people convicted of sexual and trafficking-related offenses and strengthening TDLR enforcement, and HB 3848, which would allow electronic filing of elevator and escalator inspection reports, were both heard and left pending as well. A major portion of the meeting focused on alcohol-related bills. HB 4215 would place delivery network companies under a statewide TDLR regulatory framework; Favor Delivery supported it, and it was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. HB 4172 and HB 2820 would raise bingo reserve limits and update charitable bingo rules; supporters from veterans and nonprofit groups argued the changes would help charities, but both bills were left pending after the substitutes were withdrawn. HB 4463, a broadly supported bill allowing contract brewing and alternating brewery proprietorships, was also left pending. HB 4284 would remove the “excessive discount” prohibition in alcohol sales, HB 4285 would allow airlines to store alcohol within five miles of an airport in the same county, HB 4517 would create a complaint process for Texas distillers not paid by wholesalers, and HB 4773 would let breweries and brewpubs transport their own beer between facilities; HB 4773 drew the most debate, with supporters citing efficiency and opponents warning about unintended consequences and possible effects on the three-tier system, but it too was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending a series of TDLR cleanup bills and other measures, including HB 4765 through HB 4769, HB 4830 on service contracts for lease vehicles, HB 5506 giving civil immunity to ringside physicians at combative sports events, and HB 4690 on gasoline vapor pressure compliance. The meeting ended after all business was completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now they are looking at snail mail stuff that's an inconvenience to older people who can't drive

Transcript Highlights:

• Members wishing to vote or change their vote, the chair is preparing to close.
• Members wishing to vote or change their vote, the chair is preparing to close.
• Members wishing to vote or change their vote...
• Members wishing to vote or change your vote, the chair is preparing to close.
• Members wishing to vote or change your vote, the chair is preparing to close. Declare the vote.

Bills: HR1055, SB2170, SB1833, SB1198, HR1056, SB1730, SB563, SB1379, SB1645, SB2155, SB1280, SB1455, SB1456, SB1461, SB1457, SB1463, SB1465, SB1466, SB1344, SB1309, HR1054, SB2159, SB1948, HB1371, SB1365, SB1976, SB1975, SB2026, SB1565, SB1621, SB237, SB933, SB1427, SB1642, SB171, SB1873, SB2067, SB1623, SB1771, SB1805, SB1826, SB2072, SB444, SB2184, SB1966, SB1812, SB2117, SB2135, SB330, SB1239, SB1428, SB1531, SB1484, SB1405, SB3

Keywords: Oklahoma Agriculture Day, agriculture, farmers, ranchers, agribusiness, food production, wheat, cattle, beef, dairy, soybeans, cotton, poultry, pork, rye, rural economy, urban-rural, trade, commodity production, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture

Summary: The House met in session with a roll call establishing a quorum, followed by prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including the Doctor and Nurse of the Day and youth groups visiting the chamber. Special presentations honored the Oklahoma City Blazers under-10 ice hockey team for winning a Texas state championship and MacArthur High School JROTC cadets for repeated drill team success. The chamber also adopted House Resolution 1055 declaring April 29, 2026, as Oklahoma Agriculture Day, and House Resolution 1056 recognizing Denim Day during Sexual Assault Awareness Month; both were adopted without objection. Members then considered a series of Senate bills. SB 2170 on child custody passed 77-0 and requires supervised visitation when a court finds child abuse or sexual exploitation. SB 1833 codifies a federal waiver barring SNAP purchases of candy and soft drinks and passed 62-17. SB 1198, requiring the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to file releases on county- and municipally-owned properties at the request of local officials, passed 79-0. SB 1730, which requires law enforcement sexual abuse reports to be forwarded to OSBI for investigative use, drew debate over victim protection versus due-process concerns and passed 52-29. The House also passed SB 1379 creating a two-year grant pilot for services to labor and sex trafficking victims, including services regardless of immigration status, and approved the emergency. SB 1645 on Medicaid audit procedures, SB 2155 allowing the Route 66 Commission to use MOUs for administrative oversight, and several sunset-extension bills for boards and commissions also advanced, many with emergency clauses approved. SB 1461 extending the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority passed 67-20, but its emergency failed 55-20. Other measures passed included SB 1344 creating an insulin access and affordability program, SB 1309 increasing Roads Fund debt-service capacity, and multiple board-extension bills for construction, polygraph examiners, engineers and surveyors, and midwifery, most with emergency clauses adopted. The House then moved to announcements and recessed until 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those wishing to vote or change vote, the chair is preparing to close. Change vote.
• Those wishing to vote or change vote, the chair is preparing to close. Clear the vote.
• Those wishing to vote, Those wishing to vote or change vote, the chair is preparing to close.
• Clear the vote. The vote on the bill be the vote on the emergency.
• Clear the vote. Those wishing to vote to change vote. Chair's bearing to close. Pay aye.

Bills: HR1055, SB2170, SB1833, SB1198, HR1056, SB1730, SB563, SB1379, SB1645, SB2155, SB1280, SB1455, SB1456, SB1461, SB1457, SB1463, SB1465, SB1466, SB1344, SB1309, HR1054, SB2159, SB1948, HB1371, SB1365, SB1976, SB1975, SB2026, SB1565, SB1621, SB237, SB933, SB1427, SB1642, SB171, SB1873, SB2067, SB1623, SB1771, SB1805, SB1826, SB2072, SB444, SB2184, SB1966, SB1812, SB2117, SB2135, SB330, SB1239, SB1428, SB1531, SB1484, SB1405, SB3

Keywords: Oklahoma Agriculture Day, agriculture, farmers, ranchers, agribusiness, food production, wheat, cattle, beef, dairy, soybeans, cotton, poultry, pork, rye, rural economy, urban-rural, trade, commodity production, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture

Summary: The House convened under quorum call and began with several recognitions and presentations, including visits from Comanche County 4-H, the Muskogee Police Department officers who completed EMT training, the March of Dimes, and Ag Day honorees, including the Ag Hall of Fame recipient Ron Justice. The chamber also adopted House Resolution 1054 designating April 2026 as Library Month, with a special presentation honoring library leaders and advocates for their work on the first Library Day at the Capitol. The House then considered and passed a series of bills, mostly on broad bipartisan votes, covering state symbols, fireworks sales, oil and gas royalty protections, AP exam access, veteran records access for grandchildren, Medicaid support for a food-is-medicine grant, law library representation, controlled substances, public health, state security staffing, financial exploitation protections, credit union modernization, workforce data, staffing contracts, enterprise zone incentives, conveyance/title theft protections, hospice narcotics disposal, duplicate statute cleanup, and memorial highway/bridge designations. One major bill, SB 237 on eliminating the solar and battery storage manufacturing tax exemption, was laid over after discussion and questions about tax policy and local incentives. Several measures drew brief explanation and questions, including SB 2159 on state symbols and wheat, SB 1948 on fireworks sales, HB 1371 on oil and gas royalty payments and bankruptcy protections, SB 1975 on AP testing locations, SB 2026 on access to veterans’ discharge papers, SB 1565 on food-is-medicine Medicaid support, SB 1642 on splitting short opioid prescriptions, and SB 933 creating a right-to-try pathway for individualized treatment. Most of these bills passed with little or no debate, and several emergency clauses also passed by the required two-thirds vote. Not all measures advanced: SB 1771, expanding Workforce Commission data authority, failed on a 27-46 vote, and the House later gave notice of intent to reconsider. SB 1365 was reconsidered and then passed, but its emergency clause failed. The session also featured an extended personal privilege speech by Rep. Scott Fetgatter marking his departure, in which he thanked colleagues and staff and reflected on his tenure and legislative work.

Transcript Highlights:

• I voted no, but then was told to vote yes, that the voters would not send me back if I voted against
• I voted no, but then was told to vote yes, that the voters would not send me back if I voted against
• Those who are yet to vote or change your vote. Those who are yet to vote or change your vote.
• Those who are to vote or change the vote, the chair is prepared to close.
• The vote on the bill will be the vote. Oh, sorry.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships. Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week. On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• I vote no. Senator Ricey votes no.
• Senators, vote. Have you voted?
• Senators, now proceed to vote. Have you all voted? Have you all voted? The vote is closed.
• Senators, now proceed to vote. Have you all voted? Have you all voted?
• Secretary, Court, to vote by our vote of 27. I, 3, nays, are not voting.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Little voting aye. Button voting aye. Gates voting aye. Hayes voting aye. All members voted.
• Bell voting aye, Mr. Hayes voting aye, Mr. Gates voting aye. Mr. Leach voting aye.
• Gates voting aye. Mr. Bell voting aye. Mr. Alder voting aye. Mr. Moody voting aye.
• Gates voting aye, Mr. Bell voting aye, Mr. Lowe voting aye. Have all members voted?
• Gates voting aye, Mr. Hayes voting aye, Mr. Dutton voting nay. All members voted.

Bills: SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB6, SB7, SB36, SB38, SB815, SB1856, SB379, SB1171, SB1121, SB1061, SB1036, SB1019, SB890, SB11, SB868, SB1188, SB1120, SB1254, SB2778, SB2543, SB2443, SB1333, SB1259, SB1401, SB1404, SB2139, SB2165, SB2237, SB2268, SB1202, SB1198, SB1212, SB1451, SB1470, SB1498, SB965, SB1547, SB1667, SB1818, SB1902, SB2129, SB2078, SB2069, SB1737, SB1589, SB1318, SB387, SB1150, SB1574, SB2127, SB3034, SB860, SB1278, SB263, SB370, SB663, SB924, SB1939, SB1937, SB1598, SB2798, SB2801, SB2580, SB2569, SB2514, SB2064, SB1940, SB1621, SB2601, SB1379, SB1376, SB1372, SB1353, SB2216, SB552, SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB2166, SB2148, SB535, SB777, SB827, SB1141, SB1330, SB1352, SB1664, SB1612, SB1862, SB1936, SB1453, SB1448, SB1398, SB2137, SB2111, SB53, SB226, SB1677, SB1723, SB1839, SB6, SB7, SB36, SB38, SB815, SB1856, SCR5, SCR32, SCR8, HCR88, HCR91, HCR129, HCR130, HCR131, HCR133, HCR137, HCR138, HCR139, HCR140, HCR143, HCR145, HCR147, HCR150, HCR152, HR6, HR105, HR112, HR124, HR146, HR151, HR158, HR221, HR222, HR237, HR469, HR543, HR571, HR605, HR702, HR703, HR704, HR705, HR706, HR707, HR708, HR709, HR710, HR713, HR714, HR715, HR716, HR717, HR718, HR719, HR720, HR721, HR722, HR723, HR724, HR725, HR726, HR727, HR728, HR729, HR730, HR731, HR732, HR733, HR734, HR735, HR736, HR737, HR738, HR739, HR740, HR741, HR742, HR743, HR744, HR745, HR746, HR747, HR748, HR749, HR750, HR751, HR752, HR782, HR787, HR789, HR796, HR798, HR799, HR800, HR801, HR802, HR804, HR807, HR812, HR813, HR814, HR817, HR819, HR820, HR821, HR822, HR824, HR827, HR828, HR830, HR831, HR832, HR833, HR837, HR839, HR840, HR841, HR842, HR843, HR844, HR847, HR849, HR850, HR851, HR852, HR853, HR854, HR855, HR856, HR858, HR859, HR861, HR865, HR871, HR873, HR874, HR875, HR876, HR880, HR881, HR884, HR886, HR887, HR890, HR892, HR894, HR895, HR898, HR900, HR901, HR903, HR904, HR905, HR908, HR910, HR912, HR913, HR915, HR916, HR917, HR918, HR919, HR920, HR921, HR922, HR923, HR924, HR925, HR926, HR927, HR928, HR930, HR931, HR932, HR936, HR937, HR938, HR939, HR940, HR941, HR942, HR943, HR946, HR947, HR948, HR949, HR952, HR953, HR954, HR955, HR956, HR960, HR964, HR965, HR967, HR968, HR969, HR970, HR972, HR973, HR974, HR975, HR976, HR977, HR978, HR979, HR980, HR981, HR982, HR983, HR984, HR985, HR987, HR988, HR989, HR990, HR991, HR992, HR993, HR994, HR995, HR996, HR997, HR998, HR999, HR1000, HR1002, HR1003, HR1004, HR1005, HR1006, HR1007, HR1008, HR1009, HR1010, HR1011, HR1012, HR1013, HR1014, HR1015, HR1016, HR1017, HR1018, HR1019, HR1020, HR1024, HR1025, HR1026, HR1027, HR1028, HR1029, HR1030, HR1032, HR1034, HR1035, HR1036, HR1038, HR1040, HR1041, HR1042, HR1043, HR1044, HR1046, HR1047, HR1048, HR1049, HR1050, HR1051, HR1052, HR1053, HR1055, HR1056, HR1057, HR1059, HR1064, HR1067, HR1068, HR1069, HR1070, HR1071, HR1073, HR1074, HR1075, HR1077, HR1078, HR1079, HR1080, HR1081, HR1083, HR1086, HR1087, HR1088, HR1089, HR1090, HR1091, HR1092, HR1093, HR1094, HR1095, HR1096, HR1098, HR1099, HR1100, HR1101, HR1103, HR1104, HR1105, HR1106, HR1109, HR1111, HR1112, HR1115, HR1116, HR1117, HR1118, HR1119, HR1121, HR1123, HR1125, HR1128, HR1130, HR1131, HR1132, HR1139, HR1140, HR1143, HR1144, HR1146, HR1147, HR1148, HR1149, HR1151, HR1153, HR1154, HR1155, HR1156, HR1157, HR1158, HR1159, HR1160, HR1161, HR1162, HR1163, HR1164, HR1165, HR1166, HR1167, HR1168, HR1169, HR1170, HR1171, HR1172, HR1173, HR1174, HR1175, HR1176, HR1177, HR1178, HR1179, HR1180, HR1181, HR1182, HR1183, HR1184, HR1185, HR1186, HR1187, HR1188, HR1189, HR1190, HR1191, HR1192, HR1193, HR1194, HR1195, HR1196, HR1197, HR1198, HR1199, HR1200, HR1201, HR1202, HR1203, HR1204, HR1205, HR1206, HR1207, HR1208, HR1209, HR1210, HR1211, HR1212, HR1213, HR1214, HR1215, HR1216, HR1217, HR1218, HR1219, HR1220, HR1221, HR1222, HR1223, HR1224, HR1225, HR1226, HR1227, HR1228, HR1229, HR1230, HR1231, HR1232, HR1233, HR1234, HR1235, HR1236, HR1237, HR1238, HR1241, HR1243, HR1244, HR1245, HR1246, HR1247, HR1248, HR1249, HR1252, HR1253, HR1255, HR1256, HR1257, HR1260, HR1261, HR1262, HR1263, HR1264, HR1266, HR1267, HR1268, HR1269, HR1270, HR1271, HR1272, HR1273, HR1274, HR1275, HR1278, HR1280, HR1281, HR1282, HR1283, HR1284, HR1285, HR1286, HR1287, HR1288, HR1289, HR1290, HR1291, HR1293, HR1294, HR1295, HR1299, HR1300, HR1301, HR1302, SCR49, HCR134, HCR136, HR18, HR247, HR428, HR494, HR538, HR540, HR786, HR791, HR803, HR805, HR808, HR809, HR811, HR816, HR825, HR826, HR836, HR838, HR845, HR846, HR862, HR869, HR870, HR878, HR879, HR896, HR899, HR902, HR911, HR914, HR933, HR934, HR935, HR951, HR958, HR959, HR986, HR1021, HR1022, HR1039, HR1054, HR1058, HR1061, HR1062, HR1065, HR1072, HR1107, HR1108, HR1110, HR1114, HR1120, HR1122, HR1129, HR1142, HR1145, HR1239, HR1242, HR1250, HR1251, HR1254, HR1258, HR1259, SCR21, HB3228, HB2802, HB45, HB1318, HB5560, HB2894, HB4344, HB4238, HB 130, HB2775, HB34, HB33, HB 12, HB148, HB4273, HB4850, HB2733, HB4783, HB4187, HB39, SB2155

Keywords: criminal justice, parole, medical supervision, rehabilitation programs, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, offenders with medical impairments, Windham School District, Sabine River Authority, board of directors, term limits, removal grounds, government oversight, training requirements, Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, Lower Neches Valley Authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, public participation, complaints resolution, electric power

Transcript Highlights:

• It's fairly voting aye. Mr. Lopez voting no. Ms. Jones, Ferris voting no. Have all members voted?
• Have all members voted? Show Mr. Bojani voting aye. Have all members voted. Johnny voting aye.
• Glouin voting aye. Ms. Compos voting aye. Cortez voting aye. Mr. Lujan voting aye.
• Lujan voting aye. Have all members voted? Mr. Olcott voting nay. All members voted.
• Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Bowers voting aye. Have all members voted?

Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledges, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Wilson County Day, San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day, and Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, along with acknowledgments of visiting groups and a birthday greeting. The chamber also announced committee meetings and then moved into floor business, including conference committee action on Senate Bill 1, the state budget. A series of motions to instruct House conferees on SB 1 were debated and voted on. One motion sought to restore salary for Attorney General Ken Paxton after his impeachment-related suspension; it passed 88-56. Another, from Rep. Olcott, directed conferees to support amendments requiring data collection on the costs of undocumented immigrants in hospitals and prisons; after extended debate and a failed amendment from Rep. Martinez Fischer to also study immigrants’ economic contributions, the motion passed 86-61. The House also adopted instructions to eliminate Texas Lottery Commission funding, to support amendments restricting public education institutions from affirming gender identities inconsistent with biological sex, and to seek an additional $4 billion in property tax relief, with each motion passing on recorded votes. The House then took up a supplemental calendar and passed several bills, including HB 39 on veteran death data, HB 102 on priority registration for certain students entering military service, HB 126 on student-athlete compensation and representation, HB 290 on tuition and fee assistance for members of the Texas military forces, HB 300 on Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program updates, and HB 2143 naming a highway in honor of Army Specialist Joey Lins. The chamber also postponed consideration of HJR 2 and HJR 6. Later, the House considered HB 120 on career and technology education pathways and HB 20 on applied science pathway programs for high school students. HB 120 received a perfecting amendment and was advanced after discussion about workforce preparation. HB 20 prompted extensive questioning about transportation, costs, and how students would access partner campuses such as community colleges and TSTC sites; debate continued as the transcript ended, with members examining how the program would operate and whether approval authority would rest with TEA.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vote. Have all members voted? Have all members voted?
• Members, proceed to vote. HAVE ALL MEMBERS VOTED? HAVE ALL MEMBERS VOTED?
• HAVE ALL MEMBERS VOTED? HAVE ALL MEMBERS VOTED?
• THE MEMBERS PROCEED TO VOTE. HAVE ALL MEMBERS VOTED? HAVE ALL MEMBERS VOTED?
• MEMBERS WILL PROCEED TO VOTE. HAVE ALL MEMBERS VOTED? HAVE ALL MEMBERS VOTED?

Bills: SB 2, HB 2, HB 2000, HB 2196, HB 213, HB 222, HB 645, HB 1458, HB 1022, HB 141, HB 502, HB 643, HB 3093, HB 1700, HB 117, SB 503, SB 2, HB 120, HB 20, HB 150, HB 6, HB 100, HB 210, HB 215, HB 1393, HB 1151, HB 1268, HB 142, HB 451, HB 124, HB 2, HB 2000, HB 2196, HB 213, HB 222, HB 645, HB 1458, HB 1022, HB 141, HB 502, HB 643, HB 3093, HB 1700, HB 117

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, child grooming, sex offender registration, criminal justice, reportable conviction, law enforcement, virtual education, hybrid learning, school funding, average daily attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone may submit written testimony by mail to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary at 24 Beacon Street
• So thank you for considering my testimony, and I respectfully request that you vote it up favorably.
• Yet the walls of this Capitol vote against it, against their own party's original values.
• And welcome Palma McLaughlin, the League of Women Votes. Welcome. Welcome.
• And I believe that a no vote on this bill actually undermines those priorities.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing began with opening remarks from the House and Senate chairs outlining procedures for a large public hearing with more than 100 witnesses on 64 legislative proposals. They explained time limits, rules for in-person and virtual testimony, written testimony procedures, and the committee’s reporting deadline. Testimony then moved through a series of juvenile justice, child protection, and civil liberties bills, with witnesses generally urging favorable reports or, in one case, opposing expanded juvenile court transparency and child advocate access to records. Several witnesses supported bills aimed at juvenile justice reform. Representative Hendricks backed H. 1744 to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking, citing federal findings of child labor in seafood processing and calling for stronger penalties and a ban on minors working in such facilities. Senator Gomez supported S. 1131 and S. 1121 to reduce juvenile fees, fines, restitution burdens, and bail-related costs, arguing they worsen racial and economic disparities. Senator Crean and other advocates supported S. 1051/H. 1695 to expand juvenile diversion eligibility, while multiple witnesses from juvenile justice and immigrant advocacy groups supported H. 1657/S. 1058 to expand juvenile expungement and to limit sharing juvenile fingerprints with federal authorities, describing recent ICE detentions of Chelsea students and the resulting fear in immigrant communities. Witnesses also supported H. 1918/S. 1240 to narrow the youthful offender statute, raising the minimum age and reducing mandatory adult-style penalties for youth. The committee also heard testimony on child safety and bodily autonomy bills. Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan supported H. 1752 to protect children left in extreme temperatures, explaining it would create civil penalties, allow emergency responders to remove children from cars without liability, and add criminal penalties when serious injury results. Representative Thurber and Senator O’Connor testified for H. 2011/S. 1227, a bill prohibiting coercion or mandates for health-related interventions, including vaccinations, and allowing legal remedies for violations. Senator Jalen supported S. 1136/H. 1847 to prevent false confessions by requiring recording of interrogations and banning deceptive tactics, and several innocence-project and legal-services witnesses described wrongful convictions tied to false confessions and coercive interrogations. Another major topic was H. 1626, which would require age verification for pornographic content and launch an education campaign about online sexual exploitation; Representative Cruz and survivor Udoz Wallace testified in support, describing nonconsensual image sharing and deepfake harms. Not all testimony was supportive. The Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed S. 1035, which would increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings, and H. 1689, which would expand the child advocate’s access to confidential juvenile records, arguing both would undermine privacy and trauma-informed protections for children and families. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the session consisted of opening remarks and public testimony on the listed bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pope votes yes. Senator Ramos votes yes. Senator Sánchez votes yes.
• Senator Scott votes yes. Senator Silva votes yes. Senator Sharer votes yes.
• Senator Muñoz votes yes. Senator Pinto votes yes. Senator Pope votes yes. Senator Ramos votes yes.
• Senator Padilla votes yes. Senator Pinto votes no. Senator Pope votes no. Senator Ramos votes yes.
• Senator Woods votes yes. Senator Wirth votes yes. Senator Woods votes yes.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pinto votes yes. Senator Pope votes yes. Senator Ramos votes no. Senator Sanchez votes no.
• Senator Scott votes yes. Senator Sedillo Lopez votes yes. Senator Chair votes yes.
• Senator Pope, voting no. Senator Campos, voting no. Senator Figueroa voting no.
• Senator Charlie, voting no. Senator Stia Lopez, voting no. Senator Pinto, voting no.
• Senator Seals voting no. Senator Bergman's voting no. Senator Hamblin voting no.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chair for the vote. chair for the vote.
• No votes, reservations. amendments. No votes, reservations.
• No votes, reservations. amendments. No votes, reservations.
• Are there any no votes? amendments. Are there any no votes?
• No votes, reservations. as is. No votes, reservations.

Bills: SB3082, SB3110, SB3251

Keywords: military families, family leave, qualifying military exigency, Hawaii Revised Statutes, financial support, Hawaii National Guard, civil-military program, education, collective bargaining, exemption, SB3251, Hawaii public safety, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, law enforcement hiring, state employment ban, police powers, Department of Law Enforcement, DLNR

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any no votes? Bill 1133. Are there any no votes?
• Are there any no votes? Whole report. Are there any no votes?
• I'd ask for your eye<01:10:27.400> votes. eye votes. eye votes.
• I ask for your I<01:21:14.640> vote. I vote. I vote. Senator<01:21:16.120> Bryant.
• Are there any any any no<01:29:50.480> votes? no votes? no votes?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not voting. Patterson, not voting. Burner. Calderon? Aye. Calderon, aye. Chen? Chen, not voting.
• Not voting. Zabur? Aye. Wallace? Not voting. Zibur? Aye. All right, 10-1.
• Not voting. Taw? Not voting. Wallace? Aye. Okay, 14-0.
• Ta, not voting. Taw, not voting. Wallace? Wallace, aye. Okay, 14.
• Not voting. Ta? Not voting. Wallace? Zibur? Taw, not voting. Wallace? Zibur?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not voting. Patterson, not voting. Burner. Calderon? Aye. Calderon, aye. Chen? Chen, not voting.
• Ta, not voting. Taw, not voting. Wallace? Wallace, aye. Okay, 14.
• Chen, not voting. Davies, not voting. I'm sorry, repeating, this is 913? Yes. Davies, not voting.
• Chen, not voting. Davies? Not voting. Davies, not voting. Harabedian? Aye. Harabedian, aye.
• Not voting. Calderon, not voting. Chen? 1245? No. Not voting. Calderon, not voting. Chen? No.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, from Senator Arreguín. He said the bill would designate the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator for intrastate hydrogen pipelines and require hydrogen-specific standards, while not mandating any pipeline construction or bypassing environmental review. Supporters included labor groups, utility employees, and the City of Burbank, while Air Products opposed unless amended, citing concerns about the bill’s specificity, fee structure, and the need for a hydrogen-specific rulemaking process. The committee discussed safety, fees, and regulatory certainty, and later passed SB 804 on a 9-0 vote to Emergency Management with commitment to take amendments. The committee then took up SB 905 by Senator Becker, aimed at reducing electricity rates by changing utility incentives. The bill would tie part of executive compensation to keeping rates below inflation, require more performance metrics, and allow the CPUC to consider lower returns on equity for certain lower-risk investments and alternative financing options. Support came from consumer, environmental, agricultural, and large energy user groups, while Southern California Edison, CalChamber, PG&E, and utility labor groups raised concerns that the bill could reduce investment, create regulatory uncertainty, and raise borrowing costs. After extensive discussion about utility affordability, wildfire costs, and capital markets, the committee passed SB 905 on a 7-1 vote to Appropriations. SB 913, also by Senator Becker, would create a clearer pathway for distributed energy resources such as batteries and smart thermostats to participate in the resource adequacy market and compete with utility-scale resources. Supporters said the bill would better use existing grid capacity, lower costs, and build on the state’s Demand Side Grid Support Program; PG&E opposed unless amended, saying the use case was not yet proven and was already being addressed in other rulemakings. After the committee accepted amendments, one opposition group moved to neutral and another said it might do so after reviewing the changes. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations and was placed on call. Several other measures were heard and advanced, including SB 1196 on faster utility hookups for small energization projects such as ADUs and EV chargers, SB 931 reauthorizing the Diablo Canyon Essential Services Mitigation Fund through 2028, SB 1158 reducing the frequency of joint reliability assessments from quarterly to twice yearly, and SB 1245 directing further study of California’s gasoline market and potential use of non-CARBOB fuel during supply disruptions. SB 1196 and SB 931 both passed with broad support and no opposition after amendments, SB 1158 passed without testimony, and SB 1245 drew strong support from consumer and environmental advocates but opposition from fuel industry and business groups concerned about costs, confidentiality, and fuel standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• AS I SAID I DID VOTE UP ON THIS BILL IN THE LAST COMMITTEE BUT TODAY I AM GOING TO VOTE DOWN BECAUSE
• HAD TO VOTE NO ON IT LAST TIME AND IT WILL BE A DELIGHT TO VOTE YES ON IT TODAY.
• I'M GOING TO VOTE AGAINST THE BILL BUT THE REASON I WILL VOTE AGAINST THE BILL IS BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE
• YOUR VOTES FOR CS FOR CS FOR YOUR VOTES FOR CS FOR CS FOR SB 1270 IS CONSIDERED FAVORABLE.
• , 15, 16, 17, 18 AND VOTING NO ON TAB 20 AND VOTING YES ON TABS 23 AND 26.

Keywords: 999, senate, all