Bills: HB3772, HB1656, HB4504, HB1896, HB4420, HB4421, HB4076, HB3708, HB2806, HB3540, HB1586, HB5459, HB4553, HB4535, HB3811, HB3749, HB4255, HB4051, HB5098, HB3554, HB4539, HB5274

Keywords: e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians

Transcript Highlights:

• data set used by AI-based algorithms for utilization reviews, compliance with training requirements
• Not optometrists, but ophthalmologists are physicians. What about optometrists?
• I'm also a private physician locally and representing myself.
• I was active duty, stayed in Austin, and switched to the National military training.
• In my training, we conducted a study in the Valley, examining all five counties.

Bills: SB397, SB481, SB596, SB760, SB855, SB1195, SB1196, SB1233, SB1257, SB1318, SB1368, SB1388, SB1398, SB1524, SB1558, SB1589, SB1677, SB1792, SB2034

Keywords: SB 397, telemedicine, telehealth, teledentistry, remote care, virtual care, consent documentation, patient consent, data collection, data sharing, audio-only telehealth, in-person examination, irreversible medical procedure, health professional regulation, Occupations Code, Texas Health and Human Services, medical records, provider compliance, data privacy, consumer rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Who are employers and owners of physician practices, as well as physicians who are employees of practices
• . undue hardship or burden on physicians.
• their former physicians. follow a physician if they move 40 minutes from their location.
• and for physicians alike.
• I think health care is unique in that respect; you should have access to your physician, and physicians

Bills: SB397, SB481, SB596, SB760, SB855, SB1195, SB1196, SB1233, SB1257, SB1318, SB1368, SB1388, SB1398, SB1524, SB1558, SB1589, SB1677, SB1792, SB2034

Keywords: SB 397, telemedicine, telehealth, teledentistry, remote care, virtual care, consent documentation, patient consent, data collection, data sharing, audio-only telehealth, in-person examination, irreversible medical procedure, health professional regulation, Occupations Code, Texas Health and Human Services, medical records, provider compliance, data privacy, consumer rights

Transcript Highlights:

• The tool we internationally recognized.
• And you can see there's we're also training detector dogs on the larval find on Big Island to train them
• <01:26:21.920> onto which now the dogs are trained onto which now the dogs are trained onto
• So that'll be monitoring for red palm weevil, which it's already trained for and being trained for machine
• for and being it's already trained for and being trained<01:41:20.560> for<01:41:20.960> machine

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have this interstate compact that allows us to bring physicians here, and we need them.
• He said it really helps physicians' practices, rural clinics, and others to promote vaccination.
• and the Physicians patients and the<02:00:42.760> Physicians<02:00:43.760> I<02:00:43.880
• I have served in healthc the Physicians I have served in healthc care<02:00:45.400> for<02:00
• I lost train of thought, Chair. Cancel. Okay, we can come back if anybody else has any questions.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the House General Assembly condemns the Russian Federation's illegal invasion of sovereign and internationally
• Russian Federation's illegal invasion of sovereign<00:16:42.079> and<00:16:42.320> internationally
• <00:16:42.959> recognized sovereign and internationally recognized sovereign and internationally
• cease immediately its bombardment of Ukrainian infrastructure, withdraw its forces from Ukraine's internationally
• cease immediately its bombardment of Ukrainian infrastructure, withdraw its forces from Ukraine's internationally

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nationally and internationally, I don't believe that we can afford to do that.
• Nationally and internationally, I don't believe that we can afford to do that.
• In the process, they're training and educating, creating a workforce, and then turn the results of that
• Not just nationally but internationally.
• We would have aspects of training and research and development.

Bills: SB1468, SB1612, SB1789, SB2530, SB2571, SB2717, SB2967

Keywords: utility systems, Texas A&M, regents authority, construction, improvement, construction contracts, trust funds, property rights, mechanics lien, contractors, trustee liability, mechanic's lien, liability, attorney's fees, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, insurance regulation, administrative penalties, coastal counties, catastrophe year

Transcript Highlights:

• statement was UNFPA, so the opportunity to provide family planning, maternal health care, midwife training
• UN mission, and also provide them with the highest level of training that we can.
• announced that less than 5 percent of people registered as refugees with UNRWA actually met the internationally
• I think it is a cancer, both domestically and internationally.
• But I think you would agree that we still need to find a way to play a role internationally in global

Transcript Highlights:

• me, I think you're very well aware, Senator, that there have been resolutions of things even internationally
• We aren't talking about what's going on in D.C. or internationally."
• 44.720> even have been resolutions of things even have been resolutions of things even internationally
• that I've wanted us to internationally that I've wanted us to talk<00:33:48.519> about<00:33:
• And um we can all internationally."

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Semiconductor training. Semiconductor fund.
• We have an intensive training grant with the Human Trafficking Institute.
• And so right now, we've recruited over 300 docs, or rather, physicians and physician-scientists and Ph.D
• Those are highly educated, highly trained positions.
• We also use VOCA funding to provide provide 30 hours of pre-service training and ongoing training to

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, first of all, again, thank you for your leadership, because you helped avoid a massive train wreck
• operate, and it's much more difficult to find people who are qualified, and it takes even longer to train
• for this committee, just throwing it out there to, you know, see that, I know there is rigorous training
• And a physician stood up and said, where I'm located, it's going to be flooding my property.
• And a physician stood up and said, where I'm located, it's going to be flooding my property.

Summary: The committee heard testimony first from the Texas General Land Office and School Land Board. GLO officials described the agency’s role in managing more than 13 million acres of state lands and mineral interests for the Permanent School Fund, overseeing the Alamo, coastal programs, veterans’ services, and federal disaster recovery. They said the agency has generated about $6 billion for the Permanent School Fund since Commissioner Buckingham took office, and that its disaster recovery portfolio is about $14 billion across multiple events, with more than 22,000 housing units rebuilt or reconstructed since Hurricane Harvey. Members asked about land purchases such as Brewster Ranch, rare earth mineral leasing, SpaceX-related beach access, and whether the lands are public access lands; GLO staff said the holdings are managed to maximize revenue for education, that most land is leased rather than open to public access, and that they are coordinating on coastal access and compliance. On the School Land Board, members sought clarification on the difference between GLO-managed lands and the Permanent School Fund Corporation’s investment role, and staff explained that GLO generates the revenue while the separate corporation invests it. No votes or formal actions were taken. The Board for Lease of University Lands then testified. University Lands officials explained that they steward 2.1 million acres of surface and mineral interests in West Texas for the Permanent University Fund, which supports UT and Texas A&M institutions. They said a 2025 lease sale produced about $50 million in bonus revenue from 28,000 acres, and described the Board for Lease’s role in approving lease forms, lease sales, and development agreements. Members asked about the size and use of the PUF, how distributions work through UTIMCO, whether PUF money can be used for athletics, and how the land is managed; the witness said the fund is a constitutional endowment, the land is largely leased rather than sold, and distributions are generally used for buildings, labs, and other permanent structures, with some institutions also using a portion for operations. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then took up municipal utility districts. Testimony from a law firm, the Texas Municipal League, Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales, and Johnson Development largely supported MUDs as a financing tool for infrastructure tied to growth. Witnesses said MUDs help fund water, sewer, drainage, roads, parks, and related infrastructure, allowing development to proceed without shifting costs to existing taxpayers and helping keep housing affordable. They emphasized that MUDs are created with disclosure to homebuyers, are subject to the Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act, and are overseen by TCEQ for bond issuance and related financial stress tests. Members questioned whether MUDs are taxing entities, whether they can be created inside city limits or ETJs, how much control cities and counties retain, and whether MUDs are becoming permanent local governments; witnesses acknowledged they levy taxes and debt, can exist within city limits with city consent, and often function as long-term local entities. The committee did not take any formal action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 'So semiconductor training, semiconductor fund.
• There are also applications for workforce training grants.
• So we have 300 docs, or rather physicians and physician scientists and PhD scientists.
• Those are highly educated, highly trained positions.
• We also use VOCA funding to provide 30 hours of pre-service training and ongoing training to support

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:46:59.880> that but nationally and internationally that but nationally and internationally
• Without the proper training, let's try and avoid that.
• It's only because of the shortage that I believe there's training opportunities underway.
• Leeward Community College, for example, is putting on some additional training.
• <02:08:16.520> I putting on some additional training I putting on some additional training

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education held an informational/budget briefing with presentations from the State Library System, the School Facilities Authority, and the Department of Education. The chair opened the meeting by outlining the order of presentations and noting that members would hold questions until after all three agencies had testified. The discussion focused on each agency’s priorities for the upcoming biennium and their budget requests. State Librarian Stacy Aldridge described library usage and services, emphasizing strong demand for physical and digital materials, internet and Wi-Fi access, programs, Kanopy streaming, and PressReader. She highlighted digital literacy classes, RFID self-check and smart shelving improvements, and the role of libraries as community hubs. The library’s budget request included an additional $1.2 million for security guards, $48.484 million for FY 26-27 to support popup libraries during temporary closures and other needs, $500,000 for repair and maintenance, $2 million for Kap planning and design, and $25 million each year for lump-sum capital funding. Mallerie Fujitani said the lump-sum funding is needed to keep roughly 50 projects moving and to avoid delays in construction. School Facilities Authority Executive Director Ricky Fujitani explained the agency’s startup history and its programs for preschools, Central Maui schools, and workforce housing. He said the authority is using standardized, prefabricated, programmatic approaches to speed delivery and improve maintainability, citing prior preschool renovations as a successful model. He reported that of $389 million appropriated, $106 million was released, with $81 million for preschools, $20 million for Central Maui schools, and $5 million for workforce housing; he also noted the workforce housing program was reduced after Maui fire-related reallocations. He said the pilot workforce housing site at Mililani High School has been awarded and pointed to University of Hawaiʻi student housing projects as a model. Superintendent Hayashi then began the Department of Education presentation, introducing DOE leadership and outlining the department’s mission to support academic achievement, character development, and student well-being. He noted the department serves more than 152,000 students in 258 public schools and employs over 42,000 people, with nearly 54% of students facing significant challenges. He framed the budget request around the department’s strategic plan to prepare graduates for college, careers, or military service. The transcript ends during the DOE presentation, before any committee votes or formal actions are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Brad was a gifted physician, Brad was a gifted physician, accomplished<01:42:59.040> musician
• the organization reform police training the organization reform police training standards<01:53:
• Peace Officers Standard and Training. Peace Officers Standard and Training.
• Through every training station.
• Well, most physicians as a physician.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The internationally acclaimed vocal group The Platters and their longtime steward, Fred Balboni Jr.,
• It empowers trained personnel to act swiftly in emergencies, even when the affected individual does not
• It requires that individuals complete an approved anaphylaxis training program and submit proof of that
• training to the Department of Public Health.
• Without adequate training and awareness, police officers can misinterpret these behaviors as evasive

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several Senate and House bills, mostly under suspension of the rules, and advanced a number of measures to third reading or engrossment. Early in the session, the House dealt with a Senate bill on student learning and mental health by insisting on its position and appointing a committee of conference. It also referred a Senate petition on alleviating poverty to the Committee on Children and Families after the House declined to concur with a Judiciary referral. The chamber then considered and advanced multiple Ways and Means bills, including legislation on police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder, honoring Blue Star families, land conveyance in Bolton, newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus, affordable housing and cultural space in Brighton, increasing access to epinephrine, and civil rights and technology. Several bills drew extended floor debate. Supporters of the epinephrine bill emphasized its life-saving purpose and described the death of Michael Brown as a catalyst for the measure; the House adopted the bill after a roll call vote of 149-0. The newborn CMV screening bill also prompted substantial testimony in favor from public health advocates and parents, who argued that universal screening would enable earlier treatment and reduce long-term harm; an amendment to add other rare diseases was withdrawn, and a later amendment creating a broad opt-out was defeated 1-153 before the bill passed 154-1. The civil rights and technology bill focused on banning weaponized drones and robotic devices, restricting misuse, and preserving law enforcement and civil liberties; it passed 154-1. The Blue Star families bill, creating commemorative plates for families of fallen law enforcement officers, passed 156-0 after emotional remarks from members and supporters. The House also passed without recorded opposition a bill facilitating better interactions between police and people with autism, and it approved a Bolton land conveyance bill and the Brighton affordable housing/cultural space bill. The chamber observed moments of silence for former Congressman Barney Frank and State Trooper Kevin Traynor, welcomed several guest groups, and concluded by adopting an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• folks with contractors, home builders, and others across the spectrum in the United States and internationally
• folks with contractors, home builders and others across the spectrum in the United States and internationally
• a local government to be able to clear out the easy stuff, that actually allows them to be able to train

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on March 19, 2025, adopted its committee rules unanimously, and then heard a series of housing, insurance, and disaster-recovery bills. Early bills focused on wildfire relief and insurance issues, including AB 238 on mortgage forbearance for Los Angeles County wildfire survivors, AB 493 on insurance payout interest for homeowners, AB 597 on consumer protections after disasters, and AB 226 on strengthening the California FAIR Plan’s liquidity tools. Supporters generally framed these measures as necessary protections for disaster survivors and market stability, while opponents and concerned witnesses raised issues such as investor guidelines, compliance conflicts, and market disruption. Several members also noted equity concerns and the need to balance relief with consistency across the state. The committee also heard a cluster of housing-production bills. AB 306 proposed a six-year pause on new state building code updates affecting residential construction and limits on local code modifications, drawing strong support from housing and building industry groups who argued it would reduce costs and improve predictability. It also drew opposition from code, environmental, and clean-energy advocates, who warned about safety, local control, and the loss of important code updates. AB 253 would allow licensed third-party professionals to perform plan checks if local review takes 30 days or more, and AB 301 would impose state-agency permitting timelines similar to those already applied to local governments; both were presented as ways to reduce delays and speed housing development. AB 462 would exempt ADU construction from coastal development permit requirements in Los Angeles County, especially to aid fire recovery and expand housing supply. After hearing testimony and brief member discussion on each measure, the committee placed the bills on suspense or advanced them as appropriate. In the suspense hearing at the end of the meeting, the committee took up the suspense-file bills and reported AB 226, AB 238, AB 301, and AB 306 out with due pass recommendations on roll call votes. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:38.319> a<00:45:38.480> basic serving being trained at a basic serving being trained
• at a basic training<00:45:39.119> site.
• <00:45:40.480> That's<00:45:40.800> exactly training site. Thank you.
• That's exactly training site. Thank you.
• ,<03:41:25.680> I of it, but being a medical physician, I of it, but being a medical physician

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're not physicians, or they're just taking little certificate classes here and now all of a sudden
• We have unique training that bridges the creativity of design with the necessary technical abilities
• And I think that possibly the testing and thereby the training that we get before most of us go to a
• We’ve done auctions all across the state and Canada internationally.
• We do yearly trainings and continuing education.

Summary: The subcommittee heard and approved four bills focused on reducing or modernizing professional regulation. HB 6015, by Rep. Oliver, repeals the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute to allow businesses more flexibility in container materials; members joked about the possibility of a Home Depot bucket, and the bill passed 16-0. HB 339, by Rep. Abbott, creates an alternative temporary licensure pathway for surveyors and mappers based on employer recommendation and exam passage, but members raised concerns about qualifications, liability, and oversight; Abbott said he was open to amendments, and the bill passed 14-1 with Rep. Overdorf dissenting. HB 139, by Rep. Lopez, allows pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms instead of only printed forms; a technical amendment added readability and placement requirements for digital forms, and the bill passed unanimously. HB 195, by Rep. Chambliss, lets the Department of Corrections coordinate with DBPR boards so inmates who complete licensure-related classes can receive credit toward professional licensure; supporters framed it as a second-chance and workforce bill, an amendment clarified that DBPR handles professions without boards, and the bill passed favorably 15-0. The committee then received a presentation from DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin on the department’s role overseeing more than 1.7 million businesses and professionals across over 30 fields. She highlighted enforcement and complaint data, including more than 24,000 inspections and complaints handled in the last fiscal year, a preference for education and voluntary compliance over formal discipline, and the department’s alternative dispute resolution program, which returned $2.7 million to consumers and saved $270,000 in costs. Griffin also reviewed recent deregulatory and efficiency efforts, including endorsement/reciprocity reforms, fee waivers, reduced processing times, and shorter call wait times, and said DBPR is continuing to look for ways to cut red tape while protecting public safety. Members questioned Griffin about permitting, continuing education, complaint processing, board vacancies, fraud in cosmetology and construction, coordination with other agencies, and whether schools can block students from taking state exams over unpaid tuition. DBPR staff said complaints are generally processed within 60 days, schools cannot bar graduates from taking the exam because of tuition debt, and the department works with other agencies when issues cross jurisdictional lines. The panel discussion that followed featured industry representatives from landscape architecture, building/code administration, pools, roofing, construction, HVAC/electrical, and hospitality, who generally supported reducing local permitting burdens, standardizing requirements, improving reciprocity and training pathways, and using technology and clearer scopes of work to make licensure and inspections more efficient.

Transcript Highlights:

• The funding will support voter education and training programs for election officials and poll workers
• Again, this would require significant staff increases and enhancing training to be able to recognize
• Our office would also need to hire and train additional staff to provide ongoing support, guidance, and
• training and materials to each of the 58 counties.
• I'm a PhD trained research scientist.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• grown beyond Hawaii, gaining popularity on the U.S. continent in states like California and even internationally
• grown beyond Hawaii, gaining popularity on the U.S. continent in states like California and even internationally
• grown beyond Hawaii, gaining popularity on the U.S. continent in states like California and even internationally
• grown beyond Hawaii, gaining popularity on the U.S. continent in states like California and even internationally
• grown beyond Hawaii, gaining popularity on the U.S. continent in states like California and even internationally

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and opened with a moment of contemplation honoring Bob Marley. Several senators spoke about Marley’s life, music, and activism, emphasizing his messages of peace, justice, unity, and resistance. One senator highlighted Marley’s 1979 visit to Hawaii and his influence on Hawaiian and “Jawaiian” music, while another introduced members of the Marley family and recognized their continuing musical work and cultural legacy. The Senate also recognized staff members from one senator’s office during the introductions. After the contemplative remarks and guest introductions, the presiding officer asked for a few minutes for photographs. The chamber then processed Governor’s Message No. 665, withdrawing a nomination to the Campaign Spending Commission, and Governor’s Messages Nos. 666 to 668, transmitting nominations to various boards and commissions. Those messages were referred according to the Order of the Day, and Standing Committee Reports Nos. 480 to 674 were adopted by motion without objection. In announcements, the presiding officer thanked the SMA team and legislative staff for efficient work on a record number of bills during the first lateral, noted the upcoming three-day weekend, and extended birthday wishes to Clerk Carol Taniguchi. The Senate then adjourned by motion until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18th.