Transcript Highlights:

• ...echo at least one of the points that the representative from Kylo Kona mentioned, which was alternative
• Over the past four months, Hawaii has been tested. Hawaii has been tested.
• limited the sale of disposable vaping devices, funded life-saving colorectal cancer screening and testing
• , and... cancer screening and testing, and created new support systems for people with dementia and their

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would allow them to pursue an alternative pathway. Secondly It deals with telemedicine.
• physicians and other healthcare providers to be able to see what their patients have had in terms of tests
• and radiology lab tests, radiology, et cetera, across systems in the state.
• time, is not always practical to do during the clinic day, and so that can lead to over-ordering of tests
• I had to go in for a test on Saturday, and I had to Give permission for synchronous to have my information

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have already restricted or banned these harmful substances, and industry has adapted and found alternatives
• perform better academically, have higher attention spans, better cognitive development, and improved test
• and improved to academically, have higher attention spans, better cognitive development, and improve test
• And it's not just about their test scores. That's not always the outcome we're looking for.
• And those test scores were just released, so I just found that out.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment. After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales. The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, and is there a methodology that's tested, or is this factual science-based?
• The Texas Supreme Court settled the issue when they adopted the "ordinary and natural meaning test,"
• In 1987, this legislature essentially codified. that test into the property title of the Property Code
• It doesn't change the ordinary and natural meaning test; it just provides clarity.
• It is a much cheaper alternative for consumers than generation to serve that need.

Bills: HB3619, HB3652, HB4572, HB4891, HB4941, HB5103, HB5105, HB5106, HB5224, HB5600

Keywords: surface estate, well plugging, Railroad Commission, landowner rights, liability, strategic reserve, gas supply, petroleum products, disaster response, Railroad Commission of Texas, energy security, emergency planning, oil and gas waste, environmental regulation, waste management, mining pits, groundwater monitoring, regulation, commercial disposal facilities, environmental standards

Transcript Highlights:

• In the case of the Brigham Lining Consolidation, SB 700 from the 86th session authorized an alternative
• I think how many deer have been killed just to test for CWD?
• It's in the thousands, thousands that you've required to be killed and tested.
• from the data I've seen, less than two-tenths of a percent of those deer that were killed just to be tested
• tested positive.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that we use certain cost-effectiveness tests.
• But we want to make sure your neighbor benefits as well, so that we use certain cost-effectiveness tests
• Or if you could kind of go to, like, you know, the projection of the different alternative energy proposals
• There have been several test flights from several different manufacturers.
• We'll provide a place for you to test that technology, and we'll find you a path to implementation quickly

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:19:38.480> discussed<00:19:38.880> in<00:19:39.280> in<00:19:39.600> test
• <00:19:39.919> in<00:19:40.080> the um as discussed in in test in the um as discussed
• in in test in the hearing<00:19:40.480> that<00:19:40.720> a<00:19:41.039> sign
• So, uh, some of us who have been here for a long time are very familiar with some alternatives, some
• , some that are newer may alternatives, some that are newer may not,<00:52:07.680> but<00:52:08.319

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fitness test.
• Not a fitness test. It had to be the presidential fitness test to get points on this.
• And if they did a point-of-care test, some sort of swab or blood test that they can do at the pharmacy
• Line 26 is talking about disposable diabetes blood sugar testing supplies—lancets, testing strips, all
• , such as maybe a strep test.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2401, which would require physicians to complete continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health as part of the state’s rural health transformation effort. HHS supported the bill, saying it would help physicians better address chronic disease and preserve federal grant points tied to the state’s application. A member of the public also testified in favor, arguing that better nutrition education could improve diabetes outcomes and reduce costs. The committee then adopted an amendment to add the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice to the background-check statute so the occupational therapy compact could proceed, and it passed the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee next heard House Bill 1621, which would require the Presidential Fitness Physical Fitness Test in elementary, middle, and high school physical education courses. HHS said the bill was part of the rural health transformation application and could help preserve federal funding, but members raised many questions about the test’s criteria, adaptive options for students with disabilities, equipment needs, and whether the bill should apply to non-public schools. Senator Clemens offered an amendment to limit the requirement to public schools, but it failed. Senator Hogan then offered an amendment to clarify exemptions and allow DPI to align implementation with federal guidance; that amendment passed. A further amendment adding language allowing DPI to establish criteria for and exceptions to the test also passed. The committee then approved the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee also considered House Bill 1622, which joins North Dakota to the physician assistant licensure compact. HHS said the compact would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, support military families, and help preserve rural health transformation funding. Members noted the compact had been discussed in a prior session and that many earlier concerns had been resolved. After brief discussion about the compact process and its consistency with other interstate compacts, the committee voted to do pass the bill. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 2402, which expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution powers. HHS and the Board of Pharmacy supported the bill as a way to improve access to care and maintain rural health transformation funding. Senator Roers introduced a detailed amendment negotiated with the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to narrow and clarify the bill, including notification requirements, limits on certain drug categories, and patient-protection language for therapeutic substitution. The Board of Pharmacy then testified in support of the broader bill and explained the CLIA-waived testing provisions and the repeal of the older, narrower pharmacist-testing language. The hearing and amendment discussion were still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• water through late adolescence do better than other children on vocabulary, math, reading, achievement tests
• of teachers now in our classrooms who have not gone through a traditional program; they're in an alternative
• going into the same facility that is aligned with his biological sex, they provide a reasonable alternative
• going into the same facility that is aligned with his biological sex, they provide a reasonable alternative

Bills: HB2015, HB2060, HB2129, HB2170, HB2210, HB2228, HB2352, HB2460, HB2533, SB1019, SB1045, SB1050, SB1078, SB1083, SB1167, SB1184, SCR1006

Keywords: budget procedures, late filing penalty, accounting standards, financial reporting, state appropriations, abortion, educational institutions, health education, state aid, public schools, municipal libraries, annual reporting, state legislation, transparency, government accountability, procurement, foreign adversary, China, state contracts, information technology

Summary: The committee first handled Senate Bill 1045, which would bar cities, towns, and counties from taxing or charging fees on the use of blockchain technology in residences, with limited exceptions. The sponsor said the bill was a repeat of a measure vetoed the prior year and framed it as a tax-preemption issue. There was no testimony, and the bill was moved and passed out of committee on a 4-3 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1019, which would prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water systems. Senator Shamp argued the bill was about health freedom, informed consent, and emerging research she said raised concerns about fluoride’s benefits and possible neurodevelopmental risks. Opponents, including representatives of Arizona dental and public health groups, testified that community water fluoridation is safe, effective, and especially important for low-income and rural communities with limited dental access. After extended debate, the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote. Senate Bill 1050 would provide free lifetime state park passes to Arizona veterans. State Parks testified neutrally but warned the measure could reduce revenue used to support park operations and rural economies; the sponsor said the bill was prompted by a park visit where veterans were charged admission. The committee also approved SB 1050 on a 4-3 vote. Later, SB 1078, dealing with de novo review in public records denial cases, passed unanimously after support from the Goldwater Institute, and SB 1083, which would prevent HOAs and condo associations from banning certain lighted home address devices for emergency response, also passed after testimony from the sponsor and a homeowners coalition.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the alternative for the border highway connector, which will connect Santa Teresa.
• speaking. about this because the policy board of the MPO sent a letter to GSA supporting the other alternative
• Everything that happens here in Santa Teresa affects Columbus, and I think you know the same alternatively
• We need to have some test wells drilled very quickly.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 699 offers a clear, simple, and transparent alternative.
• Quite simply, this bill will remove educational opportunities for children and prevent competitive alternatives
• But this individual would get 100% on start testing. They would.
• This bill allows a very, an alternative way for public agencies to manage their forested areas, it's

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be targeted, and I don't want to prejudge the negotiations, but if they're able to... provide an alternative
• said, which is bring down their tariffs and non-tariff. barriers to provide better markets and alternative
• We do it with respect to education policy, test scores. We do it in defense policy.
• It's not a decision I'm making but I know that this is one alternative. you know I'm mindful you know

Keywords: tariffs, Trump administration, economy, public testimony, trade policy, market access, export controls

Summary: The meeting focused on various significant topics concerning the recent tariff policies and their wide-ranging implications on the American economy. Members expressed their concerns regarding the negative impact of increased tariffs as proposed by the Trump administration, with specific emphasis on how families might suffer from higher costs and market access issues. The discussion was lively, with members questioning the clarity of the tariff plan and raising concerns about its potential effects on small businesses and American exports.

Transcript Highlights:

• A better alternative may be to encourage states and localities to permit more private construction.
• An alternative that respects state and local sovereignty is to use existing federal spending to encourage
• As long as we are careful with the innovations we implement and the ways we test them, there are a lot
• you know, ultimately when the premiums need to be paid out, there are opportunities to provide alternatives

Keywords: affordable housing, government investment, barriers, legislative solutions, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the significant issue of affordable housing in America. Members expressed concern over the persistent barriers faced in the housing sector, despite substantial government investment aimed at alleviating these issues. It was highlighted that government interference plays a critical role in complicating the housing landscape, and discussions revolved around potential legislative approaches to mitigate these challenges. Several witnesses provided testimony, contributing to a thorough exploration of the topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to test Good afternoon.
• And we've got a couple cases where we are... ...we've got a couple cases where we are testing out mental
• Hospitals due to a lack of appropriate alternatives.
• following the ballot initiative a couple of years ago, the MCAS has been eliminated as a standardized test
• of the most vulnerable people, who have 8,800 families, I'm saying, would be hurt by this new asset test

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We haven’t had a real good test run of it to see the impact.
• This change was made intentionally to better align with the national testing opportunities.
• CTS was mentioned as one of those potential other alternative models of centralized services.
• CTS was mentioned as one of those potential other alternative models of centralized services.
• Eighty-five, 90% of our time is operational testing.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• They have income and asset tests. The asset limit is $2,000. These are needs-based benefits.
• They have income and asset tests.
• The ASWB found that Black and Latino test takers, multilingual folks, and folks who are multicultural
• are failing that test 52% of the time.
• S. 135, filed by Senator Gomez, does provide an alternative licensure.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking. A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation. The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats. Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen it tested in the past.
• Is that through test scores? Mr. Chair...
• Some of them even went down in standardized testing.
• Order to change the test.
• Ruler of consistent testing across that period.

Transcript Highlights:

• , one, two. 478 You Testing one, two.
• Anyone else wish to test for, on, for, or against? Senate Bill 1346, any other public?
• and then maybe after you do that do just a test on that race that you removed or you added a name to
• And what you're saying is that you would like to have an incremental test done just on the the adding
• back of the logic test, of adding back the new candidate, and not have to... re-logic test the entire

Bills: SB29, SB406, SB447, SB875, SB893, SB1033, SB1346, SB1362, SB1539, SCR22, SB 29

Keywords: business organization, internal management, corporate governance, partnerships, liability reduction, birth certificate, biological sex, gender identity, health and safety, sex assignment, SB 875, Texas, independent school district, ISD, school board trustee, superintendent, campus administrator, electioneering, political signs, early voting

Transcript Highlights:

• So there could be potentially in future, I would offer a different alternative, not to say that these
• Revenue Department three months' notice of a rate change so that we have time to program the rate and test
• the rate in GenTax and test the new distributions.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have another alternative for us.
• part of that hearing, and also to help us get the word out to everybody that might be interested in testing
• We know without any doubt it's a tested process. We've used it twice before, and we know it works.

Bills: SR5, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SR5

Keywords: redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes