Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, we're going to adopt and substitute the motion of Saran Blanco.
• It's fairly reporting without objections sent to local and contested calendar.
• Objections? It's a local and contested calendar.
• Without objection we're going to adopt the new committee substitute.
• Without objection, we're going to adopt it.

Bills: SB 1113, SB 1117, SB 1206, SB 1460, SB 1802, SB 1906, SB 1917, SB 2340, SB 2455, SB 2680, SB 2690, SB 705, SB 748

Keywords: SB 1113, converter's license, converter license, motor vehicle dealer, auto dealer, vehicle conversion, converted vehicles, direct sales, retail sales, trailer, semitrailer, manufactured trailer, chassis, manufacturer's statement of origin, MSO, Occupations Code, Transportation Code, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, dealer licensing, general distinguishing number

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee was marked by discussions on several significant bills, with a keen emphasis on legislative updates and committee substitutes. Notably, Senator Blanco presented a new committee substitute for SB2610, which modifies the employee cap from 100 to 250 and extends the update timeline for cyber security programs for small businesses. This substitute was adopted unanimously, reflecting a collaborative agreement among the committee members. Additionally, there were discussions surrounding SB1856 as Senator Crayton provided insights into how stakeholder feedback influenced the bill's committee substitute. The committee ultimately voted in favor, pushing it towards the local and contested calendar, indicating the bill's progression through legislative channels.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any objections? The chair hears none, and the motion prevails.
• If there's no objection, House Bill 4157 will be left pending.
• Hearing no objection, the chair leaves House Bill 4157 left pending.
• If there's no objection, House Bill 783 will be left pending.
• Hearing no objection, House Bill 783 will be left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any objections? The chair hears none. The motion prevails.
• Is there any objection to the adoption? Since there are no objections, the substitute is adopted.
• Okay, is there an objection to the adoption of the substitute?
• Hearing no objection, House Bill 4157 will be left pending.
• Hearing no objection, House Bill 783 will be left pending.

Bills: HB5621, HB4904, HB5067, HB5076, HB5081, HB5354, HB4862, HB3847, HB4088, HB4157, HB2966, HB2287, HB4203, HB4803, HB4737, HB5093, HB783, HB5411, HB4281

Keywords: HB 5621, consumer protection, Deceptive Trade Practices Act, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code, attorney general, consumer protection division, district attorney, county attorney, local prosecutor, civil investigative demand, CID, voluntary compliance, financial institution records, bank records, privacy, protective order, in camera review, trade secrets, insurer

Transcript Highlights:

• Waived close without objection.
• Without objection. Show the minutes adopted. We're now on the bill as amended.
• Without objection, we'll show that amendment is adopted.
• That objection will show the amendment is adopted.
• Close without objection. Show the amendment adopted in on the bill as amended.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objections, such shall be the order.
• Without objection, such shall be the order.
• Without objection, such shall be the order. All right, we are moving on to guest introductions.
• Without objection, we'll now take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye.
• Without objection, we'll move on to a voice vote.

Summary: The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, established a quorum, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine procedural motions, including unanimous consent requests and a re-referral of AB 506. The chamber then moved through a series of guest introductions and second-reading items before taking up several resolutions recognizing awareness days and cultural observances. Members adopted ACR 41 on Down Syndrome Awareness Week/Day and HR 24 on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month after extensive bipartisan remarks focused on family experiences, inclusion, bullying, funding for services, and support for people with disabilities. The Assembly also adopted ACR 48 recognizing Women in STEM Day, ACR 49 recognizing California STEM Robotics Day, HR 18 celebrating Nauruze, and ACR 2 marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Each resolution drew co-authors and supportive comments from members across the aisle. The body then debated and passed AB 248, which would remove the state wage cap on county jail inmate labor and allow counties more discretion; supporters framed it as local control and rehabilitation, while opponents argued it would raise costs and conflict with voter sentiment. The Assembly also passed AB 100, a budget-process measure moving a large package of bills to the Senate, and used a substituted roll call for the remaining related bills. Consent calendar items were approved, and the chamber concluded with multiple adjournments in memory, including tributes to Eric Lopez, Johnny D. Giles, and Roger Diamond, before adjourning until March 24, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any objection to the adoption of this committee substitute? Hearing none.
• Are there any objections? Hearing none, so ordered.
• Any objections? Hearing none, it's all ordered.
• Any objections? Hearing none.
• Any objections? Hearing none, it's so ordered. No objections? Hearing none, it's so ordered.

Bills: SB1281, SB1300, SB1379, SB1451, SB1497, SB1498, SB1499

Keywords: mail theft, postal theft, package theft, identity theft, negotiable instrument, check theft, mail receptacle key, mailbox lock, postal key, delivery service, courier, USPS, United States Postal Service, fraud, property crime, elderly victims, disabled victims, identity information, rebuttable presumption, felony enhancement

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there objection? Seeing none, show the motion adopted.
• Is there objection? Seeing none, show the motion adopted. We are adjourned. today?
• Is there objection? Seeing none show the motion adopted?
• Is there objection? Seeing none show the motion adopted, we are adjourned.
• Is there objection seeing none show the motion adopted? We are adjourned.

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and took up two bills and one presentation. Senate Bill 108, on administrative procedures, was presented by Senator Burgess on behalf of Senator Grall. The bill would require agencies to systematically review rules over five years old, submit annual regulatory plans and reports, and take action on reviewed rules; it also would speed publication of proposed rules after new rulemaking authority and expand transparency for incorporated materials and rule histories. Americans for Prosperity appeared in support, there was no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard a presentation from State Board of Administration Executive Director Chris Spencer on implementation of statutory investment restrictions affecting state funds. He reviewed the SBA’s structure and fiduciary duties, said the agency must maximize financial return using only pecuniary factors, and described the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions involving Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He noted recent changes, including expanded Iran restrictions after the October 7 attacks, the addition of China-related divestment requirements, and the SBA’s move to eliminate China and Hong Kong from its global equity benchmarks; he said the agency is ahead of schedule on required divestment and in compliance with the law. Senate Bill 100, on display of flags by governmental entities, was then presented by Chair Fine. The bill would prohibit political flags on government buildings and allow active-duty service members and veterans to use reasonable force to stop flag desecration. The committee heard extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing government buildings should not display political messages and opponents raising First Amendment, vagueness, and enforcement concerns, especially regarding LGBTQ-related flags and school settings. Senators also questioned the bill’s definitions and the reasonable-force provision. After debate, the committee voted to report SB 100 favorably, with Senators Arrington and Polsky voting no and Senators Brodeur, McClain, Rodriguez, Fine, and Chair DeSiglie voting yes. At the end of the meeting, Senator Rodriguez was recorded as voting yes on SB 108, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's where the object code comes in for us. You have an object code and a sub-object code.
• The object code, think big levels, so personnel, right?
• And a sub-object code would be salaries, and then another one would be benefits.
• Another big object code is operating expenses. That would be a big code.
• A sub-object code under expenses would be office supplies, professional services.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues. A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support. Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The additional Committee of the Whole is called to order without objection.
• Without objection, the House is at recess.
• The Committee of the Whole is called to order without objection.
• The Committee of the Whole is called to order without objection.
• Without objection, the House is at recess until the sound of the gavel.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I think the biggest policy I'm not sure many people would object to.
• object to. It's where the money exists. object to. It's where the money exists.
• other body to provide some objective other body to provide some objective guidance.<01:04:09.839
• > most<01:21:25.600> widely objectively, some of our most widely objectively, some of our
• Your objection is noted. >> All right. Your objection is noted.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, it is so ordered.
• Do we have any objection is so ordered.
• Without objection, so ordered. second. Without objection, so ordered.
• Without objection is so ordered.
• <02:05:24.880> Any without objection. So ordered. Any without objection. So ordered.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The objectives of the Quad Agency.
• Without objection, it is so ordered.
• Is there objection?
• Is there objection? Hearing none, it is so ordered.
• Is there objection? Hearing none, it is so ordered.

Bills: HB163, HB216, HB721, HB2035, HB2038, HB3057, HB3153, HB3233, HB3595, HB3801, HB3812, HB4076, HB4129, HB4377, HB4535, HB4666, HB4730, HB4743, HB4903, HB5149, HB5155, HB1534

Keywords: epinephrine, healthcare, emergency response, administration, medical policy, health care, itemized billing, patient rights, provider regulations, Texas Health and Safety Code, cost disclosure, insurance, benefit plan, administrators, chemical dependency, treatment facilities, minor admissions, parental notice, mental health, medical licensing

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, then established a quorum with five members present. Members heard and left pending several House bills, including HB 4743 on allowing hospitals to license mobile stroke units under a hospital license, HB 4129 on earlier DFPS enforcement tools for single-source continuum contractors in community-based foster care, HB 4903 creating a Quad Agency Child Care Initiative to coordinate child care regulations across state agencies, HB 3812 revising the gold card/prior authorization process for physicians, HB 4535 requiring written informed consent before COVID-19 vaccination and a standardized state information sheet, and HB 4666 reducing the frequency of some HHSC reports to the legislature. The chair also noted HB 35 would be voted on later after a subcommittee back was received, and that a large number of bills would be heard the next day. Most of the testimony focused on HB 4535 and HB 4730. On HB 4535, supporters argued the bill would strengthen informed consent for COVID vaccination by requiring written consent and clearer state-level information about risks, manufacturer liability protections, and adverse-event reporting; opponents, including a pediatrician and medical groups, said existing federal and state informed-consent materials already cover these topics and warned the bill could create duplicative paperwork and penalties. On HB 3812, the Texas Medical Association supported changes that would extend the gold-card evaluation period to one year, raise transparency, and make prior authorization exemptions easier to administer, while health plans said they were neutral and viewed the bill as a balance between reducing burden and preventing fraud or unsafe care. HB 4730 drew extensive testimony from adoption professionals, birth mothers, adoptive parents, and child welfare advocates. The bill would require DFPS to create a relinquishment form, train child-placing agency staff, and extend the minimum waiting period for voluntary relinquishment from 48 hours to seven days. Supporters of the current law argued the 48-hour period aligns with hospital discharge, allows informed decisions, and helps birth parents and adoptive families begin healing and bonding without pushing children into foster care or creating legal and Medicaid complications. The author said the bill would be revised and that the seven-day provision was a work in progress. No votes were taken on the bills during the meeting; each bill was left pending after public testimony closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any objection?
• Is there objection?
• Is there any objection?
• Is there objection? There is objection.
• Is there objection? Chair, here's none.

Bills: HB 120, HB20, HB150, HB6, HB 100, HB 124, HB210, HB215, HB1393, HB1587, HB 1151, HB 1268, HB142, HB451, HB39, HB 102, HB 126, HB290, HB300, HB2143, HJR2, HB147, HJR6, HB 120, HB20, HB150, HB6, HB 100, HB 124, HB210, HB215, HB1393, HB1587, HB 1151, HB 1268, HB142, HB451, SB1

Keywords: career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, mental health, telehealth

Transcript Highlights:

• > further<00:07:48.400> reading there is no objection, further reading there is no objection
• :07:56.080> approved<00:07:56.400> as objection, the journal is approved as objection,
• If there is no objection, the reports will be adopted.
• Hearing no objection, the motions prevail.
• Hearing no objection, the motions prevail.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing no objection, it is so ordered.
• Hearing no objection, it is so ordered.
• Hearing no objection, it is so ordered.
• Hearing no objection, it is so ordered.
• Hearing no objection, it is adopted.

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1183, by Senator Creighton, which would require Lone Star Cards used for SNAP and TANF benefits to display the recipient’s name and photo, add fraud-reporting information, and require HHSC to track replacement-card requests. Creighton argued the bill would reduce fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, citing Texas SNAP theft and overpayment data. HHSC testified that photo IDs on the card are technically possible and explained how authorized secondary users are added. Dr. Amber O’Connor of Every Texan testified against the bill, saying SNAP fraud is a small share of expenditures, that the proposal would be costly and ineffective, and that federal rules limit mandatory photo requirements. Public testimony closed and SB 1183 was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1184, also by Senator Creighton, which would lower from 20 years to 10 years the minimum age of collectible wine that Texas collectors may sell to permitted restaurants. Supporters said the change would help Texas restaurants access desirable vintages, keep collectible wine in-state, and align with market demand; invited witnesses from the wine industry testified in favor. No opposition was heard, public testimony closed, and SB 1184 was left pending. Next, Senator Birdwell laid out Senate Bill 2051 and Senate Joint Resolution 68, both aimed at revising Texas impeachment procedures in response to issues identified during the 2023 impeachment process. The measures would clarify constitutional and statutory impeachment authority, require sworn testimony, extend review periods for House members, address conflicts of interest and presiding officers, require cost reporting, and modify rules for impeaching the governor or lieutenant governor. A committee substitute added protections for the accused, longer review periods, and a fallback presiding-officer option. Witnesses generally supported stronger accountability but raised questions about whether the language should also cover retired or visiting judges. Both measures were left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1577, which would expand Texas Motor Speedway’s alcohol sales authority to include distilled spirits and remove certain event and concession limits; the Speedway’s representative supported the bill and it was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 42 and Senate Bill 240, which would recognize only two sexes and restrict access to sex-designated private spaces in public facilities based on biological sex. Supporters argued the measures were needed to protect women’s privacy and safety, including in schools and shelters, while opponents warned about enforcement problems, privacy concerns, and impacts on transgender Texans and others who do not fit stereotypical sex traits. After extensive testimony, both measures were left pending. The committee then took up multiple pending bills and reported several favorably, including SB 511, SB 33, SB 510, SB 871, SB 2024, SB 2166, SJR 27, SJR 40, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 2420, SB 1999, SB 2309, SB 1860, and SB 2429, with some also certified for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's no objection, one matter will be taken out of the orders of the day.
• If there's no objection, one matter will be taken out of the orders of the day.
• Is there an objection? The chair hears none.
• Without objection, so ordered. The bill has been read a third time. The Senator from Middlesex, Ms.
• Is there an objection? The chair hears none, and the rules are suspended.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered and advanced Senate No. 2152, designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day. The bill was presented by the Senator from Middlesex, who explained it was inspired by a Lexington constituent, Owen Rosenthal, and aimed to raise awareness and reduce stigma around Tourette syndrome. The Minority Leader voiced support, and the Senate adopted an emergency preamble amendment before passing the bill to engrossment and later to enactment. The chamber also adopted an emergency preamble for a sick leave bank bill for Andrew Satera, a Trial Court employee, and later passed that bill to enactment as well. In addition, the Senate adopted several resolutions commending National Safety Month, honoring Daniel Grover Fitch, and celebrating the 300th anniversary of the first religious society of Newburyport. Other actions included suspending rules to refer a petition to dedicate “Bob Pizza” as the official pizza of the Commonwealth to committee, ordering a House sick leave bank bill for Dana Johnson to a third reading, and referring several House petitions to committees. The Senate also agreed to adjourn in memory of Captain Andrew John Parker of Rockport, and welcomed the Scrap Robotics team of Weymouth to the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any objections to proceeding with the orders of the day?
• If there be no objection, the clerk will dispense with the reading of the paper. There being none.
• Are there any objections to proceeding with the orders of the day?
• If there be no objection, the clerk will dispense with the reading of the paper. There being none.
• If there be no objection, the clerk will dispense with the reading of the paper. Chair has none.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine reports and local bills. It adopted a resolution commending the AADC Family Network and recognizing October 23, 2025, as AADC Deficiency Awareness Day in Massachusetts. The House also concurred with a Senate petition on energy-conservation windows being referred to the Committee on Housing. The chamber then acted on a slate of bills scheduled by the Committee on Steering Policy and Scheduling. It advanced House Bills 1194, 2280, 2644, 2646, and 1301 to third reading, covering cleanup of accidental home heating oil spills, permitting reforms for businesses and landowners, fire protection, public fire safety and professionalism, and primary insurance. Each was taken up under suspension of Rule 7A and ordered to a third reading without objection. The House also passed several local bills to be engrossed: House Bills 3896 on recall elections in Berlin, 3901 exempting Natick’s assistant fire chief from civil service, 4212 allowing Lancaster to dissolve its animal control commission, and 4347 concerning Williamsburg Library Trustees. House Bill 4380, amending Agawam’s charter, was amended on the floor to change the election timing language and add an effective-date section, then passed to be engrossed as amended. The House then recessed briefly, adopted an order to meet the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., and adjourned to an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, wait a minute, any objections for a previous roll? No objection to the previous roll.
• No objection to the previous roll. The bill has been given a favorable report. Thank you, Mr.
• Any objections? We have a motion and a second. Any objections to use a previous...

Bills: SB208, SB216, HB187

Keywords: Montgomery, retirement system, employees, constitutional amendment, city council, retired law enforcement, retirement benefits, employment, firemedics, salary cap, HB187, court fees, docket fee, sheriff's fund, sheriff's office, jail operations, law enforcement, county sheriff, court filing fees, Alabama Code 12-19-312

Transcript Highlights:

• If there is no objection, further reading of the journal will be dispensed with, and the journal will
• If there is no objection, the reports will be adopted.
• Hearing no objection, the reports are adopted. Second Reading. Household Number 1218.
• If there is no objection, we will take action on these motions first.
• If there is no objection, the motions prevail.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any objections to using the previous role? Hearing none, 15 Y's and 0 Nays. Mr.
• Any objections to using the previous role? Hearing none, 15 Y's and 0 Nays. Approval for Ms.
• So, no objection to using the previous roll with the exception...
• Any objection to using the previous roll, adding Senator Gavan back in, which would give us 15 Yes and
• Any objection to using the previous roll? Hearing none, 15 Yes, zero Nays.

Keywords: 923, senate, all