Transcript Highlights:

• We are in actual beneficial-use tests for biomass accumulations to determine if there’s anything harmful
• It's only through appropriate treatment and verified testing that we can ensure that this product is
• It's only through appropriate treatment and verified testing that we can ensure that this product is
• all former, current, and future nuclear power reactors and university-operated nuclear research and test
• all former, current, and future nuclear power reactors and university-operated nuclear research and test

Bills: SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Summary: The committee heard and laid out several natural resources and environmental bills, with testimony focused on balancing development, public health, wildlife protection, and regulatory authority. SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to communicate in writing with TCEQ about matters before the commission, with safeguards requiring the communication to be part of the record and allowing other parties to respond; a committee substitute narrowed it to written communications about permits only, limited legislator communications to facilities in their districts, and adjusted conflict-of-interest rules. HB 3556, as substituted, would require notice to Texas Parks and Wildlife for certain very tall structures in specified coastal counties and give TPWD a limited right to seek injunctive relief if mitigation is insufficient to prevent material harm to migratory birds; supporters said it would address ignored wildlife recommendations and protect key flyways, while opponents argued the bill was too broad, singled out wind energy, and gave one agency unusually strong enforcement power. HB 49 would expand liability protections for produced-water recycling and beneficial use; supporters said it would encourage reuse of a large wastewater stream and reduce disposal pressures, while opponents warned it could shield operators from responsibility before the science and standards are mature. HB 4413 would authorize mass-balance accounting for renewable biomass feedstocks, and HB 3866 would regulate intermediate bulk container recycling facilities near homes, with a committee substitute adding a grandfather clause and making implementation contingent on funding. The committee also heard bills affecting air and energy regulation. HB 5033 would create a trigger to end vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes to allow it; the substitute removed a Supreme Court-related trigger, and the lone public witness opposed the bill, warning it would worsen air quality and harm nonattainment areas. HB 4112 would clarify that on-site storage of high-level radioactive waste is allowed at current and future nuclear reactors and university research reactors only for waste generated at that site; the substitute clarified the language and removed an inoperative permit condition, and witnesses from environmental and nuclear groups said the clarification was needed to prevent unintended restrictions while avoiding off-site storage. HB 2440 would prohibit state agencies from using air-quality rules to ban or restrict vehicles based on energy source, including internal combustion vehicles, and no public testimony was offered. HB 4271 would require TCEQ to hold public meetings on request for composting facility authorizations; the substitute limited the requirement to future applications and was presented as a transparency measure after a denied local request and extensive public comments. Additional bills addressed landowner protections and Railroad Commission oversight. HB 3619 would require the Railroad Commission to restore surface land after plugging or replugging operations and indemnify landowners from damages tied to authorized entry; a witness supported the bill but urged fixing a separate statutory loophole that he said allowed operators to enter unrelated tracts without notice. HB 4042 would extend Railroad Commission pipeline safety and fee provisions to propane distribution systems by removing the word “natural” from the relevant definitions. HB 4426 would set a 10-year permit term for commercial surface disposal facilities, allow renewal based on compliance history, and require renewal applications 120 days before expiration. The committee took no votes because a quorum was not initially present, and each bill was left pending after testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your test. testimony. Dr. Chevalier. Correct. Good morning, Chairman Craitor.
• process information and Yet at the time, even with my position, the state law did not allow him to be tested
• Maybe some less tests that they have to go through in order to get certified as well.
• Middle School, Willis, Texas, that my parents and I were able to get the resources we needed and the testing
• If you look at the passing rate for all tests and reading in ELA in our district, we're way above the

Bills: SB568, SCR5, SB57, SB1447, SB27, SB24

Keywords: special education, funding, individualized education program, visual impairments, accessibility, support services, state education code, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame

Transcript Highlights:

• Those COVID years, the requirements for graduation were reduced; in other words, all the testing was
• For those who are not familiar, our former testing system usually resulted in the school year ending,
• you taking tests in May, and the results coming back by the time that the school got them in the hands
• progress monitoring, the statute says two weeks, but actually what is occurring is students take those tests
• They're also responsible for maintaining the department's online school bus safety inspector testing

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee held its first interim meeting, took roll, and established a quorum. Members introduced themselves, many noting backgrounds in education, school boards, local government, or parenting, and Chair Jenna Persons-Mulicka outlined the committee’s goal of building the fiscal year 2025-26 Pre-K-12 budget. She also reviewed the fiscal year 2024-25 education budget, noting that the Pre-K-12 portion totals about $21 billion, with the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) as the largest driver, along with major funding for VPK, school readiness, and school recognition. She explained that federal COVID relief funds have ended and that recent school choice legislation has affected budget structure. Commissioner Manny Diaz and department leaders then gave overviews of their divisions. Diaz highlighted Florida’s education rankings, record graduation rate, progress monitoring, expanded school choice participation, charter school growth, and teacher salary investments, while emphasizing a focus on literacy, math, and early learning. Carrie Miller described the Division of Early Learning’s school readiness and VPK programs, their funding, eligibility, accountability systems, and the importance of kindergarten readiness. Paul Burns outlined the Division of Public Schools’ work on educator quality, literacy, standards, certification, family outreach, federal programs, and school improvement. Suzanne Pridgen reviewed finance and operations functions, including budget management, FEFP calculations, grants, procurement, transportation, and emergency management. Adam Emerson described parental choice programs, including scholarships, charter schools, schools of hope, virtual education, and home education. Darren Norris detailed the Office of Safe Schools’ responsibilities for risk assessments, compliance inspections, threat management, grants, and training created after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. Members asked questions about several issues, including whether the Safe Schools office recommends changes to the school safety grant distribution formula, whether early learning eligibility should shift from federal poverty level to state median income, how scholarship payments are verified to avoid funding students who return to public school, and whether daily attendance systems could improve funding accuracy. Other questions addressed hurricane-related survey disruptions, VPK provider reimbursement rates and instructional hours, teacher salary increases, school start time costs, and how voucher schools handle IEP accommodations. Department officials generally said some issues remain under review, supported moving school readiness eligibility to SMI, noted that scholarship and enrollment data are cross-checked and adjusted when needed, and said progress monitoring now helps schools support mobile students. On school safety, officials said exemptions are allowed in statute for some items but not for classroom doors, and that district-specific conditions matter. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported beyond receiving presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Project Momentum has proven by data to be the best method for helping schools improve test scores.
• What has happened historically is that rather than judging whether they can read by the regular test,
• which is now the AASA test, they're given a separate test that is much too easy.
• They could pass them on even if they didn't test proficient.
• We have 70% of our third graders not testing proficient on the AASA test.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard Superintendent Tom Horn’s State of Education address, which focused on school safety, academic outcomes, teacher pay, school choice, and opposition to DEI/CRT in schools. Horn argued that students cannot learn unless schools are safe, cited increased funding for school police officers and a recent Tucson charter school incident as evidence for more officers, and said the department’s academic efforts have centered on Project Momentum, tutoring, cell phone restrictions, career and technical education partnerships, and support for Native American districts. He also urged direct teacher pay increases through Proposition 123 and said the state board should revise teaching standards and school grading practices. Members questioned him about DEI compliance, cell phone enforcement, ESA accountability, teacher preparation programs, school safety funding, and literacy outcomes; Horn said the department’s role is largely advisory in a local-control state, that it tracks school practices on a website, and that it lacks academic outcome data for ESA students because private schools are not tested by the state. The committee then took up House Bill 2008, which would prohibit public school libraries from using public funds to pay dues or memberships to professional library associations that advocate for libraries and information services. Representative Cooper, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to keep school libraries politically neutral and prevent taxpayer money from supporting ideological advocacy, while arguing that membership could still be paid privately and that free professional development options exist. Opponents, including former librarian Judy Schweber, Marana board member Hunter Holt, and the ACLU of Arizona, argued the bill would undermine professional development, local control, and constitutional rights of association and petition, and that there was little evidence public funds were actually being used this way. Supporters, including Adrienne Johnson, said some library materials and associations promote political viewpoints and should not be funded with public dollars. After public comment and debate, the committee voted 7-5 to give HB 2008 a do pass recommendation. Members who explained no votes said the bill targeted a non-issue, lacked data showing a problem, and would divert attention from funding and literacy needs. Members supporting the bill said it was a reasonable restriction on public spending and a way to keep school libraries ideologically neutral. The committee then announced it would move on to House Bill 2249, the Parents’ Bill of Rights and Remedies.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very familiarly trying to communicate that to you and would hope that it would not go forward to test
• I'm very familiarly trying to communicate that to you and would hope that it would not go forward to test
• I'm very familiarly trying to communicate that to you and would hope that it would not go forward to test
• and I'm looking at paternity testing and I'm looking at your<00:38:10.079> chair<00:38:10.400
• So in that case, any kind of paternity test wouldn't back up this assertion.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• person is arrested for driving under the influence and refuses to submit a breath, blood, or urine test
• Giving them a three-year license revocation for refusing to submit to testing for an offense that tracks
• for DUI offenses to submit to testing for DUI offenses there<01:04:33.480> seems<01:04:33.680
• <01:05:53.440> for<01:05:53.680> an refusing to submit to testing for an refusing to
• submit to testing for an offense<01:05:54.240> that<01:05:54.400> tracks<01:05:54.839>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several bills on March 11, including measures on harbor vessel requirements, transportation funding, clean fuels, water carriers, parking enforcement, and electric mobility. For SB 1402 SD1 on vessels in state commercial harbors, testimony was split: the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Longline Association supported it, while Hol Holo Charters and one individual opposed it, saying the bill should be more specific about tourboat operators. For SB 1473 on central services assessments, SB 321 on privately owned roads, and SB 419 on insurance coverage for child passenger restraint systems, the committee heard brief testimony with no noted objections or actions beyond moving through the agenda. For SB 1009 SD2 on parking, the bill would create fines for misuse of disability and EV parking spaces and direct the revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund. Support came from Ulupono Initiative, Climate Protectors Hawaii, the Disability Communication Access Board, and others, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported the bill’s intent but questioned using the fines for Safe Routes to School, and Hawaiian Electric suggested directing EV-related fines to the EV charging system subaccount instead. Hawaii Appleseed supported the measure but raised concerns about the size of the fines and possible impacts on low-income residents. The committee asked questions about enforcement when EV chargers are inoperable; DAGS indicated the stalls could be used and would not be enforced in that situation. For SB 1120 on a clean fuel standard, the Department of Transportation supported the measure but asked for the implementation date to be delayed by one year and requested an independent Hawaii-specific economic impact study due before the next session. Support also came from several transportation, airline, and industry groups, while Tim Rhymer and Frank Schultz opposed it. The committee then heard SB 21 on water carriers, which would authorize a PUC inflationary cost index adjustment mechanism and exemptions; DOT, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbors Users Group supported it, while Frank Schultz opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 117 on electric mobility, which would expand and rename the rebate program, set age limits and operating rules for e-bikes and electric motorcycles, require insurance for electric motorcycle operators, and make conforming changes. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DOT, the Hawaii Bicycling League, the Queen’s pediatric trauma center, and Ulupono Initiative, though one testifier warned that the bill’s wattage definition could unintentionally capture some pedal-assist e-bikes. No votes were taken on the individual bills in the portions shown, and the transcript ended with the committee continuing its hearing agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• It involves cases where the IRS or the Department of Revenue has determined under the IRS test that an
• Section 530 ultimately allows employers to evade their employment tax obligations even when the test
• <00:06:29.759> ony<00:06:30.440> after right to your test ony after right to your test
• It involves cases where the IRS or the Department of Revenue has determined under the IRS test that an
• Section 530 ultimately allows employers to evade their employment tax obligations even when the test

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ultimately was something that we tested ultimately was something that we tested with<00:23:23.800
• <00:25:00.320> of test of test of any<00:25:01.640> risk<00:25:01.880> manager<00
• Uh, those you obviously you're on the test net. Yes, I am on the test net. I am on Sepolia.
• Yes, I am on the test net. I am on net. Yes, I am on the test net.
• tested today. Our model protects banks. tested today. Our model protects banks.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call, confirmation of a quorum, and approval of the April 6 and May 4 minutes, with minor corrections noted to the May minutes. The main presentation came from JD of Link Network, introduced by Dan Cohen, who described Link’s work with crypto.com and other market participants on tokenized money market funds and real-time settlement for institutional clients. JD gave a detailed history of his earlier work developing the Arca U.S. Treasury Fund and ArCoin, emphasizing that the project was built within existing SEC and 1940 Act frameworks and was intended to use blockchain technology for a traditional asset rather than create a crypto product. He said the effort involved years of discussions with the SEC, multiple custodians, and partners such as U.S. Bank, T-Zero Securities, and Tassat, and that the model eventually led to Link’s settlement system. He highlighted concerns that shaped the design, including regulatory compliance, privacy for institutional users, and the need to bridge traditional banking hours with 24/7 digital asset markets. The presentation also described Link’s features, including segregated and bankruptcy-remote fund structures, tokenized deposit and treasury fund settlement, and “yield in transit,” which allows interest to accrue and be distributed daily down to a two-second block. JD said the platform is being expanded for use cases such as exchange liquidity, cross-border capital movement, off-exchange collateral, stablecoin bridging, treasury management, and peer-to-peer settlement. He closed by posing policy questions for the commission about the use cases for stablecoins versus tokenized money market funds in New Hampshire and whether the state could issue or administer a security-based program with appropriate compliance controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:05:30.479> individual Once, but to launch individual pieces of the program as you go, to test
• They've been working with us every step of the way to ensure this system is fully tested and ready for
• They've been working with us every step of the way to ensure this system is fully tested and ready for
• They've been working with us every step of the way to ensure this system is fully tested and ready for
• They've been working with us every step of the way to ensure this system is fully tested and ready for

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Swampscott, House No. 4444, local approval received; a House bill amending the town of Arlington's means-tested
• persons in the town of Swampscott, House No. 4444; an act amending the town of Arlington's means-tested
• An act amending the town of Arlington's mean-tested senior citizens property tax exemption, house number

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and local matters. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of resolutions commending the Sleep Apnea Awareness Initiative for recognizing March 2026 as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month and celebrating the commissioning of the USS Massachusetts; the House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions. The House also concurred with a Senate petition to establish a sick leave bank for a Worcester County Sheriff’s Department employee, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send a petition on condominium conversions of co-owned two-unit buildings to the Committee on Housing. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a series of local bills for consideration, including measures for Somerville’s affordable housing trust, property tax exemptions in Swampscott and Arlington, the Lexington Housing Assistance Board, a Lexington parkland exchange, and a charter for the town of Orange. The House ordered these bills to a third reading. It also passed to be enacted two engrossed bills: one waiving the maximum age requirement for a Boston police officer applicant, and another authorizing DCAMM to convey parcels of land in Brockton. Later, the House took up additional third-reading bills and passed them to be engrossed, including another Boston police age-waiver bill and a bill allowing Sean Duffy to take the firefighter civil service exam despite the maximum age requirement. The session ended with adoption of an order to adjourn to Wednesday at 11 a.m. in formal session, and notice of a Democratic caucus at noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill amending the means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption in the town of Sudbury
• An act amending the means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption in the town of Sudbury, House
• An act amending the means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption in the town of Sudbury, House

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of resolutions honoring William B. O’Leary on his 100th birthday, congratulating Ethan Ho on earning Eagle Scout rank, and celebrating the 150th anniversary of St. Paul’s Church of Palmer. The House suspended the rules and adopted the resolutions. It also concurred with a Senate referral of a petition concerning retirement benefits for Alec Simonello to the Committee on Public Service. The House then considered local bills reported by the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling, including measures concerning an excise on parking space transfers in Salem, expanded senior property tax abatements in Auburn, a means-tested senior property tax exemption in Sudbury, and land acquisition/disposition in Falmouth. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave these bills second and third readings and ordered them to a third reading. The chamber also passed to enactment several engrossed bills, including firefighter and police age-exemption bills for Haverhill, a Williamsburg board-name change to select board, a Sandwich overpass memorial designation, and a Chicopee charter change to gender-neutral language. The House then acted on additional third-reading bills, passing to enactment a bill allowing Kenneth Navarro to take the Haverhill firefighter exam despite the maximum age requirement, and passing to engrossment bills for William Rob Cargill’s firefighter exam eligibility and special meetings of the Holyoke City Council. On Senate Bill 1859, concerning retirement for Walter L. Gerton, Representative Walsh offered and the House adopted an amendment substituting text from House Document 5331, after which the bill was passed to engrossment as amended. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• An MRI, test results from certain labs, CBC, standard care, that's all going to show up.
• An MRI, test results from certain labs, CBC, standard care, that's all going to show up.
• <02:15:28.320> Um, performing risky diagnostic tests.
• Um, performing risky diagnostic tests.
• physician to perform diagnostic tests physician to perform diagnostic tests surgical<02:16:56.000

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said this is done by taking a sample of the mother's blood and testing for the presence of male DNA
• I was fascinated about the part about the test that you could take at home.
• Is there a requirement for people to take that test?
• of mine emailed me a picture of the test of mine emailed me a picture of the test during<00:32:45.240
• Thank you. found out about this test um and then found out about this test um and then they<00:33:05.399

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, which would allow classification by biological sex in limited circumstances such as multi-use bathrooms, certain athletic events, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for women and girls, and said it was consistent with recent federal actions and prior legislation. Opponents said the bill lacked a clear definition of biological sex, could create confusion and discrimination, and was unnecessary because existing law and sports rules already address the issues raised. After debate, the committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass on HB 148. The chair asked for a majority report and noted that a minority report would likely be filed. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill related to end-of-life medical decision-making. Supporters framed it as a matter of liberty and relief from suffering for terminally ill patients, while opponents raised moral objections, concerns about suicide being normalized, and worries about deceptive wording and death-certificate reporting. HB 254 was approved on an 11-7 vote for ought to pass, with the chair indicating he would write the majority report and Representative Perez the minority report. The committee then moved to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment restoring prior law on recoupment of appointed-counsel costs from indigent criminal defendants and juveniles. The chair explained the amendment as reversing 2020 changes that had limited cost recovery, and the discussion focused on financial affidavits and the Office of Cost Containment’s ability to review indigency claims. The transcript cuts off before the committee vote on HB 611.

Transcript Highlights:

• “They lure people in by offering free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
• <00:18:28.000> and offering free pregnancy tests and offering free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds
• <00:18:36.080> In<00:18:36.320> fact, techs administer those tests.
• In fact, techs administer those tests.
• and a lot of additional pregnancy tests and a lot of additional services. services. services.

Bills: HB0003, HB0004

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, medical assistance, birthing centers, Medicaid, Wyoming, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We require reports of test scores and justify every expenditure.
• We require reports of test scores and justify every expenditure.
• <00:16:02.800> outcomes spending categories, testing outcomes spending categories, testing
• So, like if a student does the EFA two years ago and they're doing the test every year, we don't know
• , the standardized test results aggregate, but<00:29:37.520> how<00:29:37.679> are<00:29

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not only we test every day when you drive on tested he's of to make sure it sticks to
• But today we're here to talk about test or
• We're going to test that.
• We're going to test that.