Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Services correctly printed Senate Bill 114 and 115, Senate Joint Resolution 12, correctly engrossed
• Senate Bill 11 and 76, Senate Resolution 001, and correctly re-engrossed Senate Bill 16, 34, and 74.
• <00:27:02.040> 12, 115, Senate Joint Resolution 12, 115, Senate Joint Resolution 12, correctly
• <00:27:05.520> 001,<00:27:06.120> correctly 76, Senate Resolution 001, correctly 76
• , Senate Resolution 001, correctly re-engrossed<00:27:07.000> Senate<00:27:07.200> Bill

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 17, 2026 journal, and received a series of committee reports. Senate Services reported several bills and resolutions as correctly printed or engrossed. The Appropriations Committee advanced Senate Bill 5 with amendments, and reported a large slate of House bills 1150 through 1179, most with favorable recommendations and many recommended for the consent calendar. The Finance Committee advanced Senate Bill 46 with amendments and reported several appointments for confirmation, including members of the Financial Services Board and the Advisory Committee to the Property Tax Administrator. The State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee postponed Senate Bill 33 indefinitely and sent Senate Bill 48 to Appropriations. The Senate also approved an appointment filling a vacancy on the Legislative Audit Committee, naming Senator William Lindstedt. On third reading, the chamber passed Senate Bill 11, concerning search warrant requirements for operators of certain electronic platforms, by a vote of 31-2 after no votes from Senators Basley and Zamora Wilson. Senate Bill 76, concerning the practice of certified public accountants, passed 33-0. The Senate then resolved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of Senate Bill 7, concerning medical marijuana use by terminally ill patients in health facilities, and Senate Bill 54, concerning a security deposit exemption for post-closing occupancy agreements; both were adopted, amended, and advanced to third reading. Later, the Committee of the Whole considered House Bill 1027, which would allow retiree executive directors of boards of cooperative services to keep retirement benefits and clarify BOCES funding eligibility; after brief discussion, it was adopted and advanced. The committee also laid over Senate Bill 84 until February 19 and Senate Bills 37, 31, 53, and 43 until February 23. During announcements, senators noted committee meetings and caucus gatherings, including Statutory Revision, Transportation and Energy, Judiciary, Capital Development, and Democratic and Republican caucuses. Senator Jaquez marked the start of Ramadan and invited members to observe with local Muslim communities. Senator Priestly used personal privilege to criticize the state’s AI policy and the relocation of Palantir, prompting a reminder that policy debate should occur in the proper forum. The Senate adjourned until Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• often operates within a patchwork of responsibilities and regulatory frameworks, which can make resolution
• All righty, let's move on to Senate Joint Resolution 1.
• This resolution would reduce the number of special elections, reducing administrative burdens and costs
• Senate Joint Resolution 1 would bring school districts into alignment with all other local government
• Senate Joint Resolution 1 would bring school districts into alignment with all other local government

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would create a stakeholder working group to study utility-service problems in manufactured and mobile home parks and recommend solutions. The sponsor described repeated water and utility outages in large parks, said current law places maintenance responsibility on park owners, and argued that the state needs clearer standards and alternatives to costly attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty backed the memorial as a step toward better oversight and protections for residents. The committee asked about existing landlord obligations and whether rent withholding is available; the sponsor said current law does not clearly provide that remedy. HM 54 was reported out with a due pass. The committee then considered House Bill 166, which would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses while preserving local zoning authority. The sponsor and an industry witness said businesses face inconsistent local permitting, delays, and added costs, and that the bill would provide uniform standards and security options. Several members raised concerns that the bill appeared to favor a specific product type, could override local code differences, and might not address mixed-use areas, historic districts, or homeowners associations. After debate, the bill passed on a 4-3 vote, with one member explaining support but urging further work with local government experts before floor consideration. House Bill 20, a bipartisan measure, would allow Native American applicants to request a voluntary Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, without naming a specific tribe, and with documentation requirements tied to tribal cards, certificates of Indian blood, or affidavits of birth. Supporters said it would recognize tribal political status, help with law enforcement and Turquoise Alert verification, and assist with education, health, and child welfare matters; tribal representatives and State Police testified in favor. Several members expressed concern about racial profiling, privacy, and possible unintended consequences of marking IDs, while others noted the designation is optional and tied to political status rather than race. Members also flagged drafting language that appeared to require multiple documents, and the sponsor agreed to clarify it. The bill ultimately passed, with some members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes. The committee also approved Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the state constitution to allow school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot rather than being limited to separate school elections. Sponsors said the change would reduce special-election costs, increase turnout, and remove outdated language dating to 1910; school board and education groups supported it. Members asked about ballot crowding and local election timing, and sponsors emphasized that the measure gives school districts a choice rather than a mandate. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, which would create an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting, provide technical assistance, and produce annual reports on accessibility of state buildings and websites. Disability advocates largely supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and consistency, while one webcast commenter opposed it, arguing that without enforcement authority it would not produce meaningful change. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 295, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• consideration for final The next bill under consideration for final passage is House Concurrent Resolution
• Madam Secretary, House Concurrent Resolution 3038 is a concurrent resolution to recognize and congratulate
• And my senior legislator wanted me to read the entire resolution, and it is very good.
• The question is on the final passage of House Concurrent Resolution 3038.
• House Concurrent Resolution 3038 is passed. House Concurrent Resolution 3038 is passed.

Bills: SB2401, SB2402, SB2403, SB2404

Keywords: SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up second reading and final passage of several House bills related to the Rural Health Transformation Program and other matters. House Bill 1621, requiring the presidential fitness test in school physical education with exceptions and a delayed effective date, passed 43-3. House Bill 1623, appropriating federal rural health transformation grant funds and creating a related loan program and reporting structure, passed 46-0 after extensive debate about using the federal money for community health, infrastructure, and sustainability. House Bill 1622, joining the physician assistant licensure compact, also passed unanimously 46-0. House Bill 1625, authorizing the Ray Richards Golf Course land sale to support a Grand Forks transportation project and golf course improvements, passed 46-0. House Bill 1626, clarifying that the primary residence credit is applied after the early payment discount so taxpayers receive the full $1,600 benefit, passed 40-6.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair lays out HCR113 and recognizes Representative Mary Gonzalez to explain her resolution.
• And this resolution recognizes and acknowledges that the emphasis on bootmaking is significant to our
• This resolution would allow the legislature to recognize that the heritage of bootmaking in Texas is
• And thank you, Vice-chair Gonzalez, for bringing this important resolution.
• This is Representative Ashby to explain his resolution. Thank you, Chairman Metcalf.

Bills: HB4568, HB5458, HB4543, HB2703, HB3728, HCR113, HCR126

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Chair, we obviously are already working on a plan regardless of the concurrent resolutions, and so
• Um, Chair, we obviously are already working on a plan regardless of the concurrent resolutions, and so
• Um, Chair, we obviously are already working on a plan regardless of the concurrent resolutions, and so
• I am pleading with urgency that a resolution to this dangerous matter can be resolved.
• Um, we will be voting on the resolutions before us. The first up is HCR 43.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Transportation and Public Safety hearing considered HCR 121/HR 117, which asks federal and state transportation and defense agencies to coordinate on expanding Kle Pass as an emergency exit route. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state departments and community representatives, though one member raised equity concerns about other communities needing similar access solutions. Both committees recommended passage, and the resolutions were adopted in tandem. The Transportation Committee then heard a series of road safety and mobility resolutions. These included HCR 43 on studying highway patrol and speed cameras in speeding hotspots; HCR 52/HR 48 on a sidewalk between Iroquois Point and Ewa Beach; HCR 57/HR 53 on traffic calming around Piywa Street in Waipahu; HCR 112/HR 108 on a pedestrian-first policy; HCR 129/HR 125 on safety and congestion near Haiku Elementary; HCR 131/HR 127 on rural air service and short takeoff/landing aircraft; HCR 136/HR 130 on reflective gear for pedestrians at night; HCR 137/HR 131 on school crosswalk safety at Kipapa Elementary; HCR 177/HR 173 on a summer streets pilot; and HR 43 on an emergency access road on the YNI coast. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of pedestrian and school safety measures, while some transportation and bicycling advocates opposed the reflective-gear resolution as placing too much responsibility on pedestrians rather than improving the built environment. During decision-making, the committee advanced all measures. HCR 43 was amended to specify the study should include district court impacts. HCR 131/HR 127 was amended to shift the rural air service study from the Legislative Reference Bureau to the Department of Transportation. HCR 136/HR 130 was amended to change the reflective-gear proposal from a requirement to an encouragement. HCR 137/HR 131 and HCR 45/HR 38 were also advanced with technical or clarifying amendments, and the remaining resolutions were passed as is. Several members noted reservations or no votes on the reflective-gear measure, but all recommendations were ultimately adopted and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This resolution terminates Senate Resolution 1, which is the power-sharing and responsibility-sharing
• Despite the debate, Senate Resolution 8 passed along party lines.
• This resolution terminates Senate Resolution 1, which is the power-sharing and responsibility-sharing
• Despite the debate, Senate Resolution 8 passed along party lines.
• The Senate Resolution 8 is adopted.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any primary witnesses in opposition to this resolution? So come on down.
• It's really important for this resolution to highlight the need to find ways to address the unlimited
• It's really important for this resolution to highlight, as it is, the need to find ways to address the
• So I want to thank the author for bringing this resolution forward. I'm recommending support.
• And that resolution is out 5-0, but we'll keep the roll open for our absent members.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports recommending the resolutions filed by Representatives Cabral of New Bedford
• The Committee on Rules reports recommending the resolution be adopted. Mr.
• Question now is on adoption of the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay.
• The ayes have it; the resolution is adopted.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and first took up a Rules Committee report recommending adoption of a resolution honoring the 200th anniversary of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Bedford. The House suspended the rules and adopted the resolution. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then reported a series of local bills for consideration, including measures on legal notices, charter changes for Chicopee, Bridgewater, Wellesley, Weston, Somerville, and Watertown, as well as bills on firefighter residency, a checkout bag fee in Sudbury, senior tax exemption eligibility in Williamstown, and liquor licenses in Lexington. The House suspended Rule 7A, gave the bills second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. The House also considered a Ways and Means report on H. 4257, financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. The committee recommended an amendment in the form of a substitute bill, H. 4307, authorizing $1.185 billion in general obligation bonds. After suspension of the rules, the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading. Later, during floor debate on H. 4307, members spoke in support of the bill as a major transportation funding package, emphasizing Chapter 90 aid, road mileage-based distribution, culvert and small bridge repairs, congestion relief projects, and the bill’s fiscal and credit-rating benefits. A roll call was ordered, and the bill passed to be engrossed 156-0. The House also passed to be engrossed a bill validating the results of a special election in Hardwick. In addition, the House adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and agreed to adjourn in memory of former Representative and Senator Matthew C. Patrick of Falmouth. The session included several guest introductions, including Mandela Fellows studying at Bridgewater State University, former legislator Vincent Dimacido, Bellingham Council on Aging guests, and interns in Representative Linsky’s office.

Transcript Highlights:

• Motions and resolutions.
• >> Motions<00:11:54.800> and<00:11:55.040> resolutions.
• <00:11:55.839> There<00:11:56.000> are >> Motions and resolutions.
• There are >> Motions and resolutions.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House met, opened with silent reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the clerk confirmed a quorum was present. The journal from the previous day was approved as corrected, standing committee reports and comparison report substitutions were adopted without objection, and several House and Senate files received second or first readings. House files 1082, 3230, 3532, 3732, 4196, and 4252 were read a second time, along with Senate File 4807, and House Files 5090 through 5098 were introduced and given first reading. The chamber also received a Senate message announcing the appointment of a joint committee to escort Governor Tim Walz to the House chamber for the upcoming joint convention on April 28, 2026. The Senate transmitted four bills—SF 1714, SF 2814, SF 3210, and SF 2432—which were each paired with a House file on the general register and referred to the chief clerk for comparison without objection. The bills were described generally as relating to state government, real estate appraisers, human rights, and public safety. A report from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration designated several bills for the calendar for Thursday, April 30, 2026, and imposed a pre-filing requirement for amendments on specified House and Senate files. Non-controversial motions were adopted without objection, and Representative Niska moved a recess to the call of the Speaker. The motion prevailed, and the House stood in recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senate Resolution Number 3 for referral to committee. >> So ordered.
• >> Senate<00:05:11.120> resolution<00:05:11.680> number<00:05:11.919> three
• ><00:05:12.080> for >> Senate resolution number three for >> Senate resolution number

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate concurrent resolution numbers 2 through 7 for referral to committee, so ordered. to committee
• motion is carried<00:02:28.959> Senate<00:02:29.280> concurrent<00:02:29.879> resolution
• carried Senate concurrent resolution carried Senate concurrent resolution numbers<00:02:30.879><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the addendum be adopted, with the exception of the reports pertaining to Senate Concurrent Resolution
• 00:07:07.480> Concurrent pertaining to Senate Concurrent pertaining to Senate Concurrent Resolution
• <00:07:09.600> On<00:07:09.800> the<00:07:09.880> adoption Resolution number
• On the adoption Resolution number six.
• Members, we will now go to the ninth order of business, which is motions of resolutions.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, Senator, go ahead on Senate Joint Resolution 3. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• This is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to Article 12 of the This is a joint resolution proposing
• The School Board Association voted to support passage of a joint resolution to reestablish a State Board
• We oppose Senate Joint Resolution 3 and ask you to vote no.
• Please vote no on Senate Joint Resolution 3. Thank you. All right.

Bills: SB104, SJR3, SM3

Keywords: wildlife commission, removal procedures, malfeasance, appointed officials, governance, education reform, public education, state board of education, superintendent, chartering authority, constitutional amendment, policy setting, insects, insect workshop, insect identification, ecology, monitoring, management, pollinators, pollination

Transcript Highlights:

• When passed, this resolution will place a constitutional amendment to phase out nonschool ad valorem
• I am here to ask you to oppose this resolution today.
• Erik Draper: I'm Erik Draper and I'm here to ask that you exclude Water Management Districts from Resolution
• This resolution by reducing nonschool ad valorem taxes will cut the Water Management Districts by $200
• So I will vote no on this resolution because it does not make any sense. Thank you. Rep.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a matter of fact, I did mention it to one of our assembly members that a resolution, a joint resolution
• And that’s why the resolution that I think I’m going to work with the Assemblymember and all of you on
• But I think it starts with the resolution. It starts with meeting with the Attorney General.
• And that's the next step, but I think it starts with a resolution.
• And that's the next step, but I think it starts with a resolution.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met with a quorum and first approved its consent calendar, which included AJR 15, SB 56, SB 296, and SB 855, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then heard SB 694 by Senator Archuleta, a bill aimed at protecting veterans from unaccredited claims representatives and other for-profit entities that charge fees to assist with VA disability claims. The author and supporters, including county veterans service officers and veterans organizations, argued the measure would curb predatory practices, restore accountability, and steer veterans toward free, accredited assistance through CVSOs and other authorized representatives. Testimony in support emphasized that veterans are often targeted online and may pay large fees for services that are available for free, while supporters said unaccredited firms lack transparency and can exploit vulnerable veterans. Opposition witnesses, including representatives of claims-assistance companies and individual veterans, argued the bill would eliminate choice and that some contingency-based firms provide useful services, better outcomes, and faster claims processing. Committee members debated whether the bill would unlawfully bar legitimate assistance or whether it was needed to stop illegal business practices, with several members noting the issue is also being litigated in federal court and that an accreditation process already exists through the VA. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 694 and refer it to the Committee on Judiciary. The final vote was 6 ayes, with some members not voting. The committee then completed the consent calendar vote, which passed with eight votes, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee, I appreciate the opportunity to lay out House Concurrent Resolution 92.
• This resolution designates the fourth Thursday of March as Tuskegee Air...
• This resolution honors and celebrates the bravery, excellence, and historic mark left by the Tuskegee
• Now we have witnesses here to speak for the resolution.
• , a motion at the end after you hear all this wonderful testimony to move this House Concurrent Resolution

Bills: HCR92, HB 114, HB561, HB 1171, HB1894, HB2026, HB2143, HB2337, HB2564, HB114

Keywords: Tuskegee Airmen, commemoration, African American history, civil rights, military recognition, veterans, mental health, Texas Veterans Commission, peer support, suicide prevention, community mental health, grant program, defense, grants, local government, economic support, community development, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, state land use

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Joint Resolution 8 having failed to receive a two-thirds majority vote, Senate Joint Resolution
• >> Senate joint resolution number eight. >> Senate joint resolution number eight.
• <00:17:44.880> 19 Senate Joint Resolution Number Eight. 19 Senate Joint Resolution Number
• > has<00:17:53.520> failed Senate Joint Resolution 8 has failed Senate Joint Resolution
• <00:21:54.960> 20 Senate joint resolution number seven. 20 Senate joint resolution number

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SENATE RESOLUTION ENTERED INTO THAT JOURNAL.
• President, Senate Resolution 1856 celebrating the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson is being
• Albritton: Secretary, will unlock the board to allow Senators to co-introduce the resolution.

Bills: SJR18, SCR9, SCR13, SB10, SB11, SB19, SB20, SB25, SB62, SB260, SB263, SB293, SB314, SB384, SB412, SB441, SB442, SB494, SB523, SB569, SB616, SB688, SB707, SB766, SB842, SB869, SB890, SB914, SB929, SB971, SB992, SB1066, SB1145, SB1621, SJR36, SJR18, SCR9, SCR13, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB372, SB495, SB842, SB971, SB1066, SB929, SB765, SB523, SB62, SB19, SB18, SB666, SB688, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB706, SB847, SB869, SB890, SB992, SB1145, SB494, SB290, SB766, SB11, SB10, SB13, SB263, SB412, SB20, SB441, SB442, SB1621, SB569, SB314, SB25, SB293, SB914, SB260, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SB1006, SB20, SB25, SB260, SB293, SB314, SB384, SB442, SB494, SB616, SB869, SB890, SB929, SB992, SB1145, SB1621, SR232, SR237, SR242, SB16, SB22

Keywords: capital gains, taxation, constitutional amendment, state revenue, individual investment, Supreme Court, judicial independence, Keep Nine, checks and balances, water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, education, Ten Commandments, public schools, religious display

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports recommending resolutions filed by Representatives Garballey of Arlington
• on recognizing the 17th annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Day on March 24, 2026, reports that the resolutions
• Question now is on adoption of the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay.
• The resolution is adopted.
• 4962, an act establishing a sickly bank. favor say aye, all those opposed nay, the aides have it, resolution

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and received a resignation letter from Rep. Fana Howard of Lowell, effective March 17, 2026, as she transitioned to the Senate. The chamber then took up several procedural orders, including multiple unanimous or voice-vote suspensions of rules and concurrence with Senate petitions, such as referrals on housing and student transportation matters, and a suspension of Joint Rule 12 for a petition involving children served by DCF. The main substantive item was House No. 5264, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill totaling about $1.8 billion. Members discussed its use of Fair Share surtax surplus funds for transportation and education, including major support for the MBTA, special education circuit breaker costs, early education and child care, snow and ice costs, regional transit authorities, and other deficiencies such as GIC and sheriff costs. Members also explained the bill’s tax conformity provisions responding to recent federal tax changes, with debate over whether to delay conformity to limit state revenue exposure. The House adopted a consolidated amendment to the bill and then passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote, 150-3. The House also adopted a resolution commending the Admetek Foundation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. Several local bills were advanced, including a sick leave bank for a Department of Corrections employee, a bill waiving the minimum age requirement for a Boston police officer, a Nantucket charter bill, a Stoneham public safety bill, and a Malden special police officers bill, the last of which was amended before being engrossed. The chamber also considered Amendment 43 to redistribute $100 million of Fair Share revenue more evenly to municipalities for roads and education; supporters argued the current distribution favored statewide priorities over local aid, while opponents said the formula would not adequately address rural road needs. That amendment was rejected 128-25. The House then recessed several times, observed moments of silence for local public servants, welcomed visiting youth sports teams, and finally ordered adjournment to meet the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next agenda item is number five, Senate Joint Resolution 20, directing the Division of Medicaid and Medical
• This resolution directs the Department of Health and Social Services to study whether Delaware could
• other states that have recently adopted independent assessment models, and we ask DHSS through this resolution
• I will ask staff to begin to collect public comment for Senate Joint Resolution 20.
• If you wish to comment on Senate Joint Resolution 20, please use the raise hand function in Zoom.

Bills: SB313, SB296

Keywords: Delaware Health Fund, healthcare access, preventive care, tobacco settlement, public health initiatives, grant program

Summary: The House Health and Human Development Committee met and considered a series of health, human services, and related bills. The committee heard and advanced House Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 13, which standardizes hospital charity care and financial assistance statewide, and Senate Bill 296 with Senate Amendment 1, which restructures the Delaware Health Fund grant process with a more formal, transparent competitive rubric. Both measures received supportive testimony from DHSS, the Delaware Healthcare Association, and the Delaware Nurses Association, and both were released by committee on roll-call votes. The committee also released Senate Bill 313 with Senate Amendment 1, which places a temporary moratorium on acquisitions of nonprofit acute care hospitals by for-profit entities and expands notice/review requirements for sales of hospital real estate; Senate Bill 340 with Senate Amendment 1, which requires long-term care facilities to carry specified liability insurance, with questions raised about the exemption for state-owned facilities; Senate Joint Resolution 20, which directs DHSS to study independent assessment tools for Medicaid home- and community-based services; and Senate Bill 341, which updates Delaware Health Information Network law and formally recognizes DIN as the state’s health data utility. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with some discussion on constitutional concerns, insurance coverage, and the rationale for the state exemption in SB 340. Later, the committee advanced Senate Bill 257, which requires new animal shelters to be licensed and inspected before operating and removes a prior exception for certain rescue organizations; and Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 278 with House Amendment 1, which allows earlier pre-authorization for summer child care enrollment and lowers copays for half-day care. Public testimony on these measures came from animal welfare advocates, YMCA representatives, and other stakeholders, all largely in support. Each bill was released by committee, with several votes walked for absent members, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were addressed.