Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we talk about modern-day policing. We talk about technology.
• The ability to respond to the calls utilizing technology.
• To us, this is another use of technology as we move forward with efficiency, trying to be proactive in
• So it's really important for us to have this resource, the technology, and, of course, the next elephant
• Now, they do provide all the equipment, all the technology, and they do provide all the repairs, and

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on April 21 and heard a series of transportation, licensing, tolling, and public safety measures. Early bills included HB 745, extending special permits for tandem/container loads serving port facilities; HB 1000, a DOTD cleanup bill that clarifies Highway Priority Program reporting and raises the letter-bid contract threshold from $1 million to $3 million; HB 1050, which revises commercial driver’s license rules and allows certain 18-year-olds to drive intrastate with a Class A license; and HB 1172, designating a portion of US 165 in Oberlin as the Coulin Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 1000 adopted with amendments. The committee then took up HB 896 on toll facilities, prompted by concerns about Belle Chasse toll charges and customer service access. The bill would require local toll customer service centers, toll dispute procedures, and limits on certain fees; amendments were adopted to refine those provisions, including in-person assistance, appeal deadlines, and limits on additional charges. The bill was reported with amendments. HB 493, which would have prohibited expropriation by the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes, drew extensive testimony and debate over reservoir planning and local flood-control authority, but was ultimately voluntarily deferred. Later, HB 1173 was approved to give people in the OMV reinstatement relief program up to three months without a late fee on installment agreements, while keeping the payment due and moving it to the end of the plan. HB 1024 created a Louisiana Democratic Party special prestige license plate and was reported favorably. The committee also approved HCR 32 urging the Port of New Orleans to secure backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge, and HB 1159, concerning automated speed enforcement in Jefferson Parish municipalities, was ultimately voluntarily deferred after discussion of local control, public input, and prior legislation on speed cameras. The final major item was HB 679, as substituted, creating a driver’s license designation for people with brain injuries and directing law enforcement training on interactions with those individuals. The sponsor and several witnesses described personal experiences with traumatic brain injury and argued the designation would improve safety and communication during traffic stops. The substitute bill was adopted and the measure was reported favorably. The committee concluded by reporting HB 1207 favorably; that bill would limit unduly restrictive contractor qualification requirements in public bidding and require such requirements to be reasonably related to the project and justified in writing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, there's certain, how do we enable technology to sort of empower individuals, take control over
• You know, there's certain, how do we enable technology to sort of empower individuals, take control over
• And a lot of people in my community do not operate very well with the technology.
• So with the technology, the apps, and so forth as well, how long would it take someone to possibly go
• Long term, modernize our data systems and internal controls.

Keywords: House Room C, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no such program for modern horizontal wells, even though they're producing the same product.
• Our efforts were focused on working with how the explosion of technology and its application in many
• The technology is there. It's legally sound. A number of states are pursuing this.
• I've got ten quick points: One, it's an old idea that's been refreshed by technology.
• The technology exists today to make it happen.

Bills: SB524, SB782, HB42, HB1056, HB2894, HB3033, HB3474, HB3594, HB4738, HB5246, HB42

Keywords: SB 524, Texas franchise tax, veteran-owned business, new veteran-owned business, business tax exemption, filing fee exemption, Tax Code Chapter 171, Business Organizations Code, Comptroller, small business, veterans, entrepreneurship, tax repeal, privilege tax, beginning date, franchise tax exemption, severance tax, oil, gas, restimulation wells

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a technological marvel, weighing 7,800 tons and the product of a workforce at the Electric Boat
• IT IS A TECHNOLOGICAL MARVEL, WEIGHING 7800 TONS AND THE PRODUCT OF A WORKFORCE AT THE ELECTRIC BOAT
• It also allows the network to invest in newer technology, not just what was defined over a decade ago
• It also allows the network to invest in newer technology, not just what was defined over a decade ago
• But sometimes, in the chaos of the modern world, we forget that we are Americans.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This funding represents support of talented and dedicated people, investments in technology, and allows
• This funding represents support of talented and dedicated people, investments in technology, and allows
• These relate to reconsideration orders and family childcare modernization.
• Line 460 is the reappropriation of the child welfare IT modernization money that I mentioned earlier.
• money that I mentioned modernization money that I mentioned earlier.<02:06:56.560> That's<02:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In closing, I believe time, technology, and bureaucracy have made this program unmanageable, unnecessary
• that's available to us right technology that's available to us right now<01:55:29.599> in<01:
• What we have sought to do is modernize those statutes, clean them up, and update language to make sure
• place to the statutes in which our department lives and operates, to again make sure that it's modernized
• <02:02:08.880> those sought to do is to modernize those sought to do is to modernize those

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is up-and-coming technology with these small modular reactors, and it was felt that North Dakota
• Speaker and members of the Assembly, House Bill 1592 is a bill to modernize the Lignite Research Council
• Section 7 is the carryover authority of $45,000 for our last bit of a technology enhancement project
• Section 7 is the carryover authority of $45,000 for our last bit of a technology enhancement project
• I’m not opposed to...” “...developing this new technology.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then approved journal corrections and recognized visiting students from Underwood School. The chamber also handled several conference committee appointments after failing to concur with Senate amendments on House bills 1022, 1049, 1229, and 1029, and after the Senate failed to concur on House amendments to Senate bills 2010 and 2113. The House then concurred in or passed a series of amended measures, including House Bills 1481 (dental insurance loss ratio and reporting), 1511 (physician guidance on abortion law, with an emergency clause), 1562 (mandated reporter training), 1197 (correctional facilities study), 1095 (child protective services liaison work group), 1317 (barber licensing board changes), 1549 (corrections facility grants and reentry-related provisions), 1354 (appraiser evaluations), 1374 (open meeting exemption for township supervisors during on-site inspections), 1355 (abbreviated notice for administrative rulemaking), 1025 (advanced nuclear energy study), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes), 1592 (Lignite Research Council updates), and 1375 (alcohol service/photo ID provisions). Final passage votes were recorded on each bill, with most passing comfortably and some drawing notable opposition, especially HB 1470 and HB 1549. The House spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol appropriation. Members discussed shifting one-time funding from the general fund to the Electronic Motor Carrier Permit Fund, including body armor, preliminary breath tests, an emergency vehicle course, resurfacing, fleet costs, and handgun/taser replacement, while also noting a federal grant and no new FTEs. Questions focused on salary-line increases and the new-and-vacant FTE pool, with Appropriations explaining that those dollars had been moved back into agency budgets from OMB. The bill passed 84-6. The House also passed Senate Bill 2013, the Commissioner of University and School Lands appropriation, after discussion of Trust Lands operations, unclaimed property staffing, and distributions from the Common Schools Trust Fund; one member was excused for a conflict, and the bill passed 67-22. Senate Bill 2023, the Racing Commission appropriation, passed 65-25 after a brief explanation of the agency’s responsibilities and funding. A major policy debate centered on Senate Bill 2385, which revises mobile home park regulation. Supporters said it creates receivership procedures if a license is revoked, requires clearer tenant notices, limits certain fees, and strengthens protections against eviction and utility overcharges. Two members were excused from voting due to conflicts tied to mobile home park ownership, and the bill passed 84-4. Another extended debate occurred on Senate Bill 2159, which allows the State Energy Research Center to study nuclear-related projects with approval from the Industrial Commission and consultation with the radioactive waste advisory council. Supporters said it is meant to help study advanced nuclear energy while preserving existing prohibitions on high-level radioactive waste storage; opponents raised concerns that the language could weaken prior protections and open the door to waste-related research or storage. The transcript ends during that debate, before a final vote on SB 2159 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• of non-governmental contracts with Chinese companies for certain information and communication technology
• To the plan of juvenile Justice Department to modernize post adjunction secure correctional facilities
• Compost relating to the study of the unreported gunshots detected on the gunshot detection technology
• behavior supports, and associated evaluation services through telecommunications or information technology
• HB 2400 by Leo Wilson relating to the prohibition on the use of artificial intelligence technology for

Transcript Highlights:

• As Vicky Lowry likes to say, it's using 1999 technology in 2026.
• MyKids is self-contained. 1999 technology in 2026. 1999 technology in 2026.
• . technology. technology.
• And one final thing, I know technology is ever changing.
• Is there a technology is ever changing.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The meeting began with a budget presentation from the Office of Capital Post Conviction. Director Chrissy Noble described the office’s work representing death-row clients in state postconviction, federal habeas, clemency, and related matters, and said the Legislature has historically funded the office with enough flexibility to handle unpredictable cases. She highlighted four pending actual-innocence cases, including matters involving false forensics and a shaken-baby syndrome challenge, and noted that such cases often require multiple experts. She also cited a recent example where the office was appointed to a case shortly before an execution date was set, and said flexible spending authority allowed the office to secure experts and file on time. The office asked to retain any remaining special-fund cash balance into FY26 and said it had not requested additional salary funding for FY26 because the increase was already handled through flexibility; members praised the office’s work and no vote was taken. The committee then heard from the Ethics Commission. Staff explained requests for salary realignment, additional funding for a part-time hearing officer who handles public records and open meetings cases, and a small amount for fuel/food that was described as a system-related placeholder. The commission said it had a backlog because complaints have become more numerous and complex, and that more funding would allow the hearing officer to process more cases. Members also discussed a prior $10,000 system request that had lapsed and was later found to have been underestimated; the commission said the earlier figure came from an initial quote and the later $25,000 estimate reflected the actual cost. The chairman and members commended the commission’s work, and no formal action was taken. Finally, the Administrative Office of Courts presented its budget requests. The office outlined a deficit appropriation request tied to county-funded court reporter increases, funding for two newly appointed judges, special-judge appointment costs, and death benefits for a court administrator in Warren County. The discussion then focused on judicial salaries, with the office noting Mississippi ranks near the bottom nationally in trial and Supreme Court judge pay, though a cost-of-living adjustment would place the state around 27th. The office said its request follows State Personnel Board recommendations and that it is also seeking a possible increase in filing fees to support the Judicial Operations Fund, which helps cover salary costs not paid from general funds. Members discussed redistricting, special appointments, and the possibility of using fee revenue rather than general funds to support future increases; no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• That’s been proven technology. It’s been funded and rolled out across the state.
• My production company specializes in science and technology stories.
• We live in a world that's increasingly shaped by science and technology.
• more now than ever, the fact that we are ignorant in many ways of the technology that we're using is
• You can have all the technology in the world, but if you can't tell the story, it doesn't matter.

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our members are health technology innovators and manufacturers who work every day to improve health care
• We aim to develop new and cutting-edge life-saving and life-enhancing technology.
• Due to the exponential advancements in technology and innovation, orthopedic surgeons require continuous
• around the world that have limited or no access to cadaveric training, surgeons either don't use modern
• of soft and hard tissue. ...exist to restore people's bodies and their self-belief by using technology

Bills: SB2024, SB227, SB268, SB1467, SB1580, HB5537, SB1313, SB1677, SB918, SB331, SB2207, SB2721

Keywords: e-cigarettes, marketing prohibition, youth protection, criminal penalties, public health, school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, death records, vital statistics, healthcare, trauma facility, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• technology.
• the technology timeline in terms of innovation?
• About the ability of this technology to clear folks as well.
• You know, we're getting this testing done—this rapid DNA testing technology done quickly.
• Now that's just such old technology. Anyway, we got it all figured out.

Bills: SB614, SB872, SB1199, SB1212, SB1278, SB1573, SB1588, SB1602, SB1660, SB1704, SB1723, SB1833, SB1858, SB1946, SB2009, SB2146, SB2177, SB2373, SB2460, SB2785

Keywords: forensic science, capital writs, criminal justice, case review, Texas Forensic Science Commission, SB 872, burglary of a vehicle, vehicle burglary, theft of a firearm, stolen gun, firearm theft, Penal Code Section 30.04, third-degree felony, Class A misdemeanor, criminal penalty enhancement, gun theft, vehicle break-in, property crime, sentencing enhancement, Texas criminal law

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this friendly amendment Representative Black: modernizes the definition of incest to reflect
• And if you could go into CS for HB 1229, Residential Homes for Medically Technologically Dependent Children
• Chair Tomkow: Residential Homes for Medically Technologically Dependent Children by Representative Oliver
• medically complex children's homes as the new family-centered residential option for medically or technologically

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also modernizes how we serve those students. A statewide uniform IEP system will reduce...
• Commission for the Blind supports students who are blind or have low vision in New Mexico: our Technology
• learning experiences, as well as classroom support for students and teachers who are needing to gain technology
• skills to integrate... ...who are needing to gain technology skills to integrate Braille literacy and

Bills: SB64, SB19, SB44, SB83

Keywords: special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools

Transcript Highlights:

• Standing up these new systems, expanding call centers, modernizing IT systems, and hiring eligibility
• statewide grants management, and providing assistance to localities, as many lack the staff or technological
• go to your public safety answering or 911 call centers, because they need to implement next-gen technology
• So there were already... ...and catch up with technology, and that's where the majority of that funding

Transcript Highlights:

• With today's technology and online voting, there is no reason why any vacancy can't be filled by an election
• The chair lays out SB2925 by Senator Bronco relating to the establishment of the task force on modernizing
• One Technologies, the court ruled that despite a company sending plaintiffs thousands—and I repeat, thousands—of
• we've been training. stakeholders and supporting survivors on this really important intersection of technology

Bills: HB 1087, HB2504, HB4113, HB5144, HB5146, HB5377, HB5543, SB140, SB264, SB1244, SB1343, SB2121, HR868

Keywords: property owners, board vacancy, special election, association governance, community management, property owners' association, resale certificate, fees, real estate regulation, homeowners, HB 4113, Texas Rising Star Program, child care, child-care providers, Texas Workforce Commission, TWC, safety barriers, crash-rated bollards, bollards, playground safety

Transcript Highlights:

• it is, and so really trying to maximize every single person that we have, every single piece of technology
• requesting $2.6 million in 2025-26 and ongoing to continue maintenance and operations of its business modernization
• This project addresses business and technology needs that will increase efficiency and accuracy of work
• activities for five programs that currently rely on very old legacy. uh, technology solutions for their

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be if, you know, we have a, I always say we have platforms from 19 clickety-clack and we are in a modern
• I always say we have platforms from 19 clickety-clack, and we are in a modern era.
• We don't necessarily utilize that much technology.
• at it and see what those services could be, if they could be more robust or cost more money, but modern

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The committee/task force met with several disability service providers to discuss integrated employment, transition services, and barriers to community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described creating their own businesses when community employers were not hiring their clients, and said rigid service rules, employer readiness, bullying, and reimbursement structures often force the person to fit the service rather than the service fitting the person. They said they have not seen clients lose benefits, but they do closely manage reporting to Social Security and related supports. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial work, city beautification, state-use contracts, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said many employers are hesitant because of productivity and cost concerns, and that businesses are often more open to contracting with her agency than hiring individuals directly. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model with sheltered work, volunteer sites, paid contracts, and a Transition Academy. She said the academy is a two-year program focused first on independent living and then on employment, with internships and an 85% placement rate, but funding is a major barrier because the program is not accredited and students cannot access traditional aid. She also cited dual diagnoses, inconsistent job coaches, and employer uncertainty as major obstacles. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described DRTC’s long-running enclave contracts, a new Community Skills and Connections program, and a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage use by the end of the year. They said the new program is designed to keep people engaged in community-based skill-building and networking while families still need day supports, and that DRTC has developed more than 100 community partnerships. Senator Kirt, Rep. Hefner, and participants discussed broader system issues, including the need for better school-to-work transition, more social integration, transportation, safety, and employer education. DRS staff said the agency is already required to provide pre-employment transition services in schools starting at age 14 and offers employer accommodations support and job-carving assistance, though they acknowledged federal reporting expectations and service rules can be restrictive. Several participants raised concerns about line-of-sight restrictions, congregate living rules, benefit cliffs, and the difficulty of moving from DDS to DRS services. The group also discussed the need for better data and possible working groups focused on in-school transition, program support and blending services, and community integration. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• be if, you know, we have a, I always say we have platforms from 19 clickety-clack and we are in a modern
• I always say we have platforms from 19 clickety-clack, and we are in a modern era.
• We don’t necessarily utilize that much technology.
• at it and see what those services could be, if they could be more robust or cost more money, but modern

Summary: The meeting focused on integrated employment and related services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with testimony from several provider agencies and state officials. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described how their organization supports people through residential services and self-created businesses because community employers often are not ready to hire people with disabilities. They said rigid service rules, difficulty fitting individuals into existing job definitions, and reimbursement requirements can prevent person-centered employment supports. They also reported that, in their experience, employees had not lost benefits when work was coordinated carefully with Social Security and benefits management. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial and highway contracts, state-use products, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said the organization uses a temp-service style model to make employers more comfortable and noted barriers such as employer concerns about productivity, lack of awareness of tax credits and accessibility resources, and the need for consistent job coaches. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model, including a Transition Academy for young adults that combines independent living instruction, community college classes, internships, and follow-along support; she said the program has an 85% placement rate but is expensive and not eligible for traditional student aid because it is not accredited. She also cited barriers including dual diagnoses, workforce readiness, and low reimbursement rates. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described their long-running enclave contracts and a new Community Skills and Connection program that uses interest-based cohorts, community exploration, and volunteer experiences to build skills and networks tied to employment. They said the agency is phasing out its 14(c) subminimum wage certificate by the end of the year and is trying to expand community-based opportunities. DRTC and other providers emphasized the need to blend DDS and DRS services more effectively, reduce restrictive rules such as line-of-sight requirements, and better support people in congregate living settings. DRS representatives said the agency does provide school-based transition services, employer accommodations, and job carving support, and noted federal reporting requirements tied to wage outcomes. Members also discussed safety concerns, employer education, data collection, ABLE accounts, and the role of schools in preparing students for work and community life. The co-chairs proposed organizing the task force into three working groups: in-school/transition services, program support and service blending, and community integration/employer engagement. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans for further working-group discussion and follow-up on data and policy ideas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Requiring more modern building codes is essential, as more modern building codes make a reference to
• With limited cell phone coverage in many of these areas, we must rely on proven technology like outdoor
• Evaluate compliance with state and federal regulations and explore ways to streamline and modernize the

Bills: HB48, HB 66, HB 68, HB71, HB75, HB164, HB171, HB254, SB 3, SB 18, HB123, HB149, HB117

Keywords: HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired