Transcript Highlights:

• So the Direct Admissions Program, this is.
• A lot more people who are in the program complete the FAFSA.
• We are not creating any new programs here; we are simply streamlining data.
• Participation, because of all the benefits of this program, it's a wonderful, wonderful program.
• But I believe that that cost outweighs the benefits of the program.

Transcript Highlights:

• college programs, you might be comfortable with that.
• You can use it for any school or community college program.
• programs possible.
• programs possible.
• The classroom, it makes those programs possible.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held its first hearing of the year on Proposition 98, focusing on the Governor’s budget estimates for the three-year budget window, the Public School System Stabilization Account (PSSA), and repayment of education deferrals. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee would rise by about $21.7 billion over the 2025 Budget Act, with increases in each year, full repayment of the existing settle-up obligation in 2024-25, a new $5.6 billion settle-up obligation proposed for 2025-26, and a higher guarantee in 2026-27. Finance also noted revised downward estimates for transitional kindergarten attendance and Los Angeles County property tax reimbursements, and said community colleges would be funded above the split because of enrollment growth. The Legislative Analyst’s Office emphasized fiscal risk and volatility, warning that recent revenue gains are tied heavily to the stock market and tech sector and could reverse quickly. The LAO argued the Governor’s proposed $5.6 billion delay shifts risk into future years and recommended instead fully funding the current estimate, making a larger reserve deposit, considering advance payments or pension-related uses, and finding additional non-Prop 98 solutions to reduce the state’s structural deficit. On the reserve and deferral items, Finance described revised PSSA deposits and withdrawals that would leave about $4.1 billion in the reserve by 2026-27, and both Finance and the LAO supported paying off the remaining LCFF and SCFF deferrals as good fiscal practice. Committee members questioned the size of the settle-up amount, the degree of revenue volatility, the use of the reserve, and the ongoing K-12/community college split. Finance said the proposal is meant to avoid overappropriation if revenues fall, while the LAO said a buffer of roughly $3.5 billion would address typical forecasting risk. Public commenters, including school boards, county offices of education, teachers, and advocacy groups, largely opposed the $5.6 billion withholding or settle-up delay, calling it a manipulation of Prop. 98 and urging full funding and more stable revenue solutions. Several speakers also urged dedicated funding for students experiencing homelessness. The hearing ended with no vote, and the chair announced that broader program discussions would occur in later hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Housing programs, $2.5 million.
• ICF, the $4.4 million, For programming for them.
• Well, what entitlement means is that programs like Medicaid are not capitated programs.
• The department had put together an incentive program where...
• And to arrive at this number, Senator Cleary took a look at some of those other programs and tried to

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1012, the Department of Health and Human Services budget. Senator Dever walked through the amended budget, highlighting a roughly $5.85 billion all-funds total, major one-time items for IT, child care, housing, behavioral health, juvenile justice, rural EMS, and supportive housing, along with funding for Medicaid expansion, CCBHCs, opioid settlement uses, and several studies and reporting requirements. Members discussed the provider inflation increase, with Senator Mathern urging a 2%/2% rate instead of 2%/1.5%, but the committee adopted the subcommittee amendment and then passed the amended bill 15-0 with a do-pass recommendation. Senator Dever was named as carrier. The committee then considered House Bill 1540, a school choice/education savings account-style bill. Senator Shibley explained the subcommittee amendments, including clarifying the Bank of North Dakota as administrator, adding a means test at 400% of the federal poverty guideline, and adjusting the fiscal note to about $21.7 million for the second year. In debate, members raised concerns about the bank being assigned duties outside its normal role, the lack of DPI involvement, and whether the means test should be tiered rather than a hard cutoff. The committee rejected a do-not-pass motion 5-10-1, then approved a do-pass motion on the amended bill 9-6-1, with Senator Wobama noted as the likely carrier. The meeting ended with the chair announcing the committee would adjourn and reconvene the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• those uh statutes and and those programs those uh statutes and and those programs um<01:29:55.960
• of which the energy related programs of which the emissions<02:05:47.440> program<02:05:47.840
• 209 uh in order to revise the program 209 uh in order to revise the program that<02:06:16.679>
• related programs related programs um<03:38:46.720> uh<03:38:46.840> to<03:38:47.199
• when the emissions inspection program when the emissions inspection program was<03:46:34.800>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on HB 249, which would allow bicycles, and in the bill’s language human-powered vehicles and e-bikes, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe. The bill sponsor, Rep. Seth Miller, said the measure is intended to improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer crashes or injuries. He emphasized that the bill would remain optional, would not let cyclists ignore cross traffic, and would help riders avoid the unstable “wobble” that comes from repeatedly stopping and starting, especially on cargo bikes or other heavier bicycles. Committee members raised concerns about predictability, liability, and whether the proposal creates a special class of vehicle. Rep. Crawford asked why the bill also addresses left turns on red for one-way streets; Miller said that provision is meant to address situations where bicycles do not trigger signal equipment and could otherwise be stranded at a light. Rep. Gannon questioned the lack of explicit liability language, and Miller said he did not know of a separate provision but would be open to an amendment if the committee wanted clearer language. Rep. Hill and Rep. Emble expressed concern that other drivers would not know what cyclists intend to do and that the bill could create special rules; Miller responded that cyclists would still be required to yield and that the law would not change right-of-way rules. Several witnesses testified in support. Michael Frank, a Spofford cyclist and League cycling instructor, said the bill would help him safely commute and carry heavy groceries by reducing the effort and exposure involved in restarting after a full stop. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy and time, and would still require cyclists to stop at red lights unless the intersection is clear. He also noted that traffic signals often do not detect bicycles. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The museum maintains a program.
• program program for federal program administrators<03:25:09.600> to<03:25:09.920> provide<
• a standardized, governmentwide training program for employees administering agency programs.
• Program for employees administering agency programs.
• does not create new sanctions programs. does not create new sanctions programs.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 8, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• already in the billions of contributions, but it would help out until an alternate plan could be arrived
• The speaker said the pourover would help out until an alternate plan could be arrived at.
• A follow-up question was raised about whether 100% funding guarantees that the program can cover 100%
• funding funding funding guarantee<00:14:53.800> that<00:14:54.120> the<00:14:55.000> program
• <00:14:55.639> can<00:14:56.800> cover guarantee that the program can cover guarantee

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:17 Attendance Roll Call: 00:41 Approval of Minutes: 02:40 HB 694: 03:16 SB 183: 18:32 Discussion on PPOB Membership: 36:10 Adjournment: 42:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its January 27 meeting and then took up House Bill 694, which would create a default rule for the Teachers’ Retirement System health insurance trust fund once it reaches 100% funding, currently anticipated around 2027. The bill would redirect two funding streams now going to the health trust—state payments on behalf of local districts and other employer contributions—into TRS pension benefits if the health fund reaches and maintains full funding. The sponsor said this would add about $154 million annually to TRS pensions and would only serve as a default if no other plan is adopted later. Members asked whether the bill would shift the unfunded liability to teachers or affect employee contributions. The sponsor and staff said it would not shift liability to teachers and would not change the employee contribution; only the employer-side payments would be redirected. Several members asked about the meaning of actuarial 100% funding, whether the fund could fall back below 100%, and whether employee contributions might be reduced in the future. The sponsor said the bill is based on actuarial projections, would revert the money back to the health trust if funding fell below 100%, and does not prevent future legislative or board action. Senator Higdon and others spoke in support of discussing the issue, noting the 2010 shared-responsibility changes and the need for a default approach as full funding is reached. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183, which would amend Kentucky law governing proxy advisers used by retirement systems. The sponsor said the bill would require proxy advisers, when handling shareholder-sponsored proposals, to act solely in the interest of retirement system members and beneficiaries and to provide an economic analysis when voting against a company board’s recommendation. He argued the measure is aimed at proxy advisers such as ISS and Glass Lewis, which he said often advance ESG-related proposals not tied to shareholder value. A guest from APCIA said the bill is meant to distinguish proxy advisers from investment managers and to strengthen the 2023 law by requiring a clearer economic justification for votes that depart from board recommendations. Members asked how proxy advisers differ from other financial advisers, whether Kentucky uses them, and whether the bill would prevent pension funds from investing in companies with ESG factors if those investments are profitable. The sponsor and guest said the bill would not bar such investments; it is intended to regulate proxy voting recommendations, not investment decisions. They described the bill as a proactive measure to reinforce fiduciary responsibility and limit outside proxy influence on pension voting. No final vote on either bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• those uh statutes and and those programs those uh statutes and and those programs um<01:29:55.960
• program.
• program.
• when the emissions inspection program when the emissions inspection program was<03:46:34.800>
• c><04:11:33.159> because<04:11:33.399> not program is a great program because not program

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee opened its public hearing with HB 249, sponsored by Representative Seth Miller, which would allow bicycles, human-powered vehicles, and electric bicycles to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs in certain situations. Miller argued the bill would improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer injuries and crashes. He emphasized that the proposal would remain optional for cyclists, who would still be required to yield to cross traffic and obey right-of-way rules, and said the bill is intended to help riders maintain momentum and avoid the instability that comes from repeatedly starting from a full stop. Committee members raised concerns about uncertainty for drivers and pedestrians, liability, and whether the bill would create a special class of road users with different rules. Representative Crawford asked about the red-light left turn language, and Miller explained it was included because bicycles may not trigger some traffic signals. Representative Hill questioned how other road users would know what a cyclist intended to do at an intersection, and Representative Gon noted the bill did not appear to address liability the way some motorcycle-related laws do. Miller responded that cyclists would still be expected to yield appropriately and said he would be open to an amendment if liability language was needed. Representative Emble also questioned whether the bill would create a special vehicle class, and Miller replied that bicycles already have different roadway rules and that the bill was meant to improve safety and flow. Several supporters testified in favor of the bill. Michael Frank, a cyclist and League cycling instructor from Spofford, said he regularly rides a cargo bike for errands and that stopping fully at intersections leaves him exposed longer and makes it harder to restart on hills. He said the bill would let cyclists slow, assess traffic, and proceed safely while maintaining momentum, and noted that he had not personally received a ticket for rolling through a stop sign, though he had been warned by police. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy, and helps bicycles move through intersections faster and more safely. No vote or committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• music programs sustain the quality that they have now.
• They have an amazing program.
• Without new funds to open programs, the military services fund new programs by closing programs with
• Yep, I was in Valley JROTC program with Sergeant Vile.
• Our JROTC program... Our JROTC programs are really important in our schools. Thank you.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that the the grant program I think that the the grant program that's<01:09:58.400> being
• <01:33:08.719> Why<01:33:08.880> are this is a school safety program.
• Why are this is a school safety program.
• We'll just have to wait and see what kind of appropriation this grant program gets under the bill.
• We'll just have to wait and see what kind of appropriation this grant program gets under the bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, we've all been to parties in our youth, and you've never seen a box of Fanzia arrive by
• Uh, so California has the AB 1054 fund as well as the self-insurance program, and Utah as well.
• <00:42:53.040> So<00:42:53.200> when program and Utah as well. Yes.
• So when program and Utah as well. Yes.
• Okay, we're going to take a brief recess. based renewable program is quite small based renewable program

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate committees heard HB 108 HD2, which would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require liquor commissions to adopt rules. Most testimony came from craft brewers and distillers in support, who said the bill would help small and fragile producers reach customers, move limited or specialty products that wholesalers do not carry, and maintain relationships with visitors after they leave Hawaii. Supporters also argued that direct-to-consumer shipping would not meaningfully increase underage access because common carriers age-gate deliveries and require adult signatures, and that the measure would supplement rather than replace the three-tier system. Opposition came from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association, which said the bill could create problems with minor access and tax revenue and would allow out-of-state manufacturers to ship directly to Hawaii households. Supporters responded that similar concerns were raised when wine direct shipping was adopted and said the existing shipping and reporting systems can track and tax these sales. Several witnesses, including Maui Brewing, Ola Brew, Koloa Rum, Hana Rum, Koulana Rumworks, Koval Distillery, and the Brewers Association, described their small-batch operations, limited distribution options, and the potential for direct shipping to expand sales and jobs. Committee members questioned witnesses about underage access, tax collection, and the impact on the three-tier system. One witness discussed efforts to protect and potentially scale the Hawaiian spirit Okolehao through geographic and sourcing rules. The transcript does not show a final vote or disposition on HB 108 HD2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department will report on the program, the badges earned, and post-graduation employment.
• a research-based framework to evaluate program effectiveness.
• We have some programs.
• And what effect will that have on our VPK programs?
• This will not affect our private VPK programs at all.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and treatment programs as opposed to federal court.
• Conservation Collier is a program where my county identifies land and purchases it for conservation.
• Ad valorem taxes fund this program. Let that sink in.
• We have record numbers arriving daily.
• And that is the amendment. ...currently used for existing affordable housing programs.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard a full agenda of local and policy bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved HB 4019, capping Lake County inmate health care and emergency transport reimbursements at percentages tied to Medicare; HB 97, allowing small counties to opt back into transportation concurrency; HB 267, expanding SHIP/local housing assistance eligibility to mobile home owners paying lot rent; HB 351, creating a framework for concurrent state jurisdiction over certain matters involving military installations, with an amendment changing the bill to say the state “may accept” jurisdiction; HB 4013, revising and merging fire district boundaries in Lee County; HB 481, increasing public nuisance fines and strengthening nuisance abatement and foreclosure procedures; HB 4025, conveying state land to the Village of Tequesta for continued park use; and HB 4017, repealing an obsolete Nassau County recreation and water control district, as amended. The most extensive discussion centered on HB 299, the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, which would create a voluntary framework for very large developments that dedicate 60% of land to conservation while allowing compact, walkable development and affordable housing on the remainder. The sponsor argued it would balance growth, conservation, and housing affordability without new bureaucracy, while opponents from Audubon Florida, county groups, and local governments warned the bill could weaken local planning, lack enforceable conservation safeguards, and allow nonconservation uses within reserved areas. Supporters said it could preserve large tracts of land at no taxpayer cost and improve long-range planning. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying reserve areas, allowing use of the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, requiring easements be provided without charge, and aligning affordability definitions with existing programs. The bill then passed favorably as amended, with some members voting no. The committee also approved HB 4023, a local bill adjusting the boundaries of the Ave Maria Stewardship Community District in Collier County, with no change to the district’s powers and duties. Several bills drew supportive testimony from local officials, industry groups, or affected residents, and some had amendments adopted without objection. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted it was the last interim committee week meeting, thanked members and staff, and encouraged continued stakeholder engagement ahead of session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The arrival of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway in the in the early 20th century brought new
• HB 895 by Lilani relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program and the
• AB 942 by relating to the public school classroom safety review and the referral programs for students
• HB 986 by TOT relating to the state savings achieved through a budget savings program administered by
• Certain criminal defendant who has successfully completed his specialty court program referred to the

Transcript Highlights:

• The hour of 2:30 having arrived. The hour of 2:30 having arrived.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approvals, quorum call, and a series of guest recognitions, including students, interns, local officials, and advocates visiting the chamber. Members also announced caucus and committee meetings, and the House recessed before returning later in the day for floor action. After reconvening, the House adopted several committee reports and then considered a series of resolutions and bills. It adopted House Resolution 462, designating May 17, 2026, as World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day, and House Resolution 553, designating May 19, 2026, as Pontian Greek Genocide Remembrance Day, both by 200-2 votes. The chamber also agreed to House Bill 733 on marriage ceremony law, House Bill 2529 on scheduling metatomidine as a Schedule 3 controlled substance, and Senate Bill 1294 on civil penalties for unlicensed commercial driving schools. The House then debated House Bill 2359 on data center nondisclosure agreements and related amendments. One amendment requiring hyperscale data centers to pay their own energy and infrastructure costs failed on a 101-101 tie, while another amendment to make the bill effective immediately passed 201-1 and a third amendment to protect trade secrets failed 87-115. The bill itself was agreed to after amendment. The House also approved House Bill 2455 on collective bargaining rights for Pittsburgh school administrators, House Bill 2499 on State Workers Insurance Fund investment authority, Senate Bill 604 joining the Counseling Compact, and House Bill 1006 on penalties against abusive towing practices, with one agreed-to amendment added. Several measures then passed finally by recorded vote: House Bill 2014 on opportunities for minors in emergency service organizations, House Bill 2037 on cryptocurrency-related ethics restrictions for public officials, House Bill 2512 prohibiting ride-share pricing based on certain device conditions, House Bill 2644 authorizing capital bridge projects, and House Bill 2559 on Millersville University and other conveyances. House Bill 2559 drew floor criticism from Representative Conklin over the state land conveyance process, though it still passed 154-48. Before adjournment, the House recommitted several bills to Appropriations, removed additional Senate bills from the table calendar, and adjourned until June 30, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Reyes: Lucky for me, I arrived on time. Thank you so much for bringing this.
• Lucky for me, I arrived on time. Thank you so much for bringing this. I'm part of that.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and heard a series of bills and one resolution, with the chair first outlining the consent calendar and the committee’s testimony rules. Senator McNerney presented SJR 18, a resolution condemning Citizens United and urging limits on corporate spending in elections; he argued that corporate and foreign money distort democracy, and Senator Reyes voiced support. No opposition testimony appeared. The committee then heard AB 2305, which would bar private equity firms, hedge funds, and other corporate lenders from influencing litigation decisions and treat such conduct as unauthorized practice of law. The author and Consumer Attorneys of California said the bill closes loopholes that allow outside financial interests to affect case strategy and settlements; the Civil Justice Association of California also supported it, while the International Legal Finance Association said it was neutral after amendments. AB 1977 followed, a Secretary of State-sponsored bill to clarify and correct the Online Notarization Act so remote notarizations can be implemented by 2030; the Secretary of State’s office and notary groups supported it, and there was no opposition. Assembly Member Rogers presented AB 1657, which would allow domestic violence survivors to seek temporary restraining orders without first giving notice to the restrained person, arguing that notice requirements can increase danger and delay protection. AB 1801, by Assembly Member Lee, would tighten public notice and hearing requirements for local contracts involving private immigration detention facilities, closing loopholes that had allowed rushed approvals; immigrant rights and civil rights groups supported it. Assembly Member Patel’s AB 2179 would extend e-filing and remote appearance options to workplace violence restraining orders, with support from local governments, prosecutors, unions, and other groups. Assembly Member Hart’s AB 1875 would let courts shorten or waive the six-month divorce waiting period for domestic violence survivors, with support from domestic violence advocates and several other organizations. After testimony, the committee took up votes. AB 2179 and AB 1875 both passed unanimously, AB 2305 passed 12-0, AB 1657 passed 12-0, AB 1801 passed 10-2, and AB 1977 passed 8-2. SJR 18 was adopted 10-2. The consent calendar also passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned until the following Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• economy we inherit, the national climate we operate in, the crises that emerge, or the divisions that arrive
• Travel safely, rest well, spend time with the people you love, and when the next difficult chapter arrives

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are still waiting for that bill to arrive from the Honorable Senate. We're in a quorum call.
• Members, with standings, we are still waiting for Senate Bill 2 to arrive from the Honorable Senate.

Bills: HCR1030, HB1370, SB893, SB2, SB1589

Keywords: legislative procedure, session calendar, deadline schedule, bill deadlines, joint resolution, Oklahoma Legislature, 61st Legislature, regular session, adjourn sine die, floor deadline, third reading, committee deadlines, bill drafting, appropriations, budget bills, ethics commission, agency rules, administrative procedures act, local and special laws, pension legislation

Summary: The House first took up Senate Bill 893, a conference committee report on property and critical infrastructure. The bill would bar foreign principals from countries designated as foreign adversaries from owning agricultural land or other land, especially within 10 miles of military installations or critical infrastructure, and also restrict certain state software purchases tied to adversarial countries. Members asked about how later-designated adversary countries would be covered and about the delayed effective date, which was explained as giving current owners time to divest. The conference report was adopted without objection, and the bill then passed the House 89-0. The chamber then considered Senate Bill 2, another conference committee report on wind energy setbacks. The measure would establish statewide setback standards for industrial wind turbines, including 2.5 tip heights from occupied dwellings and 1.5 tip heights from nonparticipating property lines, with exceptions for projects that had already secured most site control or queue positions before the effective date and for small community-scale systems. Supporters said it was a compromise that at least put some protections into statute, while opponents argued it weakened earlier House language and eliminated county local-control options. After debate, the bill failed on a 20-67 vote. Later, the House voted 60-19 to override the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1589, allowing it to become law notwithstanding the governor’s objections. The session also included prayers and announcements, including updates about Representative Cantrell’s hospitalization and a note that the Senate had adjourned sine die. The House then adjourned sine die for the second regular session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we just didn't get his arrival in 2015. The class of '15 is all on this side.
• In fact, it was quite a slugfest to pass a bill when we first arrived.

Summary: The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators by the Secretary of State. Senators-elect were then administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, formally seating the new members. Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, congratulating members and emphasizing priorities such as border security, education, energy, foster care, and school choice, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick highlighted the Senate’s bipartisan culture and the work ahead. The chamber then held its organizational business, including the election of Senator Brandon Creighton as President Pro Tempore. Senator Parker nominated Creighton and Senator Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising his background, legislative record, and leadership. The Senate voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the dais and sworn in. In his remarks, Creighton reflected on his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including Texas sovereignty, economic opportunity, education, and conservative policy goals. The only formal legislative action taken was adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during the specified period. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus meeting earlier that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we just didn't get his arrival in 2015. The class of '15 is all on this side.
• In fact, it was quite a slugfest to pass a bill when we first arrived.

Bills: SCR7

Keywords: legislature, adjournment, permissions, Texas Constitution, session, legislative authority

Summary: The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock administered the oath of office to the senators-elect, and Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, emphasizing priorities such as foster care, the budget, border security, school choice, and maintaining Texas’s economic growth and constitutional principles. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also welcomed members and guests, noted the Senate’s bipartisan culture, and highlighted the chamber’s organization for the session. The Senate then held its organizational election for President Pro Tempore. Senator Tan Parker nominated Senator Brandon Creighton, and Senator Paul Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising Creighton’s background, legislative record, and leadership. The chamber voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the front and sworn in as President Pro Tempore by State Minister Scott Wall. Creighton delivered remarks about his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including education, border issues, energy, and Texas sovereignty. After the leadership election, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days during the specified January period. The resolution passed by a recorded vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus at 10 a.m. in the Betty King Room.

Transcript Highlights:

• to General funds U programming to General funds U restricting<00:10:56.720> the<00:10:56.800>
• and activities being climate programs and activities being climate resiliency<00:42:46.319> and
• strategies and projects for our environmental equity and justice programs.
• That's a federal program that helps out some food coming back to our kids. Hawaii needs help.
• That's a federal program that helps out some food coming back to our kids. Hawaii needs help.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered three measures on the 1 p.m. agenda. SB 817, relating to out-of-state offices, drew support from DBEDT and several community groups, with questions focused on the requested funding, staffing level, whether the office would expand broadly, and whether the Philippines was being singled out. SB 1578, relating to international affairs, received support from DBEDT and the Attorney General, with the chair noting the bill was intended to help DBEDT analyze Hawaii’s international partnerships and plan next steps. SB 1639, establishing Hawaii Beach Day, had limited testimony and was moved along without substantive debate. SB 582, relating to DBEDT, was also heard with support from state agencies and a few individuals, and was described as a vehicle for organizational and funding changes affecting the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, including moving some positions and programming to general funds and narrowing the works-of-art special fund's uses. The committees then took up recommendations. All three measures were advanced with amendments: SB 817 was amended to include technical changes and a defective effective date of July 1, 2025; SB 1578 was amended to address the Attorney General’s concerns, make the commission subject to Senate confirmation, and add technical changes and a defective date; and SB 582 was amended to incorporate provisions from SB 1577, clarify SFCA authority over performing arts, shift SFCA positions and programming to general funds, restrict the works-of-art special fund, and add a defective date. Each committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendations, with no reservations or no votes noted in the Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee and only Senator Dela Cruz voting no on SB 817 there; in the Economic Development and Tourism committee, SB 817 passed with Senator Kim in reservation and Senator Awa voting no, while SB 1578 and SB 582 passed with Senator Awa voting no. The later 10:00 a.m. agenda hearing focused on SB 1589, relating to the stadium development special fund, and SB 1629, relating to taxation. On SB 1589, the Attorney General asked for clarification of section 3, particularly the proviso about remaining monies lapsing to the general fund if the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District is terminated before completion; the interim stadium manager explained the bill would allow spending of $49.5 million already in the special fund for consultant, construction management, quality assurance, and contingency costs. On SB 1629, testimony was sharply divided: supporters, including film industry and business representatives, said the measure would support local film production, restore prior GET treatment, and help attract studio development; opponents argued the bill was vague, overly favorable to a specific project, and lacked oversight and accountability. The hearing ended with extensive questioning about whether the bill was effectively tailored to a particular studio project and how it related to other film tax credit measures, but no final committee action on SB 1589 or SB 1629 was included in the transcript excerpt.