Transcript Highlights:

• This jeopardizes the ability of inmates and also the staff to control them and leads to violations of
• </c> also the staff to control them and leads also the staff to control them and leads to<00:11:47.040
• This leads to fewer projects, less paving, and not as many bridges being repaired.
• This leads to fewer projects, less paving, and not as many bridges being repaired.
• It leads to the preservation important.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will just once again say I do not like banning the ability for the department to move, to make good
• , that we were going to move forward with these two promises, and we are now, with this language, banning
• dollar reduction to the child care subsidy program, but I am still uncomfortable with any language that bans
• I feel like we are leading into a specific vendor.

Committee: House Conference Committee on Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Dry, will you lead us in the pledge?
• </c> and if they have a policy that um leads and if they have a policy that um leads to<00:32:36.720>
• They weren't putting in bell-to-bell bans.
• </c><02:08:45.760><c> I</c> intended in terms of a full day ban?
• I intended in terms of a full day ban?

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, Minnesota's unpredictable winter weather often leads to school closures, especially in
• :18:34.159><c> winter</c><00:18:34.559><c> weather</c><00:18:35.000><c> often</c><00:18:35.240><c> leads
• </c> unpredictable winter weather often leads unpredictable winter weather often leads to<00:18:35.760
• a toolbox of meaningful accountability for student outcomes and responsible management, which will lead
• </c> responsible management which will lead responsible management which will lead to<01:18:06.280><c

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• industry has been dealing with a lot of regulations at the state level, but there's also the federal ban
• c><00:11:50.200><c> also</c><00:11:50.480><c> the</c><00:11:50.600><c> federal</c><00:11:50.960><c> ban
• ,</c><00:11:51.400><c> and</c><00:11:51.600><c> it</c> but there's also the federal ban, and it but there's
• also the federal ban, and it has<00:11:51.880><c> been</c><00:11:52.040><c> a</c><00:11:52.120><c> tough

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• owner to be the same person, SB 6339 transforms the LRA from a constitutional right into a de facto ban
• I know that the community is upset about this particular facility, but this statewide ban is not the
• For me, I guess I'm misunderstanding the ban in the law than what you're talking about.
• It seems like For me, I guess I'm misunderstanding the ban in the law than what you're talking about.

Summary: The Human Services Committee met on policy cutoff day and first completed executive action on several bills. Members advanced Senate Bill 6224 on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Leadership Council to Ways and Means, Senate Bill 6255 on the poverty task force/council changes to Rules, Senate Bill 5977 on DCYF near-fatality reports to Rules, Senate Bill 5979 on in-home dependency procedures to Rules, Senate Bill 6249 on DOC supervision of stalking convictions to Rules, and Senate Bill 6007 on WISIP’s evaluation of child welfare screening tools to Ways and Means. The committee also confirmed gubernatorial appointee Angela Ramirez. Several proposed amendments were debated, mostly offered by Senator Christian, but most failed; one technical amendment to SB 6184 was adopted, and an amendment to SB 6007 removing the risk-assessment portion of the study was adopted before the bill advanced. The committee also moved to waive the five-day notice rule for Senate Bill 6339 so it could be heard that day. The public hearing on Senate Bill 6339 focused on a proposed requirement that a less restrictive alternative (LRA) placement for sexually violent predators be owned and operated by the same individuals. Senator Torres and Senator Banke argued the bill would improve accountability, transparency, and community safety, citing a proposed Kennewick placement near schools and children. Supporters from the city of Kennewick and community members said the current process lacked transparency and that owner-operators should have a direct stake in safe operation. Opponents, including DSHS, the Washington Defender Association, the Office of Public Defense, and Disability Rights Washington, said the bill would create conflicts of interest, be difficult or impossible to implement, and could undermine the constitutional LRA process by making community placement unattainable. Committee members asked about liability, supervision, and the difference between LRA placements and unconditional release, and the chair said more work was needed on the issue. No final action was taken on SB 6339 during the hearing. The chair closed the hearing after noting the committee was at cutoff and that further discussion would continue later.

Transcript Highlights:

• for is, when you are doing something like an apprenticeship program or a certification program that leads
• </c> or a a certification program that leads or a a certification program that leads to<00:26:22.240>
• <00:28:40.799><c> I</c><00:28:41.120><c> can</c><00:28:41.279><c> read</c> counterfactual um I can lead
• Chair, this is an easy one like banning non-competes and like banning all the restrictive covenants.
• Chair, this is an easy one like banning non-competes and like banning all the restrictive covenants.

Bills: HF3889 , HF2567 , HF3878

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: workforce development, grant program, employment, economic development, funding, employment contract, labor policy, employee rights, unconscionable provisions, public policy, legal enforcement, airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I call on Representative McDonnell to lead us in the pledge. >> Alliance to the United States of America
• fifth</c><00:18:24.160><c> one,</c><00:18:24.559><c> the</c><00:18:24.720><c> lead</c> The lead author
• , the fifth one, the lead The lead author, the fifth one, the lead author<00:18:25.200><c> of</c><00:
• </c><01:49:58.480><c> in</c> actually since books aren't banned in actually since books aren't banned
• Sometimes they lead to before.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Drowning is the leading cause of death for our keiki in Hawaii ages 1 to 15, and our keiki under the
• It does not ban retention or detention ponds, and responsible owners already should incorporate these
• Drowning is the leading cause of death for our keiki in Hawaii ages 1 to 15, and our keiki under the
• It does not ban retention or detention ponds, and responsible owners already should incorporate these
• </c> common approach it does not ban common approach it does not ban retention<00:15:30.680><c> or</c

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1233, relating to storm management systems, which would add safety and maintenance requirements for detention and retention ponds. Supporters, including Alison Schafers of the Ki Injury Prevention Coalition and Kristen Herstead of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, said the measure is needed because poorly maintained ponds can become hidden drowning hazards, especially for children, and argued that fencing, signage, and life-saving equipment would have minimal cost. Schafers described the death of her daughter in a detention pond and said the bill reflects recommendations in the Hawaii Water Safety Plan. Members asked about whether the issue should be handled at the county level; testifiers responded that a statewide standard is needed, though counties would likely handle permitting. No vote was taken on the bill during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HB 867, relating to recreational facilities, which would require accessible playgrounds. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it submitted comments and that state parks do not generally have recreational facilities affected by the bill, while most such facilities are under county jurisdiction. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Communication Access Board, and the Disability Rights Center all supported the bill’s intent but recommended changes, including replacing the term “special needs” with “accessible,” focusing the requirement on new and renovated playgrounds, and specifying wheelchair-accessible swings. Testifiers emphasized that accessible play spaces promote inclusion for children with disabilities and benefit all children. No final action or vote was reported. The committee also took up HB 1358, relating to a public land trust working group. DLNR supported the measure and said it had provided written comments, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the bill and described longstanding problems with incomplete land inventories, self-reported revenue data, and disputed public land trust payments. OHA said an audit it funded suggests the state owes more than current payments reflect, and other supporters said the bill is needed for transparency, accountability, and a complete inventory of public trust lands, including submerged lands. Committee questions focused on how the public land trust information system is maintained, who updates it, and how revenue reporting works; DLNR said the system is older, has limited dedicated IT staffing, and relies on agency self-reporting rather than independent verification. No vote or final committee action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• These pressures are unfortunately leading to conflict.
• These pressures are unfortunately leading to conflict.
• By the way, I banned all acronyms, so you better speak in regular language. Please.
• I give you a tour, let you lead. any of the members to come up to Sierra County.
• We lead on so many other issues. We lead in wildlife protection.

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to some, or an obsession with, or an obsession with... ...with pornography, for instance, is leading
• Washington is the leading tech hub. So we both have, so...
• Washington is the leading tech hub, so we have both the expertise and the responsibility to set standards
• This is the danger that AI chatbots can pose against society, as they agree with extreme ideas, leading
• detects if this is an inappropriate conversation and stops conversing with the user, or just tries to ban

Summary: The committee first heard Engrossed Senate Substitute Senate Bill 5984, which would regulate AI companion chatbots. Staff explained that the bill requires disclosures that the chatbot is AI and not human, adds stronger protections when the user is a minor or the chatbot is directed to minors, bars manipulative engagement techniques, requires periodic reminders, and creates protocols for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation or self-harm. Several speakers, including researchers, students, the PTA, the governor’s office, and the Attorney General’s Office, supported the bill and described harms from chatbot sycophancy, emotional dependence, and self-harm risks. Some testifiers urged expanding protections to all users rather than only minors, adding language on harm to others, and clarifying that chatbots should not present themselves as sentient or human; industry representatives said the bill was workable and noted support for removing the exemption for underlying general-purpose AI models, while also discussing concerns about the private right of action and age-verification/data-collection issues. The chair noted that an amendment for narrow educational tools would be worked on. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 6046, which would create a state Civil Air Patrol under the Washington Military Department. Staff said the bill would allow the governor to activate the state Civil Air Patrol for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions, while preserving the federal Civil Air Patrol’s existing structure. Military Department and Civil Air Patrol leaders testified in support, saying the bill would streamline coordination, improve emergency response, and expand training opportunities without changing federal authorities or adding costs; one witness said the model was based on Kansas law. Members asked about the fiscal note, which was described as indeterminate by one agency despite testimony that the bill would not create new state costs, and about whether the bill would face concerns in Appropriations. The Veterans Legislative Coalition also supported passage, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not ban the state from creating smarter, locally tailored emissions reduction policies
• Senator Betancourt, leading on special education initiatives and testing, accountability.
• And if we want to remain a global leader in energy, in agriculture, space, and technology, we must lead
• But the Texas economic miracle can only continue if we lead the nation in education.
• amendment that requires a water utility to refund ratepayers if future test year rate projections lead

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills. The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0. Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them. At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• During this time, ophthalmology has often claimed that expanding optometry's scope would lead to blindness
• Adding to the confusion, invasive surgery is not defined, leading to a loophole.
• A slight error can lead to serious complications.
• Research from other states indicates that the certified midwife licensure leads to greater ethnic and
• The leading cause of death for people aged 18 to 45 is fentanyl overdose, which naloxone reverses.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope I didn't butchered that to ban.
• While sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sports related death, believe it or not.
• I did not know that sudden cardiac arrest was the leading cause of sports related death.
• I am really grateful for this bill and how it would help save it as especially in communities that lead
• I am co-founder of Moms for Liberals, Apparent Lead Public Education Act advocacy group based out of

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It eliminates the ban on facility fees for all preventive services and provides an exception to the ban

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum and considered several pending bills. The main discussion was on Senate Bill 1232, where the committee adopted a substitute that removed national provider identifier requirements, added an all-payer claims database study on facility fees, narrowed the facility-fee ban, created a telehealth exception when the patient is physically located in the facility, expanded the definition of facility fee, and added a 90-day notice requirement. The author noted the Texas Hospital Association had effectively neutralized the bill, though some nonprofits still opposed it. The substitute was adopted and then reported favorably by a 6-1 vote. The committee then took up multiple House bills, including HB 37, HB 388, HB 879, HB 913, HB 1115, HB 2809, and HB 116, each of which was moved out favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. HB 37, HB 388, HB 913, HB 2809, and HB 116 were reported with unanimous or near-unanimous support, and HB 879 and HB 1115 were also advanced without recorded opposition. Senate Bill 1782 was also reported favorably on a 7-0 vote, with a brief remark that it involved a criminal offense and would be sent to the floor. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 2919 and then reported the substituted bill favorably by a 6-1 vote. After completing the agenda, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• The speaker says the governor banned the free exercise of religion, violating the First Amendment of
• The speaker says he banned nearly all non-emergency medicine and that this issue motivated them to get
• I was banned from owning a restaurant in the state of Minnesota for five years, and I essentially lost
• </c> never violated a food code I was banned never violated a food code I was banned from<01:35:16.040
• clor you have a question yes you lead clor you have a question yes thank<01:41:56.480><c> you</c><01

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• we will begin our meeting as usual by asking everyone to rise and join Representative McGee as she leads
• That leads to lawsuits, and one of the ways they believe they can get rid of those lawsuits, or at least
• Representative Harrington's question does lead to the obvious next question, which is: how can we be
• </c><04:26:19.040><c> to</c> more specificity around what leads to more specificity around what leads
• </c><04:57:43.680><c> um</c> injection um and that we're Banning um injection um and that we're Banning

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, it strictly bans the use of blindfolds, hoods, or unauthorized physical restraints, and
• And it bans some of the most horrific practices of all: blindfolds, hoods, and middle-of-the-night pickups
• no record of the demolition permits being issued or building materials being tested for asbestos, lead
• I have seen that actually lead to placement preservation efforts taking place.
• We are hoping, as Bridget mentioned, that our new rate structure will also help basically lead to those

Summary: The hearing covered several child welfare, human services, tribal housing, child care, and long-term care bills. SB 1099 would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA; SB 1190 would regulate private youth transport services by requiring permits, background checks, training, and bans on blindfolds, hoods, restraints, and overnight pickups; SB 1322 would streamline tribal access to Community Care Expansion housing grants and better align the process with tribal sovereignty; SB 1109 would require an annual license renewal review for STRTPs with five or more Type A citations in a year; SB 1234 would require fentanyl testing in juvenile dependency cases when a court finds a risk of fentanyl use; SB 991 would require DSS to identify the specific type of abuse on its public licensing database; SB 1200 would redefine “infant” for family child care ratio purposes as under 18 months; and SB 1345 would strengthen foster youth rights regarding access to and dignified transport of personal belongings. The committee also approved a consent calendar including SB 534, SB 1410, and SB 1421. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, often from authors, advocates, county officials, and people with lived experience. Supporters of SB 1190 described traumatic youth transport practices and argued for basic safety standards. SB 1322 supporters said tribal grantees face unnecessary delays and collateral demands that conflict with sovereignty. SB 1109 drew support from county probation officers who cited repeated serious violations and public safety concerns at STRTPs, while the chair ultimately opposed the bill as duplicative of existing CDSS authority. SB 1234 drew emotional support from a grandparent who lost a child to fentanyl, but also opposition from the Drug Policy Alliance and a dependency attorney, who argued the bill was redundant, vague, and could create biased or unnecessary testing; amendments were accepted to narrow the standard. SB 991 supporters said the public needs more specific information about abuse findings, SB 1200 supporters said the change would expand infant care capacity and help working families, and SB 1345 supporters said foster youth deserve dignity rather than having belongings packed in trash bags. Votes were taken after quorum was established. SB 991, SB 1200, SB 1345, SB 1190, SB 1234, SB 1322, and SB 1099 were all reported out of committee, most on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 1234 passed 6-0 as amended to Appropriations, and SB 1099 later had a vote change recorded, ending 5-1. SB 1109 did not advance after the motion failed for lack of a second, and it was held in committee. The committee then adjourned and transitioned into an oversight hearing reviewing the outcomes of AB 2247 (placement stability and notice protections for foster youth) and AB 2496, with presenters discussing how the earlier foster youth placement law has changed practice and the importance of dignity, notice, and youth voice in placement decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're listed as the first conferee, you're the lead conferee and the driver of the train, and the
• Under her leadership, the foundation has evolved from a small grant-making organization into a leading
• Court of Appeals just found magazine bans based on size unconstitutional.
• Senate Bill 158, which Delegate Hope was the lead patron on that conference.
• Delegate Hope was the lead patron on that, lead conferee, excuse me.

Keywords: March 11, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If Texas wants to protect sensitive national security information and lead in these sectors, we need
• Texas can lead the country in this area. We recognize that.
• This can lead to overlapping efforts, gaps, and coordination inconsistencies in how we collect and share
• foot when compared to site-built home options, but municipalities maintain the ability to outright ban
• However, they cannot outright ban them.

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, received a House message that H.B. 422 had passed the House, and heard gubernatorial nominations for the Council on Sex Offender Treatment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day and several visiting groups and adopted a resolution designating June 20, 2025, as Texas Nuclear Legislative Day. Members then considered and passed several bills and resolutions, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. SB 311 passed to final passage on the Texas Supreme Court’s writ power. SB 883, on off-label prescription access for COVID-19 treatment, passed to engrossment. SB 1706, creating an Open Meetings Act exception for certain defense, military, and aerospace deliberations, passed despite concerns from Sen. Eckhardt that the bill’s use of “deliberate” could weaken open-government protections. CS SB 1677, directing a study on diabetes-related amputations, passed with support from Sen. Menendez. SB 1967 expanded flood infrastructure fund eligibility to certain multipurpose projects, and SB 1255, a cleanup bill on mold assessor and remediator regulation, passed unanimously. The Senate also approved CS SJR 40 and CS SB 871, which would change emergency and disaster law to require legislative involvement after prolonged or widespread emergencies and to limit gubernatorial suspension powers, with Sen. Eckhardt questioning whether the bill could slow urgent business closures during a disaster. Additional measures passed included SB 1426 transferring management of the First Capital State Historic Site to the Texas Historical Commission, SB 249 requiring TxDOT to fund memorial markers for fallen peace officers, SB 1592 centralizing collection of hotel occupancy taxes from accommodation intermediaries, SB 1271 allowing concurrent jurisdiction on military installations for certain juvenile matters, SB 745 creating a higher penalty for intoxication manslaughter involving multiple deaths, SB 365 shortening the academic fresh start waiting period at public colleges, and SB 1171 adjusting compensation and standards for certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department inspector general employees. CS SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, passed after questions about its relationship to federal homeland security and its focus on border security and critical infrastructure. The latter part of the session focused heavily on CS SB 38, a major eviction and squatter-related bill. Sen. Bettencourt described widespread squatter cases and argued the bill, with a Moody amendment, would clarify notice and eviction procedures while balancing property-owner and tenant rights. Sen. West said he supported addressing squatters but worried the broader eviction changes could harm vulnerable renters, especially single mothers, and said he would vote present not voting. The discussion continued with additional testimony from Sen. Kolkhorst about the need for a balanced eviction process.