Transcript Highlights:

• Those are the leads that include, on the federal side, Customs and Border Protection and USDA APHIS,
• :45.639> and<00:10:45.839> then<00:10:46.160> on Border Protection USDA apys and
• So we work with USDA, uh, we work with Customs and Border Protection, um, Department of Health, uh, in
• So we work with USDA, uh, we work with Customs and Border Protection, um, Department of Health, uh, in
• So we work with USDA, uh, we work with Customs and Border Protection, um, Department of Health, uh, in

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nobody has ever voted no against this bill, but yet we're debating it and just on and on and on.
• And in that answer, you mentioned federal mandates and red tape.
• And I, just as a lawyer, have some real concerns about the states and their interaction and enforcement
• We've brought up several issues about protections for students and I don't know if this body realizes
• I absolutely am, and I love to see something that we tried out and took as a pilot, and now we're able

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that righteous and honorable action always inspires, motivates, and lifts us and others.
• role in powering communities and protecting public safety and ensuring reliable access to electricity
• With remarkable composure and split-second decision-making, Deputy Blumenthal acted to protect innocent
• I love my job and the nonprofit sector, helping women and girls. and not worried about partisan politics
• And it's true.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:17.760> and employment, school attendance, and and employment, school attendance, and
• fire station, protect our first responders,<00:45:29.920> and<00:45:30.160> provide<00:
• I am the director of customized<00:53:31.440> training<00:53:31.680> and<00:53:31.920><
• c> continuing customized training and continuing customized training and continuing education<00:
• ago and have been part of the growth and ago and have been part of the growth and development<01

Bills: HF1972, HF229, HF1090, HF1084, HF1307, HF1274, HF1609, HF2110, HF211, HF216, HF222, HF224, HF225, HF203, HF206, HF207, HF208, HF227, HF246, HF427, HF466, HF502, HF680, HF971

Keywords: community center, Breckenridge, capital investment, state bonds, economic development, HF229, North Branch Area Hockey Association, Stacy Ice Arena, Chisago County, general fund appropriation, grant, ice arena, hockey rink, youth sports, recreational facility, community arena, nonprofit, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• And what he is seeing is he is losing customers. Probably 10 miles from Texas.
• And what he is seeing is losing customers that would come across the line and buy products at his store
• To eliminate fraud and to protect the taxpayers, and so my concern by opening it up this way is that,
• He's wanting this, and this is a business owner in a border town in rural Oklahoma.
• get this off the streets and protect those young children.

Summary: The committee considered and advanced a series of bills, beginning with House Bill 3834, which creates a revolving fund at the Department of Health for ibogaine research. The author said the measure is limited to clinical trials, has support from several tribal nations, and would not have an immediate fiscal impact, though retirement-related costs were discussed as roughly $1 million based on prior estimates. HB 3834 passed 20-0. House Bill 3940, updating Oklahoma Military Department provisions, National Guard retirement benefits, and some Uniform Code of Military Justice language, also passed after questions about the same estimated retirement cost and the effect of changing the date for implementation; it passed 21-1. Members then approved House Bill 4346, with an amendment aimed at addressing fraud concerns in agricultural sales tax exemptions. The bill would extend reciprocity to holders of ag sales tax exemption cards from Texas and other surrounding states, allowing them to use those exemptions in Oklahoma border communities. Opponents argued the change would place too much burden on retailers to verify out-of-state cards and could increase liability, but supporters said it would help rural businesses. The bill passed 17-4. House Bill 2947, allowing clinical interns and accredited behavioral health graduate programs to bill Medicaid for supervised services, passed 21-0, and House Bill 3257, extending state benefits for 100% disabled veterans to those similarly disabled due to negligence at a VA hospital, also passed 21-0. The committee next passed House Bill 3264, which adds domestic abuse by strangulation to the list of 85% crimes. Supporters emphasized the seriousness of strangulation and its connection to later homicide risk, while questions focused on prison population growth and costs; the bill passed 21-0. House Bill 4326, dealing with Oklahoma Promise homeschool language and the definition of certified classroom personnel, was amended to remove unrelated T-SET restructuring language and then passed 19-2. House Bill 4421, “Leo’s Law,” which requires fentanyl testing in child welfare drug screens when fentanyl use is suspected, drew emotional testimony about a child’s death and had its fiscal estimate discussed as dropping from $125 million to about $16 million; it passed 22-0. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 3944, a State Finance Act cleanup and modernization measure, after questions about reporting dates and public finance oversight, and House Bill 3979, which raises financing caps under the Oklahoma Economic Development Finance Pool, after an amendment to add an effective date and emergency clause; both passed 21-0. House Bill 4118, updating the family caregiver tax credit and raising the maximum credit while keeping the annual cap unchanged, passed 20-1. The meeting ended with thanks to members and staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, these private security guards have some of the same rights and protections of law enforcement
• And fentanyl comes across the U.S.-Mexican border, is that correct? Yes, sir, it does.
• about the border and keeping the border secure on the southern part and the northern part.
• a voice and accurately, but the tools available to them, tariffs and otherwise, to strengthen that border
• And we have shut down that border almost 100 percent. time last year.

Keywords: fentanyl crisis, DEA, drug trafficking, public safety, Judea Serrata, Terrence Cole, judicial security, social media, drug prevention

Summary: The committee meeting centered on the urgent crisis of fentanyl abuse and the government’s response to the drug trafficking epidemic. Key discussions revolved around the nomination of Terrence Cole as the Administrator of the DEA and Judea Serrata as Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. Cole emphasized his commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis, highlighting the rising number of overdose deaths and the necessity of bipartisan efforts to dismantle drug cartels. Members engaged in dialogue on the effectiveness of various strategies and the importance of education aimed at preventing drug-related deaths among youth. Additionally, the challenges of social media in drug trafficking were highlighted, indicating a need for greater accountability in how platforms handle such issues. Senators voiced concerns about the impact of administration policies on judicial security and the resources available for marshals to perform their critical roles.

Transcript Highlights:

• and stronger consumer protections water and stronger consumer protections if<06:04:42.400> my
• Customs and Border Protection, with over 25 years of experience securing the border.
• 30:53.200> 25<07:30:53.680> years And Border Protection, with over 25 years of experience
• We are also continuing our efforts to secure our borders and protect our communities.
• Customs and Border Protection Agent Raul Gonzalez, who in 2022 died from injuries sustained in a crash

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It restricts the Department of Family and Protective Services or a community-based care provider from
• And that's the testimony that we heard in the... ...Border Security Committee.
• with a proper declaration to tax and customs authorities.
• Any bridge along the border has to be recognized by the federal government, since they have customs and
• And I think what it does is protect legal terminals, which have bulk transfer facilities.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Jim Harris of Tilden Baptist Church, followed by remarks from Senator Zaffirini recognizing his service and retirement as an agricultural teacher. The chamber also received a message from the governor on appointments to the Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors. Senators then adopted SR 434 honoring Goodwill Industries of San Antonio’s 80th anniversary, with Senators Gutierrez, Menendez, and Zaffirini praising its workforce training and second-chance employment mission; SR 435 recognizing Dr. Christine Ramos Camacho as Doctor of the Day; and a group of additional resolutions adopted by voice vote. Senator Zaffirini also introduced the McMullen County Day delegation, and Senator Gutierrez introduced the Doctor of the Day. The Senate then took up and passed several bills. SB 1951 addressed penalties for late property rendition filings and removed a financial incentive for appraisal districts; SB 1261 related to financing water supply projects in the state water plan; SB 1620 created a Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program; SB 530 updated higher-education accreditation rules; SB 2183 standardized fireworks sales periods statewide; SB 2368 strengthened the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act and added foreign-affiliation safeguards for electricity market participants; SB 1398 limited children without placement (CWOP) practices and added community-based care transparency; and SB 1960 established digital replication rights for voice and visual likenesses. Each of these bills advanced through suspension of the regular order, passage to engrossment, suspension of the three-day rule, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few measures. The chamber also debated SB 825, which would require an annual study of the economic, environmental, and financial impacts of illegal immigration. Senators Middleton, Hinojosa, Gutierrez, and Eckhardt debated whether the study should include positive as well as negative impacts; an amendment to require that broader analysis failed, and the bill was left pending after passage to engrossment. Other measures passed included SB 2010, prohibiting political subdivisions from operating guaranteed income programs; SB 546, requiring reporting and continued implementation of school bus seat belts; SB 586, establishing the Historical Texas Cemetery designation program; SB 1150, requiring inactive oil and gas wells to be plugged or returned to production under a compliance plan; SB 1184, lowering the minimum age of wine eligible for sale by wine collection sellers; SB 2185, clarifying bilingual education allotment funding; SB 1923, making child support follow the child in certain temporary placements; SB 2252, expanding early literacy and numeracy supports and screening tools; SB 1870, barring local decriminalization of drugs; and SB 2405, the major TDCJ sunset bill, which included facility planning, parole and rehabilitation reforms, and an amendment protecting parole board discretion. Most of these bills were adopted after floor amendments and passed with recorded votes, often along party-line or near-party-line divisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:14:25.839> that<00:14:26.320> our customer and new customer so that our customer
• Customers, and daily transaction limits for those who meet the definition of a new customer.
• <00:28:26.960> protects way that minimizes risk and protects way that minimizes risk and protects
• hard work and protecting our citizens. hard work and protecting our citizens.
• > for protect consumers and affordability for protect consumers and affordability for for<01:03

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3642, as amended by the DE1, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. The author, Chair Kaggel, said the bill is intended to stop scammers from using crypto kiosks to defraud vulnerable people, especially older adults, because the transactions are often irreversible and hard to trace. Representative Perryman spoke in support, describing local fraud cases and saying the issue had come to her attention through St. Cloud residents and police. The bill was laid over for further work with the Department of Commerce and other interested members. Testimony from law enforcement and advocates strongly supported the ban. A St. Cloud police sergeant said the problem is statewide and described a case in which a 78-year-old woman lost $80,000 after being directed to a kiosk. A Woodbury detective said current safeguards, including warnings, limits, and refund provisions, have not stopped weekly victimization and that scammers coach victims to bypass protections. An AARP Minnesota volunteer said kiosks are a preferred vehicle for scammers because they move stolen funds quickly and are especially harmful to older adults, and he noted that the 2024 consumer protections have not been enough. The Department of Commerce also supported the bill, saying crypto kiosks are a growing fraud vector and citing 120 complaints over three years, nearly $1 million in reported losses, and 70 cases with $540,000 in losses already in 2025. The department said many victims do not report losses, so the true amount is likely higher. In contrast, Coinflip’s general counsel opposed a ban and argued that fraud should be addressed through stronger regulation, refunds, blockchain analytics, and customer-service requirements rather than prohibiting a legal product. He said scams would continue through other channels if kiosks were banned. In discussion, members asked about the number of kiosks, how long they have been operating in Minnesota, and the scale of losses; the department said there are about 350 licensed kiosks operated by 8 to 10 operators, though the total number may be higher.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have Bain Beecher from PGT, custom windows and doors. You're recognized.
• property... ...and pervasive, safeguarding sensitive data, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring
• safeguard their operations and data for themselves and their end customers.
• And in this case, we're talking the end customer would be people like Lockheed, Honeywell, and Raytheon
• connect with their suppliers, the transportation companies, and their customers.

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee met to hear an overview of its jurisdiction and then focused primarily on Florida manufacturing. Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly described manufacturing as central to a more resilient, diversified economy, citing the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report and noting strong growth in manufacturing businesses, jobs, exports, and workforce programs. He emphasized that most Florida manufacturers are small businesses, that the sector is increasingly STEM- and technology-driven, and that the state’s main challenge is workforce aging and the need to retain trained talent. Members also discussed how to better expose students and parents to manufacturing careers, improve startup access to capital, and strengthen regional manufacturing corridors and transportation links. Kevin Carr of FloridaMakes said Florida is on track to become a top-five manufacturing state, but warned that productivity, technology adoption, and workforce shortages remain key issues. He said a proposed manufacturing bill would create a chief manufacturing officer and help address workforce, technology, and market-visibility challenges. Bain Beecher of PGT Innovations described the company’s growth and community role, but highlighted obstacles such as affordable housing, insurance costs, permitting delays, supply-chain disruptions, and limited awareness of manufacturing careers among students and parents. Andrew Kosowski of Veterans Metal focused on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, citing labor shortages, the cost of adopting new technology, regulatory burdens, and cybersecurity compliance as major pressures, and urged support for the draft manufacturing bill. Brian Giuliani of the Port of Tampa Bay outlined the port’s cargo mix, infrastructure investments, and role in moving fuel, construction materials, and manufactured goods, saying the port’s expansion and transloading plans could better connect Florida manufacturers to suppliers and markets. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need to promote manufacturing careers earlier in school, improve public perception of the industry, and reduce barriers to investment. No formal vote was taken during the discussion, but the panelists broadly supported the draft manufacturing legislation and the committee’s focus on manufacturing policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• seeing on the street and the powder and seeing on the street and the powder and all<00:12:07.200>
• And the and the weight for right?
• /c> to be fentanyl and we detect 4&ppp and to be fentanyl and we detect 4&ppp and fentanyl.<00
• for us to vet it and and approve it. for us to vet it and and approve it.
• :06.400> and all 10 counts and Marshall County and all 10 counts and Marshall County and Alabama

Bills: SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226, SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226

Keywords: automated driving systems, oversized vehicles, transportation, regulations, permits, HB192, international wire transfer, wire transfer fee, remittance fee, money transmission business, Alabama Securities Commission, Department of Revenue, Education Trust Fund, ELL instructors, English Language Learner, ESL teachers, income tax credit, remittances, international money transfer, migrant families

Transcript Highlights:

• anything that would help protect and support the industry.
• SAMSARA is constantly running feedback loops with our customers and other DOT customers, as well as other
• Chair and Representative Jones, I'm not familiar with them as a customer.
• A lot of our state customers, and really most of our customers, integrate it with the Esri GIS platform
• So when customers go on and say, "Hey, has my street been plowed?"

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas Alex Prey was killed by United States Customs and Border Protection agents on January 24,
• 2026, while protecting a woman being beaten by United States Customs and Border Protection agents.
• But there was border patrol before immigration, customs and enforcement. immigration,<01:42:15.119>
• Border Patrol and Protection.
• It was not created to protect and serve, and it has not shown to protect and serve my community.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Innovation to conduct examinations remotely unless an on-site review is needed for consumer protection
• It was our view that 34 other states had licensing programs and that it was a reasonable consumer protection
• And we are seeing similar concerns today in places like Altadena, where mutual water customers are being
• These are structural failures in communication, accountability, and basic customer service.
• Structural failures in communication, accountability, and basic customer service.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions heard two bills. SB 1131, by Senator Jones, would update the Debt Collection Licensing Act by requiring the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct examinations remotely unless an on-site review is needed, and by allowing the department to rely on recent audits or examinations from other regulators or approved third parties. Supporters from the debt collection industry said the bill would reduce duplicative costs and fix issues with the advisory committee process; an opposition witness from the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition said concerns remained. After discussion about preserving consumer protections while reducing burdens on licensees, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 1131 and re-refer it to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1291, the “Shine Act,” by Senator Gonzalez, which would increase transparency and accountability for mutual water companies by removing the 24-hour written notice requirement for board meetings, requiring websites with basic information such as consumer confidence reports, and directing a comparative analysis of mutual water companies serving disadvantaged communities. Supporters, including environmental justice advocates and Los Angeles County, described problems with access to water quality information, meeting notices, and board accountability in communities such as Cudahy and Maywood. The California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed the bill unless amended, arguing it imposed unfunded mandates and one-size-fits-all requirements on small systems. Members discussed the need for transparency while acknowledging concerns about compliance burdens; the committee then voted 7-0 to pass SB 1291 and re-refer it to Environmental Quality.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was posthumously promoted to Border Patrol agent and awarded the Purple Cross, the second highest
• Uh, and then registered to testify as one of the family members of the Border Patrol agent, uh, Ricardo
• using it, and figure out how we customize it for our purposes here in Texas.
• Senate Bill 2245 would further secure the bonded title process, protecting lien holders and previous
• utilizing this technology, figure out how they're using it and figuring out how we customize it for

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation heard several bills, mostly local memorial highway designations and transportation-related regulatory measures. Senator Hinojosa presented SB 1351 to designate part of US 281 in Hidalgo County as the Jose Rodriguez Lua Memorial Highway in honor of a Border Patrol processing coordinator killed by a drunk driver; a family member testified emotionally in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 2245 on bonded titles for vehicles when a lienholder has gone out of business, SB 1568 on animal-friendly specialty license plates with a second “spay, neuter, adopt” plate, SB 2589 on handling closed county roads in Webb County, SB 1104 on allowing large retailers to use one fingerprinted employee of record across multiple Texas locations, SB 1423 naming the Bill Stout Parkway in Longview, and SB 1931 naming part of US 83 the Rodolfo Valdez Memorial Highway. Most of these bills drew supportive testimony or were presented as local measures with no opposition. The committee also took up broader policy bills. SB 215 would create a digital identification program for Texas driver’s licenses and certain other licenses, but the sponsor said he was mainly laying the bill out for discussion and study; testimony was limited and the bill was left pending. SB 2707 would clarify that government entities such as TxDOT and the military remain exempt from fees on oversized/overweight permit authority, though a county commissioner raised questions about road-use impacts and fee revenue. SB 2807 drew the most discussion: it would prevent a motor carrier’s use of safety technology, training, and related practices from being used as evidence that an independent contractor is actually an employee. Supporters said the bill would encourage adoption of safety tools like cameras and braking systems without increasing misclassification risk, while opponents from the trial lawyers’ side warned the wording could conflict with existing labor-code definitions and create litigation. The sponsor and committee members discussed possible clarifying floor amendments. After public testimony, the committee voted on the pending bills. All measures were reported favorably on 6-0 votes, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1568, SB 1931, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 2807, and SB 2841 were all sent to the full Senate, and several were recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee recessed subject to the call of the chair after completing the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's important that our work in the community is just as protected as our prayers in the sanctuary
• We have missionaries and stuff that work down in the valley and at the border. Yes, sir. Thank you.
• protected political speech and too great a risk of government overreach.
• And if that won't fly, vote against to protect my rights as a Texan. I welcome any questions.
• I want my child and all children to be safe at school and protected from identity-based bullying.

Bills: HB 346, HB 1360, HB 1510, HB 1606, HB 1804, HB 1805, HB 2156, HB 2391, HB 2767, HB 3022, HB 3044, HB 3272, HB 3293, HB 3493, HB 3809, HB 3824, HJR 110, HB 2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think, really and truly, everybody in this board and everybody in the House and Senate ought to
• critical, is your bill could have substantial and significant impacts when it comes to how Coastal Protection
• protect them, and then get them into a home.
• And we could also add in the bill, if actually justified, that protects this committee and every future
• Who serve waterways and riverfronts, who patrol waterways and riverfronts or protect fires on waterways

Bills: HB165, HB175, HB198, HB272, HB457, HB488, HB566, HB603, HB763, HB902, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231

Keywords: HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• regulation and protection.
• regulation and protection.
• <00:58:24.440> small protect North Mankato and other small protect North Mankato and other
• safety, and welfare, etc. are protected. safety, and welfare, etc. are protected.
• manage<02:04:48.880> use protect sensitive areas and manage use protect sensitive areas and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• available to strengthen our efforts and protect... ...about the response, the challenges ahead, and
• the opportunities available to strengthen our efforts and protect the people, animals, and industries
• available to strengthen our efforts and protect the people, animals, and industries that are vital to
• the protective efficacy of that drug is on board and working.
• and you have a lot of cattle that come back and forth across the border there.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• periods for mental health protective custody and criteria for the duration of the court-ordered mental
• HB 1994 by Martinez Fisher relating to efficiency audits of Operation Lone Star and other border security
• the retaliation and mandatory overtime protections for nurses providing an administrative penalties
• uses and taxes of customer cited distribution generation for the Committee on state affairs.
• Land and Resource Management, HB 2305 by GERA relating to the analysis of the reports of the customer