Transcript Highlights:

• HB 552 by Gonzalez of El Paso relating to a study by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to determine
• HB 555 by Bucy relating to improvements to the Texas Information and Referral grant work, referred to
• severance tax revenue, and oil, natural gas, Texas Strong Defense Fund, dedicating the money to the
• Tuesday in memory of James Edward Cook of Eustace, Texas. Is there objection?
• Tuesday in memory of James Edward Cook of Eustace, Texas. Is there objection?

Summary: The House met for first reading and referral of a large number of bills and joint resolutions, with no substantive debate on the measures themselves. The filings covered a broad range of topics, including agency rulemaking and regulatory deference, occupational licensing reciprocity, business entities, eviction procedures, higher education, public education, health care, elections and voting procedures, criminal justice, property tax and appraisal issues, transportation, agriculture, energy, and local government authority. Several proposals also addressed constitutional amendments on matters such as Medicaid expansion, property tax limits, quorum and special-session rules, voting citizenship proof, parental rights, reproductive autonomy, and state funding allocations. Many of the measures focused on education, public health, and election administration. Examples included bills on financial literacy in schools, school nurses and librarians, student meal debt policies, suicide prevention notices, menstrual products, and community-based learning programs, as well as election-related bills on voter registration, disability access, ballot corrections, political advertising, and voting equipment or procedures. Other notable bills dealt with housing and property issues, including evictions, homestead tax exemptions, and land ownership, along with criminal justice measures involving sentencing, juror challenges, trafficking-related nondisclosure, and firearm reporting or transfer restrictions. The House also referred a set of resolutions to the Local and Consent Calendars Committee. At the end of the proceedings, Mr. Bell moved that the House adjourn until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in memory of James Edward Cook of Eustace, Texas. There was no objection, and the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the rights and remedies of this chapter. the rights and remedies of this chapter.
• Four states that are already doing this: Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Arkansas.
• >> Texas. >> Is that right?
• >> Texas. >> Texas. >> Texas.
• >> Texas. Is that right? >> Texas. Is that right?

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 10 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Denise Pope, and led the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including the doctor of the day, student pages, Carthage Christian Academy, Mississippi Valley State University visitors, the University of Southern Mississippi’s DuBard School and related programs, and members of the Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists. The Senate took up Senate Bill 2896, which revises the Department of Public Safety salary schedule for MHP and MBN officers. Senator Hopson explained it as the vehicle for possible pay raises for troopers, NBI, and MBN officers, and the chamber adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill by morning roll call. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2917, a recurring appropriations cleanup measure; its main change would allow Mississippi Valley State University to use previously designated dormitory funds for repair and renovation instead. A reverse repealer amendment was adopted before final passage by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2825, the Mississippi Health Care Industry Zone Act, was then considered. Senator Harkins said the bill extends the repealer for the health care industry zone incentive program to 2028 and noted the program has generated significant investment and jobs statewide. An amendment requested by the Mississippi Development Authority was adopted to revise eligibility language, including replacing a CON requirement with a requirement that a hospital have at least 25 acute care beds and deleting a section under current law. The bill then passed by morning roll call. Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2894 on local improvement projects and the return of unexpended funds and earned interest. Senator Harkins explained that the bill would require older local improvement project funds to be returned if projects were not moving forward, require reporting to DFA and the Legislative Budget Office, allow audits, and permit limited extensions, while also withholding a portion of other state distributions for noncompliance. Senators raised concerns about projects that are already obligated or delayed by workforce and engineering constraints, and Harkins said the bill would be refined with a reverse repealer to work with LBO and avoid disrupting active projects. The bill was discussed but not finally disposed of in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are not consistently granted in-state tuition rates across all Texas institutions.
• We do have Brian Stevens here with the Texas Military Department as a resource witness.
• This is a priority bill for the Texas Military Department.
• We do have the Texas Military Department here as a resource witness.
• We have a resource witness from the Texas Veterans Commission to answer any questions.

Bills: HB101, HB290

Keywords: voter approval, local tax, disaster declaration, tax rate increases, community funding, PFAS, agriculture, criminal offense, pollution, Johnson County, environmental regulation, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can do better in Texas, and the people behind it can do better in Texas.
• Mo Rezaee and Nico Richardson, who is a... ...CEO of Texas Original.
• I created a documentary called "Legalize Texas."
• And that little boy, along with those two veterans, they had to leave Texas.
• This can only be done right now in Texas at a medical level.

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• , we are proud to pursue the eventual passage and success of Texas House Bill 3717.
• In Texas, we like to lead on things.
• Distinguished members of the Texas legislature, honored guests, fellow Texans.
• Texas will lead the way.
• Texas is the greatest and most patriotic state in this entire nation.

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• pay us enough to really see a future in Texas.
• Uh, if Texas legislature really thinks that the people of Texas deserve a workforce that sees them as
• It's about showing that in Texas we take care of our own.
• It's about retaining the talent and experience that keeps Texas moving forward.
• This is common sense to benefit the people of Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now if you'll turn with me to the Texas Department of Transportation beginning on page 10.
• Texas Family First pilot.
• Item C at the bottom of the page, Texas Center for Infectious Disease Operations.
• The first item, maintained women's health funding for healthy Texas women.
• Item 3 in the middle of the page, add funding for Thriving Texas Families program.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• yet we know that 21% of them are outside of Massachusetts and are located as far away as Hawaii and Texas
• Any violations of this section would fall under the Consumer Protection Act, Chapter 93A, and would subject

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a lengthy hearing on a large docket of pharmacy and drug-pricing bills, with most testimony focused on PBM reform, 340B drug discount program protections, specialty medication access, and medication adherence. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney opened the hearing and took testimony from legislators, patient advocates, pharmacists, health center leaders, industry representatives, and policy groups. Several speakers described delays, denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy closures tied to PBM practices, while others emphasized the importance of community health centers and independent pharmacies in serving patients. On the 340B program, supporters including Senator Eldridge, Senator Payano, Community Care Cooperative, Fenway Health, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and several community health center leaders argued that bills such as H. 1107 and S. 819 would stop discriminatory PBM and manufacturer practices, preserve contract pharmacy access, and protect safety-net providers that say they reinvest savings into care, pharmacy expansion, interpreter services, behavioral health, and other services. Opponents including PhRMA, the Community Liver Alliance, and a public policy analyst argued the program lacks transparency and accountability, has grown beyond its original purpose, and may benefit large hospitals and for-profit entities more than low-income patients. They urged more reporting and oversight rather than expanding protections. On PBM reform, testimony supported bills including H. 1157, H. 1234, S. 724, S. 831, and related measures that would require rebate pass-through, ban spread pricing, limit steering to PBM-owned pharmacies, and improve reimbursement for community pharmacies. Independent pharmacists and patients said current PBM practices raise costs, create administrative burdens, and threaten access to local pharmacies. PCMA, representing PBMs, opposed the reforms, arguing PBMs lower costs, that plan sponsors choose to contract with them, and that the Health Policy Commission and CHIA should complete their ongoing study before new mandates are adopted. The committee also heard support for H. 1322 and S. 734 on specialty medications, and for H. 781 and H. 1305 on medication synchronization to improve adherence. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of them are deceased, or they're in retirement in Texas.
• Speaker, and it could be, and I hope it to be, the next chapter in our history.

Keywords: 905, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As several speakers have already referred to, we are the leader behind Texas, I think, in installed solar
• Our company is a member of the FTBA and the AGC East Coast Chapter.

Bills: S0558, S1294, S1468, S1474, S1682, S1628

Keywords: stormwater systems, environmental standards, municipal infrastructure, engineering certifications, local compliance, Florida Department of Transportation, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming, compost products, wastewater treatment, environment, sewage disposal, pollution control, reporting requirements

Summary: The committee took up several environmental bills, beginning with SB 1682 on local administration of vessel restrictions. Senator Trumbull said the bill would give cities and counties tools to address abandoned, derelict, and long-term anchored vessels while following state standards and FWC guidance. Members from affected areas spoke in support, citing recurring derelict vessel problems and the difficulty and cost of removal once vessels sink. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1468 on advanced wastewater treatment, which would require DEP to compile a detailed statewide report on wastewater treatment plants, including construction age, treatment levels, contaminant data, spill history, flood risk, and receiving waterbody impairment information. Florida Rural Water Association testified that any move to require advanced treatment for all plants over one MGD could create major financial burdens without dedicated funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 1294 on biosolids management, with a strike-all amendment adopted. Senator Bradley said the revised bill would require bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products to be land applied only at agronomic rates and, absent a bona fide sale, only at permitted DEP-approved sites, with a transition date moved to July 1, 2028. Supporters said it would protect water quality and legitimate fertilizer and compost markets, while rural utilities asked for funding and flexibility. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1628 on net zero policies by governmental entities. Senator Avila said the bill would prohibit local governments and other governmental entities from adopting or funding net zero policies, imposing related fees or taxes, or operating cap-and-trade or carbon trading programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the definition of carbon dioxide. The bill drew extensive debate: supporters argued it would protect residents and businesses from higher costs and preserve predictability, while opponents said it would block local climate and clean-energy policies, including electric buses, energy-efficiency measures, and climate resilience planning. After public testimony on both sides, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1474 on biosolids management, which Senator Gates said would require biosolids and septage to be treated at the highest practical level when wastewater treatment facilities are reasonably accessible and would bar Class B land application within 50 miles of a permitted wastewater facility. An amendment applying the statutory definition of septage was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 558 on stormwater system standards. Senator Burgess said it would create statewide standards for municipal and county stormwater systems using FDOT guidelines and third-party inspections, with an amendment making technical changes and broadening who may perform inspections. Supporters said uniform standards could improve safety and reduce failures, while contractors, engineers, and industry groups warned it could raise costs, delay projects, and preempt stronger local standards. The bill remained under discussion as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• impose administrative penalties in accordance with the section in the provider's respective licensing chapter
• funding supports three regions: Northeastern Counseling Center, Central Utah Counseling Center, and Texas

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's the research director for NASRA, and I believe that he has to catch a plane back to Texas.
• Chapter 14 won't spend a lot of time on that; that's just reflecting the benefit factors that are in

Transcript Highlights:

• Spirit of Texas.
• Their determination reflects the very best of Texas.
• And may God bless our great state of Texas.
• Texas owes you our gratitude.
• Texas owes you our gratitude.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm State Representative Gina Hinojosa, and I represent Central Austin in the Texas House.
• We have a teacher exodus in Texas. We have a teacher exodus in Texas.
• I actually live in rural Texas. I drove ...in a crisis. I actually live in rural Texas.
• So Texas schools need to be... ...funded at $10 per student and $15,000 per campus.
• We have passed out a graph that shows the increase in the Texas Education Agency budget.

Keywords: education funding, House Bill 5419, zero-based budgeting, public testimony, school safety, special education

Summary: State Representative Gina Hinojosa and a group of parents and education advocates testified in support of House Bill 5419, a zero-based budgeting proposal aimed at reviewing Texas Education Agency spending and redirecting more public education dollars to classrooms. Hinojosa argued that public schools are being weakened by chronic underfunding, teacher shortages, delayed special education services, and inadequate school safety funding, and said the bill would help cut bureaucracy, vendor contracts, and other non-classroom spending in favor of teacher pay, safety, and special education. Several witnesses, including self-identified Republicans and former GOP officials, backed the bill as a good-government measure and said they were crossing party lines because public schools need more direct investment. They criticized TEA growth, vendor contracts, public-private partnerships, and what they described as unfunded mandates from the state, including school safety requirements. One witness said rural districts are being forced into four-day school weeks, while others cited campus closures, deferred maintenance, and local tax increases tied to state funding shortfalls and recapture payments. The discussion also focused on the need for a systematic review of TEA spending and the lack of a sunset review for the agency since before 2005. Hinojosa and others said increasing the basic allotment would help districts, reduce recapture pressures, and prevent local tax hikes. The exchange was primarily a public hearing and advocacy session; no vote or formal committee action was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have post-adjudication facilities in Texas.
• We also work within the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and we work also with the Texas Department
• I've worked in juvenile justice in Texas my entire career.
• , the predecessor agency to the Texas Juvenile Justice Commission and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department
• I'm the Chief JPO for Wichita County, Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Lisette Galvan, and I serve as the public policy director for NAMI, Texas, which is a Texas
• And next we have Melanie Billingsley, um, with the Texas Jail Project, um.
• This closes gaps in current law and strengthens protections for Texas students.
• I was living here in Texas.
• Texas is facing a rising challenge in combating vehicle-related crimes.

Bills: HB268, HB305, HB307

Keywords: gun show, firearm sales, criminal background check, firearm regulation, gun show promoter, election procedures, voter registration, residence requirements, change of address, voter eligibility, youth camp, flood safety, life jackets, grant program, flotation devices

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is home to some of our nation's greatest parks and boasts a multitude of historic sites as well
• Unplugged Texas Day would serve as a simple reminder that there's more to life than what we see online
• In Rowlett, Texas, a crossing guard even gave her life to keep students safe while on duty.
• It makes all the sense of the world why this would be the ice cream capital of Texas.
• Um, he really held it together for the people of Texas to reduce the cost until the very end.

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• The events of that day tested the strength, the resilience, and indeed the spirit of Texas.
• Their determination reflects the very best of Texas.
• And may God bless our great state of Texas.
• Texas owes you our gratitude.
• Trooper Sergio Romero lived the life of dedicated service to the state of Texas.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The spirit of Texas is inseparable from the spirit of service.
• May God bless the great state of Texas and the United States of America.
• And now to the Texas flag. Honor the Texas flag.
• Sandra Rhodes from Oakhurst, Texas, who sang the national anthem.
• Wallace, Texas Military Department senior chaplain.

Transcript Highlights:

• and predictable for Texas insurers.
• Albert Betts, Insurance Council of Texas. It's late. You're probably tired.
• The last session, Texas Watch compiled data on the impact of auto appraisal for Texas insured, and their
• The Texas Office of Public Insurance Council report for the '88 Texas Legislative Regulation one was
• Chairman Dean: Chair calls Ware Wendell, Executive Director of Texas Watch.