Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no debate, staff, please open the queue for a vote.
• Seeing no debate, staff, please open the vote. Any member wishing to vote or change their vote.
• Seeing no debate, staff, please open the vote.
• Seeing none, please staff open. The vote. Declare the vote. I nay.
• Separate staff, please open the vote. Any member wishing to vote or change their vote?

Bills: SB1477, SB1480, SB1593, SB1633, SB1670, SB1725, SB1726, SB1735, SB1632

Keywords: education, concurrent enrollment, students, age restrictions, academic access, apprenticeship, career education, youth programs, employment, technology centers, SB1593, OSU Tulsa, Oklahoma State University/Tulsa, Board of Trustees, higher education, university governance, A&M Board, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges, presidential search, board rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff, please open the queue for a vote. Any members wishing to vote or change their vote?
• Seeing no debate, staff please open the vote. Any member wishing to vote or change your vote?
• Seeing no debate, staff, please open the vote. The vote is open.
• Seeing none, please staff open the vote. Declare the vote: six aye, three nay.
• Seeing no debate, staff please open the vote.

Bills: SB1477, SB1480, SB1593, SB1633, SB1670, SB1725, SB1726, SB1735, SB1632

Keywords: education, concurrent enrollment, students, age restrictions, academic access, apprenticeship, career education, youth programs, employment, technology centers, SB1593, OSU Tulsa, Oklahoma State University/Tulsa, Board of Trustees, higher education, university governance, A&M Board, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges, presidential search, board rules

Summary: The Postsecondary Education Committee considered a series of higher education and career-tech bills, with members asking mostly clarifying questions about eligibility, implementation, and alignment with existing law. House Bill 1477, requested by the State Regents, would limit concurrent enrollment to students age 21 or under; it passed 6-0. Senate Bill 1593 updated language on the Oklahoma State University Board of Trustees to reflect current practice and passed 6-0. Senate Bill 1725 addressed expressive activities on public campuses by allowing security fees for students or student groups, but not based on the content of expression, and also directed free speech training through the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee; it passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1670, a State Chamber priority bill, aimed to strengthen startup ecosystems, venture capital, and industry-embedded research to help move university research into private-sector jobs, and it passed 9-0. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1726, which would establish a baseline training course for graduate student instructors at colleges and universities. Supporters said it would standardize instruction across institutions and help ensure a consistent level of preparation for graduate instructors teaching undergraduates; it passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1633 would align Oklahoma statute with federal law following a consent judgment regarding tuition eligibility for individuals not lawfully present in the United States; members discussed how “lawfully present” would apply to DACA recipients and others with federal immigration status, and the bill passed 6-3. Senate Bill 1735, a cleanup measure shifting certain oversight of technology center career tech schools more directly under the State Board of Career and Technology Education, passed 9-0. Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 1480, a pilot program for paid apprenticeships for 16-year-old students within career tech settings, despite questions about why a pilot was needed when career techs were already prepared to do similar work; it passed 9-0. Finally, an amendment to Senate Bill 1632 changed “shall” to “may” and allowed the State Board of Regents to use workforce assessments such as WorkKeys to award some entry-level college credit for students who score highly, especially those returning to community college or seeking an associate degree; after discussion about the limits of the credit, the amended measure passed 9-0. The meeting concluded with thanks to members as the committee’s final meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I I don't know if maybe<00:04:50.440><c> fiscal</c><00:04:50.760><c> staff</c><00:04:51.000><c> or
• </c><00:04:51.080><c> somebody</c><00:04:51.320><c> could</c> maybe fiscal staff or somebody could maybe
• Plus, there's a lot of programs out there that um realistically have a lot of heavy on staff and the
• And the the cost of heavy on staff.
• , and inclusion or in diversity, equity, and inclusion or DEI<01:26:34.640><c> programs.

Bills: HF1323, HF4266, HF4413, HF3101, HF4572, HF4698, HF3650, HF2634

Keywords: undocumented, financial aid, state policy, higher education, noncitizen eligibility, state grants, college affordability, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Grant, need analysis, expected family contribution, student aid, grant formula, living and miscellaneous expense allowance, dependent student, independent student, parental contribution, student contribution, surplus appropriation, biennium

Transcript Highlights:

• Investments in these equity index funds.
• </c> amendments and also thanks to the staff amendments and also thanks to the staff for<01:12:24.560
• Our nonpartisan staff is amazing. Matt Garing, Chelsea Griffin, Helen Roberts.
• </c> hearings is thank our staff. hearings is thank our staff.
• Our nonpartisan staff did a great job. Our nonpartisan staff is<01:42:20.960><c> amazing.

Bills: HF4348, HF4186, HF4202, HF4455, HF3884, HF3883, HF3882, HF3881, HF2688, HF3295, HF3862, HF3362, HF4242, HF3798

Keywords: HF4186, Minnesota local government finance, housing and redevelopment authority, HRA, public investment authority, qualifying government, State Board of Investment, SBI, index mutual fund, multifamily housing development, long-term equity investment, investment-grade fixed income, federally insured securities, government-sponsored entities, municipal investing, local government investments, housing finance, public funds, investment policy, risk of loss

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to staff each location with a fingerprinted employee at all times, even though they don't sell
• So, staff, just let members know that within about 10 minutes, we'll start voting or less.

Bills: SB215, SB1104, SB1351, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB1423, SB1568

Keywords: education, funding, school districts, local control, equity, digital identification, identity verification, Department of Public Safety, Texas legislature, wireless communication, Texas, technology, identification program, fee structure, wireless devices, public safety, hunting license, handgun license, fingerprinting, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• that would allow Morgan County to have a probate judge that has to be a lawyer, and it would have equity

Bills: SB324, HB395, HB222, HB310, HB285, HB144, HB251, HB380

Keywords: parole, pardons, paroles board, board of pardons and paroles, Alabama criminal justice, sentencing reform, prison reform, reentry, recidivism, risk assessment, validated risk and needs assessment, supervision, probation, parole denial, parole reconsideration, medical parole, violent offense, nonviolent offense, law enforcement member, board appointments

Transcript Highlights:

• the Austin Justice Coalition, a community-driven organization dedicated to advancing justice and equity
• They see multiple cases, and attorneys, as well as court staff, see multiple cases come across their
• I believe there may have been one witness from what my staff was telling me.
• The Legislative Council's Legal Division staff have taken meticulous steps to ensure that the proposed
• The council staff considered all comments and proposed modifications received.

Bills: HB 1181, HB3704, HB1363, HB1610, HB1615, HB1620, HB3223, HB1317, HB2884, HB2176, HB4027, HB1664, HB933, HB2613, HB3353, HB2086, HB4101, HB3441, HB4145, HB3455

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Transcript Highlights:

• I witnessed firsthand the challenges that we face in maintaining a safe environment for both court staff
• I wanted to compliment your staff and your committee staff. You have a very well-run operation.
• not only slowing down the work for other litigants, but also consuming a disproportionate amount of staff
• talk about it I'm happy to try to answer any questions on it, and I want to thank Chairman Anchia's staff
• issue we have heard about from members as older adults are often targeted because they have more equity

Bills: HB 1181, HB3704, HB1363, HB1610, HB1615, HB1620, HB3223, HB1317, HB2884, HB2176, HB4027, HB1664, HB933, HB2613, HB3353, HB2086, HB4101, HB3441, HB4145, HB3455

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Bills: HB34, HM7, HM8, HM17, HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM25, HM34, HB95, HB111, SB1, HJR1, HM4, HM22

Keywords: HB34, school nurse, school nurses, nurse licensure, licensure, charter school, charter schools, school district, public education, Department of Health, Public Education Department, registered nurse, RN, mentorship, evaluation, competency, teacher salary parity, minimum salary, level one license, level two license

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we have a memorial that is technically on the third reading calendar, and our staff has already
• Members, we have a memorial that is technically on the third reading calendar, and our staff has already

Bills: HB34, HM7, HM8, HM17, HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM25, HM34, HB95, HB111, SB1, HJR1, HM4, HM22

Keywords: HB34, school nurse, school nurses, nurse licensure, licensure, charter school, charter schools, school district, public education, Department of Health, Public Education Department, registered nurse, RN, mentorship, evaluation, competency, teacher salary parity, minimum salary, level one license, level two license

Summary: The House convened with quorum, prayer, pledges, and a series of memorials, certificates, guest introductions, and legislative messages. House Memorial 8 honored the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and Dr. King’s legacy; members spoke about the commission’s work in promoting service, liberty, equality, and student leadership. The memorial passed unanimously, 70-0. Later, House Memorial 25 recognized victims of violent crime and their families, with emotional testimony from lawmakers and guests describing the lasting impact of homicide and the importance of survivor voices. That memorial also passed unanimously, 70-0. The chamber then recognized numerous guests, including Kid Frost, several student “shadows” from Belen High School and other schools, Santo Domingo Pueblo leaders, Habitat for Humanity volunteers, CNM board members and students, Southwest Cheese representatives, military installation leaders, and others. Members also highlighted community events and receptions, including Silver Spikes Day and a 100th bill celebration. The House received several executive messages from the governor authorizing bill submissions on virtual power plants, apprenticeship funding for public works, AEDs at school athletic activities, and an energy affordability and grid reliability commission, along with a Senate message transmitting Senate Bill 2. Committee reports were adopted on a number of measures, including House Bills 145, 200, 32, 33, 61, 201, 153, 154, 184, 110, and 109, plus House Memorials 23, 24, and 26, and House Joint Memorial 2. The Appropriations and Finance Committee also reported a substitute for House Bills 2 and 3, which was adopted. On third reading, Senate Bill 1, dealing with a doctor compact for New Mexico, passed the House 64-0 after discussion about its role in physician recruitment and the need for malpractice reform. House Bill 34, a cleanup bill related to nurse licensure and charter school nurses, was also taken up for debate, with questions focused on the three-tier nurse evaluation system and recruitment impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• So whereas staff previously were investigating reports... ...staff to do that work.
• So whereas staff previously were investigating reports of abuse or neglect by a caregiver, those staff
• So whereas staff previously were investigating reports of abuse or neglect by a caregiver, those staff
• But that is across all staff that we have.
• , Staff, and so they do not have a full caseload.

Bills: HR267, HCR105, HCR107, HCR110, HCR113, HCR114, SB4, SB52, SB57, SB145, SB152, SB194, SB237, SB333, SB433, SB483, SCR37

Keywords: diabetes, amputation, amputations, diabetic foot ulcer, peripheral artery disease, PAD, wound care, podiatry, vascular disease, endocrinology, limb salvage, health policy, public health, healthcare costs, insurance coverage, Louisiana Department of Health, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana Center for Health Innovation, patient education, screening

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd also like to thank Director Tobol and the OCM staff for their tireless work ethic as they field a
• non-partisan staff was not able<01:36:41.240><c> to</c><01:36:41.400><c> get</c><01:36:42.040><c> as
• </c><01:36:49.960><c> I</c> so, we have to respect our staff. I so, we have to respect our staff.
• Yeah, I mean, it came from our staff, so I mean, it's implied, but yes. All right.
• Yeah, I mean, it came<01:41:27.680><c> from</c><01:41:27.840><c> our</c><01:41:27.960><c> staff,</c><

Bills: HF3794, HF4472, HF4410, HF4347, HF4412, HF4398, HF4397, HF4201, HF4199, HF4203, HF3706, HF4071, HF4120, HF4175, HF4188

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, school district health insurance, charter school health benefits, employee benefits, public sector health insurance, health insurance survey, Legislative Budget Office, LBO report, premium costs, retiree coverage, broker commissions, third-party administrator, health plan transparency, health reimbursement arrangement

Transcript Highlights:

• The time and effort required from stakeholder engagement and agency staff in this committee could have
• Despite the efforts of many individual staff, LCD has ultimately not kept pace with the responsibilities
• We'll have our staff come forward to read in the bills and their proposed substitutes.
• We'll have our staff come forward to read in the bills and their proposed substitutes.
• and our policy staff for a lot of weekend work to make sure... ...staff for a lot of weekend work to

Bills: SB6290, SB6282, SB5379, SB6197, SB6158, SB6302, SB5882, SB6303, SB6180, SB6195, SB6196, SB6204, SB6287

Keywords: liquor regulation, cannabis board, reorganization, state agency, governance, apprenticeship, behavioral health, construction trades, workforce training, wellness, interest arbitration, parks and recreation, public employees, labor relations, employee rights, SB 6197, plumbing contractor, plumber, contractor licensing, licensing enforcement

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee first suspended the five-day notice rule to take up Senate Bill 629, which would restructure the Liquor and Cannabis Board. Proponents from the hospitality and cannabis industries argued the current board is overloaded by combining liquor and cannabis regulation and said a larger or differently structured board would improve focus, accountability, and stakeholder engagement. A substance misuse prevention representative opposed the bill, warning that shifting the agency toward a board controlled largely by legislative appointments would be a major governance change and could disrupt existing interagency systems. The committee then moved the bill into executive session but did not take final action on SB 629 in the portion of the transcript provided. In executive session, the committee heard and acted on several other bills. It adopted substitutes and advanced SB 6282 on behavioral health training for construction apprentices, SB 5379 on interest arbitration for Parks and Recreation Commission employees, SB 6197 on plumber license suspension for repeat violations, SB 6158 on factory-built housing inspections, SB 6302 on limits for independent contractors on public works finishing work, SB 5882 on PTSD claims for local correctional facility workers, SB 6195 on cannabis oversupply and producer tier thresholds, SB 6196 on kratom taxation, SB 6204 on home cultivation of cannabis, and SB 6287 on kratom product restrictions. Several of these bills were sent to Ways and Means because of fiscal impacts, while SB 6204 was sent to Rules after adoption of an amendment allowing local governments to ban or restrict home cultivation in residential areas. Testimony and committee discussion reflected mixed views on the policy bills. Supporters of the cannabis and kratom measures emphasized public health, youth prevention, and the need to modernize regulation, while opponents raised concerns about cost, agency burden, overregulation, and the scope of taxation or restrictions. On SB 6302, some members supported the effort to address worker misclassification, while others objected to the cap on independent contractors. The committee also noted that SB 6303 on cannabis packaging and vapor devices would not move that day. Most bills were reported out with do pass recommendations and subject to signatures, with several going to Ways and Means for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• accomplish compliance with this requirement of human trafficking prevention training for hotel and motel staff
• As part of the documentation that my staff forwarded, you should have received a map showing over 13,000
• The staff would confirm that it is a member.

Bills: SB1361, SB2105, SB2690, SB2713, SCR38, SB2637, SB2881

Keywords: SB 1361, Texas disaster recovery loan, small business loan, micro-business loan, community development financial institution, CDFI, economic disaster assistance, post-disaster financing, business recovery fund, Texas Economic Development Bank, zero-interest loan, working capital, payroll support, health benefits, job retention, declared disaster, small business relief, microenterprise, franchise exclusion, private equity-backed business

Transcript Highlights:

• Hidden costs and fees bring in millions for equity investors who control so much of healthcare, and the
• Transparency will cut into profits for equity investors, but that's not what patients are for.
• The Chair recognizes Christine Scruggs, testifying on behalf of her staff.
• Okay, so what my staff will come talk with, what's your name again? I'm sorry.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• When our staff can't answer that either. Oh, okay, so.
• That's what our staff reported, yes.
• So our staff hasn't had a chance to go through that.
• I've served as the Chief of Staff.
• Chairman, we talked this morning with your staff, or I should say yesterday morning with your staff.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• All staff in my clinic had been exposed to COVID long before the vaccine became available.
• And so in your examples, like on the plane, I mean where the... pilot and the staff.
• When my other staff did come down with COVID again, it was a milder case. Okay.
• We have a physician on staff 24/7.
• Increased infections among staff can worsen already severe staffing shortages.

Bills: SB227, SB269, SB407, SB463, SB527, SB547, SB1283, SB1380, SB1383, SB1511, SB1640, SB1784, SB2069

Keywords: school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, healthcare policy, vaccines, exemptions, religious beliefs, public health, workplace violence, healthcare facilities, definition expansion, safety regulations, health and safety code, health insurance, anesthesia, pediatric dental services, coverage, medical necessity

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as papoosing, if a child is likely to hurt themselves or your staff while you're trying to provide

Bills: SB227, SB269, SB407, SB463, SB527, SB547, SB1283, SB1380, SB1383, SB1511, SB1640, SB1784, SB2069

Keywords: school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, healthcare policy, vaccines, exemptions, religious beliefs, public health, workplace violence, healthcare facilities, definition expansion, safety regulations, health and safety code, health insurance, anesthesia, pediatric dental services, coverage, medical necessity

Transcript Highlights:

• also, uh, as far as papoose boards, if you can't, if, if a child is likely to hurt themselves or your staff

Bills: SB 227, SB 269, SB 407, SB 463, SB 527, SB 547, SB 1283, SB 1380, SB 1383, SB 1511, SB 1640, SB 1784, SB 2069

Keywords: school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, healthcare policy, vaccines, exemptions, religious beliefs, public health, workplace violence, healthcare facilities, definition expansion, safety regulations, health and safety code, health insurance, anesthesia, pediatric dental services, coverage, medical necessity

Transcript Highlights:

• All staff in my clinic had been exposed to COVID long before the vaccine became available.
• Myself and my staff either contracted COVID or stayed free of disease.
• And so your examples, like on the plane, I mean, we're the pilot and the staff.
• And it gets staff. And we have... ...and mortar system. And it's expensive. And it gets staff.
• Let me be clear: this is not about punishing staff or forcing them out.

Bills: SB227, SB269, SB407, SB463, SB527, SB547, SB1283, SB1380, SB1383, SB1511, SB1640, SB1784, SB2069

Keywords: school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, healthcare policy, vaccines, exemptions, religious beliefs, public health, workplace violence, healthcare facilities, definition expansion, safety regulations, health and safety code, health insurance, anesthesia, pediatric dental services, coverage, medical necessity

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met with several members initially absent, then later established a quorum. The committee heard multiple bills, with most testimony focusing on access to care, insurance practices, senior safety, and health care worker protections. Several bills were laid out with committee substitutes, and public testimony was limited to two minutes per witness. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with no final votes taken in the portion provided. Senate Bill 2069 would create a work group to study the feasibility of a statewide acute psychiatric bed registry; the substitute shifts appointment authority to the Health and Human Services Commissioner and extends reporting and sunset dates. Senate Bill 463 would expand workplace violence protections to additional hospice, home and community support, intermediate care, and state-supported living center settings. Senate Bill 1283 would require background checks and transparency measures for senior retirement communities after testimony about the Dallas-area serial killings of elderly residents. Senate Bill 1784 would require 60 days’ written notice before medical debt is sent to collections. Senate Bill 527 would require medical insurance coverage for general anesthesia for medically necessary pediatric dental procedures for children under 13 with qualifying conditions; pediatric dentists testified that denials delay needed care. A major portion of the meeting centered on prior authorization. Senate Bill 1380 would eliminate prior authorization for a broad list of services, including emergency, primary, mental health, substance use, chemotherapy, preventive, pediatric hospice, and certain chronic-condition care. Physicians and hospice advocates supported the bill, describing delays, administrative burden, and patient harm, while health plans opposed blanket exemptions and argued prior authorization helps prevent unnecessary care and control costs. Relatedly, Senate Bill 547 would require insurers to report gold-card prior authorization exemptions to TDI and create a centralized database and annual report; TMA supported better tracking, while health plans warned of duplicative reporting and administrative cost. Senate Bill 407 would require health care facilities to honor conscience- and religion-based vaccine exemptions for employees, with testimony from a physician and vaccine-choice advocate supporting the bill. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1383, which would regulate senior living referral agencies, allow more flexible compensation structures, and add disclosure and consumer protections; an out-of-state referral company and A Place for Mom supported it. Senate Bill 1511 would allow freestanding emergency centers to provide outpatient services in addition to emergency care, with consumer protections such as estimates, limits on facility fees, and restrictions on balance billing. The chair repeatedly announced that bills were being left pending after testimony, and no final committee action or recorded votes were taken in the transcript provided.