Transcript Highlights:

• So First Amendment is bar code 1, 8, 7, 5, 8, 6, by Senator Deciglie.
• There is one Amendment bar code 377-5345. We fall Amendment by Senator Deciglie.
• Florida chapter waiving in support. Thank you.
• So the revisions and this bill clarifies that chapter 7.21.
• There is one amendment timely filed bar code 2, 4, 2, 3, 5, 8, by Senator McClain.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Government Code, Chapter 2161, commonly referred to as the HUB program for historically underutilized
• exceeded his authority in direct violation of the statute setting up the HUB program, Texas Government Code
• Chapter 2161.
• Chapter 2161.
• This lawsuit is against Goliath, the state of Texas, using our tax dollars in order to fight against

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 28, 41.14, amending Title 20, Chapter 4, Arizona, Revised, Statutes.
• ; amending Title 11, Chapter 2, Article 2, Section 11-169.31; amending Title 12, Chapter 8, Article 2.1
• A tax shift is a problem because then it's unfair.
• Builders must comply with state building and electrical codes in this bill.
• Planning Laws 2022, Chapter 316, Section 4 is amended by Laws 2025, Chapter 21, Section 13, relating

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, received House messages and first-read a large number of bills, then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars. On Calendar 2, SB 1419 on solar energy inspection contractors was amended with a Carroll floor amendment and passed; a Sundareshan amendment aimed at requiring utilities to shield residential ratepayers from costs tied to large loads such as data centers was debated at length, but failed on a 12-15 division. SB 1498 (Department of Public Safety appropriation) and SB 1502 (unlawful flight/reckless endangerment) also received do-pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the Senate later rejected an attempt to add the failed data-center amendment to the report by a 13-14 vote. On Calendar 3, the Senate advanced SB 1165 (insurance cost sharing for breast exams), SB 1206 (storm-related insurance claims), SB 1212 (health insurance reimbursement rates for vaccines), SB 1215 (firefighters’ occupational disease/workers’ compensation), SB 1290 and SB 1291 (agricultural property notices/classification), and SB 1347 (fertility preservation coverage), with committee amendments adopted on most of them. A Warner substitute floor amendment to SB 1347 was adopted to address insurer concerns by allowing prior authorization with a 72-hour processing requirement and clarifying storage-cost responsibility. The Senate also retained SB 1503 on the calendar. On Calendar 1 and the additional calendars, the Senate advanced SB 1013 (public employees merit hiring), SB 1108 (cash transactions and rounding, with an emergency clause added), SB 1178 (naturopathic physicians), SB 1186 (document retention/proposals/donations), SB 1286 (veterinary visits and prescriptions), SB 1366 (commercial buildings and telecommunications), SB 1431 (municipal design prohibitions), SB 1671 (gaming/racing/boxing conflict-of-interest continuation), SB 1004 (ESA students’ interscholastic activities), SB 1116 (AHCCCS access/claims review/behavioral health), SB 1162 (health care institution licensing complaints), SB 1179 (group home monitoring), SB 1475 (school district governing boards/eligibility), SB 1821 (DCS training and child placement), and SCR 1012. Several floor amendments were debated and adopted or rejected, including a Kavanaugh emergency-clause amendment to SB 1108, a failed Sears amendment to SB 1178 on prescription drug price gouging, a failed Sundareshan transparency amendment to SB 1186, a failed Kavanaugh amendment to SB 1286 on veterinary prescriptions, a Gowan amendment to SB 1366, a Payne amendment to SB 1077, a Carroll amendment to SB 1479, a Petersen amendment to SB 1566, and an Angius amendment to SB 1018 expanding the definition of foreign law to include certain harmful practices. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills after each calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• That obstacle was Chapter 135.
• Chapter 135 is infringement.
• Yet Chapter 135 does exactly that.
• Chapter 135.
• So I am less safe under Chapter 135.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused heavily on firearms legislation, especially bills to repeal Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 (including H. 2618/S. 1671 and related repeal measures) and bills on firearm industry accountability (H. 2672/S. 1653). Supporters of repeal, including Senator Peter Durant, Rep. Ken Sweezey, gun owners, instructors, sportsmen, and women’s gun-rights advocates, argued that Chapter 135 overreaches, creates confusion in licensing and training requirements, burdens lawful gun owners, restricts pepper spray and semi-automatic firearms, and is being enforced in ways they said criminalize responsible conduct. Committee members defending the law said it was the product of years of work, public listening sessions, and multiple drafts, and argued that Massachusetts remains the safest state for gun violence and that implementation issues, such as live-fire training, had been delayed to allow time for regulations and infrastructure. Several witnesses also testified on H. 2672/S. 1653, which would create firearm industry standards of conduct and allow civil actions against manufacturers, distributors, and dealers that engage in unsafe or unlawful practices. Supporters from the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown, Brady, Giffords, and survivors described the bill as a way to hold the industry accountable, reduce the flow of crime guns, and give victims and the Attorney General a path to sue bad actors. They cited data on crime-gun traces, disproportionate impacts on communities of color, and examples from other states that have enacted similar laws. Opponents, including gun dealers and industry representatives, argued that existing law already punishes illegal sales, that most crime guns are stolen or diverted after lawful sale, and that the bill would improperly target manufacturers for the actions of others. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to remove the non-resident ban on semi-automatic firearms for hunting (H. 2710/S. 1676), with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers supporting the change as a way to restore access for returning residents, veterans, and hunting programs that had been displaced. Later testimony returned to repeal and related gun-law bills, with sportsmen’s groups arguing Chapter 135 was rushed, confusing, and harmful to youth hunting and lawful ownership. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; it was a public testimony session with extensive questioning by committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Representative, the conservation tax is a tax on oil and gas produced here.
• Chair, Representative, it's a tax. It's a conservation tax. Representative: OK. And Mr.
• So in come these monthly tax expenditure assessments or tax E-reports.
• Is this tax expenditure, the rural jobs tax credit? Is it worth it or not?
• Are these tax credits open to... Not tax credit.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 143**, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the **Senate Tax
• to report hazing. creating a civil cause of action, providing additional consequences requiring a code
• Senate Bill 159**, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the **Senate Tax
• **Secretary of Tax and Revenue**, **Secretary Chardin-Clark**, who will be giving a presentation, as
• well as from our own offices to talk about Tax 101.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it places the new section of the Delaware Code created in Section 3 of this act into its own chapter
• , which will be Chapter 87.
• relating to school taxes.
• Tax relief by lowering school taxes for New Castle County residents.
• would see their taxes decrease.

Summary: The House received a series of Senate communications and committee reports, then took up a long consent calendar and several individual measures. Early actions included passing consent calendar items, recognizing Freedom of Speech Week and Juneteenth, and hearing numerous introductions and tributes, including remarks honoring House fellows, Father’s Day, and Representative Mara Gorman. The chamber also adopted several procedural motions and recesses, with roll calls recorded throughout. Among the bills considered, the House passed House Bill 134 on animal cruelty, increasing penalties for repeat offenses; House Bill 131 with Senate Amendment 1 on pet stores and animal welfare; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 320 on technical corrections to the Delaware Constitution; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 407 on technical updates to the Hazardous Substance Control Act; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 on salary supplements for certain school employees; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 450, the Road Delaware Act, on land use and permitting reform; House Bill 459 on restricting energy drink sales in schools; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 439 on electric moped and motorcycle disclosures; and House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, after amendment delaying its effective date to July 1, 2027. House Amendment 1 to House Bill 459 was adopted, and House Amendment 1 to House Bill 444 was adopted before final passage. The House also rejected House Amendment 1 to House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 after debate over salary supplement policy for school-related certifications, then passed the substitute bill itself. House Bill 407 prompted questions about the increase in civil penalties, which DENREC said was intended to update outdated fines and align the penalty structure with other laws. House Bill 444 drew floor speeches emphasizing voting rights protections and concerns about voter suppression and dilution. The session ended with the House moving to recess after continuing consideration of House Bill 355, the Speaker Truth Act, which had just adopted an amendment changing damages language to attorney’s fees and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The closing of the Richmond Free Press marks the end of a meaningful chapter for our community.
• Compensatory relief when a locality is found to be willfully violating the Code of Virginia.
• This legislation amends sections of the Code of Virginia relating to the Brown v.
• I've looked in the code.
• I've looked in the code, and I've looked at this bill and 1524 and a couple others.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• procured under chapter procured under chapter 103D.<00:08:07.840> Thank<00:08:08.080>
• regulated under the midwives chapter regulated under the midwives chapter could<00:09:10.640>
• Third reading of House Bill 796, Senate Draft 1, relating to tax credits. Is there any discussion?
• <00:43:13.200> on fees paid for licensing, and taxes on fees paid for licensing, and taxes
• Further, if this bill exists to generate revenue via sports wagering tax, we should realize that all

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there's about 50 pages where is just changing the word act to the word chapter.
• So they do have to pay the tax on this amendment passes.
• And that's that's the portion that set the taxes, the parameters.
• How license works. that set the taxes, the parameters. How license works.
• So bar Code 8, 8, 1, 9, 3, 7, You're recognized. >> Thank you, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• And referred to the Senate Health, Public Affairs Committee, then Senate Tax, Business, and Transportation
• 1978 to include the Santa Cruz de la Cañada land grant merced as a land grant governed pursuant to Chapter
• title, is ordered printed and referred to the Senate Health, Public Affairs Committee, then Senate Tax
• title, is ordered printed and referred to the Senate Health, Public Affairs Committee, then Senate Tax
• Amending sections of Chapter 7. Senate Bill 73.

Transcript Highlights:

• an all-female chapter, it looks like.
• Their chapter was just in Spain, right?
• credits to the geothermal energy production income and corporate income tax credits, creating a tax
• 77, Section 31, as amended. being lost 1993, Chapter 77, Section 31, as amended.
• 264, Section 3, and Laws 1987, Chapter 347, Section 3, as amended.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's more we're working on developing, but total tax returns processed, total tax revenue collected
• Total tax returns processed.
• Total tax collected, a 7% increase. Total tax debt collected on the budget dollar, 19%.
• my very first Committee in your tax my very first Committee in your tax committee<01:26:18.880><
• chair Senator I'm when you say chapter chair Senator I'm when you say chapter 14<01:47:36.320>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In Lieu Of Taxes), or Franchise Fees.
• I'm all for taxing people less, but what I fear is that we've gone to a more opaque way of taxing the
• What I can tell you is that, first of all, in the taxing—from a taxing perspective, the utility gets
• We do not take tax dollars away.
• I'll begin with water rights permitting, which is governed by the Texas Water Code, Chapter 11.

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• We collect excise taxes.
• That includes excise taxes and licenses. fees, 255 of that are going to be excise taxes, and then $56
• paying excise taxes are doing.
• That just shows over a 10-year period excise taxes amount of taxes collected by the state and that that
• , they were scanning a QR code that was not the official Texas Lottery QR code. or is it everybody's,

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also address the property tax. At what point would that easement? Will I be taxed on that easement?
• Will that be deleted from my property tax? You're recognized. >> Thank you.
• Take up late filed Amendment bar code 1, 0, 6, 6, to to Senator Gruters.
• You are recognized to introduce Amendment bar Code 7, 9, 8, 2, 2, 2, >> Thank you, Mr.
• Code 6, 0, 7, 8, 0, 0, >> Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But remember that whenever we do make modifications to the property tax system, that it's a tax shift
• This would apply to tourist development taxes and local option taxes, except when those taxes have been
• of the local option taxes.
• The voters aren't paying this tax.
• Under the current code, if you're going to make a code change, you have to submit that to DFS.

Summary: The committee took up several claims bills first and reported both favorably without debate. SB 20, relating to relief of J.N., a minor, would pay the remaining $400,000 of a $600,000 settlement after an 11-year-old was injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk with a known defect; SB 14, relating to the estate of Pineal Januier, would authorize payment of the remaining $1.7 million of a $2 million settlement after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. Both bills were supported by the sponsors and the Senate Special Master’s favorable recommendations, and both passed on roll call votes. The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, both by Senator Avila, which would create a new property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead residential property for more than six months in order to encourage more affordable rental housing. Local governments, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, impacts on public safety and services, and uncertainty for local budgets; several senators also questioned whether landlords would pass savings on to renters and whether the measure would worsen density and parking issues. Despite the opposition, both measures were reported favorably after the sponsor said the bills would be refined and revised. SB 674, by Senator Wright, was reported favorably with support from property appraisers who said it would let them budget and pay hiring or retention bonuses, similar to authority already given to tax collectors, to help compete for specialized staff. CS for CS SB 268, by Senator Jones, also passed after an amendment adding congressional members; the bill would create a public-records exemption for certain home-address information for elected officials, and debate centered on balancing transparency with safety after members described death threats and harassment. The committee then approved SB 100, by Senator Fine, which would bar government buildings from displaying flags representing political viewpoints and allow active or retired military or National Guard members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag; the bill drew extensive opposition from transparency, civil rights, and LGBTQ advocates who argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride flags, while supporters said government should not endorse political messages. Finally, CS for SB 1664, by Senator Trumbull, was reported favorably after a strike-all amendment. The bill would require voter reapproval every eight years for certain local discretionary taxes, including tourist development taxes and some local option taxes, unless pledged to revenue bonds. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the lodging industry opposed it, saying the measure would create uncertainty, threaten tourism marketing and beach restoration funding, and make long-term infrastructure and debt planning difficult. Senator Trumbull argued the proposal simply gives voters a recurring chance to decide whether they still support the taxes and the projects they fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• implemented for high-quality education for all, regardless of background, economic status, or zip code
• Again, MDE's guidance has been that they have to follow all of the requirements under Chapter 120B, but
• Section of law cites to a very specific subparagraph of federal code.
• This proposed change adds a submission due date of February 1st to the access tax increment statute.
• tax increment statute.

Transcript Highlights:

• It strikes lines 29 through 49 and then renumbers the local government chapter.
• 443 of the Government Code.
• That's the current operation of this code without the change.
• You're adding taxes to them by having this power backup, this battery backup.
• ...as to the reasons why there has been no code about entering versus exiting?

Summary: The Senate took up and passed Senate Bill 945, which concerns political shareholder proposals by insurers and insurance holding companies. Senator Hughes argued the bill would protect Texas-based insurers from activist shareholder pressure, especially proposals aimed at limiting insurance coverage for oil and gas companies for ESG or political reasons. The motion to suspend the regular order was adopted over objection, and SB 945 passed to engrossment on a 20-10 vote with one present not voting. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1117, allowing any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin in oral or maxillofacial regions for aesthetic purposes, and House Joint Resolution 98, renewing Texas’s application for an Article 5 Convention of States to propose amendments on fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits. Both measures advanced after debate and roll-call votes; SB 1117 passed unanimously after suspension of the three-day rule, and H.J.R. 98 was adopted on a 17-14 vote. Members then approved several other measures, including the committee substitute for House Bill 142 on HHSC’s Office of Inspector General and Medicaid overpayment recovery, Senate Bill 2373 on AI-enabled financial fraud and deepfake/phishing schemes, Senate Bill 2221 on fraudulent UCC financing statements, and Senate Bill 2681 on the basis for third-party voter-registration challenges. The Senate also adopted a resolution authorizing a Texas Life Monument replica at the Capitol complex, and passed S.J.R. 59 creating funds for Texas State Technical College capital needs. The body debated and passed Senate Bill 946, which would bar credit discrimination against organizations based on social, political, religious, or similar value-based considerations and require credit decisions to rest on creditworthiness. Senators raised concerns that the bill could create a special protected class for non-human entities or conflict with existing state policies, but the bill advanced to engrossment on a 20-11 vote. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2477 to ease office-to-residential conversions in large cities after adopting an amendment negotiated with municipal stakeholders, and began consideration of Senate Bill 715 on ERCOT reliability requirements for generators, including existing generation, with extensive debate over impacts on renewables, power purchase agreements, and grid reliability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee substitute for Senate Bill 806, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the Florida Trust Code
• House Bill 1173, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the Florida Trust Code. Is there debate?
• is forced to go through the landlord-tenant process of Chapter 83.
• The establishment is forced to go through the landlord-tenant process of Chapter 83.
• Thank you, and I will ask for your favorable support on this F-tax package today.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and guest introductions, and then moved to the special order calendar. Early bills passed included measures on the Florida Trust Code (SB 806/HB 1173), school district reporting requirements and educator misconduct reporting (SB 1374), debt collection email communications (SB 232), service of process updates (SB 576/HB 157), public lodging and food service establishments (SB 606), lien waivers and releases (SB 658), Crime Stoppers public records exemptions (SB 710), health care licensure and foreign-country business interests (SB 768, amended), diabetes management in schools (SB 772/HB 597), platting procedures (SB 784), fentanyl testing in hospitals (SB 1346/HB 1195), third-party reservation platforms (SB 940), electronic landlord-tenant notices (SB 1164/HB 615), leaving the scene of a crash restitution (SB 1378/HB 479), background screening for athletic coaches (SB 1546), surrendered infants and infant safety devices (SB 1690/HB 791), and affordable housing/Live Local Act changes (SB 1730, amended). Several other bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on trespass, higher education, transportation services, the UCC, altered sexual depictions, firearms during emergencies, Brownfields, false reporting, health care billing, motor vehicles, utility services, and others. Most of the debate centered on a few controversial bills. Senators debated the fentanyl testing bill in support of faster detection and life-saving treatment, and the surrendered infants bill drew opposition over safety, anonymity, and liability concerns, though supporters argued baby boxes provide a monitored safe surrender option. The affordable housing bill received an amendment and broad support as a continuation of the Live Local Act, with changes to zoning, parking, height, and litigation procedures. The day’s most contentious measure was the agriculture/consumer services package (SB 700), where senators argued over the bill’s fluoride-related preemption; opponents criticized the policy and process, while the sponsor emphasized broader agriculture, consumer protection, and FFA-related provisions. That bill passed 27-9. Votes on the other major bills were largely bipartisan and often unanimous or near-unanimous, with several bills passing 35-37 yeas and few or no nays. The Senate also adopted a motion to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House. The session concluded with announcements recognizing visitors, including Taiwan representatives, and remarks about a lantern-lighting observance tied to the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.