Transcript Highlights:

• Of the governor to veto a bill passed by both houses of the Texas legislature to state affairs, SJR 39
• relating to the surcharge for the disposal and the remittance for the storage of certain waste at the Texas
• Senate Bill 737 by Menendez relating to the duties of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review
• Senate Bill 764 by Zafaini relating the procedure for a hearing by the Texas Department of Licensing
• to water, agriculture, and rural affairs, Senate Bill 769 by Menendez relating to a report by the Texas

Transcript Highlights:

• We thank you, Father, for the wonderful state of Texas, our good governor, and for every one of our legislators
• Please join me in the pledge of allegiance to the United States and the State of Texas.
• Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.
• You know, with that, just, uh, I'm incredibly grateful for y'all and for the people of Texas that have
• Um, just a true testament to how wonderful the people of Texas are.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation and pledges, and approved a series of member excuses for absences without objection. The main business of the meeting was a memorial recognition focused on the deadly Kerr County flooding and related damage in nearby counties, with members expressing sympathy for the victims and gratitude for first responders, volunteers, churches, nonprofits, and neighbors who have been assisting affected families. Representative Virdell reported that 108 people had been recovered dead in Kerr County, with 2 still missing, and said recovery and rebuilding would take years. He thanked colleagues for their support and said efforts were underway to find ways to help prevent a similar tragedy in the future. Representative Tross Claire echoed those remarks, describing widespread home destruction, the lack of flood insurance for many residents, and ongoing volunteer opportunities, including work in Burnet County through the Arc of Highland Lakes. No legislation was debated or voted on during the session. After the memorial remarks and a moment of silence, the House adjourned on motion of Mr. King until 10:00 a.m. Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas school districts and charter schools offer diverse CTE programs designed to equip students with
• 1876 seeks to establish a career and technical education reporting grant program administered by the Texas
• Additionally, we believe it is equally important that those becoming Texas teacher certified in areas
• We We show you registered as Robin Painovich on behalf of Career and Technical Association of Texas,
• How's this gonna affect the, the, the So I work for the Texas Education Agency.

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• I'm the mother of two children here in Florida, and in states like Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, and Ohio
• My name is Jenna George, from the Jacksonville chapter of the National Organization for Women.
• every matter in which you have a trade secret raised, the definition of trade secret, I think, is Chapter
• Chapter 7, Senate Bill 846, please show me in the affirmative.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice to family or other named persons about major events such as a ward’s death or medical relocation. Senator Jones said the bill was intended to curb abuse by bad actors while not affecting good-faith guardians. Fortuna Smuggler and Phyllis Smith spoke in support, describing the need for family notification and closure. The bill passed unanimously, 8-0, and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 1284 on wrongful death for an unborn child. Senator Graal explained that the bill would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover economic and non-economic damages for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize a wrongful death action against the mother or a health care provider acting within the applicable standard of care. The amendment drew questions about abortion, medical emergencies, and whether fathers could sue; the sponsor said the bill was not intended to create claims against mothers or lawful medical care. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters arguing it gives families parity and accountability, and opponents warning it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice pressure, and worsen physician shortages. The committee approved the bill as amended by a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard a strike-all amendment to SB 1288 on parental rights. The amendment would strengthen parental consent requirements for minors’ medical care, with exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal categories of minors, and other existing statutory exceptions. It also would require parental consent for treatment related to STD screening, give parents more control over school or health surveys, and address use of biofeedback devices. Supporters said the measure restores parents’ authority and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment, while opponents argued it could block needed care for minors in unsafe homes, reduce access to STI treatment and mental health services, and create unintended consequences. The amendment was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prosecutor who has seen almost every type of crime here in Texas.
• I just want to thank you on behalf of the people of the state of Texas. Appreciate that.
• Every day Texas peace officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities.
• Texas stands with its law enforcement.
• Um, and it makes it clear that fake or real child exploitation is unacceptable in Texas.

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• Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to be here in front of everyone from Texas and representing everyone
• in Texas.
• Carolyn Fairley of Potter County to lead us in the Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas
• Please join me for the Texas flag. Honor the Texas flag. Honor the Texas flag.
• I pledge allegiance to the Texas flag.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

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• specific piece of legislation would only affect the licensed investment advisors governed by this chapter
• licensed investment advisors governed<00:49:13.400> by<00:49:13.520> this<00:49:13.680> chapter
• governed by this chapter. governed by this chapter.
• have already passed similar legislation, including Utah, Indiana, North Dakota, Idaho, Nevada, and Texas

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 98 members present, declared a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received Senate concurrence requests on Senate Bills 263, 281, and 324. The chamber then moved through second readings and committee reports on a range of measures, including education, agriculture, banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing, and task force resolutions. Among the reported bills were measures on KEES scholarships for non-certified schools, a residential safe room rebate program, dual credit scholarships, impeding a first responder, motor vehicles, tallow-based cosmetic products, animal health emergencies, mortgage loan income limits, deferred deposit fees, child protection, Attorney General operations, corrections operations, school leadership, school transportation, advanced mathematics coursework, and task forces on charitable gaming and early childhood education governance. The House passed House Bill 642, a Teachers' Retirement System housekeeping bill, after adopting House Committee Substitute 1. The sponsor said the bill updates survivor benefit documentation, raises the daily earnings limit for retired members returning to work from $170 to $200, removes an unused early-return provision, reinstates a pension waiver program, clarifies benefit tier calculations using an earlier participation date in another state system, and allows a parent member to manage payments for a disabled child without a court order. Members asked about substitute teaching limits, retirement penalties, budget impact, and a removed provision involving index funds; the sponsor said he would follow up on the day limits and stated he did not believe the bill would add to unfunded liability. The bill passed 96-0. The House also passed House Bill 780 on recording commissioner’s deeds, after adopting a floor amendment that removed fines and penalties. The bill allows a city to petition circuit court if a deed is not recorded within 30 business days, and the court may compel filing and award costs and attorney’s fees. Members discussed whether the bill effectively created a lawsuit-based enforcement mechanism rather than a fine, and supporters said it would help local governments identify responsible property owners and address code enforcement and public safety issues. The bill passed 96-0. House Bill 541, concerning peace officers, also passed after a committee substitute; the sponsor said it cleans up Kentucky Law Enforcement Council procedures, strengthens certification standards, clarifies revocation language, and reflects input from law enforcement groups. It passed 95-0. House Bill 195, the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative, passed after a committee substitute and floor amendment. The substitute added Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension alongside UK Cooperative Extension, and the floor amendment changed the pilot’s implementation date to January 1, 2027 and adjusted the program’s term timing. Supporters said the bill would expand urban agriculture education, connect youth to food systems and career pathways, and help students in urban counties learn practical agricultural skills; it passed 97-0. The House then took up House Bill 794 on financial exploitation, which expands protections to all adults age 65 and older, adds felony penalties for knowingly, wantonly, or recklessly exploiting those adults, allows the attorney general to seek extradition from another state, and requires investment advisers to complete three hours of continuing education on financial exploitation. Members cited real-world scam experiences and urged stronger penalties, but the bill passed 96-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill also clarifies that foreclosure sales must be conducted according to the statutory process in Chapter
• Texas contemplated requiring photo IDs, but found that there were way too many barriers to this requirement
• the appointment process and authority of the Auditor General, and makes several changes relating to Chapter
• appointment process, and authority of the Auditor General, and makes several changes relating to Chapter
• 216. and authority of the Auditor General and make several changes relating to Chapter 216.

Bills: S0006, S0026, S0206, S0532, S0576, S1012, S1110, S1178, S1192, S1758, S1760, S7046, S7048

Keywords: child welfare, negligence, settlement, injury compensation, Department of Children and Families, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, autism, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, special education, exceptional student education, ESE, teacher preparation, educator certification, micro-credential, loan forgiveness, student loan repayment

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met and considered a large agenda of bills, reporting several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and the estate of Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, which was approved for $3.8 million. The committee also passed a cybersecurity internships bill creating a Department of Commerce program with Cyber Florida, and SB 532, which lets clerks of court retain the full amount of certain excess revenue and clarifies foreclosure-sale procedures. Veterans housing measures, CS for CS for SB 1602 and SB 1604, were approved to create a pilot program and a related trust fund for vacancy relief and risk mitigation for veteran housing. The committee also favorably reported SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics, with emotional testimony from a student and family describing the high cost and importance of activity-specific prosthetics. Members also approved CS for CS for SB 1012 after adopting an amendment that removed inmate emergency and specialty medical service compensation provisions while retaining changes to the contractor-operated institutions inmate welfare trust fund. Another bill, CS for CS for SB 1614, was narrowed by a delete-all amendment to focus on limiting the use of excess fees for new building construction by local governments. All of these measures were reported favorably after brief debate, with some support testimony submitted in writing or waived. The most extensive discussion centered on CS for CS for SB 17, a major Medicaid and public assistance overhaul. The bill would create a Joint Legislative Committee on Medicaid Oversight, allow the Legislature to retain its own actuary, tighten Medicaid program oversight, update encounter-data reporting, set performance standards for managed care plans, revise pharmacy benefit manager rules, and require DCF to implement SNAP fraud-reduction and payment-accuracy reforms, including photo IDs on EBT cards and updated work requirements. It also would direct agencies to seek federal waivers for Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults and expanded behavioral health services. After lengthy questioning and testimony, the committee adopted amendments adding a transitional medical benefits glide path for people who gain employment and later lose Medicaid eligibility, and exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would improve accountability, reduce fraud, and save money, while opponents warned it would create administrative burdens, increase paperwork, and cause eligible people to lose coverage or food assistance. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault, the Texas
• Kenya Corrie, National Waste and Recycling Association, Florida Chapter, waiving in support.
• So revisions in this bill clarify that Chapter 721, Florida Statutes, which govern timeshares and have
• The department is proposing changes to several sections of Chapter 943 to remove obsolete statutes and
• We have Bobby Smith, representing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, waving in support. of Chapter

Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• We show you registered as Clifford Porter on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation and yourself
• Uh, so I'm the senior fellow for healthcare at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, whom I represent.
• Called Texas Direct Medical Care. So this is an excellent bill.
• Representative Bryant, has the TMA weighed in on this, Texas Medical Association? They have.
• Texas ranks number one amongst all states for a population of living veterans.

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• The gentleman from Texas is recognized. >> Mr.
• THE GENTLEMAN FROM TEXAS IS RECOGNIZED. >> MR.
• The gentleman from Texas reserves the balance of his time.
• The Chair now recognizes the gentleman from Texas. >> Mr.
• The gentleman from Texas is recognized. >> Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are further blessed to live in the great state of Texas. You have blessed our state so much.
• Texas, honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to the Texas, one state under one and then.
• They are critical measures that would Expand the powers of the Texas Division of Emergency Management
• The only thing standing between Texas and real disaster relief is whether our absent colleagues decide
• The Department of Public Safety has special agents deployed in every region of Texas.

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• I don't know about Oklahoma, but two Texas schools received $1.6 million each.
• Oliverson, who was a House member in Texas from Houston.
• The same company that was involved in the Texas case at the Coleman Ranch.
• The same company that was involved in the Texas case at the Coleman Ranch.
• I live in Texas.

Summary: The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban. After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• Uh, Texas Public Policy Foundation brings them in at every hearing.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• And it's not just in the Houston ISD example, but all throughout the state of Texas.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

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• Section 264.902 of the Texas Family Code-created parental Child Safety Placement Agreements, which are
• It is springtime in Austin, Texas, so allergies can create respiratory issues.
• I'm the South Texas director for Lifewise Academy.
• We request that Texas do the same. Thank you. Thank you very much, members.
• Does is Texas not had ever release time? Is this something new? No, it's not new.

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• This is the highest honor a chapter can achieve, marking This honor is a chapter can achieve, marking
• In my home state of Minnesota, FFA has 15,000 members and 220 chapters, as well as 97 alumni chapters
• , as well as 97 members and 220 chapters, as well as 97 alumni<00:18:02.240> chapters.
• This is just a new chapter.
• This is just a new chapter.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

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• Faced by retailers, law enforcement, and communities across Texas, habitual shoplifters who continue
• and does not reach their desired goal, that person is still eligible for probation in the state of Texas
• I just want to thank you on behalf of the people of the state of Texas. I appreciate that.
• House Bill 1871 sends a clear and necessary message: Texas stands with its law enforcement.
• House Bill 4911 ensures that Texas leads the way. and protecting our children in the digital age.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 310 by Ghan relating to the use of money transferred by the Texas Water Fund referred to the Committee
• cost of living adjustment applicable to certain benefits paid by the Employee Retirement System of Texas
• HB 355 by Craddock relating to the period in which the Texas Juvenile Justice Department must accept
• HB 365 by Gonzalez of El Paso relating to the authority of the Texas Water Development Board to provide
• HB 489 by Rosenthal relating to the temperature which a facility operated by the Texas Department of

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas had its first quorum break in 1870. Mr. Moody: None of this is new.
• We can't play any part in bringing that to Texas. Mr.
• Martinez: uphold the laws of the state of Texas.
• Accordingly, under Section 10 of the Texas Constitution, it expressly Mr.
• The Texas Constitution does not merely tolerate quorum denial.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of Texas 2036. OK, thank you.
• Uh, Tom Banning, I'm the CEO of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
• You represent the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, and you are showing neutral on the bill.
• of Insurance used to do, Texas mandate benefits cost and utilization summary report?
• God bless Texas. Happy birthday. Yeah, thank you, sir. Yeah.

Bills: HB138

Keywords: voter registration, application rejection, transparency, election integrity, state law