Transcript Highlights:

• estimates are that we're talking about probably close to 200,000 students in the, in the state of Texas
• Jennifer Deakins on behalf of the Texas Optome Optometric Association and yourself testifying for the
• We are a Title One school and more than one third are considered at risk by the Texas Code of Education
• Laurie LaChance, uh, on behalf of the Texas School Nurses nurses Organization and yourself testifying
• And the size of, um, of Texas students, but 80% of learning for young people is visual.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment like Florida and Texas, yeah. Yeah, uh, other questions?
• like Florida you like Florida and Texas like Florida you like Florida and Texas yeah<00:14:40.120
• on that, and I know a whole bunch of people who are not going to scan that QR code.
• That's one model, is to put a QR code.
• <00:41:59.599> so<00:42:00.119> what code so what code so what are<00:42:02.440> are

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Insurance Code to the Business and Professions Code.
• and Insurance Code to the Business and Professions Code.
• However, after conversations... ...and the Health and Safety Code and Insurance Code along with the mandate
• provisions from the Health and Safety Code and the Insurance Code to the Business and Professions Code
• provisions from the health and safety code and the insurance code to the business and professions code

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several measures, including SB 402 by Senator Valadares, which would move existing qualification requirements for qualified autism service providers and related professionals from the Health and Safety Code and Insurance Code into the Business and Professions Code without changing the standards. Supporters said it was a technical cleanup that would improve consistency and legislative oversight, while an opponent argued the bill was unnecessary and could create access issues; another witness urged inclusion of the QABA credentialing board. The committee approved SB 402 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health. The committee also heard SB 378 by Senator Wiener, aimed at online platforms that facilitate sales of illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp products. Supporters, including labor, local government, and cannabis industry representatives, said the bill would help protect consumers, minors, legal businesses, and tax revenue by creating accountability for online marketplaces. Opponents from the hemp industry and TechNet argued the bill was overly broad, could sweep in legitimate platforms and payment services, and should better distinguish bad actors from compliant hemp businesses; members discussed implementation, enforcement through a private right of action, and coordination with AB 8. The committee passed SB 378 to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. Senator Arreguín presented SB 779, which would establish minimum enforcement fines for Contractors State License Board citations where minimums are currently very low or absent, and would raise the board’s reserve cap from six months to 12 months. The sponsor said the changes would better match penalties to violations and help support consumer protection and board operations during economic downturns. There was no opposition, and the committee approved SB 779 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, which included SB 344 and AB 652, both sent to Appropriations. SB 508 was not heard because it had been pulled by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• Landry, are there current CPT codes that the EMTs can bill?
• Yes, so right now you have your base level code, which is A0427, A0429.
• Some of them allow it under a different code, but allowing a different code should not be that big of
• You can in Texas, and you can in Florida.
• You can in Texas, and you can in Florida.

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 28 with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, beginning with SB 113 on the local health care provider participation program in Calcasieu Parish. The committee adopted a technical amendment and heard that the bill would shift the local sponsor from the parish to the city if needed by a June 1 deadline. After brief discussion and no opposition, SB 113 was reported favorably with amendments. The committee then approved SB 23, which exempts certain assisted living facilities licensed by LDH from the definition of food service establishment, and SB 150, which would allow LDH to scan and electronically store vital records supporting documents and return originals to citizens. SB 221 also advanced after testimony that it would allow EMS providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid for emergency responses where treatment is provided on scene but the patient is not transported. Members discussed that the bill could reduce unnecessary ER use and likely would require some rulemaking, but it was reported favorably. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 404, a broad vision benefit plan reform bill. Supporters, including optometrists, said the measure would improve transparency, patient choice, and access to eye care by limiting restrictive plan practices; opponents from the vision care plan industry argued it was an unprecedented, provider-driven overhaul that could raise costs and reduce flexibility. After extensive testimony and an agreed amendment clarifying network participation, the committee reported SB 404 favorably with amendments. The committee also reported SB 32 favorably with amendments after emotional testimony from parents and advocates about perinatal bereavement care, cooling devices, and training for hospitals to give grieving families more time and dignity after infant loss. Finally, the committee heard SB 43, which would create a psychedelic-assisted therapy initiative within LDH for clinical research and treatment involving ibogaine and psilocybin, with testimony from veterans, researchers, and advocates describing potential benefits for PTSD, substance use, and traumatic brain injury. The bill was reported favorably with amendments and set to pass a courtesy sheet. The committee then began SB 253, a bill regulating peptides and compounding pharmacies, adopted technical amendments clarifying provider liability, and continued discussion as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anything touching the criminal code, Tom would handle.
• um issues that come motor vehicle code um issues that come up<00:34:23.679> with<00:34:24.560
• <00:35:54.079> Tom anything touching the criminal code Tom anything touching the criminal
• code Tom would<00:35:54.640> handle<00:35:55.240> anything<00:35:56.160> affecting
• The reason for that is we have a large population of individuals who have violated the criminal code

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:24.399> plans<00:12:24.720> and<00:12:24.959> per<00:12:25.200> code
• 00:12:26.560> um<00:12:27.360> then<00:12:27.680> you built per plans and per code
• um then you built per plans and per code um then you have<00:12:28.320> you<00:12:28.639>
• They are code specialists and they're very familiar with the building codes and are able to be that third-party
• > American<00:20:47.520> with building codes, the American with building codes, the American

Bills: SB88, SB337

Keywords: expungement, criminal records, courts, victim rights, rehabilitation, Alabama law, SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, 1136

Transcript Highlights:

• So we, you know, it's about the third-largest zip code outside of the immediate region that is in attendance
• 140 part-time and full-time staff and generate approximately a little under one million dollars in occupancy
• Again, occupancy tax receipts go down.
• We're also the head of the Plymouth County Regional Tourism... for us in our communities again occupancy
• Stitches and the African American Quilters Guild, our permanent museum exhibit with related items, QR codes

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of recent federal policy and budget actions on Massachusetts libraries, humanities organizations, arts institutions, and tourism. Testimony from library leaders described the loss or jeopardy of Institute of Museum and Library Services funding, including statewide databases, local grants, staff positions, E-rate/hotspot support, and digital equity programs. Witnesses said the cuts have already forced reductions in services, canceled grants and workshops, and in some cases left schools, students, job seekers, and low-income patrons without access to key resources. Members of the committee asked for lists of affected communities and databases, and several witnesses said they would provide additional written detail. Arts and humanities witnesses said federal terminations from the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have hit organizations across the Commonwealth, including Mass Cultural Council, Mass Humanities, Mass MoCA, and local museums and historical societies. They described canceled or rescinded grants, layoffs, reduced programming, and a chilling effect on future applications and on artistic and scholarly work, especially where federal awards had already been matched with local or private funds. Several speakers also raised concerns about executive-branch DEI conditions attached to funding and about book challenges and book banning, saying these trends threaten intellectual freedom and public access to culture and history. Committee members emphasized the economic importance of the sector and the need to publicize the impacts. Tourism officials from Meet Boston and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism testified that federal cuts and broader geopolitical and tariff issues are hurting international visitation, especially from Canada and Western Europe, and could affect major upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and Sail Boston. They said reduced funding for Brand USA and Discover New England will weaken long-term marketing efforts and international partnerships, with downstream effects on hotel tax revenue, jobs, and workforce recruitment. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members mainly asking questions and requesting follow-up written testimony and data.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the Legislative Budget Board and I'll be presenting on the Summary of Recommendations. for the Texas
• In addition, recommendations include 10 million in general revenue for the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame
• So, really, a game-changer for Texas. We're very fortunate.
• So in Lubbock, Texas, we don't have a problem.
• Texas is REAL ID compliant. We're about 98, 99 percent.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:00.120> E background us as a purpose Code E background us as a purpose Code E purpose
• <00:19:01.480> code<00:19:01.799> you<00:19:02.360> purpose<00:19:02.720> Code
• <00:19:03.000> E<00:19:03.679> is<00:19:03.840> used purpose code you purpose
• Code E is used purpose code you purpose Code E is used for for for licensing<00:19:05.960> uh
• E is also used for doing purpose Code E is also used for doing backgrounds<00:19:15.880> related<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill goes to licensing of the occupational therapy.
• It was more coded better in law.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Amending sections of the Health Care Purchasing Act and New Mexico Insurance Code to permanently eliminate
• Senate Bill 127, introduced by Senator Trujillo, an act relating to occupations, providing an exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of our Arab American neighbors were forced to leave their homelands due to war, occupation, oppression
• MANY OF OUR ARAB AMERICAN NEIGHBORS WERE FORCED TO LEAVE THEIR HOMELANDS, DUE TO WAR, OCCUPATION, OPPRESSION
• panel of experts from all over the country to study that problem and to come up with new fire safety codes
• PANEL OF EXPERTS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, TO STUDY THAT PROBLEM AND TO COME UP WITH NEW FIRE SAFETY CODES
• either abandoned or there is confusion around the ownership, and they have subsequently had many, many code

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship. The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's five clinics generating revenue in Texas.
• Because that's our tax code and that's the underlying foundation.
• The beauty of our tax code has always been we have a broad base.
• You know, we shouldn't be chipping away at the tax code. I mean, we all know that.
• NAICS codes. So it goes down pretty specific.

Transcript Highlights:

• included AI-generated nudity, and so we matched, uh, the definition of what we'd used on different code
• <00:08:56.000> sections<00:08:56.480> about<00:08:57.680> uh different code
• 35 years ago, Texas 35 years ago, Texas decided<00:30:14.399> that<00:30:14.960> um
• Well, Texas did a send to to the EPA.
• Uh, and you look at Texas, and Texas is now saying, after two years of allowing the transportation and

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To clarify, the last session, we passed the fire code, and LP gas was not manned to be able to do the

Bills: HB2979, HB3790, HB3142, HB3463, HB4143, HJR1086, SB392, HB3087, HB3037, HB3581, HB4058, HB2959, HB4227, HB2997, HB4125, HB1453, HB3521, HB3691, HB2015, HB2940, HB1016, HB3267, HB3695, HB3697, HB3045, HB3662, HB3453, HB3053, HB3301, HB3495, HB3584, HB3586, HB3587, HB3845, HB4198, HB4425, HB2970, HB3338, HB3443, HB3783, HB3800, HB3818, HB1242, HB1752, HB2961, HB2967, HB2973, HB2988, HB3031, HB3240, HB3047, HB3052, HB3066, HB3086, HB3175, HB3177, HB3178, HB3429, HB3548, HB3638, HB3404, HB3704, HB1590, HB3759, HB3831, HB3904, HB4092, HB1979, HB1983, HB1250, HB2952, HB3671, HB3920, HB4118, HB3944, HB3969, HB3973, HB3975, HB3976, HB3978, HB3983, HB3984, HB3942, HB4203, HB2588, HB3024, HB3383, HB3279, HB3919, HB3883, HB4193, HB3431, HB3435, HB4352, HB4484, HB1245, HB3172, HB3306, HB4294, HB3880, HB2929, HB3128, HB2956, HB3015, HB3114, HB3567, HB3749, HB4229, HB4237, HB4253, HJR1046, HJR1084, HB3411

Keywords: HB2979, Talyn Bain Act, school zone, school safety, speed limit, 45 mph, state highway, Department of Transportation, ODOT, flashing beacons, traffic enforcement, speeding violation, public school, private school, K-12, drop-off, pick-up, highway safety, municipal maintenance, county commissioners

Transcript Highlights:

• So somebody from Texas, say, couldn't come and trot in with an ID from Texas and say that they live here
• in and out of the voting booth with a Texas license plate on their car.
• Texas license is not good. It's not on the list, right?
• The 2007 election code had 298 pages in it.” “This year we have 419.
• Now they are probably registered as home in Texas or somewhere where it's better tax benefits.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 319, which would tighten and standardize voter identification rules at polling places. Senator Presley and Secretary of State Nancy Landry said the bill replaces the current “generally recognized” photo ID standard with a specific list of acceptable IDs, removes the affidavit-only option, and allows voters without a photo ID to cast a conditional paper ballot at the registrar of voters office or during early voting if they later provide approved documentation within two days after the election. Supporters argued the bill improves consistency, election integrity, and poll-worker guidance while still preserving access through alternative documents and free state IDs; opponents warned it could create confusion and burden seniors, students, homeless voters, and others without easy access to the required documents. After debate, the committee reported SB 319 favorably by a 7-2 vote. The committee then approved Senate Bill 202, which adds one day of compensated meeting time for parish boards of election supervisors in certain elections, and Senate Bill 25, which revises the compensation schedule for registrars of voters and related staff. SB 25 was amended to remove outdated step references and make conforming technical changes, and supporters said the pay structure has not been updated since 2007 despite increased duties and workload. The committee also adopted and reported favorably Senate Concurrent Resolution 29, creating a legislative study committee on water quality in the Chafalalaya Basin, and House Concurrent Resolution 85, creating a task force on illegal dumping, both with technical amendments. In addition, the committee advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 63, which asks the legislative auditor to review how fiscal notes are prepared during session, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 33, which creates a work-based learning coordination task force to improve alignment among education, workforce, and employer partners. SCR 33 was amended to change the appointing authority for two members. The committee also approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, establishing the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, and House Resolution 196, which creates a study committee on the impact of fallen trees on residential property and insurance issues. Several of these measures were supported by agency representatives or outside groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments where needed before reporting the bills and resolutions favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• In our lifetime and, and Texas is not exempt from those threats.
• So really a game-changer for Texas. We're very fortunate, um.
• It helps law enforcement in Texas.
• The Texas legislature funded these ballistic windshields.
• be a game-changer for DPS because we can hire people in Lubbock, Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas Legislature.
• Texas was Texas when my fifth great-grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War and then the Texas War
• East Texas County should be in an East Texas district.
• Texas deserves better.
• Texas.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as the Highway Patrol and local departments, to hold AVs accountable when violations of the vehicle code
• Some companies have gone so far as to place a QR code on the side window next to the side mirror to make
• The fire department is then dispatched Code 3 with lights and sirens to that location.
• He added that heavy-duty vehicles and commercial vehicles already operate in other states, with Texas
• And so, for example, we had an event where we were down in Houston, Texas.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard testimony on the DMV’s finalized autonomous vehicle regulations, with a focus on how the rules update California’s oversight of testing, deployment, reporting, and enforcement. DMV and CHP officials said the new framework expands data collection beyond crashes to include immobilizations, hard-braking events, system failures, and notices of noncompliance, while also creating clearer requirements for first responder interaction, remote operations, and heavy-duty AV testing and deployment. Members raised concerns about safety, emergency response delays, freeway and work-zone operations, and whether the state has enough data to compare AVs with human drivers. Witnesses from consumer and labor-related groups emphasized transparency and accountability, arguing that the prior rules were outdated and that public access to the collected data is important for regulators, researchers, and injured parties. Industry representatives said California now has the nation’s most comprehensive AV permitting and reporting system, with phased permits, mileage thresholds, and broad DMV authority to restrict or suspend operations. They supported the regulations as a path to safer, more transparent deployment, while noting that the rules stay within state operational authority and do not replace federal standards for vehicle design and performance. A second panel focused on first responder interactions and remote operations. The San Francisco Fire Department described AVs blocking emergency scenes and generating “sleeper calls” when passengers fall asleep, consuming significant fire and EMS resources. Waymo said it maintains 24/7 emergency contacts, first responder plans, geofencing protocols, and remote support that can help move vehicles or allow first responders to override them. Members asked about license requirements for remote personnel, redundancy during communication outages, and how companies handle sleeping passengers before calling 911. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• For what purpose does the gentleman from Texas seek recognition? Mr.
• <00:21:13.440> I of the title 3 United States code I of the title 3 United States code I hereby
• The gentleman from Texas, the lead sponsor, is recognized.
• The gentleman from Texas, the lead sponsor, is recognized.
• from Texas Mr Jackson gentleman<01:08:05.000> from<01:08:05.160> Texas<01:08:05.480>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 9, 2025, 1012, house, all