Transcript Highlights:

• We've been blessed to adopt four siblings from Arizona's foster care.
• Our journey to adopt our fourth child began on November 15, 2022.
• and I have adopted through the foster care system.
• Members, the motion before you is the adoption of the Kavanaugh amendment.
• Members, the motion before you is the adoption of the Finchum amendment.

Bills: HB2014, HB2111, HB2156, HB2165, HB2202, HB2305, HB2321, HB2399, HB2403, HB2416, HB2418, HB2446, HB2601, HB2615, HB2620, HB2812, HB2939, HB2940, HB2955, HB2957, HB2960, HB2992, HB4026, HB4049

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, public safety, traffic laws, livestock, compensation, funding, ranching, agriculture, veterans, state parks, admission fees, military exemption, recreation access

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2615, a strike-everything amendment creating an Independent Oversight Committee tied to the Department of Child Safety, with authority to review DCS practices, request briefings and audits, visit sites, and receive confidential complaints, along with a $2.2 million appropriation. The sponsor and several parents and advocates testified that stronger independent oversight was needed because of serious DCS failures affecting children and families. Some members supported the goal but objected to housing the committee in the Ombudsman’s office or questioned whether the structure was the right approach. The strike-everything amendment was adopted, but the bill itself then failed on a 5-5 vote. The committee then passed House Bill 2620, which provides $300,000 annually for five years to the Arizona Department of Veterans Services to grant funds to emergency shelters serving veterans without requiring scheduled intake appointments. The sponsor and shelter representatives said the money would support trauma-informed case managers, help veterans connect to VA and shelter resources, and move the state closer to functional zero for veteran homelessness. The bill received unanimous support and a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 2321 also passed unanimously. It requires DCS to place a security freeze on the credit reports of children entering foster care, with the freeze remaining until age 16 unless the child later chooses otherwise, and includes a $100,000 appropriation and one ongoing FTE. The sponsor said foster youth are especially vulnerable to identity theft and need automatic protection. House Bill 2601, which directs ADOT to seek federal segmentation for the Interstate 11 project between Casa Grande and Wickenburg, passed 6-4 after testimony from supporters who said it would keep the project moving and opponents who raised environmental, cost, and litigation concerns. House Bill 2992, a pilot program for child sexual abuse and grooming awareness education in six public schools, also passed 6-4 after testimony from a survivor and advocates; supporters framed it as prevention and critics argued it duplicated existing sex education and should be handled through broader curriculum or parent education. Additional bills considered included House Bill 2156, which appropriates $250,000 to the livestock compensation fund and passed 7-3 despite transparency and conflict-of-interest concerns from an opponent; House Bill 2165, which exempts certain veterans and military members from state park admission fees, as amended to narrow the exemption to retired or disabled veterans and similar National Guard members, and passed 6-4 amid concerns about lost park revenue; House Bill 2960, creating a veterans specialty court grant program and requiring better coordination on incarcerated veterans, which passed 8-0; House Bill 2014, directing studies on gasoline blends and emissions modeling, which passed 6-2 despite concerns about cost and limited impact; and House Bill 2957, preserving non-REAL ID driver licenses and restricting biometric collection and data sharing, which passed 5-4 after amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• are required and have to be adopted are required and have to be adopted within<00:09:54.040>
• <00:58:18.000> now opposed your amendment is adopted now opposed your amendment is adopted
• works with Farmers to encourage adoption works with Farmers to encourage adoption of<01:09:33.799
• The A1 amendment is adopted. Now back to Senate File 1840 as amended. Sure.
• <01:15:45.120> uh opposed the A1 amendment is adopted uh opposed the A1 amendment is adopted

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is adopted. There are no The amendment is adopted.
• amendment is not adopted. amendment is not adopted.
• There are no The amendment is adopted.
• It's very similar uh should be adopted.
• There are no further amendments adopted.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 719, the capital investment/bonding bill, and members spent much of the debate praising committee staff and describing the bill as a bipartisan product shaped by statewide bonding tours and negotiations. Supporters highlighted major infrastructure and public facility projects, including water and sewer work, transportation projects, housing, natural resources, and specific local needs such as Grand Marais, the Manomomen County hospital/nursing home, and airport tower funding. Several members emphasized that the bill was a “Team House” effort and argued that infrastructure funding should not be treated as partisan. During debate, members also focused on the bill’s water infrastructure investments and the need for broader, dedicated funding to address lead pipes, PFAS contamination, and rising wastewater costs. Representative Lee noted that more than $400 million in the package went to water infrastructure, while other speakers pointed to transportation funding and a one-time reduction in tab fees as important elements of the bill. Representative Franson and others urged support, saying the package reflected statewide needs and was a down payment on larger asset-preservation needs. The House adopted three technical amendments to House File 719, then gave the bill its third reading. After floor discussion, Representative Niska moved to lay House File 719 on the table, and the motion prevailed, tabling the bill. The chamber then moved on to House File 2484, the cash portion of the infrastructure package, where members again described the measure as a small but important funding bill and discussed a Lower Sioux Indian Community Dakota language item and the limited size of each caucus’s cash allocation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any objections to the adoption of the amendments?
• Yes, when we adopt this program, we adopt it around a particular child's schedule as well.
• There are a few questions, but I just want to adopt the amendment.
• Any objections to the adoption of the amendments? Seeing no objections, the amendments are adopted.
• Any objections to the adoption of the amendments? Seeing none, the amendments are adopted.

Summary: The House Education Committee met on May 12, 2026, and first approved SB 518, which gives LSU limited authority to buy and sell certain real estate within one mile of campus as a two-year pilot program. Supporters said the bill would let LSU respond more quickly to deteriorating properties near campus and improve the student experience, while keeping protections such as appraisals and fair-market-value requirements. Members asked about whether the authority would affect residential property or be expanded to other universities, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then advanced SCR 33, creating a one-year Work-Based Learning Coordination Task Force to study and better align apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, and related programs across state agencies and employers. Testimony emphasized the need to reduce duplication and improve coordination so students and employers can more easily connect. HR 168 also passed, directing the Board of Regents to study collegiate athletic program funding after concerns raised by athletic directors about deficits and accounting practices. Members next approved SB 488, establishing a school safety drone response pilot program to supplement school crisis plans. The bill drew detailed testimony from a vendor describing drone deployment, response times, and coordination with law enforcement; an amendment was adopted to require coordination with the Department of Education, State Police, and the Sheriffs’ Association. The committee also favorably reported HCR 97, asking BESE and Wildlife and Fisheries to study adding age-appropriate hunting, conservation, and shooting sports education in grades 5-12, with members clarifying that no live firearms would be used on campus. Finally, the committee approved SB 112, allowing local school boards to adopt parental-consent release-time policies for religious instruction, with amendments adding instructor qualifications, reporting requirements, electronic delivery flexibility, and constitutional safeguards. It also reported SB 504, expanding individual graduation plans to include vocational options and apply to charter schools, with an amendment for standalone elementary charters. The committee then passed SB 346 and SB 347, both dealing with deepfakes—one prohibiting their use against K-12 students and the other adding unlawful deepfakes to campus power-based violence rules—and SB 353, authorizing postsecondary systems to digitize student IDs for use in LA Wallet. Several members raised concerns about naming LA Wallet specifically, but the bill was still reported favorably. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We attempted to overturn an adoption. She was ultimately adopted.
• This is my adopted daughter, Melina. She was chosen.
• B and D, which provides federal dollars for adoptions.
• That's one adoption a day. Adoption a day.
• Without objection, show the motion adopted. Thank you. Without objection, show the motion adopted.

Bills: S0042, S0578, S0624, S7018

Keywords: child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimers, dementia, related dementias, brain health, early detection, caregiver support, elderly affairs, Department of Elderly Affairs, Department of Health, public health outreach, memory loss

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first heard SB 624, which would codify DCF’s current practice of allowing batterers intervention programs to offer supplemental faith-based activities so long as participation is voluntary. The bill drew support from faith-based and family organizations, which argued it would restore access to effective rehabilitation options and remove discriminatory barriers. SB 624 was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 42, which would require child protective investigators and child protection teams to rely on qualified medical professionals when a child has a documented pre-existing diagnosis or when a parent requests an exam, and would require clearer notice to parents and custodians at the start of an investigation. Testimony overwhelmingly came from parents, advocates, and disability rights representatives describing cases in which medically complex children were allegedly misdiagnosed as abuse victims and families were separated unnecessarily. Members expressed sympathy and support, and SB 42 was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS/SB 578, creating an Alzheimer’s disease awareness initiative within the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection, brain health education, research updates, and clinical trial awareness, with outreach focused on older adults and at-risk populations. An amendment was adopted to place the campaign within the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative. A caregiver testified about the need for public education and early diagnosis, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also took up SPB 7018, a committee bill on child welfare that would extend the definition of “visitor” for foster homes to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success foster youth workforce pilot permanent and statewide, and create a program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare to catalog best practices among community-based care lead agencies. The bill was approved as a committee bill and reported favorably. Finally, the Department of Children and Families presented its 2025-26 final funding methodology and rates report for community-based care. Members questioned the proposed tiered model, including insurance costs, risk corridors, prevention funding, performance measures, and regional funding disparities. No vote was taken on the presentation, but members discussed the possible need for follow-up legislation and additional stakeholder input.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, we adopt rules to implement the applicable determinations.
• We also adopted a reporting requirement for PFAS in outdoor furniture.
• We also adopted a reporting requirement for PFAS in outdoor furniture.
• So the Board of Health adopted rules a number of years ago that required...
• by reference, although it's adopted by reference specifically.

Summary: The committee held a work session covering PFAS regulation and impacts, no-cost allowance allocation for emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries (EITEs), and regional resource adequacy and data center load growth. Senator Victoria Hunt was welcomed as a new member. The Department of Ecology reviewed Washington’s Safer Products for Washington PFAS work, including completed restrictions on PFAS in outdoor furniture, carpets, rugs, stain/water-resistant treatments, and newer rules adopted in November restricting PFAS in most apparel, cleaning products, and automotive washes, with reporting requirements for some other products such as cookware and firefighting gear. Ecology also described Cycle 2 PFAS reviews now underway, including artificial turf and paints, and answered questions about compliance, online sales, sell-through periods, and how Washington’s approach differs from broader bans in states like Maine and Minnesota. The Department of Ecology also presented on PFAS in biosolids, describing a 2024 sampling study, limitations in testing methods, and a 2025 statutory amendment requiring additional sampling between 2027 and 2028 and a report to the legislature in 2029. The Department of Health then updated the committee on PFAS in drinking water, reporting that most Group A public water systems have completed sampling, that 317 sources and 188 systems are expected to exceed new contaminant levels, and that treatment costs for public systems are estimated at about $970 million, leaving a large funding gap; members also asked about private wells, health effects, bathing exposure, and home filters. The Board of Health’s new state action levels are being aligned with federal MCLs, and the department said it expects to continue monitoring and notification under state rules. Ecology also briefed the committee on no-cost allowance allocations to EITEs under the Climate Commitment Act, explaining the leakage-mitigation rationale, the current allocation schedule through 2034, and a forthcoming report on policy options for 2035-2050; members asked about industry barriers, competitiveness, and whether facilities might leave the state. Finally, E3 presented a regional resource adequacy study showing rising load, retirements outpacing additions, limited winter reliability value from wind, solar, and batteries, and a projected shortfall beginning in 2026 that could grow to about 9,000 MW by 2030 if planned projects are not built. The presentation emphasized winter cold-weather events, hydro variability, the importance of permitting and transmission, and longer-term options including nuclear, geothermal, hydrogen, carbon capture, and long-duration storage. EPRI then introduced its DC Flex initiative, which is studying how data centers can provide flexible load through workload shifting, cooling optimization, and on-site backup or bridging resources to reduce grid stress and protect ratepayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed amendment has been adopted.
• The proposed amendment has been adopted.
• The proposed amendment has been adopted.
• The proposed amendment has been adopted.
• The resolution is adopted.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then moved through a series of conference committee appointments and reconsideration motions. Senator Axtman successfully moved to reconsider House Bill 1160, which had previously failed, and the chamber later passed it. HB 1160 creates a statewide bell-to-bell policy restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time; supporters argued it would reduce distractions, improve mental health and academic outcomes, and help teachers, while opponents raised local control concerns. The bill passed 42-4. The Senate also passed several other measures, including HB 1247 on protecting student victims of sexual offenses, HB 1489 consolidating civil protection orders into one chapter, HB 1032 making municipal courts courts of record and updating related procedures, HB 1487 authorizing a Minot facility for the Highway Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Investigation with a line of credit and emergency clause, HB 1469 requiring annual online statements of interest for public officials, HB 1199 creating the Missing and Indigenous People Task Force and related MMIP initiatives, HB 1169 regulating paid veterans benefits claim assistance with consumer protections, HB 1209 directing a foreign adversary threat assessment, and HB 3018 as amended to study water, wetlands, and taxation of inundated lands. Most of these passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 1169 drew substantial debate over veterans’ service options and HB 1209 passed on a narrower 40-7 vote. The chamber rejected or declined several other measures. HB 1455, which would have required the Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications, failed 7-40 after concerns about an unfunded mandate and duplicative duties. HB 1259, which would have put North Dakota on year-round daylight saving time, was defeated 15-32 after debate over time zones, construction, recreation, and whether the issue should be left to future legislatures. HB 1555, dealing with statements of ownership for foreign organizations of concern, also failed 3-44. The Senate then moved to announcements and committee scheduling for later meetings and conference committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I move the committee reports be printed in the agenda and be adopted.
• On the adoption of the committee reports, all in favor say aye. Those opposed say no.
• <00:04:04.920> of<00:04:05.079> the adopted on the on the adoption of the adopted on
• I move to adopt Senate Resolution 5.
• thank you Mr President I move to adopt thank you Mr President I move to adopt Senate<00:06:44.039

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under call, established a quorum, and adopted the committee reports. It then moved through second reading of Senate File 334 and first readings/referrals of Senate Files 645, 684, and 700, with SF 645 sent to State and Local Government and SFs 684 and 700 sent to Health and Human Services. The chamber also approved a motion to withdraw Senate File 567 from State and Local Government and re-refer it to Elections. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 5 and Senate Resolution 6, both recognizing Senate employees for years of dedicated service, including a specific recognition of David Jorgenson. The most significant floor action was a motion by Senator Rasmusson to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell and declare her seat vacant. Senator Rasmusson argued that Mitchell’s pending felony burglary case and delay of her trial justified expulsion; Senator Frentz opposed the motion, arguing the Senate should wait for the criminal process and that due process requirements had not been met. After a point of order and appeal, the President ruled the Frentz point of order well taken, and the Senate upheld that ruling by a 33-33 vote. The meeting also included several recesses and procedural calls of the Senate while the expulsion issue was debated. During announcements, members noted committee schedule changes, including cancellations or postponements for Energy and Jobs, and meetings for Judiciary, Policy, and Human Services. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, January 30th at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that motion is adopted. Senate services is adopted.
• That motion is adopted.
• Motion adopted.
• The motion is adopted.
• The whole report is adopted. adopted. adopted.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 18, 2026 journal, and received several committee and House messages. Judiciary reported juvenile parole board appointments to the consent calendar for confirmation, and Transportation and Energy reported Senate Bills 28 and 25 along with other measures. The House transmitted multiple bills to the Reviser of Statutes, and the Senate later agreed to take up a large group of House bills on special order and consent calendar. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to personal-privilege remarks recognizing visiting groups, including the Mad Moms and Mad Dads advocating for people with serious mental illness, and the Colorado Gifted and Talented Association. Members spoke about stigma and the need for mental health legislation, and about supporting gifted students and their families. These remarks were welcomed by the chair and other senators. The Senate then considered a package of supplemental appropriation bills, including House Bills 1150 through 1179, covering agency budgets, school finance adjustments, education fund uses, and capital construction transfers. The committee of the whole adopted the package on second reading, and the full Senate later adopted the committee report by a vote of 33 ayes, with one excused and one vacant seat. The bills were ordered placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. House Bill 1151, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Corrections, drew extended debate. Supporters argued the bill was needed to cover existing obligations, avoid more costly jail backlogs, and prevent unsafe conditions, while critics said the department’s population management failures and broader sentencing policies were driving unnecessary costs and called for accountability and structural reform before more funding. Despite the debate, the bill was included in the adopted second-reading package.

Transcript Highlights:

• Decision on whether or not to adopt this bill or not adopt this bill.
• Could we adopt the three-minute rule? Any objections about adoption of three-minute rule?
• We have a motion on adopting the amendments. I'll make that motion, adopting number 2311.
• I move to adopt. Any objections to adoption of the amendment?
• Any objection to the adoption of the minutes? Hearing none, the minutes will be adopted.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met to hear several education-related measures. It reported favorably, without objection, on House Bill 1215, which would transfer certain removed historical statues and monuments to the Office of State Parks, prohibit re-erection in the parish where they were removed, and require interpretive signage. The committee also advanced House Bill 682, which creates a school guardian program for honorably discharged veterans employed or contracted by local school systems or charter schools; testimony emphasized that guardians would be unarmed, trained, and used for mentoring and school safety. House Bill 1079, giving enrollment preferences in charter schools to children in early childhood programs, military families, foster children, and children in custody disputes, was also reported favorably, as was House Concurrent Resolution 81, directing the Department of Education to study options for districts facing declining enrollment. The committee then took up House Bill 1084, which would allow public postsecondary institutions to raise tuition and mandatory fees by up to 15 percent annually, with higher increases requiring Board of Supervisors approval. The bill drew extended debate over affordability, TOPS, student retention, and whether universities should have more autonomy to set prices. Members raised concerns about fee burdens on families and whether the state should first study the issue; supporters argued the bill would increase transparency and let institutions respond to funding needs and market conditions. Senator Mazzell offered an amendment lowering the cap from 15 percent to 10 percent, and the committee adopted the amendment before reporting the bill favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 342, which would shift the burden of proof in special education due process hearings from parents to local education agencies. The author and parents testified that the current system places an unfair burden on families of children with disabilities, who often lack access to records and legal resources, and that schools already control the documentation and should have to show compliance with IEP obligations. Jefferson Parish school officials opposed the bill, arguing it would increase legal costs, require more staff and attorney time, and potentially lead to more hearings; they also questioned the fiscal note. The Legislative Fiscal Office said the fiscal impact was indeterminable, and the committee continued hearing testimony from parents and school representatives as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your motion is adopted.
• Motion adopted. Thank you.
• . adopted. adopted.
• Motion<00:42:19.119> adopted. Motion adopted. Motion adopted. >> Okay. >> Okay.
• recommendation is adopted. recommendation is adopted.

Bills: SB2093, SB2095, SB2046, SB2096, SB2127, SB2155, SB2243

Keywords: fuel tank, environmental impact, groundwater, health and safety, military facilities, local communication, advisory committee, Hawaii legislation, PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, forever chemicals, toxic chemicals, environmental contamination, water pollution, drinking water, surface water, soil contamination, fish consumption, food safety, public health

Summary: The joint Senate Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services hearing opened with SB 2093, which would require the fuel tank advisory committee to meet at least quarterly and provide funding. The Department of Health offered written testimony, and multiple supporters, including the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Sierra Club, and a public member of the advisory committee, said more frequent meetings were needed to keep Red Hill cleanup, water testing, and public engagement front and center. Senators asked about public participation and whether the bill should also require meetings outside business hours; testifiers urged at least one evening or weekend meeting to improve access. No vote was taken during the discussion shown. The committee then heard SB 2095, creating a PFAS working group within the Department of Health to study PFAS and related chemicals and report to the Legislature. DOH supported the concept but requested amendments and funding, while the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity deferred to DOH. The Board of Water Supply supported the measure and asked to be included in the working group. Members asked about the bill’s reference to “other residuals,” and DOH explained it could refer to remaining PFAS components in soil, water, or other media. The discussion emphasized the widespread and long-lasting nature of PFAS contamination. Next, the committee considered SB 2046 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill-related cleanup. DOH and the Board of Water Supply testified, and a long list of community and environmental groups supported the bill. Testifiers argued the Navy caused the problem and should be held accountable for cleanup, while one witness said the bill was necessary because the Navy had delayed meaningful remediation. Senators asked whether the bill’s “large landowner” language could include the state or counties under existing statutes; DOH said it would check and later explained that cleanup responsibility generally falls first on the responsible party, then on large landowners if no responsible party exists, with the Navy currently understood to own Red Hill. The hearing then moved to SB 2096 on wastewater management, which the Department of Land and Natural Resources supported, noting PFAS can harm marine resources, and DOH’s wastewater branch offered comments. SB 2127 on water pollution drew support from Agra Business Development Corporation and opposition from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others. The main debate centered on runoff, NPDES permitting, and whether the bill could unfairly affect agricultural and public entities; senators and witnesses discussed how heavy rainfall, cesspools, and mixed land uses complicate responsibility and compliance. The transcript ends with the committee still in discussion on SB 2127, with no final votes or actions shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The substitute is adopted.
• So that remain they will still be required to adopt that policy.
• They'll be required to adopt that policy.
• So they will still be required to adopt that policy.
• So they will still be required to adopt that policy.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 68, which was presented by Kentucky Department of Education staff as a cleanup measure to reduce duplicative or outdated reporting requirements. The bill, as amended by a committee substitute, would streamline reporting on local wellness policies, school breakfast programs, school budgets, audits, and school nutrition assessments, while preserving existing requirements to adopt wellness and physical activity policies and maintain audit obligations. Members asked whether removing reporting on physical activity and related topics would weaken oversight; KDE responded that districts would still have to adopt the policies and be reviewed under federal nutrition monitoring, but the state reports were often incomplete, hard to compare, and not especially useful. The committee adopted the substitute and passed SB 68 unanimously. The committee then heard Senate Bill 207, the School Innovation Act, sponsored by Senator West. The bill would create an optional program allowing school districts to apply to the Kentucky Board of Education for waivers from certain administrative regulations and establish three-year “schools of innovation,” potentially with third-party partners, to give struggling schools more flexibility and a fresh start. Senator West said the model was inspired by a visit to a school of innovation in South Carolina and by examples from South Carolina and Indiana, and he argued that the bill would let districts try new approaches without mandating participation. He also said existing “district of innovation” language in statute is a relic and that the bill would replace it with a school-based model. Committee members asked about fiscal impact, eligibility, and whether the bill was limited to failing schools. Senator West said the fiscal note was indeterminate because participation is voluntary and could range from none to many districts, but he expected little direct budget change and possible outside philanthropic funding if a district chose to participate. He said the bill does not limit participation to the bottom 5% of schools and would be left to local district discretion. Members also raised whether high-performing or specialized schools could use the model; West said yes, if a district chose. Supportive testimony emphasized that the bill could reduce burdensome oversight and allow schools more flexibility to innovate. The discussion ended with continued questions and no final action recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe there is a PCS, and we will adopt that as a working draft.
• So I yield for questions and urge adoption.
• PCS-2, is that the one that you would like to adopt? Yes, Mr. Chairman.
• Chairman, I'd like to adopt that PCS.
• With that, I would yield to questions, move adoption. Hearing a due pass and second.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be reported to the Senate with a recommendation that it do not pass, but the committee substitute adopted
• But the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.
• If there are no other questions, Senator Parker moves adoption of the committee substitute for House
• It was not adopted at the last hearing, so Senator Paxton moves adoption of the committee substitute
• Is there any objection to the adoption?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met with a quorum and considered a long agenda of education-related bills, mostly from the House and several taken up in lieu of Senate measures. Early action included House Bill 27 on personal financial literacy for high school students, which was reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also advanced House Bill 4 on public school accountability and assessment, House Bill 4687 on liability and immunity for certain charter school campuses or programs, House Bill 2598 on school psychologists, House Bill 3629 barring registered sex offenders from serving on ISD boards, House Bill 824 adding civics instruction to high school government curriculum, and House Bill 4236 creating a task force to review the comptroller’s school district property value study. Most of these bills were reported out unanimously or near-unanimously and several were certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard and advanced higher education and school governance measures, including House Bill 127 on protecting public higher education from foreign adversaries and trade secret theft; members adopted a committee substitute after explanation that it revised the Research Security Council, clarified definitions, adjusted gift restrictions, and removed redundant procurement language. House Bill 4361 on timely emergency notifications at public institutions of higher education, House Bill 1868 on studying dual credit funding and workforce capacity, House Bill 718 on restricting certain private partnerships for student housing, House Bill 4848 on competency-based/work-based/degree programs at public institutions, House Bill 2853 on student union building fees at UTEP, House Bill 100 on instructional materials adoption, and House Bill 2243 creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention were also reported favorably, with House Bill 2853 drawing one no vote. One bill was held pending further clarification: House Bill 1105, concerning tuition and lab fee exemptions for certain paramedics, after a member raised questions about whether the exemption already exists and whether the bill merely clarifies coverage for EMS first responders. The committee also discussed House Bill 100 as a companion to Senate Bill 451 and noted that House Bill 27 and House Bill 127 were being used in lieu of Senate bills. Overall, the committee reported most measures favorably, often by unanimous vote, and several were placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:22:47.400> the Madam Speaker, I move to adopt the Madam Speaker, I move to adopt the standing
• May I adopt the words of our proceed.
• With reservations and I'd like to adopt With reservations and I'd like to adopt the<04:19:05.160
• Reservations and I wish I could adopt Reservations and I wish I could adopt the<05:37:13.040> words
• Um but on this issue I'd like to adopt Um but on this issue I'd like to adopt the<05:43:21.640><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is adopted. The amendment to the amendment is adopted.
• The amendment is adopted. The amendment to the amendment is adopted.
• The amendment is adopted. The amendment to the amendment is adopted.
• The amendment is adopted. The amendment to the amendment is adopted.
• The amendment is adopted. The amendment to the amendment is adopted.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered several bills. SB 590, by Senator Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement, with a retroactivity amendment adopted. Supporters said it would help hold mandatory reporters accountable in institutional abuse cases; it was reported favorably. SB 778, by Senator Simon, would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency could be housed in the same secure setting under Chapter 916, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at APD; it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 560, by Senator Garcia, which streamlines psychotropic medication procedures for children in DCF custody, clarifies when new medical reports are needed, reduces duplicative background checks, and simplifies consent documentation. An amendment removed language expanding who could serve as a qualified evaluator and revised the Road to Independence Program changes to focus only on post-secondary education services and support, extending eligibility ages to 26 while keeping a five-year maximum. Members discussed fiscal impacts and funding sources, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1010, by Senator Yarbrough, which strengthens enforcement of existing prohibitions on sex-reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors and adds civil and criminal penalties, along with Attorney General enforcement authority and related parental rights provisions. An amendment clarified that actions could be brought by individuals as well as the Attorney General and that the provisions apply only to minors. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing child protection and accountability and opponents warning about chilling effects on medical care, schools, and parental rights. Senators raised concerns about standing, scope, and impacts on teachers and clinicians, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably on a 5-1 vote, with Senator Sharif voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• The formula can now be adopted right to different policy levers and we'll go in with that.
• Should you want to adopt this funding formula moving forward? And that is my presentation.
• That's not to say that that is what you all have to adopt.
• But the formula can be adopted.
• Without objection, the motion adopted

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The question before the House is the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1023.
• The question before the House is the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1036.
• The question before the House is the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1041.
• The question before the House is the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1055.
• favor, the House is the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1055.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 98 members present, and granted leave for Representative Jack Ladyman. The chamber then received committee reports from the Joint Budget Committee recommending passage of several appropriation bills, and the Governor’s communication noting approval of House Bill 1001 (Act 2). The Speaker also recognized guests in the galleries, including law enforcement personnel, doctors, students visiting for STEM Day, line workers, and representatives from the Council of State Governments. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to budget amendments and appropriation bills. The House adopted amendments to House Bills 1018, 1023, 1036, 1041, 1055, 1068, and 1077, covering items such as title changes at East Arkansas College, DHS and Department of Health staffing adjustments, Capitol Police positions for the Winthrop Rockefeller Building, transfer of the early childhood nutrition program to the Department of Agriculture, DFA position changes and the Rural Health Transformation Program, and DHS county office reductions. The chamber then passed House Bill 1060 for the State Library, and Senate Bills 5, 13, 39, and 56, which funded the Tobacco Settlement Commission, Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, Arkansas State University, and Auditor of State continuing education/local offices. Most measures passed with strong support, though Senate Bill 56 drew 14 nays. Before adjournment, the Speaker announced the House was ahead of schedule and planned to move the following week’s calendar earlier, with a possible sine die adjournment on Wednesday if business proceeded as planned. Representative Meeks moved to adjourn until 1 p.m. the next day, and the motion carried without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Okay, it's been moved to adopt the strike all.
• <00:04:40.680> Is<00:04:40.800> there<00:04:40.960> a be to adopt the strike
• Is there a be to adopt the strike all. Is there a motion? motion? motion?
• <00:04:44.400> the Okay, it's been moved to adopt the Okay, it's been moved to adopt the strike
• <00:04:49.400> um would need to entertain is to adopt um would need to entertain is to adopt

Keywords: Drug Policy - Room 409, 26 February, 2026; 2:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The Senate Drug Policy Committee met to consider two bills. For House Bill 417, which updates the Uniform Controlled Substances Act by adding substances to Schedule I, committee counsel explained that a strike-all was needed because the House version relied on outdated correspondence. Anna Catherine Lambert of the Mississippi State Department of Health said the department updates the language each year by matching Mississippi law to the DEA’s Federal Register, including salts, isomers, and related forms of newly scheduled substances. She noted the additions largely fall into three broad categories, including fentanyl derivatives, phenidates, and tazenes. Senators asked about the number of compounds and the need to list each derivative form. The committee moved to adopt the strike-all and then the title sufficient do pass strike-all, and the bill was reported. The committee then took up House Bill 563, which would allow Mississippi law to conform automatically if psilocybin is scheduled by the federal government before the next legislative session. The chair described psilocybin as a mushroom-derived compound being studied in clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression, and noted that an email from Veterans Exploring Treatment Options supported the legislation. Members discussed that the bill would prevent delay if federal scheduling occurs and asked about the conditions for which the substance might be used; the response mentioned treatment-resistant depression, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder, and other mental health indications. Senator Blackmon made a lighthearted comment about possible amendments, but no amendments were adopted. The committee approved the motion for title sufficient to pass, and House Bill 563 was reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• I show that amendment adopted without objection.
• Representative Costa, having closed on the amendment, show that amendment adopted without objection.
• However, I believe that Representative Hunschofsky would like us to adopt this amendment.
• , show that the amendment To Rule 7.11D, we've now adopted the amendment that changes the relating-to
• Representative Booth, having closed on the amendment, show that amendment adopted without objection.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee met and took up four bills. First, CS/HB 633 by Rep. Koster on managing entity reporting and transparency for behavioral health services was amended to clarify reporting requirements and timing, and to address the bill’s fiscal implementation through conferencing. Members and one public speaker supported the measure, emphasizing accountability and better use of state funds. The bill was reported favorably. Next, CS/HB 531 by Rep. Hunschofsky on background screenings was amended with a strike-all that would require ACCA to create a public webpage with screening education, level-two screening standards, and a searchable catalog of positions requiring screening. Because the amendment changed the bill’s relating-to clause, the chair noted it would be temporarily postponed under House Rule 7.11D and returned to the committee later. The committee then heard HB 1089 by Rep. Booth, which adds Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the recommended newborn screening panel, subject to appropriation. A parent testified in strong support, describing the benefits of earlier diagnosis and treatment, and several members spoke in favor. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, CS/HB 907 by Rep. Anderson created the Sunshine Genetics Program, an opt-in newborn whole-genome sequencing program, and established the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a Sunshine Genetics Consortium. An amendment made funding contingent on appropriations and added Nicholas Children’s Hospital and Florida International University to the consortium board. After supportive testimony and debate, the bill was also reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.