Video & Transcript Research : 'cursive writing'
Page 16 of 369
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group (RHG) - Tue Jan 13, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:07:51.680>
to meetings and then also in writing to meetings and then also in writing to - c> and is supposed to be in writing and is supposed to be in writing and policies,<01:10:09.040><
- He may write him up for not listening to him.
- or whatever, we don't write them out. or whatever, we don't write them out. there's<01:32:17.840
- what are you gonna write them up for?
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- They already have a medical determination that is in writing.
- That's in writing. That's a medical record. Mr.
- That's in writing. That's a medical record. Mr.
- That's in writing. That's a medical record. Mr.
- write them off over time, specifically over seven years.
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.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 18th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We're writing code violations because nobody's mowing it.
- We've got guys riding around the truck writing code enforcements all day long.
- We're writing code on this property.
- We're writing code violations<00:48:58.120>
because <00:48:58.280>nobody's <00:48:58.680 - all day truck writing code enforcements all day long. long. long.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- requires a person seeking to qualify for nomination as a candidate for partisan office to state in writing
- Although the current law requires candidates to state such information in writing, courts have found
- that a person seeking qualification as a candidate make such a sworn party affiliation statement in writing
- The bill also created The candidate must make such a sworn party affiliation statement in writing.
Summary:
The Ethics and Elections Committee met with a quorum and considered two bills. Senate Bill 588, relating to campaign communications and repeated political text messages or calls, was introduced by Senator Leake. He explained it would create a cause of action to stop unwanted campaign communications and recover attorney’s fees, but said the bill may be too broad and asked to temporarily postpone it while he works with stakeholders to narrow it. The committee agreed, and a pending amendment by Senator Polsky became moot.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 280, which would create a private right of action to enforce party-affiliation qualification requirements for candidates seeking partisan office. Senator Arrington said the bill would allow political parties or others with standing to challenge a candidate who did not meet the 365-day party affiliation requirement before qualifying, and that a court could disqualify the candidate from the ballot. She offered a strike-all amendment clarifying that the 365 days must be the consecutive days immediately preceding qualifying and narrowing who may bring suit to political parties and other candidates for the same office.
After brief questions, the committee adopted the amendment and then voted on the bill as amended. The roll call was unanimous in favor, and SB 280 was reported favorably. The committee then moved to adjourn.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- They can write an eite same thing to do with a 16-year-old. >> Any questions by any members of the committee
- They can write an eite same thing to do with a 16-year-old.
- <00:15:45.519>
They <00:15:45.760>can <00:15:45.839>write <00:15:46.000>an - They can write an not automatically go.
- They can write an eite<00:15:46.959>
same <00:15:47.199>thing <00:15:47.440>to <00
Keywords:
body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, law enforcement, public disclosure, investigation, transparency, juveniles, nonviolent offenses, intervention program, juvenile detention, youth services, volunteer firefighters, cancer compensation, death benefits, line of duty, first responders, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 22, 2025 - 10:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Your bartleman here, Anderson, here and writing Campbell here, chaining here, Greco Row here.
- And writing. Yes. The site. >> Yes. Greco. Yes. Grow. Yes, Hart. Yes, Johnson. Yes.
- And writing. Yes, black. Yes. The site Campbell know chaining Greco. Yes, grow. Yes, art.
- And writing busatta yet. And vote. No greco. Yes. Grow Johnson. Yes. And Kurt Johnson.
- And writing. Yes, black. Yes. Side or Campbell. Know Cheney. Yes, reco. Yes. Road. Yes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Many of our members write wind and hail on the coast, and in fact, we've been heavily involved in this
- Why are these people being rejected, or why are companies not writing to the extent that they could?
- But when I talk to members who are writing on the coast, they just may not be writing to the level they
- But that's generally what's happening in TWIA, and we're writing.
- We're down there, and we're writing wind and hail in addition to auto. and other coverages.
Bills:
HB778, HB 1266, HB1576, HB2213, HB2517, HB2518, HB2841, HB3306, HB3320, HB3388, HB3508, HB3520, HB3689
Keywords:
credentialing, healthcare, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, managed care, hurricane, windstorm, loss mitigation, grants, insurance discounts, property retrofitting, insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, board composition, coastal counties, property insurance, taxation, Texas FAIR Plan Association, premium taxes, maintenance taxes
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So, the members of the legislature here write the bills, but we have to understand that sometimes people
- So we need something in writing to make sure that not only the inmates are protected, but the officers
- You mentioned earlier about something in writing to give more protection to these officers.
- You know, they're just hiring people who are not qualified to write reports.
- So when you have the opportunity to bring people that can write reports so that if you want to look at
Keywords:
community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- >
of <01:29:06.719>HB1628 writing in strong support of HB1628 writing in strong support - Um, I go and write down my paper.
- I got in<01:41:32.000>
writing. - That's what you have in writing.
- <01:59:32.880>
to those they authorize us in writing to those they authorize us in writing
Bills:
HB1531
Keywords:
emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation.
The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Investing in People / Supporting Small Businesses / New Senator Elected May 4th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, talk to me through the bill and what inspired you to write it?
- So, talk to me through the bill and what inspired you to write it?
- <00:15:55.279>
And <00:15:55.360>I <00:15:55.600>write bills that I've worked - And I write bills that I've worked on.
- And I write I'll<00:15:56.399>
probably <00:15:56.560>have <00:15:56.639>a <00:15
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 02/20/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Sometimes we don't go after grants because it would take more staff time to write the grant than the
- Sometimes we don't go after grants because it would take more staff time to write the grant than the
- c> grant<00:23:40.880>
than <00:23:41.120>the <00:23:41.200>grant time to write - the grant than the grant time to write the grant than the grant would<00:23:41.600>
be <00:23: - out a grant for take time to write out a grant for $25,000<00:23:50.240>
as <00:23:50.400>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/26/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- Obviously, you all write the bill.
- Obviously, um you all write protected. Obviously, um you all write the<00:58:19.280>
bill. - I will just point out the agency does not write the laws of the state of Minnesota.
- I will just point out the agency does not write the laws of the state of Minnesota.
- laws that you all that you all write. laws that you all that you all write. and<01:54:50.000>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Garrett The following motion in writing the clerk will read the motion motion. 721 Motion in writing
- The following motion in writing, the clerk will read the motion in writing.
- Motion in writing by Hopper. Mr.
- The following motion in writing, the clerk will read the motion. 1739 Motion in writing by money.
- Motion in writing by Tenderholt, Mr.
Bills:
HB 120, HB20, HB150, HB6, HB 100, HB 124, HB210, HB215, HB1393, HB1587, HB 1151, HB 1268, HB142, HB451, HB39, HB 102, HB 126, HB290, HB300, HB2143, HJR2, HB147, HJR6, HB 120, HB20, HB150, HB6, HB 100, HB 124, HB210, HB215, HB1393, HB1587, HB 1151, HB 1268, HB142, HB451, SB1
Keywords:
career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, mental health, telehealth
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU-EIG, HOU DEFER, HOU DEFER, HOU Public Hearings 02-05-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And basically a customer can even simply write a note on a piece of paper, handwritten note, indicate
- You might have to go write your name on that paper and give it to you to find out exactly.
- <00:14:35.199>
in effectively on Aahu where they write in effectively on Aahu where they write - Cuz I think at one point that's what they wanted us to give rather than a write-out cash.
- <01:08:18.239>
out better get exemption than a write out better get exemption than a write
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on five housing-related measures. SB 2232 would create a three-year tiny home grant pilot program within HHFDC, with annual reporting to HHFDC and the Legislature; testimony was mixed, and the bill was later recommended for passage with amendments, including a full-time housing development specialist, a residential-use-only restriction for the tiny homes, and a blanked appropriation. SB 2192 would bar county down-zoning that reduces housing capacity unless equivalent capacity is added elsewhere in the county; it drew support from housing advocates and comments from planning officials, and was also recommended for passage with amendments. SB 2378 would clarify insurance requirements for single- and multifamily projects seeking expedited county permitting; engineers and housing groups supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and it was recommended for passage with a technical amendment. SB 2524 would appropriate funds to the City and County of Honolulu for housing-related departments to comply with prior acts; the Honolulu department supported it, and members asked about prior spending and funding sources. SB 2398 would require residential housing utility availability maps; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed the bill as written, citing infrastructure security, accuracy, liability, and administrative burden concerns, while supporters said it would improve transparency for developers. The chair proposed amendments to make the maps broad and geographic rather than parcel-specific, remove contested-case and reliance provisions, allow disclaimer language, and change the date; the bill was then recommended for passage with amendments, with one member noting reservations. All five measures were ultimately passed out of committee with amendments, with votes recorded and some members excused.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity (9-23-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Specifically, I want to point out writing because writing is involved in all aspects of assessments in
- science, social studies, and writing. science, social studies, and writing.
- <00:14:08.320>
in writing because writing is involved in writing because writing is involved - So, when you look at writing, subject.
- >> I'm writing it down. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Anybody else?
Summary:
The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met in September 2025, established a quorum, introduced new member Larry Forester, and approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. The main presentation came from Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Johnson, who discussed the district’s work serving English language learners and multilingual students, including immigrant and refugee families. They said Warren County now serves roughly 5,500 multilingual students out of about 19,000 total, representing about 92 languages and 90 countries, with 57 certified multilingual teachers, a GO Center, migrant and refugee advocates, and the state’s first international high school.
The presenters emphasized that the district welcomes immigrant families and that students and parents generally value public education, but they described major challenges tied to accountability and funding. They explained that multilingual students are tested after one year in the system, even though many need more time to become proficient in English and grade-level standards, and they argued that current graduation-rate rules can unfairly penalize schools when transient students enroll briefly and then leave. They also said the cost of serving this population has risen sharply, with special revenue and especially general-fund spending increasing substantially over the past decade, prompting the district to reallocate resources from EL teacher assistants toward translation technology and additional certified staff.
Committee members asked questions about how long-term multilingual students compare with the general student body and whether the district’s data show similar graduation outcomes. Clayton said he did not have the specific comparison data at hand but believed students who stay K-12 generally reach proficiency. He and Johnson asked legislators to consider giving students more time before accountability measures apply and to shift some graduation accountability from individual schools to the district level for highly transient populations, while still maintaining accountability. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Farewells - 05/18/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, every step along the way is this thing to behold, like writing a sonnet or writing a symphony
- writes in the document United. writes in the document United. verb verb verb States<01:11:36.400
- could write a book. could write a book.
- c> good when we write law, we're writing good when we write law, we're writing good law<03:18:13.440
- that's how I relate to writing law. that's how I relate to writing law.
Summary:
The meeting was a Senate retirement recognition session held after adjournment sine die, with the presiding officer relaxing decorum so members could speak, applaud, and interact more freely. The chair explained the order of speakers and noted that retiring members would be recognized from their desks, with a plaque presented by Senate leaders and photos taken afterward. The session was framed as a celebration of service for retiring senators and a tribute to staff, families, and colleagues.
Senator Mann spoke first, thanking constituents, family, staff, colleagues, and advocates, and highlighting policy accomplishments such as banning non-compete clauses, wage transparency, breast cancer screening coverage, protections for students, expanded health coverage, pharmacy benefit manager reforms, physician workforce changes, the medication repository program, and paid leave. She also used her remarks to criticize racism, sexism, and broader threats to women’s and people of color’s freedoms, urging civic engagement and warning against erosion of democracy. Senator Tou Xiong followed with a personal farewell centered on his mother’s refugee experience, his family’s sacrifices, and gratitude to mentors and colleagues; he emphasized the value of public service, bipartisan cooperation, and the idea that Minnesota should be a model for the country.
Senator Howe gave a faith-centered retirement speech reflecting on his path from humble beginnings, his family, military and public service, and the importance of humility, justice, mercy, and listening to constituents. Senator Klein looked back on a decade in the chamber, including the pandemic and the George Floyd unrest, and said the Senate’s decorum and relationships endured through difficult times; he cited a bill he helped pass for a child needing a prosthetic blade as an example of the legislature’s best work. Senator Draheim began his remarks by thanking his wife and children and joking about his discomfort with speeches, then described being recruited to run for office despite never seeing himself as a politician.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Jun 21st, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- if it was controlled at the federal level, you'd have to then know exactly how much you pulled out, write
- You pulled out, write it in a book, and your truck.
- We're always writing things down, documenting. So I don't think so. And I will...
- We're always writing things down, documenting. So I don't think so.
- . ...for assisting commission staff in writing that particular section.
Summary:
The working group on best practices for oversight and enforcement met for its first session and focused on xylazine, including its legal veterinary uses, its appearance in the illicit drug supply, and whether it should be classified as a controlled substance. Members discussed the distinction between pharmaceutical-grade and non-pharmaceutical-grade xylazine, the role of international/illicit sourcing, and the limits of state-level regulation if the substance is already being added to fentanyl or other drugs outside the Commonwealth. The Department of Public Health representative summarized the agency’s view that scheduling xylazine could follow the “ironclad law of prohibition” and push the market toward other, potentially worse substances, and said DPH opposed straight scheduling in favor of education, support, and harm-reduction approaches.
Veterinary members explained how xylazine is used in large-animal and research settings, why it is useful, and why federal-style scheduling could create practical burdens for veterinarians who work in the field. They also described reversal agents such as yohimbine and atipamezole (Antisedan), and noted that xylazine is not commonly used in small-animal practice. Several members raised questions about how much xylazine is actually used legally in Massachusetts, whether boards of pharmacy or distributors could provide useful data, and what other states have done. Arizona and Florida were mentioned as possible examples for further research, along with the need to examine stakeholder opposition and any effects on legitimate veterinary practice.
The group agreed to divide into two subgroups: one focused on oversight and regulation of production/distribution, and another on whether xylazine should be classified as a controlled substance and what penalties, if any, should apply. Staff said they would circulate notes, a draft PowerPoint template, and a shared folder, with members asked to submit materials by December 2, draft materials due December 4, and final approval by December 9 ahead of the next public meeting on December 11. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, and unanimous closure.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Circuit, and he taught me how to write. He taught me how to disagree without being disagreeable.
- So thank you, sir, for being here, and thank you for teaching me how to write.
- It is a time when all we do is write.
- Chief Justice Rehnquist, It is a time when all we do is write.
- All you need to do right now is to write."
Summary:
The Supreme Court of Texas held a ceremonial investiture for two new justices, James Sullivan and Kyle Hawkins. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock opened the session with welcoming remarks and led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem sung by Trooper Alena Gallardo. The event included an invocation by Father Dean Wilhelm, emphasizing the importance of justice and the rule of law. Governor Greg Abbott praised the new justices, highlighting their qualifications and the significance of their appointments to the court.
Justice Samuel Alito administered the oath of office to Justice Hawkins, while Judge Thomas Griffith administered the oath to Justice Sullivan. Both justices expressed gratitude for their appointments and acknowledged the support of their families, mentors, and colleagues. The ceremony also honored former justices Jeff Boyd and Nathan Hecht, with heartfelt tributes reflecting on their contributions to the court and the legal community in Texas. The event concluded with a benediction by Reverend Greg Davidson, encouraging the justices to work diligently and honorably in their new roles.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you have anything in writing? I would have to go back and ask. Just a simple no will be fine.
- Put something in writing and get it to the committee. Thank you.
- Do you have anything in writing? of this committee, I would appreciate that.
- Do you have anything in writing? I would have to go back and ask.
- Put something in writing and get to the committee. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee considered a series of appropriation, transfer, and review items, approving most requests in Sections B through J. These included temporary appropriations for state technology upgrades, personnel management, court reporters and interpreters, crime victim claims, juvenile sex offender assessments, radiation lab testing, higher education workforce grants, an ARPA grant for the UAFS LPN program, an IIJA grant for geological/critical minerals work, a restricted reserve transfer for 102 State Police vehicles, a transfer to the Arkansas Heroes Program, several cash fund requests for the Real Estate Commission HVAC and AV needs, and overtime appropriations for Emergency Management and Military. One budget classification transfer request from the Commissioner of State Lands for $250,000 to cover operating expenses tied to a new building was discussed at length but failed on the vote after questions about the lease and operating costs.
A major portion of the meeting focused on a $25.7 million pay plan appropriation request for 15 agencies. Members questioned why the Department of Human Services had not requested additional pay-plan dollars for human development centers, where DHS acknowledged staffing shortages, high turnover, and heavy overtime but said the issue was not lack of pay-plan funding. DHS was asked to provide a written plan to address staffing problems. The Department of Corrections testified that the pay plan had improved retention and hiring, and committee members asked for follow-up data on vacancies and staffing outcomes. Members also clarified that the pay-plan request was appropriation only, not new funding, and approved it.
The committee then reviewed fund reports, including the restricted reserve, Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, Tobacco Settlement, State Central Services, Education Adequacy, Medicaid Trust Fund, IIJA, and Revenue Services transfer reports. DHS and DFA were questioned closely about the Medicaid Trust Fund, with members noting a $90 million February draw and asking about projected year-end balances; DFA and DHS said February was a high-expense, low-revenue month and projected the fund would remain solvent through the fiscal year, ending between $150 million and $200 million, while a second $100 million set-aside is planned for FY27. The committee also discussed a state hospital damage report, where DHS explained that insurance proceeds would not fully cover the repair costs because of depreciation and the age of the buildings; members expressed concern that the state would recover far less than originally expected, and DHS said any additional insurance recovery would be limited and returned to restricted reserve.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Following motion in writing, Secretary, read the motion. Motion in writing: Mr.
- Members, any objection to the motion in writing? Hearing none, the motion is adopted.
- Following motion and writing. Secretary, read the motion. Motion in writing. Mr.
- Motion in writing, Mr.
- President, I move that the Senate recess until the Senate recess until Motion in writing. Mr.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and then handled several procedural matters, including a failed motion to excuse Senator Johnson’s absence after a roll-call vote. The chamber also postponed the reading and referral of bills until later in the calendar and adopted motions allowing the Education K-16 Committee to meet while the Senate was in session. The Senate then recessed until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6.
The main floor action centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 9, which lowers the voter-approval tax rate for certain cities and counties from 3.5% to 2.5% for maintenance and operations. Senator Bettencourt argued the bill would slow local property tax growth and align city and county limits more closely with school district limits, while Senators Hinojosa and Menendez raised concerns about reduced local revenue, public safety funding, and the short time for cities to assess the impact. The Senate suspended the regular order, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the constitutional three-day rule, and finally passed SB 9, with a clarification later entered that the final passage vote was 18-3.
The Senate also took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 7, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, which sets state policy for the use of certain spaces and facilities according to biological sex and creates enforcement mechanisms for state agencies and political subdivisions. Supporters said the bill was needed to protect women and children in restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and schools, while opponents questioned the scope, enforcement, civil penalties, and possible conflicts with federal law and local control. After extensive questioning, the chamber adopted a clarifying amendment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed SB 7 by a vote of 19-2.
Finally, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 15, which addresses deed fraud and real property theft by tightening recording requirements for certain property documents and creating new criminal offenses for real property theft and fraud. Senator Hinojosa explained that the bill combined civil and criminal provisions, added photo ID requirements for in-person filings, and included restitution and enhanced penalties for certain victims and properties; a floor amendment made cleanup changes, removed a training mandate, and clarified that electronic and mail filings were not affected. The Senate adopted the amendment, suspended the three-day rule, and passed SB 15 unanimously, 21-0.