Transcript Highlights:

• The board of trustees are okay with this. >> The board gave us this, I'm assuming. >> Okay.
• Uh, the board of trustees did approve all of these changes. >> We have a motion and a second to give
• The board of trustees okay with this.
• The board of trustees are<00:37:16.400> okay<00:37:16.560> with<00:37:16.640> this.
• did approve all Uh the board of trustees did approve all of<00:37:34.640> these<00:37:34.880>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it modernizes trust law by creating a simple procedure for closing out a trust and discharging a trustee
• it modernizes trust law by creating a simple procedure for closing out a trust and discharging a trustee
• This bill establishes a statutory non-judicial process that allows eligible trustees to provide full
• If no objection is made, the trustee concludes the trust administration efficiently.

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee took up several bills, beginning with CS/SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and the oversight required. The bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee then heard SB 1256 on pharmacy audits, which would require PBM audits of pharmacies to follow uniform standards and provide due process protections; pharmacists testified in support, describing current audits as burdensome and conflicted. That bill was also reported favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services. An amendment was adopted removing provisions on civil damage caps and phasing out direct disposers, and the bill was then reported favorably. SB 632, dealing with transportation network company insurance, would set coverage requirements for the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup; an opponent argued the existing insurance framework should not be reduced, but the bill passed on a divided vote and was reported favorably. CS/SB 786 on trusts, creating a nonjudicial process to close uncontested trusts and discharge trustees, was supported by banking and legal groups and reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid, health insurance, and HMO coverage for orthotics and prosthetics. A delete-all amendment clarified eligible recipients, and the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the high cost of activity limbs and the benefits for children’s health and participation. Several senators praised the testimony and the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1588 on legal tender refined last session’s gold-and-silver law, and SPB 7044 created related public-records exemptions for custodians of gold and silver; both were reported favorably, with SPB 7044 adopted as a committee bill. The meeting ended with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we're going to move on then to our next agency, the Office of the Governor and Trustee Programs
• We're going to move on then to our next agency, the Office of the Governor and Trustee Programs within
• If you would like, we can move into the Trustee Program. Okay.
• So starting on page one of the Trustee Program. **KJ Curtis**: ...the Trustee Program.
• This concludes the review of the Trustee Program. Are there any questions from the committee?

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a former trustee at Round Rock ISD, and I am a mother of two teenage daughters, and I am here to
• It's the job of us adults to stop this and to pass bills like this so that when trustees like me are
• And as a trustee, I love all students.
• Like you said, they basically didn't try to work with us as trustees.
• Trustees, they just said, basically, you need to let these boys into the girls' spaces.

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1183, by Senator Creighton, which would require Lone Star Cards used for SNAP and TANF benefits to display the recipient’s name and photo, add fraud-reporting information, and require HHSC to track replacement-card requests. Creighton argued the bill would reduce fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, citing Texas SNAP theft and overpayment data. HHSC testified that photo IDs on the card are technically possible and explained how authorized secondary users are added. Dr. Amber O’Connor of Every Texan testified against the bill, saying SNAP fraud is a small share of expenditures, that the proposal would be costly and ineffective, and that federal rules limit mandatory photo requirements. Public testimony closed and SB 1183 was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1184, also by Senator Creighton, which would lower from 20 years to 10 years the minimum age of collectible wine that Texas collectors may sell to permitted restaurants. Supporters said the change would help Texas restaurants access desirable vintages, keep collectible wine in-state, and align with market demand; invited witnesses from the wine industry testified in favor. No opposition was heard, public testimony closed, and SB 1184 was left pending. Next, Senator Birdwell laid out Senate Bill 2051 and Senate Joint Resolution 68, both aimed at revising Texas impeachment procedures in response to issues identified during the 2023 impeachment process. The measures would clarify constitutional and statutory impeachment authority, require sworn testimony, extend review periods for House members, address conflicts of interest and presiding officers, require cost reporting, and modify rules for impeaching the governor or lieutenant governor. A committee substitute added protections for the accused, longer review periods, and a fallback presiding-officer option. Witnesses generally supported stronger accountability but raised questions about whether the language should also cover retired or visiting judges. Both measures were left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1577, which would expand Texas Motor Speedway’s alcohol sales authority to include distilled spirits and remove certain event and concession limits; the Speedway’s representative supported the bill and it was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 42 and Senate Bill 240, which would recognize only two sexes and restrict access to sex-designated private spaces in public facilities based on biological sex. Supporters argued the measures were needed to protect women’s privacy and safety, including in schools and shelters, while opponents warned about enforcement problems, privacy concerns, and impacts on transgender Texans and others who do not fit stereotypical sex traits. After extensive testimony, both measures were left pending. The committee then took up multiple pending bills and reported several favorably, including SB 511, SB 33, SB 510, SB 871, SB 2024, SB 2166, SJR 27, SJR 40, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 2420, SB 1999, SB 2309, SB 1860, and SB 2429, with some also certified for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Member of the Board of Trustees of the Colorado School of Mines effective January 1st, 2026, for a term
• <00:31:31.840> of<00:31:31.920> the Member of the Board of Trustees of the Member of
• the Board of Trustees of the Colorado<00:31:32.360> School<00:31:32.600> of<00:31:32.720
• Members of the Board of Trustees for the Colorado School of Mines for term expiring December 31st, 2028
• And whereas the Elbert County Board of Commissioners and the mayors and trustees of the towns of Kiowa

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, suspended Rule 1B to allow a non-senator to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a special guest introduction before approving the March 2, 2026 journal. The chamber then received committee reports and messages from the House and revisor, including action on several bills and appointments, and briefly moved out of order for personal privileges recognizing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the challenges facing that community amid budget pressures. The Senate adopted House Joint Resolution 1018, designating State Highway 86 through Elbert County as the Plains to Pines Scenic Corridor, after lengthy remarks describing the route, local communities, and scenic and historic features. The resolution passed 35-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The Senate also passed the consent-calendar bills on third reading: SB 59, SB 50, SB 51, SB 110, SB 61, and SB 26, with several senators recording no votes on SB 59, SB 50, and SB 51. SB 21, concerning the clean fleet enterprise and replacement of high-emitting trucks and fleets, also passed 33-2. The Senate confirmed governor’s appointments to the Colorado Tourism Office Board of Directors on the consent calendar, including Lisa Augustin, Carolyn Glover, Megan Letham, George Keriannac, and Lisa Boyer, all by a 35-0 vote. It also laid over general orders, second reading of bills, until March 4, 2026. The meeting ended with announcements about committee meetings, Read Across America Week, and a Colorado Optometrist Association reception, followed by a motion to recess until 11:00 a.m., which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was, he was a trustee. This is a soldier who's got two engineering degrees.
• He was a trustee for 3 years and for whatever reason, he got transferred to another unit.
• I believe there's a Document I just sent and now his trustee status has been taken away.
• earned that benefit being a trustee.
• And so why did he lose his trustee status?

Transcript Highlights:

• Add to that her appointment to the Board of Trustees of one of Florida's top public universities, FAU
• Tina Vidal-Douart has now been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the university where my son goes
• Tina Vidal-Dwart has now been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the University where my son goes

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Doctors of the Day. Members then offered several gallery introductions and Capitol Day recognitions, including St. Johns County Day, Florida Space Day, Florida State Parks Day, AMIkids Day, Manatee County Days, New College of Florida Day, and Florida Keys Day. The chamber received and adopted a committee report on 65 executive appointments. Debate focused on the confirmation of Tina Vidal-Douart, with one senator opposing her appointment over concerns about contracts tied to detention facilities and political contributions, while another senator spoke in support based on her assistance during COVID testing efforts. The report was adopted by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays. On the special order calendar, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units under specified conditions and extends certain density bonus incentives for military families. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 578, creating a statewide Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs. Both bills passed 38-0. Appropriations Chair Hooper gave a budget update, saying the Senate budget rollout would move to February 12 in committee and February 18 in full appropriations. The Senate then waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, for committee meetings and other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• is wearing both of the hats that I have in this situation as Mayor and as Chair of the Board of Trustees
• My name is Doug Fowler, and I'm a trustee on the Austin Firefighters Retirement Fund Board as well as
• valuable insight from his unique position as both the representative of the city of Austin and as a trustee

Bills: SB771, SB2345, HB135, HB135

Keywords: diesel fuel tax, tax credit, auxiliary power units, power take-off equipment, refund, energy efficiency, firefighter retirement, municipal contributions, pension system, retirement benefits, funding ratios, sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, civil liability, motor vehicle, legal protection, removal

Transcript Highlights:

• Jean is a member of the Flugerville Board of Trustees and a representative of Trustees Advancing Special
• While trustees are committed to ensuring all students receive the services they need, the resources provided

Keywords: special education, funding, equity, advocacy, Texas Legislature, SB568, HB2, disabilities

Summary: This was a press conference calling on the Texas Legislature to increase and reform funding for special education, with speakers arguing that the current system leaves a roughly $1.7 billion gap and forces districts to stretch general education dollars to cover mandated services. Sabrina Gonzalez Ocedo of The Arc of Texas opened by framing the issue as one of equity and self-determination for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and noted support for legislative efforts including Senate Bill 568 and House Bill 2. She also thanked a coalition of advocacy groups and legislators involved in special education funding work. Representative Steve Toth spoke in favor of investing surplus dollars in special education, citing high rates of functional illiteracy and dyslexia among prison populations and saying earlier intervention could change life outcomes. Amy Litzinger described how accommodations and assistive technology helped her succeed in school and urged continued investment so other students can access similar supports. Sarah Harden, a parent and disability advocate, shared her daughter’s positive experience in a well-supported district but warned that many Texas districts cannot provide comparable services because of funding shortages and that families are increasingly worried about cuts. Rachel Hull, a special education director, said well-resourced special education is transformational and outlined the need for individualized services, therapies, vocational training, and college readiness supports. Jean Mayer, a school trustee, said districts are struggling to meet state and federal requirements because funding does not match actual costs, pointing to staffing shortages and the need for parent engagement and professional development. The speakers repeatedly urged lawmakers to fully fund Senate Bill 568 and broader special education reforms this session; no votes were taken, as this was an advocacy event rather than a committee hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• > questions<02:33:24.720> to<02:33:24.960> its The New Hampshire Library Trustee
• Association did send around some questions to its trustees, and I'll just shoot out the questions to
• I am an attorney and a library trustee. I'm in Windham, and I am in opposition to this bill.
• I am an attorney and a library trustee. I am an attorney and a library trustee.
• ran for library trustee who uh was<03:02:26.560> not<03:02:26.720> in<03:02:26.880>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the chair of the board of trustees for the university system.
• <00:24:19.600> finds that our our board of trustees finds that our our board of trustees finds
• I can remember it was my first meeting as a trustee.
• Uh we were presented with a trustee.
• We're in trustees on a regular basis.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a former trustee at Round Rock ISD, and I am a mother of two teenage daughters, and I am here to
• I also want to bring up... we talk a lot about TASB and that is who the trustees we go to them for our
• Encourage this, and I don't know if you were a trustee at the time.
• And as a trustee, I love all students.
• I represent our Board of Trustees, led by our President, Cam Bryan, Secretary Christy Stacey myself.

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• to a state office officer, a head of a state department or state institution, or a member, regent, trustee
• I also want to bring up... we talk a lot about TASB and that is who the trustees we go to them for our
• And as a trustee, I love all students.
• Like you said, they basically didn't try to work with us. those trustees, they just said basically you
• I represent our Board of Trustees, led by our President, Cam Bryan, Secretary Christy Stacey myself.

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the Board of Trustees. including the president Donette Davis, trustees Marvin Lowe, Sherry Salas
• Today are the Fordman ISD trustees, Kristen Tussin, Rick Garcia, Angie.
• I want to thank trustee president Kristen Tasson and vice president Rick Garcia I want to acknowledge

Keywords: legislation, testimonies, committee meeting, public interest, bills

Summary: The committee meeting was conducted with several discussions surrounding various proposed bills, addressing both public interests and legislative concerns. Specific bills were presented, and members debated the implications of each, emphasizing their potential impact on the community and state regulations. Notably, several testimonies were heard from stakeholders, which enriched the conversation and provided different perspectives on the bills being reviewed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Healthcare facilities, physicians, providers, and the ERS Board of Trustees would make. manage and develop
• Additionally, the ERS Board of Trustees will publish information about the program, participating providers
• The trustees of ERS.

Bills: HCR141, SB438, SB1495, SB1964, HB 1225

Keywords: HCR 141, House Concurrent Resolution, NASA, Houston, Space City, Johnson Space Center, Mission Control, Apollo 11, moon landing, aerospace, commercial space, space exploration, Texas Space Commission, space policy, federal resolution, memorial resolution, Congress, Washington D.C., headquarters relocation, space industry

Transcript Highlights:

• Public trustees used to be separate from a treasurer's office, and several years ago public trustees
• So that said, there was statutory language around the role of public trustees. years ago, public trustees
• years ago, public trustees became<02:37:48.560> were<02:37:48.880> were<02:37:49.120><
• As a reminder, the role of the public trustee is a really important one.
• all of the things public trustee.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the chairman of the New Hampshire trustees. Governor Ayotte is an ex officio trustee.
• Governor of the New Hampshire trustees.
• Aayot is an exeicio trustee. Aayot is an exeicio trustee.
• >> The trustees. We have 25 trustees from New Hampshire. >> Trustees of what?
• And one thing that we've done in the past as a trustee, I'm the vice chair of the trustees, Margaret's

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is the section that carves out some, a section for FAMU, explicitly allows the Board of Trustees
• So my question would be, why is this carve-out only for the FAMU Board of Trustees?
• Okay, and just so that I understand your response, so the FAMU Board of Trustees, they still have the
• , and we just saw the Board of Governors reject a Board of Trustees recommendation from UF.
• And we just saw the Board of Governors reject a Board of Trustees recommendation from UF.

Summary: The House met on the final day of session, swore in Representatives Boyles and Hodgers, and observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as for Representative Rosenwald’s father. The chamber then moved into final budget work, with leaders outlining the plan to take up H.J.R. 5019, HB 7031, HB 5017, HB 5015, and then the general appropriations act once the Senate transmitted it. H.J.R. 5019, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand the budget stabilization fund, was explained and amended to raise the rainy day fund cap, require annual deposits, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by a two-thirds vote; it passed 100-1. The House then adopted the conference report on HB 7031, the tax package. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or expands several sales tax holidays and exemptions, including permanent exemptions for disaster-preparedness items, hunting/fishing/camping items, and ammunition and firearms-related purchases, and makes changes to property, corporate income, local tax, and economic development provisions. Members debated the removal of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related revenue streams, the new ammunition exemption, and the data center tax changes; supporters argued the package reduces taxes and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents raised concerns about housing, transportation, and gun violence. The conference report passed 93-7. HB 5017, creating a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer to retire state bonds early, passed unanimously. HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment, also passed. The House then began explanation and questions on the fiscal year 2025-26 general appropriations act, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down $3.8 billion from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major spending areas, including pre-K-12 funding increases, health care funding for Medicaid, KidCare, nursing homes, opioid treatment, and mental health, transportation and economic development funding, environmental and water projects, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology. Questions focused on school vouchers, inflationary pressures on school districts, and the adequacy of funding for housing, transportation, and other priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is the section that carves out some, a section for FAMU, explicitly allows the Board of Trustees
• So my question would be, why is this carve-out only for the FAMU Board of Trustees?
• a better compensation package... ...the Board of Trustees to be able to negotiate a better compensation
• Okay, and just so that I understand your response, so the FAMU Board of Trustees still have the ability
• And we just saw the Board of Governors reject a Board of Trustees recommendation from UF.

Summary: The House convened on the final day of session, observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for Representative Rosenwald’s father, then swore in and seated new members Boyles and Hodgers. The Speaker also outlined the chamber’s end-of-session priorities, including action on the budget and related conforming bills. The House then took up H.J.R. 5019, a constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s budget stabilization fund by raising the cap, requiring annual transfers, and allowing withdrawals for critical state needs. After sponsor explanations and questions about what would qualify as a critical need and how the fund might respond to possible federal funding cuts, the House adopted an amendment that added more flexibility for suspending transfers and withdrawals. The joint resolution then passed on final passage. Members next considered HB 7031, the tax package conference report. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or extends several sales tax exemptions and holidays, and makes changes affecting property taxes, local taxes, pari-mutuel taxes, and revenue distributions. Debate focused heavily on the new permanent exemption for ammunition and hunting-related items, the elimination of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related distributions, and the shift of some funding from recurring to nonrecurring status. Supporters argued the package provides tax relief and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents criticized the ammunition exemption and the reductions in recurring housing and transit support. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. The House then passed HB 5017, which creates a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer from general revenue to retire state bonds early, and HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment. Finally, the chamber began explanation and questions on the General Appropriations Act conference report for fiscal year 2025-26, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major budget areas, including K-12 education, health care, transportation and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology, highlighting funding for school choice, Medicaid, housing, transportation infrastructure, Everglades restoration, workforce programs, cybersecurity, and technology modernization.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows notices to be sent by email and requires additional notice for meetings where trustees are
• So under current statutes, the quorum requirements for general meetings and trustee meetings that are
• So it increases that from one percent to 5% for general matters and from one percent to 25% for trustee
• And Again, when this happens, if we don't have that core yet for these trustee updates, we are concerned
• If leadership cannot secure meaningful participation in a trustee election, the answer is engagement.