Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is almost 20 times bigger.
• Texas is almost 20 times bigger.
• We've been told that we don't understand how government works when it comes to education.
• I'm part of the Southwest chapter of Florida Youth SHINE.
• I'm part of the Southwest chapter of Florida Youth Shine.

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary held confirmation hearings for two State University System Board of Governors appointees, M. Carson Good and Speaker Paul Renner. Good described his background in Florida real estate, airport governance, and fundraising, and said he would focus on improving university performance, collaboration among institutions, and growing endowments while keeping in-state tuition stable. Renner emphasized his legislative experience with higher education, and said his priorities on the Board would be transparency, compliance with legislative direction, and reducing administrative bloat. Both nominees were recommended for confirmation on a single vote, with Senator Berman noting concern about the low number of women on the board. The committee then heard and passed SB 1726, a higher education transparency bill by Senator Calatayud. The bill would require Board of Governors members to comply with constitutional financial disclosure requirements, set term limits for State Board of Education and university board members, change rules for presidential searches and public records, and require more detailed textbook and syllabus information for students. A student advocate from Florida Student Power Network supported the bill as increasing student involvement and democratic accountability in higher education. Senator Harrell raised a concern about residency requirements for Board of Governors members, and the sponsor said that issue could be revisited later. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 1458 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship funding. A delete-all amendment was adopted that required clearer funding splits between local education agencies and program providers, annual reporting, a standard DOE contract template, and a cap on administrative fees in certain cases. Supporters from industry groups said the changes would improve transparency and accountability without requesting additional funding. The committee then reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 584 on young adult housing support. An amendment removed a requirement that state agencies act as co-signers or guarantors on leases while preserving coordination for the federal Foster Youth to Independence program. Several former foster youth and advocates testified in support, describing housing instability and its impact on education, and urging broader access to campus housing and vouchers. The sponsor said the bill prioritizes housing and work-study for homeless and former foster youth, supports the FYI program, and directs a statewide study of housing barriers. The committee reported the bill favorably and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• David Mandel, with the Sacramento Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace.
• Instructional materials are broadly defined by the education code.
• It is the will of our government to be able to meet the moment.
• The first is the idea that we've talked about governance.
• And to that end, I think... ...various governance systems.

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with the most extensive discussion focused on AB 2189, AB 2615, AB 2496, AB 1750, and AB 1644. AB 2189 would create an $800,000 grant program through the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to support a statewide parent network for special education advocacy and training. Supporters said families need stronger coordination and information to navigate special education, while an opponent argued the bill could duplicate existing family-led organizations. The bill passed 6-0 and was sent to Appropriations, held on call for add-on votes. AB 2615, a cleanup bill to AB 715 on antisemitism and instructional materials, drew the most controversy. The authors said it was intended to clarify prior commitments by removing references to professional responsibility standards, refining the “factually accurate” language, and clarifying how discriminatory materials are handled. Supporters said it would help protect students from discrimination, while many educators, civil rights groups, and other organizations opposed it unless amended, warning that the factual-accuracy language could chill teaching and be applied too broadly. The committee chair and members raised concerns about implementation but ultimately supported moving the bill forward; it passed 5-0 and was held on call. AB 2496 would streamline school accountability reporting by making the California School Dashboard the primary transparency tool, phasing out the School Accountability Report Card over time, and making mid-year LCAP reporting optional. Supporters said this would reduce duplication and administrative burden while preserving access to key data; opponents worried families could lose the simplicity and accessibility of the current SARC and that the mid-year update still serves an important purpose. The bill was approved 3-0 and held on call. AB 1750, which would extend full salary for an additional five months for school employees who exhaust sick leave due to illness or injury, was supported as a dignity and retention measure but opposed by administrators over staffing and cost concerns; it passed 4-0 and was held on call. AB 1644 would require a bell-to-bell smartphone ban in TK-8 and recommend it for high school, with exceptions for instructional and safety needs; supporters said phones are harming attention and learning, while opponents argued districts had just adopted local policies and needed more flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got chapter 13 which uh requires units of government including local governments to uh disclose
• > local units of government including local units of government including local governments<02
• Local governments are creatures of the state government.
• government.
• Local governments are creatures of the state government.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas and New Mexico certainly stand out.
• , if you will. ...to crack the code, if you will.
• and 30 days in prison in Century Code already.
• And kind of a dark horse when comparing Texas and Florida.
• And kind of a dark horse when comparing Texas and Florida on the tax basis.

Summary: The committee met to receive updates from the Tax Commissioner’s office on property tax relief programs and related compliance work. Commissioner Brian Croshys reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting that the Homestead program expanded significantly after HB 1158, that some households are “adjusting out” of eligibility as incomes rise, and that the committee may want to consider indexing income thresholds. Members asked for additional data on bracket breakdowns, possible costs of eliminating income limits for seniors, and how many households are zeroed out by the combined programs. Croshys also discussed the simpler administration of the disabled veteran credit, the growth in participation, and the heavy workload and auditing safeguards built into the new primary residence credit system. He said the department found no material compliance findings and that the program is designed to be digital-first, with county auditors and the Tax Commissioner’s office both involved in review and notification. The committee recessed for lunch and later reconvened, with the chair noting that more detailed PRC information would likely be available at a September meeting. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase, or “zero growth,” report and the 2025 statistical report. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and which jurisdictions showed the largest percentage changes in countywide, citywide, school district, and park district levies. In the statistical report, she summarized recent trends in assessed values: agricultural values remained relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed property values increased over the past five years. She also reviewed statewide tax levies by property class and clarified that centrally assessed growth figures were annual averages. Members discussed how shifts in land use and annexation can make it appear that tax burdens are moving from ag to residential/commercial property. Myers then summarized the interim study on the 3% levy limitation under HB 1176, saying most counties complied without budget changes, while some used hiring freezes, deferred purchases, or reserve funds; 23% of counties had to reduce levies, and the affected funds were mainly general, road and bridge, and weed control. She said 12 counties reported zero new growth in the data and that 35 counties reported not using all of their cap. The committee also received an oil tax presentation from Croshys on the stripper well extraction tax exemption. He outlined the number of active stripper wells, the production and revenue implications of the exemption, and projections for future biennia under different tax scenarios. He said the exemption represents substantial savings to operators but also corresponds to production tax revenue that would otherwise be collected, and he emphasized that future outcomes depend on oil prices, well counts, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly answered a question about why Red River wells have a different production threshold than Bakken wells, explaining it was tied to completion costs and lateral length. The committee then heard from Charlie Gorecki of the EERC, who presented an analysis of typical Bakken well decline curves and argued that most oil is produced before a well reaches stripper status, but that keeping wells open and investing in refracturing or other interventions can recover additional production. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; the main actions were receiving reports, asking for follow-up data, and scheduling further discussion for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The students of Texas deserve it.
• We'll have the Catholic Conference of Bishops up in the Texas Private School Association, and the Texas
• There are thousands of families in Texas that are. of families in Texas that are low income or middle
• But I'm here today to share with you that the time is now for the Texas Senate and the Texas House to
• school located in Magnolia, Texas.

Bills: SB 2

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Texas A&M University.
• Texas.
• It is a unique curriculum, and as you know, in the Texas Education Code Common Core is not allowed in
• Texas.
• For instance, ACD- and SAT that most of our Texas students take because it is in the code, those are

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the great state of Texas.
• Texas flag. Honor the Texas flag.
• Texas State Technical College and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley prepare students for careers
• Speaker and members, please take a moment to help me welcome Special Olympic Texas to the Texas House
• We as the Texas House want to thank the local the Texas Forest Service and Texas Department of Emergency

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced that enslaved people in Texas
• The slaves of Galveston, Texas had to wait for more than two years after Lincoln's decree to receive
• or have Texas roots.
• , who also works with Insomniac's government affairs team, Shane Dobbs, one of Insomniacs photographs
• Emily was chapter vice president and sectional president for Future Farmers of America and Miss Kings

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel. On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.

Transcript Highlights:

• Barely coded racist rhetoric is his standard practice.
• function of our government.
• This is not right-sizing or downsizing of government; this is dumb-sizing of government.
• Moran of Texas; and Mr. Nunn of Iowa.
• MORAN OF TEXAS, AND MR. NUNN OF IOWA.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was looking at all the codes.
• I'm very lucky; my council of government is amazing.
• Conservation code.
• ourselves on recognizing the sovereignty of indigenous and tribal communities and acknowledging the government-to-government
• I know you work with your local governments. I work with my local government.

Transcript Highlights:

• Online, it asks for a code, I type it in.
• And so then it asked me to put in a, you know, a six-digit code.
• Code 300aa, Section 26, requires that a parent be given... 42 U.S.
• That's some things in Children's Code.
• Stephen Wright, Louisiana chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Summary: The committee heard a personal privilege update on HB 1227, which Representative DeWitt said would return next week as a proposed HCR for a two-year study of the three-doctor panel after discussions with Dr. Nia Colotta. Better Louisiana also presented its new Leadership Louisiana Health Fellows Program, describing it as a data-driven leadership initiative focused on health care workforce, rural access, chronic disease, and other system issues; members discussed whether the program could also help generate policy research, including on managed care organizations. The committee then considered SB 427 on anatomical gifts. After adopting technical amendments, Senator Presley and Dr. Jeff White explained that the bill would strengthen organ donation law by creating a decision registry that records both yes and no choices, clarifying the legal effect of refusal, and codifying ethical principles such as the dead donor rule. Questions focused on organ viability, registry procedures, minors, and a Monroe case involving a disputed donor designation. Supporters included LOPA and the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 946, dealing with hospital price transparency and compliance with federal pricing rules, drew extensive testimony. Representative Landry and a witness from Patient Rights Advocate described it as a consumer transparency measure, but the Louisiana Hospital Association opposed the bill’s state-level enforcement and debt-collection provisions. Landry offered an amendment removing the debt-collection and affirmative-defense language, but after debate the substitute failed on a 5-6 vote and the bill was voluntarily deferred. The committee also reported favorably on SB 109, which revises membership qualifications for the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Commission; SCR 20, urging federal flexibility on Medicaid redetermination for elderly and disabled beneficiaries; SB 216, allowing coroners to rely on licensed practical nurses for medical pronouncements of death; and SB 45, exempting certain gratuitous hospice houses from licensure, with testimony from hospice house operators and supporters. Finally, HCR 71 by Representative Chasson sought an LDH study of how Louisiana’s law and guidance on pregnancy-related emergency medications is working in hospitals, urgent care, and retail settings. Supporters said providers are hesitant to use medications such as misoprostol because of stigma and uncertainty, while opponents from Louisiana Right to Life argued the resolution was unnecessary and could create controversy. The discussion centered on whether the study should be narrowed or made more objective, but no final action on the resolution was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• first came to work in state government first came to work in state government as<00:31:52.399>
• and our fire codes.
• This bill addresses the fire code.
• So, we'd be addresses the fire code.
• So, if rules governing the profession.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Anti-Red Flag Act prevents all government entities in Texas from recognizing or enforcing red flag
• Under the Family Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, or any other order from a state that's related
• We don't have one in Texas, so we can't really say what it is going to look like in Texas.
• Senate Bill 1379 amends Section 32.21 of the Texas Penal Code by increasing the penalty for forgery from
• National Bank of Texas.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the definition found in section 2056.002 of the government code and make sure that each county referenced
• The bill makes conforming changes in the government code, education code, health and safety code, transportation
• code, and water code.
• Texas and Israel already enjoy a robust trade relationship, with Texas being one of Israel's largest,
• In energy, Texas is unmatched.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, the Wyoming code says that we And again, the Wyoming code says that we can<00:02:29.720>
• That has Foreign government adversaries.
• 34 Chapter 30 in the Wyoming Statute. 34 Chapter 30 in the Wyoming Statute.
• <01:30:16.240> is<01:30:16.480> not because the government is not because the government
• <02:37:23.640> governing regulations governing governing regulations governing governing educational

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was promising to do, or that at that time, not the front of that national government for the campaign
• There is a doctor who, I believe, in either Texas or Louisiana, there was an attorney general that is
• and different governments in different states.
• There are actions that are being taken by the federal government. It is not a hypothetical.
• I don't know what the federal government might do.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Health Committee met to consider a series of bills, many of them repeat proposals from prior sessions. Early measures included S.11 on disclosure for non-invasive prenatal screening, S.92 allowing redaction of certain physician names from birth certificates, S.135 creating practical support grants for abortion care, S.428A requiring chain restaurants to label high-sodium menu items, S.555 prohibiting visual images of people undergoing medical treatment without consent, and S.1614A establishing presumptive Medicaid eligibility for people leaving incarceration. The committee also advanced S.1438A to create an abortion clinical training program, S.1468 on access to medical records and limiting copy charges to actual cost, S.1619 expanding pharmacists’ authority to order and administer certain tests, and S.1714 banning the use of “excited delirium” as a diagnosis or cause of death. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on S.1633A, which would add protections for sensitive health information and allow patients to restrict disclosure of specified categories of data. One senator argued the bill could hinder care by limiting access to complete records, especially in emergencies, while supporters said the measure was needed to protect patients and providers from legal action by other states or the federal government, particularly in reproductive health cases. Staff clarified that the bill would allow segregation of specific sensitive data rather than locking an entire record. The committee also discussed S.1913, a 340B prescription drug anti-discrimination bill; supporters said it would protect safety-net providers and federally qualified health centers from pharmaceutical company practices, while one senator raised concerns about broad state intervention in a federal program. Additional bills advanced included S.5981 establishing a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program, S.6178 directing a sickle cell disparity study, S.7457 permitting cremation or natural organic reduction for certain unclaimed decedents, S.7541 moving up reporting timelines for licensed home care services agencies, and S.8257A directing an alternative payment methodology for federally qualified health centers to support fertility care. Most bills were moved by committee vote, generally with some opposition or without recommendation, and were referred to first reading, rules, or finance as appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• But really, the 10-hour workday has really saved us in East Texas, West Texas, in the Texas panhandle
• government.
• I think most of your local codes call for that and the local fire chiefs and local government folks work
• I think most of your local codes call for that and the local fire chiefs and local government folks.
• I think most of your local codes call for that and the local fire chiefs and local government folks work

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:47.080> 674:80, became RSA chapter 674:80, became RSA chapter 674:80, but<00:12:49.240
• <01:36:18.720> to code review board to amend the code to code review board to amend the code
• doesn't apply to the building code. doesn't apply to the building code.
• <01:37:22.680> Uh the code side. Uh the code side.
• accordance with the state building code. accordance with the state building code.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Codes code issues best address this by requiring the building code review board to update the code to
• There's a plumbing code, a mechanical code, electric code, and so forth.
• <02:39:38.800> So code, electric code, and so forth.
• So code, electric code, and so forth.
• building code. building code.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And why wouldn't you want a transparent government? But it makes it better.
• the first county court at law in Texas to attain the designation.
• A rise to the top will improve Texas courts and build public trust and confidence.
• Government Code.
• And that's the reason why they looked at Texas way back.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1574 by Senator Zaffirini, which would codify the Texas Judicial Council’s Centers of Excellence Program for courts and judges. Testimony from judges and the Office of Court Administration emphasized that the program promotes transparency, procedural fairness, mentoring, and public trust. A committee substitute expanded eligibility to justices of the peace and municipal judges and removed a merit-pay reference to eliminate fiscal impact. After quorum was established, the committee adopted the substitute and later voted it out favorably, though it was not certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 2774 by Senator Hinojosa, which would amend the Tax Code’s retail trade definition to include industrial uniform and linen rental businesses so they qualify for the lower franchise tax rate. Supporters said the change would put rental textile businesses on equal footing with other rental industries and help Texas employers and customers. The bill was reported favorably to the full Senate. Members then considered SB 1211 by Senator Perry, which would broaden the existing fracking-related sales tax exemption for equipment used with non-fresh water sources, including recycled, produced, and brine water. The bill’s supporters argued it would conserve freshwater and reduce litigation over water definitions, while the Comptroller’s office discussed the fiscal note and production-related revenue effects. The committee also heard SB 2873 and SB 2900, both by Senator Kolkhorst and presented by Senator Nichols; SB 2873 would require electronic filers to file electronically, and SB 2900 would eliminate certain Comptroller-related advisory committees and boards. Both were later adopted in committee substitute form and reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HJR 4, sponsored by Senator Parker, proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit new taxes on securities transfers or financial transaction processing. Supporters said it would protect investors, especially retirees, and help position Texas as a financial center. The committee voted to report HJR 4 favorably to the full Senate. In each recorded vote after quorum was present, the measures passed with nine ayes and no nays.