Transcript Highlights:

• And by your vote, CS for SB 1016 is reported favorably.
• And by your vote, CS for SB 1016 is reported favorably.
• And by your vote, CS for SB 1630 is reported favorably.
• Unless a senator requests a separate vote on an individual appointee, we will take a vote on all of these
• Unless a senator requests a separate vote on an individual appointee, we will take a vote on all of these

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs heard and advanced several bills and confirmations. SB 1016, on medical assistance eligibility for working persons with disabilities, was amended to remove automatic enrollment and to improve information sharing between AHCA and DCF; supporters said the bill codifies an existing program that helps developmentally disabled adults work without losing Medicaid coverage, and the committee reported the bill favorably. SB 1002, on temporary custody of minor children, was amended to focus on substance abuse as a pathway for court intervention when parental drug abuse creates ongoing risk to a child, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1594, on veteran benefit payments for minor clients in foster care, would ensure military benefits accessed for foster youth are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare rather than used as reimbursement to agencies; it passed favorably without amendment. The committee also considered SB 1630 on aging and disability services, a broad modernization bill covering long-term care screening, emergency continuity of care, area agency oversight, Alzheimer’s services, home care, and guardianship reforms. Two amendments were adopted, including one on competitive procurement and another allowing area agencies on aging to directly provide core services during emergencies with department approval. Supporters emphasized caregiver navigation, dementia training, and service continuity, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1030 on substance abuse services/recovery residences was taken up with a substitute amendment that narrowed transfer definitions, required faster licensure action for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident medical records; stakeholders said further work was needed, but the committee still reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard the nomination of Robert Astellos to lead the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. He outlined priorities including reducing the pre-enrollment list, improving transparency and family involvement, strengthening customer service, and streamlining agency processes. Several disability and provider organizations appeared in support, and the committee voted to recommend his confirmation. The committee then recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10 by a single favorable vote, and adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee will be utilizing electronic registration this session.
• Thousands of Dallas residents voted to pass it into law.
• It tells the people, we'll let you vote, but only if you vote the way we like.
• And then 360,000 people voted, of which 55% voted for the charter amendment 45 against. True?
• What if they vote to decriminalize marijuana? What's, what's the question exactly?

Bills: SB 250, SB 375, SB 536, SB 845, SB 1633, SB 1944, SB 1957, SB 2081, SB 2137, SB 2262, SB 2299, SB 2419, SB 2452, SB 2522, SB 2549, SB 2594, SB 2605, SB 2631, SB 2639, SB 2675, SB 3029, SJR 60, HB 22, HB 1392, HB 2525

Keywords: municipal annexation, railroad, adjacent areas, local government, property rights, healthcare provider, Harris County Hospital District, hospital funding, healthcare services, public health program, home loans, nurses, veterans, public servants, Texas Heroes program, low-interest loans, social workers, housing assistance, SB 1633, Texas Tax Code

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to testify, please ensure you've completed the electronic witness information form at the
• Have a public forum, have a public meeting on it, and then after that they can vote on it and adopt the
• where they discuss it in front of the public and take testimony, and then in the next meeting they can vote
• So basically you would have a chair come in, get voted in, preside over 1 meeting, and then the next
• I would ask for your vote on this, and I close. All right, thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to testify, please ensure you've completed the electronic witness affirmation form at the
• publish it, have a public forum, and have a... a public meeting on it, and then after that, they can vote
• Then, in the next meeting, they can vote on it. That's all it does.
• You would have a chair come in, get voted in, preside over one meeting, and then the next meeting they're
• I would ask for your vote on this, and I close. All right, thank you.

Bills: HB1597, HB2364, HB2437, HB3205, HB3253, HB3310, HB3648, HB3906, HB4259, HB5645

Keywords: county jailer, jail training, veterans, Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, TCOLE, criminal justice system, county jail, law enforcement training, mental health training, jail standards, correctional officers, veteran services, veteran interaction, occupations code, jailer licensing, parking, county courthouse, infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Did we just vote? Yes. I thought we just voted? I thought we did. “Did we just vote?” “Yes.
• I thought we just voted? I thought we did.” Thank you, Secretary Hastings. Thank you so much.
• Sections 1 through 6 are on hold for now until we've voted in numbers.
• So we will leave them on hold and not vote them back into the bill. Senator Walsh.
• Wait, I think Mike voted twice. No, just teasing.

Summary: The committee met for a fiscal year 2027 capital budget writing session with all 12 members present. It first reviewed and approved the DNREC Resource Conservation and Development drainage project list, which would add projects across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties and bring the total eligible projects to 1,561. Members offered personal remarks thanking retiring conservation district staff, especially Kevin Donnelly, for years of work on drainage and water issues. The committee then reviewed DelDOT Rule 12 changes, including annual date updates and a reduction in the inflation markup applied to older estimates, and approved the rule as amended. The committee next adopted DelDOT Appendix A and the FY27 paving and rehabilitation list, including the subdivision street management fund and various road resurfacing projects. DelDOT explained that paving projects are for state-of-good-repair work and that major changes from corridor studies would be handled separately. The committee also approved DelDOT epilogue changes, including updates to authorization amounts, a $25 million increase for toll infrastructure work, changes to subdivision street paving language, and an increase in the subdivision street paving management fund to $30 million. Several sections were placed on hold for later updates. The committee then moved through boilerplate epilogue sections in the bond bill, approving a wide range of provisions affecting conservation districts, housing, economic development, corrections, DNREC, public safety, transportation, agriculture, fire prevention, education, and other agencies. Many sections were adopted in groups, while some were held for later revisions or deleted as no longer needed. The session included updates to school capital rules, transportation restrictions and reporting requirements, DNREC conservation and land-use provisions, and funding and administrative authorities across multiple agencies. The committee broke for lunch after approving the education-related sections through 147, with additional sections still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I hope for a yes vote. Yes, thank you.
• So I hope for a yes vote.
• It just happens to be the best bill we have to vote on today.
• So I would encourage a yes vote.
• I would ask for a yes vote.

Bills: HB3239, HB3391, HB3557, HB4128

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, advertising, animal cruelty, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, wildlife conservation, hunting regulations, mountain lions, black bears

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, please show all present voting in the affirmative.
• Seeing none, please show all present voting in the affirmative.
• Seeing none, please show all present voting in the affirmative.
• Seeing none, please show all present voting in the affirmative.
• Seeing none, please show all present voting in the affirmative.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ALL SENATORS AND GUESTS PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES A QUORUM IS PRESENT MR. PRESIDENT.
• IT IS FOR THIS REASON THEY WERE VOTED BY THE CITIZENS OF OUR GREAT STATE.
• HAVE ALL SENATORS VOTED? LOCK THE BOARD AND RECORD THE VOTE. >> 39 YEA, ZERO NÉE MR. PRESIDENT.
• SECRETARY WILL UNLOCK THE BOARD AND SENATORS WILL PROCEED TO VOTE. HAVE ALL SENATORS VOTED?
• HAVE ALL SENATORS VOTED? PLEASE LOCK THE BOARD AND RECORD THE VOTE. >> 38 YEA, ZERO NAY MR.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Before we begin, let's remember to silence all of our electronic devices and get this thing going
• . where it came through with unanimous votes.
• So having said that, I will be voting for your bill today will vote up on it. I am concerned.
• Chair of the the canary in the coal mine because peer folks that concerns me to vote.
• Thank you by your vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• all those wishing to testify in person today, please ensure that you're registered through the electronic
• Um, this would extend the tolls by a public vote every 5 years.
• every 5 years instead of just keeping it up forever without the vote.
• We don't want any more CDAs in Texas, so we ask you to vote no on these crony contracts.
• approval, a vote for this bill is considered a vote to raise taxes by all of these organizations, and

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge you to vote no on SB 1798.
• He voted for him in 2016. He voted for him in 2020, and he voted for him again this election cycle.
• He voted for him in 2016.
• He voted for him in 2020, and he voted for him again, this election cycle.
• Jones at home, I'm voting to make things more expensive for you. I'm not voting to help you.

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will proceed to vote. Have you all voted? Have you all voted?
• I vote aye. Senator Bravo votes aye. Have you all voted? Senator Epstein.
• I urge a no vote. Have you all voted? Senators Gabaldón and Hoffman, how do you vote?
• And I vote yes. Thank you. And I vote yes. Thank you. Senator Sundareshan votes aye.
• The Senate will proceed to vote. Have you all voted? Have you voted?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm ready to be a yes vote, Senator Seeberger [member_12861], but on this point, we've been fairly clear
• We believe that expanding the digital right-to-repair law that covers electronic consumer devices like
• I would ask for a yes vote. >> Thank you, Senator Seeberger. Well done.
• I would ask for a yes<00:53:46.960> vote. yes vote. yes vote.
• on by NASA members and then are voted on by NASA members and then available<00:56:58.400> to<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we came to your vote. OK. Very good. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
• It was a very close vote, as you recall. But we did it, and it's paid off tremendously.
• This enzyme moves electrons to oxygen.
• Well, I would appreciate y'all's support, vote, and a lot of you signed on.
• But to put before the people, I commend them for a vote. But it's like asking.

Bills: HB5, HJR3, HB155, HB513, HB5, HB155

Keywords: dementia, research, health care, Texas Institute, grants, medical breakthroughs, oversight, prevention, funding, healthcare, Texas, autopsy, confidentiality, public records, medical examiner, law enforcement, HB 513, surgical smoke, surgical plume, smoke evacuation

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this, um, prohibits storing certain information electronically, private information electronically
• Yes, we do need to vote on the vote.
• > transfer, Um, elect electronic fund transfer, Um, elect electronic fund transfer, direct<00:
• vote 314 to 14.
• to2 passed the house on a division vote to2 passed the house on a division vote 314<01:05:55.599

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It it's that's a would vote on that.
• So I would ask you to vote and experience to legislate on this item.
• The courts accept warrants electronically.
• The second part is actually related to the electronic service of the warrants to electronic service.
• Warrants to electronic service providers.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, record the vote. The vote is 17 ayes, 10 nays, 3 not voting.
• Proceed to vote. The system is now open. Proceed to vote. Thank you. Have you all voted?
• Proceed to vote. The system is now open. Proceed to vote. Thank you. Have you all voted?
• I vote no. That's where I've seen votes now.
• Assistance closed, Secretary, to record a vote by vote of 17. 10 days, 3 now voting.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, record the vote: 17 ayes, 3 not voting.
• How do you vote? The system is closed. Secretary, record the vote: 23 ayes, 10 not voting.
• Secretary, record the vote: 17 ayes, 10 nays, 8 not voting, and 3 not voting.
• Proceed to vote. Have you ever voted?
• I vote no. That's where I've seen votes now.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the journal, and received routine communications from the governor and House. The body then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House bills, including HB 2369 on photo-enforcement traffic citations, HB 2423 on advanced math course enrollment, HB 2481 on school district financial records, HB 2621 on access to special education in public schools, and HB 2756 on public utilities and high-load factor customers. Each of these bills received amendments and were advanced with do pass recommendations. Members discussed HB 2423 at length, with supporters saying it would better identify high-achieving students for advanced math while critics argued the larger issue was funding and teacher shortages. HB 2756 also drew debate over data centers, utility reporting, and ratepayer impacts, but was amended and advanced. The Committee of the Whole then rose and reported its recommendations, which the Senate adopted. The Senate also adopted a proclamation supporting stronger Arizona and U.S. relations with Taiwan, and welcomed Taiwan’s Director General Jason Poyon Ma. The chamber calendared HB 2192 for additional Committee of the Whole consideration, adopted a Bolick amendment clarifying that telecom and broadband providers are not included in the definition of online hosting platform, and advanced the bill as amended. Later, the Senate took up third-reading votes on multiple measures, including HB 2249, HB 2482, HB 2641, HB 2661, HB 2662, HB 2673, HB 2745, HB 2752, HB 2895, HB 2923, and several House concurrent memorials on foreign ownership, endangered species, and related federal policy. Most passed, though several senators explained no votes on grounds such as budget concerns, policy objections, or opposition to limiting testimony or subpoena enforcement authority. At the end of the session, the Senate also passed HB 2369, HB 2423, HB 2481, HB 2621, HB 2756, HB 2192, and other listed bills by recorded roll call, with final vote totals announced for each. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, bills were properly assigned, and committee announcements were made for the following Monday. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, April 20, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Secretary, can you call the vote? If you vote yes, you're voting for the three-minute rule.
• If you're voting no, you're voting against the three-minute rule.
• I vote early, and I vote in person. I never, ever thought that my vote would not count.
• I vote early, and I vote in person. I never, ever thought that my vote would not count.
• A vote yes is to defer. Understand, a vote yes is to defer. All right. Ms.

Bills: SB256

Keywords: court consolidation, judicial administrative, Orleans Parish, civil district court, criminal district court, court clerk, judicial funding

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 256, which would combine the Orleans Parish clerks of criminal district court and civil district court into one office, with the bill taking effect upon gubernatorial signature. Senator Jay Morris said the change would align Orleans with other parishes, improve efficiency, and eventually help consolidate funding and operations, noting that Orleans is the only parish with two clerks and that the criminal side lacks the civil-side revenue streams used elsewhere. Committee members questioned the timing because the election for the next term had already been held and certified, and repeatedly raised concerns that the bill would effectively eliminate an office after voters had already chosen Calvin Duncan as criminal clerk. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill would be constitutional or fair if enacted before the new term began. Opponents argued it would disenfranchise voters, target Duncan personally, and set a dangerous precedent by abolishing an office after an election. Supporters and witnesses for Duncan said the bill was rushed, lacked a fiscal note, and would create confusion about staffing, records, training, and the transition between the two court systems. Several witnesses also argued that the criminal clerk’s office is essential to access to justice and that the data and efficiency rationale did not justify the timing or effect of the bill. Calvin Duncan testified that he ran to improve access to court records after his own wrongful conviction and incarceration, and said the bill sends the message that votes do not count. Other witnesses, including teachers, voters, attorneys, former officials, and advocacy representatives, echoed that the measure undermines democracy and appears aimed at preventing Duncan from taking office. Senator Morris denied personal targeting and said the bill was about abolishing an unnecessary office, but acknowledged litigation was likely. The committee also adopted a three-minute rule for testimony by a 10-3 vote, then began hearing public testimony, with the first witnesses overwhelmingly opposing the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:00:02.480> you calls to voters sometimes to vote you calls to voters sometimes to vote
• So, do you have the voting sheets for these?
• So, do you have the voting sheets >> Okay.
• the voting sheets yet. >> Okay.
• . electronically. electronically. more<03:33:33.520> generic.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 1281, which would establish standards and voluntary certification for agency-owned “facility comfort dogs” used by police and other public safety agencies. Representative Morton, the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to create a consistent statewide framework because different departments currently use different policies. He emphasized that the bill is meant to distinguish comfort dogs from service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs, and noted that a small amendment may be needed to make that distinction clearer. He also said the bill is timely under the ADA because comfort dogs fall outside service-animal protections, but still need training standards for public safety and consistency. Committee members questioned whether the bill was too detailed and whether the legislature should be setting rules on matters like training methods, diet, and breeding. Laura Barker of Hero Pups, who helped train New Hampshire’s first police comfort dog, supported the idea of a minimum standard but said the bill should be less prescriptive and should not interfere with therapy dogs or private handlers. She explained that comfort dogs vary in temperament and deployment needs, that raw diets raise zoonotic disease concerns, and that the program should remain voluntary and not cost the state money. Detective Michelle Jones of Portsmouth Police opposed the bill as written, saying the term “facility comfort dog” is confusing, the bill is overly restrictive, and some provisions go beyond what should be mandated by statute; she suggested a more flexible, guideline-based approach and noted that departments already have their own SOPs and can enforce them internally. Justin Brassen of the Manchester Police Department also testified, describing the history of comfort dog programs in New Hampshire and the work of a prior subcommittee formed through the governor’s commission on PTSD among first responders. He said there are currently no statewide standards and that the earlier study involved police, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and NAMI New Hampshire, with the goal of creating a thoughtful work product. He agreed the bill needs work and answered questions about how departments handle training and public access. By the end of the hearing, members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, and one committee member suggested the bill may be better handled through interim study because of the amount of work still needed.