Transcript Highlights:

• Texas State Board of Accountancy: Mr. Christopher G. Grant Coates, Fort Worth; Mr. James, Jamie D.
• Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners: Donna S. Guthrie, Belair.
• Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners: Donna S. Guthrie, Belair; Ms. Deborah J.
• Respectfully submitted, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas.
• President, I move that all remarks made for the election of the President pro tempore be reduced to writing

Summary: The Senate received a message from Governor Greg Abbott asking for the Senate’s advice, consent, and confirmation on several appointments, including nominees to the Texas State Board of Accountancy and the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners. The chamber also handled first reading and referral of Senate Bill 2 by Creighton and others, which would establish an education savings account program for K-16 education. The Senate adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to have all remarks made for the election of the President pro tempore reduced to writing and entered in the journal. No objection was heard to that motion. Finally, Senator Zaffirini moved that the Senate adjourn until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28. With no objection, the Senate adjourned as requested.

Transcript Highlights:

• ask the advice, consent, and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments: Texas
• Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners: Donna S. Guthrie, Belair.
• Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners: Donna S. Guthrie, Belair; Ms. Deborah J.
• Respectfully submitted, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas.
• President, I move that all remarks made for the election of the President pro tempore be reduced to writing

Summary: The Senate received a message from the Governor submitting appointments for advice, consent, and confirmation, including nominees to the Texas State Board of Accountancy and the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners. The Senate also read Senate Bill 2 by Creighton and others, which would establish an education savings account program for K-16 education, and referred it to committee. During the meeting, Senator Zaffirini offered a motion to have all remarks made for the election of the President pro tempore reduced to writing and entered into the journal. There was no objection, and the motion was adopted. The Senate then considered a motion to adjourn until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28. With no objection, the motion carried and the Senate adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ask the advice, consent, and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments: Texas
• Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners: Donna S. Guthrie, Belair.”
• Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners: Donna S. Guthrie, Belair; Ms. Deborah J.
• Respectfully submitted, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas. To nominations.
• President, I move that all remarks made for the election of the President pro tempore be reduced to writing

Bills: SB2

Summary: The Senate received a message from the Governor submitting appointments for advice, consent, and confirmation, including nominees to the Texas State Board of Accountancy and the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners. The chamber also read Senate Bill 2 by Creighton and others, which would establish an education savings account program for K-16 education, and referred it to committee. A motion by Senator Zaffirini was adopted without objection to have all remarks made for the election of the President pro tempore reduced to writing and entered in the journal. The Senate then considered and adopted a motion to adjourn. No votes were recorded on the appointments or the bill in this transcript. The Senate adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 28.

Transcript Highlights:

• So now, concerning the order of testimony, if there are elected officials that Now, concerning the order
• of testimony, if there are elected officials that show up to testify, we will take them out of order
• By way of example, we know that states like Texas and Louisiana have initiated civil and criminal cases
• Early last fall, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton demonstrated the danger.
• Margaret Carpenter, facing civil and criminal charges from Texas and Louisiana after allegedly being

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Steering and Policy held a public hearing on potential updates to Massachusetts’ 2022 Shield Law to strengthen protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care. Chair Cindy Friedman said the hearing was prompted by escalating federal and out-of-state threats, and testimony was sought on loopholes and clarifications involving emergency abortion care, limits on cooperation with outside investigations, protection of patient data, and safeguarding licenses of providers and attorneys involved in this care. The Attorney General’s Office, ACLU of Massachusetts, GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, Reproductive Equity Now, the Massachusetts Medical Society, TransHealth, and Health Imperatives all supported strengthening the law. Witnesses urged broader bans on sharing health data with hostile states, explicit AG enforcement authority, exclusion of reproductive and gender-affirming prescriptions from the prescription monitoring program, protections for electronic medical records, and allowing clinicians to use practice names on prescription labels. Several speakers also called for protections for parents of transgender youth, attorneys, and nonprofit organizations, and some raised related concerns about insurance discrimination and the burden of post-24-week abortion restrictions. Committee members asked questions about enforcement mechanisms, data privacy, patient consent, and how to balance interoperability with privacy protections in electronic records. Witnesses said the goal was to prevent immediate harm while preserving patient control and access to care. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed by inviting written testimony and then moved to adjourn the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and whereas officially designated on December 7, 1926, US Route 70 stretches for 289 miles from the Texas
• You know, the budget agreement was in place for the GA, and so we elected to run the GA.
• They elect us to be good stewards of their hard-earned money that belongs to them.
• Right here in election year, we're telling our people back home that we would rather say yes than no.
• Influence lobbyists have on basically writing the tax code for their clients.

Bills: HB3418, HB3985, HB3463, HB3002, HB4303, HB3919, HB3416, HB3417, HB3415, HB2206, HB3414, HB3265, HB3310, HB3413, HB4486, HB1219, SR39, SB1177, HB3298, HB2696, HB3941, HB3970, HB3264, HB3321, HB2650, HB3497, HB3980, HB3981, HB4421, HB3177, HB3322, HB3499, HB3500, HB3845, HB3742, HB3622, HB1250, HB2710, HB3831, HB4408, HB1002, HB3008, HB3086, HB3595, HB3678, HB4107, HB3695, HB3315, HB3590, HB3006, HB3151, HB2959, HB2398, HB3026, HB3467, HB4268, HB3372, HB2210, HB4359, HB4427

Keywords: public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust, electronic bidding, school districts, property rights, public nuisance, compensation claims, government enforcement, Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, municipal audit, state auditor, local government, financial transparency, gasoline tax allocations, counties, county officers, education

Transcript Highlights:

• We have, uh, Doctor Blake Harris from Texas Veterans Commission.
• , we know there are 254 counties in Texas.
• HB 4789 seeks to amend, uh, subchapter A, chapter 434 of the government code to require the Texas Veterans
• I'm the executive director of the, uh, Texas Veterans Commission.
• Accredited attorneys that are, that are here in Texas, that are based here in Texas, but any of those

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, a couple of weeks ago, we lost one of the last 22 code talkers.
• But it was also ruled unconstitutional by a federal court in Texas.
• Our elected officials, our school board members, are the ones that are elected, and I think that's where
• Our elected officials, our school board members, are the ones that are elected, and I think that's where
• The second reason is it would put— it takes elected officials that are then fining elected officials,

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2076, which would create a reimbursement program for school safety training and equipment, maintain an approved list of training programs meeting AZPOST standards, and allow eligible schools to adopt policies permitting certain employees to carry concealed firearms on campus if they complete approved training and meet notification/confidentiality requirements. The sponsor, Rep. Bliss, framed the bill as an optional, fiscally responsible medical-response measure meant to help school employees stop bleeding and save lives in emergencies, emphasizing that no school would be required to participate and that no new state appropriation was needed. Opponents, including Giffords, Arizona for Gun Safety, and the Arizona Education Association, argued the bill would normalize armed staff in classrooms, create confidentiality problems for parents and law enforcement, and expose students and staff to additional risk. They also said teachers are not trained as trauma responders and that the bill’s immunity and secrecy provisions could reduce accountability. Supporters, including Arizona Citizens Defense League and other proponents, said the bill adds guardrails to existing law, focuses mostly on first aid and de-escalation training, and gives schools an option to prepare staff for emergencies. After debate, the committee voted 6-5-1 to give HB 2076 a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 2830, which directs the State Board of Education to adopt science standards requiring instruction on fetal and prenatal development and specifies that the instruction is not sex education. Opponents, including the Arizona Education Association and Reproductive Freedom for All, said the bill politicizes science, creates fragmented instruction, and could lead to questions that inevitably touch on sex education while failing to address broader student health needs. Supporters, including Arizona Right to Life, a school board president, and a biology teacher, argued the bill is simply about age-appropriate, medically accurate science and parental transparency. The committee approved HB 2830 on an 8-4 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• These guys went down to the state of Texas and beat all the teams down there to win the Texas state championship
• Declare the vote 860 nay, having received 23 votes of those elected to and constituting the house.
• Declare the vote. 74 nays having received 2/3 vote of those elected to and constituting the House.
• Declare the vote. 2 nays having received 23 votes of those elected to and constituting the House.
• Declare the vote: 22 nays having received 23 votes of those elected to and constitute the House.

Bills: HR1055, SB2170, SB1833, SB1198, HR1056, SB1730, SB563, SB1379, SB1645, SB2155, SB1280, SB1455, SB1456, SB1461, SB1457, SB1463, SB1465, SB1466, SB1344, SB1309, HR1054, SB2159, SB1948, HB1371, SB1365, SB1976, SB1975, SB2026, SB1565, SB1621, SB237, SB933, SB1427, SB1642, SB171, SB1873, SB2067, SB1623, SB1771, SB1805, SB1826, SB2072, SB444, SB2184, SB1966, SB1812, SB2117, SB2135, SB330, SB1239, SB1428, SB1531, SB1484, SB1405, SB3

Keywords: Oklahoma Agriculture Day, agriculture, farmers, ranchers, agribusiness, food production, wheat, cattle, beef, dairy, soybeans, cotton, poultry, pork, rye, rural economy, urban-rural, trade, commodity production, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, in just a few days, they were sent to Texas. Uh, the father was able to return home.
• Texas. Texas.
• This happened in the morning, and by that evening the mother and the daughter were already in Texas.
• But just because this is DFL election fodder day that you want to come and bring some of these bills
• Representative Freiberg, yes. election fodder day that you want to election fodder day that you want

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In elections. SB 1320, Children, Incarcerated Parents Tax Force. Judiciary Elections.
• Judiciary elections. SB 1329, family court, professional personnel liability. Judiciary elections.
• Judiciary and Elections. SB 1344, permanent early voting list. Judiciary and Elections.
• SB 1392, governing body election, canvas access. Judiciary and Elections.
• Judiciary and Elections. SCR 1020, compensation, elective state officers.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the prior journal. Members then recognized several guest groups and proclamations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, the Arizona Society of CPAs, the Arizona Airports Association (with a proclamation designating Arizona Aviation Day), and students from Onyose Day Academy in Yuma for School Choice Week. Additional guest introductions included school choice and community advocates. The chamber then handled executive nominations and a long list of bill introductions and committee referrals. Measures covered a wide range of topics, including veterans’ property tax exemptions, ESA reporting and spending limits, public school communications requirements, sentencing and expungement, SNAP work and audit provisions, immigration-related restrictions, water and land issues, election law, domestic relations, health insurance and fertility coverage, and several education, transportation, and public safety proposals. The Senate also moved through second-reading consideration of numerous bills and resolutions, including measures on voting security, prison sentencing, weather modification, water supply, emergency shelters, rural health, reentry programs, and foreign contributions. A large portion of the floor time was taken up by personal privilege statements focused on human rights and immigration enforcement. Senators from both parties spoke about alleged abuses by federal immigration authorities, citing deaths and injuries in several states and calling for investigations, transparency, and an end to excessive force. Separate remarks also addressed a humanitarian crisis in Iran, with a resolution read in support of human rights and the Iranian people. The chamber recessed and later reconvened to continue reading bills and announcements. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken in the transcript beyond routine procedural actions, and the meeting ended with committee announcements and adjournment until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• They take time off work, spend money on gas, prepare for strict dress codes, all of which they can be
• I did say we take elected officials out of turn.
• Yes, again, taking our elected officials out of turn, we have Senator Liz Miranda. Hi, everybody.
• Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia, Texas. Let's do better than that.
• and vote in all elections that I could and still keep faith in the system.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security focused on several correction-related bills, including visitation reform, elder and medical parole, incarcerated persons’ human rights, and creation of an independent correctional oversight office. Vice Chair Christopher Worrell chaired the hearing in place of Chair Dan Cahill for much of the session and explained that the committee would first hear from incarcerated individuals remotely, then move to public testimony. The committee repeatedly enforced three-minute limits and accepted written testimony as well. Much of the testimony from incarcerated people emphasized that visitation is central to rehabilitation, family stability, and reentry, and that current DOC policies—visitor caps, pre-approval requirements, scheduling rules, dress-code enforcement, and restrictions on contact—have reduced family contact and caused harm. Several speakers argued that elderly and medically frail prisoners should be released through parole because incarceration is costly, ineffective, and inhumane for people who pose little public-safety risk. Others described poor prison conditions, limited programming, inadequate healthcare, segregation-like housing, and the impact of K2 use, suicides, and self-harm. Supporters of the oversight bill said an independent office is needed to address racial disparities, grievance failures, and lack of accountability within the DOC. A number of speakers tied their support to personal experiences, including alleged racial discrimination, denial of programs, and barriers to family visits. Some testified that rehabilitative programming, education, and restorative justice reduce violence and improve outcomes, while others said the DOC spends too little on programming and too much on punishment. Committee members asked a few follow-up questions, including about K2 contraband and how to reduce drugs in facilities, and one member asked about typical visitation lengths. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony on the bills and several witnesses urged favorable reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• in our elections.
• security elections improve our election security elections improve our election security um<00:21
• They move to Texas, I don't know. They move to Texas.
• or provincial elections or federal elections.
• or provincial elections or federal elections.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Safeguards our elections.
• It didn't pass because there was a presidential election. It was ready to pass.
• It didn't pass because there was a presidential election.
• Did you do this and you stay in Texas, or you fly to New York and you...
• It is being tested in the case of Texas and Iowa.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee took up SB 2-C, a major immigration enforcement bill sponsored by Senator Gruters and co-introduced by Senator Fine. Gruters described the measure as a broad crackdown on illegal immigration that would replace a single immigration officer with a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, create a $250 million grant program for local law enforcement, fund additional Department of Agriculture interdiction staff and facilities, expand pretrial detention for certain unauthorized immigrants, increase criminal penalties, require more cooperation with ICE, and eliminate in-state tuition eligibility for undocumented students. He and supporters framed the bill as a way to support law enforcement, deter illegal immigration, and align Florida with federal enforcement efforts. Committee questioning focused heavily on the bill’s education, detention, and enforcement provisions. Senators pressed Gruters and Fine on why the bill did not address employer sanctions or E-Verify, whether the tuition changes would affect students who had grown up in Florida, how sanctuary-policy enforcement would work, and whether the bill would create practical burdens for prosecutors, jails, and local officials. Gruters said he was open to working on E-Verify in regular session but not to amending this bill, and Fine argued the tuition repeal would apply to undocumented students who had qualified under existing law. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri testified in support, saying ICE bed capacity was still insufficient and that county jails needed more resources to honor detainers. Mark Schlachman of FSU Law offered historical context, noting prior state-federal cooperation efforts and warning of unintended consequences, while several public witnesses opposed the bill as unconstitutional, costly, and harmful to immigrant families and the economy. Opponents from the Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU of Florida, Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, Florida Policy Institute, AFL-CIO, and immigrant advocacy groups argued the bill would invite litigation, encourage racial profiling, harm the workforce and higher education, and punish law-abiding immigrants and their families. They emphasized that immigration is a federal matter, that K-12 education must be provided regardless of status, and that removing in-state tuition would reduce access to college and hurt Florida’s economy. Some speakers urged the committee to grandfather current students if the tuition waiver is repealed. The meeting ended with continued public testimony and no final vote reflected in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• **Chair**: Presenting for the agency is the Attorney General of Texas. Welcome!
• I ask that you continue to support them in the work that they do for Texas.
• Supreme Court against a dentist in North Texas.
• Supreme Court against a dentist in North Texas.
• I want businesses in Texas; I'm a total pro-business, free market.

Bills: SB 1

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

Transcript Highlights:

• That's more in alignment with Texas and Kansas and what they've done, and so we just want to be so...
• ...more in alignment with Texas and Kansas and what they've done.
• We have a republic process where elected officials such as you and I make decisions every day based on
• Are we taking that away from those folks that are elected by those counties, just like we're elected
• Be challenged repeatedly, undermining the authority of elected officials and creating uncertainty for

Bills: HB2989, HB3724, HB2992, HB3464, HB4246, HB3989

Keywords: high-demand facilities, electric utilities, public infrastructure, water management, taxpayer-funded subsidies, decommissioning plans, local control, citizen initiative, referendum, HB2992, Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, Corporation Commission, Oklahoma utilities, ratepayer protection, data centers, artificial intelligence computing, AI data centers, cryptocurrency mining, large load customer, electric rates

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants is gathering at the Capitol today for Texas
• Welcome to the Texas Senate. Thank you.
• So I'm very glad he came back to Texas, his roots.
• Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week.
• and certainly the Texas Senate.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard the daily invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, which authorizes the legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified period. The chamber then took up several recognitions, including Senate Resolution 8 honoring Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Advocacy Day, a recognition of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, a delegation from Dimmit County, and the doctor of the day, Dr. Hosey Hinojosa. The main floor business centered on Senate Resolution 15, commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust history, the rise of anti-Semitism, the importance of education, and solidarity with Israel. The resolution was adopted without objection, and Senator Bettencourt moved to add all senators’ names. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17, recognizing Sexual Assault Survivors Day, with remarks focused on the prevalence of sexual violence, underreporting, support for survivors, and the need for prevention and stronger systems of response. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 14 in memory of Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman highlighting his service and using the occasion to call for tougher measures against violent offenders. Additional resolutions SR 3, SR 4, SR 5, SR 6, SR 7, SR 11, and SR 12 were adopted together, and SR 54 granting permission for adjournment for more than three days was approved by a 31-0 roll call vote. The chamber also recognized Leadership Frisco Class No. 28 and later honored former Senator Dr. Joe J. Bernal and, upon adjournment, Sergeant Mark Allen Butler of the Navasota Police Department. The Senate adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Butler.

Transcript Highlights:

• of an elected official.
• Increasingly, we have seen characters who wield elected positions to gain who wield elected positions
• um when I was uh first elected um I after 22, I shouldn't say first elected, when I got redistricted
• We had lots of discussions about the WOOI code, and how much I despise the WOOI code, because when I
• You stood by me in that election.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants is gathering at the Capitol today for Texas
• So I'm very glad that he came back to Texas, his roots.
• Injosa to the Texas Senate as Doctor of the Day. Welcome. To the Texas Senate as Doctor of the Day.
• Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week.
• and certainly the Texas Senate.

Bills: SJR36

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, and then took up a series of recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups, including Texas Society of CPAs Advocacy Day, the Texas A&M System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, Dimmit County officials, the Doctor of the Day, and Leadership Frisco. Senators also recognized the Senate’s memorial and ceremonial guests throughout the day. The main floor business centered on two commemorative resolutions. Senate Resolution 15 marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust education, opposition to anti-Semitism and denial, remembrance of victims and survivors, and the importance of teaching students to stand up against hatred. The resolution was adopted, and the names of all senators and the lieutenant governor were added. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17 designating January 28 as Sexual Assault Survivors Day. Senator Parker described the prevalence and underreporting of sexual assault, the impact on survivors, and the need for prevention, support services, and stronger responses; Senator Cook spoke as a survivor and emergency room nurse and highlighted rape-kit backlogs and the need for victim support. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman urging action against violent offenders and stronger protections for law enforcement. Several additional resolutions were adopted, including SRs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, and SR 54 granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days was approved by roll call, 31 ayes and 0 nays. The Senate later adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Mark Allen Butler, whom Senator Kolkhorst also honored in remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• for college admissions in Texas.
• That's all good for Texas. It's good for businesses in Texas.
• from the Texas-Louisiana border to the Big Bend region of West Texas.
• And Texas Women's University.
• We'll have the Texas Tech system in as well as, uh, Texas State Technical College.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also allows an elected officer, except while serving as a legislator, the option to elect to
• I'm a Floridian that recently relocated from Texas.
• a governor and a lieutenant governor, so what would happen if the duly elected lieutenant governor elect
• So if we're eliminating one elected position, I guess essentially the lieutenant governor would be elected—why
• The lieutenant governor of Texas is arguably more important than the governor of Texas.

Summary: The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service, with the motion adopted and the confirmation recommended favorably. Members then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded actuarial liability, and allows certain elected officers to elect a DROP accumulation; a technical title amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably as a committee bill. The committee then heard extensive debate and public testimony on SB 1710, which would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion-related policies, trainings, and activities in state agencies, state-funded contractors and grantees, and medical institutions of higher education. Sponsor Senator DiCeglie said the bill is intended to prevent state agencies and contractors from using state funds for DEI programs and to limit state agencies from adopting DEI-related official positions; he also said the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s breadth and how it would affect health-related grants, public universities, historically Black institutions, recruitment, and contractor training. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and inclusion; a few supporters said DEI is ideological, can undermine merit, and should not be used by state agencies or publicly funded institutions. After debate, Senator Polsky argued the bill was confusing, overbroad, and harmful to serving diverse communities, while Senator Arrington said it was an overreach into private business and could have significant fiscal impacts. Chair Fine closed by saying DEI is political ideology and that the bill is meant to ensure government focuses on talent rather than identity. SB 1710 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote, with Senator Arrington voting no and the remaining members voting yes. The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, and heard the sponsor’s explanation of a delete-all amendment that would expand and clarify state restrictions on dealings with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, including certain nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, and grants; the amendment was adopted, and the sponsor and a witness began answering questions when the transcript cuts off.