Transcript Highlights:

• <02:40:30.720> of enforcement for any educator code of enforcement for any educator code of
• and found to have violated this section of this chapter, they shall be deemed to have violated the code
• and found to have violated this section of this chapter, they shall be deemed to have violated the code
• there would be a violation of the code there would be a violation of the code of<03:35:25.840>
• build What the original build is<03:44:48.640> is<03:44:48.960> the<03:44:49.279> asset

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee of conference spent most of its time on Senate Bill 96, which deals with educator conduct and when information may be withheld from parents. The main dispute was over the House-amended language on violations and the “compelling state interest” standard. The Senate sponsor objected to extending penalties to third-party medical or mental health contractors and to language suggesting psychological or emotional injury to a child would not constitute a compelling state interest. The House side argued its draft was intended to keep the bill focused on credentialed educators and administrators, to include parents or guardians, and to avoid creating competing standards by relying on existing abuse definitions in statute. The House also added a requirement that any withholding of information be documented and reported to the school board in nonpublic session, and both sides discussed whether educators, administrators, nurses, and guidance counselors would be covered under the statutory definition of educator. The discussion also covered enforcement and penalties. The House draft proposed that an educator found to have willfully violated the law could have a credential suspended for a first offense and would face a minimum one-year suspension for multiple offenses, while the Senate raised concerns that this was too rigid and did not allow enough discretion or address revocation. The House later explained that the department would still have discretion on first offenses and that the one-year rule applied only to multiple offenses. Another point of disagreement was a three-year statute of limitations for investigations, which the House said was meant to prevent “witch hunts,” while the Senate noted New Hampshire’s constitutional prohibition on retroactive laws. After caucusing, the Senate rejected the House amendment, and the House then voted non-concur; the committee of conference adjourned without agreement. The transcript then moved to Senate Bill 87, concerning one-day liquor license requirements and allowing salons and barber shops to obtain on-premise licenses. The members discussed a House amendment that would allow two drinks instead of one, with supporters saying the change reflected the longer time customers may spend in salons and that alcohol service would still be covered by existing training requirements, including the EDGE course. Opponents worried that allowing multiple drinks would create over-serving and enforcement problems and could complicate business practices. After discussion, the Senate member agreed to go along with the House position, and the bill was reported ready for final sign-off.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say most of the equalization formulas in the K-12 code do have fixed statutory factors.
• do have fixed statutory K12 code do have fixed statutory factors<00:10:42.880> um<00:10:43.839
• are coded also in chapter 126C, but not in that particular section.
• are coded also in chapter 126C, but not in that particular section.
• are coded also in chapter 126C, but not in that particular section.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're both amending this section 153 of the family code.
• child with an authorization agreement for non-parent adult caregivers under Chapter 34 of the Family Code
• In keeping with this principle, Texas Family Code Chapter 153 requires courts to prioritize the best
• So, we'll take her off the other building. Yeah, well, I'll ask her when she comes up.
• As you know, the Texas Estates Code uses the term certificate in a way that creates some unnecessary

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I don’t know what legislation or code set this up or how long we’ve been doing it.”
• “I mean, I don’t know what legislation or code set this up or how long we’ve been doing it, but this
• Awarded claims that have been referred to pursuant to Arkansas Code 19-10-215(b). Ms.
• And that's Arkansas Code 26-37-204(f). Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, ma'am.
• And that's Arkansas Code 26-37-204F. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, ma'am.

Summary: The committee first reviewed litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing involving wage claims brought under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act. Members questioned the department’s authority, jurisdiction, use of attorney fees and costs, and whether defendants had to be licensed. The department explained it has long enforced wage and overtime laws, that the claims were small-dollar cases handled by investigators and counsel, and that one case had been paid and dismissed while others were unresolved or had service issues. The committee voted to review or batch-file the labor cases after discussion. The University of Arkansas System then reported three pending lawsuits: an age- and race-discrimination claim by a tenured professor that was resolved early; an ADA/FMLA retaliation claim by a former employee that survived in part on a motion to dismiss and was moving into discovery; and a Section 1983 claim against a UAMS sergeant arising from a parking-ticket dispute, with the university explaining that only punitive damages could create personal exposure for the officer. The committee reviewed each report and voted to accept them. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000 and waiving interest and penalties, which the committee approved for review. The Claims Commission then presented several claims: an unpaid salary differential for a Department of Health employee, reissued warrants, unpaid DHS bills, and multiple negotiated settlements involving ATRS, UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT. Members approved or affirmed most of these items, including a $65,000 settlement in the Tetronics/ATRS matter, a $150,000 medical-negligence settlement, and several vehicle-accident settlements. The most extended debate involved a tax-delinquent property sale claim by Sharon Greer and relatives. The claimant argued they were not properly notified and sought the $4,200 excess from the 2009 sale. Land Commissioner counsel explained the excess had escheated to the county after the statutory claim period expired, while members debated sovereign immunity, standing, heirs, and whether the committee could or should award money anyway. The committee ultimately chose to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session rather than decide it immediately. The committee also heard appeals from dismissed claims, including a UAMS medical-negligence claim, a land-sale notice claim, a pothole claim against ARDOT, and a judicial-immunity claim against the Court of Appeals; most dismissals were affirmed, and the Simpson matter was held over for additional review after the claimant testified.

Transcript Highlights:

• “I mean, I don’t know what legislation or code set this up or how long we’ve been doing it, but this
• I thought I would just start by explaining that on these three, the reason we are here is Arkansas Code
• DHS provided funding codes that will be used, assuming this is approved and placed on an appropriations
• The funding codes provided in DHS's answer will be used then to reconcile everything.
• And that’s Arkansas Code 26-37-204(f). Senator Penzo, you’re recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• before the code change. before the code change.
• at each book like that's what state code at each book like that's what state code demands<00:50:
• received immediately after um the code received immediately after um the code was<00:57:42.960><
• Um administrative code certification.
• We wanted to follow um state code right.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so these policies are sometimes described as spending through the tax code.
• Uh you may hear these the tax code.
• And for wind, the most concentrated ZIP code would have about 14 installations.
• And for wind, the most concentrated ZIP code would have about 14 installations.
• The map on the Minnesota's zip codes.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is coded A5.
• The amendment is coded A5. Do otherwise. The amendment is coded A5.
• <00:05:24.560> Thank building uh to fix the languages.
• Thank building uh to fix the languages.
• That really does Building Commission.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• All these pillars are current commitments that are now codified as part of the Public Utilities Code.
• So the Public Utilities Code is codified and comes from Assembly bills, Senate bills.
• As the CPUC, we have the responsibility to implement what is statutory code on Public Utilities Code.
• As the CPUC, we have the responsibility to implement what is statutory code on Public Utilities Code.
• Maybe you have a lot of buildings around there.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) to examine its history, current operation, and possible future changes in California. Chair Tasha Berner said the hearing was prompted in part by AT&T’s 2023 request for relief from COLR obligations and by broader concerns about public safety, affordability, universal service, and access to modern broadband and telecommunications. The first panel featured a telecommunications expert who traced COLR back to universal service principles and explained how states have handled COLR differently, including full deregulation, limited rural obligations, or transition pathways tied to competition and customer protections. Members asked about affordability, federal and state processes for service withdrawal, and whether COLR remains necessary given modern competition. CPUC staff then described California’s COLR framework, explaining that universal service rests on access, reliability/quality, and affordability, and that COLR requires carriers to provide basic service, including voice-grade calling, 911 access, relay services, and Lifeline. Staff said AT&T’s application sought relief in nearly all of its territory, but no replacement COLR came forward during the proceeding, and public participation hearings drew thousands of comments and strong concern from rural and vulnerable customers. The CPUC outlined its ongoing rulemaking to reconsider whether the 1996 COLR rules and 2012 basic-service definition still fit current conditions, with workshops and public hearings scheduled and a proposed decision expected later in the year or into 2026. Members pressed staff on geographic outreach, wireless coverage, whether broadband can be part of basic service, public safety during wildfires, and what reporting and complaint processes currently exist. In the final panel, industry and public-interest witnesses sharply disagreed. A U.S. Telecom representative argued COLR is outdated, costly, and copper-focused, and said reform should allow technology-neutral alternatives such as wireless, fiber, and satellite while preserving reliable voice and emergency access. The CPUC Public Advocates Office countered that COLR remains a necessary public safeguard, especially for rural and low-income customers, and argued that any transition should maintain or improve service, with public benefits such as broadband investment and continued protections for 911, disability access, and affordability. Committee members focused on the difference between an obligation to serve everyone and a mere option to serve, and on whether the Legislature should provide clearer guidance as the CPUC’s rulemaking moves forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the policy strategist with power CA action and a proud co-sponsor of SB We work to build youth power
• SB 316 ensures that no matter your zip code, you can participate.
• Building, well, thank you, members, let me start by accepting the amendments as outlined in the analysis
• The state's election code with the provisions of Prop 218 and other authorizing statutes, bringing much
• On behalf of the Self-Help Counties Coalition, and the State Building and Construction Trades Council

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment reflects as well, the appropriate code section.
• amendment reflects as well, the appropriate code section.
• 61-7-4(e) of this code.
• It's in code section itself is 61-7-7, subparagraph C, new subdivision 5.
• 61-7-4(e) of this code.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• services and building out strong partnerships<00:08:53.200> across<00:08:53.519> the<00
• This bill establishes a two-code rate methodology to supplement the current reimbursement.
• 01:05:05.599> methodology<01:05:06.319> to a two code rate methodology to a two code rate
• <01:09:50.319> Um, proposes that two code methodology.
• Um, proposes that two code methodology.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Johns County because we did not have a clearance code for e-bike specifically.
• It basically takes the best of adjusted-score design-build and the best of phase design-build and kind
• Recently, you provided funding to replace the big operations building.
• That building was over 90 years old and had serious flooding issues.
• Railroads are very, very expensive to build, much more expensive than roads.

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement, focusing on e-bikes and e-scooters. Sheriff Robert Hardwick and Chief Jamie Cruz described serious injuries involving children, including crashes at high speeds, and argued that current law is outdated because it folds e-bikes into the bicycle statute. They urged a separate statewide framework with clearer age limits, licensing or training requirements, helmet rules, and penalties for modifying devices to go faster. Both also emphasized that parents should bear responsibility and that enforcement should include education, progressive discipline, and, if needed, civil citations. FDOT District 6 Secretary Daniel Iglesias and DHSMV representative Lonnie Groner said their agencies are prioritizing education, outreach, and better data collection. They noted that micromobility devices are increasingly common, create safety and accessibility issues on sidewalks and shared-use paths, and are difficult to track because crash reports often do not identify them consistently. Members discussed whether motorized devices should be barred from sidewalks, whether riders should be licensed and insured, and how enforcement could be made uniform statewide. The panel also said manufacturers have not been meaningfully engaged and that local approaches vary widely. The committee then heard 2026 legislative priorities from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and DHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. Perdue outlined FDOT’s large five-year work program, ongoing congestion-relief projects, investments in ports, airports, rail, workforce, heavy equipment, facilities, and cybersecurity, and the need to do more with flat revenues. Kerner summarized DHSMV’s agency bill priorities, including requiring a Florida address and proof of residence for vehicle registration, updating identification requirements, aligning tank vehicle and motor carrier rules with federal standards, improving IFTA administration, raising the crash-report damage threshold, and allowing electronic notices. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this builds on Florida statute. 3, 80 9.33.
• Bar code 2, 5, 3, 3, 6, 2, >> Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Chairman this amendment changes references of DP to Dbpr as this agency oversees Florida building code
• code.
• At the Green Building Initiative.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You all ought to legislate from this beautiful pink building in which you sit with your colleagues in
• Dean Audier has been fantastic. actually gave up his chambers, gave us a corner of the building, so we
• Code of Criminal Procedure. more, what do you, and this may be way down in the weeds, but what do you
• see as the unique rule of 17.09 versus 17.151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure with regard to this.
• It was where the administrative offices were in the middle of the building.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• building department. tied to a failed building purchase that was supposed to be for the building department
• I've been building homes there since 1990.
• misused, and funds are being diverted for areas of operation outside of supporting the building code
• One of the things that Representative Gene Lombardo did speak about was that building fund or the building
• department, and if funds are being diverted to non-building code-related issues, it makes it difficult

Summary: The Legislative Auditing Committee heard several local-government audit requests and unanimously approved each one. The first item was Baker County, where county commissioners asked for an operational and financial audit because of repeated late audits, concerns about the finance office, and lack of confidence in county financial reporting. The county clerk supported an audit but argued it should be countywide and include all constitutional officers; she also described a dispute over access to the county finance system and pending litigation. After brief questions, the committee adopted a 9-0 motion directing the Auditor General to perform an operational audit of Baker County’s financial operations and records, with scope to be finalized during the audit. The committee then approved an audit request for the Concord Estates Community Development District in Osceola County. Senator Arrington said residents alleged excessive board compensation, large unexplained spending, missing financial reports, and refusal to provide records or hold open meetings. Residents and a board member testified about rising assessments, deteriorating amenities, and lack of transparency. The committee voted 10-0 to direct an operational audit of the CDD. It also approved, by 10-0 votes, operational audits of the town of Melbourne Beach, based on allegations of fiscal and operational improprieties and lawsuits that had cost the town more than $150,000, and the city of Apalachicola, where Senator Simon said longstanding water utility failures, grant issues, and consent-order problems warranted review. The final request was for a financial and operational audit of Cape Coral’s Building Department. Representative G. Lombardo said building-fee revenues appeared to be transferred for non-building purposes, permit processing was inconsistent, and the department relied heavily on a private firm while the building official had prior ties to that firm. Industry representatives testified that building funds were being diverted, service levels were suffering, and private-provider inspections were not always reflected in fee reductions. The committee adopted the motion 10-0. After completing all agenda items, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the current code. the current code.
• <00:11:40.079> House in the code. Very important bill. House in the code.
• <02:05:00.960> the reporting discrepancy builds the reporting discrepancy builds the confidence
• probably over even even a fire code probably over even even a fire code restriction.<02:28:14.800
• the building blocks for the to create the building blocks for the redistricting<02:53:52.240> process

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to providing for state assistance to local government for the enforcement of fire prevention and building
• codes.
• as many of us know, we did a really important package a couple of years back, but, you know, the building
• codes and so many parts of our state are outdated.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Insurance met on February 9, 2026, with several members present and voting sheets used to constitute a quorum. The committee considered a nine-bill agenda covering a range of insurance-related issues, including risk retention groups and commuter vans, prescription drug supply chain transparency and PBM regulation, diabetes and pre-diabetes screening coverage, prescription drug rebates passed through at point of sale, state assistance for local fire code enforcement, independent adjuster licensing, homeowner natural disaster preparedness courses, and insurance reimbursement for vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccination reimbursement. Most of the bills were moved without substantive debate and were reported from committee, with Senator Helming frequently recorded as “without rec.” Senate Print 3212, relating to state assistance for local enforcement of fire prevention and building codes, was moved but referred to the Finance Committee rather than reported. Senate Print 5049, sponsored by Senator Bailey, was described as broadly supported by industry and the Department of Financial Services and was reported. The vaccination reimbursement bills, Senate Print 5852 and Senate Print 334, were also reported, as were the remaining measures on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a time to fully implement the measure and build upon it.
• Together we can seize this opportunity to build a system where dignity, respect, and quality of life
• evacuation and safety procedures and comply with the National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code
• , that is NFPA 101, and health care facilities code.
• NFPA 101 and health care facilities code.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Committee on Aging and Independence heard testimony on a package of long-term care and elder care bills focused on building on the state’s 2024 long-term care reform law (Chapter 197). Richard Moore of Dignity Alliance urged favorable action on the bills as a “long-term care 2.0” effort, arguing they would strengthen the workforce, protect residents’ rights, improve clinical quality, and increase transparency and sustainability in nursing homes and other facilities. He also raised concerns about staffing funds not reaching direct care workers and suggested further oversight of how appropriated money is spent. Patricia Crispy of the American Nurses Association testified in support of House Bill 766, which would require at least one registered nurse with full voting rights on the board of directors or trustees of every acute care hospital and nursing home. She and the bill’s sponsor, Representative Vanado, said nurses’ clinical expertise and 24/7 presence make them valuable contributors to governance and patient safety. Committee members asked whether the bill would cover assisted living and how many facilities already have nurse board members; the witness said she would provide more data and clarify the assisted living question. Senator Lovely testified on two bills: Senate 479, which would expand transparency and accountability in long-term care by tightening fire safety, smoking, hearing-loss, and ownership disclosure requirements, adding advocacy groups to an advisory committee, and increasing penalties; and Senate 480/House 795, which would require single-occupancy rooms in nursing homes unless residents consent to share, to improve privacy and reduce infection spread. Deborah De Benedictus also testified in support of House 759, describing her father’s experience in assisted living and arguing for the use of cameras in elder care facilities to monitor care and deter neglect. The committee discussed privacy concerns, notification rules, and the need for honest staffing and care practices, and then adjourned without taking any recorded votes or formal actions in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• trust between the be able to build trust between the be able to build trust between the police and the
• all these nice why we building all these nice why we building all these nice prism so so people can
• and and actually the sub different code and and actually the sub different code and and actually the
• and it's section 3288 4 existing code and it's section 3288 4 existing code and it's section 3288 4
• section with me I didn't anticipate code section with me I didn't anticipate code section with me I

Bills: HCR 21, HCR 22, HCR 23, HCR 24, HCR 25, HCR 26, HCR 27, HCR 31, HCR 41, HCR 42, HCR 43, HCR 44, HCR 45, HCR 52, HCR 53, HCR 66, HCR 67, HCR 73, HR 8, HR 10, HR 13, HR 20, HR 21, HR 50, HR 59, HR 61, HR 71, HR 74, HR 79, HR 84, HR 86, HR 90, HR 91, HR 102, HR 103, HR 107, HR 113, HR 125, HR 126, HR 132, HR 142, HR 145, HR 149, HR 150, HR 152, HR 167, HR 179, HR 181, HR 183, HR 186, HR 192, HR 196, HR 199, HR 207, HR 211, HR 212, HR 213, HR 216, HR 249, HR 256, HR 259, HR 261, HR 263, HR 272, HR 281, HR 285, HR 294, HR 295, HR 300, HR 305, HR 311, HR 313, HR 315, HR 316, HR 323, HR 331, HR 339, HR 340, HR 346, HR 349, HR 352, HR 357, HR 358, HR 360, HR 363, HR 374, HR 377, HCR 20, HCR 28, HCR 30, HCR 32, HCR 49, HR 14, HR 15, HR 19, HR 23, HR 24, HR 25, HR 26, HR 27, HR 29, HR 47, HR 48, HR 55, HR 56, HR 66, HR 85, HR 92, HR 93, HR 95, HR 96, HR 140, HR 155, HR 164, HR 204, HR 241, HR 242, HR 250, HR 253, HR 260, HR 262, HR 265, HR 279, HR 310, HR 312, HR 328, HR 332, HR 359, HR 362, HR 367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award