Transcript Highlights:

• And so I think today's hearing is particularly important.
• There was the attorney, yes, the attorney—can you hear me?
• I know this has been a long hearing.
• Thank you for this hearing.
• Thank you for this hearing.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first bill that we're going to hear is 2793. The last one that we'll be hearing is 2144.
• Chairman, for hearing it this afternoon and for hearing it first this afternoon.
• Can you hear? Really, it's not working? Yeah, good.
• Like you can hear it.
• my daughter's testimony at one of the ad hoc hearings.

Committee: Senate Senate Federalism and Family Law Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2793, which would let cities and towns expedite annexations when 100% of the affected property owners request it, and would modernize notice requirements by allowing electronic newspaper publication and a single on-site notice for small single-parcel annexations. Buckeye supported the bill as a way to streamline uncontested annexations and reduce delay and cost, while a senator raised concerns based on a recent contentious Tucson annexation and the speed of public notice. The committee voted 4-3 to give HB 2793 a do pass recommendation. Members then considered HB 2041, which would prohibit a parent, guardian, or custodian from being found to have abused or neglected a child solely because poverty prevented them from providing supervision, clothing, food, shelter, or medical care. Child welfare advocates supported the bill as a step toward decriminalizing poverty, while another witness argued it did not go far enough because it still allowed investigations based on poverty. Several members said they supported the concept but wanted further changes, and the bill passed 4-3. The committee also approved HB 2239, creating a child care grant program and infrastructure fund at DES to expand access in underserved areas; testimony from child care providers and parents emphasized shortages, workforce challenges, and the need for facilities, and the committee adopted an amendment adding tax credit language and eligible applicants before passing the bill 6-0 with one not voting. HB 2321, requiring DCS to place a credit freeze on a child’s credit report when the child enters care, passed 7-0 without testimony. HB 2371, allowing consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration and adding an amendment on therapeutic interventions and expert testimony in parenting cases, drew concerns about using AI for binding family-law decisions and about the amendment’s relevance; it passed 4-3. HB 2594, strengthening protections for participants in the address confidentiality program in family-law matters and sealing related voter records, received strong support from a witness describing repeated attempts by an ex-partner to obtain a protected address and passed 7-0 after amendment. HB 2661, requiring DCS to inform parents under investigation that they may delegate temporary guardianship and, as amended, limiting additional documentation requirements, passed 4-3 despite concerns that it gave too much discretion to parents accused of abuse or neglect.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will lay out each bill and hear from invited I do witnesses and then take up and hear all public testimony
• well I I have hearing aids and I have a hard time hearing higher frequencies and so I don't want somebody
• So I'm not surprised to hear you say that.
• Hearing none, the motion. Motion is adopted.
• Hearing none, it is so ordered.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to be hearing a little bit from a welcome.
• And we hear so often that a lot of them, like you said, are taking on these adjunct professors, hear
• I don't hear from you at all. I don't hear from cities and towns at all. I hear from students.
• I hear from schools. I don't hear from you.
• So I'm hearing you say trash, which I hear the gas transportation is almost like utilities, but I got

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public hearing in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 budget for education and local aid. Opening remarks from Senator Pavel Payano, Representative Pat Duffy, and local leaders emphasized the importance of education funding for Lawrence and other Gateway Cities, with Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero highlighting the city’s high-need student population, Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, early college and career pathways, and the need for sustained support to close achievement gaps. The Education Secretariat testified in support of the budget, with Acting Secretary Amy Kershaw outlining investments in early literacy, universal pre-K, student mental health, school meals, high school redesign, higher education affordability, and early childhood systems. Commissioner Noi Ortega described higher education proposals including expanded free community college, continued free tuition at public four-year institutions, student success funding, early college and dual enrollment investments, and the Bright Act and Drive Act. Commissioner Pedro Martinez detailed K-12 proposals such as full Student Opportunity Act funding, increased Chapter 70 aid, special education circuit breaker funding, transportation aid, literacy initiatives, and a new Accelerating Achievement Initiative aimed at schools with the greatest needs. Commissioner Kershaw also described early education proposals including funding for C3, child care financial assistance, CPPI, workforce supports, and administrative funding restoration. Committee members questioned the administration about the pending local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to address health care and other cost drivers in school funding. Officials said the local contribution report is expected by the end of June and that a draft will be shared for public comment after data analysis is complete. Members also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities between districts and urged a broader review of the formula. In response, the commissioners said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but further work is needed, and they pointed to the new achievement initiative, literacy efforts, and early college expansion as ways to improve outcomes. No votes were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we sure appreciate hearing from Senator Hagen-Booe, and we also want to hear from Representative
• And I got to hear Becky when she was 12 give public testimony at Chairman Dutton's hearing, where she
• So now, you will get to hear from Becky. Thank you. Thank you.
• Next, you will hear from Linda Whitman.
• They want to hear from you. Yeah, that's. It. Okay, thank you.

Keywords: special education, funding gap, dyslexia, House Bill 2, Senate Bill 568, House Bill 3928, disability penalty

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on special education funding, with significant discussions around House Bill 2 (HB2), Senate Bill 568 (SB568), and House Bill 3928 (HB3928). Key speakers advocated for increased funding to close the estimated $1.7 billion annual gap that affects special education in Texas public schools. Several witnesses, including educators and students affected by dyslexia, provided personal testimonies about the impact of insufficient funding and the disability penalty, which penalizes schools financially for identifying students needing special education services. The committee demonstrated a strong commitment to advocate for changes that would improve special education resources and training for teachers, thereby ensuring that all Texas children receive the educational support they need to thrive.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bring the hearing to order. This hearing is for the Joint Committee on Public Health.
• until 1:45 to start the second hearing, just in case you're here for the second hearing as well.
• We have two hearings today.
• , at which point, once that's concluded, we will adjourn that hearing and pick up the second hearing
• The second hearing, after a short break, will begin at 1:45 p.m., and we'll hear the rest of the bills

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing. There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hear from part-time faculty who are effectively working We hear from part-time faculty who are effectively
• We'll now hear from any witnesses. Thank you. We'll now hear from any witnesses in opposition.
• And I hear you. It doesn't matter who it would have... I hear you.
• We'll now hear from those in opposition.
• I've said on many bills before how important it is, for me, to hear from CTA on these bills, to hear

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a few announcements as we begin today's hearing.
• It would be limited to trials, preliminary hearings, or motions to suppress.
• Because I don't hear you saying this will be a travesty of justice.
• Because I don't hear you saying this will be a travesty of justice.
• Because I don't hear you saying this will be a travesty of justice.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Public speaking during public hearings.
• ,</c> committee meetings and hearings, committee meetings and hearings, including<00:02:32.879><c> periods
• Just so everyone have a public hearing.
• So anyway, public hearings.
• Thank you'all for hearing me out. say. Thank you'all for hearing me out.

Bills: HB61 , HB176 , SB12

Committee: House Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we hear this, Madam Chair, we hear this BS story about air gapping.
• Well, we hear this, Madam Chair, we hear this BS story about air gaping.
• This is opening week, and so I expect we will hear from her.
• service-related hearing loss.
• I'm chair for hearing it in committee today.

Summary: The committee began with lengthy testimony and affidavits criticizing the Arizona State Bar, with speakers alleging selective discipline, due process problems, and retaliation against attorneys who take controversial cases. Committee members questioned the witnesses and discussed whether the bar and court system properly oversee attorney discipline, but no action was taken on that testimony. The committee then considered several election-related bills. SB 1037 would impose stricter security requirements on voting and tabulating equipment, including no internet access, tamper-proof seals, chain-of-custody documentation, nonstop video at accounting centers, and criminal penalties for violations; it passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1038 would require rapid public release of cast vote records, but an amendment changed the timing and transmission process; the amended bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1040 would expand public access to voter registration rolls through an internet portal and a read-only format; it also passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee next approved SB 1039, which would allow attorneys who prevail in bar discipline matters to seek damages for reputational harm and lost earnings; it passed 4-2 with one not voting after extensive discussion about bar procedures, interim suspension, and whether attorneys can practice while under investigation. SB 1053, reducing concealed carry permit fees for Arizona residents, passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1057, requiring ballot paper fraud-countermeasure features, also passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1060, removing a voting exemption for U.S. citizens who have never resided in the United States, passed 3-2 with two not voting. The committee then heard SB 1061, which would lower the fentanyl threshold for enhanced sentencing from 200 grams to 9 grams; testimony focused on whether the bill would sweep in users as well as dealers, but the transcript ends before a vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will hear from Dr. Sarah Giddings and Dr. Kim Prather. health concerns. We will hear from Dr.
• We'll then conclude this hearing with a public comment period.
• And so I'm looking forward to hearing from the panelists and And so I'm looking forward to hearing from
• What we as leaders in South Bay have been hearing for years.
• And can you hear me? Okay.

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Environmental Quality/Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials informational hearing focused on the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis, with members from both parties emphasizing that the problem is long-running, cross-border, and severe enough to require federal, state, local, and binational action. Opening remarks described the crisis as an environmental and public health emergency affecting beaches, air and water quality, marine life, tourism, and residents’ quality of life in South Bay communities. Assembly Member Boerner and Senator Jones both stressed the need for continued funding and cooperation, while Senator Padilla said the issue is underappreciated because of where it occurs but has major public health, economic, and educational consequences. Congressman Mike Levin’s office reported more than $650 million in federal funding secured for infrastructure and cleanup, along with federal legislation and requests for CDC and EPA involvement. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre gave a detailed overview of county efforts and the scope of the crisis, citing decades of sewage flows from Tijuana, nearly four years of beach closures, and the county’s expanded water-quality monitoring. She said the county is pursuing warning signs, an air purifier distribution program, an epidemiological study, soil testing, an economic impact study, and a feasibility analysis to remove the “hot spot” near Saturn Boulevard, which she described as a key local source of airborne pollution. She also pointed to binational funding for treatment plant upgrades and said the county is seeking state support, including from Proposition 4 cross-border river funds, to expand relief and mitigation efforts. Scripps researchers Dr. Sarah Giddings and Dr. Kimberly Prather presented scientific findings on water and air transport. Giddings described a high-resolution forecast model that predicts wastewater movement and beach closure risk up to five days ahead, using real-time observations and showing about 72% accuracy against county measurements. Prather said the main exposure route is through air, not just water, and reported that turbulence at the river hot spot aerosolizes pollutants, with hydrogen sulfide and other gases spiking at night and dropping when river flow is diverted. She said the team has identified thousands of gases and linked measurements closely to odor complaints, while also noting that air purifiers can reduce indoor exposure but are not a permanent solution. Dr. Paula Stigler Granados added that community health surveys and CDC assessments show widespread symptoms, sleep disruption, anxiety, and daily life impacts, especially during nighttime odor events. She said her team has found more than 900 contaminants in river water and 106 chemicals uniquely associated with the Saturn Boulevard hot spot, with passive air sampling showing similar chemical fingerprints in nearby homes. The panel discussion ended with questions about standards and accountability, and witnesses and legislators agreed that the crisis requires updated air-quality standards, more health research, and continued coordination to reduce exposure and address the source of pollution.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the time set for the hearing on the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, and House Revenue Tax
• Chairman, I'm sure that that's probably more than you wanted to hear.
• We have budget hearings and so forth.
• “Seeing none, we will close our public testimony portion of the hearing.
• You're going to hear the same people.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been a balanced hearing. Or listening session, excuse me. Yeah, Jerry, we did.
• We think a really easy way to do that is to hold hearings.
• We had a good hearing.
• And we hear time and again, we just need a tax to fix this. But it never stops.
• , but they are hearing opposite bills in the House Appropriations Committee last night.

Summary: Senate and House Republican leaders used the media availability to focus heavily on affordability and to criticize a newly unveiled Democratic income tax proposal. Leaders John Braun, Drew Stokesbary, and others argued the bill would function as a broader income tax, harm small and medium-sized businesses, include a marriage penalty, deny loss carryforwards, and ultimately raise costs for Washington residents. They also said the proposal would do little to offset regressive taxes and would not meaningfully improve affordability. In response to questions, they said the bill was a non-starter for Republicans and warned it could contribute to business and household outmigration. Republicans also highlighted a range of other bills they said would increase costs or worsen public safety, including proposals related to insurance, tires and 6PPD, textiles, local taxes, social media, cigarettes, and solid waste. They criticized housing-related bills on homelessness and camping near schools and parks, saying they could limit local control and expose cities to lawsuits. On public safety, they said Democratic leaders were not advancing Republican-backed bills on sexually violent predators, family safety, and related issues. Braun also said his bill on oversight of NGOs and suspected fraud had a good hearing and remained a priority, while Republicans said they were watching fraud-related bills and a SNAP-related bill on restricting purchases of unhealthy foods. The leaders said they were holding listening sessions on the initiatives because they believe the legislature must give them precedence, and they said they invited both supporters and opponents to participate. They also discussed Senate Bill 602 on automated license plate readers, saying it had bipartisan support in committee but still faced concerns from cities, counties, and law enforcement. On the governor’s statement that he could not support the income tax proposal as written, Republicans said it showed there may be room for negotiation within the Democratic side, but they doubted Republicans would be included in those talks. No votes were taken during the media availability.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted to announce that we will be holding a joint Health and Human Services SMART Act hearing
• I hear they're going long this morning. Thank you. library for our smart act hearing.
• We'll library for our smart act hearing.
• </c><00:39:22.880><c> I</c><00:39:23.119><c> hear</c> keep an eye on the Senate.
• I hear keep an eye on the Senate.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's begin with the public hearing.
• Would you like to hear it?
• That concludes the public hearing on House Bill 2323.
• And we will open up the public hearing on House Bill 2096, and we'll hear a briefing from Sandy Meyer
• Seeing none, with that, we'll close the public hearing on House Bill 2096 and open up the public hearing

Bills: HB2096 , HB2134 , HB2323

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: confidential identification, investigators, attorney general, security, law enforcement, transportation planning, greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles traveled, regional planning organizations, environmental policy, blue envelope program, healthcare, patient privacy, state laws, medical records, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am now in my fourth contested case hearing against hearing, and the current one is with GBRA, which
• Hearing none, motion is adopted.
• Hearing none. Motion is adopted.
• Hearing none, motion is adopted.
• Hearing none, motion is adopted. Members, thank you for being here today. Important hearing.

Bills: HB2018 , HB1633 , HB1689 , SB612 , SB3058

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Keywords: agricultural conservation, land preservation, environmental protection, wildlife habitat, Texas Farm and Ranch, groundwater conservation district, Texas Water Code, water permit, permit amendment, groundwater permit, water rights, aquifer, well registration, exempt wells, beneficial use, water conservation, groundwater quality, well plugging, Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, surface water resources

Summary: The Senate Water, Agriculture, Rural Affairs Committee heard several bills focused on groundwater management, water infrastructure, and agricultural land conservation. SB 612 would limit certain water districts in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties from charging developers pipeline construction fees above actual, documented costs; the committee substitute removed a developer challenge mechanism to preserve district discretion over construction standards. HB 1633 would require groundwater conservation districts to consider registered exempt wells when reviewing or amending permits, and testimony from landowners, district representatives, and advocacy groups largely supported the bill as a way to protect domestic and livestock wells from drawdown caused by large export projects. HB 1689 would clarify that export fee revenues may be used for well operability, alternative water supplies, and aquifer monitoring, including through interlocal cooperation, and HB 3058 would give the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District authority to use export fees for county road improvements and environmental programs tied to well inspection and groundwater management. HB 2018 would clarify that the Texas Farm and Ranchland Conservation Program is intended to purchase conservation easements only on working agricultural lands, with support from cattle raisers and Farm Bureau representatives. The committee also considered HB 29, which would require large water systems to validate water loss audits and submit mitigation plans; a committee substitute removed the water-loss threshold and adjusted the timeline for more detailed validation. Public testimony on the bills was generally supportive, with several witnesses describing declining well levels, road damage from export projects, and the need to preserve agricultural land and local water supplies. The committee adopted committee substitutes and voted favorably on HB 29, HB 1689, HB 2018, SB 612, and SB 3058, recommending several of them for the local and uncontested calendar; HB 1633 was left pending awaiting a committee substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, will we vote on those two public hearings today?
• They did not have any public hearings. They did nothing other than... hearings.
• I mean, there were no public hearings, nothing.
• Kelly before we get to the public hearing? Yes, sir. I'll just wait until we do the public hearing.
• Well, we'll start the public hearing then. Everybody, We'll start the public hearing then.

Bills: HB352 , HB366 , SB272 , SB296

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Keywords: HB352, cotton, cotton bale assessment, cotton levy, cotton producers, agriculture, forestry, Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, per bale fee, commodity assessment, producer referendum, cotton sales tax, Alabama Code 2-8-199, cotton commission, agricultural funding, HB366, Lakyn Canine Act, police dog, K9, K-9

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, you didn't hear me first? Okay. No, no. Got it. Thank you.
• Hearing and seeing none. I want to bring it back to the committee.
• Primary witness in opposition, hearing and seeing none. In opposition, hearing and seeing none.
• Hearing and seeing none. Any primary witnesses in opposition to this bill? Seeing and hearing none.
• Hearing and seeing none. Mr.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met and announced that, under its suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense because each had a fiscal impact. The chair also reminded attendees to submit position letters in advance for inclusion in the bill analysis. A quorum was established and the committee then heard six bills, all of which drew support testimony and no opposition testimony in the room. AB 814 would exempt law enforcement pensions from state income tax to encourage retired peace officers to remain in California and support recruitment and retention. AB 918 would create a targeted income tax exemption for pay earned by local first responders deployed under mutual aid during declared emergencies, with supporters saying it would help sustain disaster response and reward extraordinary service. Both bills were backed by police and public safety organizations and were referred to suspense. AB 976 would create a nonrefundable tax credit for small retailers in disadvantaged communities to help pay for security equipment in response to retail theft and violence; members discussed whether the bill should be broader and how it related to Proposition 36 and crime policy. AB 984 would allow state tax deductions for contributions to CalABLE accounts, with testimony from CalABLE representatives and families describing the program as an essential savings tool for people with disabilities. AB 1282 would create a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses up to $5,000 through 2030, and AB 838 would raise California’s renter’s tax credit from $60/$120 to $2,000 for eligible filers. Each of these bills was also referred to the suspense file, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You and one another, seeking to hear, not just be heard.
• The chair hears none. The rules are suspended.
• Chair hears none. The resolution is adopted. Objection, the chair hears none. So ordered. 727 Mr.
• The chair hears none. The resolution is adopted.
• Chair hears none.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to call the August 25th, 2026 hearing of the Assembly Elections Committee to order.
• I'd like to call the August 25th, 2026 hearing of the Assembly Elections Committee to order.
• If members of the committee are monitoring this hearing, please come to Room 444. Room 127.
• this hearing online.
• When we hear the bill on the agenda, we will hear from a maximum of two primary witnesses in support

Bills: SB259

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: online pricing, consumer protection, data privacy, Fair Online Pricing Act, geolocation data, input data regulation, 988, house, all