Transcript Highlights:

• They play a critical role in identifying needs early, connecting students to services, and preventing
• We know that early intervention in schools can help prevent more costly outcomes. ...health needs.
• We know that early intervention in schools can help prevent more costly outcomes, including emergency
• Was it—did they, like, did it carry tape measures or something?
• And so if that's the case, just making sure that we're not letting any bad actors prevent citizens from

Bills: SB231

Keywords: school social workers, salary supplement, LCSW, mental health, education funding, Delaware Code, certification, professional standards

Summary: The House Administration Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 231, which would extend the existing 6% salary supplement for school-based mental health professionals with advanced credentials to school social workers who hold licensed clinical social worker credentials and have passed the national exam. The bill sponsor and multiple witnesses described school social workers as essential to student mental health, crisis response, attendance, and family support, and argued the measure corrects an oversight and inequity in the current salary supplement structure. Public testimony was uniformly supportive, and the committee voted to release the bill. The committee then heard Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 212, a constitutional amendment to protect the rights to hunt, fish, and trap. Supporters, including sportsmen’s groups and individual residents, said the amendment would preserve longstanding traditions, support wildlife management, and guard against future threats to hunting and trapping. An opposing witness argued there was no current threat in Delaware and said the Constitution should not be used to protect trapping or elevate hunting and trapping over other wildlife management approaches. Despite the opposition, the committee voted to release the substitute bill. Finally, the committee took up Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 284, the First State Emergency Response Act, which would create a 25-foot buffer around first responders at emergency scenes after warning, with misdemeanor penalties for knowingly entering or remaining in the zone to interfere with duties. Supporters said the bill would protect police, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics from interference, while opponents from the ACLU and the Office of Defense Services raised concerns about vague terms, potential First Amendment impacts, enforcement clarity, and jurisdictional issues. Committee members also questioned how the buffer would be marked and enforced. The sponsor and staff said they would continue working on the language, and the committee voted to release the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:39.679><c> life-saving</c> illness and prevent life-saving illness and prevent life-saving
• Three-quarters of Kentuckians oppose measures like Senate Bill 72.
• A pharmacist could refuse to provide HIV prevention drugs.
• </c><00:40:11.440><c> Senate</c> Kuckians oppose measures like Senate Kuckians oppose measures like Senate
• A pharmacist could refuse to provide HIV prevention drugs.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first moved through administrative regulations without comment. The committee then heard Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Senator Gerald Neal, which would require Medicaid and its managed care entities to treat non-opioid pain medications on equal footing with opioid analgesics by prohibiting more restrictive coverage controls, prior authorization, or step therapy for non-opioids. Neal argued the bill would improve access to safer pain treatment options and reduce the risk of opioid use disorder, and Billy O'Brien of Young People in Recovery testified in support, describing personal experiences where non-opioid options were difficult to obtain despite a desire to avoid opioids. After discussion, the bill received a motion and second and passed the committee on a 10-0 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 72, sponsored by Senator Don Douglas and presented with Greg Chaffin of Alliance Defending Freedom. Douglas described the bill as a provider recruitment and retention measure intended to protect health care workers from being compelled to act against their conscience and to address workforce shortages and pressure in health care settings. He said the bill would protect individual beliefs while maintaining professionalism. A large number of witnesses then testified, and the chair limited public comments to two minutes each because of the number of speakers and the controversy surrounding the bill. Most public testimony opposed SB 72. Speakers including representatives of the Kentucky Council of Churches, a psychologist, an ordained minister and nurse, a nurse practitioner, and an ACLU policy strategist argued the bill was overly broad, could allow refusals of care by a wide range of health care workers, and could delay or deny treatment, especially for vulnerable patients and in rural or emergency settings. Several cited concerns about discrimination, patient safety, and the lack of adequate protections for patients. One witness recounted the death of an 18-year-old pregnant patient as an example of the harm that can result from delayed care. The transcript ends during additional testimony on SB 72, before any committee vote or final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> our testimony is that this measure our testimony is that this measure provides<00:13:18.480><c>
• The DOT supports this measure.
• </c><00:18:23.240><c> measure</c><00:18:23.679><c> specifies</c> Transportation this measure specifies
• </c> Development Corporation this measure Development Corporation this measure includes<00:55:31.720>
• </c> this is sort of a housekeeping measure this is sort of a housekeeping measure um<01:08:13.880><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the chair's intention to take up the measures in the following order.
• To be clear, this measure does not prevent the legislature or relevant state agencies from enacting reasonable
• Reasonable person is what you measure that clear and convincing evidence against.
• had a statewide initiative to create a prevention cooperative.
• Uh, damage prevention is a shared responsibility.

Bills: HB206

Keywords: HB206, school district bonds, bond election, voter approval, Education Code, Chapter 45, Section 45.003, Section 45.0034, Texas schools, school finance, local tax election, bond referendum, school construction, capital improvements, election frequency, five-year waiting period, district bonds, public school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Consideration of the House bills on special orders shall include the Senate companion measures on the
• That it says, to be more precise, a state may prevent minors from accessing works that...
• It might not be measurable today, but could be measurable in the future.
• A youth is not prepared to handle that in that measure. So we can't address these issues.
• In fact, it prevents It doesn't dictate foreign policy, doesn't erase anyone's identity.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a safety measure that mandates only licensed general engineering, general building, earthwork, and
• We appreciate your consideration of this important consumer protection measure. Thank you, sir.
• We share and recognize the seriousness of the issue and share the goal of the senators in preventing
• This type of safety measure may be appropriate for some types of reactive chemical hazards; other safety
• measures may be more appropriate for other situations.

Summary: The Assembly Emergency Management Committee met late in the evening and first approved a consent calendar containing SB 837, SB 894, SB 973, and SB 1079, sending those bills to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 904, which would codify coordinated state response and permitting review efforts for wildfire recovery, and SB 1263, which would limit post-disaster debris removal work to properly licensed contractors with required hazardous-materials training. Both bills drew support from the authors and industry/public-safety witnesses, with SB 1263 also drawing an opposed-unless-amended position from contractors who said they were working toward agreement on final language. Both measures passed to Appropriations on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The committee next heard SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, which would designate the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator for interstate hydrogen pipelines and require hydrogen-specific safety standards. The author and supporters from building trades and pipe trades argued the bill would provide clear safety rules before hydrogen infrastructure expands, while one industry witness said the correct agency had been identified but that some concerns remained. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations, with Assemblymember DeMaio voting no. Finally, the committee considered SB 883, which would impose additional oversight on facilities storing methyl methacrylate and other reactive chemicals after a recent Orange County evacuation tied to a potential explosion risk. Supporters, including community, environmental, and public-health groups, said the bill would improve transparency, emergency planning, and safety protections near homes and schools. Chemical and manufacturing groups opposed the bill in its current form, citing undefined terms, concerns about mandated cooling systems, and possible conflicts with existing regulatory frameworks, but said they were willing to continue working on the measure. The bill passed to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials on a 4-2 vote, with Assemblymembers Hadwick and DeMaio voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• page 16 is noting testimony that the commission received advocating for additional harm reduction measures
• This includes drug checking activities, mobile health care services, and overdose prevention centers.
• also an addition, which is kind of the second sentence, noting that with these kinds of additional measures
• of other supportive treatments when it comes to specifically xylazine, like oxygenation and other measures
• was present and available to vote, I would be in strong support of this report and the important measures

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the Public Health Effects of Xylazine held its fifth and final public meeting to review and approve the final draft of its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Keenan’s absence due to National Guard deployment, approved the prior meeting minutes, and explained the process for incorporating final edits and late votes into appendices. Commissioners then voted to allow staff to make agreed-upon language changes after the meeting, and later voted on the final report itself. Staff walked commissioners through the report’s redlines and substantive updates. Changes included clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than simply a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” removing or revising references to “hotspots” in favor of more accurate language about local trends, and refining language on wound care to refer to medical consequences and financial costs. The report also added or strengthened discussion of harm reduction measures such as drug checking, mobile health services, overdose prevention centers, oxygenation and airway support during overdose response, and the importance of naloxone remaining available while recognizing its limits for xylazine exposure. Commissioners also discussed data collection, legal protections for drug checking, and the role of the Attorney General in guidance and coordination on emerging drug threats. The commission then took a final vote, with the members present voting to approve the report. A letter from Senator Velis, who was also absent due to active duty orders, was read into the record expressing support for the report and its recommendations. In closing comments, commissioners and staff thanked one another for the collaborative work and described the report as a useful public health resource. Chair Domb adjourned the meeting at 11:11 a.m., noting that the final report would be submitted and posted online for public access.

Transcript Highlights:

• page 16 is noting testimony that the commission received advocating for additional harm reduction measures
• This includes drug checking activities, mobile health care services, and overdose prevention centers.
• also an addition, which is kind of the second sentence, noting that with these kinds of additional measures
• of other supportive treatments when it comes to specifically xylazine, like oxygenation and other measures
• was present and available to vote, I would be in strong support of this report and the important measures

Summary: The special commission on xylazine held its fifth and final public meeting to review and finalize its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Velis was absent due to National Guard deployment, and the commission approved the minutes from the February 9 meeting. Staff then walked commissioners through the final draft, focusing on edits since the prior review and on appendices that would be completed after the meeting. Commissioners discussed several substantive wording changes, including clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” removing or softening references to “hotspots,” and refining language about medical consequences and financial costs of delayed wound care. They also discussed adding or strengthening references to harm reduction measures, drug checking, overdose prevention centers, oxygenation, airway positioning, naloxone use, and language access considerations in educational materials. The report’s main findings and recommendations centered on best practices for oversight and enforcement, outreach and treatment, emergency response, and education/training for first responders, medical providers, non-clinical staff, people who use drugs, and people in recovery. Commissioners emphasized the need for timely, accessible, and tailored training; better data collection and public health surveillance; stronger legal protections for drug checking; and coordination among public health, public safety, and legal stakeholders to address xylazine and emerging adulterants. There was also discussion of a recommendation for the Attorney General to compile guidance for law enforcement in consultation with experts, though staff clarified that this would not be the sole function of the broader public body envisioned in the report. After reviewing the final language, the commission voted unanimously among members present to approve the final report, with one abstention on the earlier minutes vote and absent members to submit written votes within 24 hours for inclusion in Appendix A. Chair Domb then read a letter from Senator Velis expressing support for the report and its recommendations despite his inability to vote in person. Commissioners offered closing remarks thanking staff and one another for the collaborative work, and the meeting adjourned at 11:11 a.m., with staff to submit the report to the clerks and post it online.

Transcript Highlights:

• page 16 is noting testimony that the commission received advocating for additional harm reduction measures
• This includes drug checking activities, mobile health care services, and overdose prevention centers.
• also an addition, which is kind of the second sentence, noting that with these kind of additional measures
• of other supportive treatments when it comes to specifically xylazine, like oxygenation and other measures
• was present and available to vote, I would be in strong support of this report and the important measures

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Xylazine held its final public meeting to review and approve the final draft of its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Velis’s absence due to National Guard deployment, and the commission approved the minutes from the February 9 meeting. Staff then walked commissioners through the report’s redline changes, which were mostly technical or clarifying edits, along with several substantive updates on xylazine’s public health effects, state and federal actions, harm reduction, emergency response, wound care, and education and training. Commissioners discussed several language changes, including clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” and revising references to “hotspots” to better reflect the limits of available data. They also refined recommendations to emphasize oxygenation and ventilation in overdose response, continued naloxone use, referrals to harm reduction services, language access in wound care materials, and clearer discussion of medical consequences and financial costs related to delayed wound treatment. Staff also described the appendices, including a letter from Senator Velis supporting the report and noting he could not vote because of active duty service. The commission then voted to approve the final report, with members present voting in favor and Deputy Director Sarah Ruiz abstaining on the earlier minutes vote. After the report vote, commissioners offered brief remarks thanking staff and one another for the collaborative work and the quality of the final product. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 11:11 a.m., and staff said the final report would be submitted to the clerks and posted online.

Transcript Highlights:

• They would have to use an OwRB-approved measuring system if they get on.
• I mean, they're measuring their water use is on target.
• Them to make sure that their measurement systems are compliant.
• A lot of the new irrigation systems come out with measuring or metering, whatever you want to use the
• The amendment simply prevents blanket recovery of every mitigation expense.

Bills: HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464, HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464

Keywords: HB4246, water rights, rural water, wastewater, drinking water, environmental quality, DEQ, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Rural Water Association, technical assistance, water infrastructure, small systems, utility operators, emergency water response, nonprofit contractors, vendor qualification, competitive bidding, best value procurement, central purchasing act, rural utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• And it is a measure that has two key provisions.
• This is a deeply troubling anti-free market measure.
• How would this measure impact businesses who are already receiving incentives or future incentives like
• I've been fully supportive of those measures all along the way.
• appeal protection, and assist law enforcement agencies by preventing fraudulent claims.

Bills: SB1327, SB1372, SB1403, SB1937, SB277, SB2131, SB1749, SB1348, SB1469, SB2018, SB1931, SB1530, SB2155

Keywords: tourism, recreation, economic development, Oklahoma Commission, executive director, probation, credits, educational advancement, Oklahoma Statutes, criminal justice reform, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, labor organization, incentives, employer practices, union neutrality, worker rights

Transcript Highlights:

• They never talked about being a victim of coerced sterilization that prevented them from having children
• We’re talking about review and recommend educational policy and reparative measures to prevent future
• I’m wondering how do we seek to bring those reparative measures from federal partners for this kind of
• how this goes without going through the process and then come back, or is it simply a short-term measure
• Without going through the process and then come back, or is it simply a short-term measure?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in a small measure it will take<00:14:05.279><c> to</c><00:14:05.480><c> limit</c><00:14:05.759><c>
• “And as far as I can tell, I think HIPAA was preventing that a little bit or something along that line
• He added that, as far as he could tell, HIPAA may have been preventing that a little bit, and now they
• He said he thinks HIPAA was preventing that a little bit, or something along that line, and that now
• </c><01:16:46.639><c> in</c> seeking to put more punitive measures in seeking to put more punitive measures

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the agency's salary reflects the knowledge and leadership skills required to manage the agency and prevent
• I was looking at the slide regarding the, uh, performance measure goal versus actual participation.
• We are, we are seeing that we are unable to meet some of our key performance measures, um, related to
• We just, uh, did a big one. companies were required to have accident prevention services, uh, through
• We are pleased and proud to employ our regulatory, uh, responsibilities in a fair and measured way.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a Minnesota-based national suicide prevention nonprofit.
• </c><01:17:19.679><c> protocols</c> content or suicide prevention protocols content or suicide prevention
• . prevention. prevention.
• </c> have just adopted these safety measures have just adopted these safety measures without<01:58:58.639
• </c> state to adopt those safety measures. state to adopt those safety measures.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SANDAG has had a number of local tax measures called TransNet.
• In 1980, SANDAG has had a number of local tax measures called TransNet.
• Anybody in the audience that wants to speak in support of the measure?
• Please state your name, affiliation, and position on the measure.
• Measures are out. We'll leave the roll open for the members to add on.

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused largely on housing, permitting reform, transportation governance, and local government finance. Early in the hearing, AB 24 by Assemblymember DeMaio proposed changing SANDAG board selection to give rural unincorporated areas a stronger voice; members raised concerns about the approach and local input, and the bill ultimately did not receive a second at the time it was heard. The chair later clarified that because no second was made, the bill was held rather than voted out, though the transcript also reflects confusion and later attempts to revisit the item. Several housing and permitting bills advanced with committee amendments and broad support. AB 671 by Assemblymember Wicks would streamline restaurant permitting through self-certification and faster plan review; AB 920 by Assemblymember Caloza would require a centralized online portal for housing permit tracking in larger jurisdictions; AB 1061 by Assemblymember Kirk Silva would allow SB 9 housing in historic districts with limits to protect historic character; AB 818 by Assemblymember Anamarie Farías would streamline temporary manufactured housing after disasters; AB 660 by Assemblymember Wilson would tighten timelines and remedies for post-entitlement housing permits; AB 1308 by Assemblymember Hoover would allow third-party inspections for small residential projects if local inspections are delayed; and AB 1445 by Assemblymember Haney would expand downtown revitalization financing tools for mixed-use housing. Each of these measures drew support from housing, business, and industry groups, with some local-government and special-district stakeholders seeking continued amendments on certain bills. The committee also approved AB 1156, which updates the solar use easement program to better accommodate renewable energy development on water-constrained agricultural lands, and AB 964, which would let local governments offset certain state mandate reimbursement debts against amounts the state owes them. AB 1223, by Assemblymember Wynn, would let Sacramento-area transportation authorities propose sales tax measures for portions of the county and keep revenues local; it advanced despite some transportation and taxpayer concerns. Consent items AB 36 and AB 1131 were also approved. Most bills were reported out on bipartisan votes, often with committee amendments and some members noting they would continue working on the measures in later committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is a standalone bill, came through your Committee on Public Safety and Crime Prevention.
• And luckily, it got caught, and they were able to prevent him from getting a gun.
• And luckily, it got caught, and they were able to prevent him from getting a gun.
• We heard this bill in your Committee of Crime Prevention.
• be a safety measure.

Summary: The House first established a quorum, then heard a presentation from Debbie Huang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver. Huang thanked Missouri lawmakers for their annual Taiwan resolutions and described Taiwan as a democratic and economic partner of the United States, emphasizing cooperation with Missouri in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, semiconductors, and AI, while also warning about pressure from China and the need for stronger Taiwan-U.S. ties. The chamber then took up House Bill 311, which would move oversight of bail bondsmen under the existing board for private investigators and fire investigators, add bail bondsmen to that board, and increase training and oversight. Members said the bill was industry-requested, had unanimous committee support, and carried no fiscal note. The House adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed the bill. Lawmakers also debated and adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 3009, a pharmacy bill aimed at clarifying rules for pharmacies serving low-income and underserved patients, emergency medication dispensing, and out-of-state pharmacy accreditation. Amendments were adopted to update the title and align Missouri law with national pharmacy board accreditation standards. The bill was described as a response to access problems during the 2025 St. Louis tornado and was said to have no state cost. A large block of floor action followed on a combined package of bills and amendments covering public safety, criminal law, health, and licensing. Measures discussed and adopted included changes to the sex offender registry and related corrections, an offense for impeding first responders, Mason’s Law to flag drivers with disabilities in law enforcement databases, a hands-free cell phone law update, Highway Patrol equipment purchasing authority, psilocybin language for first responders and veterans, AI-generated explicit material and child pornography provisions, gift card fraud penalties, stronger fentanyl trafficking penalties, Melanie’s Law on ignition interlock/DUI penalties, a domestic violence registry, boiler inspection and Missouri fire/life safety standards, Kansas City police retirement age corrections, and a commercial driver English proficiency bill with stronger penalties for drivers and carriers. One amendment on the sex offender registry was withdrawn after debate, and the House ultimately adopted the remaining amendments and referred the combined House Bills 368 and 3049 substitute to the Committee on Legislative Review.

Transcript Highlights:

• by Representative McQueeny recognizes our colleague, its sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the measure
• It is reassuring to know that it will prevent this from happening to others in the midst of loss and
• I recognize our colleague to explain the measure.
• me from this mental anguish. which, even with the heightened definition, has prevented me from having
• A person being required to sign an affidavit can be intimidating and may prevent those who really need

Bills: HB223

Keywords: municipal budget, county budget, local government finance, spending cap, expenditure limit, inflation plus population growth, taxpayer impact statement, budget transparency, property tax, fees, Legislative Budget Board, voter approval, disaster spending, fiscal restraint, Texas Local Government Code, city budget, county expenditures, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are not um endless measures that we could do to completely end that. We just can't.
• There are not um endless measures that we could do to completely end that. We just can't.
• There are not um endless measures that we could do to completely end that. We just can't.
• There are not um endless measures that we could do to completely end that. We just can't.
• I don't think there's anything that prevents other lobbyists from having input.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chair lays out Senate Bill 8 and recognizes its author, our colleague Senator Milden, to explain the measure
• And I would add this time, I just want to mention that that was a bipartisan measure.
• It's not only life-saving in that it prevents pain.
• But if you're female, it prevents you from getting pregnant.
• This bill would prevent any opportunity for public trust. I urge you to oppose SB 15.

Bills: SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, delta-8, delta-9, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, edibles, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, retailer registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, minor access

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 8, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, and heard extensive public testimony both for and against the measure. Supporters, including representatives of Texas Values and Texas Values Action, argued the bill was needed to protect women’s privacy and safety in restrooms, locker rooms, showers, prisons, domestic violence shelters, and other government-controlled spaces, and said it would provide clear, sex-based rules. Opponents, including many transgender Texans, civil rights advocates, clergy, business and public safety voices, and others, argued the bill would invite harassment, gender policing, lawsuits, and invasive inspections, while harming trans, intersex, and gender-nonconforming people as well as cisgender women who do not fit stereotypes. Several witnesses said the bill would conflict with federal law or prison standards, worsen safety in shelters and prisons, and hurt Texas’s reputation and economy. The chair repeatedly noted the compressed special-session schedule and said flood relief remained the session’s top priority. Public testimony on SB 8 was eventually closed, and the bill was left pending. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 6, dealing with consumable hemp product restrictions. Testimony on SB 6 focused on whether the bill went too far in restricting hemp-derived THC products. Opponents argued hemp and THC have medical and economic value, that the bill would criminalize conduct and burden courts, and that regulation—not prohibition—was the better approach. Some witnesses supported tighter rules such as testing, child-resistant packaging, and limits on marketing to children, but still opposed the bill’s broad THC ban, higher fees, and age restrictions. Several speakers emphasized benefits for veterans, chronic pain patients, and small businesses, and warned that prohibition would push consumers toward the illicit market. The committee heard the testimony and then continued with additional witnesses, with no final vote or disposition reported in the excerpt.