Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Perry, you created a new chapter in the health and safety code under a new section, I think it
• Yes, sir, for youth camps specifically, we have the Texas Administrative Code, our rule.
• Codes save complacency, and this bill does that.
• You should have to build according to code, which is one foot above the flood line.
• There are modern codes.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Doug Bell, on behalf of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• As you may know, Chapter 455, pardon me, is the general statute for all health care professions.
• Under Chapter 466.
• And within that chapter, there's a requirement that when they graduate from a dental school, it must
• Compact commissions are the governing bodies of compacts and are composed of representatives from all

Summary: The committee heard and approved several health care bills. Senate Bill 68, by Senator Harrell, would require all hospital emergency departments to be prepared to treat children by maintaining pediatric equipment, staff training, written policies, a pediatric care coordinator, and completion/public posting of the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senator Harrell said the bill is intended to improve pediatric emergency care in general hospitals, and the bill was supported by the Florida College of Emergency Physicians and the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It passed favorably. The committee also approved Senate Bill 154, which corrects the Mobile Act for dentists and dental hygienists by requiring graduates of out-of-state dental schools seeking licensure by endorsement to have attended a CODA-accredited school. The bill drew support from dental and dental hygienist groups and passed favorably. Senate Bill 40, by Senator Sharif, would require Medicaid managed care networks to ensure at least half of primary care providers offer appointments outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, to improve access and reduce emergency room use; it also passed favorably. A lengthy discussion centered on Senate Bill 254, also by Senator Harrell, which would tighten oversight of nursing education programs, create a temporary provisional license and preceptorship for new graduates awaiting NCLEX results, require remediation for low-performing programs, add standardized admission and exit-exam requirements, and allow the Department of Health to inspect programs unannounced. Supporters said the bill would improve quality and help students gain experience, while opponents warned it could reduce the number of nursing programs and worsen shortages, especially among private schools. After debate and testimony from nursing and school representatives, the bill passed favorably, with Senator Davis voting no. The committee then received an OPPAGA presentation on interstate health care licensure compacts. OPPAGA reviewed how Florida uses licensure by endorsement, telehealth registration, and compacts for nurses, psychologists, and physicians, and explained the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining additional compacts, including portability, data sharing, and emergency staffing versus costs, administrative burdens, and possible conflicts with Florida scope-of-practice laws. No action was taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis requested to be recorded in support of SB 68 and SB 154.

Transcript Highlights:

• or the state government.
• As such, a zip-code requirement is unnecessary for workers' compensation policies.
• In a separate section of the code, I move adoption.
• 42, Local Government Code.
• All it does is codify what is already an administrative code.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several conference committee matters and resolutions. It granted the House request for a conference committee on House Bill 46 and adopted a conference report on Senate Bill 37, which was described as higher education governance reform, including stronger board authority, changes to faculty senates, general education requirements, and a new ombudsman office. Senators also adopted a large package of resolutions and HCRs by voice vote. A major focus was Senate Bill 12, the “Parental Bill of Rights,” whose conference report was adopted after extended questioning. The bill was described as giving parents more access to school materials and grievance procedures, requiring parental consent for student clubs, and restricting school district employees from assisting with social transitioning or related gender-identity instruction. Senators raised concerns about effects on students already socially transitioned and on parental rights in medical or psychological decisions; the author said the House language was retained in key areas and that districts would need policies and parent notification. The report passed 20-11. The Senate then adopted a resolution allowing the conference committee on Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, to go outside the bounds, and later adopted the budget conference report. Senators highlighted major funding for public education, property tax relief, public safety, health and human services, child care, water and transportation infrastructure, and the Texas Energy Fund. The budget discussion also covered higher education, mental health facilities, community attendant wages, rural hospitals, DFPS case management, child care assistance, and a study rider on TRS. The report passed unanimously, 30-0. Finally, the Senate suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 8 and adopted its conference report. The bill requires counties with jails or jail contracts to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, with sheriffs choosing among available models and counties receiving tiered grants to help cover costs. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure targeting criminal illegal aliens, while opponents questioned whether it would divert local resources and increase fear in immigrant communities. The report was adopted after debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• referred to the committee on government referred to the committee on government operations<01:06
• and three are amending the chapter and three are amending the chapter related<01:17:55.199> to
• in 11 BSA, Chapter 14.
• definitions in the tobacco tax chapter definitions in the tobacco tax chapter to<01:40:02.560>
• Government Operations Committee can be p Government Operations Committee can be p found<01:43:39.760>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with and we across our state government with and we partner<00:04:09.560> with<00:04:09.680><
• You all know you’re the government.
• This is the purpose of government: public safety. And it sends a clear message.
• c> history information purpose Code E only history information purpose Code E only allows<01:20:23.639
• House File 286 is re-referred to the Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that was made to students all those years ago, that no matter where you are born, no matter what zip code
• you live in, no matter That no matter where you are born, no matter what zip code you live in, no matter
• We authored the next chapter of our history, carrying on the values and lessons learned by the job...
• We authored the next chapter of our history, carrying on the values and lessons learned by the job...
• We authored the next chapter of our history, carrying on the values and lessons learned by the job...

Keywords: student advocacy, SB12, SB13, public education policy, youth engagement, marginalized communities, legislative representation

Summary: Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) held an advocacy event at the Texas Capitol focused on youth participation in policymaking and opposition to recent education-related legislation. Speakers, including student organizers and SEAT leaders, argued that students should have a direct voice in decisions affecting public schools, curriculum, and school governance. Representative Donna Howard briefly attended to support the group, praised their advocacy, and referenced the idea that if young people are not given a seat at the table, they should “bring your own chair.” Several student speakers criticized the newly passed school vouchers bill as a threat to public education and said it would divert resources from public schools. Others opposed bills such as Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 13, describing them as harmful to LGBTQ+ students and inclusive education. One speaker also condemned book bans and library censorship, arguing that students need access to diverse books and truthful, inclusive curricula. The speakers framed these issues as matters of student rights, belonging, and free expression. SEAT executive director Cameron Samuels closed by describing the organization’s history of student-led activism against book bans and exclusion from school policymaking. Samuels said the group had distributed challenged books, pursued legal action over blocked internet resources, and delivered a Student Bill of Rights to superintendents and legislators. The event ended without any formal legislative vote or committee action, serving instead as a press conference and advocacy rally urging lawmakers to listen to students.

Transcript Highlights:

• This means that our tax code is tied to the version of the Internal Revenue Code as amended through a
• Revenue Code as amended through a Revenue Code as amended through a particular<00:09:53.360> date.
• There are the Internal Revenue Code.
• definitions in the Internal Revenue Code definitions in the Internal Revenue Code are<00:11:26.880
• code. Okay, let's uh move forward here. code. Okay, let's uh move forward here.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I understand that people like to use the state government.
• The amendment is coded A-2. I recognize.
• The amendment is coded A3.
• The amendment is coded A4.
• And it doesn't matter their zip code, background, or individual needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The government code and the local government code allow governmental entities and political subdivisions
• fire origin and cause, conducting state building fire safety inspections, enforcing the state fire code
• Well, if you could get it by zip code or something, it would be even better, you know, something that
• the same rate based on this zip code back here.
• Chapter 2210 of the Texas Insurance Code directs TWIA to operate as an insurance company.

Transcript Highlights:

• AMENDMENT BAR CODE 916664. YES THANK YOU.
• BUT I JUST DON'T THINK IT SHOULD BE PART OF OUR STATE GOVERNANCE.
• BUT I DO NOT THINK THIS IS THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT.
• I LOVE OUR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. AND THE FOLKS WHO WORK THERE.
• AND AMENDMENT BAR CODE 828536 YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1080 STREAMS AND THE PROCESS ORDERS BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
• THIS ENSURES LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN FLORIDA FOLLOW A CONSISTENT STATE STANDARDS PROTECTING INTERIM GOVERNMENT
• CHAPTER 163 IS THE COMMUNITY PLANNING ACT.
• IF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE SAYING WE WANT CITIZEN INPUT ON DEVELOPING IF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE SAYING WE
• CERTAINLY THIS IS NOT TO RUN OVER LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We code these patients, and we call them deflections.
• <00:57:49.400> these misnomer of a word but we code these misnomer of a word but we code these
• I also want to just flag that this food co-op had gotten a grant from the federal government.
• <01:16:24.719> um bill needs to go to state government um bill needs to go to state government
• government government committee<01:16:46.840> um<01:16:47.040> so<01:16:47.400> any

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• congressional disapproval under chapter congressional disapproval under chapter 8<00:17:16.640><
• Emergencies Act 15 United States Code Emergencies Act 15 United States Code 1622D<02:36:48.160><
• <02:47:36.000> power, the exploitation of government power, the exploitation of government
• to encourage local governments and state governments to raise taxes. younger.
• people who want to change the tax code people who want to change the tax code to<04:55:37.400>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter three, 13 agreements back in the Chapter three, 13 agreements back in the day and the tax burden
• Do we work with any other Government agencies like that or federal agencies.
• But they are there by electric codes to turn the system off if there's a fire.
• The battery project has to be compliant with the county fire code.
• Do they follow the county fire code? They will follow the state law.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it has always been in code that they can voluntarily work together on these projects.
• They are doing some of that now, and this kind of puts it in code, going to page 3 next, page 4 really
• They are doing some of that now, and this kind of puts it in code.
• It's not just because you don't meet the code; it's how that system is functioning.
• When we look at that system, it may not meet the code, but it works.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 2276, which addresses water projects that cross county lines. Senator Larry Luick and Danny Quissel of the North Dakota Water Resource Districts Association explained that the bill would require joint boards for multi-county projects, with equal representation from each county, and would add a dispute-resolution process: mediation through the Agriculture Department, then appeal to the Department of Water Resources, and finally court if needed. An additional cleanup amendment was adopted to clarify that a district could proceed if a joint board or district refused to participate. Members raised concerns about possible county-versus-county litigation, but the committee approved the amendment and then passed SB 2276 as amended on an 11-0-2 roll call. The committee then heard the final bill of the day, Senate Bill 2267, on on-site wastewater treatment systems. DEQ Director Dave Glott presented a revised amendment reflecting prior discussion and input from local public health units and installers. The proposal would give the Department of Environmental Quality exclusive rulemaking authority, require public health units to inspect systems within 24 hours, allow MOUs with neighboring counties or health units, prohibit local rules that conflict with state standards, and create a state licensing system for installers while exempting homeowners working on their own property. It also set up permitting and appeals procedures, civil penalties for violations, and a $99,000 appropriation, with the department saying it would also rely on fee revenue and report back later on whether the program is working. Members asked about homeowner installation, local permitting, technical assistance, and whether the $99,000 appropriation and expected fees would be sufficient. Glott said homeowners could still consult with local health units and would likely still need permits, and estimated fees might be around $200 per year for installers, generating roughly $50,000 annually. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed SB 2267 as amended on a due-pass motion, with one no vote recorded. The chair then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said Hennepin County has had a groundwater effort funded through the federal government, and they
• funded through the federal government. funded through the federal government.
• Um, they're under the IRS code. They're required to make annual filings with the IRS.
• And, you know, I'll tell you, as somebody who fights every day for the government to make investments
• who fights every day for the government who fights every day for the government to<00:26:32.080>

Bills: HF2446, HF2563, HF2444

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• AS IT HAS INCREASED IN VALUE AND DENSITY SINCE THEN, WE WANTED TO ALSO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE BUILDING CODES
• BECAUSE WE KNOW WHEN YOU LOOK AT VARIOUS STUDIES THAT FLORIDA HAS A VERY STRONG BUILDING CODE.
• AND THAT BUILDING CODE IS MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE IN TERMS OF EXPECTED DAMAGES WE WOULD FIND.
• WE WORKED WITH THE BUILDING CODE AND IMPROVEMENTS THREE 2002 AND POST 2002 AND CAME UP WITH AN ESTIMATE
• SO AFTER YOU DO THE SHARES AS WE TYPICALLY SEE THEM FOR INSURANCE, FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, FOR WHAT AN

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally then, Senate Bill 2122 would remove outdated language from the Natural Resources code regarding
• The Railroad Commission promulgated rules in our, our Rule 7816 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 3,
• It's not really consistent with what the Natural Resource code and the legislature has intended.
• But the surcharge system in the, in the natural resource code is, is the way we would want to implement
• But I'm, I'm looking for More of the industry effort, you know, if it, you know, government has a role

Bills: HB16

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments

Transcript Highlights:

• That will start culminating that data by NAICS code instead of by parish-level data so that we understand
• Chairman and members, the set of amendments before the committee is set number 40, 41, 401 is the code
• This just also puts less words in government because it takes all those listed parishes out and just
• Is this going to be any kind of mandate on the local government? No.
• was not sold prior to January 1st shall be subject to the collection procedures set forth in the chapter

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 21, 2026, and took up a series of tax, revenue, and property-tax related measures. SB 318 was amended and reported as amended; it revises the Department of Revenue’s annual tax exemption budget process by removing parish-level reporting from that report, creating a separate business tax benefit report by NAICS code, and requiring parish sales tax collectors to produce a similar local exemption report. SB 128, allowing the Department of Revenue to use an existing vendor for address-change services, was reported favorably. SB 149, concerning the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds and requiring good-faith deposits only from the winning bidder, was amended and reported as amended. SB 180, which lets a surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran transfer an expanded homestead exemption one time under certain circumstances, was reported favorably. SB 196, extending the tax appeal period from 60 to 90 days and making conforming changes elsewhere in law, was amended and reported as amended. SCR 11, creating the Anchor Home Task Force to study tax credits to encourage Louisiana college graduates to stay and work in the state, was reported favorably. SB 340, making the permanent homestead exemption form requirement statewide for assessors, was reported favorably. Later in the meeting, the committee heard several bills from Senator Gregory Miller on the state’s ongoing tax sale and ad valorem tax reform package. SB 73 was reported favorably to resolve a conflict between prior legislation and the 2024 constitutional amendment on tax sale timing. SB 238 was reported favorably to clarify which collection procedures apply to older tax sales and to preserve prior notice procedures where already completed. SB 191 was amended to restore the requirement for two advertisements for tax lien auctions instead of one, and then reported favorably as amended. SB 89, a backup measure to require the St. Charles Parish assessor to provide a permanent homestead exemption form, was also reported favorably, with the sponsor noting it was intended to avoid duplication if the statewide bill already enacted the same policy. Testimony was generally supportive across the agenda, with Department of Revenue, Department of Veterans Affairs, local tax, sheriffs, press, and land title representatives appearing in support or for information. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, mainly about the scope of homestead exemption portability, whether local governments would face new costs, and the effect of the tax appeal deadline change. No roll-call votes were taken; the committee adopted amendments where offered and reported the bills and resolution favorably or as amended by unanimous consent. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have another appearance form Marty Marty, George, with the Florida chapter of the American College
• forward and happy to answer any questions that incredibly brief explanation of of the amendment was bar code
• That's a that's the bill. >> Thank you, Senator Avila, let the record reflect this is amendment bar code
• in poverty and 95,000 were homeless in 2023, the July 2024 Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government
• But without objection, we're shortages that Sir. >> Bar code 3, 8, 5, 3, 1, 6, by Senator Calatayud.

Keywords: 999, senate, all