Transcript Highlights:

• system.
• of care.
• Who experienced homelessness or involvement with a publicly funded system of care at some point while
• experience homelessness are significantly at a higher risk for exploitation and academic disruption and long-term
• and build savings can reduce housing instability, support education and job readiness, and improve long-term

Summary: The committee held public hearings on five Senate bills focused on child welfare, homelessness, and developmental disability services. SB 5911 would stop DCYF from using benefits or funds of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for care, require help obtaining and managing SSI/Social Security benefits, and raise the threshold for depositing conserved funds into protected accounts. Supporters said the bill would help young adults build financial stability and transition to adulthood; questions focused on payees, financial literacy, and housing uses of the funds. SB 5977 would require DCYF to publish reports on near-fatality reviews within 180 days, with confidential information redacted, and make them available to the legislature and public. Supporters emphasized transparency and accountability, while some testimony urged broader reporting windows, retroactivity, and clearer inclusion of overdose-related cases. The committee also heard SB 6024, which would streamline oversight of community residential service providers by limiting DSHS to one annual routine review in specified areas, combining review activities where possible, and reducing duplicate document requests. The sponsor and providers said the bill would reduce administrative burden and let caregivers focus more on direct care. SB 6184 would update Office of Homeless Youth statutes by aligning parental-notification rules for crisis residential centers, making the Housing Stability for Youth in Courts program permanent and statewide, expanding community support team eligibility, and revising Independent Youth Housing Program rules to allow transitional housing and direct flexible assistance. Testimony described the bill as a no-cost technical update that would improve access and clarify language. Finally, SB 5957 would expand the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee by adding members over age 25 with lived experience and representatives of disproportionately homeless populations, and would allow youth members who turn 25 during a term to finish serving. Supporters said the changes would strengthen lived-experience input and continuity. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced Friday committee was canceled, the bills heard that day would be eligible for executive session the following week, and amendment requests for Tuesday’s bills were due by 10 a.m. Monday, with posting by 4 p.m. Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we've been told is no additional funding will be provided for state radio systems above and beyond
• There's a group of us that went to Arizona... other questions what's the odds that this passes they end
• about consolidation of emergency communications for a decade now there's a group of us that went to Arizona
• There's a group of us that went to Arizona.
• Yeah, Arizona eight years ago, and we had these discussions about, you know, and so there's always going

Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority held a special meeting with a quorum present to discuss House Bill 2710, the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Act. Staff and the legislative liaison explained that the bill had already changed and was expected to change again before floor consideration. As described, the original draft would have created a new Office of Emergency Communications and moved 911-related functions and funding into it, but the revised direction would instead remove the office language, strip out sections affecting the 911 Management Authority, and place a new Emergency Communications Authority under the Department of Public Safety. The new authority would oversee radio infrastructure and public-safety communications procurement, while 911 funds would remain in Emergency Management. The only direct tie to the 911 Management Authority would be a seat for the state 911 coordinator or designee on the new authority. Members discussed concerns about mission creep, funding, and whether the authority should be involved in radio-related functions, with staff emphasizing that the board’s mission is 911 and dispatch rather than radio operations. They also noted that no additional funding was expected for the radio side and that the bill could still change multiple times as it moved through the House, Senate, and governor’s office. Several members asked whether the board could remain neutral while still allowing the legislative liaison and legislative committee to stay engaged and respond quickly to changes. A motion was made and seconded to keep the board neutral on the bill for now, while authorizing the legislative liaison and legislative committee to continue working with Representative Ford and other legislators, monitor revisions, and speak for or against changes as needed to protect the authority’s mission. The board also agreed that updates could be provided at regular meetings or by email as needed. The motion passed by roll call vote, and the meeting was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">That's long for any appearance </font> <font color="aaaaaa">forms on the
• Is </font> <font color="aaaaaa">That's long for any appearance </font> <font color="aaaaaa">forms on
• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">Tv's improving upon the </font> <font color="aaaaaa">current system.
• Madam Chair, </font> <font color="aaaaaa">current system.
• Senator Bradley, </font> <font color="aaaaaa">and G 9.11, systems by Reg </font> <font color="aaaaaa"

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Highway 180 has been a long, high-priority highway that is... ...has been a long, high-priority highway
• of stable recurring funding, which constrains our ability to proactively plan, invest, and ensure long-term
• of stable recurring funding, which constraints our ability to proactively plan, invest and ensure long-term
• reliability for the traveling public. invest and ensure long-term reliability for the traveling public
• The purpose of that study was to develop a long-term corridor plan to improve traffic operations, reliability

Summary: The committee first heard HB 299, a bill to support the Highway 180 project between Deming and Silver City. The sponsors described it as a three-phase road expansion that is already partly complete, but they emphasized rising construction costs, frequent accidents, heavy mining traffic, and the importance of the route to the local economy, tourism, and access to Silver City. A DOT engineer confirmed the project’s phases and cost increases, and the bill drew support from a former DOT official and others. The committee voted do pass, 6-0. The committee then heard HB 325, which would create a railroad crossing safety fund to help improve crossings statewide with lights, gates, overpasses, and other safety measures. Sponsors said the fund would be seeded with a modest amount and could leverage local, federal, and possibly public-private funding, with DOT setting rules and priorities. Railroad lobbyists from Union Pacific and BNSF supported the bill, saying it would help address a major public safety issue, especially for smaller communities. The committee voted do pass. Next, SB 73 was presented to require driver education schools to include at least three hours of instruction on vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Supporters said the bill would improve awareness and safety at low cost, and public testimony included a bicyclist and a parent who lost a daughter in a crash involving a vulnerable road user. Some members asked how the requirement would apply to first-time or older drivers, and sponsors said it would be part of driver education curriculum developed by MVD and DOT. The committee voted do pass, with one member explaining a vote to note the bill should be read as applying to any first-time driver, not just young drivers. The committee also heard SB 111, which would align the Motor Vehicle Division’s confidentiality rules with last session’s SB 36 by protecting personal information such as sex, gender identity, immigration status, and national origin from public disclosure. The Taxation and Revenue Department said the change was meant to close a gap in the law and prevent release of sensitive data in response to public records requests, while still allowing disclosure for law enforcement and other legally required purposes. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, with one member voting no and saying he was frustrated by last-minute efforts to fix problems he did not see as existing. The meeting concluded with lengthy DOT district presentations from District 1 and District 6, covering budgets, completed and ongoing projects, local road and bridge work, equipment needs, and unfunded priorities. Members asked about specific projects, freight routes, cattle guards, dust and weather issues, striping contractors, and how projects are prioritized under the state’s asset management scoring system. DOT officials said many projects were complete or underway, that some major projects would be funded through Senate Bill 2 or other appropriations, and that equipment and recurring maintenance funding remain major concerns. The committee adjourned after thanking DOT staff and members for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• This budget impedes access to the necessary medical services and long-term care housing of our middle
• S-HEAP provides immediate bill assistance and couples that with home efficiency to lower bills long-term
• We are not a low-cost or a low-acuity alternative to long-term care.
• For members, I'm Max Mendez-Koffman, Long-Term Care Program Council at the Office of Civil Legal Aid.
• Please support the appropriation for legal counsel for long-term care.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee continued its public hearing on House Bill 2289, the fiscal biennial supplemental operating budget appropriations bill. The chair and vice chair explained the hearing process, limited testimony to one minute per person, and then heard extensive public comment from a wide range of advocates, local officials, service providers, and residents. No committee vote was taken during the hearing. Much of the testimony focused on opposition to proposed budget shifts involving Climate Commitment Act revenue, especially the proposed diversion of $569 million to other uses, including the Working Families Tax Credit. Environmental, public health, and local government witnesses argued those funds should remain dedicated to climate pollution reduction, wildfire resilience, clean transportation, natural climate solutions, and affordability programs. Several speakers also urged full funding for wildfire response and forest health, including the HB 1168 commitment, and opposed transfers from the Public Works Assistance Account. Other major topics included Medicaid and long-term care rates, with nursing home and assisted living providers warning that freezing or delaying rate rebasing would worsen staffing shortages and threaten access to care. Public health and health care advocates opposed cuts to foundational public health services, Apple Health expansion, and pharmacy benefit changes, while oral health advocates asked to preserve Medicaid dental funding and support Dentist Link. Testimony also supported or opposed funding for K-12 programs such as special education, the Ninth Grade Success Initiative, and homeless student stability; early learning and child care subsidies; disability services; public defense; housing and homelessness prevention; food assistance; higher education; and immigrant legal services. The committee concluded the hearing and adjourned after public testimony ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not only here in Texas, but across the border in Mexico, Arizona, Colorado.
• How long could you go that direction? without something significantly changing?
• Not very long. Not much longer, no sir.
• This project is a game-changer and could be part of the long-term solution in addressing our water crisis
• In the long run, and revolutionize how we address the water shortage.

Bills: SCR13 , SB1248

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Keywords: water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a couple of announcements: today is Primary Care Day.
• care that is so vitally needed in our communities.
• Center. ...Southwest Care Center.
• , increasing the state's health care workforce by enacting the Immigrant Health Care Workforce Development
• Act, providing for an immigrant health care.

Transcript Highlights:

• Established in Section 29 of last session's long-term care reform law, Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024
• at all levels, ranging from their care plan to longer-term planning of the hospital itself.
• I submit that there's a close parallel here between a patient in a health care system and a resident
• The term continuing care retirement community should be defined specifically in Massachusetts General
• We had a family member receiving long-term care.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Continuing Care Retirement Communities held a public hearing focused on studying CCRCs in Massachusetts, including their financial viability, consumer protections, oversight, entrance fee and refund policies, advertising, and procedures for closure or ownership changes. Chair Rep. Tom Stanley and co-chair Sen. Pat Jehlen opened by explaining the commission’s mandate under Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024 and asked speakers to keep testimony brief. Several commissioners and staff also emphasized the importance of hearing directly from residents, providers, and advocates. Resident testimony largely centered on two themes: the need for stronger resident representation and the need for clearer, faster refund protections. Multiple residents urged the legislature to require resident seats on governing boards, including full voting rights on national or nonprofit boards, and to make board minutes and meetings more transparent. Several speakers described long delays in receiving entrance-fee refunds after leaving a community, with one family reporting an 18-month wait and financial hardship; they called for a one-year refund limit, vacancy-order systems, escrow or reserve protections, and state oversight or guarantee funds. One resident also argued that CCRCs should be more clearly defined in state law and possibly licensed or certified so only approved communities can market themselves as CCRCs. Providers and operators generally described CCRCs as valuable models for aging in place and emphasized transparency, resident engagement, and the benefits of nonprofit ownership. Speakers from nonprofit communities said residents often serve on boards or committees, participate in budgeting and planning, and benefit from integrated care, amenities, and financial stability. A for-profit operator also said residents receive disclosure and input, while noting that CCRCs vary widely and that consumer education is important. Commissioners echoed several recurring issues at the end of the hearing, especially the need to define what a CCRC is and to address refund timelines and information sharing. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with notice that the next virtual meeting would be on June 23 at 10:00 a.m., and written testimony was invited by email.

Transcript Highlights:

• Radiologists are here to answer your questions about health care or radiology specifically.
• Pro Tem, in compliance with Article 4, Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Arizona,
• Though he was born in Italy, his impact was felt deeply here at home in Arizona.
• This is not just a loss for us here in Arizona, not just a loss for his family.
• We believe in defending... ...of the people of Arizona, regardless of party affiliation.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, then recorded attendance and approved the prior journal. Senators also welcomed radiologists in the gallery for Radiology Advocacy Day. The chamber adopted a motion to request House consent to adjourn after completing business on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and return Tuesday, April 7, 2026; the motion passed and the House was to be notified. The Senate also noted that House messages would not be read and that Senate bills 1020 and 1247 were transmitted to the Governor. The main substantive item was Senate Resolution 1002, a death resolution honoring Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Capitano, an Italian Air Force officer who served at Luke Air Force Base as an F-35 instructor and evaluator pilot. The resolution and floor remarks emphasized his military service, leadership, support for allied cooperation, and his role in Arizona’s partner-country driver’s license reciprocity effort. Senators introduced several guests connected to the Italian military and consular community, and the resolution was unanimously adopted, followed by a moment of silence and transmission of the resolution to the Secretary of State. Before recess, a senator introduced a student guest in the gallery. Senate Democrats also entered a statement into the journal protesting the earlier floor handling of HB 2072, the bill repealing Cesar Chavez Day, saying amendments were not fully heard and criticizing the lack of dialogue and transparency. The Senate then recessed for caucus and later adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 39, Long-Term Homeowner Tax Exemption, Sunset Repeal.
• I'd like to pull Senate File 39, Long-Term Homeowner Tax Exemption, Sunset Repeal. long-term homeowner
• </c><00:58:09.359><c> Home</c> pull Senate File 39, Long-Term Home pull Senate File 39, Long-Term Home
• </c><01:14:04.719><c> sunset</c> long-term homeowner tax exemption sunset long-term homeowner tax exemption
• </c> To discuss House Bill 45, long-term homeowner tax exemption revisions.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just pray that as the times get long, the days get long, and the emotions get high, that we always
• ESAs, our public education system, and long-term society impacts may have.
• For after school programs, and for many, even health care.
• And it makes the problem in our education system worse, not better.
• I'm okay to be sent home forever if my district doesn't care for this bill.

Bills: SB2 , SJR36 , SB2 , SB2 , SR29 , SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What's the geography of the Northern Arizona Council of Governments?
• That's a long drive. So thank you for being all the way up there.
• That's a long drive, so thank you for being all the way up there.
• Based on what Representative Volpe is about that drive, and it is a long drive, how long of a drive was
• So this drive, it's nothing as long as we finish what we started.

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The Rural Economic Development Committee heard presentations focused on district needs and infrastructure priorities in LD7, including a video and testimony on the East Wilford Road Extension in Show Low and Gold Canyon/Lost Dutchman Days. Show Low officials, Navajo County leaders, and the city manager described the road extension as a shovel-ready project that would improve traffic flow, provide a new bridge over Shoal Creek/Show Low Creek designed for a 100-year flood, and create a critical alternate emergency route for evacuations and access to Summit Healthcare. They emphasized past flooding and wildfire evacuation concerns, the project’s regional importance, and the city’s local financial commitment, including $7.56 million already pledged. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1272, which appropriates $5 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2027 for the state match for the Douglas Port of Entry, contingent on a $678 million federal GSA award. Senator Gallen, Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, and city staff said the project would support trade with Mexico, create jobs, improve border security, and help modernize port operations; they also noted a September 2026 deadline and that the city has already secured $20 million of the needed $50 million match, with additional funding still being sought. Testimony highlighted the port’s economic impact, the city’s small tax base, and the potential for federal and private investment leverage. After questions from members about safety, timelines, private participation, and local contributions, the committee voted to return SB 1272 with a due pass recommendation. The motion passed 6-0, with one member absent; Representative Bolt explained his yes vote by citing the bill’s importance to commerce, economic development, and border security.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill before us today would strengthen the Indian health care system by finally recognizing traditional
• They might not be going to the cardiologist outside of the Indian health care delivery system, so those
• So we... ...outside of the Indian health care delivery system.
• health status and understanding which part of that data belongs to tribal members and helping with long-term
• tribal members and helping doing long-term planning for health.

Summary: The House Health Care and Wellness Committee held public hearings on four bills and then took executive action on three measures. HB 2555 would require the Health Care Authority to apply for a Medicaid waiver to cover traditional health care practices provided through Indian Health Service, tribal, and urban Indian facilities. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, tribal health leaders, and the Health Care Authority, said the bill would recognize traditional medicine, expand access, and leverage federal funding, though HCA noted the July 1, 2026 waiver deadline and urban Indian reimbursement questions may be difficult to resolve. HB 2685 would codify tribal data sovereignty principles for state agencies, require reporting of notifiable conditions to tribal health jurisdictions, and exempt certain tribal data from public disclosure. Tribal representatives supported the bill as necessary for access, governance, and better public health planning, while the Washington Coalition for Open Government and HCA raised concerns about the breadth of the PRA exemption, undefined ownership interests, and implementation details. HB 2658 would require health carriers to submit standardized public data on behavioral health and other coverage and access metrics, with the Insurance Commissioner posting the information on a public dashboard. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency about mental health parity and help families, employers, and policymakers compare plans; opponents argued it duplicates or complicates recent parity reforms and could be misinterpreted. HB 2683 would shorten carrier credentialing timelines from 90 days to 30 days and require carriers to post billing and coverage information online. Supporters said it would reduce delays for providers and patients, while opponents warned the shorter timeline could be hard to meet and that posting information without login protections could raise privacy concerns. In executive session, the committee adopted two amendments to HB 2168, which concerns overdose mapping data, then reported the substitute bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 16-1. It rejected an amendment to HB 2196 that would have extended PANDAS/PANS coverage to public and school employee plans, then advanced the substitute bill with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 15-2. Finally, the committee passed HB 2545, which would allow ambulatory surgical facilities to perform elective percutaneous coronary interventions, by a vote of 13-4, after members discussed safety, access, and cost savings.

Transcript Highlights:

• So accepting the grant, um, may be a short-term gain and a medium and long-term liability for the school
• So accepting the grant, um, may be a short-term gain and a medium and long-term liability for the school
• So accepting the grant, um, may be a short-term gain and a medium and long-term liability for the school
• So accepting the grant, um, may be a short-term gain and a medium and long-term liability for the school
• So accepting the grant, um, may be a short-term gain and a medium and long-term liability for the school

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session began with HB 656, as amended, which would treat federal funds received by school districts as unanticipated money unless already listed in the annual report, and would require notices and school board minutes to identify the grant and summarize any obligations attached to accepting it. Supporters said the bill was aimed at transparency so voters would understand the “strings attached” to grants, while opponents raised concerns that the amendment was new, potentially vague, and could require districts to publish lengthy or redundant information, increasing costs and administrative burden. Several members suggested alternative approaches, such as a state-level list of common grant obligations or posting grant documents online. No vote was taken, and some members argued the bill was not ready for action. The committee then moved to HB 665, which would expand eligibility for free school meals to households at up to 300% of federal poverty guidelines and use education trust fund money to cover the added cost. Representative Damon strongly supported the bill, citing food insecurity and arguing the fiscal note likely overstated costs because the bill requires at least one free meal, not necessarily both breakfast and lunch. The discussion was just beginning when the transcript ended, and no vote or final action on HB 665 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• of and cared for.
• For all the reasons that have already been stated, we feel this long-term permanent fund will provide
• And long term for our communities and the community's needs and for our SACIEAs that deliver a lifeline
• are meaningful in the long run to empowering our land grant And acequias communities in terms of being
• What the bill does also is it creates a purse for a trust fund, which would be the long-term funding,

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the long view, no nation is any healthier.
• Is that kind of the long-term plan here?
• It could be in the long term, depending on the sourcing and availability of the feedstocks that go into
• We have to move beyond a disease care system to a true healthcare system that prioritizes real food,
• But this is how the system works right now.

Bills: SB 25 , SB25 , SB314

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: attorney ad litem, indigent parents, parent-child relationship, legal representation, Texas Family Code, court procedures, nutrition, health standards, food labeling, education, dietary guidelines, medical education, food safety, school meals, child nutrition, food additives, public health, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and thank you, Representative Long, for bringing this bill.
• Representative Long said, “Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• And we are Minnesota Care yet.
• </c><00:13:10.839><c> of</c> Minnesota that we need to take care of Minnesota that we need to take care
• </c> Long. Thank you, Madam Speaker. So, Mr. Long. Thank you, Madam Speaker. So, Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not something that the state could easily sustain over a long period of time in terms of trying
• Not sure people that work in this area say it's a nimble system, but it's definitely a system that's
• Being in long-term fiscal, our last conversation was around a lot of those same kinds of things.
• Instability, risk, vulnerability, short-term administrative changes, medium-term rollout schedules, long-term
• The impact on families, workers, businesses, economic development, long-term human capital creates a

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, long before the state was fully mapped and before many of our counties had names.
• “Idaho has always taken this long view, the view that these lands aren't ours to hoard.
• They damage irrigation systems and agricultural infrastructure.
• They damage irrigation systems and agricultural infrastructure.
• Alberta decided to act early, creating a coordinated detection and response system.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What's the geography of the Northern Arizona Council of Governments?
• Based on what Representative Volk is about that drive, and it is a long drive, how long of a drive was
• So this drive, it's nothing as long as we finish what we started.
• That would be a 50-50 for the state of Arizona. That's a huge amount.
• That would be a 50-50 for the state of Arizona. We come in on our side, right?

Bills: SB1272

Committee: House Rural Economic Development

Keywords: appropriation, Douglas port of entry, state funding, infrastructure, federal support, 1182, all