Transcript Highlights:

• members, today I rise in gratitude for a colleague's extraordinary service and admiration for the next chapter
• I wish you and your family every blessing in the next chapter of your most interesting life.

Bills: SB 8 , SB 1 , SB 2 , SB 5 , SB 10 , HB27 , HB7 , HB17 , HB1 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB20 , HB18 , HB7 , HB17 , HB1 , HB20 , HB18 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , SB1 , SR85 , SR87 , SB8 , SB5 , SB2 , SB10 , HB27

Transcript Highlights:

• During the regular session, we believe it offers a transformative framework for the next chapter of assessment
• engagement, we urge you to add a fourth domain for family... engagement to the Texas Education Code, Chapter

Bills: SB8 , SB 8

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Keywords: education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Tim Madden representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians in support
• Megan Bates on behalf of California Chapter of the Family Physicians here in support. Thank you.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:

• The existing framework under Chapter 40, Section 56 of the Utilities Code provides some authority to
• SB871 localizes emergency declarations under Chapter 433 to ensure that an incident in East Texas doesn't

Bills: HB842 , HB1907 , HB2844 , HB2892 , HB3439 , HB4211 , HB4536 , HB5111 , HB5138 , HB5182 , HB5247 , HB5269 , HB5323 , HB5435 , HJR201 , SB871 , HB3896 , SJR40

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• WHICH IS MORE AKIN TO A HOTEL PROPERTY IN A RESORT SETTING SO THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL CLARIFY CHAPTER
• CAMERON FINK, ASSOCIATED INDUSTRY WAIVING IN SUPPORT TINA CORY, NATURAL WASTE AND RECYCLING FLORIDA CHAPTER

Transcript Highlights:

• High School to start an FCA chapter there, which we had... start an FCA chapter there, which we had our

Bills: SB211 , HB96 , SB215 , SB257 , SB13 , SB13

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Natural Resources. by vote relating to the collection of fees and refunds under the chapter
• in the state referred the committee on transportation HB 4431 by Kane relating to the appealing of chapter

Bills: HJR1 , HJR2 , HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392 , HB195 , HB 13 , HB143 , HB135 , HJR1 , HJR2 , HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392

Keywords: constitutional amendment, property tax, ad valorem tax, tax exemption, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, equipment exemption, machinery, local government finance, school district revenue, county taxes, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax relief, commercial property, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• The city is then responsible under Chapter 205, Florida Statutes, to ensure that certain businesses have
• And lines 110 to 118, the restriction of the rates is not needed as current law in Chapter 205, Florida

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 13, 2025, for its first meeting of the session, with member and staff introductions followed by consideration of several tax-related bills. The committee first heard HJR 163 and its implementing bill HB 165, which would extend the homestead property tax exemption for quadriplegics to surviving spouses, similar to the treatment for surviving spouses of certain disabled veterans. Sponsor Rep. Tant and constituent J.R. Harding described the financial and caregiving burdens faced by spouses of quadriplegics. The committee heard supportive testimony from the Florida Association of Property Appraisers and members voted both measures favorably without opposition. The committee then considered HB 785 on heated tobacco products. Rep. Tramont said the bill would create a new tax/regulatory category for the product, and an amendment clarifying the definition was adopted. The James Madison Institute offered a resource on the issue, the Florida Retail Federation waived in support, and Ranking Member Eskamani said she had concerns about the excise tax treatment and would vote no. The bill passed 16-1. Next, HB 321, a property tax exemption clarification for homes for the aged, was presented by Rep. Smith as a technical “glitch bill” to align state law with IRS tax code and ease development of low-income senior housing. It drew supportive testimony and passed unanimously. The final bill, HB 503 by Rep. Botana, would cap local government revenue from local business taxes and require refunds if collections exceed the cap, with carve-outs for fiscally constrained areas. Local government and economic development groups, including the Florida League of Cities, the City of Winter Haven, the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, and the Florida Association of Counties, opposed the bill, arguing it would limit funding for public safety, inspections, economic development, and other services and create administrative refund problems. Several members supported the bill as a tax-cutting measure, while others warned of impacts on local services and revenue flexibility. The committee reported HB 503 favorably on a 14-5 vote, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, a person is convicted of a criminal violation of Chapter 3.27, which is the boating, a
• You talked about Chapter 27 or 27, I think as the Boeing statue.

Bills: HB145 , SB37 , HB279 , HB292 , SB35 , SB48 , SB20 , SJR1 , SB38 , SB41 , SB73 , SB100 , SB111 , SB132 , SB152 , SJR7 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM29 , HM43 , HM59 , HM30 , HM52 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB2 , HB70 , HB180 , SB151 , SB240 , SB273 , HB95 , HB247 , HB332 , HB8 , HB253 , HB4 , HB96

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education

Bills: HB145 , HR1 , HB80 , SB29 , SB37 , HB206 , SB193 , SB58 , SB64 , HB153 , HB195 , HB234 , HB248 , HB255 , HB279 , HB287 , HB292 , HB303 , HB309 , HB371 , SB30 , SB35 , SB40 , SB43 , SB48 , SB96 , SB143 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM29 , HM43 , HM59 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County, public accountability, government oversight, impeachment power, children and vulnerable persons, public funds

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a recording device that's required by Transportation Code Chapter 547.
• Then, again, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act in Government Code Chapter 2001, that board
• Then, again, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act in Government Code Chapter 2001, that board
• I mean, either the—we don't go out and look for the recording device that's required by Chapter 547.
• Our administrative rules under Title 37, Chapter 39, cover automated motor vehicles.

Summary: The committee met to hear interim charges on rail grade crossing safety, autonomous vehicle deployment, and commercial driver’s license oversight. After opening remarks from the chair and members, the committee first focused on rail grade separations under SB 1555, with TxDOT and the Texas Railroad Association testifying that the new state grant program was implemented quickly, drew far more applications than available funding, and helped Texas leverage state dollars into major federal awards. TxDOT said the first round funded five projects, with additional federal matching funds helping support a total project portfolio worth more than $1 billion, including the Sergio Ivan Rodriguez Memorial Bridge in Houston. Witnesses emphasized that grade separations improve safety and mobility, and committee members discussed alternative mitigation tools such as siding relocation, digital routing/notification systems, and better public education about emergency notification signs at crossings. Public testimony on rail grade separations largely supported continuing and expanding the program. Representatives from regional business and transportation groups in Houston-area communities said blocked crossings harm safety, freight movement, emergency access, and economic activity, and urged the Legislature to extend SB 1555 and keep state funding in place so Texas can continue competing for federal grants. One witness argued that railroads should bear more of the cost because the projects primarily benefit rail companies, while others stressed that the state should continue using public-private partnerships and federal matching opportunities. Committee members asked about project selection criteria, how success should be measured over time, and whether railroads contribute financially; TxDOT said future success would be measured by projects moving to construction and by reductions in crashes and fatalities at treated crossings. The committee then turned to autonomous vehicles and heard from Texas DMV officials on implementation of SB 2807. DMV explained that Level 4 and Level 5 automated vehicles transporting people or goods for a commercial enterprise must obtain a state authorization, in addition to normal title, registration, insurance, and other requirements. The agency described its rulemaking timeline, the online application and verification system, coordination with DPS on first-responder interaction plans, and the current status of authorized companies operating in Texas. A companion enforcement presentation showed how law enforcement and the public can search AV authorizations and file complaints through the DMV’s truck stop database. The hearing continued into questions about the regulatory framework and complaint process, with the committee emphasizing that safety remains the central concern as the technology expands.

Transcript Highlights:

• Westmont with Mothers Against Media Addiction, founded in 2024, where we are now in 26 states, eight chapters
• On behalf of the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a co-sponsor of this
• Osama Muqadam, on behalf of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California Chapter, in strong
• David Mandel, representing Jewish Voice for Peace chapters from around the state, including student chapters
• David Mandel, representing Jewish Voice for Peace chapters from around the state, including student chapters

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, beginning with AB 387 on youth sports safety and AED access. The author and supporters, including youth sports and cardiac safety advocates, said the bill would improve coordination between youth sports organizations and facilities to ensure AEDs are available and emergency response is better prepared. School administrators, county groups, and school business officials opposed unless amended, citing liability, cost, staffing, maintenance, and school security concerns. Members asked about AED portability, CPR training, and liability; the author said committee amendments were accepted, but the bill was held due to lack of quorum while negotiations continued. AB 467 would codify the California Center for Climate Change Education at West Los Angeles College, allowing it to seek multi-year grants and other outside funding after an initial state appropriation sunsets. Supporters said the center has already trained faculty, supported paid internships and fellowships, and reached thousands of Californians, while opponents were absent. Members questioned whether codification was premature before the required report is due in 2027; the author said the measure was needed now to stabilize fundraising. The bill was also placed on hold for lack of quorum. A major portion of the hearing focused on AB 664 and AB 2694, both dealing with community college bachelor’s degrees. AB 664 would authorize Southwestern College to seek up to four targeted bachelor’s programs to address local workforce shortages in South San Diego County; students, local officials, and community college advocates supported it, while CSU and UC opposed, arguing for a statewide solution and concern about the master plan. AB 2694 proposed a broader statewide framework for community college bachelor’s degrees with stronger workforce and partnership requirements, reduced program caps, and limits on duplication; it drew support from community college groups and students, but CSU and UC again opposed or opposed unless amended. Members discussed place-bound students, workforce needs, transfer pathways, and the need for a master-plan-level approach, but no votes were taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee then heard AB 917, which would require certificated employees in very small school districts and certain county-run programs to receive permanent status under the same rules as larger districts. CTA and many educators supported the bill as a fairness and retention measure, while small school district and ROP representatives opposed, saying the current flexibility is necessary to manage enrollment swings, staffing, and specialized regional programs. Testimony emphasized the tension between job security for educators and operational flexibility for small LEAs; the hearing continued with more opposition testimony after the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are defining fraud in chapter 256B and including a reference to illegal remunerations, clarifying
• Those are defining<00:40:55.839><c> fraud</c><00:40:56.319><c> in</c><00:40:56.640><c> chapter</c><00
• :40:57.040><c> 256b</c> defining fraud in chapter 256b defining fraud in chapter 256b and<00:40:59.119
• enforced by the Department of Health, but all other health plans that would be covered under this chapter
• 62M um are covered under this chapter 62M um are regulated<01:14:31.600><c> by</c><01:14:31.760><c>

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• charter school, the statute or rule must specifically apply to them or be included in the charter chapter
• In addition to statutorily required charter school-specific oversight that's laid out in chapter 124E
• :26:12.280><c> in</c> specific oversight that's laid out in specific oversight that's laid out in chapter
• <c> 124E,</c><01:26:14.000><c> MDE</c><01:26:14.280><c> provides</c><01:26:14.880><c> general</c> chapter
• 124E, MDE provides general chapter 124E, MDE provides general oversight<01:26:15.760><c> of</c><01:26

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Our statutory authority is in chapter 36 of the Human Resources Code, the Texas Health Care Program Fraud
• I think thanks to the enhancements to our statute, chapter 32, the Human Resources Code from an administrative
• We have the remedies in chapter 32 that are available to us.
• We have the remedies in chapter 32 that are available to us.
• Texas Health Services Authority was established in 2007 under Chapter 182 of the Health and Safety Code

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing that we do want to just raise for the committee is there is an existing chapter in state law
• state</c><01:06:36.640><c> law</c><01:06:37.440><c> 52-</c><01:06:38.559><c> that</c> a existing chapter
• in state law 52- that a existing chapter in state law 52- that allows<01:06:39.280><c> for</c><01:06
• I think we have a pretty close relationship with the auto dealers association to the extent that chapter
• I think we have a pretty close relationship with the auto dealers association to the extent that chapter

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the board currently feels that there may still be opportunity to explore its own chapter for, um,
• still be opportunity to explore its may still be opportunity to explore its own<00:12:54.000><c> chapter
• for um answers to this own chapter for um answers to this situation<00:12:57.920><c> and</c><00:12:58.240
• However, the way the language is written in the bill, or sorry, in the chapter, it basically requires
• Okay, so according to Chapter 465, section 7... This is chapter 465 regarding psychologists.

Bills: HB1853 , HB1591 , HB1961 , HB1854 , HB1965 , HB1962 , HB1959 , HB2505 , HB2576 , HB1801 , HB1804 , HB1864 , HB2319 , HB2314 , HB2115

Committee: House Health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2047, relating to pharmacy benefit managers. The Insurance Division said the bill would require new enforcement resources and estimated an appropriation of about $1.5 million and five positions. Kaiser Permanente asked for an amendment to exclude HMOs from the definition of third-party PBMs, saying the bill should not interfere with integrated care models. PCMA and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association supported narrowing amendments, with pharmacists objecting to section 3 and warning the bill as amended could create major operational burdens and a significant general fund cost. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved on to the next measure after questions. The committee then took up SB 2080, which would allow Hawaii to join the psychology interjurisdictional compact. Supporters, including DCR, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, the Grassroot Institute, and others, said the compact would expand access to psychology services, especially for people in rural areas or those needing continuity of care while traveling. Opponents, including the Board of Psychology and a Shamanad University psychology professor, raised concerns about client safety, crisis-response procedures, enforcement costs, FBI background checks, and possible loss of state control over training and specialization standards. The board said Hawaii’s current 1,900-hour internship/postdoc requirement is higher than the compact’s standard and that the state is still implementing a separate provisional licensing law that may address some access issues. The discussion focused on whether the compact would meaningfully reduce shortages and whether Hawaii should instead pursue changes within its existing licensing system. Finally, the committee heard SB 2277 on hospital price transparency. The Office of Consumer Protection initially noted the bill could require significant staffing, but later testimony from SHIP suggested the measure could be handled more simply by working with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and publicly posting violations. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing hospitals already must comply with federal CMS transparency rules and that adding state requirements would increase costs and legal exposure, especially if violations were treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Steve Fenberg testified in support, saying the bill would simply codify existing federal requirements in state law and that he was open to amendments removing state enforcement and the unfair trade practice language. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• generation needs to do more and step up, because we cannot allow them to return us back to the worst chapters
• generation needs to do more and step up, because we cannot allow them to return us back to the worst chapters
• I'm glad I can inspire the next chapter, the next generation of wordsmithing with our names.
• And if you read Chapter 61,... ...to protect children.
• And if you read Chapter 61, which is the divorce chapter, and if you read the chapters on child abuse

Transcript Highlights:

• This era represents one of the darkest chapters in our nation's history.
• This era represents one of the darkest chapters in our nation's history.
• c><01:18:45.280><c> after</c> way of potentially um going after way of potentially um going after chapter
• 18:47.440><c> to</c><01:18:47.600><c> know</c><01:18:47.760><c> how</c><01:18:48.000><c> that</c> chapter
• I want to know how that chapter 14 C.

Bills: HF3661 , HF2380 , HF3468 , HF3483

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: facial recognition, privacy, government surveillance, public safety, data protection, civil liberties, disability rights, discrimination, accommodations, employment, housing, public services, education, civil action, failure to render aid, damages, Minnesota Statutes, legal liability, trespass, civil immigration enforcement