Transcript Highlights:

• They maintain our properties and are part of our community.
• This is a new emerging technology.
• This is a new emerging technology.
• This is the right direction to protect community.
• Menjivar, aye. community, and I just ask for an aye vote in the spirit of protecting our community all

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can leapfrog that type of technology and create the levels of transit that is required in a community
• talk about, uh, uh, we, we spent a lot of energy in the Texas Senate talking about the scourge of communism
• It's a technological advancement that will enhance their lives.
• It's a technological advancement that will enhance our lives.
• This is a technological investment that's worth the, the progress and the cost to enhance our lives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Approximately four staff work on communications rate-making.
• Okay, then Information Technology Division makes sense.
• So what is it that’s happening with the technology division that you need more people when technology
• “Okay, then Information Technology Division makes sense.
• So what is it that’s happening with the technology division that you need more people when technology

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So while I appreciate that we're getting back to modern technology, or getting to modern technology for
• To start with our community-based, I know Zion did mention the New Orleans...
• So we're working through those processes with OTS because a lot of it's technology.
• So we're working through those processes with OTS because a lot of it's technology.
• So we're trying to use technology as we can.

Summary: The committee heard FY27 budget presentations for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, beginning with Public Safety Services. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the department’s recommended budget of $645.9 million, including supplemental pay, State Police, Motor Vehicles, and the State Fire Marshal. Officials explained that the overall budget reflects a net decrease from FY26, driven largely by shifts in funding sources, removal of one-time statutory dedications, and adjustments tied to undercollections in fees and self-generated revenues. State Police was recommended at $459.7 million, OMV at $86.7 million, and the Fire Marshal at $41.1 million. Department leaders also described ongoing modernization efforts, staffing vacancies, and the use of efficiencies identified internally. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Burns and agency heads testified about State Police operations, including increased cadet graduations, improved Mardi Gras security, progress on APHIS and OMV modernization, and the new crime lab under construction. Members asked about undercollections, vacancies, the role of public tag agents, and whether the agency could expand counter-drone capabilities. Burns said the department has identified about $11 million in efficiencies, but warned that counter-drone work would require additional funding, citing a $4.5 million fiscal note for HB 940 and roughly $9 million more for a robust unit. OMV officials said staffing and retention remain difficult, but modernization should improve service and reduce lines; they also said the agency continues to rely on public tag agents and is working through reinstatement fee collection issues. The committee then reviewed the Department of Corrections FY27 budget, recommended at $902.3 million, with most funding from State General Fund and a large increase tied to higher incarceration costs, medical needs, overtime, and added capacity at Louisiana State Penitentiary. DOC officials said the department remains under pressure from vacancies, turnover, contraband, and medical costs, and that the budget includes funding to add 150 correctional officers at Angola and to house ICE detainees at Camp J. They also discussed criminal justice reinvestment savings, prison enterprises, and reentry programs funded through the Second Chance Act. Members asked about staffing, inmate deaths at Elaine Hunt, work-release pay, and whether the department is tracking the true long-term cost of incarceration. Officials said they are pursuing pay increases, recruitment, expanded training and reentry programs, and more data-driven workforce alignment, while acknowledging that many budget pressures remain unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:55.599><c> for</c> plant developing that technology for plant developing that technology for
• Drive federal investment communities.
• We have a lot of those students in community colleges.
• </c><00:49:17.839><c> to</c> that these important communications to that these important communications
• </c> complicated issue and communicating complicated issue and communicating about<00:53:00.000><c> it

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of it is simply technology being old, very old school.
• And those communities are not abstract.
• We strive to support the nonprofit community and be good partners.
• And that communication is so important because sometimes it's And that communication is so important
• So notification and communication is so important.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The budget invests $17 million in critical information technology needs, including technology...
• The budget invests $17 million in critical information technology needs, including technology refresh
• Important to our communities.
• And for Community Care for the Elderly, it's about $6,000.
• And for community care for the elderly is about $6,000.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Once again, you know what this amendment is going to do in my community?
• The development of the technology appears to be proceeding at a rapid pace.
• than, you know, waste hundreds of millions of dollars on old technology.
• Communities don't know how their schools are going.
• You know, communities don't know how their schools are going.

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 8:00 p.m. that day, also allowing the Secretary to make the calendar available as soon as practicable. The chamber then took up and passed several House bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 2128, relating to a study of rural firefighting and technical rescue capabilities, passed unanimously. HB 4157, on liability protections for commercial spaceflight and exploration, passed 28-3. HB 2240, concerning certain void marriages, passed after adoption of a Birdwell amendment extending filing deadlines to 90 days for certain active-duty service members and Foreign Service officers. HB 367, on verification of excused absences for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses, passed unanimously after clarifying school district forms and TEA model forms. HB 1506, expanding expedited handgun license eligibility to certain retired county court judges, passed 29-2. HB 4449, on alcohol sales in annexed municipal areas, passed 29-2. HB 3812, on health plan prior authorization requirements, passed 30-1. The Senate also announced a long list of bills and resolutions signed in the presence of the Senate. A major portion of the meeting centered on HB 521, a voting-related bill on curbside voting for voters with disabilities. Senator Paxton described it as an anti-misuse measure requiring a signed eligibility form for curbside voting, creating a 20-foot electioneering buffer, limiting election officer assistance in marking ballots unless a second officer is present, and adding reporting requirements for people who assist seven or more curbside voters. Senators Miles, Menendez, Johnson, Campbell, Cook, and others questioned whether the bill would burden disabled voters, create a de facto registry of volunteers, and impose a harsh Class A misdemeanor penalty for failing to complete the form. Paxton said the bill was intended to protect legitimate curbside voters and curb abuse, and the chamber adopted Paxton Floor Amendment No. 1 after a recorded vote. Zaffirini’s Floor Amendment No. 2, allowing an escorting voter to receive his or her own ballot at the curbside or entrance, was adopted. Menendez’s Floor Amendment No. 3 to reduce the penalty failed. The bill was then passed to third reading on a 20-11 vote, with a motion by Senator Miles to have the exchanges reduced to writing and placed in the journal adopted. The Senate also passed HB 3000, creating a grant program for rural ambulance service providers, after a comptroller-related amendment; HB 5616, establishing the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program and funding for traveling exhibits, after narrowing the bill to mobile exhibits only; HB 4211, addressing certain residential property interests controlled by entities, which passed 30-1; HB 1178, creating temporary educator certificates for out-of-state certified educators and military spouses, which passed unanimously; HB 2243, creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, which passed after debate over the need to streamline education mandates; and HB 42, increasing and reallocating the constitutional Higher Education Fund appropriation by 50% to $1.18 billion, which passed 31-0. Finally, HB 2512, a Fort Worth-specific bill limiting ETJ release for land subject to active development agreements, passed after debate over broader ETJ and de-annexation policy, with a local-only clarifying amendment adopted and a proposed broader amendment withdrawn. The meeting ended with the Senate beginning consideration of HB 3372, which would bar school district administrators from receiving financial benefits tied to outside consulting or contracting with education entities, though the transcript cuts off during questions on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nobody can tell you the date specific where that technology will suddenly be available.
• Nobody can tell you the date specific where that technology will suddenly be available.
• Nobody can tell you the date specific where that technology will suddenly be available.
• Nobody can tell you the date specific where that technology will suddenly be available.
• Nobody can tell you the date specific where that technology will suddenly be available.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 6,000 staff across the state in your communities today.
• Technology will be a part of that. But again, technology is not going to solve the problem.
• But that was the main focus of the last year was building that community engagement and community involvement
• We've got a leverage our communities to support our people that work in the trenches.
• to do that to sit down and look at processes that we can engage local communities.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Capital as we talk about the Community Capital as we talk about the Community Partners<00:07:28.720
• </c> needed to do without Community Partners needed to do without Community Partners so<00:07:41.360>
• <c> it</c><00:07:46.479><c> was</c> thing with the Community Partners it was thing with the Community
• </c> efficient to provide the communication efficient to provide the communication that<00:37:42.960>
• We serve the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota, Upper Sioux community, and Lower Sioux community.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, counsel explain technology to me.
• </c><00:12:25.760><c> We</c> communities that could afford it. We communities that could afford it.
• and get to know the communities.
• </c> Kentucky communities in Kentucky. Kentucky communities in Kentucky.
• You know, in my and the community.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update from Secretary Jeff Noel of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, joined by Matt Wingate and Terry Bradshaw of the Kentucky Association of Economic Developers, on the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) and the closing fund. The presentation focused on how KPDI helps communities develop shovel-ready industrial sites by funding infrastructure, engineering, geotechnical work, and other site-preparation costs. Noel emphasized that the program is designed to reduce uncertainty for companies, improve speed to market, and support statewide job creation and investment, especially in rural and eastern Kentucky where development costs are often higher. Testimony highlighted the complexity and expense of preparing sites, with examples of road, water, power, and rock-removal costs, and the importance of third-party evaluation in scoring applications. Noel said the program has 116 total projects statewide, with 20 active projects stemming from pilot efforts and 35 projects already resulting in about 6,381 jobs and $4.4 billion in investment. He cited examples including Crown Holdings, Flash Metals, Phoenix Paper, Pratt Paper, AESC, Sound Elements, Kitchen Foods, Latte, Krueger, Biomass, and Anna Munsman. Bradshaw added that even communities that have not yet landed a project have benefited by building spec buildings or improving access to industrial property. The speakers said the last KPDI round drew $81 million in requests but only $35 million in available funding, and they urged lawmakers to consider whether additional funding or program adjustments are needed. Suggested changes included modestly increasing eligibility or funding flexibility for rural and eastern Kentucky, while maintaining third-party performance metrics, and continuing to prioritize finishing existing parks and creating strong regional sites. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a common thing in my community.
• And engaged the members in our communities.
• That's how small this rural community is.
• , and in rural San Diego County for underserved communities.
• through a network of over 6,000 community-based organizations.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This funding will help communities, especially rural and tribal communities, modernize their water infrastructure
• Term "grandfathered," especially for communities, particularly for our Black communities.
• We don't want to impose anything on a local community.
• Of our community at large.
• to support their community.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the budget for the Information Technology Department, and Representative Bosch...
• It took technology for that phone to work. That's right.
• computers. for communications and access with their computers.
• It's the last bit of technology enhancement from this biennium to finish up for this next biennium.
• There's other times, especially if it's a kid in one of the local communities in Minot, Fargo, If it's

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee began with roll call and a brief update on remaining work, then took up Senate Bill 2213, the “science of math” bill. Members clarified that the appropriation for the program was not included in the DPI budget and would remain attached to the policy bill for now. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation, 21-2. The committee next considered Senate Bills 2036 and 2037, both juvenile justice/Human Services bills involving mental health and criminal responsibility evaluations for minors. Testimony explained that the bills create new processes and require DHS to contract with specialized providers, with appropriations of $500,000 in 2036 and $300,000 in 2037. Members debated whether the funding should come from existing DHS resources or remain as separate appropriations, and whether the programs were one-time or ongoing. The committee adopted amendments on both bills and then recommended both do pass, with 2036 passing 14-6 and 2037 passing 17-4. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget. Representative Bosch outlined major themes in the budget, including migration from PeopleSoft and the mainframe, onboarding/off-boarding automation, double-counting of IT spending, and the transition of education technology from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Members also discussed a study amendment related to a statewide enterprise resource planning system, and added language on grant management and compliance management. The committee adopted the amendments and gave the budget a do pass recommendation, 20-0-3. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol budget. Representative Pyle explained the House changes, including shifting some one-time costs to the motor carrier electronic permit fund, funding for body armor, breath tests, road course resurfacing, fleet costs, handgun replacement, and carryover authority for federal technology funds. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the budget 21-0-2. The committee then began Senate Bill 2399, a Human Services bill on Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, but deferred action after testimony from a facility representative and committee discussion about therapeutic leave days, reimbursement rates, and whether a cap on reimbursable days should be set in statute or rule. The chair said the committee would seek more information from DHS and take the bill up the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also support confirmation of Olivia Trustee to the Federal Communication Commission, the FCC.
• will direct the Commerce Department to support continued U.S. leadership in distributed ledger technology
• Because I think this is critically important for many of our fishing communities around the U.S. that
• Communications Commission be favorably reported, and I note, Mr.
• Earlier this year, I was proud to introduce S. 259, the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• So, and thank you for what you do for our community as well.
• Um, can you talk to community as well.
• ,</c> uh so if you have a nice safe community, uh so if you have a nice safe community, it's<00:15:14.560
• And so this is always an ongoing process because these people are much more technologically advanced
• And so this is always an ongoing process because these people are much more technologically advanced

Bills: SF0007, SF0008

Keywords: theft, penalties, larceny, criminal offense, felony, Wyoming, absconding, law enforcement, criminal justice, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proud to say that, you know, Credentials when they get back home to their home community.
• One of the things that was important is it's about communication.
• Some kids may have adjudication withheld up to one time and remain in the community.
• It's cool because of the technology of it.
• I don't think it's productive, especially for the Because of the technology of it, I don't think it's

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Eric Hall on the Florida Scholars Academy, a new unified education model for youth in residential commitment programs. He explained that the academy replaced the prior decentralized district-run system with a contracted model through Florida Virtual School, allowing individualized blended learning, real-time progress monitoring, expanded special education services, and a broader course catalog including dual enrollment, CTE, GED testing, and postsecondary pathways through the Florida Youth College partnership with Tallahassee State College. Hall said the department is using data to focus on academic achievement, workforce credentials, and peer-group change as strategies to reduce recidivism, and reported early results including 60 diplomas or GEDs, a 5.5% teacher vacancy rate, and progress-monitoring gains for most students. Hall also reviewed implementation of House Bill 1181 on swift accountability and juvenile justice reforms. He said the law strengthened pre-arrest delinquency citation use, raised the target for eligible citations to 70%, required written justification for releasing youth charged with certain felony firearm offenses, and directed the department to develop a firearm-offending curriculum focused on avoidance and consequences. He described a new statewide graduated sanctions matrix for probation technical violations, intended to provide quicker and more consistent responses without overburdening courts. He said early data showed reductions in weapons/firearm offenses and auto theft, and that the department had conducted circuit-level outreach to law enforcement, courts, and providers to support implementation. Members asked about the number of unauthorized alien children in detention or residential care, teacher vacancies and whether instruction continues when staff are absent, screen-time and supervision concerns with laptops, and whether students are reentering local schools with improved academic performance. Hall said he did not have data on immigration status, that FLVS and classroom staff provide continuity when teachers are absent, that devices are checked in and out and security has been tightened, and that the department is still early in implementation but is hearing positive anecdotal feedback from parents. Vice Chair Smith asked for more detail on the firearm curriculum, and Hall offered to provide it. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after no public testimony was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a new technology with the idea being that this technology is so innovative and can make such a
• If you're in a rural community being treated at a community hospital... ...like that, if you're in a
• rural community being treated in a community hospital or such that maybe can't afford to eat the cost
• First, some context on our community.
• These births often take place in communities deeply affected by social determinants of health—communities

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a lengthy public hearing with testimony on a wide range of health insurance and access-to-care bills. Early testimony focused on prescription drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement, with supporters of H. 1326 arguing that pharmacy benefit managers and MassHealth managed care arrangements reimburse independent pharmacies too little, contributing to pharmacy closures and “pharmacy deserts.” The committee also heard repeated support for H. 1151/S. 742 on cognitive rehabilitation for acquired brain injury, H. 1288/S. 716 on telehealth parity for nutrition counseling, H. 1309/S. 761 on full-spectrum pregnancy care without cost-sharing, H. 1312 on insurance coverage for doula services, H. 309 on prompt access to health care by removing deductibles for certain services, H. 809/H. 1227 on biomarker testing, H. 1162/S. 810 on reducing inequities in access to medical procedures by limiting insurer cuts tied to Modifier 25, and S. 726 on insurance coverage for mobile integrated health. Testifiers included legislators, physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, emergency and rehabilitation clinicians, and patients and family members. Supporters of the brain injury bill said cognitive rehabilitation is medically necessary, improves long-term outcomes, and can reduce institutional care and public costs; they noted the bill has been heard repeatedly and has support from the Brain Injury Commission and prior favorable committee action. Supporters of the pregnancy care and doula bills described out-of-pocket costs as a barrier to maternal health and shared personal stories of high bills and unmet support needs. Biomarker testing advocates and cancer patients said coverage gaps deny patients access to precision treatment, can lead to avoidable suffering, and should be standardized across insurers; several speakers said insurers often deny claims despite clinical benefit. Dermatology witnesses said insurers’ use of Modifier 25 cuts reimbursement for same-day evaluation and procedure visits, forcing separate appointments and increasing patient burden. Mobile integrated health supporters described home-based care as a way to reduce emergency department use and hospital readmissions, especially for patients with transportation or mobility barriers. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• We specialize in investing and developing in rural communities.
• So, rural communities are really our bread and butter.
• It is definitely a win for rural communities and, Mr.
• At least $70 million of investment in rural communities, not necessarily just Texas, but in rural communities
• It's in Texas, and it's coming for our communities.

Bills: HB446, HB1609, HB4443, HB4464, HB4735, HB5476

Keywords: heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, employee rights, administrative penalties, training requirements, employee training, occupational health, employer penalties, worker rights, heat illness, volunteer firefighter, volunteer emergency responder, emergency medical services volunteer, EMS volunteer, firefighter, fire department, emergency services, declared disaster