Transcript Highlights:

• > girls<00:15:24.800> schools<00:15:25.199> that<00:15:25.440> DFS as the boys
• and girls schools that DFS as the boys and girls schools that DFS runs.<00:15:27.040> Um<00:15
• us from, for example, the Wyoming Boys us from, for example, the Wyoming Boys School<01:42:59.600
• You talk about how these programs were funded and then about 2020 only, you know, the boys school and
• school and the and the Wyoming the boy school and the and the Wyoming girl<01:50:05.679> school

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I'm a Kent County boy and always will be.
• turn to page 20, is for Section 4D, which appropriates funding for expenses related to the holding of Boys
• On the last page for those youth programs, the Boys' State, Girls' State, and Youth Week, Trooper Youth
• Week—Girls' State is here today with us, and Boys' State was here with us last year—and that program

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I'm a Kent County boy and always will be.
• turn to page 20, is for Section 4D, which appropriates funding for expenses related to the holding of Boys
• Just a comment of gratitude on our last page for those youth programs: the Boys State, the Girls State
• Girls State is here today with us, and Boys State was here with us last year, and that program every

Summary: The Joint Finance Committee met to review and vote on the fiscal year 2027 Grants and Aid Act, which was expected to be pre-filed as Senate Bill 337. Members first reviewed Section 1, covering county seat payments, paramedic operations, senior center allocations, senior center transportation, and Homeland Security grants. They approved Section 1 after discussion of how senior center transportation is being moved from DART to grant-in-aid and how some organizations can appear in both the senior center formula and the general aging category. The committee then worked through Section 2, which included one-time appropriations and the various grant categories for aging, arts/historical/recreation, economic housing or labor services, family and youth services, health or disability services, and neighborhood and community services. Members discussed several specific items, including New Castle County reassessment-related funding, Friends of Cooch’s Bridge, Slaughter Neck Community Action Organization, Plastic-Free Delaware, Love, Inc. of the Delmarva, and the Southern Delaware Horse Retirement Association. One aging line for Slaughter Neck was reduced back to flat funding after members questioned a large increase, and the revised category total was adjusted accordingly. Each of the Section 2 subcategories was then adopted. Section 3, covering fire companies and public service ambulance companies, was approved with increases across apparatus, ambulance, rescue truck, aerial truck, rescue boat, substation, and insurance rebate equalization funding. Section 4, for veterans organizations and youth programs such as Boys State, Girls State, and Trooper Youth Week, was also adopted. The committee then approved the epilogue sections, which included eligibility, audit, payment, and reporting rules; special provisions for the Wilmington Senior Center contingency; conditions tied to several one-time appropriations; withholding funding from Merri-Dell Volunteer Fire Company pending a corrective report; and reprogramming $1,485,000 from a prior SMART food program appropriation toward SNAP/WIC-related food access initiatives. The meeting ended with remarks thanking staff and noting that it was likely the last JFC meeting for two members, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas Topper McFaun's leadership potential was exhibited as captain of his high school boys hockey
• And whereas for nearly two decades, Topper McFaun coached the Spalding High School Crimson Tide boys
• Boy of Cambridge. Brady Williston. Bernigan of Georgia. Bighgam of St. Almondstown.
• Boy of Cambridge. Brady Williston. Bernigan of Georgia. Bighgam of St. Almondstown.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with a moment of silence and then read H.C.R. 305, a resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew “Topper” McFaun for his public and community service. The resolution recounted his background, military and teaching service, work in Vermont state government, local civic leadership, coaching career, and nearly 11 terms in the House. The chamber also recognized McFaun’s family and marked several members’ birthdays with brief congratulatory remarks. The House then took up H.B. 921, an alcoholic beverages bill, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. The Senate changes limited certain fourth-class license locations to five, added recordkeeping and annual reporting requirements for malt direct distribution, deleted a prospective sunset on direct distribution, and added new caterer’s license provisions allowing service at the license holder’s own premises and limiting caterer-hosted functions to five per year. The committee reported hearing from legislative and industry stakeholders and recommended concurrence on a 9-0-2 straw poll. Next, the House considered H.B. 907 on legislative review of reporting requirements. Members explained that a Senate-related amendment was used to address a constitutional problem in the earlier bill by revising the sister-state program termination language so the governor retains sole authority to terminate an active partnership, while the committee may only propose termination by majority vote. The House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with the further House amendment, then suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith. Finally, the House took up S. 230, a miscellaneous labor bill on fair employment practices, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to the House amendment by roll call vote, 85-48. The main dispute concerned the Senate’s changes to House language restricting non-compete agreements for lower-income hourly employees and health care providers, and a separate provision directing the Department of Corrections and the Vermont State Employees Association to develop a proposal on solicitation in DOC parking lots. Supporters said the remaining language was acceptable and would facilitate discussion, while opponents objected to the DOC parking-lot provision. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Coached many varsity sports programs for boys, girls soccer, hockey, and basketball. Seriously?
• 49.000> for Coached many varsity sports programs for Coached many varsity sports programs for boys
• ,<00:16:49.760> girls<00:16:50.240> soccer, boys, girls soccer, boys, girls soccer, hockey

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional performance by the State House singers, then moved to routine chamber business. The Speaker announced that the Committee on Ways and Means had reported favorably on Senate Bill 214, which concerns pre-kindergarten education in geographically isolated school districts and includes an appropriation; it was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. House Resolution 17, affirming that all Vermonters are presumed competent to communicate and must be provided effective communication resources of their choice, was read by title only and placed on the calendar for action on the next legislative day. The chamber also took up two adopted House Concurrent Resolutions honoring long-serving State House staff. HCR 279 honored Head Doorkeeper Michael C. Waite and his wife, Sergeant-at-Arms Administrative Assistant Donna Waite, for their public service, and HCR 282 honored Doorkeeper Dennis Miles for his dedication to the General Assembly and Vermonters. Both resolutions recounted the honorees’ military, law enforcement, educational, and State House service and directed the Secretary of State to send copies to the honorees. Several members then offered remarks recognizing the Waite and Miles families, praising their mentorship, service, and support for the page program and chamber operations. Additional announcements included a diaper and wipes drive in the State House lobby to support Vermont military families through the National Guard Family Readiness Program, a welcome for Vermont nurses participating in a national rally, and recognition of guests from Champlain Community Services. The House then recessed until approximately 2:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Boy,<00:25:12.560> I<00:25:12.600> don't<00:25:12.720> know<00:25:
• 12.880> I<00:25:12.960> want<00:25:13.120> to<00:25:13.200> follow >> Boy
• , I don't know if I want to follow >> Boy, I don't know if I want to follow that<00:25:13.760><
• Judiciary<00:25:15.880> Committee<00:25:16.240> was<00:25:16.480> originally >> Boy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “Alex said, ‘Boy, Dad, that looks like we have a new tradition for next year.’ And I agreed.”
• Alex<00:47:14.560> said,<00:47:15.520> "Boy,<00:47:16.000> Dad,<00:47:16.720>
• that<00:47:16.960> looks<00:47:17.200> like<00:47:17.359> we Alex said, "Boy
• , Dad, that looks like we Alex said, "Boy, Dad, that looks like we have<00:47:17.680> a<00:47:

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the January 29, 2026 journal as corrected, and received committee reports advancing several bills. The Health and Human Services Committee reported Senate Bill 17 to Appropriations with a favorable recommendation and Senate Bill 32 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. The Local Government and Housing Committee reported Senate Bill 1 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. The chamber then handled resolutions. Senate Joint Resolution 007, recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month, was laid over until February 3. Senate Bill 004 was also laid over until February 2. Senate Joint Resolution 004, recognizing September 20–26, 2026 as Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week, was read at length, with sponsors and supporters describing FTD as a serious, underdiagnosed neurodegenerative disease and noting the resolution came from a constituent request. The resolution was adopted 32-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. During announcements and personal privileges, Senator Amabile spoke about her recent appendectomy and used the experience to emphasize access to health care amid the state budget deficit. Senator Coleman recognized the Colorado chapter of the American Institute of Architects for its contributions to the built environment and the state’s communities. Senator Cutter announced a joint transportation and energy hearing on Xcel’s recent power outages, and Senator Sullivan shared a personal remembrance of his son, who was killed in the Aurora Theater Massacre. The Senate also heard procedural reminders about guest introductions and fines, sang happy birthday to members with interim birthdays, and then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It stands for, not 'boy', it stands for beginning of year, middle of year, end of year.
• The same will be true with a new testing system, which then when a teacher or a school gets the BOI results
• Once they do, they get added to the list, and you can use that instead of the state-provided BOI.
• All of these will be, because we don't currently offer a BOI adaptive test either, so these will all

Bills: SB8, SB 8

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, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because this only impacts boys. There's an X-recessive, and there's also an X-recessive.
• regardless, when the samples come in, not a single one anywhere goes and says, "OK, we're going to test for boys
• And while the disease primarily afflicts boys, females who are carriers are also at risk for other diseases
• So this is important for not just the boys but also the girls as well to be tested. All right.

Bills: HB321, HB 1027, HB 1295, HB1782, HB2295, HCR29, HCR56

Keywords: Medicaid, child health, express lane option, income verification, supplemental nutrition assistance, telepharmacy, healthcare access, remote dispensing, rural clinics, pharmacy regulations, health literacy, state health plan, health care, patient outcomes, public health, economic impact, healthcare, breast cancer, cervical cancer, insurance eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• offer a gathering space for intergenerational learning, community events, and a safe place for our Boys
• The Boys and Girls Club offers multiple programs for youth development, workforce opportunities, including
• the Boys and Girls Club Teen Coordinator and a mentorship program.
• Recently, our youth had the opportunity to share how the Boys and Girls Club has played a role in their

Bills: HF2411, HF2471, HF1440, HF1393, HF1631, HF1259, HF280, HF1281, HF1459

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• choir and vice versa, with boys wanting to join an all-girls choir.
• Well, for example, in the example I gave you, this historically all-boys choir is very well known, has
• Boy means a child of the male sex. Father means a parent of the male sex.
• And if I just did the most masculine... ...and saying I would be a boy.
• Most people, I don't know, a great majority, I don't know what the number is, who were born as a boy

Bills: HB229, HB229, HB3990, HB5082, HB5510

Keywords: HB 229, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county dues, county association, state association of counties, lobbying, lobbyist, public funds, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Government Code Chapter 556, Local Government Code Section 89.002, legislative advocacy, municipal government, county government, city government, special district

Transcript Highlights:

• They also tend to be teenage boys. That is the general demographic for who we are talking about.
• They also tend to be teenage boys.<00:18:11.760> That<00:18:12.000> is<00:18:12.160>
• the<00:18:13.200> general<00:18:13.679> demographic boys.
• That is the general demographic boys.
• treating boys differently than girls. treating boys differently than girls. um<01:08:05.680>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Brothers Academy varsity basketball team upon the occasion of capturing the 2026 NYSPHSAA Class AAA boys
• Christian Brothers Academy varsity basketball team for capturing the New York State 2026 Class AAA boys
• BROTHERS ACADEMY VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM UPON THE OCCASION OF CAPTURING THE 2026 NYSPHSAA CLASS AAA BOYS
• CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM FOR CAPTURING THE NEW YORK STATE 2026 CLASS AAA BOYS
• First Triple-A boys basketball season to go undefeated and win the New York State championship.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior journal, and processed several messages from the Assembly, including motions to discharge and substitute identical Senate bills for Assembly bills on the calendars. The chamber also reconsidered and restored Senate Print 1788, an act amending the Real Property Tax Law, to the third reading calendar. The Rules Committee reported Senate Print 10324, the state budget appropriations bill, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the message of necessity and laid the bill aside before taking it up on the controversial calendar as a budget extender. A lengthy debate followed on the budget extender, with Senator O’Mara and others criticizing the continued delay in finalizing the state budget, the lack of public details, and the absence of a schedule for joint budget committee meetings. Senator Serrano responded that the extender was necessary to keep state government operating while final budget negotiations continued, but could not provide specifics on policy items such as Tier 6 pension changes, New York City aid, local government support, or school aid. The extender was ultimately passed 56-2, with Senators Rhoads and Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted several previously adopted resolutions, including a memorial resolution for former Congressman Eliot Engel and a resolution marking the fourth anniversary of the Tops Friendly Markets mass shooting in Buffalo. The Buffalo resolution prompted extensive remarks from multiple senators about racism, gun violence, community trauma, and the need for policy responses; it was adopted with broad support. The chamber also passed a series of bills on the third reading calendar covering highway, municipal, environmental, banking, veterans, education, public health, and public service matters, with most passing overwhelmingly and a few drawing minority opposition. Notable floor debate occurred on a study bill regarding battery energy storage systems, where senators raised concerns about fire safety and siting; the bill passed 45-13. The Senate adjourned to reconvene on Monday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Bois Forte, as well as the Fond du Lac Band of
• Portage Band of Lake<00:04:12.320> Superior<00:04:12.640> Chippewa,<00:04:13.200> Bois
• <00:04:13.600> Forte,<00:04:14.480> as Lake Superior Chippewa, Bois Forte, as Lake
• Superior Chippewa, Bois Forte, as well<00:04:14.800> as<00:04:14.920> the<00:04:15.000>
• We used to be able to say, "Well, we may have some corruption, some good old boy networks, some things

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota legislators held a press event responding to a U.S. Senate vote that they said would remove federal protections and allow copper-nickel mining activity that could affect the Boundary Waters. Senator Foung Hawj opened by condemning the vote as favoring corporate interests over Minnesotans, and Representatives Leach Kozlowski and Shelley Buck, along with Senator Jen McEwen and Senator Ann Johnson Stewart, framed the Boundary Waters as both an environmental treasure and, for Native communities, homelands with treaty-protected rights. They argued that copper sulfide mining poses irreversible risks to water quality, wildlife, and tribal fishing, gathering, and hunting rights, and said the federal action lacked adequate government-to-government consultation with affected tribes. The speakers highlighted several state bills they said are intended to fill the gap left by the federal vote. McEwen described her “Prove It First” bill, which would require a mine of the same type to have operated in the U.S. for 10 years and closed for 10 years without pollution before a similar project could be permitted in Minnesota. Johnson Stewart outlined three measures: a permanent protection bill for state-owned lands in the Rainy River watershed, a taxpayer protection/financial assurance bill requiring non-iron mining companies to fully fund cleanup guarantees in cash up front, and a “bad actor” bill barring permits for companies with records of corruption, bribery, or environmental destruction. The speakers said these bills need hearings and discussion and urged Governor Walz and state agencies to take action now, including possible permit revocations. In response to questions about economic arguments for mining, McEwen said she understood why some Northland residents might hope for jobs but argued that mining companies exploit economic desperation with propaganda and that most Minnesotans oppose this type of mining near the Boundary Waters. She said there is limited Republican support for some narrower bills, especially financial assurance, and suggested the issue could become a political liability for Rep. Pete Stauber. The event ended with a call for bipartisan action, state-level enforcement, and continued public pressure to protect the Boundary Waters.

Transcript Highlights:

• His daughter, a 13-year-old middle schooler, got into a conflict with a boy who got in her face, and
• The school and she got into a conflict with a boy who got in her face, and she ended up slapping him.
• A few days later, the boy, who happened to be the son of a teacher, the police came into her classroom
• A boy walked up to her, put his face in her face, and she reacted by slapping the boy in his face.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard HB 2842, a deed-fraud prevention bill that would create an early alert system for property owners when escrow is opened on their property. The sponsor and several witnesses, including a victim, an Attorney General investigator, and the Department of Real Estate commissioner, described widespread deed fraud and said the bill would provide proactive notice before a fraudulent transfer is completed. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment shifting the reporting entity from DIFI to the State Real Estate Department, then passed the bill with a due pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote. Members then considered HB 2667, which would require recipients of state first-time homebuyer or down payment assistance programs to be Arizona residents for two years and to occupy the home as a primary residence for two years, while barring out-of-state investors from using the homes as rentals. The sponsor said the bill was intended to help younger Arizonans and keep assistance focused on residents invested in the state. Opponents and other members raised concerns that the bill could conflict with existing federal and lender requirements and could reduce participation in local down payment programs; after discussion, the committee passed the bill 4-3. HB 2020 was heard next and would reduce certain school-disruption offenses to a class 1 misdemeanor for minors and narrow the definition of interference with an educational institution. The sponsor and a parent described a case in which a student was charged too harshly after a school altercation, while a public commenter urged case-by-case discretion and warned against saddling children with felonies. The committee passed the bill 4-3. The committee also advanced HB 2793, which streamlines annexation procedures for single-owner annexations and updates notice rules, including electronic newspaper publication. After adopting two amendments, members passed it 4-3. HB 2327, which allows eligible individuals to restrict public access to certain identifying information held by county recorders, assessors, and treasurers, passed unanimously. HB 2858, creating a 1% Arizona-bidder preference in certain state procurement ties, also passed unanimously after amendment. HB 2660, which adds procedural protections and oversight for health profession licensing board actions, passed 4-2 after testimony from the sponsor and a physician who said board actions had chilled speech and due process. Finally, HB 2063, appropriating $1.5 million for the Independent Correctional Oversight Office, passed unanimously after strong support from oversight advocates and former corrections stakeholders, and HB 2681, extending civil-service appeal deadlines from 10 calendar days to 10 business days, also passed unanimously. The committee then discussed HB 2812, which would raise the sick-leave payout cap for retiring state employees from $30,000 to $57,000; witnesses supported the increase and members began discussing a possible amendment to allow retirees to transfer the payout into a health savings arrangement, but the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• veterans, and I think it may be in the tab, a letter from the American Legion on my behalf for Mountaineer Boy
• Every year I spend the whole week with about 100 boys and the veterans of the American Legion of West
• Virginia for American Legion Mountaineer Boy State.
• Of West Virginia for American Legion Mountaineer Boy State.
• or ten different events that honor veterans, those who were killed serving their country, before the Boy

Summary: The committee first took up 127 gubernatorial appointees grouped in blocks and, after brief testimony in favor of several nominees, voted to recommend confirmation of the block nominees to the full Senate. The committee then moved through a series of University of West Florida and other board nominations, hearing from each nominee about their background and priorities, with most emphasizing service, local ties, student success, military partnerships, and university growth. Several nominees also answered questions about governance, faculty hiring, diversity, and the university’s strategic direction. For the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, the committee heard from Paul Bailey, Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, Christopher Young, and Adam Kissel. Bailey stressed his local roots, legal background, and support for UWF’s pre-law program and military connections; Matthews highlighted her education and state-government experience, current role as board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Moyah cited her education and school board experience, fiscal discipline, and recent positive financial and enrollment figures; Ross emphasized fundraising, workforce needs, cyber opportunities, and support for the governor’s higher education agenda; and Young focused on business accountability, audit oversight, rural access to education, and expanding military-related opportunities. Each of these nominees was questioned about issues such as diversity, “woke” culture, faculty ideology, and the role of the board, and each was ultimately recommended for confirmation by roll-call vote. Adam Kissel’s nomination drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. Kissel described his background in free speech advocacy, federal education policy, philanthropy, and higher education reform, and said he would support UWF’s growth, free-speech protections, military and veteran engagement, and stronger graduation rates. Senators pressed him on prior writings favoring privatization of public higher education, comments about replacing administrators with AI, his work with the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025, and how his views fit with serving on a public university board; he said his long-term libertarian views did not conflict with his short-term support for UWF receiving more resources. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials, military focus, and alignment with the governor’s reforms, while opponents questioned his commitment to public higher education and whether he could be trusted to learn the university from the ground up. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kissel’s confirmation to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aren't there a number of ways though that a state could resolve the issue of how many boy babies were
• As I appreciate the question, as far as keeping track of how many boy babies are born and girl babies
• compelling interest in this is making sure that we check a box that says we had a baby that was born a boy

Bills: HB4319, HB4317, HB1225, HB3076, HB3081, HB4226, SCR17, HB4432, HB3304, HB3411, HB3435, HB4339, HB4331, HB4341, HB4342, HB1770, HB1016, HB4113, HB2950, HB4141, HB3277, HB2988, HB3029, HB3338, HB1889, HB3834, HB3831, HB2939, HB3045, HB3657, HB1739, HB3759, HB3755, HB4484, HB4486, HB4108, HB1250, HB2961, HB1219, HB3025, HB1782, HB1907, HB3718, HB4459, HB2976, HB3548, HB3545, HB2952, HB2929, HB2956, HB2973, HB3055, HB3086, HB3040, HB3794, HB4336, HB3151, HB1590, HB3581, HB3313, HB3429, HB3448, HB1752, HB2650, HB3584, HB4202, HB3586, HB4321, HB4280, HB3650, HCR1020, HB2116, HB2206, HB4301, HB3625, HB3147, HB3403, HB3498, HB3970, HB3975, HB3976, HB3980, HB4265, HB4266, HB3638, HB3880, HB3930, HB3942, HB3944, HB4191, HB3242, HB3678

Keywords: administrative procedures, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity

Transcript Highlights:

• Kyle Carruth: I do have two young boys.
• I do have two young boys. I take them hunting a lot.
• A 17-year-old boy walked into the school with a sawed-off shotgun easily concealed under his trench coat

Bills: SB108, SB318, SB507, SB511, SB533, SB1026, SB1386, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596

Keywords: elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1596, which would remove short-barreled rifles from the list of prohibited weapons in the Texas Penal Code. The author, Sen. Hagenbuch, said the bill would align state law with federal realities and argued that the current prohibition is arbitrary and unnecessary. Supporters, including representatives from Gun Owners of America and Texas Gun Rights, said the bill would reduce confusion, protect lawful gun owners, and preserve the ability to use shorter firearms for self-defense, hunting, and for smaller shooters. One supporter also described a recent case in which an AR pistol was mistaken for a short-barreled rifle and led to a state charge that was later dismissed. Public testimony was split. Supporters said stabilizing braces and shorter firearms can improve accuracy, safety, and accessibility for women, children, and smaller-statured shooters. Opponents, including Texas Gun Sense and two Santa Fe shooting survivors, argued that short-barreled firearms are more concealable and dangerous, and pointed to the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting as evidence of the risks of easier access. They urged the committee to keep the existing restrictions in place to protect public safety. After public testimony closed, the committee took up pending business. Senate Bill 1505, relating to the Compassionate Use Program, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-0 vote. Senate Bill 17, relating to the acquisition of real property by certain aliens or foreign entities, was first amended by adopting a committee substitute and then reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed until after the Senate’s adjournment or final recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• lucky to welcome today our state champions from Somerset Berkeley in both girls' field hockey and boys
• And boys' basketball. So congratulations on tremendous seasons from all of you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then recognized guests from Somerset Berkeley, including state champions in girls’ field hockey and boys’ basketball, with remarks congratulating the students, coaches, families, and supporters. The chamber then briefly recessed. The Senate took up committee and procedural matters, including reports from the Committee on Rules recommending suspension of joint rules for several Senate petitions. On motions by Senator O’Connor, Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12 were suspended so the matters could be considered and referred to the appropriate committees. A House petition by Representatives Gentile, Miranda, and Montaño to establish LGBTQA parent advisory councils in public schools was received under suspension of Joint Rule 12 and referred to the Committee on Education. The Senate also adopted an order to adjourn and then adjourned to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today to recognize National Boys and Girls Club Week and celebrate the incredible impact that
• the Boys and Girls Clubs have on young people across this country.
• Each year, Boys and Girls Clubs serve more than 4 million young people nationwide, including 180,000
• You made us proud, boy. You really made us proud. I yield back, Mr. Speaker.
• As a husband and father of four young boys, This is personal.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 1012, house, all