Transcript Highlights:

• So talking about the new system, the statute in Chapter 48.102 of the Education Code requires TEA to
• Code.
• One of the requirements in the Education Code is that every school system designate a transition and
• zip code.
• Second, Section 39A.204 of the Education Code should be amended to require that at least two members

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the offense of purchasing or selling human organs is classified as... ...of the Penal Code
• educator and real estate investor.
• It took government code 51.903.
• It took government code 51.903.
• This bill is about the offense of human smuggling in the Texas Penal Code.

Summary: The committee heard and laid out a series of criminal justice bills, with public and invited testimony on restitution, juvenile justice, child abuse reporting, public-safety protections, organ trafficking, property fraud, disaster-response worker protections, fentanyl exposure, emergency data disclosure, insurance-fraud investigations, blood warrant execution, human smuggling, and TJJD advocacy access. Several measures drew support from prosecutors, clerks, law enforcement, utility companies, and victims who described real-world harms and delays in current law; opposition or caution came from civil-rights and advocacy groups on bills involving expanded criminal liability, data disclosure, and juvenile-facility access. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with the committee later voting out SB 127 favorably and placing it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1666 would streamline restitution payments for parole or mandatory supervision cases by requiring TDCJ to include victim information when forwarding payments, shortening the period before unclaimed funds go to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and clarifying confidentiality and contact procedures; county clerks supported it as an efficiency measure. SB 2776 would let TJJD disclose certain information, with written consent, to support the Credible Messengers Program, and SB 127 would extend limitations periods for failure-to-report child abuse and concealment offenses, with testimony emphasizing delayed discovery of abuse and the need for accountability. SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting or interfering with peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, and SB 456 would raise penalties for organ purchasing/trafficking and create a more specific criminal framework for the offense; both drew strong support from law enforcement and victims. The committee also heard SB 2611 on real property theft and deed fraud, which would create separate offenses for real property theft and fraud, add a ten-year limitations period, require criminal judgments to be filed in county property records, and expand restitution and title-clearing remedies. Witnesses described forged deeds, stolen church and family properties, and long, costly efforts to restore title; county clerks and prosecutors said the bill would help victims and streamline civil remedies. SB 482 would increase penalties for offenses against utility workers during declared disasters or evacuation orders, prompted by reports of threats and assaults during Hurricane Beryl; utility representatives said the bill is needed to keep mutual-aid crews coming to Texas. SB 1234 would add fentanyl to the endangerment statute for vulnerable people, while SB 816 would allow providers to disclose electronic data in immediate life-threatening situations; both drew support from prosecutors and criticism from civil-rights advocates concerned about overbreadth and liability protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Senate Committees on Finance and Appropriations and Education and Health.
• Under the code, it requires public bodies to adopt a policy regarding remote participation by members
• commission members may participate in meetings electronically as permitted by § 2.2-3708.3 of the Code
• This is an area that the Department of Education and VDACS partner together on.
• Committee, our Education and Health Committee, in favor of universal free school breakfast.

Keywords: Virginia Commission to End Hunger, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• neglect, driver's license suspensions, child support enforcement, determinations of tax liability, educational
• Senate Bill 438 amends the government code to include both current and former administrative law judges
• I'd like to highlight three key parts of the First, it will establish an AI code of ethics to be adopted
• It establishes a comprehensive code of ethics, as was mentioned previously.
• And the bill also calls for various educational outreach programs to ensure government employees observe

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you, for educational purposes, explain FEMA's de-obligation?
• I am the code enforcement officer. I'm the building inspector.
• We had a training and education problem.
• Florida Building Code works.
• Florida Building Code does work. We need adherence to the Florida Building Code.

Summary: The Economic Development Budget Subcommittee received a lengthy presentation from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, on disaster costs, recovery operations, sheltering, and major capital projects. He reviewed the 2024 hurricane season impacts from Debby, Helene, and Milton, explaining how FEMA public assistance and state reimbursement work, how cost shares can shift from 75/25 to 90/10 after a federal threshold is reached, and how Florida uses prior storm data and inflation to estimate recovery costs. He also described the state’s faster reimbursement timelines, crediting legislative investments in technology and digital field documentation, and said the division is working to reduce disaster closeout timelines from decades to about seven years. Members asked about debris removal, FEMA de-obligations, local preparedness, and whether regional shelters or co-located emergency operations centers could be used more efficiently. Guthrie said debris assistance is complicated and should generally remain tied to local contracts and planning, though the state will help fiscally constrained communities when needed. He explained de-obligations as FEMA clawing back previously approved funds after later review, and said Florida’s FROC program is helping local governments reduce those risks through standardized documentation, procurement review, and training. He also urged more mandatory emergency-management training for local and state officials and cautioned against weakening the FEMA 50% rule for rebuilding damaged structures. Guthrie provided updates on the new central Florida warehouse in Auburndale and the new State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. He said the warehouse will improve logistics, include cold and ultra-cold storage, and be run by a private vendor with virtual inventory tracking, while the new EOC is designed for Category 5 conditions and expanded partner capacity. He acknowledged budget pressures that reduced the size of the EOC project and said an additional IT request was needed because those costs were not originally included. The meeting ended with praise for FDEM’s work and no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been through your work, those of you who are in this room, advocates, and through education, both
• Instead, DDS, Department of Rehab education, launch their own initiatives and, of rehab, education, launch
• And everything that I do, even as an educator and other avenues, come from an equitable lens.
• And frankly, we think after 15 years of technological innovation, there's got to be some low-code, no-code
• Services at the Department of Education.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on developmental services, rehabilitation, and related supports, with no votes taken. The first major topic was the Master Plan for Developmental Services. Administration officials described a year-long, community-driven process that included a steering committee, work groups, and statewide engagement sessions, and said the final draft would be released that Friday with about 170 recommendations. The Department of Developmental Services said the plan would inform future work, but did not offer a detailed implementation roadmap. The LAO said the plan contains significant policy and budget implications, may require statutory changes, and needs further analysis to turn recommendations into actionable proposals. Advocates and regional center representatives urged the Legislature and administration to avoid letting the plan sit on a shelf, called for prioritization and ongoing stakeholder oversight, and emphasized the need to address equity, workforce, service coordination, and cross-system collaboration. The chair said he wanted to work with the LAO on trailer bill language and future reporting to create a clearer path forward. The second topic was the Office of Employment First and competitive integrated employment. Administration witnesses said California has ended subminimum wage under SB 639, but that moving people into competitive integrated employment remains a major priority. They described existing efforts such as DDS’s coordinated career pathways pilot, paid internships, job development services, benefits counseling, and DOR’s career counseling and referral services, along with pilot projects in San Diego and Orange County. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and advocates argued that employment outcomes have remained stuck at roughly 15% and that a dedicated Employment First Office is needed to coordinate across agencies, align goals, and improve outcomes. The LAO recommended regular legislative oversight on people transitioning out of subminimum wage and asked for technical assistance on coordinated career pathways. The chair criticized the administration’s decision to effectively eliminate funding for the office, requested a detailed implementation timeline and quarterly transition reports, and said the committee would continue pressing for the office to be implemented. The final issue was respite services, utilization trends, and access. DDS reported that in-home respite use and spending have risen sharply over several years, with about 150,000 people using respite in 2023-24 and expenditures reaching about $1 billion. Officials said access depends on families knowing the service exists, service coordinators identifying need, and having enough providers, especially in rural and linguistically diverse communities. The San Diego Regional Center said utilization generally mirrors statewide trends, but access is stronger in some areas, such as Imperial County, where families often prefer family-directed or agency-supported models that allow them to hire trusted workers. Committee members emphasized the importance of respite for family health and caregiver well-being, asked whether service coordinators are asking practical questions about sleep and stress, and discussed the need for better identification of complex behavioral and medical needs. DDS said a standardized family support tool and updated IPP process are intended to improve consistency, transparency, and person-centered assessment for respite and related services.

Transcript Highlights:

• . code. code.
• >> to a student on any educational >> to a student on any educational property.<01:25
• adding it to existing code.
• I mean, if the definition in the code.
• <01:43:30.719> Uh, entities and higher education. Uh, entities and higher education.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that an anomaly in that fees in the code and it occasionally goes up?
• All of our fees, though, are set in code with dollar amounts.
• A lot of these things are policy, but they're set by code.
• Does state code not say? The taxes owed is $500, but we sell it for $1,000.
• Does state code not say where that $500 goes? No.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the prior meeting, and heard budget presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the State Auditor. The Secretary of State’s office described its FY27 budget, emphasizing efficiency gains from technology, election security work, and business services. It said it is operating with fewer staff than a decade ago, but rising costs and outdated statutory fees are creating deficits in service of process and other operations. The office asked the committee to consider either increasing fees or allowing it to retain a larger share of business-service revenue, and it also proposed creating an Office of Entrepreneurship to help small businesses navigate state government, grants, permits, and related services. Committee members questioned the Secretary of State’s office about fee increases, the current 50-50 split of certain revenues with general revenue, and whether the proposed entrepreneurship office would duplicate existing services. The office said it would complement, not replace, Commerce, SBDC, or grant programs, and would report metrics and policy recommendations to the legislature. The Attorney General then requested a one-time $2 million special revenue appropriation to hire additional lawyers and support staff, citing increased litigation, federal and state legal work, and the need to defend new laws. He also discussed embedded DMV lawyers handling DUI revocation hearings and said the arrangement costs the office just over $200,000. The State Auditor reported that his office is largely self-funded through special revenue and said he wants to reduce reliance on general revenue over time. He highlighted savings from renegotiated leases and an open government contract, discussed the need for more auditors in the Chief Inspector’s Division, and described fraud recovery and P-card operations. A major topic was delinquent land sales: the auditor said the office sold about 17,000 parcels last year and believes online bidding and better marketing could generate substantially more revenue, with the surplus potentially shared among counties, the state, and other programs. Members also asked about securities fee changes, fairness hearings, fire department audits, IT/cybersecurity, and how surplus proceeds from delinquent land sales should be handled. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're recognized to explain your Amendment bar code 419727, sir. Rep.
• Alexis Montro, Florida Education Association, waives in opposition. And ask if one...
• Representative Borrero, you're recognized to explain Amendment Bar Code 791203, sir.
• Representative, you're recognized to explain bar code 846551.
• We are on amendment bar code 073031.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education could help judges and prosecutors understand that fines for certain crimes are still mandatory
• Incomplete forms and incorrect coding contributed to fines not being sent correctly.
• sometimes lacked sufficient detail about fines, including the pertinent state law, the appropriate code
• Without such information, clerks did not know how to correctly code fines in their financial systems,
• and as a result, some revenues were incorrectly coded and sent to the wrong government.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of legislative implementation of State Auditor recommendations, followed by two State Auditor performance audits. JLARC staff reported that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three unresolved older recommendations. They said the legislature did not convene a work group on civil asset forfeiture, and no formal action was taken on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted. The first audit examined how Washington can ensure climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The State Auditor found the state has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and vulnerability assessments. The report recommended expanding climate analyses through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory office to coordinate siting and conflict resolution, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed resilience is important but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicative requirements, the importance of affordability and efficiency, and the role of current forums such as the Clean Energy Siting Council and SEPA processes. The second audit reviewed fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed fines inconsistently, collection rates varied, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not use the money as required for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services. The audit recommended courts work with prosecutors to improve awareness of mandatory fines, and that King and Pierce County improve coding, templates, and tracking so revenues are routed and used correctly. King County testified that it appreciated the audit and described its existing prevention and survivor-support work. The committee took no votes or formal actions and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• all the blessings you have bestowed upon us. of our country, the blessings of freedom, democracy, education
• Motion moves amendment to House Bill 14; the amendment to the amendment is coded A7.
• The amendment to the amendment is coded A6.
• The amendment is coded A.
• The bill inadvertently got sent to the Education Finance Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Senate Bill 2320 amends the penal code to enhance the penalties for all DWI offenses, including
• Educating both our customers and our employees has been an important tool to combat.
• Despite our educational efforts, customers may still fall victim.
• The purpose of this bill is, will repeal Section 1B of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Section 1B refers to the section of the penal code that states that a person who murders a child who

Transcript Highlights:

• , not directly working together at Price Waterhouse, what I would consider to be a very positive education
• Now we know that's actually not true, that they were looking at code in the payment system to try and
• When veterans use veterans preference in the hiring process, OPM codes them, may code them as probationary
• And so, individuals can also be... be coded as probationary if they have recently been promoted.
• So they're still in the same agency, but they were just promoted to a new position, but they're coded

Keywords: veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight

Summary: The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• sex hormone therapy treatments or puberty blockers for these minors and present it to insurance or code
• sex hormone therapy treatments or puberty blockers for these minors and present it to insurance or code
• sex hormone therapy treatments or puberty blockers for these minors and present it to insurance or code
• IT REQUIRES THE   326 EXAMINATION TO BE ADMINISTERED BY A BOARD APPROVED CONTINUING EDUCATION
• Every patient in Florida deserves access to care regardless of their ZIP code, and members, this is the

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of health care-related bills, with Chair Tuck emphasizing respectful debate and noting that all bills on the agenda would be voted on that day. The first measure, HB 743, would give the Attorney General authority to investigate and bring civil actions against health care practitioners who violate Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and would make aiding or abetting such conduct a third-degree felony. Supporters said it closed loopholes and protected minors and parental rights, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and could chill lawful care and professional judgment. The bill passed 13-4 and was reported favorably. The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 567, which narrows a continuing-education requirement for podiatrists so only those who prescribe controlled substances must take the related two-hour course. It also unanimously approved HB 439, allowing chiropractors, under specified training and certification requirements, to inject vitamins and nutrients while continuing to prohibit intravenous injections. The committee also passed HB 1235 to enter Florida into the respiratory care interstate compact, and HB 1237, a linked public-records/public-meetings exemption needed to implement that compact; both measures were supported as workforce and access-to-care bills and passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 809, which addresses temporary physician certificates in areas of need and aims to prevent doctors from losing the ability to practice when area designations change. Members asked about licensure pathways and the effect of federal or board designation changes, and supporters framed the bill as protecting continuity of care in underserved communities. The committee also unanimously passed HB 1347 to align clinical laboratory personnel licensing with federal CLIA standards amid staffing shortages, and HB 1515, a public-records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database. Finally, the committee approved HB 169 updating acupuncture statutes, including terminology changes and limits on injection therapy, and HB 1021, Representative Young’s first bill, allowing qualified hospital pharmacists in Level I and II trauma centers to administer emergency medications at a physician’s direction during life-threatening situations. HB 1021 drew the most questions, mainly about scope, definitions, and who could authorize the pharmacist, but after a technical amendment it passed unanimously. All remaining bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• it's, in some of these issues, we're only going to hear from one side, one side, and I want to be educated
• I've seen them out in the community, and when they've done things even in trade associations, is educating
• what the impacts of particular actions are. ...associations as they're educating what the impacts of
• are engaging fire agencies and designing projects to the most recent NFPA standard and the building code
• , including the fire code and the electrical code, and will ensure that steps can be taken to mitigate

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy met without a quorum at first and began as a subcommittee, then later established quorum and heard several measures. The main policy bills discussed were SB 24, which would restrict investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds for political advertising, lobbying, and efforts against municipal utilities, and SB 283, the Clean Energy Safety Act of 2025, which would strengthen safety standards for battery energy storage facilities after the Moss Landing fire. The consent calendar also included SB 80, SB 491, SB 593, SB 804, and SCR 25, which were taken up without debate. SB 24 drew strong support from consumer and environmental advocates, who argued that ratepayer money should not be used for political or promotional activity and that current rules lack meaningful consequences. Opponents from the utilities and business community said the bill was too broad, could interfere with shareholder-funded advocacy and legal work, and might unintentionally affect public service communications and expert consulting. Several committee members shared support for the bill’s goal but raised concerns about its breadth, especially around legal fees and communications; the author said he was willing to work on amendments, including on consultant fees, and accepted committee amendments. SB 283 received broad support from firefighters, local governments, utilities, labor, and business groups. Supporters said the bill would improve fire safety, require fire authority consultation and inspections, and prevent battery storage from being sited in unsafe indoor combustible facilities. The author described the Moss Landing fire and said the bill would add standards based on NFPA guidance while preserving local governments’ ability to adopt stricter rules. No opposition testimony was presented. The committee voted SB 283 out 16-0, and SB 24 was also approved after a roll was held open and later closed, ultimately passing 11-1. The consent calendar passed 16-0, and the meeting adjourned after the final roll calls were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are healthcare professionals educated We are healthcare professionals educated across<00:05:00.840
• Training Education. Training Education.
• . fees, enforcement and education.
• allows those who wish to meet education allows those who wish to meet education and<00:26:19.000
• just<00:29:45.880> about Massage education is not just about Massage education is not

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas technical education should be at the forefront of legislative priorities, which is essential
• And whereas technical education should be at the forefront of legislative priorities, which is essential
• And whereas technical education should be at the forefront of legislative priorities, which is essential
• Revenue Code deductions. Mr. Majority Leader, please make the motion to substitute. Thank you, Mr.
• And whereas Yvonne championed the first evidence-based child abuse prevention education by launching

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is coded A23. Thank you, and I urge all to vote green.
• The amendment is coded A23.
• The amendment is coded A23.
• The amendment<00:10:25.040> is<00:10:25.279> coded<00:10:26.120> A24.
• I recognize a amendment is coded A24.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Code 9, 0, 0, 2, 6, 8, take up. Substitute Amendment bar code 8, 9, 4, 7, 2, 6, Senator Grall.
• We'll take up Amendment bar code 4, 7, 5, 6, 4, 2, Senator Calatayud.
• Yes, Madam Chair, this is a late filed amendment bar code 614-0080.
• We'll show bar code 1, 5, 9, 8, 1, 6, is adopt.
• All in favor of the amendment say yea, all opposed Nay bar code 2, 7, 5, 5, 0, 6, is adopted.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in education.
• Education is probably the most important for young people.
• If you get an education, you can work one good paying job.
• We can use the community center as needed for education.
• And there are. some funds in the Hispanic Education Act for schools and for institutions of higher education