Transcript Highlights:

• This is $8,000 a year for the education benefits for remarried spouses, Representative Bliss's bill,
• We must make strategic decisions about staffing or providing benefits and services to those who have
• Operating adjustments are an essential factor to ensure MDVA can provide the services and benefits to
• disclosure law by requiring federal accreditation to provide veterans benefits and veterans benefits
• The Veterans or the VA accreditation process is at the heart of this effort. of this effort.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:25.839> submitted neighbors during that process submitted neighbors during that process
• all part of a broader certification process.
• And then, last of all, our process, I think they had some trouble with our process because for years
• some trouble with our process they had some trouble with our process because<00:45:12.800> we
• I put in for the dog, and it was a process: application and interviews and so on and so forth.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those grants competitive grant process.
• This benefit has helped hourly workers.
• depending on these benefits. depending on these benefits.
• <00:58:04.240> The benefits, 6 minutes a day. The benefits, 6 minutes a day.
• :13:07.760> half unemployment benefits, where only half unemployment benefits, where only half

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not about bureaucratic process.
• ,<02:19:21.040> improve increase home care benefits, improve increase home care benefits,
• conviction and without any due process? conviction and without any due process?
• Immigration and due process.
• federal public benefit federal public benefit um<04:15:58.560> or<04:15:58.880> a<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh but it doesn't benefits of this bill.
• Um, and so um benefits and costs.
• <02:39:15.120> for blocking the net metering process for blocking the net metering process
• So I think trying to bring benefit to.
• Can we accomplish question of process?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Bills: SB1687, HB1687, HB4431, HB2894, HB2979, HB3262, HB3298, HB3369, HB3431, HB3462, SB1226, SB1876, SB1916, SB1920, HB3467, HB3498, HB3500, HB3521, HB3581, HB3650, HB3673, HB3764, HB3767, HB3781, HB3800, HB3831, HB3834, HB3941, HB2749, HB3970, HB3972, HB3979, HB3980, HB3981, HB3996, HB4095, HB4104, HB4191, HB4248, HB4298, HB4338, HB4427, HB4428, HJR1023, HB3660, HB3718, HB4326, HB3443, HB3880, HB3649, HB3000, SB1651, SB504, SB372, SB1326, SB1633, SB248, SB1242, SB1238, SB423, SB1989, SB1286, SB904, SB1213, SB1216, SB1827, SB65, SB1390, SB259, SB1944, SB540, SB2139, SB346, SB1595, SB1400, SB1555, SB1209, SB2110, SB1670, SB1061, SB2104, HR1057, SB1946, SB1734, SB1316, SB1360, SB1557, SB1684, SB2049, SB1410, SB2011, SB1437, SB1204, SB1732, SB1775, SB2084, SB1380, SB1572, SB1772, SB1224, SB710, SB1338, SB1266, SB1303, SB1307, SB1562, SB1794, SB1191, SB1983, SB1832, SB1448, SB1534, SB1593, SB1597, SB1630, SB1489, SB1726, SB1796, SB1806, SB1877, SB1451, SB1553, SB1632, SB1423, SB1425, SB1502, SB2180, SB1725, SB2182, HB3003, HB3004, HB4434, HB4324, HB4342, HB2137, HB4432, SJR50, SJR52, SJR53

Keywords: driver licenses, exam proctor, Service Oklahoma, commercial training, background checks, advance directive, advance health care directive, health care proxy, medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney for health care, living will, surrogate decision-maker, default surrogate, health care agent, capacity determination, supported decision making, mental health directive, psychiatric advance directive, end-of-life care, life-sustaining treatment

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized Eileen Cooper Grubbs as Nurse of the Day. The chamber then took up several procedural items, including second-reading referrals of Senate Joint Resolutions 50, 52, and 53 to Administrative Rules. Speaker Hilbert also announced the House would continue working despite uncertainty about action in the other chamber, and members were told dinner had been ordered for a long day of floor work. On legislation, the House rejected Senate amendments to House Bill 1728 and House Bill 3021 and requested conference on both. It adopted Senate amendments to House Bill 2137, a criminal procedure bill, and then passed the bill. The House also approved a motion by Speaker Hilbert to override the governor’s veto of House Bill 4432, with a recorded vote of 68-15, allowing the bill to become law notwithstanding the governor’s objections. The House then adopted House Concurrent Resolution 1028, which authorizes the House or Senate to modify legislative deadlines for the remainder of the 60th Legislature. Members discussed that the change was intended to keep legislation moving while the Senate was not meeting and to preserve the ability to hear bills and return them between chambers. The resolution passed after a recorded vote of 77-4. Finally, the House suspended certain rules for the rest of the session by a 68-15 vote and recessed until 1 p.m., with a reminder that the rural caucus would meet in Room 206.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's not just a benefit for astronomy.
• That's a benefit for everybody who looks up to the stars and dreams.
• <00:21:08.559> That's not just a benefit for astronomy.
• That's not just a benefit for astronomy.
• Um uh but really good with the process.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and Arts heard several resolutions recognizing observances and cultural/historical initiatives. STR 12 SD1 recognized International Dark Sky Week; DLNR and the University of Hawaii discussed the advisory task force structure, with the university agreeing to continue as chair, and the measure was later passed with amendments. STR 112 SD1 requested Honolulu City Hall be lit purple for National Purple Heart Day, but because the resolution could not create a permanent standing request, the committee amended it to apply only to August 7, 2025. STR 131 urged the state to acquire the Hawaii Theatre to preserve its cultural and historic significance and keep it in public use, and STR 169 SD1 asked the state archives to expand outreach and civic engagement; DAGS supported both measures, with the state archivist emphasizing the value of connecting people to documentary heritage and civics education. The committee also considered STR 197 SD1, which recognized June 1 as Indigenous Peoples Day, July 1 as Canada Day, and September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in acknowledgment of ties between Hawaii and Canada. DBEDT supported the resolution, and a member asked about possible tariff impacts on tourism from Canada, with the department saying it would follow up by email. The chair noted there were some individuals in opposition, but no additional testimony was offered during the hearing. After a recess, the committee took up decision-making and adopted all measures. STR 12 SD1 and STR 112 SD1 were passed with amendments, STR 131 and STR 169 SD1 were passed as is, and STR 197 SD1 was passed with amendments including a request that the governor raise a Canadian flag in Hawaii at an appropriate recognition ceremony. The chair closed by noting this was the committee’s last hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• just administratively and the processes just administratively and the processes for<00:08:08.160
• normal state budget you know process normal state budget you know process timelines.<00:15:53.920
• So if we see, you know, less federal benefit, how does that impact, you know, state benefit and the cuts
• So this is the the committee process.
• And since then, we've stood up a process And since then, we've stood up a process for<00:37:57.920

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Jonathan Dismang, thank you for taking time to meet this afternoon and also work through this process
• This process actually started all the way back in 2013, and because of what we've done through conservative
• We must also consider who benefits the most from these.
• note indicates more than 20% of earners in Arkansas will see zero benefit.
• The top 20% of earners will receive 80% of the tax benefit.

Summary: The Senate Revenue and Tax Committee considered Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Dismang, which would continue Arkansas’s phased income tax reductions, lowering the personal income tax rate to 3.7% and delaying the corporate income tax change until the following January. Dismang said the bill was part of a long-running effort begun in 2013 to reduce rates using conservative budgeting and surplus revenue, and he estimated the change would reduce the effective tax burden for a person making $65,000 by about 45%. Committee members supporting the bill emphasized that the measure would not cut state services and argued Arkansas should balance competitiveness with funding essential programs. Several speakers opposed the bill, including a clergy member/social worker, a parent advocating for disability services, representatives from Arkansas Appleseed and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and a community advocate from the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese. They argued the state should preserve revenue for public schools, health care, housing, food assistance, early childhood education, and supported living services, citing underfunded schools, a waitlist for pre-K, hospital and child care pressures, and the needs of low-income and vulnerable residents. Some speakers said the tax cuts would disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers while providing little relief to working families. In closing, Dismang said Arkansas could be both compassionate and competitive and that no essential services would be cut because the state is operating with a surplus. After discussion, Senator Dismang moved do pass, Senator Petty seconded, and the committee approved SB 1 by voice vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 156 by Hughes, relating to prohibited conduct of a health benefit plan issuer in relation
• Senate Bill 1183 by Creighton, relating to electronic benefits transfer cards used by and for recipients
• of benefits under certain assistance programs, to State Affairs.
• Senate Bill 1205 by Hall, relating to the provision of certain public benefits and services to persons
• Senate Bill 1287 by Hughes, relating to the effect of certain reductions in a health benefit plan on

Summary: The Senate met briefly to receive first-reading referrals of a large number of bills, resolutions, and joint resolutions. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public education, health care, criminal justice, business regulation, transportation, water and natural resources, local government, taxation, elections, and public information. Many of the filings were by Senators Hughes, Perry, Alvarado, Creighton, Hancock, Parker, Zaffirini, Blanco, and others, and included proposals on school safety, health records and billing, election procedures, water planning, housing and rent issues, energy and environmental regulation, and criminal penalties. The chamber also read several concurrent and joint resolutions, including measures designating state symbols and local honors, a proposed constitutional amendment related to gaming by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, a proposal concerning special-session subjects, and resolutions on fiscal restraints and retirement obligations. No debate, testimony, or substantive action on the merits of the measures occurred in this portion of the transcript; the items were simply read and referred to committees. At the close of the proceedings, the Senate adjourned pursuant to a previously adopted motion and announced it would reconvene at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal guidelines and processes are unfortunately currently inconsistent for event organizers and rarely
• there have been efforts to improve the situation and streamline the temporary flight restriction process
• There's probably a more involved process that would have to take place on the mitigation front.
• And for those who are able to access these funds, it can... ...with a retirement benefit.
• And thanks to your support, when we extended those benefits to our mixed martial artists, fighters, we

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard three bills. AB 2113, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would prohibit unauthorized drone operation within 400 feet of ticketed outdoor entertainment events with 1,000 or more attendees, creating a $500 infraction to improve crowd safety and emergency response. Support came from Live Nation, the San Francisco 49ers, and BottleRock; opposition was limited to a support-if-amended position from the California Attractions and Parks Association and a less-amended concern from TechNet about impacts on nearby commercial drone use. Members discussed enforcement challenges and the need for a layered state-federal approach, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2492, by Assemblymember Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including planning for security, emergencies, and reducing risks such as trafficking and discrimination. The California Travel Association testified in support, emphasizing the economic importance of these events and the need to reassure visitors about safety. Members noted the bill’s inclusion of watch parties and the need for strong coordination across agencies; it also passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2130, by Assemblymember Haney, would allow the California State Athletic Commission to place sponsor logos on referee and official apparel at boxing and MMA events to generate revenue for fighter retirement benefits and related training, without using the General Fund or raising ticket prices. Support came from Combat U and the UFC, with testimony stressing that California is the only place offering this type of retirement benefit and that the bill would help support fighters after their careers. The committee described it as a targeted but important measure, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. After reopening the roll to capture absent members, all three bills were reported out unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal guidelines and processes are unfortunately currently inconsistent for event organizers and rarely
• There's probably a more involved process that would have to take place on the mitigation front.
• It will also be a practical and sustainable way to strengthen fighter retirement benefits beyond what
• And for those who are able to access these funds, it can... ...with a retirement benefit.
• And thanks to your support, when we extended those benefits to our mixed martial artists, fighters, we

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have about 152 claims benefit advisors spread out through the entire state, co-located in VA facilities
• They are in VA facilities as well, rent-free, and they advocate for veterans to access the benefits they've
• We also have the state education benefit, which is Hazelwood.
• All right, we'll now go ahead and start the process of public testimony on SB 1814.
• All right, we'll now go ahead and start the process of public testimony on SB 1814.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs heard a briefing from the Texas Veterans Commission on its major programs and outreach efforts. TVC described its claims assistance, health care advocacy, education oversight, employment services, entrepreneurship support, mental health and suicide prevention work, women veterans services, grant funding for nonprofits and local governments, and support for veteran treatment courts. The agency also highlighted its communications strategy, including media outreach, events, newsletters, social media, and the Texas Veterans State Benefits Booklet, and noted that less than 58% of veterans were aware of TVC in the latest needs assessment. A committee member asked about performance metrics, and TVC said each appropriation has associated measures and that it could provide recent results. The committee then took up Senate Bill 651, which would allow a county veterans service office in a large county to report either directly to commissioners court or to a designated county executive official. Senator West explained the bill as a cleanup of current practice, and Dallas County testified in support, saying the change would streamline internal management. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 897 would reduce the non-state matching requirement for the Texas Veterans and Family Alliance grant program in larger counties from 100 percent to 75 percent in the committee substitute, rather than the 50 percent reduction in the filed version. Supporters from MetroCare and Emergence Health Network said the lower match would help sustain and expand veteran mental health services, citing increased demand and program growth. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also adopted its rules. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1814, which would create an interagency database to collect and coordinate contact information for transitioning veterans so agencies could proactively connect them with services. Senator Hancock said the goal was to better use information already being collected, though he noted the bill had a significant fiscal note. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1818, which would create a temporary six-month licensing and certification process for military members and spouses assigned to Texas while they wait for letters of good standing from other states. VFW testified in support, emphasizing the importance of employment for military families. Both bills were left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill harms benefits, and safety.
• All of the criteria that my process.
• guidance on that and that's in process. guidance on that and that's in process.
• However, when you a public benefit.
• there's some sort of approval process there's some sort of approval process for<04:20:08.239>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . process. process.
• So, is that possible we can get process.
• [clears throat] Our review process, uh, our quality assurance process, is rigorous.
• Our review process, uh, our quality assurance process, is rigorous.
• issued SNAP SNAP benefits in Kentucky. issued SNAP SNAP benefits in Kentucky.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:01 Department for Public Health Budget Request 00:01:46 Department for Community Based Services Budget Request 00:31:58 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) 00:57:13, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes, then heard a lengthy presentation from the Department for Public Health on Kentucky’s rural health transformation plan and related budget questions. Commissioner John Langfeld said the state received a $212.9 million federal award, one of the larger awards nationally, and outlined five focus areas: maternal and infant health, integrated EMS/trauma response, behavioral health and substance use disorder, oral health, and chronic disease prevention with an emphasis on obesity and diabetes. He stressed that the effort is intended to be integrated, data-driven, and sustainable, and that the federal funds cannot be used for new construction, clinician salaries, research and development, EHR replacement, or to pay for currently billable services. He also said the program carries accountability requirements and that funds can be clawed back if milestones are not met. Members pressed for clarification on duplication with other budget requests, sustainability after the five-year funding period, and how success would be measured. Langfeld said he was not aware of any duplicate funding with the department’s additional budget requests and said the rural health funds were separate from those requests. He also said the program will be tracked through specific metrics and timelines, using both execution measures and outcome measures such as readmissions, with more rapid-cycle feedback to allow course correction. Representative Fleming raised concerns about possible overlap with navigator funding and asked for more detail on the budget breakdown; Langfeld said a detailed line-item budget had been prepared but was still awaiting final CMS approval before release, and that he would explore sharing more information once restrictions were lifted. The committee then heard from the Kentucky State Public Health Laboratory about a request for a new central lab expansion. The presenter described the current 35-year-old facility as outdated and constrained by aging infrastructure, obsolete equipment, deferred maintenance, and inadequate space, and said the lab performs critical work with no in-state alternative for many services, including newborn screening, select-agent and biosafety level 3 testing, animal necropsy for rabies, genetic sequencing, environmental and food safety testing, and response to emerging infectious diseases. The project is already in design phase C, expected to finish in mid-April, with construction funding sought at roughly $276 million on top of about $35 million already approved for design. Members asked about long-term operating costs, backup arrangements, and whether the current facility would remain in use; the presenter said the current lab would continue to be used by the department while other divisions move into vacated space, and that the lab has mutual-aid agreements with the Southeast Consortium and universities for contingency support. Finally, the Department for Community Based Services began its budget presentation on SNAP and relative caregiver issues. Commissioner Lisa Dennis and budget director Misty Sammons identified the governor’s recommended budget items tied to new federal requirements under HR1, including changes affecting payment error rates. The discussion was just beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the next is Pillsbury whole process.
• So more of a process change on DRRA.
• But there is um on in the process.
• <01:18:38.800> for for additional salary and benefits for for additional salary and benefits
• So there are multiple changes between House Bill 2 and... the process. uh based on the Senate's the process

Keywords: LBA Briefing on Budget, 928, house, all

Summary: The presentation was an LBA overview of Senate changes to the House-passed state budget, with Michael Kane explaining how Senate Finance updated revenue and spending estimates after April revenue figures and agency discussions. He said the Senate’s revenue outlook was higher than the House’s in some areas, but lower in others, especially video lottery terminal revenue, and that the biggest differences also came from changes to revenue splits between the general fund and education trust fund, lapse estimates, and several policy changes in House Bill 1 and House Bill 2. Kane highlighted several major revenue and policy differences: the Senate changed the business tax, tobacco tax, and real estate transfer tax splits; adjusted liquor revenue dedication; removed the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap; delayed the Lakes Region facility proceeds plan; altered the PECARD fund treatment; added a granite patron of the arts tax credit; and changed the treatment of unique funds and video lottery terminal revenue. On spending, he noted Senate changes to judicial, corrections, HHS, human rights commission, and other budgets, including additional settlement costs, higher lapse assumptions, and a different approach to Medicaid premium revenue and retirement savings. He also described Senate additions such as a nursing home bed fee, Hampstead Hospital transition funding, and changes to the YDC claims settlement fund. The presentation focused on comparing House and Senate surplus statements across fiscal years 2025 through 2027, including projected ending balances and rainy day fund transfers. Kane repeatedly emphasized that the numbers were still dependent on final revenues and lapse amounts, and that some balances would be carried forward and trued up later in the biennium. No committee vote or final action was described in the excerpt; it was an informational budget briefing and comparison of the two chambers’ proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're beginning the process of asking for what we want.
• And of course, we'll be in touch as we go along through the budget process.
• So, how can we continue to make that a better process?
• It's about an eight-month process to get there.
• Processing the final kind of when you pull the plug, you might say.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• means that we need to be pepped up before every hearing so here we go, we are seeking to protect the process
• school districts lower absenteeism benefited students recovery I mean those are the two kind of clear
• Getting people to understand both publicly but also through the LCAP process, you know, whether they
• You actually have to have a planful process of kids showing back to school. you know, couple periods,
• We now have a process where that's not necessarily needed.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have seen a lot of early benefits from the early implementation of this program, and I'll echo Mr.
• from the imple uh from the benefits from the imple uh from the early<00:26:50.720> implementation
• We found that the top drivers that influenced retention were wages and benefits, agency and employer
• uh agency uh and employer and benefits uh agency uh and employer culture<00:32:13.360> um<00:
• <00:58:59.559> again uh resident salaries and benefits again uh resident salaries and benefits

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A lawful and fair process benefits all Texans and ensures that property owners can protect their investments
• We already have a special process that shortens the process.
• The process was a rubber stamp process before COVID.
• perceived benefits.
• or process.

Bills: HB15, HB171, HB204

Keywords: flood risk, campground, safety regulations, civil penalty, guest safety, Harris County, flood control, governance, expansion, public health, local governance, environmental management