Transcript Highlights:

• Sam is with Believe It, a group that trains service dogs for veterans. Daily.
• Sam is with Believe It, a group that trains service dogs for veterans.
• My name is Sam Daily, and I'm from Northfield, Minnesota.
• I just thought it would be great to hear from Sam while he's here. All right, folks.
• <00:03:57.320> while would be great to hear from Sam while would be great to hear from Sam

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll move now to Sam James.
• And I had a—oh, do you want to go ahead, Sam? And then I had a question for you afterward.
• Thank you for lifting that up, Sam. In my community, the alert also did not go out.
• Sam James, Genevieve Flores Haro, Dr.
• Sam James, Genevieve Flores Haro, Dr. Able to visit with us, Sam James, Genevieve Flores Haro, Dr.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Platcher is also here to assist, as is our budget director, Sam Brown. legislative auditor has to say
• director, Sam Brown. director, Sam Brown. Thank<00:22:43.760> you.
• And with me today is Sam Ritchie. For the record, my name is Sam Ritchie.
• Together, Sam and I led the wheelchair accessible vehicle study.
• I'm the staff my name is Sam Ritchie.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up is Mayor Mclofflin with Sam Burggeron on double deck. Good afternoon.
• Next up is Sam Bergman, and Representative Chris Moons is on deck. Double deck.
• My name is Sam Bergman.
• <00:18:29.280> and Next up is Sam Bergman and Next up is Sam Bergman and Representative<00
• My name is Sam Bergman. I'm before you. My name is Sam Bergman.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Sam, get ready. need um a new chapter. Um, need um a new chapter.
• time, but I what I'm going to do, Sam time, but I what I'm going to do, Sam Burgess<01:04:05.760
• So Sam get ready. tasked with that next. So Sam get ready.
• Sam Burgess: Thank you, Senator Rochefort. Thank you for hearing my testimony today.
• My name is Sam Burgess.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, up next is Sam Smith from the Commerce Department. Welcome to the committee.
• Chairs Kaggel and Driscoll, members of the committee, my name is Sam Smith and I'm here to testify on
• So, up next is um Sam here as well.
• <00:25:33.200> Smith<00:25:33.520> and the committee, my name is Sam Smith and the
• committee, my name is Sam Smith and I'm<00:25:33.840> here<00:25:33.919> to<00:25:34.080

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a couple of testifiers on the bill, and the first one will be Sam Smith, government affairs
• with your testimony. >> Co-chairs O'Driscoll and Cable Kaggel, members of the committee, my name is Sam
• um on the bill and the first one<00:03:46.959> will<00:03:47.120> be<00:03:47.280> Sam
• <00:03:47.599> Smith,<00:03:48.080> government one will be Sam Smith, government one
• members of the committee, my name is Sam members of the committee, my name is Sam Smith<00:04:05.840

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 3709, which would allow Minnesota banks and credit unions to offer custodial accounts for digital assets such as cryptocurrency. The bill authors said the measure is intended to let local financial institutions provide a regulated “digital safety deposit box” service, keeping innovation and consumer choice under Minnesota oversight rather than pushing customers to out-of-state or offshore providers. The Department of Commerce testified in support, saying it appreciates efforts to incorporate virtual currency into the regulatory framework and that the bill levels the playing field for trusted community institutions. Members and testifiers discussed whether the bill was really about consumer protection, institutional competitiveness, or both. Supporters from the Minnesota Credit Union Network and St. Cloud Financial Credit Union said the bill helps local institutions remain relevant as customers increasingly ask for crypto services, and one testifier said the credit union had seen significant liquidity leave local communities for exchanges. They also emphasized that the accounts are custodial, not exchange services, and are not NCUA-insured; one witness noted some institutions may obtain private insurance for risks like loss of keys or hacking. A Department of Commerce witness also said the agency is working on separate legislation to address unclaimed virtual currency property. Several members raised concerns about volatility, scams, and whether the bill simply helps banks stay relevant. In response, supporters argued that local institutions can provide a trusted point of contact and help customers avoid fraud, unlike stand-alone crypto exchanges or kiosks. The committee also discussed fees, with one witness saying the credit union’s expected charge would be percentage-based with a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $25. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Sam Flynn.
• Uh, Sam, first to you, uh, thank you for your excellent presentation.
• Thank you, Sam. And then Rachel, first of all, it's good to see you again.
• I think the best way is I think um Sam I think the best way is I think um Sam explained<01:07:46.720
• >> And it looks like Sam, you want to... >> Yes.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20 Approval of June 4, 2026 Minutes 00:03:09 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Medical Cannabis 00:03:38 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Bourbon 01:41:03, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cliff Lang, South Texas Electric, Ryan Brown, Sam Houston Electric, and Doug Turk, Sam Houston.
• I am Ryan Brown on behalf of Sam Houston Electric, testifying on Senate Bill 1789.
• Our program at Sam Houston Electric on pole testing and standards. All right, thank you.
• I'm Doug Turk on behalf of Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, and I'm here to testify on the bill.
• We strive to be good stewards of our system at Sam Houston, which includes testing and maintaining poles

Bills: SB1468, SB1612, SB1789, SB2530, SB2571, SB2717, SB2967

Keywords: utility systems, Texas A&M, regents authority, construction, improvement, construction contracts, trust funds, property rights, mechanics lien, contractors, trustee liability, mechanic's lien, liability, attorney's fees, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, insurance regulation, administrative penalties, coastal counties, catastrophe year

Transcript Highlights:

• And just so you're aware, we're all pretty nice people up here, but Sam is not.
• And just so you're aware, we're all pretty nice people up here, but Sam is not.
• Of course, Sam and I 2 minutes a piece.
• Vice Chair Putnam, Sam.
• Um, Sam forgot to start the clock. I had an opportunity, so I think that means you did pretty well.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, uh, members of the committee, uh, my name is Sam Albritton.
• > uh<00:08:48.839> my<00:08:49.000> name<00:08:49.200> is<00:08:49.320> Sam
• committee, uh my name is Sam Albritton. committee, uh my name is Sam Albritton.
• In short, we are landowners, long-term neighbors, and prolific agricultural producers, as Sam mentioned

Bills: HB381, HB259, HB393, HB399, SB358, SB362, SB363, SB348, SB187

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of course our CAS Patrick McQuillin, who has just been on a really kind of wild path with us as has Sam
• a really kind of wild path with us as on a really kind of wild path with us as has<00:30:56.799> Sam
• Moyer over the last several has Sam Moyer over the last several weeks.<00:31:00.000> Um<00:31
• And then when it comes over here, um, Jennifer Goldblers, uh, Jacob, and Sam, thank you.
• You've done an awesome Sam, thank you.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:16.720> and case, that will help uh me and Sam and case, that will help uh me and Sam
• So I think Katie and Sam are going to explain the exercise here. >> Yes.
• So, while Sam is doing that on her Okay.
• So, while Sam is doing that on her on<00:29:20.080> both<00:29:20.240> of<00:29:20.320>
• But with that, I'm going to turn it over to Sam for the instructions.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The task force held its first meeting on the insurance affordability crisis affecting single-family housing, common interest communities, and multifamily rental housing. Members and staff introduced themselves, including representatives from insurers, the Department of Commerce, housing advocates, affordable housing developers, and HOA/community association interests. Representative Steve Elkins was elected chair by roll call vote with 10 members in favor, after discussion that the Senate appointee’s formal appointment had not yet arrived; the group noted the intent to later move to co-chair leadership once that appointment is finalized. Staff reviewed the task force’s enabling statute and open meeting law requirements. The task force is charged with studying homeowners and commercial property insurance, property resilience and risk mitigation, liability laws and possible tort reform, notice and oversight issues, public reporting, and the state-supported insurance program, including possible expansion to a catastrophic reinsurance fund or self-insured pool. The final report is due February 15 and will go to the commissioners of commerce, housing finance, and employment and economic development, as well as relevant legislative committees. Members were also briefed on meeting logistics, a draft charter to be voted on at the second meeting, a resource page for shared materials, and the schedule of future meetings. The Department of Commerce then gave an overview of Minnesota’s property and casualty insurance market. Commerce described its regulatory role, the state’s competitiveness test, and how homeowners insurance is often filed under a “file and use” process rather than prior approval. The presentation emphasized that homeowners coverage has been under pressure for years: insurers have lost money in many recent years, premiums have risen, some consumers are taking on more risk through higher deductibles or reduced coverage, and some are moving into the surplus market. Commerce also highlighted the impact of severe weather losses, the growth in premiums since 2014, and gaps in oversight for homeowners associations and related policies. The meeting then shifted to brainstorming the problems the task force should address. Early discussion focused on climate and construction-related resilience, including hail and wind-driven rain damage, discontinued building materials, and whether stronger materials are reflected in insurance pricing. Members also raised the need to study programs like Alabama’s fortified roof model and Minnesota’s own Strengthen Minnesota Homes effort, along with questions about whether the construction industry is prepared to support broader resilience measures. No additional votes were taken during the discussion segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going to introduce them all at once: Sam Wade, Vice President of Public Policy, Coalition for
• I'm Sam Wade, Vice President of Public Policy with the RNG Coalition.
• And Sam is coming. And everybody’s been just wonderful in this presentation.
• | **Role:** mentioned | **Summary:** The speaker says they are turning to Sam for a response on dry
• Sam, did you want to add anything to that?” “Yeah, just a few things.

Summary: The hearing was a select committee discussion on the transportation costs and impacts of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with opening remarks from the co-chairs and members emphasizing affordability, climate goals, and the need to explain the program’s benefits to the public. The first panel from CARB and the California Energy Commission described how LCFS works as a market-based, declining carbon-intensity program that rewards lower-carbon fuels, supports zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gases and local air pollution. They argued the program has driven billions in private investment, increased alternative fuel use, and that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of retail gasoline prices, which they said are dominated by crude oil, refining, and distribution costs. Members questioned the panel on the gap between the regulatory target and actual carbon-intensity performance, the role of credit banking, which fuels are generating the most credits, how the 2025 amendments affected the program, and whether LCFS credits are truly additional. CARB explained that banking helps cost-effectiveness and investment certainty, that ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel currently provide the largest volumes while electricity is expected to grow, and that the updated targets were informed by the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goals and the 2030 scoping plan. The Energy Commission said its data show environmental programs add some cost to gasoline but do not drive price volatility, which is mainly tied to crude oil and refinery margins. The second panel, featuring academic and research experts, focused on program design, out-of-state credit generation, and broader economic effects. Speakers said LCFS is successful because it ties incentives to emissions benefit, uses life-cycle analysis, and allows flexible compliance that lowers costs compared with more direct regulation. They also said the program’s benefits generally outweigh costs, that it can reduce air pollution disparities and support equity, but that some issues—especially indirect land use change, additionality, and older program assumptions—need more research and may warrant future rulemaking. One researcher noted that while LCFS likely raises gasoline prices somewhat, the effect is uncertain by design and usually smaller than normal market fluctuations, and another warned that limiting credit generation too narrowly could create legal and efficiency problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sam: aye. Mr. Stubbs: aye. Mr. Sutton: aye. Mr. Tedder: not voting. Mr. Turner: aye. Mr.
• Sam. Aye. Mr. Stubbs. Not voting. Aye. Mr. Stubbs, not voting. Mr. Sutton? No. Mr.
• Sam. Aye. Mr. Stubbs. Not voting. Mr. Sutton. No. Mr. Tedder. Not voting. No. Mr. Tedder.
• Sam. Aye. Mr. Stubbs. Not voting. Mr. Sutton. Aye. Mr. Teder. Votes aye. Mr. Turner. Aye. Mr.
• Sam, no. Mr. Stubbs, aye. Mr. Sutton, votes no. Mr. Tedder, not voting. Mr. Turner, aye. Mr.

Keywords: 977, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On that day, Sam Adams wrote to a friend: 'Never despair,' he wrote.
• But they won't be looking at Sam Adams or Paul Revere.
• They'll be looking at Sam Adams or Paul Revere. They'll be looking at...
• But they won't be looking at Sam Adams or Paul Revere. They'll be looking at you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint convention of the Massachusetts Legislature convened to receive the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth address. The session began with procedural motions to appoint committees to notify the lieutenant governor, constitutional officers, Executive Council, and Governor, followed by an invocation from Archbishop Richard G. Henning, the posting and retiring of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Governor was then formally admitted to the chamber and delivered the address, with a benediction afterward by Rabbi Elaine Zacker. Governor Maura Healey’s address focused on affordability and public services. She highlighted actions and proposals on housing, including faster permitting, use of state land for housing, accessory dwelling units, down payment assistance, and expanded programs to help first-time buyers. She also discussed energy affordability, saying she would oppose utility rate hikes, pursue an energy affordability bill, and temporarily reduce electric and gas bills. On health care, she described efforts to cap costs, prevent prior authorization for insulin, ban medical debt reporting to credit agencies, and form a health care affordability working group. She also proposed making subscription cancellations easier, improving transportation through bridge repairs and transit investments, and strengthening protections for children on social media. The Governor also emphasized education, workforce development, and economic competitiveness, citing the state’s top national education ranking, expanded pre-K and child care, literacy and tutoring investments, early college opportunities, and a goal of 100,000 apprentices over 10 years. She praised Massachusetts’ response to federal actions, including support for vaccines, food assistance, abortion access, and research funding, and she criticized the Trump administration on tariffs, health care cuts, and immigration enforcement. She also noted public safety and veterans’ issues, including new assisted-living protections after the Gabriel House fire and the rebuilding of veterans’ homes. No substantive votes on legislation were taken beyond adoption of the ceremonial orders and the final adjournment motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any questions for Sam? Seeing none. Thank you, Sam. I see the sponsor. Come on up.
• Sam. Mr.
• All right, members, any questions for Sam? Seeing none. Thank you.

Bills: SB1020, SB1107, SB1117, SB1160, SB1216, SB1308

Keywords: special plates, Arizona Space Commission, transportation, funding, space exploration, peace officer certification, police certification, law enforcement licensing, Arizona POST, peace officer standards and training, military police, veterans, honorably discharged, veteran hiring, abbreviated academy, law enforcement recruitment, public safety, community policing, background investigation, psychological fitness

Summary: The Public Safety Committee met and approved several bills, beginning with SB 1107, which creates an alternative Arizona peace officer certification pathway for honorably discharged veterans who served as military police. The sponsor and a former military police officer testified that the bill would recognize existing training while still requiring Arizona-specific training, certification testing, background checks, and fitness standards. The committee adopted a clarifying amendment limiting the pathway to military police veterans and then passed the bill 7-0. The committee then passed SB 1308, which creates a Foreign Adversary Fraud Office in the Attorney General’s Office and related funds to pursue consumer fraud claims involving technology from foreign adversaries and to help replace such technology in critical infrastructure. Supporters argued the bill would address both consumer fraud and national security risks tied to foreign-made technology in utilities, communications, and other infrastructure. The bill was approved 7-0. The committee also passed SB 1020, creating an Arizona Space Commission specialty license plate to support the commission’s work; supporters said it would raise voluntary revenue and promote Arizona’s growing space industry. That bill also passed 7-0. SB 1160 was approved after amendment. The bill restricts drones near ticketed entertainment events, and the amendment expanded the restricted area from 400 feet to 5,280 feet. The sponsor, along with representatives from NASCAR and Live Nation, said the measure would close a public safety gap and protect large crowds from unauthorized drones. The committee passed the bill as amended 7-0. SB 1117 was also approved 7-0; it appropriates funds to DPS crime lab services for processing evidence from counties with populations under one million, with the sponsor saying it would help rural counties handle DNA and other evidence backlogs. Finally, the committee passed SB 1216, which removes the sunset on traumatic event counseling for public safety employees and expands eligibility to include crime scene and digital forensic technicians. Testimony from the Arizona Police Association supported making the counseling program permanent and extending it to additional employees exposed to traumatic material. The bill passed 7-0, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Sam, thank you.
• Senator Sam? I'm out, Chair, if I may. You may. All right.
• Senator Sam? I'm out, Chair, if I may. You may. All right.
• Senator Sam? Madam Chair, yes. We're—I got the broken microphone. Nice. Hold on a second.
• Senator Sam? Aye. Senator Calvedo. Senator Sam? Sorry. My apologies.

Bills: SB1051, SB1114, SB1115, SB1122, SB1132, SB1162, SB1169, SB1171, SB1172, SB1173, SB1174, SB1175, SB1179, SB1188, SB1233, SB1236, SB1242, SB1316, SB1368

Keywords: SB1051, Arizona hospitals, immigration status, patient intake, admission forms, registration forms, health care reporting, uncompensated care, emergency department, lawfully present, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen patients, hospital funding, Arizona Department of Health Services, ADHS, border security, health care institutions, patient privacy, medical access, immigration policy

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee approved the January 21 minutes and then heard a series of bills focused on developmental disabilities oversight, behavioral health fraud, AHCCCS operations, child safety, and state hospital capacity. SB 1179 would make the Developmental Disabilities Group Home Monitoring Program permanent and remove the appropriations contingency; Disability Rights Arizona and program managers testified that Commit had identified systemic care problems, while the sponsor said the work should continue. The bill received a 6-1 do-pass recommendation. SB 1114 would appropriate $1 million to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for behavioral health patient brokering investigations; Native advocates described widespread recruitment and exploitation of vulnerable people, especially Native Americans, and the bill passed 8-0. SB 1115 would prohibit AHCCCS from allowing remote work for Access employees; the sponsor argued in-person oversight was needed, while AHCCCS warned of space and staffing problems. It passed 4-3. SB 1051 would require hospitals to collect and report patients’ citizenship or immigration status for cost accounting; supporters called it a data-collection measure, while nurses and physicians said it would create fear and deter care. It passed 4-3. SB 1122, as amended, would replace prior authorization with 100% prepayment review for certain behavioral health services under the American Indian Health Plan, and passed 7-0 after AHCCCS said it had worked on the amendment. SB 1132, to appropriate unspecified funds for a new Arizona State Hospital wing, drew testimony from families and advocates describing severe shortages of state hospital beds and the need for more long-term treatment capacity; it passed 7-0. SB 1169, to fund graduate medical education and a new residency program, passed 6-0. SB 1171, requiring AHCCCS to check for dual enrollment in exchange plans and AHCCCS, passed 4-2-1 after AHCCCS said implementation would require system changes and costs. SB 1172, requiring more experienced DCS investigators for repeated abuse/neglect reports and court notification of hotline calls in dependency cases, passed 7-0. SB 1173, requiring behavioral health facility applicants, owners, and licensees to be U.S. citizens or lawfully present permanent residents with fingerprint clearance cards, passed 4-3 after an amendment clarifying the lawful-presence requirement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sam Mazayek, sorry, I apologize for that.
• Sam. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members. My name is Sam Mazayek.
• Sam, you mentioned the cost of everything at this point in time.
• Do you agree, Sam? Absolutely, sir.

Bills: SB4, SJR2, SB 4, SJR 2

Keywords: property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, constitutional amendment, SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2020, our son Sam had a severe relapse, common when this disease goes untreated for years.
• When Sam returned to Massachusetts, he needed another high-cost therapeutic placement.
• Some of which will have lifelong effects, not only on Sam, but for all of us as a family unit.
• Sam is now 21. Sam is now 21 years old, but his onset of PANS began at 13.
• This was not our Sam.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery opened its first public hearing of the 2025–26 session with remarks from the Senate and House chairs outlining the committee’s priorities. They noted recent work on addiction and recovery legislation, the ongoing youth behavioral health crisis, and that members might need to leave periodically for floor votes. The chairs explained hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, written testimony deadlines, and reporting deadlines for Senate and House bills. The hearing then focused on several bills related to youth mental health, overdose prevention, and psychedelic treatment research. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills to improve youth crisis response and overdose prevention. Testimony strongly supported bills to print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on student ID cards, with speakers from mental health organizations, crisis centers, and individuals sharing personal stories of depression, suicide attempts, and the importance of making 988 as familiar as 911. Another set of bills would require schools to stock naloxone and provide overdose prevention education. Physicians, harm reduction advocates, students, and grieving family members testified that school-based Narcan access and education could save lives, reduce stigma, and help students recognize overdoses and understand Good Samaritan protections. Senator O’Connor and Tamika Perry also testified for a bill to strengthen substance use prevention education and reduce overdose abandonment, emphasizing the need to teach students about overdose risks and the legal protections for calling 911. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to authorize a pilot program for psychedelic treatment in licensed facilities. Senator Friedman and several medical and behavioral health professionals argued the proposal was a narrow, research-based approach distinct from the broader ballot question rejected in 2024. They said the bill would allow only a small number of supervised clinics to use psychedelics for conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders, with data reporting and Department of Public Health oversight. Supporters described it as a cautious way to study promising treatments while avoiding unsupervised or commercialized use. Finally, the committee heard support for a bill to create a special commission and five-year strategic plan for children’s behavioral health services, with testimony that the current system is fragmented, difficult for families to navigate, and strained by workforce and funding challenges. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.