Transcript Highlights:

• If infants are entering care after serious injury, it often means the system is intervening too late
• I have taken care of kids that have been harmed by their parents in the pediatric intensive care unit
• The system already knew.
• The system already knew.
• Neglect and/or abuse in the infant stage of life can have long-term developmental impacts if not addressed

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from March 4, 6, and 11, 2026, and then heard Senate Bill 1256, a DOGE Task Force code cleanup measure requested by the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to remove outdated statutory language about a 1990 report. The committee advanced SB 1256 to the floor with a due pass recommendation without opposition. The committee then took up House Bill 776, which would require the Department of Health and Welfare to rapidly verify and prioritize reports involving newborns and infants under one year old when there is a documented high-risk history, such as prior child abuse convictions, prior termination of parental rights, or prenatal substance exposure. Representative Tanner and multiple supporters framed the bill as a response to the death of “Baby Benji,” arguing it would not automatically remove children but would ensure quicker safety checks and better coordination with CPS, hospitals, and law enforcement. Several witnesses, including a hospital social worker, foster and adoptive parents, a psychologist, a police officer, and the child’s adoptive sibling’s mother, described delayed responses and said the bill could prevent future deaths. Opponents, including several committee members during debate, raised constitutional and due process concerns, arguing the bill could expand government authority, rely on prior history in a way they viewed as problematic, or amount to a reaction to a single tragic case. Supporters responded that the bill only speeds up existing child welfare procedures and does not authorize forced entry or automatic removal. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to send HB 776 to the floor with a do pass recommendation by roll call vote of 12-4-4.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in front of you, the long sheet that we used.
• The bill provides some long-term funding for major road projects.
• board and the legislature at the time took action, particularly with House Bill 253, which capped long-term
• And that could just tumble the whole system, and so we have to be careful to take these steps.
• Take care of state roads.

Bills: SB2

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• system, and... ...a system that runs parts of our Medicaid system in terms of computer software.
• And so families aren't leaving the system because there's still taxpayers paying into the system.
• So this... families aren't leaving the system because they're still taxpayers paying into the system.
• paying into the system.
• I hope and believe that this floor knows how much I care about public schools, just as much as I care

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California, Michigan, Arizona, and Florida. Most states offer a 10 to 15% exemption.
• like foster care and juvenile justice.
• The McKinney National Airport is a key component of Texas's transportation system.
• Of course, Kansas has a long, long history with the aircraft industry, certainly since World War II and
• licensed under the Occupational Code to install such systems.

Bills: SB214 , SB935 , SB1030 , SB1901 , SB2018 , SB2020 , SB2066 , SB2206

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: HVAC, tax exemption, energy efficiency, residential heating, installation services, Energy Star, sales tax, residential, installation, sales tax exemption, Environmental Protection Agency, temporary exemption, motor fuel tax, county exemption, diesel fuel, gasoline tax, transportation funding, SB 1030, Texas Tax Code, use tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in terms of how we look at this in terms in terms of how we look at this in terms of<00:23:00.320
• </c> more kids in the system. more kids in the system.
• And that saves money right in the initial moment, but also in the long term, and it helps the student
• </c> the initial moment but also in the long the initial moment but also in the long term<00:56:21.119
• </c> listening to my very long testimony. listening to my very long testimony.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The criminal justice system will work and it will protect me. How long does it take to set a bond?
• It was for a very long time. Yes, very long.
• human trafficking, child abuse, stalking, all of those atrocities that might need a court order for long-term
• It is a completely separate system. And it is a civil law system. It is not a criminal system.
• system. system.

Bills: HB36 , HB75 , HB76 , HB166 , HB799 , HB 1135 , HJR15 , HJR16 , HB36 , HB75 , HB76 , HB166 , HJR15 , HJR16

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: family violence, global positioning monitoring system, victim resources, electronic monitoring, protective orders, magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, bail bonds, bail fund, charitable bail fund, nonprofit bail organization, public funds, local government spending, political subdivision, county, city, taxpayer lawsuit

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a negative in the long term, and we've had so many guys do it.
• The appointment system worked very well for preventing the long lines.
• Chair: Absolutely, proactive funding is needed to prevent long-term damage and ensure our facilities
• Chair: Absolutely, proactive funding is needed to prevent long-term damage and ensure our facilities
• Chair: Yes, this funding is essential for the long-term health of our infrastructure.

Bills: SB1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees. DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.

Transcript Highlights:

• TERM. >> Chair: MR.
• C 44 AND C 43 OUR ENGINEERS TERMS I APOLOGIZE FOR THEM I WISH THEY WERE BETTER NAMES.
• AND THEY AUTHORIZE A FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEM THAT I SPOKE ABOUT.
• COMPREHENSIVE IS A KEY TERM.
• THOSE AREAS RIGHT BEFORE YOU GET TO THE WHITE BOXES IS A WETLAND TREATMENT SYSTEM.

Transcript Highlights:

• While that perpetrator was sentenced to three life terms in 2010, my brother sought to hold the camp's
• It’s gone on for far too long, and it’s time that we give these victims their voice back.
• Senator Miller's bill, are y'all handling the long? What are y'all here on? Oh, okay.
• As long as you have, you know, if the person was domiciled... ...way.
• An ability to spend, an ability to save, and basically take care of our residents in time.

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The Civil Law Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered House Bill 165 by Representative Abear, a constitutional amendment to dedicate $500,000 annually from lottery proceeds to a veterans service grant fund. The committee adopted a technical amendment removing “up to,” approved the 6.8A report, and reported the bill with amendments without objection. The committee then heard Senate Bill 185 by Senator Presley, which would make nondisclosure agreements in civil settlements involving child sexual abuse victims against public policy and unenforceable. Senator Presley and Elizabeth Phillips testified in support, describing the bill as part of the “Trey’s Law” movement to prevent survivors from being silenced. Additional supportive testimony came from Gillian Edwards Coburn, and committee members discussed how NDAs work in civil cases and the need to protect children’s ability to speak. The bill was reported favorably without objection. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 77 by Senator Miller, a Law Institute measure on the effects of leases of movable property. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to protect good-faith lessees of items such as heavy equipment when a merchant leasing the property lacks authority to do so. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also heard Senate Bill 140 by Senator Miller, which clarifies that multiple successions may be handled in the same proceeding when jurisdiction is proper. Members discussed the cost and efficiency benefits for families, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 603 by Representative Wright, a constitutional amendment authorizing state investment in digital assets and precious metals. Members questioned whether the language could include Bitcoin and how such investments would be monitored, with the sponsor saying implementation would be handled later by statute and public officials. The committee adopted the 6.8A report and then voted 5-3 to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, more research has been coming out about the long-term impacts of injuries on athletes, particularly
• Care is absolutely necessary. Just got a text.
• So I know that you all are celebrating a recent victory, but baseball is a long game.
• And when you look at the long game, there's no team like the.
• It won't last long, we'll get it this year. Assemblymember Gallagher, you are recognized.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in front of you, the long sheet that we list.
• The bill provides some long-term funding for major road projects and we also appreciate the guardrails
• and the board and the legislature at the time took action, particularly House Bill 253, which capped long-term
• And that will could just tumble the whole system.
• And so at some point, we're going to take care of state roads.

Bills: SB2

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• The long-term program has been in Rochester; it goes back all the way to 1978 when the program started
• </c> are still practicing in Primary Care are still practicing in Primary Care Family<00:14:18.560><c
• I wasn't trying to—I was just saying that the health systems, many of our health systems, are nonprofit
• </c><00:18:31.159><c> are</c> Systems many of our health systems are Systems many of our health systems
• They have come a very long way.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a physical therapist working in the federal health care system here in California.
• I can speak to the health care system. How would those issues be handled?
• system, delivering care across the nation, specifically of the, 10 years in the federal health care
• it for all of our California constituents that can receive care at the federal system.
• This bill supports continuity of care and long-term access. As an IMG, I understand the virus.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with members repeatedly noting the lack of quorum while testimony continued. AB 1693 by Assemblymember Zbur would streamline local permitting for retail tenant improvements by allowing qualified professional certifiers to review plans and requiring local action within set deadlines; the California Retailers Association supported the bill, citing lengthy permit delays, and there was no opposition. AB 2010 by Assemblymember Soria would expand access to high-volume spay and neuter services, including mobile clinics, to address pet overpopulation; supporters said it would improve access in rural and underserved areas, while opponents and the Veterinary Medical Board raised concerns about safety standards and asked for amendments. AB 2195 by Assemblymember Rodriguez would stop automatic occupational license suspensions for low-income parents behind on child support; supporters argued the policy is counterproductive and hurts earning capacity, while the California Child Support Association and others said license suspension is an effective enforcement tool that brings parents to the table. The committee also heard AB 2311 by Assemblymember Chiu, which would let public health care district hospitals directly employ physicians; supporters said it would improve recruitment and access to care, while medical groups warned about physician autonomy and institutional influence. AB 1796 by Assemblymember Jackson would create a licensure pathway for professional interior designers and add an interior designer to the California Architects Board; supporters framed it as a public safety and professional recognition measure, while opponents said it would create confusion, unnecessary regulation, and no demonstrated public harm. AB 1739 by Assemblymember Ward would make it a crime for clergy providing therapeutic services to engage in sexual contact with a counselee, closing a gap in existing law; it drew strong support from survivor advocates and no opposition. Finally, AB 2497 by Assemblymember Johnson began testimony on modernizing the physical therapy practice act, with the author noting committee amendments that removed imaging and other provisions, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• , long understanding and long relationships with states and local school districts.
• High, and it is long past time for us to do something about it.
• Health care, of moving to a talent-based immigration system instead of the migration of large populations
• I just said, 47% of U.S. health care was related to obesity.
• the price of health care?

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 25, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This gives families long-awaited answers and closure.
• This vocation wrong long-awaited closure for this family.
• it has been or how long it takes.
• It's proven in the moments when you choose to act anyway, long after the debates are over, long after
• the headlines fade, long after your name is no longer on the door.

Bills: HCR1026 , SB1130 , SB1134 , SB1131 , SB1132 , SB1133 , SB1142 , HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• guests from a public lodging establishment, excuse me, making it easier for operators to remove certain long-term
• So many of our extended stays are becoming long-term residents for people.
• We're mixing terms here, and I want to be careful not to do that. This is not landlord and tenant.
• You can't take those short-term dollars, put them in an illiquid, long-term asset like a loan, and make
• Senator Berman, you are recognized. short-term dollars, put them in an ill-liquid, long-term asset like

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Rules Committee took up a large agenda of bills, with many measures reported favorably after brief explanations, amendments, and testimony. Early bills included CS/SB 658 on lien waivers and releases, which was amended to preserve enforceability despite form differences and then passed; CS/CS/SB 736 on brownfields redevelopment, which drew support from business and redevelopment interests and passed; and CS/SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, which was amended to bar certain building or fire code provisions affecting fuel-source choices and then passed despite opposition from environmental advocates. The committee also advanced CS/CS/SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, where manufacturers, dealer representatives, and industry groups warned the bill could undermine dealer networks and existing repair programs, while supporters argued it would improve consumer access and help farmers and equipment owners. The bill still passed. Other measures reported favorably included CS/SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of property-damage crashes, CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign-country controlling interests in health care licensing, CS/SB 772 on school access to glucagon for diabetes emergencies, CS/SB 1400 on removal of nonconsensual altered sexual depictions, and CS/SB 1696 on transportation network company impersonation and transit funding. A major portion of the meeting focused on affordable housing. CS/SB 1730, a follow-up to the Live Local Act, made several changes to zoning, height, density, parking, moratorium, and enforcement provisions, with members raising concerns about parking reductions, attorney’s fees, local control, and impacts in the Keys and other sensitive areas. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes and improves workforce housing implementation, while some witnesses urged additional exemptions for areas of critical state concern. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. Later, the committee considered several bills from Senator Leak, including CS/SB 576 on service of process, CS/SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments, and CS/SB 1164 on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices. CS/SB 606 drew substantial debate over whether hotels and extended-stay properties should be able to remove nonpaying guests without treating them like residential tenants; the sponsor said the bill clarifies transient occupancy and removes mandatory arrest provisions, and it passed. CS/SB 1164, which allows email notice delivery by agreement, passed despite concerns from tenant advocates that the bill should include clearer consent and safeguards. The committee also approved CS/SB 1374 on school district reporting of educator arrests and misconduct, CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation sales, and began hearing CS/SB 1690 on surrendered infants, which would authorize infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, with supportive testimony from proponents describing crisis situations and the need for anonymous surrender options.

Transcript Highlights:

• How long have you been with Texas Motor Speedway?
• You raised us to care for everyone, and even though all of the students at our school we love and care
• as I take care of my bodily needs?
• I take care of business and leave.
• This will lead to a long list of medical issues.

Bills: SB240 , SB1183 , SB1184 , SB1577 , SB2043 , SB2051 , SCR42 , SJR68

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• take care of themselves.
• Take care of theirs.
• unless amended, agree with the cost concerns, but also want to raise an issue around potential for long-term
• Research from the CDC confirms that early health education improves long-term health outcomes and reduces
• health care costs.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Care to speak to your motion? sir. Care to speak to your motion?
• Uh, this shouldn't be long.
• I don't care what they look like. I don't care how they speak, what language they speak.
• I don't care about any of that stuff. I just care that they know how to drive.
• That's all I care about. I driving. That's all I care about.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three transportation bills. SB 154 would add the Snow Traveler Foundation to the list of charitable organizations authorized to offer multi-use decal plates through the existing Department of Safety program. Senator David Roford said the bill would create a non-tax funding source for snowmobile trail maintenance, especially after flood damage, and Dan Gold of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association said the foundation would accept tax-deductible donations for projects such as upgraded trail signage. He explained that the association’s 96 volunteer clubs maintain about 7,000 miles of trails and that the sign program is costly. No opposition was presented, and the hearing was closed after questions from members about the foundation’s status and fundraising goals. SB 271 would expand eligibility for veteran license plates to include veterans with a general discharge under honorable conditions. The sponsor’s representative said the change would recognize service members who are already eligible for many veterans benefits but are excluded from plates under current law. Supporters included Phil Grizzo, who argued that general discharges often reflect service that was otherwise honorable, and Kevin Grady of the State Veterans Advisory Committee, which said it strongly supported the bill and was also considering broader statutory cleanup to standardize the definition of veteran across state law. Committee members asked whether the change should be limited to plates or applied more broadly, but the sponsor said broader changes would be a separate policy question. The public hearing was then closed. SB 273, titled “Cheryl’s Law,” would update New Hampshire’s move-over requirements for motorists approaching stopped or standing vehicles on the roadside, including stranded vehicles and those with warning signals. Senator Donovan Fenton said the bill was intended to save lives and honor Staff Sergeant Jesse Cheryl and Brigadier General John Pogo, both of whom died in roadside incidents. He said the measure would require drivers to slow down, change lanes if safe, and move over for roadside vehicles, with the intent of education rather than punishment. Committee members asked about enforcement, the lack of a fiscal note, whether the bill applied statewide, and whether the language could be read as weakening the move-over requirement; the sponsor said it applied to all roads, did not change fines, and was meant to clarify and broaden safety obligations. The hearing continued with additional questions, and the sponsor said state police and other safety stakeholders supported the approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe codification will support the center's long-term stability.
• California's school accountability system is long overdue for modernization.
• California school accountability system is long overdue for modernization.
• in nursing, our health care system more frequently demands a bachelor's.
• short-term acute care to support student success.

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, beginning with AB 387 on youth sports safety and AED access. The author and supporters, including youth sports and cardiac safety advocates, said the bill would improve coordination between youth sports organizations and facilities to ensure AEDs are available and emergency response is better prepared. School administrators, county groups, and school business officials opposed unless amended, citing liability, cost, staffing, maintenance, and school security concerns. Members asked about AED portability, CPR training, and liability; the author said committee amendments were accepted, but the bill was held due to lack of quorum while negotiations continued. AB 467 would codify the California Center for Climate Change Education at West Los Angeles College, allowing it to seek multi-year grants and other outside funding after an initial state appropriation sunsets. Supporters said the center has already trained faculty, supported paid internships and fellowships, and reached thousands of Californians, while opponents were absent. Members questioned whether codification was premature before the required report is due in 2027; the author said the measure was needed now to stabilize fundraising. The bill was also placed on hold for lack of quorum. A major portion of the hearing focused on AB 664 and AB 2694, both dealing with community college bachelor’s degrees. AB 664 would authorize Southwestern College to seek up to four targeted bachelor’s programs to address local workforce shortages in South San Diego County; students, local officials, and community college advocates supported it, while CSU and UC opposed, arguing for a statewide solution and concern about the master plan. AB 2694 proposed a broader statewide framework for community college bachelor’s degrees with stronger workforce and partnership requirements, reduced program caps, and limits on duplication; it drew support from community college groups and students, but CSU and UC again opposed or opposed unless amended. Members discussed place-bound students, workforce needs, transfer pathways, and the need for a master-plan-level approach, but no votes were taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee then heard AB 917, which would require certificated employees in very small school districts and certain county-run programs to receive permanent status under the same rules as larger districts. CTA and many educators supported the bill as a fairness and retention measure, while small school district and ROP representatives opposed, saying the current flexibility is necessary to manage enrollment swings, staffing, and specialized regional programs. Testimony emphasized the tension between job security for educators and operational flexibility for small LEAs; the hearing continued with more opposition testimony after the excerpt ended.