Transcript Highlights:

• So the intent of the bill is to level the playing field some.
• Chair rules that you be a member of a class be required to vote. Thank you.
• Chair rules that you be a member of a class be required to vote. Thank you.
• Chair, rules that you be a member of a class and be required to vote. Thank you, Mr. President.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's just another level of management that we have to deal with on the farm.
• So it's just another level of management that we have to deal with on the farm.
• <01:12:33.000> of simply like to reach a level of simply like to reach a level of stability
• That is my very base-level accounting information, guys.
• That is my very base-level accounting information, guys.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HP 3837 establishes a comprehensive AV regulatory framework for Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous vehicles
• The intent is to classify all Level 4 and Level 5 AVs as commercial until there are legitimate Level
• 4 and Level 5 AVs for sale for personal use.
• It only talks about level 4 and Level 5, which means the bill aligns with current industry standards
• So we still are protected under Level 3 and below.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:33.680> the was a good idea to get out of class the was a good idea to get out of class
• We have a large level three population.
• What is the level of detail that's being given potentially to parents?
• What is the level of detail that's being given potentially to parents?
• level how you going to define violence? level how you going to define violence?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How many schools teach this already, or have this class?
• are they are already or have this class are they are they<00:21:24.039> interested<00:21:24.360
• You all, as industry members, need to be creative to get to the next level to be successful.
• They work at high levels, they need to bring some expertise in, and they're responsible for compliance
• for the future you know th those levels for the future you know th those levels of<00:41:48.400>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, at a high level, what does this amendment do?
• So, at a high level, what does this amendment do?
• state level going after families. state level going after families.
• <02:15:44.000> of this bill changes is the level of this bill changes is the level of ongoing
• government and uh places a special level government and uh places a special level of<03:37:50.800

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A 1966 that same year he led the class A 1966 that same year he led the class A Florida league with
• that I not been supported at the level that I not been supported at the level that I think in recent
• a similar structure of a cabinet level a similar structure of a cabinet level official uh being the
• official organization to a cabinet level official organization to a cabinet level official uh the buck
• of cabinet level position that the level of cabinet level position that the level of cabinet level position

Bills: SJR 36, SJR 2, SB 4, SR 45, SR 47, SR 63, SR 66, SR 70, SR 85, SCR 14, SB 10, SB 11, SB 10, SB 11

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, 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, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• The classes, the Personnel Services in class 10, benefits in class 60, are really consolidated into one
• So class 11 for the Senate Personnel Services, unclassified. Class 060 is benefits.
• Just another example: class 080 is out-of-state travel.
• units that the spending is happening in the same account. class 060 is benefits um in class um class
• 53.839> of just another example class 080 is out of just another example class 080 is out of state

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met for an organizational opening session in which the chair, Ken Weyler, called the committee to order and members introduced themselves. The introductions established the committee’s leadership and membership, including Vice Chair Dan McGuire, ranking member Mary Jane Wallner, deputy ranking member Karen Eil, clerk Jerry Griffin, and other members from both parties. Many members briefly described prior legislative service and professional backgrounds, with several noting prior experience on Finance or related budget committees. Chair Weyler then outlined committee procedures and expectations. He emphasized that Finance handles spending bills and fiscal notes, that bills will generally be heard by the full committee and then referred to the appropriate division, and that executive sessions may be used to save time when positions are clear. He reviewed rules on attendance, dress, phones, paperwork handling, committee replacements, conflict of interest and recusal, and the process for testimony, including that members should listen without debating witnesses and that sponsors of bills must recuse themselves from questioning witnesses on their own bills. He also described the committee’s structure and workload, noting three divisions and the role of legislative budget staff. Weyler said the committee would likely see bills from many policy committees that have fiscal impacts, and he encouraged policy committees to find offsets within their own areas rather than assume new spending will be added. No bills were heard and no votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And sincerely thank you, especially for your consideration for state-level investments into oral health
• consideration for state level investments<00:27:42.159> into<00:27:42.360> oral<00:27:
• I've went there to a few of the classes, and that was all set up through Georgia and C, and it really
• and that was all a few of the classes and that was all set<00:44:12.079> up<00:44:12.319>
• um this budget is federal federal level um this budget is based<00:56:32.160> upon<00:56:32.880

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of that has to do with anger management, trauma-informed care, parenting classes, and of course
• We have that footprint, so we'll be in those meetings as well, and I'm sure we'll be at the agency level
• Madam Chair, specifically for Santa Fe County, in the funding that we did at the state level, it's not
• And by the end of 2026, we're hopeful we're going to have another level of expansion, and we'll be on
• Speaker: So you know we've been talking a lot about what's been going on at the federal level.

Transcript Highlights:

• You gotta, you gotta brew a lot of beer to get to that level. Thank you. Thank you.
• I'm, I'm not familiar with entity level, uh, corporate. Uh, IRS taxation.
• Well, at the state level, some of those companies are also paying franchise tax.
• It's about leveling the, uh, the field.
• And the local district cannot tax at the Comptroller PBS level. They can only tax at their level.

Bills: HB249

Keywords: real property, ad valorem tax, tax appraisal, property value limitation, real estate taxation, property ownership

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:38.200> uh those needs so at a very high level uh those needs so at a very high level
• of seasonal wreck has been one of these class growths that we've seen a lot of.
• <00:17:57.600> could that happens but other classes could that happens but other classes could
• <00:18:56.240> out it's not like uh when I say leveling out it's not like uh when I say leveling
• not increasing at that same level not increasing at that same level anymore<00:19:03.039> but

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's one thing to get access to a job at an entry level.
• It's one thing to get access to a job at an entry level.
• I've been working at the federal level.
• I've got to fix the accreditation system at the federal level.
• We’re not going to stop at a Jersey level. You can do better.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with most drawing support after amendments or ongoing stakeholder negotiations. SB 29, by Senator Laird, would extend a sunset on the law allowing pain-and-suffering claims to survive a plaintiff’s death; supporters, including a family member describing a medical negligence case, labor groups, consumer advocates, and disability and elder organizations, argued it prevents defendants from running out the clock, while hospitals, medical groups, and business organizations warned of higher costs and added liability. After extensive debate about data collection, settlement reporting, and the impact on health care access, the bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. SB 294, by Senator Reyes and presented by Senator Laird, would require employers to notify a worker’s emergency contact if the worker is arrested or detained and would create a template to inform employees of state and federal labor rights. Labor and worker advocates said the bill would help workers understand and enforce their rights amid weakened federal enforcement; there was no opposition on file, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 697 would modernize water-rights adjudication by allowing the State Water Board to use technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations; with no opposition, it also passed unanimously. The committee also advanced SB 37 on attorney advertising, SB 645 on peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 303 on bias-mitigation trainings in public workplaces, and SB 464 on expanding pay-data reporting for specified state workers. SB 37 drew support from consumer and legal groups but concerns from Walker Advertising about joint advertising; members said negotiations were ongoing, and the bill passed. SB 645 would extend anti-bias jury-selection rules to certain civil rights cases; criminal-defense and defense groups said they were close to agreement, and the bill passed. SB 303 and SB 464 were both amended to narrow scope and moved forward after several opponents shifted to neutral or removed opposition. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills, all sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have three levels of court: the district court, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.
• You can see here about 90% of the budget is on our district public defense level.
• Another 6% is on our appellate level.
• Defense level Defense level uh<00:59:57.160> another<00:59:57.520> 6%<00:59:58.119
• > you uh another 6% on our pallet level you uh another 6% on our pallet level you are<01:00:00.280

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a 75-25 program at a high level.
• So the counties, at a county level, score their projects.
• But it is at the parcel level.
• , at the county level.
• We're talking across all classes of asphalt shingles, as a general class, not getting into those specific

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee heard a series of presentations focused on mitigation, flood and wind resilience, and insurance discounts. Kevin Guthrie of the Florida Division of Emergency Management outlined several funding streams for mitigation, including federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program dollars, BRIC grants, flood mitigation assistance, and the state hurricane loss mitigation program. He emphasized the new Elevate Florida initiative, which will use about $400 million initially to elevate or reconstruct flood-prone homes, starting with National Flood Insurance Program properties and severe repetitive-loss homes, with no current per-home cap. Guthrie said the state will contract directly with licensed vendors and aims to reduce future flood losses, lower insurance costs, and keep properties on the tax rolls rather than relying on buyouts. Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworski described Florida’s windstorm mitigation discount program, explaining that the 1802 inspection form is used to assess a home’s overall “envelope” and determine statutory discounts. He said the office is updating the program based on a new wind loss study, with likely changes including greater recognition of roof types such as metal roofs and possible territorial risk adjustments. He also said the Legislature now requires the office to revisit the study every five years. Stephen Fielder of the Department of Financial Services reported on My Safe Florida Home, noting that the program offers inspections and grants for roof and opening protections, has completed more than 100,000 inspections, and has reimbursed hundreds of millions of dollars. He said the department has validated its discount calculations with insurers and that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce premiums through verified mitigation work. Michael Newman of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety said Florida’s building code is nationally leading and that post-Ian surveys found no wind-driven structural damage in buildings built after adoption of the code. He argued that mitigation should be treated as a system, not isolated upgrades, and suggested adding Fortified designation to the state’s mitigation form to better document verified resilience improvements. Bill Truex, a county commissioner and builder, stressed the need to educate homeowners about floodproofing and roof choices, citing examples where flood panels prevented damage and noting that asphalt shingles often do not last as long in Florida as their marketing suggests. In panel discussion, senators asked about program eligibility, outreach to elderly and digitally challenged residents, contractor vetting, roof-life disclosures, and whether flood insurance should be more broadly required. Officials said outreach will include call centers and in-person assistance, and several participants urged better consumer disclosure and more data-driven guidance on roof and mitigation choices.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are tracked, remediated, and reported at a federal level.
• These are tracked, remediated, and reported at a federal level.
• The integrity of their lists at a national level. I think that's all I have to say.
• And even if that exists, does that amount to some level of privacy?
• And even if that exists, does that amount to some level of privacy?

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

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

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1183, by Senator Creighton, which would require Lone Star Cards used for SNAP and TANF benefits to display the recipient’s name and photo, add fraud-reporting information, and require HHSC to track replacement-card requests. Creighton argued the bill would reduce fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, citing Texas SNAP theft and overpayment data. HHSC testified that photo IDs on the card are technically possible and explained how authorized secondary users are added. Dr. Amber O’Connor of Every Texan testified against the bill, saying SNAP fraud is a small share of expenditures, that the proposal would be costly and ineffective, and that federal rules limit mandatory photo requirements. Public testimony closed and SB 1183 was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1184, also by Senator Creighton, which would lower from 20 years to 10 years the minimum age of collectible wine that Texas collectors may sell to permitted restaurants. Supporters said the change would help Texas restaurants access desirable vintages, keep collectible wine in-state, and align with market demand; invited witnesses from the wine industry testified in favor. No opposition was heard, public testimony closed, and SB 1184 was left pending. Next, Senator Birdwell laid out Senate Bill 2051 and Senate Joint Resolution 68, both aimed at revising Texas impeachment procedures in response to issues identified during the 2023 impeachment process. The measures would clarify constitutional and statutory impeachment authority, require sworn testimony, extend review periods for House members, address conflicts of interest and presiding officers, require cost reporting, and modify rules for impeaching the governor or lieutenant governor. A committee substitute added protections for the accused, longer review periods, and a fallback presiding-officer option. Witnesses generally supported stronger accountability but raised questions about whether the language should also cover retired or visiting judges. Both measures were left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1577, which would expand Texas Motor Speedway’s alcohol sales authority to include distilled spirits and remove certain event and concession limits; the Speedway’s representative supported the bill and it was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 42 and Senate Bill 240, which would recognize only two sexes and restrict access to sex-designated private spaces in public facilities based on biological sex. Supporters argued the measures were needed to protect women’s privacy and safety, including in schools and shelters, while opponents warned about enforcement problems, privacy concerns, and impacts on transgender Texans and others who do not fit stereotypical sex traits. After extensive testimony, both measures were left pending. The committee then took up multiple pending bills and reported several favorably, including SB 511, SB 33, SB 510, SB 871, SB 2024, SB 2166, SJR 27, SJR 40, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 2420, SB 1999, SB 2309, SB 1860, and SB 2429, with some also certified for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1425 repeals the deadline for which holders of a Class A beer and wine license or a Class
• commission determining funding levels commission determining funding levels needed<01:25:58.000>
• a secondary level of due process. a secondary level of due process.
• level? level?
• Same level.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Associate Pastor Justin Wills of Miracle Temple Church in Lothian, followed by remarks recognizing his family’s ministry and requesting that the prayer be journalized. The chamber then moved through several introductions, including Johnston Square Elementary students who were recognized for strong grades, education-related guests, and staff and family members of senators. After the roll confirmed a quorum, the Senate returned to business. On third reading, House Bill 563, concerning emergency response animals, was amended to align the House and Senate versions. The amendment added self-defense as an affirmative defense, included horses used in search and rescue within the definition of emergency response animal, added a definition of law enforcement unit, and adjusted penalties. The bill then passed with 44 affirmative votes. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 159 on EMS vehicle supplies and neonatal care; the chamber refused to concur in House amendments and sent a message asking the House to recede or appoint a conference committee. The Senate introduced House Bill 420 and referred it to Rules. In Judicial Proceedings, Senate Bill 791 on immigration enforcement prohibitions in correctional facilities was reported favorably with three amendments, including technical changes, limits tied to certain convictions, notice requirements for state facilities, and authorization for judges or commissioners to consider immigration detainers in bail decisions. The minority leader and others requested that the bill be special ordered for more time to review and prepare amendments, arguing the issue was controversial and had been fast-tracked; supporters of the committee report said the bill had already been heard and discussed. The debate over the special-order motion was ongoing at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• actors conducted an unprecedented level actors conducted an unprecedented level of<00:02:35.160>
• <00:08:32.839> about partners at the local level about partners at the local level about physical
• where we get these secret level where we get these secret level intelligence<00:10:45.279> briefing
• <00:30:39.559> of acceptable that maybe this level of acceptable that maybe this level of
• I I would not put in the criminal class I I would not put in the criminal class there<01:26:28.840

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we level funded it this year from last year, so we need to have these resources. Thank you.
• And we level funded it this year from last year, so we need to have these resources. Thank you.
• I just want to mention that at the federal level, the Trump administration has proposed to abolish and
• proposed bill sets the program to ensure affordability at the widely accepted 30% payment standard levels
• a stable roof over one's head, the odds of successful reentry diminish drastically. some benefit levels

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of housing and homelessness bills. Chairs Rich Haggerty and Julian Cyr opened by noting the committee’s focus on EOHLC programs such as RAFT, MRVP, and HomeBASE, and several members and advocates emphasized the urgency of the state’s homelessness crisis, including rising family homelessness and the need for earlier intervention, more stable subsidies, and stronger long-term housing tools. A major theme was homelessness prevention and rehousing. Multiple witnesses supported bills to codify and strengthen RAFT and HomeBASE, arguing that assistance should be available earlier in a crisis rather than only after a notice to quit or imminent loss of housing. Testimony from legal services, homelessness coalitions, social workers, municipal housing staff, and tenant advocates said the programs help families avoid eviction and shelter, but need more flexibility, higher benefit caps, and permanent statutory protection. Several speakers also urged support for codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), describing it as a critical long-term subsidy for low-income households and older adults, and warning that codification would protect the program from future budget or policy changes. The committee also heard testimony on housing stability for older adults, affordable homes for people with disabilities, supportive housing, housing cooperatives, home sharing, local preference, and reentry housing for returning citizens. Advocates for older adults described a Somerville bridge subsidy pilot that helped stabilize seniors while they waited for permanent housing, and urged statewide expansion. Supporters of supportive housing called for an interagency board to streamline funding and development, while cooperative housing proponents backed creation of a Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives and a dedicated funding reserve. A bill to secure housing for returning citizens drew support from reentry providers and Senator Adam Gomez, who said stable housing is essential to successful reintegration. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses generally asked the committee to report the bills favorably, and some members asked follow-up questions on data and program details.

Transcript Highlights:

• for our contract for MAT, for our contract at Bridgewater State Hospital, for MassHealth, and the level
• And I think there were seven individuals in that class that graduated.
• So we're very proud to say that now all sites have it available at all levels of security.
• We had members of the Falcon Group, incarcerated individuals, staff at the local level, staff at the
• We just don't have the persons who have gotten to that level, or they're gone before they can ever be

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met with a new member from Prisoners’ Legal Services and approved the July 11 minutes. The main presentation came from Department of Correction Commissioner Sean Jenkins and Deputy Commissioner Mitzie Peterson, who gave an overview of DOC facilities, population trends, and the department’s broad mission, including sentenced prisoners, pretrial detainees, civil commitments, Bridgewater State Hospital, and the Section 35 program. They noted the custody population has fallen from about 10,000 in 2016 to roughly 6,000–6,600, while the share serving first- or second-degree sentences has increased. They also reviewed the department’s facility footprint, including Souza-Baranowski, MCI Norfolk, MCI Framingham, Bridgewater, and the planned transfer of the Section 35 program to Health and Human Services by the end of 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on programming, education, health care, and reentry. DOC described tablet access for all incarcerated people, free phone calls, email, and more than 330,000 hours of educational, vocational, and reentry use. They highlighted partnerships with colleges and universities such as Tufts, Boston College, Emerson, and others, along with HiSET completion, vocational training, and programs like The Last Mile and Persevere. Health care spending was discussed in detail, including a total annual health-related contract cost of about $300 million, with separate contracts for prison health care, Bridgewater State Hospital, MassAQC, and MAT services. DOC said it has nearly eradicated Hep C and MRSA and now offers all three FDA-approved MAT medications, including long-acting injectables when clinically indicated. Commissioners also asked about specialized programming, language and disability access on tablets, and how programming is distributed across facilities. DOC explained that nothing is mandatory, but program participation is encouraged and can affect parole consideration. Staff described assessments using COMPAS, criminal thinking interventions, trauma-related treatment, and specialized units for emerging adults, mental health, and substance use. The department said programming costs were about $101 million in fiscal year 2025, or roughly 12% of the operating budget, excluding health care. Members praised the elimination of restrictive housing and the rollout of body-worn cameras, while DOC said the cameras required new policy and union negotiations but are now used for training, accountability, and de-escalation. The meeting ended with a plan for DOC to return in September with more detailed information on SAUs, programming statistics, and facility structure, and the commission voted to adjourn.