Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bills 1444 and 1445 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing.
• Senate Bills 1444 and 1445 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing.
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1430, by Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1439, by Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1439, by Judiciary and Rules Committee.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal. It then moved through routine committee reports and bill referrals, including printing and committee assignments for several Senate bills and House messages. Early action also included referral of Senate Concurrent Resolution 128 and multiple House and Senate bills to the appropriate committees or later orders of business. The chamber then took up several appropriations and policy bills on third reading. Senate Bill 1401, an appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for Public Health Services, was debated as a mix of federal pass-through funding, vaccine purchasing, laboratory testing, ARPA grants, HIV/hepatitis prevention, suicide prevention, and a transfer of the Idaho Home Visiting Program; it passed 21-14. Senate Bill 1423, dealing with the FAST Act and a framework for stablecoin payments, drew debate over efficiency, banking costs, state control, and privacy/risk concerns; it passed 22-13. Senate Bill 1429, a behavioral health appropriation and supplemental, was presented as a series of restorations and fund shifts tied to prior budget cuts and settlement obligations, and it passed 21-14. Senate Bill 1431, an appropriation and transfer for the Department of Water Resources, including aquifer monitoring and stream gauging/adjudication staffing, passed 26-7. The Senate also passed House Bill 855, revising lifetime fish and game license residency requirements from six months to five years, by a vote of 23-11. Later, House Bill 752, which would prohibit knowingly entering opposite-sex restrooms or changing rooms in government buildings and public accommodations except under specified exceptions, prompted extensive debate. Supporters argued it protected privacy, children, and women’s safety; opponents argued it criminalized transgender people, was discriminatory, and could harm Idaho’s reputation and economy. The debate continued at the end of the transcript, with the bill still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if they're a committee, we have similar committees, so we'll see if we can work that out.
• The committee had then a group of providers on the Child Care Services Advisory Committee, as well as
• an administrative rules hearing would be held in June, with the new rules taking effect in July.
• Oh, that's against my rule. The juvenile justice... ...against my rule.
• Committee discussion. I'm going to. Committee discussion.

Committee: Joint Human Services Committee

Summary: The committee first approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then received an update from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on the interagency council on homelessness and continuum of care funding. Testimony described rising homelessness tied to tight housing markets, low incomes, aging homelessness, barriers to rental assistance and public benefits, and limited shelter and case-management capacity. Members discussed the need for more affordable housing, continued one-time funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Housing Incentive Fund, better coordination with Health and Human Services on economic assistance and human service zones, landlord engagement, recovery housing, and reentry housing. The committee also heard that federal continuum of care funding remains uncertain, with possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing and housing-first models; members asked for a future update on the impact if federal rules reduce the share available for permanent housing. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described current screening and service delivery, including infant referrals, regional staff, short-term programs, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation. He said the targeted screening system is working, recommended maintaining the current model, and noted ongoing challenges with staffing, public awareness, and accessible state websites and documents. Public testimony from a visually impaired resident and a deaf resident emphasized barriers such as CAPTCHAs, inaccessible PDFs, employment forms that screen out applicants based on driver’s license status, shortages of interpreters, and the need for video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training for users and agencies. Finally, the committee heard a final report on the study of child care provider licensing from HHS Early Childhood Director Kay Larson. The report summarized provider input and committee discussion on simplifying North Dakota’s child care licensing structure, reducing administrative burden, and balancing that with health and safety standards. Key topics included licensing categories, child care assistance eligibility, food program sponsorship, staff qualifications, training requirements, ratios and group size, age bands, and preschool exemptions. The committee’s recommendations included streamlining to three provider types plus a preschool designation, revising ratio and age-band rules, and carrying forward certain preschool outdoor-space exemptions. Larson noted that any changes would require statutory changes, rulemaking, and a transition period before new licensing rules could take effect.

Transcript Highlights:

• Report of Committee.
• The Committee on Rules and the Committees on Rules, the two branches acting concurrently, reports recommending
• Rules are suspended. Question comes on suspension of Joint Rule 12.
• Joint Rule 12 is suspended. Report of committee.
• Rule 7A is suspended. Second reading of the bills.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules, to whom was referred the Senate order, Report of the committee.
• The Committee on Rules, to whom was referred the Senate order relative to authorizing the Joint Committee
• What now is happening is that the Committee on Rules is reporting this may be an update from the Committee
• on The Committee on Rules is reporting those to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means so that they
• Under the rules, the matter will be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee and floor matters. The Committee on Rules reported two municipal property tax relief bills, Senate Nos. 1933 and 1935, and both were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Senator Tarr emphasized the urgency of advancing the bills, describing them as measures to address property tax shocks and provide relief through a rebate or credit mechanism. The Senate then enacted House No. 3916, authorizing Westfield to set an age limit for original appointment as a police officer, and took a brief recess to sign the bill. On third reading, the Senate passed to be engrossed Senate No. 24, amending the charter of the town of Sandwich, after accepting a committee report recommending a new draft, Senate No. 2859. It also passed to be engrossed House No. 4173, further regulating appointments to the Acton Memorial Library, and House No. 4031, increasing the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police officers in Weston, after adopting an amendment offered by Senator Barrett. The Senate also considered House No. 3912, increasing the Marblehead Board of Health from three to five members, which had been returned by the Governor with a recommended amendment under Article 56. The Senate suspended its rules, adopted the Governor’s amendment, and returned the bill to the House for reenactment. Finally, a House petition concerning a special commission on perimenopause and menopause care was referred to the Committee on Public Health, and the Senate adopted an order to adjourn until Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• 6 of rule 20.
• </c> suspend the rules and pass HR 4233. suspend the rules and pass HR 4233.
• the rules and pass HR4233?
• </c> the rules and pass HR2635. the rules and pass HR2635.
• </c> rules and pass HR4216 rules and pass HR4216 and<06:36:30.160><c> HR747.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules recommends the following bills are proper for consideration.
• President, your Committee on Education, The Committee on Rules recommends that the following bills are
• The Committee on Rules recommends the following bills are proper for consideration.
• The Committee on Rules recommends the following bills are proper for consideration.
• The Committee on Rules...

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will stand at ease awaiting the assembly of the escort committee and the arrival of the Chief
• You know, we judges talk a lot about what we do to defend the rule of law, and rightfully so.
• rule of law are not courtrooms, and the warriors are not judges.
• And that is not the rule of the Constitution. It sounds much more like the rule of judges.
• I've asked the court's advisory committee to recommend rules to eliminate this rotating docket, sometimes

Summary: The House and Senate met in joint session under HCR 5 to hear an address from Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick introducing him. The session included recognition of the justices, judges, law enforcement officers, and interpreters present, and it also marked the formal completion of the joint session once the address ended. Chief Justice Blacklock said the state of the judiciary is strong, while paying tribute to former Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and thanking Governor Abbott for his appointment. His remarks focused on judicial administration and public safety, including a call for a 30% increase in district judge salaries, which he argued is needed to attract and retain qualified judges. He also urged support for law enforcement, backed efforts to keep violent offenders in custody pending trial, and said the court is gathering data to identify underperforming judges and use constitutional remedies where necessary. Blacklock emphasized that Texas courts should interpret statutes and the constitution according to text and original meaning, rejecting the “living constitution” approach. He highlighted reforms to improve efficiency and reduce litigation costs, including changes to docketing practices, civil procedure, and the regulation of legal services, and he urged the State Bar to remain politically neutral. He also discussed family law and child welfare, arguing for stronger legal representation for parents and suggesting repeal of Family Code subsection O, which he said can unfairly lead to termination of parental rights. The joint session concluded after his remarks, and the House stood at ease as guests departed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to begin with item B, consideration of emergency rules. Perfect.
• We're going to begin with item B, consideration of emergency rules.
• change, this emergency rule change.
• So this rule allows us to... Thank you.
• Any questions from the committee? Seeing none, what's the will of the committee? I have a motion.

Committee: All ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Executive Subcommittee met and first approved an emergency rule change from the Department of Education to update consolidation and annexation rules to reflect Acts 919 of 2025 and 157 of the 2026 fiscal session. The rule implements the creation of new isolated school districts after local detachment votes, and officials explained the funding structure for parent districts: they retain foundation funding, declining enrollment funding, and local tax revenue, while 90% of the foundation funding generated by detaching students is forwarded to the new districts. Members discussed the financial impact in detail, and the emergency rule was approved without objection, effective upon adjournment of the Legislative Council meeting on June 19, 2026. The Department of Human Services then presented an emergency rule allowing hospitals to open separate adolescent substance use disorder units and receive payment for residential services provided to adolescents. The rule was approved without objection, and Senator Irvin requested that the topic be placed on a future public health agenda for an update. The committee also approved Whitehall’s waiver request to exceed $1 million through cooperative purchasing for construction services related to a project using a vendor with prior experience and a longer-warranty system. In addition, members voted to keep committee per diem, mileage, and expense allocations unchanged for the new fiscal year. Finally, the committee approved a motion to cancel the July 2026 Legislative Council meeting, allow only subcommittee meetings with imminent matters through July 31, and treat July subcommittee actions as final for reporting at the August 21, 2026 meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to begin with item B, consideration of emergency rules.
• change, this emergency rule change.
• And without objection, the proposed emergency rules reviewed and approved.
• So this rule allows us to... Thank you.
• Any questions from the committee? Seeing none, what's the will of the committee? I have a motion.

Committee: All ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
• , ruling that the Illinois law was preempted.
• It's not in the MasterCard rules or the Visa rules, and it has nothing to do with the issuing banks.
• In fact, our entire modern payment system is based on similar rulings.
• So thank you, and happy to take any questions from the committee.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card heard extensive testimony from credit union, banking, retail, restaurant, and payments-industry representatives about proposals to limit interchange fees, especially on the tax and tip portions of transactions. Several witnesses opposed state-level restrictions, arguing they would create a patchwork of rules, burden state-chartered institutions, raise compliance complexity, and ultimately reduce resources for fraud prevention, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit. Others, including retail and merchant advocates, said swipe fees are a significant and growing cost for small businesses and that states should consider reforms such as limiting fees on taxes and tips, allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs more closely. Witnesses also discussed recent legal and regulatory developments, including Illinois’s interchange-fee law, OCC and NCUA interim rules, and the ongoing Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement. Industry representatives said the Illinois law has been delayed and is likely preempted for most transactions, while merchant advocates argued the state efforts and court rulings show that networks and banks do not set fees competitively. The proposed antitrust settlement was described by some as a meaningful but limited merchant victory, with temporary fee reductions and expanded surcharge/steering rights, while others said it still falls short of structural reform. The commission members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of fees, the cost of cash, whether merchants can pass costs through, and whether small businesses are actually seeing benefits from the current system. Members repeatedly emphasized the need for a fair middle ground that protects both small businesses and the payment system. No substantive votes or policy actions were taken beyond accepting testimony, and the meeting ended with adjournment after all scheduled witnesses had spoken.

Transcript Highlights:

• These temporary rules shall apply until the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration, to be
• The temporary rules are the same as the permanent rules that were adopted by the Democrat majority two
• One is that we are changing the committee structure to be the committee structure that the Republicans
• The Speaker announces the appointment of the following members to the House Committee on Rules and Legislative
• There will be a reception immediately following session, and the Rules Committee will meet in Room G23

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Referred to the Committee on Rules. Senator Ritchelli. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr.
• President, I move that the measure on today's standing committee report be referred to the committee
• committees as designated.
• I move that the rules I move that the rules be suspended, that Senate Bill 6011 be advanced to third
• Senator Dozier moves that the rules be suspended.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the pledge, prayer, and recognition of guests from the Sikh Coalition and Kalsa Gramath Center. Members then approved the journal and moved through committee reports and resolutions, including Senate Resolution 8678 honoring the Chimicum High School Marching Band for being selected to represent Washington in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The resolution was adopted unanimously, and the band and its supporters were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments to major health agencies. Ryan Moran was confirmed as Director of the Health Care Authority by a 49-0 vote, with supporters citing his Medicaid and health system experience and ability to provide stable leadership. Dennis Worsham was also confirmed as Secretary of Health by a 49-0 vote, with senators highlighting his long public health career, statewide outreach, and work on HIV/AIDS and community health. On legislation, the Senate passed Senate Bill 6011, expanding Court of Appeals bailiff authority to conduct threat assessments, and Senate Bill 5831, creating the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Senate Bill 6188, which expands Labor and Industries’ authority to update asbestos training and certification rules, passed 38-19 after an amendment to limit the bill to federal standards was rejected. Substitute Senate Bill 5917, concerning access to abortion medications through the Department of Corrections pharmacy, passed 32-17 after several Republican amendments were defeated. The Senate also passed In Gross Senate Bill 6024 on developmental disability services confidentiality and Substitute Senate Bill 6091 on prohibiting real estate brokers from marketing residential properties in exclusive private listings. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5840, adjusting campaign finance expenditure reporting deadlines, passed 46-3. After completing the day’s business, the Senate recessed for caucus and lunch until 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, we, the Committee on Judiciary, Rules and Administration, report that we have transmitted and
• Speaker, we, the Committee on Judiciary, Rules and Administration, report that we have printed House
• House Bills 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, and 525 will refer to the Judiciary and Rules Committee...
• House Bills 521, 522, 523, 524, and 525 will refer to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee
• House Bill 489 will return to the Judiciary and Rules Administration Committee. Mr.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• question about the rules and and uh question about the rules and and uh Senate<00:14:19.760><c> rules
• Question on the rules.
• </c> ordered to their standing committees. ordered to their standing committees.
• </c> standing committees. Uh, let's go ahead. standing committees. Uh, let's go ahead.
• , select committees, caucuses?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, February 9, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to committee.
• Welcome to the committee.
• Chairman and members of the committee. Thank you, ma'am. Committee, any questions?
• Committee, any questions?
• Welcome to committee.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Public Education.
• I'm not suspending the rules. I'm not suspending the necessary and unnecessary rules.
• Committee on Public Education.
• Time it will be up to the Committee on Transportation.
• This program is for the Committee on Public Health.

Bills: HJR99 , HB1399 , HB1400 , HB 1094 , HB365 , HB 1109 , HB647 , HCR35 , SB14 , HB 12 , HB1522 , HB422 , HB675 , HB204 , HB748 , HB912 , HJR99 , HB1399 , HB1400 , HB 1094 , HB365 , HB 1109 , HB647 , HCR35 , HCR123 , HCR124 , HR57 , HR87 , HR111 , HR228 , HR230 , HR322 , HR624 , HR625 , HR626 , HR627 , HR628 , HR630 , HR631 , HR634 , HR635 , HR636 , HR637 , HR638 , HR639 , HR640 , HR645 , HR646 , HR648 , HR649 , HR651 , HR652 , HR653 , HR654 , HR664 , HR665 , HR668 , HR675 , HR676 , HR678 , HR679 , HR680 , HR683 , HR686 , HR688 , HR689 , HR694 , HR695 , HR697 , HR698 , HR699 , HR472 , HR622 , HR632 , HR633 , HR643 , HR655 , HR657 , HR660 , HR661 , HR662 , HR663 , HR667 , HR670 , HR674 , HR681 , HR682 , HR696

Keywords: animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, constitutional amendment, retail sale, tangible personal property, Texas tax code, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption, regulation, deceased transportation, HB 365

Transcript Highlights:

• As required by Rule 12.7, the committees conducted an inquiry into the qualifications, experience, and
• Policy and the Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections for action pursuant to Rule 12.7 of the Rules
• As required by Rule 12.7, the committees conducted an inquiry into the qualifications, experience, and
• I asked her about the Rules Committee, and she smiled and said, “Rules is where bills and bad ideas go
• Senator Jones, Vice Chair of the Rules Committee, you are recognized for a motion. Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The Senate first handled a large batch of executive appointments reported by the Ethics and Elections Committee. Senators debated several nominees, with some members objecting to particular appointees over their views or past conduct. The report on the first group of appointments was adopted 31-0, and Jeffrey Aaron’s separate confirmation to the Public Employee Relations Commission was approved 26-10 after extended debate centered on his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations that he helped facilitate the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds into political activity. The chamber then considered Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. Supporters praised her work on Medicaid directed payments and hospital funding, while opponents criticized her prior tenure at the Department of Children and Families, citing problems with Medicaid redeterminations, postpartum coverage, Hope Florida oversight, and a women’s shelter case. The Senate adopted her confirmation report 32-5. Next, Taylor Hatch’s confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families was taken up; the committee report noted ongoing concerns about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and Hope Florida, but recommended confirmation based on her stated commitments to reform. After debate over DCF’s performance and accountability, the Senate adopted her confirmation report 33-4. After a brief recess, the Senate held a recognition ceremony for outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered lengthy remarks praising her leadership, diligence, humor, and support for members, often recalling personal interactions and her role in shaping legislation and mentoring newer senators. The ceremony emphasized her service as Senate President and continued leadership as Rules Chair, and included a presentation of a handmade keepsake box filled with letters and mementos from staff and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Report of committee.
• The Committee on Rules and the Committees on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, report recommending
• Rules are suspended. Question comes on suspension of Joint Rule 12.
• Joint Rule 12 is suspended. Report of committee. Joint Rule 12 is suspended. Report of committee.
• Rule 7A is suspended.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message returning House No. 3912, a bill to increase the Marblehead Board of Health from three to five members, with recommendation of amendment, and referred it to the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a petition from Megan K. Kilcoyne concerning condominium owners’ rights, sending it to the Committee on the Judiciary, and suspended Rule 7A to take up several bills reported by Steering, Policy and Scheduling. Those bills were read a second time and ordered to a third reading: House No. 138 on the definition of livestock; House No. 4437 on nutrient management and fertilizer regulation in Nantucket; House No. 4673 protecting first responders and enhancing access to behavioral health centers; House No. 4676 on tort actions for latent diseases; and House No. 4694 on increasing affordable and public housing options. The House then adopted an emergency preamble for House No. 4587, establishing a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee, David A. Russell. Several engrossed bills were passed to be enacted, including House No. 4149 revising the Lynn city charter, House No. 4286 authorizing an additional wine and malt beverage license in Somerset, and House No. 4439 simplifying subdivision road layout and acceptance in Marlborough. House No. 4587 was also passed to be enacted after the emergency preamble vote. The House observed a moment of silent tribute for Representative Anne Margaret Ferrante, who died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, and adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 10 a.m., with adjournment in her memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been through this committee, been through, or not through this committee.
• Any other questions from the committee? No, thank you. Yep. Any other questions from the committee?
• That's on rule promulgation.
• Questions from the committee?
• With no other business before the committee, the Committee for Insurance is now adjourned.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is her first committee that she’s attending. Mackenzie, welcome.
• Representative Kendall, I hope I'm on your first committee.
• Representative Kendall, I hope I'm on your first committee.
• In addition, House rules prohibit a committee or subcommittee from reporting a local bill favorably if
• So, as you mentioned, certain delegations have different rules.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard and passed two measures before receiving a staff presentation on the local bill process and local delegation meetings. HB 4007, by Rep. Snyder, would cap reimbursement for certain inmate emergency medical services in Martin County at 110% of the Medicare rate, with a higher cap if a provider shows it is operating at a loss. Snyder said the bill is intended to create predictability and save taxpayer dollars; members asked about fiscal effects and whether other counties could adopt similar language. Public testimony came in support from Martin County and related local officials, and the bill was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. The committee also passed HM 4005, by Rep. Daly, which urges Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure. Daly argued Florida’s troop allocation is outdated and inadequate for the state’s population and disaster demands, contributing to burnout and recruiting problems. Members asked about the basis for the current allocation, possible budget and infrastructure impacts, and the National Guard’s needs; there was no opposition or public testimony, and the memorial was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. After the votes, Reps. Holcomb and Kendall gave a detailed presentation explaining how local bills differ from general laws, constitutional limits on local legislation, required local delegation meetings and notice, certification and economic impact forms, and amendment procedures. Members asked several process questions, including about multi-county delegations and Miami-Dade’s special status. The meeting ended with a few recognitions and adjournment before session.