Transcript Highlights:

• > the This amendment would amend the This amendment would amend the resolution<00:55:44.319>
• This is the A29<01:16:52.000> amendment. A29 amendment. A29 amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• permit a renewal. permit a renewal.
• on amendments to Senate on amendments on amendments to Senate<00:17:46.640> file<00:17:47.120
• against this amendment. against this amendment.
• I guess we're on the amendment. Um so um I guess we're on the amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . amendment. amendment.
• amendment? amendment?
• Wicklund to the request to amend the Wicklund to the request to amend the amendment. amendment. amendment
• great amendments. great amendments.
• . amendment. amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is adopted. The motion before us now is ought to pass with amendment.
• Open to further amendment. The minority amendment is 1762H.
• amendment? amendment?
• same with the following amendment. same with the following amendment.
• The amendment is adopted. The main motion is ought to pass as amended.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . amendment. amendment.
• amendments on unit 4101? amendments on unit 4101?
• . amendments. amendments.
• Um you've here to amend the amendment.
• Chairman, did we vote on my amendment<02:10:04.639> yet? amendment yet? amendment yet?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is adopted. Following amendment, Secretary read the amendment.
• There is an amendment. Secretary, read the amendment: the floor amendment.
• Following amendment, Secretary, read the amendment. Amendment No. 1 by Huffman.
• There is an amendment. Following amendment. There's an amendment. Following amendment.
• The amendment fails. The following amendment? The following amendment.

Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, prayer, approval of the previous journal, and messages from the House, then moved through several recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups. Members adopted resolutions recognizing the Texas chapters of Blue Star Mothers of America, Fine Arts Education Day, Donate Life Texas Day, Baha’i Capitol Day, County Government Day, Jack County Day, Crockett County Day, and a recognition of Navy Petty Officer Simon Urbanik for service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The chamber also heard remarks from visiting doctors, students, county officials, and community groups, with multiple senators speaking in support of military families, arts education, organ donation, and local government service. The Senate then took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2779, relating to the allocation and use of certain hotel occupancy tax revenues. Senator Birdwell said the bill would stop local governments from conditioning HOT funds on race- or class-based priorities and would require Galveston to transfer the full state rebate for beach cleaning and maintenance to its park board. After questions, the Senate suspended the rules, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed it, though the final vote showed significant opposition. The chamber also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2322, described as a cleanup bill removing the compelling-factor test for dispatchable generation from the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act. A major debate centered on Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2253, which would phase out uncertified teachers in core classrooms and strengthen educator certification requirements. Senator Creighton argued the bill responds to a teacher pipeline crisis, adds parent notification, creates multiple preparation pathways, and provides financial incentives for certification; Senator West and Senator Sparks pressed for rural flexibility and implementation details. An amendment from Senator Gutierrez to add a teacher student-loan repayment program failed on a 11-17 vote, while other technical and fiscal amendments were adopted. The bill then passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2371, updating skimmer-reporting rules to cover electronic terminals beyond fuel pumps, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2351, relating to the construction of certain concrete plants under a standard permit. Senate Bill 619, a conscience-protection bill for health care workers, drew extended questioning from Senators Cook, Eckhardt, and Menendez about patient abandonment, scope, and whether it could allow refusals of legal services such as vaccines, antibiotics, contraception, or personal care; despite those concerns, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment. Finally, the chamber began consideration of Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1169, which would allow public entities to form public utility agencies to cooperate on water and wastewater projects without eminent domain or cross-collateralization, with Senator Hinojosa explaining it as a tool for small and rural communities facing utility infrastructure problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we do have an amendment, the A1 amendment. The A1 amendment changes the bill substantially.
• A1 Amendment all those in favor please A1 Amendment all those in favor please say<00:06:42.840> I<
• I also appreciate the fact that this amendment, not the underlying bill, but the new amendment, does
• I'm sorry. uh um Senate file 960 as amended will be uh um Senate file 960 as amended will be laid<00:
• Thank you, Madam Chair. amendment is amendment is adopted<00:39:50.400> Senator<00:39:50.839><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment the passage of which amendment amendment the passage of which amendment the<01:07:24.400
• amendment. Pass of which amendment? amendment. Pass of which amendment?
• amendment the passage of which amendment amendment the passage of which amendment the<01:14:59.760
• amendment the passage of which amendment amendment the passage of which amendment the<01:21:47.679
• amendment. The pass of which amendment. amendment. The pass of which amendment.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, we're now in amendments, seeing no amendments, public testimony.
• Seeing none, any amendments? Yes, Chair, we have an amendment.
• You are recognized to explain the amendment.
• Are there any questions on amendment, barcode number 7.9.
• Any public testimony on the amendment?

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard four bills. HB 37 by Rep. Nix addressed the removal, storage, and cleanup of damaged electric vehicles, allowing towing and storage operators to charge an administrative fee when EVs are stored under enhanced safety standards such as a 50-foot separation or protective barrier. The sponsor and towing industry witnesses described post-crash battery fire risks, while Tesla and Enterprise Mobility raised concerns that the bill was too broad and could lead to triple storage charges even when battery damage is not present. Members largely supported the concept, though some urged further narrowing; the bill was reported favorably after debate. HB 401 by Rep. Tant would cap inmate health care compensation at 110% of the Medicare reimbursement rate for Jefferson County, with the sponsor and Sheriff Matt McNeil saying the measure would help a fiscally constrained county control rising outside medical costs and encourage providers to contract in advance. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered HB 4003 by Rep. Benaroch, a local bill for Marco Island that creates a special-election process for council vacancies when the council fails to act; an amendment extended the election window to 130 days and required the governor to call the election if the council does not do so within 30 days. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, HB 407 by Rep. Snyder would modernize the Martin County Health Care Fund and define indigency criteria for county-funded indigent care, including residency, income, asset, and Medicaid eligibility limits. County and hospital representatives supported the measure, and one member suggested comparing the bill’s indigency definition with existing criminal indigency standards for consistency. The bill also was reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where there are a handful of, where did I circle those on the amended language?
• to be where it's going to be, having that open communication, which is what the main part of the amendments
• We don't have to have all the environmental permits in place yet.
• I'll amend my word from earlier. Not easy. It will.
• Have had this conversation before committee today so we could have possibly done some amending on this

Bills: SB1475, SB2049, SB1966, SB1531, SB80

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, SB 2049, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, ODOT, Transportation Commission, surety bond, surety company, performance bond, contractor nonperformance, construction contract, public works, transportation contracts, bond claim, state transportation projects, Title 69, OMES

Transcript Highlights:

• There is one amendment, barcode 226-318. We'll take up amendment barcode 226-318 by Senator Graal.
• That is the amendment. Thank you, Senator Graal. Are there questions on the amendment?
• All in favor of the amendment say aye. All opposed say nay. The amendment is adopted. Thank you.
• We're back on the bill as amended. Are there questions on the bill as amended?
• Seeing no debate on the bill as amended, Senator Grohl, you're recognized to close on the bill as amended

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1178, the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act. Senator Grohl explained that the bill expands state restrictions and disclosure requirements related to foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, including foreign-agent registration, gift bans for public officials, ethics training, procurement limits for IT and critical infrastructure, restrictions on sister-city/sister-state affiliations, changes to linkage institutes and in-state tuition provisions, and new criminal penalties for certain offenses committed to benefit foreign governments or terrorist organizations. Senator Polsky raised questions about higher education, election technology, federal FARA overlap, and whether the bill would affect candidates or events involving CARE; the sponsor responded that the bill focuses on foreign countries of concern, ownership/control, and gifts, and does not prohibit speaking at events. An amendment clarifying definitions, willful violations, and ethics-training content was adopted, and after supportive testimony from Kelly Curry and Robert Pierce, the committee reported CS for SB 1178 favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1622, which provides a one-time waiver of the automatic fine for a late-filed financial disclosure if the filing is made before the maximum fine accrues and the filer has not previously received such a waiver or accrued the maximum fine in prior years. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified that the bill supports transparency and makes the fine and appeals process more efficient, noting it was a commission recommendation. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee held confirmation hearings on appointments in Tabs 3 through 26. No senator requested separate votes on any appointee, no public testimony was offered, and the block of appointments was approved and recommended favorably to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not involve permitting or commission proceedings.
• It does not involve permitting or commission proceedings.
• also have to amend the EIS.
• I have the ability to articulate permits, leases, and make the right decision.
• , permits, leases, permits, leases, and<02:00:50.120> make<02:00:50.320> the<02:00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up several gubernatorial nominations, beginning with GM 640 for Juanita Rio Colón to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Public testimony and the nominee’s remarks strongly emphasized her water-system management background, Native Hawaiian stewardship values, and representation for Molokai. Committee members praised her qualifications and neighbor-island perspective, and also discussed broader concerns about reforming the Water Commission, including a separate bill to create a more independent authority and reduce politics in water decisions. Colón said she supported the restructuring effort and would serve with integrity and attention to constitutional water rights and climate resilience. The committee then heard GM 639 for Moses Haia III to the same commission. DLNR and OHA testified, and Haia described his long legal career, prior work on the Waihole contested case, and experience with Native Hawaiian rights and water law. Members asked about his ability to serve impartially given his advocacy background; Haia acknowledged that some may perceive a conflict from his prior work but said he did not believe it was a reasonable conflict and would follow the law and balance competing interests. The discussion again returned to the proposed Water Commission restructuring, which Haia said he supported as a way to provide independence and balance. Next, the committee considered GM 649 for Gilbert Coloma to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. DLNR and other testifiers explained that this was a new interstate commission created under the 2024 act, with Hawaii joining six U.S. states to address fisheries issues across state boundaries. Coloma, a commercial fisher from Hilo, said he brought more than 40 years of industry, cultural, and traditional experience and would represent Hawaii’s fishing communities. Members asked about the commission’s structure, meeting rotation, and funding, and were told the state covers dues through special funds. The committee also briefly took up GM 692 for Riley Smith’s reappointment to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported him, while Sierra Club Hui raised concerns about prior decisions affecting Native Hawaiian rights and public trust resources. Smith said he supported more residential uses in East Kapolei if the necessary planning and environmental review changes were made, and he began responding to questions about prior BLNR litigation before the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's an amendment at the desk. The clerk will report the amendment.
• I urge you adopt amendment A2. Discussion to the amendment.
• amendment. Thank you, Madam Chair. amendment. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• urge you adopt amendment A2. urge you adopt amendment A2.
• clerk will report the amendment. clerk will report the amendment.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 4171, a housing bill addressing sub-metered utility services and final billing for vacant tenants. Representative Igo explained that the bill allows shared-metered residential buildings to bill the last billing period before a tenant vacates based on estimates, requires landlords to offer digital rent payment with alternative payment methods for tenants who cannot use or afford digital options, and bars extra fees beyond administrative and late fees. Members described the measure as a cleanup bill developed with multiple landlord-tenant stakeholders. Two amendments were adopted. Amendment A2 expanded expedited eviction language to cover threats or harm directed not only at other residents but also at landlords, employees, contractors, and others present at the property, while keeping safeguards such as sworn affidavits, judicial review, service timelines, and penalties for misuse. Amendment A1 protected minor children from appearing in eviction cases and from having eviction records attached to them later, with penalties for noncompliance. Supporters said both amendments were friendly, part of the broader agreement on the landlord-tenant package, and intended to improve safety and protect children. After third reading and brief closing remarks from Representatives Howard and Igo, who thanked committee members, advocates, and stakeholders for bipartisan work, the House took a roll call vote. The bill passed as amended by a vote of 134 yeas and 0 nays, and its title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• Revenues from this fee cover DTSC's costs to oversee safe management of hazardous waste, our permitting
• After many years of dedicated efforts, the department has developed a plan in consultation with permitting
• basic question, which is: was this started with the $1.1 million that were spent on design and permitting
• to be supported by Coastal Commission staff, by the resource agency, and oversight agencies for permitting
• review, evaluate, and issue final decisions on applications to register new pesticide products or to amend

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations on the administration’s Proposition 4 spending plans for extreme heat mitigation and outdoor access, then took up SB 54 implementation, SB 707 textile producer responsibility, and recovery needs related to the Los Angeles fires at state parks. For the extreme heat chapter, agencies described funding for the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program, urban greening, urban forestry, fairground upgrades, and technical assistance for community-based climate programs. Witnesses emphasized that these are existing programs with strong demand, that technical assistance is important for reaching disadvantaged and tribal communities, and that the proposed funding would expand outreach and implementation capacity. Members asked for more detail on where funds have gone geographically, examples of successful projects, tree-planting totals, and how fairgrounds could better support fire staging and emergency preparedness. The LAO said the timing of the administration’s proposed funding generally made sense because the programs are already established, and no votes were taken. For outdoor access, State Parks, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources described funding for new parks in underserved communities, deferred maintenance, state lands access, and several new or pending programs. State Parks said the park development program would fund roughly 48 projects and that deferred maintenance funding would address high-priority health, safety, and access needs. Fish and Wildlife said its lands program would improve visitor amenities and access on properties that often lack basic facilities. The Natural Resources Agency also outlined three newer outdoor-access proposals: expanding recreation in disadvantaged communities, enhancing natural resource values and trail access, and a nature/climate/education facilities grant program. The LAO distinguished between existing programs, which are ready to move forward, and the newer proposals, where the Legislature may want more input before funds are allocated. Members also raised concerns about park police vacancies, the need to track outcomes for accessibility investments, and whether Prop. 4 could help with wildfire-related recovery at state parks. CalRecycle then presented on SB 54, the plastics and packaging producer responsibility law, and members pressed hard on the delay in regulations. CalRecycle said it has held workshops, formed an advisory committee, selected the producer responsibility organization, and completed required baseline and covered-material reports, but needs more time to address complex comments and novel features such as source reduction and eco-modulated fees. Members expressed frustration that a statutory deadline was missed and asked for a concrete timeline; CalRecycle said it expects regulations in place by 2026, ahead of the PRO’s January 1, 2027 plan deadline. Finance said the Beverage Container Recycling Fund is currently healthy enough to support short-term loans for implementation. The committee also reviewed SB 707, the textile EPR law, which would create the nation’s first textile producer responsibility program; staff said the proposal would add positions and loan authority, and members noted the statutory deadlines for PRO approval, needs assessment, and later regulations. The hearing ended with discussion of the January Los Angeles fires’ damage to Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, where State Parks described extensive losses, emergency response work, and ongoing damage assessment. Members asked about FEMA eligibility, state funding sources, and community engagement in rebuilding, and the department said it is still assessing costs and will work with the public on reimagining the parks.

Transcript Highlights:

• In most cases, permits hold up financial closing.
• We know it takes a long time to permit.
• We know it takes a long time to permit.
• We know it takes a long time to permit.
• <01:05:21.720> takes cases it's either permitting takes cases it's either permitting takes

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The following amendment. The clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Turner.
• Following amendment, the clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Martinez-Fisher.
• The following amendment, clerk, will read the amendment. Amendment by Martinez-Fischer.
• The following amendment, the clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Howard.
• Following the amendment, the clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Plesa.

Bills: HB4, HB 4

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Gaffrey, I understand that you have a A1 amendment for reference.
• Chair, if you will permit and Mr. Mr.
• Members, I do want to note that there is a DE1 amendment for reference for you all.
• <01:01:26.319> for that there is a DE1 amendment for that there is a DE1 amendment for reference
• So, members, I do want to note there is an A1 amendment for reference inserting 75 million.

Bills: HF333, HF2712, HF1064, HF1069, HF1113, HF2207, HF204, HF2867, HF2924, HF746, HF1530, HF2587, HF1078

Keywords: HF333, Duluth, Lot D, redevelopment, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds, public infrastructure, seawall repair, utility connections, demolition, debris removal, transportation improvements, site preparation, soil correction, economic development, DEED, capital appropriation, general obligation bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• amendments yes the proposed<00:10:13.519> amendments<00:10:14.440> uh<00:10:14.600>
• Non-Vice Chair, for the vote with amendments? Chair votes aye for the amendments.
• The recommendation is to pass with amendments. The amendments are technical in nature.
• The recommendation is to pass with amendments. The amendments are technical in nature.
• uh adopting amendments with amendments uh adopting amendments to<01:20:15.800> address<01:20:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the amendment. Are there questions on the amendment? I see none.
• That is the amendment. That is the amendment. Are there any questions on the strike-all amendment?
• All in favor of the amendment say aye. Opposed say nay. The amendment is adopted.
• That is the amendment. Are there questions on the substitute amendment?
• Senator Harrell, you're recognized on the amendment. I withdraw that amendment.

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills. SB 1082 would let providers or insurers in state-regulated commercial plans opt into the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims, with a late-filed amendment clarifying access to the state program in certain circumstances. The bill sponsor and emergency physicians said the measure would reduce litigation and improve payment resolution; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1168 would centralize background screening work for the care provider clearinghouse at the Agency for Health Care Administration and update related screening rules, including sealed and expunged records for qualified entities. The sponsor said the change would speed turnaround and reduce duplication; an amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1156 would move ambulatory surgical center regulation out of Chapter 395 into a standalone section of law, and it was reported favorably without amendment. SB 1480, as amended by a strike-all, would grandfather certain temporary certificate holders practicing in areas of critical need if federal designations change, allowing them to continue seeing current patients and potentially new patients in their existing area subject to board oversight. The committee heard support from health system representatives and reported the bill favorably. The final and most debated measure, SB 1756 on medical freedom, would require vaccine education materials and alternative schedules, expand school immunization exemptions to conscience-based objections, clarify limits on emergency vaccination orders, and allow pharmacists to dispense ivermectin behind the counter with written information. The sponsor and supporters framed it as parental choice and access, while physicians, public health advocates, cancer advocates, and parents of immunocompromised children warned it would lower vaccination rates and increase disease risk. The committee adopted a liability-related amendment, rejected a substitute amendment that would have required consultation for exemptions, and continued hearing public testimony opposing the bill; the transcript ends before final action on SB 1756.

Transcript Highlights:

• Floor amendment: I move the following amendment.
• Senator Bolick, I move the committee amendment as amended be adopted.
• Senator Bolick, I move the committee amendment as amended be adopted. Explanation.
• We are on the RAGE Committee amendment as amended."
• "I move the Committee Amendment as amended be adopted, or do we already do that?"

Keywords: 1182, all