Transcript Highlights:

• 1259 by Nichols, relating to the regulation of land surveyors by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers

Bills: SJR36, SJR3, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB5, SJR52, SJR53, SJR54, SJR55, SCR18, SCR19, SCR22, SB27, SB29, SB35, SB1151, SB1152, SB1153, SB1154, SB1155, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1160, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1168, SB1169, SB1170, SB1171, SB1172, SB1173, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176, SB1177, SB1178, SB1179, SB1180, SB1181, SB1182, SB1183, SB1184, SB1185, SB1186, SB1187, SB1188, SB1189, SB1190, SB1191, SB1192, SB1193, SB1194, SB1195, SB1196, SB1197, SB1198, SB1199, SB1200, SB1201, SB1202, SB1203, SB1204, SB1205, SB1206, SB1207, SB1208, SB1209, SB1210, SB1211, SB1212, SB1213, SB1214, SB1215, SB1216, SB1217, SB1218, SB1219, SB1220, SB1221, SB1222, SB1223, SB1224, SB1225, SB1226, SB1227, SB1228, SB1229, SB1230, SB1231, SB1232, SB1233, SB1234, SB1235, SB1236, SB1237, SB1238, SB1239, SB1240, SB1241, SB1242, SB1243, SB1244, SB1245, SB1246, SB1247, SB1248, SB1249, SB1250, SB1251, SB1252, SB1253, SB1254, SB1255, SB1256, SB1257, SB1258, SB1259, SB1260, SB1261, SB1262, SB1263, SB1264, SB1265, SB1266, SB1267, SB1268, SB1269, SB1270, SB1271, SB1272, SB1273, SB1274, SB1275, SB1276, SB1277, SB1278, SB1279, SB1280, SB1281, SB1282, SB1283, SB1284, SB1285, SB1286, SB1287, SB1288, SB1289, SB1290, SB1291, SB1292, SB1293, SB1294, SB1295, SB1296, SB1297, SB1298, SB1299, SB1300, SB1301, SB1302, SB1303, SB1304, SB1305, SB1306, SB1307, SB1308, SB1309, SB1310, SB1311, SB1312, SB1313, SB1314, SB1315, SB1316, SB1317, SB1318, SB1319, SB1320, SB1321, SB1322, SB1323, SB1324, SB1325, SB1326, SB1327, SB1328, SB1329, SB1330, SB1331, SB1332, SB1333, SB1334, SB1335, SB1336, SB1337, SB1338, SB1339, SB1340, SB1341, SB1342, SB1343, SB1344, SB1345, SB1621, SJR57

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've worked with Mass Tech Engineering Company, a construction company, as well as Miami-Dade Community

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism met briefly and first announced that Senate Bill 232 by Senator Rodriguez was temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request. The main item was a presentation from Leo Garcia of the Office of Broadband on Florida’s broadband programs, current deployment progress, and upcoming funding opportunities. Garcia said the office is administering multiple grant programs that have awarded hundreds of millions of dollars for broadband infrastructure, community facilities, and digital device access, with a focus on rural areas, workforce development, and digital literacy. He also described the state’s strategic plan and partnerships with local governments, ISPs, workforce boards, community colleges, and community action agencies. Garcia explained that Florida has already deployed over 1,100 miles of fiber and enabled about 4,300 connections, and said the remaining unserved and underserved locations should drop significantly by the end of 2026 before the BEAD program addresses the rest. He said BEAD is a fully federal program for Florida, providing $1.16 billion from NTIA, with most of it reserved for infrastructure and additional amounts for workforce training and cybersecurity/digital literacy. He noted that Florida is prioritizing fiber but will also use fixed wireless or satellite where fiber is not cost-effective or feasible. He also said the office is seeking additional spending authority for the Digital Capacity Grant Program. Members asked about county coverage, especially Duval County, and Garcia said Duval and Monroe had not yet received funds because they currently have limited unserved or underserved areas, but they are expected to be addressed through BEAD and related workforce and literacy efforts. Senator Davis raised permitting delays as a major challenge, and Garcia said the office is exploring ways to help local communities process permits more quickly. Senator Wright asked about competition with satellite-based broadband providers, and Garcia said the state is technology-agnostic but prioritizes fiber for reliability. There were no public comments, no votes or formal actions taken, and the meeting adjourned.

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• Environment, the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, and the Office of the State Engineer

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• Center of Excellence at the New Mexico State University for Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering

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• excellent education, with one starting college at the age of 16 and another who is now a nuclear engineer
• excellent education, with one starting college at the age of 16 and another who is now a nuclear engineer
• excellent education, with one starting college at the age of 16 and another who is now a nuclear engineer
• excellent education, with one starting college at the age of 16 and another who is now a nuclear engineer
• excellent education, with one starting college at the age of 16 and another who is now a nuclear engineer

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Operating Engineers Local 3. Welcome. Please proceed.
• Pono Thei, Deputy Political Director for Operating Engineers Local 3.
• Masons' Union, the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and the Operating Engineers
• ><c> operating</c> Allied craft workers and the operating Allied craft workers and the operating engineers
• uh together the member unions engineers uh together the member unions of<01:54:03.960><c> the</c><01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing, land use, and preservation bills. HB 1008 HD2 would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to complete historic preservation determinations for state affordable housing projects within 90 days and create sensitivity-based review pathways. HHFDC, DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division, and written testimony from DBEDT supported the bill as an expedited process for projects unlikely to affect significant historic resources. Members asked how the bill would define significant versus non-significant historic properties, how it would interact with Kapakai analysis, and whether burial councils had been consulted; SHPD said the bill would not replace Kapakai review and that burial councils had not been included. Written support also came from OHA, Hawaii Realtors, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce. HB 1093 would clarify the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s powers relating to housing projects. HPHA supported the measure, saying it would align definitions with prior law and help deconcentrate poverty by allowing mixed-income rebuilding. The director also said the bill was increasingly urgent because of reported federal HUD priorities that could affect public housing and Section 8 funding. HB 1096 HD1 would repeal state low-income housing preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans, with HPHA saying federal veteran programs such as VASH are a better mechanism and that the state preference has not been used in years. HB 1411 would allow HHFDC projects to give sale or lease preferences to applicants who live or work within five miles of a project; HHFDC and the Hawaii Chapter of NAIOP supported it as a way to keep residents connected to their communities, while members raised constitutional concerns about broader local-preference policies. The committee also heard HB 367 HD1, which would create county permit exemptions for certain agricultural and maintenance activities. Written testimony included opposition from the Department of Planning and Permitting and support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Grassroot Institute, and others. A public testifier opposed the bill, arguing that permit exemptions could worsen safety and compliance problems. Finally, HB 826 HD1 would allow county planning commissions, by special permit, to authorize residential housing in agricultural districts for agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or fee simple ownership under certain conditions. HHFDC supported it as a faster alternative to lengthy state land-use redistricting, but the Department of Agriculture, Land Use Commission, and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development raised concerns about food production impacts, due process, service provision, jurisdictional conflicts, and the use of special permits for what could amount to district boundary changes. Public testimony was mixed, with some support and some opposition. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• WHICH IS RUN BY NASSAU HEALTHCARE CORPORATION WAS THE SUBJECT OF A TAKEOVER BY THE STATE THAT WAS ENGINEERED
• Our concern a year ago was the fact that the Governor engineered this takeover because the Governor wanted
• adult daycare centers exist to serve seniors, not to siphon off taxpayer resources and operate as engines
• adult daycare centers exist to serve seniors, not to siphon off taxpayer resources and operate as engines
• budget that delivers on the promise, offers critical support, yes, to New York City and the economic engine

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s Journal and moved into motions, resolutions, and budget-related business. Senator Gianaris called up Senate Print 5898A for reconsideration; the Senate voted 59 ayes to restore the bill to the third reading calendar. Several amendments were also received on third-reading bills, and the Finance Committee was called into session while the chamber proceeded with resolutions. The Senate adopted Resolution J.2106 recognizing Second Chance Month and the mental health impacts of incarceration, with Senator Brisport speaking in support and a guest from the community recognized in the chamber. The body also adopted Resolution J.1492 designating May 27, 2026, as Taiwan Heritage Day, with remarks from Senators Sepúlveda, Stavisky, and Liu highlighting Taiwanese contributions to New York and expressing support for Taiwan amid current geopolitical tensions. The Finance Committee then reported several budget bills, including Senate Prints 9003D, 9004D, 9007C, and 9009C, which were moved to third reading. The remainder of the session focused on the supplemental and controversial budget calendars, especially tax and spending provisions. Senators debated the “Protecting Our Wallets” energy rebate, with supporters describing it as a one-time check for eligible taxpayers and critics arguing it was too small and not tied directly to utility bills; the chamber accepted the message of necessity and laid the bills aside. Members also debated extensions and changes to tax provisions affecting corporations, alternative fuel exemptions, Broadway and theatrical production tax credits, charitable deductions for certain 501(c)(3)s, nicotine pouch taxes, a new New York City pied-à-terre tax, and a standardbred horse-racing testing fee. Several senators criticized the budget as raising costs or favoring certain industries, while supporters defended the measures as revenue-raising, affordability, or public-health policies. No final votes on the controversial budget bills are shown in the excerpt beyond procedural rulings, adoption of the resolution calendar, and acceptance of committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 800, a bill to be entitled an act relating to engineering
• Members, current law outlines the penalties for individuals who practice engineering without a license
• Senate Bill 800 imposes progressively higher fines for subsequent offenses of unlicensed engineering
• Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 800, a bill to be entitled an act relating to engineering
• They are economic engines for our local communities.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and moments of silence, including tributes to fallen service members. The chamber then moved through a special order calendar focused on a series of bills, with most measures receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support after brief explanations and floor debate. Several bills were temporarily postponed, but the body took up and passed multiple others, often substituting identical House companions before final passage. The first major measure, SB 1062 on speech and debate education, drew extensive supportive debate from senators who described debate as a civic skill that builds confidence, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, especially for students in public schools and underserved communities. An amendment creating a Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, expanding access through public-private partnerships, and establishing coach training was adopted, and the bill ultimately passed 37-0. The Senate also passed SB 1072 creating an Anti-Semitism Task Force, with a late-filed amendment clarifying that the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is not intended to infringe First Amendment rights; that bill also passed 37-0. Other measures passed included a PFAS bill phasing out firefighting foam containing forever chemicals and setting testing, reporting, and enforcement requirements; an expansion of the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program; student health and safety legislation expanding seizure-response training in schools; updates to funeral and cemetery regulation; protected cell captive insurance company legislation aimed at increasing insurance market capacity; nonprofit corporation updates; child welfare reforms streamlining foster-care medication approvals and related procedures; salvage title/e-signature changes; and forensic client services changes allowing certain APD clients to be housed with other secure forensic residents. Most of these bills were passed after substituting House companions and received unanimous votes. The most contentious debate came on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Senator Yarborough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting DEI practices he described as discriminatory or ideological, while several amendments sought to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances such as LGBTQ Pride Month. Those amendments were rejected, and debate continued on the bill’s scope and exemptions, but the transcript ends before final disposition of SB 1134 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• and, in particular, revenue laws, considering that Miami-Dade, Miami Beach is such a big economic engine
• Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 800, a bill to be entitled an act relating to engineering
• Current law outlines the penalties for individuals who practice engineering without a license.
• Senate Bill 800 imposes progressively higher fines for subsequent offenses of unlicensed engineering
• They are economic engines for our local communities.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a lengthy special order calendar. Early business included unanimous passage of CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, with supporters describing it as a way to expand access to debate programs statewide, create a Hall of Fame, support public-private partnerships, and train coaches. The bill drew broad bipartisan praise for teaching civics, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, and passed 37-0 after adoption of a delete-all amendment. The Senate also passed SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force after clarifying amendment language stating the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is consistent with First Amendment protections; members emphasized rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for recommendations on prevention, law enforcement training, and community relations. The chamber then approved CS/CS/SB 1230 / HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals, phasing out firefighting foam containing PFAS, requiring reporting and biosolid testing, and authorizing DEP rulemaking, assistance, and enforcement; the bill was described as protecting firefighters and water supplies and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. Senators also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training in schools, SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 creating protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 778 on forensic services for certain defendants. Most of these bills were taken up with identical House companions, no amendments, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The most extended and contentious debate centered on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Sponsor Senator Yarbrough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several local governments. Multiple amendments were offered, including proposals to narrow the bill to spending, add an intent requirement for penalties, and broaden exceptions for holidays and observances; these amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor did accept some clarifying changes, including language protecting certain nonprofit services, heritage resources, and the Pulse Memorial, and he answered questions about Black History Month and at-risk youth services. The transcript ends while the Senate is still working through the amendment process on SB 1134, with no final vote on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• with an expectation that, all right, you know, we do our pro forma, we get our designs, we get our engineering
• with an expectation that, all right, you know, we do our pro forma, we get our designs, we get our engineering
• So, there's a ripple effect, and then on top of that, there's engines and equipment and employment, and
• <c> there's</c> and then on top of that, there's there's and then on top of that, there's there's engines
• <02:01:27.160><c> and</c> engines and engines and equipment<02:01:30.040><c> and</c><02:01:30.280><c>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

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• If you look at overall professions, meaning medical industry, engineers, clergy, they're fourth behind
• If you look at overall professions, meaning medical industry, engineers, clergy, they're fourth behind
• If you look at overall professions, meaning medical industry, engineers, clergy, they're fourth behind
• professions, meaning<01:47:08.239><c> medical</c><01:47:08.719><c> industry,</c><01:47:10.159><c> engineers
• ,</c> meaning medical industry, engineers, meaning medical industry, engineers, clergy, clergy, clergy

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• think is really vital for us as policy makers to, you know, dive into what is driving our economic engine
• think is really vital for us as policy makers to, you know, dive into what is driving our economic engine
• the existing strengths that we have around different parts of the automotive supply chain, civil engineering
• c> uh</c><00:48:29.280><c> variety</c><00:48:29.599><c> of</c><00:48:29.760><c> other</c> civil engineering
• uh variety of other civil engineering uh variety of other industries<00:48:30.400><c> that</c><00:48

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to lay out House Bill 2203 today, which aims to include land surveyors alongside architects and engineers
• Back in 2019, there was a bill that effectively protected engineers and architects.
• Surveyors should be included when you have engineers already because they're doing all the topography
• If it was fair to exempt engineers, it would be fair to exempt the surveyors. I agree.
• The brakes could go out, it could be the engine catches on fire, or whatever.

Bills: HB4011, HB2680, HB4325, HB4327, HB4944, HB1761, HB4688, HB3453, HB40, HB1707, HB4749, HB2322, HB3647, HB4139, HB4081, HB2203, HB2100, HB4170, HB3104, HB4623, HB40

Keywords: partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death

Transcript Highlights:

• They are just such a great engine of production and preservation.
• They are just such a great engine of production and preservation.
• They are just such a great engine of production and preservation.
• They are just such a great engine of production and preservation.
• They are just such a great engine of production and preservation.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• curriculum, because, you know, you may have a deep-held belief that 2 plus 2 is five, but I want the engineer
• And I'm an engineer by training, so I can understand a lot of really complex things, but these things
• understand half of it you know and I'm understand half of it you know and I'm an<00:50:14.319><c> engineer
• :50:15.520><c> I</c><00:50:15.640><c> can</c><00:50:16.240><c> I</c><00:50:16.319><c> can</c> an engineer
• by training so I can I can an engineer by training so I can I can understand<00:50:16.839><c> a</c><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• teachers and our parents, we give future generations the greatest chance at keeping this Texas economic engine
• I am a successful software engineer. I'm the senior engineer at Omega Airline Software.
• In my work as senior engineer and project manager for a mega airline software, I work with cybersecurity
• more than two decades ago, I thought graduating from Texas A&M-Commerce, marrying a cowboy with an engineering
• more than two decades ago, I thought graduating from Texas A&M-Commerce, marrying a cowboy with an engineering

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am an engineer by trade and have designed and installed the solar and battery storage on my own home
• <02:40:33.319><c> an</c> representative from Webster I am an representative from Webster I am an engineer
• 34.680><c> and</c><02:40:34.800><c> have</c><02:40:34.960><c> designed</c><02:40:35.359><c> and</c> engineer
• by trade and have designed and engineer by trade and have designed and installed<02:40:35.960><c> the

Keywords: 1189, house, all

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• This was a long study that a lot of city, county engineers, department and MnDOT officials met on for
• While 25 feet off the ground, the aircraft's engine quit and Hannigan was forced to make an unpowered
• While 25 ft off the ground, the aircraft's<01:01:29.680><c> engine</c><01:01:30.040><c> quit</c><01:01
• :30.320><c> and</c><01:01:30.440><c> Hannigan</c><01:01:31.240><c> was</c> aircraft's engine quit and
• Hannigan was aircraft's engine quit and Hannigan was forced<01:01:31.720><c> to</c><01:01:31.800><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet, whether you or I want to admit it, those of us from greater Minnesota rely on the economic engine
• greater Minnesota rely on<01:28:58.840><c> the</c><01:28:58.960><c> economic</c><01:28:59.520><c> engine
• </c><01:28:59.840><c> that</c><01:29:00.040><c> is</c><01:29:00.840><c> the</c> on the economic engine
• that is the on the economic engine that is the seven-county<01:29:01.520><c> metro.
• protect our people and our communities, and in this case our small businesses, who are the thriving engine

Bills: HF4477

Keywords: Minnesota business recovery loan program, small business loan, zero-interest loan, forgivable loan, business recovery, economic development, small business emergency loan account, Minnesota Initiative Foundations, nonprofit lenders, greater Minnesota, Twin Cities metro, seven-county metropolitan area, immigration enforcement, business interruption, revenue loss, job preservation, business stabilization, state appropriation, forward fund, loan forgiveness

Transcript Highlights:

• 36:55.440><c> my</c> My name is Mo Fishami and my professional background as a telecommunication engineer
• am the infrastructure unit supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Health, and I'm a licensed engineer
• Department of Health and<01:20:24.320><c> I'm</c><01:20:24.560><c> licensed</c><01:20:24.960><c> engineer
• </c> and I'm licensed engineer in Minnesota. and I'm licensed engineer in Minnesota.

Bills: HF3793, HF3699, HF793, HF3322, HF3426

Keywords: groundwater, water use permit, data centers, public health, environmental regulations, municipalities, state park license plate, specialty license plate, Minnesota DNR, Department of Natural Resources, license plate design contest, North Shore, Lake Superior Agate, AI-generated art, artificial intelligence, Minnesota resident, state parks, specialty plates, vehicle registration, contest requirements