Transcript Highlights:

• fishing game. fishing game. >> Excuse<00:09:45.600> me,<00:09:45.839> Mr.
• <00:11:20.800> with or loaned or jointly operated with or loaned or jointly operated with
• Carlson here who's our chief operating Carlson here who's our chief operating officer<00:20:18.640
• The type of game you're talking about is a national game that consists, I believe, of 37 states.
• I'm not a game expert on it.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on January 23, 2026, approved the December 19, 2025 minutes, and adopted the remaining items on the consent calendar after noting several withdrawals. The committee then took up Department of Safety item FIS 26007, which involved Homeland Security/FEMA grant funding for equipment and UAS-related activities. Senators asked whether any of the funding would support federal civil immigration enforcement or shared operations with federal agencies, and about privacy protections for drone data. The department said the grant is governed by federal parameters, that the state uses the remaining 20 percent after federally directed uses, and that privacy law in this area is evolving. The item was adopted on an 8-2 vote. The committee next considered Department of Environmental Services item 26003, which had been withdrawn by the Senate. A senator said concerns about using the funds for a different project had been resolved after speaking with the commissioner, and the item was adopted without further debate. The committee then moved to Department of Health and Human Services item 260005, a request for about $700,000 in remaining ARPA-related funds for the Hampstead children’s facility project. Commissioners explained that the project had been funded in stages because the original appropriation was based on estimates and bid assumptions, and that the remaining money would cover alternates and finish the project without using general funds. Senators raised concerns about repeated requests for additional money, the adequacy of security, site-selection costs, and why the project had not been fully funded at the outset. The department said the project had been intentionally structured to proceed in phases and that required security would be provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've currently not had any planned operations, anything like that.
• Of course, State Police does not operate any detention facility.
• We are not engaged in any type of operation like that.
• , or at least we will participate in that operation.
• Operation.

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about the agency’s role in federal immigration enforcement. Colonel Mike Hager said State Police has completed 287(g) training for all but 12 officers and is authorized to assist ICE in limited circumstances, but is not an immigration enforcement agency. He emphasized that troopers only make immigration-related notifications after lawful stops or arrests for other offenses, and that the agency uses discretion and chain-of-command approval for any planned operation. Members asked about how immigration status is determined, whether stops are tracked, whether local agencies are participating, and whether there are costs or reimbursement mechanisms; Hager said the agency began tracking encounters in September and had 48 detentions since then, most tied to other criminal violations such as DWIs or domestic violence. He also said there were no current planned immigration operations beyond assisting federal partners. The committee then received an update from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director Doug Schoenrock on wildlife management areas, waterfowl habitat, and related infrastructure. He reported that most moist-soil units and green tree reservoirs were flooded or near normal, with one new pump not yet operational and a vandalized Ed Gordon/Point Remove pump back in service since December. He also said the Lake Conway dam and water-control work were progressing, with a public meeting scheduled at Mayflower High School. Questions followed about dock removal notices, maintenance on other water-control structures, and a recent fatal boating accident at Baumito WMA, which Schoenrock described as a high-speed collision in flooded timber and said the agency was working on a safety memorial effort with the victim’s widow. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on duck season, drought conditions, and criticism of the Flyway Federation’s push to restrict hunting over standing corn. Schoenrock said Arkansas remains the nation’s top duck-hunting destination, but drought and warm weather have reduced water availability and caused ducks to move north; he cited survey numbers showing 1.4 million ducks in the state at the end of December but a much lower January count. He argued that standing corn is legal and that federal habitat and water policy, not Arkansas law, drives long-term duck populations. Members raised concerns about changing migration patterns, the role of private clubs, federal regulation, and the possible effects of wind turbines and solar panels on waterfowl; Schoenrock and Commissioner Chris Caldwell said the commission is studying those issues, including a University of Arkansas at Monticello project on avoidance behavior, and that no immediate regulatory changes were announced. The committee took no formal vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Indian Gaming Association.
• So it was a great game. Next year, the game is back next year.
• This is not an official game by any means. This was one of the most dirty games.
• They played a great game.
• No one's going to remember the 26 game once the 27 game is played. Thank you.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• final are Senate Bill 378, liquor excise tax increase, as well as Senate Bill 393, disaster area gaming
• operations in the state that, um, would not benefit, uh, the same way, and when I'm talking about those
• , um, tribal gaming operations as well.
• An alternative to having this, uh, the, the disasterary gaming tax exemption in the tax package so that
• is the driving thing here, the racetrack there that helps all of Riodoso, whether it's the tribal gaming

Transcript Highlights:

• how the house actually operates how the house actually operates and<00:02:32.760> the<00:
• ball game and drink? ball game and drink? >> Representative<00:21:22.240> Hudson.
• a ball game element now, too.
• I didn't ask about a ball game earlier. I didn't ask about a ball game earlier.
• game? game? >> Representative<00:35:21.440> Hudson.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And they have skin in the game.
• You haven't bought into the game, and so I hear exactly the point. out, you haven't bought into the game
• I think that's the game that's being played.
• commissioning and operations plans and Related standards, ensuring operators maintain commissioning
• prior to operations.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• feline diseases, as well as acquisition of panther habitat, and authorizing the FWC to use the non-game
• So keep in mind that we, the FWC, we charge them with protecting both game and non-game animals.
• Those would be non-game animals would include sea turtles, manatees. ...those would be non-game animals
• And so this allows them to use those dollars that are in the non-game Wildlife Trust Fund to oversee
• No, because the non-game wildlife. conservation. You are recognized.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to consider three bills before moving to its budget presentation. HB 843, relating to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds, was explained as a set of clarifying changes to improve budget flexibility, including use of certain trust funds for law enforcement and other conservation-related purposes. After questions about whether the bill would shift resources away from conservation, an amendment removed the sections dealing with the Administrative Trust Fund and the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund. The amended bill received support in public testimony and was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 295, which directs the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026 based on prior recycling recommendations. Supporters, including students involved in an “Ought to Be a Law” program and representatives from the waste and recycling industry, said the bill would create a roadmap for improving recycling and waste diversion. An opponent argued the state should instead enact more direct statutory changes on issues such as food waste, yard waste, and manure handling rather than study them further. Members praised the student participation and the bill passed. HB 339, creating a temporary alternative credentialing pathway for surveyors and mappers, was presented as a response to workforce shortages and an aging profession. The sponsor said the bill would help meet demand while preserving oversight, and an amendment added a four-year work requirement and adjusted renewal provisions. After brief supportive debate, the amended bill passed. The subcommittee then received its Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget proposal, which emphasized spending reductions, vacant-position cuts, and a smaller overall budget than the current year while still funding water resources, Everglades restoration, resiliency, land management, cleanup programs, agriculture facilities, and other projects. Members closed by thanking the chair for an inclusive budget process, and the meeting adjourned after a motion to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 135 aims to define exotic game animals within the scope of the agricultural exemptions and
• provide consistency in how exotic game operations are taxed, ensuring fairness.
• House Bill 135 provides the necessary legal clarity as it pertains to taxation on exotic game.
• The Exotic Game industry is a crucial part of the Texas economy, particularly in rural areas where it
• House Bill 135 provides the necessary legal clarity so as it pertains to taxation on Exotic Game.

Bills: HB135

Keywords: civil liability, motor vehicle, legal protection, removal, animals

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard Senate Bill 2345, as a committee substitute, which would reform the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund. Senator Schwertner explained that the bill is based on an agreed voluntary funding soundness restoration plan between the City of Austin and the fund, and would create a new reduced benefit tier for firefighters hired on or after January 1, 2026, adjust COLAs for current retirees, establish an actuarially determined funding model to address legacy liabilities and 2024 asset losses over 30 years, and add new board seats. Mayor Kirk Watson, city finance staff, the fund executive director, trustees, and retired firefighters all testified in support, describing the measure as an agreed-to, fiscally responsible compromise that protects benefits, supports recruitment, and reduces risk to taxpayers. The committee adopted the committee substitute, but left SB 2345 pending. The committee also heard House Bill 135, which clarifies tax treatment for exotic game or exotic livestock operations by defining them within agricultural exemptions and stating that sales of exotic livestock are not subject to sales and use taxes. Senator Flores described it as a clarification to provide consistency and fairness, and a witness for the Exotic Wildlife Association said it would resolve a Comptroller-related tax issue and benefit ranchers, landowners, and hunters. The committee closed public testimony and reported HB 135 favorably to the full Senate, with a motion to place it on the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 771, by Senator Hinojosa, was also heard and later reported favorably. The bill would allow diesel fuel used in auxiliary power units or power takeoff units to qualify for the same fuel tax credit or refund already available for gasoline, correcting an inadvertent exclusion from the 2003 motor fuel tax rewrite. A witness supported the bill as a matter of tax equity. The committee then considered House Bill 1109, the House companion to SB 935, which exempts counties from certain motor fuel taxes on fuel used in county vehicles; Senator Hall explained it as simply exempting government agencies from paying the tax on their own vehicles. HB 1109 was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee adjourned after completing its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• They call it the beautiful game for a reason.
• And now a new generation of stars is emerging, ready to carry the game forward.
• They call it the beautiful game for a reason.
• They ended up tying the game. It felt like a victory to the fans.
• They ended up tying the game. It felt like a victory to the fans.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of several bills and permission for committee notice changes. Members also made guest introductions, including anesthesia residents, family members, and a legislative intern. The body then took up House Resolution 118 by Assembly Member Garcia, welcoming the 2026 FIFA World Cup to California and highlighting the state’s host cities, economic benefits, and international goodwill. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing local hosting roles, cultural connections, and anticipated tourism and revenue. The resolution received 64 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. On the daily file, the Assembly passed and retained or continued a number of items, then considered Assembly Concurrent Resolution 193 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry proclaiming 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Supporters described the role of women in California agriculture and the barriers they face; the resolution received 69 co-authors and was adopted. The Assembly also adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 210 by Assembly Member Jackson, establishing a sister-state relationship with Gauteng province in South Africa, with members speaking to economic, educational, and cultural ties; it received 65 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. The second-day consent calendar was then taken up. House Resolution 113 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, was added to by 68 co-authors and the consent calendar passed 73-0. The remaining consent items were listed, and the Assembly proceeded to adjournment in memory statements for Norman L. Ford, Jr. and James McCain, Sr., followed by a moment of silence for each. The desk was ordered to remain open for budget-related business, and the House adjourned until Monday, June 15, upon the call of the Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• A dollar, you're ahead of the game.
• Maintenance repair operations. Mr. Chair, you're talking like a fixed base operation?
• But it is a great operation.
• Operations, we don't need public funding.
• But we do not operate in Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am owner and operator of Games by James. Uh, we're founded in 1979.
• for small businesses to operate online. for small businesses to operate online.
• What new games are you playing? McGee. What new games are you playing? Mr.<00:32:17.440> McGee?
• strategy games, I recommend Wingspan. strategy games, I recommend Wingspan.
• <00:41:26.120> So, game of golf across the country. So, game of golf across the country.

Bills: HF1016, HF2800, HF156, HF3051, HF526, HF2658, HF2062, HF2801

Keywords: local government aid, Baldwin, taxation, base year formula, municipal funding, population aid, aid penalty forgiveness, Minnesota, city funding, appropriations, HF156, lawful gambling, veterans organizations, licensed veterans organization, Minnesota gambling law, gross profits, lawful purpose, real property repair, facility maintenance, capital assets

Transcript Highlights:

• game um chairman of the fishing Game game um chairman of the fishing Game Commission<03:39:06.199
• The Fish and Game Commission is the overall operation of Fish and Game. That is 100% correct.
• The Fish and Game Commission is the overall operation of Fish and Game. Thank you.
• Fishing Game Commission is the overall Fishing Game Commission is the overall operation<05:27:30.718>
• > you<05:27:32.958> any operation of fishing game thank you any operation of fishing game

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And 11% is our gaming and retailer commission.
• That offer gaming and been receptive to what they're feelings are.
• Those are our game wardens, and We have 120 game wardens across the state and at least one in every county
• Our game wardens got an upgrade to their inventory of rifles.
• There are lots of fishing guides that are operating. They operate big boats and take big groups.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and then the Department of Gaming horse racing.
• On the gaming industry and how that affects the bottom line.
• people's pocketbooks will be used in gaming facilities.
• We are not changing the tax side of taxes on gaming.
• capabilities. ...and enhance operational capabilities.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:24:31.279> They're They're in fish and game. They're They're in fish and game.
• <01:48:04.199> funds highway funds and fish and game funds highway funds and fish and game
• Game Department.
• Game Department.
• the funds raised for the fish and game the funds raised for the fish and game fund.<01:51:47.840

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a House budget briefing focused on the overall state budget and the first of three divisions. The presenter reviewed the size and structure of the budget, noting that the state had eliminated the interest and dividends tax and still balanced the budget. He explained the major spending categories in the general fund and total budget, emphasizing that health and human services and education remain the largest areas, while transportation is largely self-funded. He also walked through the revenue picture, including business taxes, insurance taxes, court fees, communications taxes, and Medicaid recoveries, and said the remaining interest and dividends tax revenue reflected late payments from prior assessments. Members asked about the size of the tax cut from eliminating the interest and dividends tax, federal funding stability, and why Medicaid was being reduced if federal support was expected to remain steady. The response was that the lost revenue would have been about $200 million absent repeal, and that the budget gap was addressed through many small cuts across departments. On federal funds, the presenter said most aid is tied to multi-year grants and that core programs such as Medicare and Medicaid were expected to remain relatively stable, though some federal reductions could occur. He also said some agency reductions came from eliminating long-vacant, funded positions and from expected lapses. The discussion then moved into Division One, which covers smaller and miscellaneous agencies. The division made cuts to the governor’s office, eliminated a temporary position at the Governor’s Commission on Disability, reduced Department of Information Technology spending through a back-of-budget cut, and found savings in Administrative Services. It also delayed maintenance at the Sununu Youth Services Center, stopped advertising for paid family medical leave, changed retiree health insurance funding, and consolidated several personnel-related boards into one. The division eliminated the Commission on Aging and the Office of the Child Advocate, made a temporary special education advocate position permanent, reduced the Secretary of State’s budget, kept municipal rooms-and-meals distributions flat, and made changes to the retirement system, including $55 million to improve Group 2 retirement benefits and a new retirement structure for future state hires. The judicial branch was also asked to find savings and received two additional judges because of expected caseload increases from other eliminations.

Transcript Highlights:

• These escalating expenses not only inflate operational costs but also constrain budgets for critical
• It is unrealistic for a public school system operating on finite funds intended for student services.
• That's part of the game. We understand that.
• That's part of the game. We understand that.
• We need those types of dedicated sports officials to ensure our game is played properly and safely.

Summary: The Committee on Education K-16 heard testimony on SB 1635, which would give certain coastal, recapture-paying school districts a credit against recapture payments for mandatory windstorm and hail insurance costs. Senator Hinojosa said the bill is intended to offset unusually high insurance expenses for districts in Tier 1 or Tier 2 coastal zones, and he estimated about a $12 million impact to state revenue. Witnesses from Port Aransas ISD and Gregory-Portland ISD described sharp premium increases, reduced coverage, higher deductibles, and the effect on teacher pay and classroom spending. Senators asked about the number of affected districts, the accuracy of the fiscal estimate, and whether the bill might encourage districts to maintain coverage. Public testimony was closed and SB 1635 was left pending. The committee then took up several other bills and committee substitutes, adopting and reporting favorably SB 2786, SB 2623, SB 646, SB 843, SB 2392, SB 1998, SB 1418, SB 2788, and SB 2076, with most votes unanimous or near-unanimous. SB 2392 was amended to add improper relationship between educator and student to mandatory reporting offenses and to authorize an attorney general civil penalty for failure to report. SB 2623 was revised to clarify duties and exemptions related to the Safe Schools and Neighborhood Task Force and school proximity restrictions. SB 843 would create a TEA database of school district bonds and related projects, and SB 2788 would exempt certain PSAT scorers from the Texas Success Initiative assessment. The committee also heard SB 2929, which would allow referees and other officials at school athletic events to immediately eject disruptive spectators. The Texas Association of Sports Officials testified in support, citing abusive spectator behavior and a shortage of officials. SB 2929 was left pending. Finally, the committee heard a substitute for SB 2927 on 1882 partnerships and a substitute for SB 2619, which would require more transparency and accountability for failing school districts, superintendent hiring, trustee training, and takeover timelines. Testimony on SB 2619 was mixed, with one witness from Texas 2036 supporting parts of the bill’s accountability provisions. The committee adopted the substitute for SB 2619, left it pending, and then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• cases, unfortunately, lower big game cases, unfortunately, lower big game populations. populations
• Black bears are classified as trophy game, not big game.
• classified as trophy game, not big game. classified as trophy game, not big game.
• game tags. game tags.
• uh through Wyoming Game and Fish. uh through Wyoming Game and Fish.

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• But worldwide there were millions of people that watch these games and they play these games, and you
• BAU footage or stuff used for gaming BAU footage or stuff used for gaming well<00:42:42.280>
• <00:43:34.920> and<00:43:35.119> you games and they play these games and you games
• <01:28:35.719> controller 1001 airport operation controller 1001 airport operation controller
• <01:28:56.760> controller 1001 airport operation controller 1001 airport operation controller

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• having been a chairman on fishing game having been a chairman on fishing game and<03:51:37.159><
• but they're licensed by fishing game but they're licensed by fishing<03:54:13.319> game<03:54
• :13.560> as<03:54:13.760> rehabilitation fishing game as rehabilitation fishing game as
• rehabilitate them whenever fishing game rehabilitate them whenever fishing game has<03:59:25.479
• <03:59:26.600> is has a need so fishing game is has a need so fishing game is probably<03:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a work session on HB 505, which would allow the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homestead food operations. Members raised concerns about the bill’s broad language, especially the provision stating freeze-dried food would not be considered potentially hazardous. Several suggested narrowing the bill to specific products such as processed foods, berries, fruit, dairy products, ice cream, or vegetables, and requiring use of commercial freeze-drying equipment rather than dehydrators. There was also discussion of oxygen absorbers, moisture control, sanitation, and whether the issue should be handled in statute or rules. By the end of the discussion, members generally agreed the topic should be treated in a separate section of law rather than folded into the existing homestead food license, and the chair said the matter would be sent to the food safety subcommittee, with the possibility of a study committee if more time was needed. The committee then moved to HB 277, a technical correction to the animal cruelty statutes. Representative Bixby explained that current law refers to a “colt,” which applies only to male baby horses, leaving fillies unaddressed; the bill would replace “colt” with “foal” and make related wording changes so the restriction applies to any horse under 90 days old not being nursed by its dam. The New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the change was requested to clarify and modernize the statute and that the issue had been identified during work on related animal cruelty legislation. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The chair recessed the work session until 11:00 a.m. and announced that Representative Ktoa would take over the hearing on HB 277.

Transcript Highlights:

• does contain the governor's uh operating does contain the governor's uh operating adjustments<00
• There is an operating adjustment on lines 123 and 124 out of two different accounts within the Game and
• So that's $1.8 million in 2026-27 from the Game and Fish operating account, and then the Heritage Enhancement
• Last, there's the operating tails.
• operating adjustment. operating adjustment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all