Transcript Highlights:

• That was a failed baton pass.
• You may recall this was a bill that the Senate passed in the regular session, and the House passed a
• The House passed one version.
• The committee passed last time and passed the version, so the Senate passed a version that did not include
• Senator Hughes moves that Senate Bill 11 do not pass, but the substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 214 should pass.
• I remember when we passed the future.
• /c><00:42:12.960><c> in</c><00:42:13.200><c> the</c> legislation we pass here in the legislation we pass
• </c><01:00:32.880><c> the</c> shall be considered to have failed the shall be considered to have failed
• When fails, deterrence is strengthened.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> comparison recently arizonans passed comparison recently arizonans passed Universal<00:28:56.000
• </c><00:29:18.480><c> to</c><00:29:18.640><c> be</c> This Were to pass to be This Were to pass to be
• Last year, we failed to pass increases in adequacy for both general and special education, and it was
• > in</c> year we failed to pass increases in year we failed to pass increases in adequacy<00:45:59.079
• passed passed around<01:03:53.000><c> this</c><01:03:53.279><c> negative</c><01:03:53.760><c> this</

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 115-FN, which would remove the income cap from New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account eligibility rules. Representative Valerie McDonnell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to fund students rather than systems and to expand educational choice regardless of income or zip code. She described the change as a small statutory edit but argued it would have significant benefits, including helping families afford alternative education settings and testing costs such as AP exams. She also cited testimony from families who said EFAs helped children with special needs or difficult circumstances, and she argued the program is popular and cost-effective. Committee members questioned McDonnell about the bill’s fiscal impact and administration. One member asked whether removing the income cap would extend vouchers to families above the statewide median income and whether the change could cost more than $100 million annually; McDonnell said she did not agree with that estimate and pointed to Arizona as a comparison. Representative Wendy Thomas asked whether the bill should require stronger data-sharing from the Children’s Scholarship Fund, which administers the program, so the Department of Education and taxpayers could better track spending; McDonnell said the program already uses ClassWallet and regulated expenditures, and that the question was better directed to the administrator. Several members testified in opposition. Representative Wendy Thomas said the bill would increase costs for public schools, raise local property taxes, and worsen oversight problems. Representative Heath Howard argued the proposal would function as a subsidy for wealthy families already paying private tuition and said public education and special education should be funded first. Representative Megan Murray also opposed the bill, emphasizing the lack of a legal reporting requirement for EFA spending and the need for transparency, accountability, and attention to special education needs. Representative Sam Farrington supported expansion, sharing a constituent story about a student who left public school after harassment and benefited from private school placement. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is, in fact, failing. It's not an opinion. It is, in fact, failing.
• In what ways do you feel that it's failing?
• And then these create new fail points.
• to that backup or I can fail to the other region.
• They would pass that request to us.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That will pass, and we will leave it open.
• AB 709, Jeff Gonzalez, motion do pass. AB 709, Jeff Gonzalez, motion do pass.
• failed and required replacement.
• Motion is do pass as amended to Appropriations. Do pass as amended to Appropriations. Happen? Aye.
• The motion was do pass as amended to Appropriations.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of water, parks, transportation, species protection, and fisheries bills. AB 430 would require the State Water Resources Control Board to publish an economic and environmental impact study when emergency water regulations are extended over multiple years; the author and supporters from agricultural and water groups said it would add transparency without limiting emergency authority. AB 1139 would expand a CEQA exemption to let county park agencies open existing roads and trails for non-motorized recreation, with supporters emphasizing access to nature and opponents warning about impacts to sensitive habitat, tribal resources, and fire risk. AB 929 would temporarily exempt small community water systems and managed wetlands from certain SGMA pumping reductions and fines; supporters said it would protect vulnerable communities and wetlands, while farm and water coalition opponents argued it would undermine basin-wide groundwater management and shift burdens to other users. AB 1225, creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee for State Parks, drew broad support and passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 514, which would encourage local water suppliers to develop emergency water supplies for drought and service interruptions; it passed with broad support, though one member cautioned against using scientific research as a loophole. AB 550 would let developers seek incidental take permits for species under consideration for listing, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects; environmental groups supported the goal but asked for clearer standards, limits on using research as mitigation, and a fee provision, and the bill passed as amended. AB 697 would authorize an incidental take permit for the State Route 37 interim project in Solano and Marin counties, balancing congestion relief and habitat restoration; supporters stressed long commutes and urgent restoration deadlines, while opponents raised climate, sea-level-rise, and tribal concerns. The bill passed, with some members noting they would continue to work on the measure. Other measures discussed included AB 975, which would give Sutter County a narrow, temporary exemption from streambed alteration agreements for certain damaged small bridges and culverts; county officials described repeated flood damage and long permitting delays, and the bill passed as amended. AB 1056 would phase out transferability of set gillnet permits after 2027, allowing only a final family transfer; supporters framed it as a gradual response to bycatch concerns, while fishing industry opponents said it would unfairly target an existing fishery and set a bad precedent. The committee also took up AB 1146, described by the author as a response to politically motivated water releases; supporters from conservation and water organizations backed the bill. Several bills were voted out to Appropriations, some were left open for later action or add-ons, and the committee repeatedly noted it was working through the agenda without a quorum early in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think for us, if we’re passing the laws... Get somewhat messy.
• We owe it to those that have passed that we failed, and it's time for us to stand up and take charge.
• So by passing this bill, we can help that. I don't know.
• I move to send SB 1311 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.
• The bill passed and became effective in January 2019.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Judiciary and Rules Committee approved the minutes from March 17, 2026, then heard several bills. House Bill 896, presented by Representative Shirts for Speaker Moyle, would create a process for certain state and local leaders to refer alleged violations of law to the Attorney General, allow notice and an opportunity to cure, authorize enforcement actions and attorney fee shifting, and permit disqualification from office or public employment if violations are not cured. Testimony and committee discussion focused on concerns about political weaponization, lack of a probable-cause threshold, public disclosure of referrals, and the bill’s exemption for the legislature; Jonathan Wheatley of the Idaho Association of Cities suggested replacing county commission chairmen with county prosecutors. Despite opposition from Representative Gannon and others, the committee sent the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 856, sponsored by Representative Scott, would close a loophole in Idaho’s treatment of human remains by prohibiting the sale, purchase, or lease of dry human remains and making violations a felony. The sponsor and supporting witnesses described online and retail sales of skulls, bones, and other remains in Idaho and argued the current misdemeanor penalty is inadequate. Testimony from Dessalon Swank, Sean Butler, the Idaho Association of Counties, and Ada County legal staff supported the bill as a matter of dignity, public safety, and protection of decedents. The committee advanced the bill unanimously. Senate Bill 1250, presented by Senator Wintrow, would exempt photos of deceased individuals from disclosure under the Public Records Act, while allowing family access after proceedings conclude. Supporters, including a coroner, the Idaho Association of Counties, the Idaho State Association of County Coroners, and the Idaho Press Club, said the bill balances privacy, dignity, and transparency. Olivia Gonzalez gave emotional testimony about the release of graphic records related to her sister’s murder and urged passage. The committee approved the bill unanimously. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1260, which clarifies Idaho’s immigration-related law and applies only to adults, and Senate Bill 1369, which revises venue rules so civil suits may be filed where the underlying incident occurred rather than only where the defendant resides. Finally, Senate Bill 1311 was sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; it requires ignition interlock providers to verify installation with the Idaho Transportation Department and notify prosecutors when a device prevents a vehicle from starting, with supporters framing it as a DUI enforcement and victim-protection measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• The developer if the state fails to act.
• </c><00:03:49.000><c> with</c> Senate managers is to pass with Senate managers is to pass with amendments
• Measure<00:04:04.200><c> passes.
• </c> Measure passes. Amazing job, everybody. Measure passes. Amazing job, everybody.
• </c> Okay, measure passes. We have a bill. Okay, measure passes. We have a bill. Great.

Bills: HB2241, HB1163, HB1514, HB1696, HB2021, SB2135, SB2466, SB2727, SB3082, SB3097, SB2861, SCR100, SB3096, SB99, SB2138, HB2289, HB2319, HB1711, HB2270, SB3138, SB3076, HB1642, HB2338, HB2171, HB1785, SB2881, HB2505, SB2552, HB1518, HB1815, SB3125, SB3234, SCR162, SB2614, SB3118, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB2158, HB1718, HB2207, HB1801, SB3229, SB2338, SB3069, SB2600, HB2300, HB1800, HB1960, SB2999, SB2060, SB2866, SB2239, HB1741, HB1713, HB2023, HB2417, SB2877, SB2598, SB2921, SB2645, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2329, HB2339, HB1838, HB1509, HB1661, HB2271, HB2272, HB2344, HB1888, HB1707, SB2340, HB2474, HB1576, HB1853, HB1804, HB1854, HB2095, HB2050, HB472, SB3215, SB2247, SB2400, HB1618, HB1802, HB1969, HB1541, HB2310, HB2498, HB2443, HB2218, HB649, HB2104, HB1710, SB2802, HB1973, HB1974, HB1894, HB1891, HB1890, SB177, SB2101, SB3320, SB2487, HB2429, HB1870, HB1839, HB2583, HB1391, HB2094, SB2671, SB2673, SB2892, SB2057, SB3245, HB306, HB2592, SB3157, SB3204, SB3324, SB2580, SB2074, SB411, SB3025, SB2934, SB2567, SB2125, SB3238, SB2367, SB2599, SB3007, SB2001, SB2756, SB3029

Keywords: renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, commercial driving, driver's license

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we... ...fail to document it and it did happen, we cannot tell.
• Chair, I move that House Bill 262 be returned with a due pass recommendation.
• Bill 2018 receive a due pass recommendation. Staff please with Bill. Mr.
• Good judgments were made, good bills were passed, but leadership has failed.
• Good judgments were made, good bills were passed, but leadership has failed.

Summary: The Committee on Government convened, took roll, introduced members and staff, and heard an Auditor General presentation on a special audit of the Arizona Department of Child Safety’s handling of non-criminal child abuse and neglect reports. The audit found that while DCS generally met initial contact timeframes in most cases, 123 of 125 sampled cases had at least one policy noncompliance issue, including failures to properly notify alleged perpetrators of rights and allegations, incomplete or undocumented investigative steps and safety plans, and investigations that exceeded required timeframes. The Auditor General said DCS agreed with the findings and would implement the recommendations; members asked about sample size, staffing, turnover, and whether the problems were systemic and documentation-related. The chair also gave an opening statement emphasizing oversight of DCS and the committee’s intent to focus on systemic issues and child safety. The committee then considered House Bill 262, which authorizes a memorial for the Buffalo Soldiers at Wesley Boland Plaza. Several supporters testified about the historical significance of the Buffalo Soldiers and the importance of recognizing their contributions in Arizona. Members from both parties spoke in support, and HB 262 passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. The committee next heard House Bill 2018, which would prohibit DCS from entering into agreements with health care institutions that allow or require payment in exchange for reports of child abuse or neglect. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill was needed to prevent financial incentives from influencing reporting and to protect parents’ rights, while some testimony described alleged overreporting and harmful removals tied to hospital reporting arrangements. Members debated whether there was a sufficient paper trail for such payments and whether the issue was limited to one hospital or broader; the sponsor said DCS had not provided requested data and that subpoena power might be needed. After a recess and further discussion, HB 2018 passed on a 4-3 vote and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• they failed, they said it wasn't a rule.
• they failed, they said it wasn't a rule.
• Representative Callanin: Pass. Thank you. Representative Kolodin: Pass. Representative Márquez?
• Well, I'm not passing. I pass because I want to go ahead, sir. Look, this is a great attempt.
• Oh, correction: HB 2775 as amended, a due pass recommendation.

Summary: The committee met with all members present, temporarily replacing Vice Chair Keshel with Representative Taylor, and held HB 4014 at the sponsor’s request. It then heard HB 415, which would extend existing state rules on paid petition circulators and initiative/referendum disclosures to municipal and county measures, require paid circulators to display identifying information, and require local measures to disclose expenditures and revenue sources. The sponsor and supporters, including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, argued the bill would improve transparency and keep initiatives driven by Arizona residents; the bill passed 5-2. The committee also heard the mirror resolution, HCR 2051, which passed 4-3. The committee next considered HCM 2010, urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment repealing the Seventeenth Amendment and returning selection of U.S. senators to state legislatures. The sponsor argued it would restore state sovereignty and accountability, while opponents raised concerns about direct democracy and the practical problems that led to the Seventeenth Amendment. The motion initially appeared to pass 4-3, but after a vote correction and a present vote, the measure ultimately failed. The committee then took up HB 2940, a complex AHCCCS/DES bill aimed at tightening eligibility verification, expanding competition in managed care contracting, and creating a unified eligibility rules engine. The sponsor said it would improve fiscal discipline and competition; AHCCCS and health plan representatives said many verification steps already exist, some provisions would add cost or duplicate federal/state processes, and the bill would significantly alter the managed care model. Despite those concerns, HB 2940 passed 4-3. Later, HB 2874 passed unanimously 7-0. That bill would ease termination requirements and penalties for candidate committees, PACs, or parties that never received contributions and later file termination statements. The committee then heard HB 467, which would require county recorders to display certain voter status information in precinct registers, signature rosters, or electronic poll books; after testimony from county officials and the Association of Counties, the committee adopted a verbal amendment changing “shall” to “may” and passed the bill 5-2. Finally, HB 2775, as amended, passed 4-3. The bill would bar state and local governments from using state resources to implement or enforce rules or policies of international organizations, and the amendment added restrictions on Arizona public universities’ dealings with certain foreign entities, with ABOR given review authority. Supporters framed it as a sovereignty and anti-foreign-influence measure, while the amendment’s removal of rulemaking authority was cited as important to the vote in favor.

Transcript Highlights:

• After two fails, the third test, the customer has to pay $10 before they can take the test.
• Director Jang: The intent is that folks are studying for the test and they pass it the first time.
• </c><00:15:54.519><c> it</c> studying for the test and they pass it studying for the test and they pass
• If they fail both times and take the third and subsequent test, there’s a $10 fee.
• If they fail both times and take the third and subsequent test, there’s a $10 fee.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I move that Senate Bill 17 be returned with a due pass recommendation.
• So I think there's a reason... ...this has failed several times, and I am a no.
• Representative Garcia, pass. Representative Gutierrez, Mr.
• Your private information is also passed.
• You've given Senate Bill 1315 as a minute a new pass recommendation.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to make my point that it's not just the Biden administration; it's other administrations who have failed
• with ways to address this issue, uh, and unfortunately, uh, Administrations in Washington DC have failed
• I did fail to mention we do have a resource witness.
• Do you see the, and I believe you do because it's stated that the federal government failed and that
• Do you see the, the, and I believe you do because it's stated that the federal government failed and

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security met to consider SCR 39, authored by Senator Creighton, which urges the federal government to take immediate action on border security and calls for Texas to be reimbursed for roughly $11 billion spent on border-related efforts. Creighton argued the federal government has failed to secure the border, leading to illegal crossings, fentanyl trafficking, and the need for Texas to step in through Operation Lone Star. A DPS chief financial officer was present as a resource witness, though no public testimony was taken. Several senators spoke in support of the resolution while also noting broader context. Senator Hinojosa of Nueces said border security has been neglected by multiple administrations, not just the Biden administration, but supported the measure and emphasized the need for lawful immigration and border enforcement. Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo and Senator Flores also supported the resolution, highlighting cartel activity, trade impacts, and Texas’s role in maintaining border integrity. Senator Eckhardt questioned the author about what specific federal actions were meant by “immediate action,” and Creighton pointed to more staffing, better radio interoperability, stronger drug interdiction, and renewed federal responsibility for wall construction and enforcement. After questions and discussion, public testimony was closed. Senator Flores moved that SCR 39 be favorably recommended to the full Senate, and the committee approved the motion by a vote of 4 ayes and 1 nay. The chair then announced that SB 36, creating a border security division within DPS, would be the committee’s primary focus at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It failed its first committee just last week.
• The bill was passed out on reconsideration.
• It is due pass to the Appropriations Committee. Motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee.
• I would hope if this bill passes, that's great.
• All right, so that fails. Right. All right, the ayes are three, the noes are two. The bill fails.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several insurance-related bills. SB 1209 by Senator Allen, sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, would give the Department of Insurance stronger enforcement tools when insurers fail to implement corrective actions identified in market conduct or financial examinations. Supporters said the bill would close gaps that allow repeated violations, improve solvency oversight, and protect policyholders; opponents argued CDI already has broad authority and raised concerns about duplicative penalties, due process, and the bill’s scope. Members discussed amendments to limit the bill to legal violations rather than recommendations, apply penalties per exam rather than per policy, and clarify accounting language. The committee voted to send SB 1209 to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call after a roll vote that included one no vote from Senator Niello. The committee also considered SB 1301, which would require more detailed non-renewal notices for residential property insurance, give policyholders time and information to address correctable issues, and restrict certain non-renewal reasons such as claims below deductible or not covered by the policy. Support came from homeowners, fire survivors, and consumer groups who said notices are often vague and leave families unable to keep coverage; insurers opposed the bill, warning that California’s notice period is already among the longest in the country and that the bill could worsen availability and add burdensome reporting requirements. The author said he was willing to reduce the notice period from 180 days to about three months and work on a mitigation-based process. The committee passed the bill to Appropriations, with Senator Niello voting no and the item placed on call. SB 1026 by Senator Gonzalez would tighten regulation of bail fugitive recovery agents by allowing the Department of Insurance to suspend or revoke licenses without a criminal conviction, adding conduct restrictions, and requiring continuous liability coverage and proper appointment notices. Supporters, including Commissioner Lara, said the bill addresses serious misconduct and loopholes that have led to unsafe conduct and weak oversight. Bail industry representatives and crime victims’ advocates opposed the measure, arguing that the required insurance coverage is unavailable or unlawful as written, that the bill would be hard to comply with, and that it could reduce the number of recovery agents and delay justice. The committee moved SB 1026 to Appropriations, with Senator Niello voting no and the bill placed on call. The committee then heard SB 982 by Senator Wiener, the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act, which would authorize the Attorney General to sue fossil fuel companies to recover costs tied to climate disasters and insurance losses, with supporters framing it as a way to shift some climate-related costs away from policyholders and taxpayers. The author said amendments would remove retroactivity and delay liability until 2032, while supporters from flood and wildfire survivor groups and climate organizations said the bill would help fund recovery and stabilize insurance costs. Opponents from industry and building trades argued the bill was legally vulnerable, would create a de facto tax or liability scheme, and could harm jobs, energy production, and affordability. Testimony on SB 982 was extensive, but the transcript ends before any committee vote or final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess the question becomes: we either pass it as it is or it does not pass. Is that our option?
• Pass it as it is, or does it not pass? Is that our option? That would be true.
• Seeing a due pass and a second. We'll take a... Seeing a due pass and a second. We'll take a...
• With a vote of 11 aye, 0 nay, this does not pass, and will do pass fail.
• Now I'm passing it back to Chairman. Thank you. Passed.

Bills: HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1094, HJR1095, SJR49

Keywords: administrative rules, rule approval, joint resolution, Oklahoma Register, Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, Corporation Commission, Department of Environmental Quality, Liquified Petroleum Gas Board, water resources, wildlife conservation, tourism, zoning commission, energy regulation, agricultural regulation, agency rules, permanent rules, state agencies, Oklahoma Legislature, business and commerce, professional licensing

Summary: The committee took up several joint resolutions dealing with agency rules. H.J.R. 1090, approving energy- and agriculture-related agency rules, was adopted and passed 10-0. H.J.R. 1091, covering business and commerce rules, was also adopted and passed 10-0. H.J.R. 1092, which had been split out from the business and commerce packet because of a reported $10 million cost impact on one business, was adopted after discussions with regulators about delaying remodeling requirements and addressing safety concerns; it passed unanimously. H.J.R. 1093, approving health-related agency rules, passed 11-0, with some Oklahoma Health Care Authority major rules noted as being handled separately in the Senate. The committee then discussed H.C.R. 1094, a major rule from the Long-Range Capital Planning Commission. Members raised concerns that the agency’s rule impact statement contained errors, incorrect notice and hearing information, and an incomplete economic analysis. After debate over whether the resolution could be amended or had to be accepted or rejected as a whole, the committee voted 11-0 that it did not pass. The committee then considered H.J.R. 1095 with an amendment to specifically disapprove a proposed permanent rule change by the Long-Range Capital Planning Commission that would have allowed the commission to ignore its own rules in the “best interest of the state.” The amendment was adopted 11-1, and the resolution as amended passed. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked members and staff for their work and said the committee would try to move the resolutions to the floor on Thursday, with another meeting likely needed to address additional major rules coming from the Senate. A committee member also suggested a brief educational review of a prior procedural issue at a future meeting, and the chair agreed to discuss broader concerns about the administrative rules process in a later wrap-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• As in California, where it passed on a not only bipartisan but unanimous basis.
• uh fails in their obligation<00:21:59.520><c> to</c><00:21:59.760><c> do</c><00:21:59.919><c> so.
• you pass your committee amendment<00:29:40.960><c> first.
• </c> I will move ought to pass. I’ll second it. We have a second. All in favor, please say I. I.
• I’ll make the motion ought to pass. Second. We have a second from Senator Rashardi.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that this legislation deals with infants born alive and voted in favor or pressed pass.
• This bill passed the House last year with bipartisan support.
• Like if my abortion attempt fails and they fail to care for my now child, what stops me from saying you
• Any such person who fails to report...
• I'm sure it will be the same this year once the deadline to submit testimony has passed.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> passed it through the select committee. passed it through the select committee.
• </c><00:18:43.600><c> and</c> legislature for getting this passed and legislature for getting this passed
• If it passes exactly as in great shape.
• </c> these failed institutions. these failed institutions.
• </c> &gt;&gt; I don't know if they're going to pass &gt;&gt; I don't know if they're going to pass any

Bills: SF0021, SF0022, SF0054, SF0055

Keywords: stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification, banking regulation, special purpose depository institution, conversion process, Wyoming state laws, financial services

Transcript Highlights:

• >> No. >> I think it fails. Motion fails. >> Mr.
• >> No. >> I think it fails. Motion fails. >> Mr.
• </c><00:15:43.839><c> Motion</c><00:15:44.240><c> fails.</c> &gt;&gt; I think it fails.
• Motion fails. &gt;&gt; I think it fails. Motion fails.
• </c> &gt;&gt; pass today. &gt;&gt; pass today. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They were passing this trash.” “Because people were looking the other way.
• They were passing this trash from one school district to the next.
• My trash was passed to Oklahoma for a few more years.
• Please make sure that it passes and that its House version gets passed and it gets to the governor and
• A committee substitute passed out and eventually passed out of the House Public Education Committee.

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard several bills focused on school finance, transparency, student safety, and educator misconduct. SB 843 by Senator Kolkhorst would create a centralized TEA database for school bond elections, tax rates, and project details; supporters said it would improve transparency for taxpayers, while members discussed the fiscal note and suggested adding charter schools. SB 1224 by Senator Sparks would require superintendents to report alleged romantic, sexual, or abusive conduct between staff and students directly to law enforcement within 48 hours, with penalties for failure to report; testimony from advocates and survivors strongly supported the bill and urged that it also apply to private and charter schools. SB 747 by Senator Paxton on behalf of Senator King would require school district policies addressing AI-generated sexually explicit images of minors as cyberbullying and direct the School Safety Center to develop guidance; the committee heard emotional testimony from a student victim and discussed school authority to discipline off-campus conduct and the role of cell phones. The committee also heard SB 1636 by Senator Hinojosa, which would limit use of interest and sinking tax revenues to debt service for voter-approved capital projects and not deferred maintenance; school finance witnesses raised concerns that the bill’s language could restrict needed facility maintenance spending and asked for a clearer definition of deferred maintenance. SB 2185, also by Senator Hinojosa, would expand access to the bilingual education allotment for dual-language programs; district officials and educators testified in support, saying it would remove barriers to funding and better support bilingual instruction. SB 604 by Senator West would require the Permanent School Fund Corporation to publicly track bonds backed by the state guarantee program that are downgraded to speculative or junk status, with West arguing the information would provide an early warning sign of district financial distress. Across the hearing, much of the testimony centered on student protection and accountability in schools. Multiple witnesses described educator misconduct cases, failures to report abuse, and the need for outside law enforcement involvement rather than internal district investigations. Committee members repeatedly discussed extending reporting and safety requirements to private and charter schools, and several witnesses urged independent oversight. No bills were voted out; each measure heard was left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill still passed with it in it. The bill still passed with it in it. The...
• Norm-referenced tests are not a pass-or-fail type test for schools to take.
• It's already part of what they do, different than the STAAR test, which tends to be more of a pass-fail
• Here in Texas by passing SB 2.
• It is a moral failing.

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. Several senators emphasized support for public education, teacher pay and safety, parental choice, and the combined K-16 jurisdiction of the committee. The chair also reviewed hearing procedures, including public testimony registration and time limits. The main item was Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, laid out by Chairman Creighton. He described the bill as an education savings account program intended to expand school choice, with a $200 million universal eligibility pool and an additional $800 million targeted to students with disabilities and lower-income families. He said the bill includes anti-fraud safeguards, criminal background checks for vendors, reporting requirements, data protections, and annual testing for participating students, while not imposing STAAR on private schools or homeschoolers. He also said the bill removes a prior hold-harmless provision for public schools and is separate from public school funding and teacher pay legislation. Members questioned the bill’s income threshold, lottery and priority structure, treatment of homeschoolers, microschools, charter schools, religious freedom protections, citizenship/lawful presence language, cybersecurity, open records, and disability-related issues, including whether 504 students and foster children should be included. Creighton said the bill is designed to prioritize former public school students with disabilities or lower incomes, while also allowing universal eligibility within the program’s first funding tier, and that the Comptroller would oversee vendor screening and cybersecurity rules. He said the bill does not direct curriculum or interfere with religious beliefs and that amendments may be offered later on citizenship and other issues. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, starting with EdChoice representative Robert Inlow, who testified in support of SB 2 and cited national growth in school choice programs and studies he said show positive effects for students and public schools.