Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a standardized process Javs.
• Once it's do a lot of this testing.
• No, that KYTC regional offices with testing, we're only in 28 of those. >> So we have 28 testing sites
• <00:42:14.800> because driver's license or the testing because driver's license or the testing
• We did a couple of Saturday testing events that helped catch up a little bit.

Keywords: 00:10 Call to order and Roll Call 01:06 Information Items and Introduction of Kentucky Court of Justice 03:02 Discussion of Interpreter State and National Contractor Rates 06:35 Discussion of Certifications 08:44 Discussion of AI use in Interpretation 13:56 Software Service Initiatives 16:47 Data Security and AV system Upgrades 24:38 Drug Court Issues 28:43 Discussion of Jefferson County Record Storage 35:33 Boyle County Courthouse Construction 39.26 KY State Police Driver Testing 45:22 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard a budget overview from the Kentucky Court of Justice focused on mandated services and several growth items in the judicial branch budget. Court officials said the requests were driven by legal and contractual obligations, including higher contractor rates for court interpreters and IT support, annual software-as-a-service costs, and upgrades to the court’s audiovisual record system (JAVS). They also discussed local facilities needs tied to Jefferson County lease space and the Boyle County Courthouse, though the bulk of the presentation centered on the court’s technology and service-delivery costs. Members asked detailed questions about interpreter services, including whether services are provided in person, by phone, or by Zoom, and whether Kentucky could train and certify more local interpreters instead of relying on contractors from around the country. Court officials said the certification process is rigorous, that the branch is working with the National Center for State Courts on an apprenticeship program, and that they believe Kentucky may have flexibility to develop state-level certification if it meets court needs. They also said they are exploring technology and AI tools for translation, but have not found a solution that reliably handles complex courtroom context. Representative Sharp asked whether cases had been delayed for lack of interpreters; officials said they could provide aggregated data later. The court also described its major IT modernization effort, including a statewide case management system, e-filing, and maintenance of many legacy applications. Officials said contractor rates need to be raised to compete for skilled labor during the implementation phase, but that those costs should decline once the new systems are fully built and only maintained. They explained that part of the request covers three SaaS initiatives: ongoing subscription costs for existing systems, annual fees for the CaseWorks system used in pretrial and specialty courts after federal grant funding ends, and adoption of DocuSign to streamline invoicing, procurement, and contract execution. In response to questions from Representative KC Carney, they said cybersecurity is taken seriously, that they recently conducted a tabletop exercise, and that some risk shifts to cloud vendors under contract, though no separate cybersecurity line item was included. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the JAVS audiovisual court-record system. Court officials said not all courtrooms are on the same version, and they want funding to bring all locations up to the current version and prepare for version 9, which they said would standardize the system statewide and support the official court record. When asked about costs, they said each upgrade can cost about $70,000 to $80,000 per system, that they aim to upgrade about 50 per year, and that the request reflects the need to keep pace with a four-year refresh cycle. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• What what are you testing for?
• Is it a standard batch or do you have to get approval to test the blood for DNA and for alcohol and for
• test for it.
• So toxicology specifically test for illegal substances or whatever.
• We're not waiting 365 days to test any evidence.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• RESEARCH AT THIS FACILITY INCLUDES TESTING OF ASPHALT AND CONCRETE MIXTURES, GEOTECHNICAL MATERIALS,
• TRACK TO CONTINUE TESTING AND DEVELOPING THIS TECHNOLOGY INTO A SUCCESSFUL MODE OF TRANSPORTATION.
• I LIKE TO SAY WE ARE THE GOLD STANDARD IN FLORIDA.
• SO THEY WANT TO COME HERE AND IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO TEST AND IMPLEMENT.
• THEY'VE BEEN TESTING DOWN IN MIAMI IT WILL BE EXPANDED. >> Chair: FANTASTIC.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:44.960> of relating to terminating testing of relating to terminating testing of schools
• 1980 and not yet tested for PCBs test<00:28:43.520> for<00:28:43.760> them<00:28:44.240
• the requirement to test out to 2035. the requirement to test out to 2035. for<00:29:14.399> this
• <00:30:03.120> school the the requirement to test school the the requirement to test school
• done on those schools that were tested done on those schools that were tested and<00:31:15.919><

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up several Senate proposals of amendment and, by voice vote, concurred in each. On House Bill 928, technical corrections to fish and wildlife statutes, the House suspended the rules, heard a section-by-section explanation of changes to hunting violation points, license expiration dates, license fees, and Champion Lands reporting, and then concurred after both the committee and Ways and Means reported favorable straw polls of 11-0. On House Bill 915, the extended producer responsibility program for beverage containers, the House also suspended the rules and heard a detailed summary of Senate changes affecting handling fees, redemption requirements, PRO administration, collection-site standards, reporting, and effective dates; Environment reported a favorable straw poll and Ways and Means noted a modest fiscal impact from higher liquor bottle handling fees, after which the House concurred. The House then took up Senate Bill 328 on housing and common interest communities. The General and Housing Committee explained the Senate’s further amendments, including changes to the treasurer’s housing credit facility, consultation requirements, VHIP funding provisions, municipal housing planning, duplex and accessory dwelling unit rules, temporary multi-unit provisions, downtown and village center benefits, and common-interest-community reporting on vegetable gardens. Appropriations and Environment both reported no additional fiscal concerns and favorable straw polls, and the House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. Finally, the House considered House Bill 542 on PCB testing in Vermont schools. The Senate strike-all amendment would extend the testing deadline to 2035, create a future special fund for testing and remediation, require PCB testing before major renovation projects using state construction dollars, and direct ANR to report on remaining costs and funding options. After questions about how the amendment would affect schools that had already tested or completed remediation, Education explained that existing remediation reimbursements would continue and that the amendment mainly delays the mandate and sets up a future funding mechanism. The House concurred, then recessed until 5:20 p.m. to prepare for additional Senate bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shouldn't there be a statewide standard?
• Senate Bill 2: to mandate reading tests and to require tutoring for students who fail the reading tests
• It would help our state's test scores. This bill would increase jobs.
• My question for this bill is why is the test given at grade eight?
• What would you do for the students who just don't care and just skim the reading tests?

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The meeting was an Arkansas Boy State House session that began with welcoming remarks, introductions of legislators and guests, a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then considered several bills, with members using questions, pro and con speeches, and repeated motions for immediate consideration to end debate. The first House bill, on increasing funding for rural health care through a 10% tax on individuals earning at least $300,000, drew concerns about fairness, long-term funding, and whether it would improve quality of care; it failed 24-51. House Bill 1002, which would fund more teachers for rural schools and limit how many subjects they teach, also drew debate over funding sources and teacher burnout; it failed 38-36. House Bill 1003, creating the Arkansas Act of 26 to regulate AI data centers through local zoning and a 10% tax for conservation, passed after debate over local control, jobs, and federal versus state authority. House Bill 1004, which would reduce vehicle registration fees and shift transportation funding, failed 20-46 amid concerns about road funding and budget impacts. The chamber then moved to Senate bills. Senate Bill 1, aimed at fighting food insecurity by incentivizing healthier SNAP purchases through a Double Bucks-style program, passed 43-27. Senate Bill 2, requiring reading tests in earlier middle school grades and state tutoring for students who fail, passed overwhelmingly 67-6. Senate Bill 3, reducing the individual and corporate income tax rate from 3.7% to 3% to address cost of living and attract business, passed 53-15. Senate Bill 4, creating a mixed-use zoning grant program funded by a 1% hotel tourism tax to support affordable housing and downtown development, passed 51-7. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• , how often do you test, how much would that cost?
• <00:24:34.840> how acres of of land where do you test how acres of of land where do you test
• so we removed the lead testing so we removed the lead testing requirements<00:24:46.720> um
• So if a provider has municipal water source already testing, a requirement to test for the water source
• There is still a requirement for radon testing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• testing.
• This is kind of the first real test of significance.
• Again, this just follows standard healthcare practice.
• First, it strengthens academic standards.
• test scores like the MCAT to be considered, though not as mandatory.

Bills: HB4, HB20, HB40, HB46, HB101, HB112, HB117, HB121, HB127, HB146, HB150, HB186, HB229, HB426, HB521, HB541, HB549, HB632, HB713, HB796, HB1052, HB1106, HB1135, HB1234, HB1306, HB1403, HB1523, HB1532, HB1690, HB1960, HB2035, HB2217, HB2399, HB2488, HB2517, HB2594, HB2655, HB2686, HB2731, HB2757, HB2820, HB2963, HB3005, HB3053, HB3073, HB3225, HB3320, HB3333, HB3336, HB3441, HB3483, HB3516, HB3520, HB3697, HB3748, HB3793, HB3848, HB4099, HB4134, HB4144, HB4158, HB4233, HB4236, HB4285, HB4350, HB4359, HB4464, HB4580, HB4690, HB4730, HB4848, HB4904, HB4995, HB5196, HB5294, HB5381, HB5435, HB5437, HB5509, HB5606, HB5646, HB5658, HB5661, HB5663, HB5666, HB5672, HCR40, HCR59, SB867, SB2919, SJR5, SJR27, SB4, SB6, SB7, SB9, SB13, SB15, SB23, SB27, SB30, SB40, SB57, SB66, SB140, SB268, SB293, SB331, SB413, SB447, SB457, SB467, SB506, SB510, SB512, SB571, SB650, SB763, SB777, SB785, SB800, SB850, SB863, SB865, SB973, SB974, SB1191, SB1281, SB1300, SB1362, SB1494, SB1522, SB1540, SB1567, SB1579, SB1580, SB1610, SB1660, SB1723, SB1760, SB1838, SB1923, SB1946, SB1957, SB1964, SB2018, SB2024, SB2121, SB2167, SB2217, SB2221, SB2321, SB2337, SB2368, SB2373, SB2407, SB2431, SB2477, SB2587, SB2615, SB2753, SB2807, SB2900, SB2965, SB2972, SB2986, SB3039, SB3047, SB3059, SB3070, SB1, SB17, SB21, SB260, SB379, SB509, SB1198, SB1405, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB2308, SB2601, SB2778, HB300, HB2011, HB2525, HB5246, HB100, HB101, HB119, HB227, HB252, HB322, HB346, HB654, HB705, HB718, HB721, HB824, HB1094, HB1234, HB1306, HB1506, HB1523, HB1629, HB1690, HB1868, HB1960, HB1973, HB2012, HB2035, HB2037, HB2078, HB2128, HB2213, HB2240, HB2348, HB2520, HB2598, HB2686, HB2694, HB2820, HB3005, HB3057, HB3092, HB3112, HB3171, HB3181, HB3185, HB3333, HB3388, HB3516, HB3546, HB3619, HB3623, HB3629, HB3642, HB3686, HB3697, HB3749, HB3793, HB3812, HB3815, HB3848, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4157, HB4158, HB4170, HB4202, HB4211, HB4214, HB4233, HB4285, HB4350, HB4361, HB4463, HB4464, HB4466, HB4559, HB4630, HB4748, HB4765, HB4848, HB4894, HB4904, HB4995, HB5093, HB5196, HB5320, HB5437, HB5624, HB5650, HB5651, HB5652, HB5654, HB5655, HB5656, HB5658, HB5661, HB5662, HB5664, HB5665, HB5666, HB5670, HB5672, HB5674, HB5677, HB5679, HB5682, HB5689, HB5690, HB5694, HB5695, HB5698, HB5699, HCR46, HCR76, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR111, HB748, HB5652, HB3395, HB180, HB1306, HB5650, HB4894, HB1629, HB5698, HB3171, HB2694, HB5664, HB4690, HB4464, HB3623, HB2520, HB2213, HB252, HB146, HB5596, HB3619, HB5320, HB5651, HB5670, HB5665, HB5437, HB5679, HB5661, HB5662, HB5654, HB5672, HB5656, HB2035, HB721, HB346, HB5695, HB5694, HB5674, HB3185, HB2348, HB1135, HB101, HB5666, HB5677, HB5682, HB5658, HB4144, HB3642, HB3815, HB2686, HB2012, HB1960, HB227, HB654, HB4158, HB4630, HB1523, HB1973, HB3333, HB3697, HB3546, HB3225, HB2820, HB186, HB119, HB4466, HB4170, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4285, HB4463, HB4995, HB5624, HB1449, HB2598, HB3629, HB4361, HB824, HB1868, HB4848, HB40, HB117, HB3686, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB718, HB4904, HB4202, HB4765, HB4559, HB4350, HB4214, HB3388, HB3112, HB5196, HB3516, HB3092, HB4233, HB1094, HB2037, HB3005, HB3848, HB121, HB3336, HB5294, HB5646, HB4236, HB1052, HB5509, HB5435, HB3520, HB3320, HB2517, HB2488, HB5663, HB2731, HB3073, HB2655, HB2399, HB541, HB4099, HB111, HB1532, HB3483, HB2963, HB4580, HB3748, HB713, HB632, HB426, HB4730, HB127, HB5690, HB5689, HB5655, HB3385, HB2757, HB4359, HB5381, HB20, HB123, HB549, HB5606, HB2217, HB2594, HB796, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59, HCR76, HCR81, HCR46, HCR111, HCR83, HCR84, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB40, HB117, HB121, HB426, HB541, HB713, HB1052, HB1532, HB2217, HB2488, HB2517, HB2655, HB2757, HB2963, HB3073, HB3697, HB4099, HB4144, HB4158, HB4236, HB4285, HB4848, HB5435, HB5437, HB5509, HB5646, HB5666, HB14, HB1240, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, SR559, SR587, SR614, SCR53, SJR59, SB10, SB22, SB25, SB34, SB36, SB38, SB261, SB777, SB924, SB1188, SB1318, SB1333, SB1398, SB1448, SB1621, SB1862, SB2405, SB2406, SB8, SB12, SB37, SB441, SB1566, SB2878, HB300, HB2011, HB5246, HB101, HB119, HB227, HB252, HB346, HB654, HB718, HB721, HB824, HB1306, HB1629, HB1868, HB1960, HB1973, HB2012, HB2035, HB2037, HB2213, HB2348, HB2520, HB2598, HB2686, HB2694, HB2820, HB3005, HB3092, HB3112, HB3185, HB3333, HB3388, HB3516, HB3546, HB3619, HB3623, HB3629, HB3642, HB3686, HB3815, HB3848, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4170, HB4202, HB4214, HB4350, HB4361, HB4463, HB4464, HB4466, HB4559, HB4630, HB4765, HB4894, HB4904, HB4995, HB5196, HB5320, HB5624, HB5650, HB5651, HB5652, HB5654, HB5655, HB5656, HB5658, HB5661, HB5662, HB5664, HB5665, HB5670, HB5672, HB5674, HB5677, HB5679, HB5682, HB5695, HB5698, HCR46, HCR76, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR111, HB1094, HB3171, HB3793, HB4233, HB5689, HB5690, HB5694

Keywords: applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, low-THC cannabis, dispensing organization, Texas Compassionate-Use Program, medical use, patient access, registration, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds language that ensures maintenance standards can be enforced.
• That three-part test is also a subjective test based on community standards. say that it is somewhat
• subjective based on community standards.
• Let's walk through the three-part test and see how that fits. Can you read back test number one?
• and really more global. standards.

Bills: HB14, HB 106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HB 1127, HB1359, HB1393, HB1584, HB1640, HB1710, HB2152, HCR101, HJR8, HR51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• We also do a lot of tuberculosis testing in our lab. We do rabies testing on about...
• We can also test for radiation. we do some HID and STD testing. We also do mosquito-borne testing.
• So are we testing every one of ours and the rest of the country is only testing half, therefore?
• Is that because we're doing more testing? Do you understand the spike? Are we testing more?
• Okay, so when we test them, has the test changed? over the years, the way we test for it?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, if a woman tests positive for substance use or alcohol use, her health care provider must
• Under this bill, if the woman tests positive, she's put on a treatment plan and she isn't reported.
• Can women refuse these tests? Of course they can.
• If she uses again or fails another drug test, then she would automatically be reported.
• Until there's a second test, yes. Thank you. Thank you. Representative Bolinske. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The chamber received notice that the governor had signed several bills, and the Speaker appointed conference committees after the Senate failed to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2180 and 2330. The House also approved several sixth-order amendments without objection before moving into reconsideration and final action on House Bill 1300, which concerns legislative term limits. After procedural motions to reconsider and undo concurrence, the House voted to do not concur on HB 1300, sending it back to the chair’s lap for further negotiation. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 2232, which changes mandatory reporting rules for prenatal exposure to controlled substances and alcohol. Supporters said the bill is intended to keep pregnant women in prenatal care by removing an automatic CPS report if a woman tests positive but enters and stays on a treatment plan; opponents argued it weakens protections for unborn children and creates vague standards for mandated reporters. The House passed the bill 57-36. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 2280 unanimously, establishing timelines and standards for prior authorization in health insurance, and passed Senate Bill 2186, which creates a civil remedy for interference with court-ordered parenting time, a child custody review task force, and related reporting requirements. The House then took up Senate Bill 2239, an apprenticeship grant program with a $1.1 million appropriation, but rejected it 14-79 after the committee said the program lacked a clear administrative home. Senate Bill 2241, creating a framework for public charter schools, generated extensive debate over school choice, local control, funding, staffing, and rural impacts; supporters emphasized flexibility and community-driven options, while opponents warned about diversion of funds and weak guardrails. The bill passed 64-29. The House also passed Senate Bill 2024, the Department of Environmental Quality budget, after discussion about federal funding uncertainty; Senate Bill 2374, updating property insurance laws and market rules; Senate Bill 2216, creating a waterfowl habitat restoration stamp; Senate Bill 2245, allowing certain duck and goose hunting from anchored floating craft; and Senate Bill 233, establishing a distressed ambulance services process, which drew questions about how affected districts and neighboring services would be involved.

Transcript Highlights:

• testing technician.
• Testing technicians administer and score psychological tests under the supervision of a licensed psychologist
• We had to be subjected to VD tests.
• We had to be subjected to VD tests.
• ESD, the Educational Standards Department, is the way...

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five regulatory entities: the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Board of Psychology, the Physician Assistant Board, the Podiatric Medical Board, and the California Massage Therapy Council. Across the hearing, each entity described recent accomplishments, licensing and enforcement workload, workforce shortages, and efforts to modernize processes. Common themes included streamlining licensure, expanding access to care, addressing telehealth or emerging technology, and balancing consumer protection with workforce needs. For the Board of Behavioral Sciences, members discussed workforce shortages in mental health, supervision barriers, telehealth confidentiality, AI in therapy, interstate compacts, school-based services, and military spouse licensure. The board said it has expanded outreach, improved licensing processes, and created temporary practice authority tracking, while also expressing concern about counseling compacts and emphasizing California-specific law, ethics, and cultural competency. Public commenters supported the board’s work and the possible move to a national MFT exam, while also urging more resources. The Board of Psychology highlighted fee adjustments, streamlined licensure pathways, enforcement process improvements, new CPD requirements, and proposed changes including a psychotherapist-client privilege exception for investigations. Committee members and public witnesses focused heavily on that privilege proposal, with some members opposing it as too broad and privacy-invasive, while the board argued it is needed to obtain records in bias and sexual misconduct cases. The board also discussed workforce shortages, processing improvements, and the use of inactive status for psychological associates. The Physician Assistant Board reported growth in the PA workforce and education programs, SB 697 implementation, and financial pressure from rising enforcement costs. The main policy debate centered on physician-to-PA ratios and practice agreements, with board representatives and many public commenters arguing that current restrictions limit access to care, especially in rural areas, while the California Medical Association defended the need for explicit ratios and agreements. The board also discussed AI, fee increases, and tracking temporary practice authority. The Podiatric Medical Board described licensing and renewal reforms, residency expansion, enforcement support, and budget constraints, while public testimony raised concerns about a proposed fee increase and about reimbursement parity and practice recognition for podiatrists. Finally, the California Massage Therapy Council defended the certification model over licensure, citing lower costs, local government collaboration, anti-trafficking work, and its role in vetting applications and disciplining bad actors; no formal votes or final actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• test?
• test?
• test?
• test?
• to its pro-life ethical standards. to its pro-life ethical standards.

Bills: HB0003, HB0117, HB0041

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, informed consent, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, law enforcement, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so you personally want to get rid of emissions tests. Do you know why we have emissions tests?
• And so you personally want to get rid of emissions tests. Do you know why we have emissions tests?
• testing.”
• “You think it's a faulty test? You think it's a faulty test?
• They're going to tell you that the reason we are not attainment for EPA standards is because of one test

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to get rid of the STAAR test.
• Three tests, Senator Menendez: a beginning test, a middle test, and then a final test, and get rid of
• And I'm 100% for getting rid of the STAAR test, 100% for these norm tests.
• I've got a little bit of concern. of the STAAR test, 100% for these norm tests.
• I'm very excited about some of this modern item-level testing that you could do on initial test and midterm

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 8:00 p.m. that day, also allowing the Secretary to make the calendar available as soon as practicable. The chamber then took up and passed several House bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 2128, relating to a study of rural firefighting and technical rescue capabilities, passed unanimously. HB 4157, on liability protections for commercial spaceflight and exploration, passed 28-3. HB 2240, concerning certain void marriages, passed after adoption of a Birdwell amendment extending filing deadlines to 90 days for certain active-duty service members and Foreign Service officers. HB 367, on verification of excused absences for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses, passed unanimously after clarifying school district forms and TEA model forms. HB 1506, expanding expedited handgun license eligibility to certain retired county court judges, passed 29-2. HB 4449, on alcohol sales in annexed municipal areas, passed 29-2. HB 3812, on health plan prior authorization requirements, passed 30-1. The Senate also announced a long list of bills and resolutions signed in the presence of the Senate. A major portion of the meeting centered on HB 521, a voting-related bill on curbside voting for voters with disabilities. Senator Paxton described it as an anti-misuse measure requiring a signed eligibility form for curbside voting, creating a 20-foot electioneering buffer, limiting election officer assistance in marking ballots unless a second officer is present, and adding reporting requirements for people who assist seven or more curbside voters. Senators Miles, Menendez, Johnson, Campbell, Cook, and others questioned whether the bill would burden disabled voters, create a de facto registry of volunteers, and impose a harsh Class A misdemeanor penalty for failing to complete the form. Paxton said the bill was intended to protect legitimate curbside voters and curb abuse, and the chamber adopted Paxton Floor Amendment No. 1 after a recorded vote. Zaffirini’s Floor Amendment No. 2, allowing an escorting voter to receive his or her own ballot at the curbside or entrance, was adopted. Menendez’s Floor Amendment No. 3 to reduce the penalty failed. The bill was then passed to third reading on a 20-11 vote, with a motion by Senator Miles to have the exchanges reduced to writing and placed in the journal adopted. The Senate also passed HB 3000, creating a grant program for rural ambulance service providers, after a comptroller-related amendment; HB 5616, establishing the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program and funding for traveling exhibits, after narrowing the bill to mobile exhibits only; HB 4211, addressing certain residential property interests controlled by entities, which passed 30-1; HB 1178, creating temporary educator certificates for out-of-state certified educators and military spouses, which passed unanimously; HB 2243, creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, which passed after debate over the need to streamline education mandates; and HB 42, increasing and reallocating the constitutional Higher Education Fund appropriation by 50% to $1.18 billion, which passed 31-0. Finally, HB 2512, a Fort Worth-specific bill limiting ETJ release for land subject to active development agreements, passed after debate over broader ETJ and de-annexation policy, with a local-only clarifying amendment adopted and a proposed broader amendment withdrawn. The meeting ended with the Senate beginning consideration of HB 3372, which would bar school district administrators from receiving financial benefits tied to outside consulting or contracting with education entities, though the transcript cuts off during questions on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• . standards. standards.
• more than a test score.
• are much more than a test score. are much more than a test score.
• Less testing.
• Less testing.

Keywords: 0:00:03 - Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:43 - Approval of October 14, 2025 and November 4, 2025 Minutes 0:01:15 - Acceptance of Office of Education Accountability Report: Analysis Of Student Discipline Data in Kentucky Schools 0:02:10 - Implementation Update on 26 RS HB 257 0:49:38 - Career and Technical Education in the Assessment and Accountability System 1:13:50 - Office of Education Accountability Annual Report 1:47:27 – Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Education Assessment & Accountability Review Subcommittee approved the minutes from its October 14 and November 4 meetings and also approved the Office of Education Accountability report analyzing student discipline data in Kentucky schools. The main presentation came from KDE Commissioner Dr. Robby Fletcher on implementation of House Bill 257, which he said has two major parts: selection of a statewide college entrance exam through a new procurement process, and development of locally designed indicators of quality for accountability. On the college exam, Fletcher explained that the state had to reopen procurement after Senate Bill 197, with the RFP released May 21, vendor questions handled through the Finance and Administration Cabinet, proposals due June 22, and scoring and review expected in July and August, with a vendor decision not likely until October. He emphasized that the exam is a norm-referenced college-readiness measure, not a test of Kentucky academic standards, which are assessed by the KSA. Members asked about the science requirement in statute, the possibility of multiple vendors or district choice, and whether the CLT could participate; Fletcher said vendors must address science in the RFP, multiple vendors could be possible, and any vendor could submit a proposal if it meets the rubric. He also noted that ACT and SAT differ in structure, that either can meet college-readiness benchmarks, and that there were no major complaints about the SAT during its first year of use. The second major topic was the locally developed indicators of quality under House Bill 257. Fletcher said these are intended to let districts measure themselves against their own goals rather than compare districts statewide, while still aligning with Kentucky standards. He described examples such as achievement, growth, student well-being, safety, fiscal responsibility, civics, internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, and defenses of learning. He said districts may use local assessments such as MAP, STAR, and I-Ready alongside state data, and that local models should be developed with families, community members, and workforce partners. He added that KDE is providing technical assistance, has applied for a federal CGSA grant, and will use a one-time $15,000 cost offset for districts implementing local accountability models, with a superintendent webcast planned for August.

Transcript Highlights:

• Who's testing that? Lab who's now? Who's testing that?
• <00:15:52.079> for testing center with respect to test for testing center with respect to
• Um, so for testing, we're trying to have equivalent for the national standards.
• <00:30:12.880> So<00:30:13.200> each<00:30:13.440> testing national standards
• So each testing national standards.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 643, House Draft 2, which would create short-term management initiatives and appropriate funds for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Committee discussion focused on biocontrol efforts, including fungus and virus-based treatments, the need for a biosecure facility, and the timeline for testing and range studies. Department of Agriculture officials said initial testing is underway at the University of Hawaii, but full testing requires a higher-biosafety facility that is not yet available on island. Members also discussed funding levels, the possibility of a mobile facility, and whether the work could be accelerated. The committees later voted to pass HB 643 unamended. The committees also heard House Bill 736, House Draft 1, which would establish a three-year wastewater system and individual wastewater technology testing pilot program at the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center. Supporters said the bill could help certify new, lower-cost decentralized wastewater technologies and reduce the cost of cesspool upgrades while improving water quality. University of Hawaii witnesses explained that the center would test technologies, collect samples, analyze results, and provide reports to the Department of Health for certification. Members raised concerns about whether the program would help communities facing immediate wastewater issues, the length of the testing timeline, and whether technologies like the Genki ball could be included. The committee was told the pilot would likely test one technology at a time over about nine months each, though multiple tests could run in parallel later. The committees voted to pass HB 736 unamended. After those measures, the joint committee moved to an AEN-only agenda and began hearing STR 111 / SR 92, which declares a public health emergency relating to climate change and calls for statewide coordination on cross-sector solutions. Testimony in support came from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others. Supporters said climate change affects public health through heat, wildfire risk, invasive mosquitoes, and other impacts, and argued that the response should involve agriculture, planning, transportation, and emergency management, not just the Department of Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide free tests.
• to provide free tests.
• Meet these federal standards.
• you're likely not also testing for PAS. you're likely not also testing for PAS.
• standards for breeders and shelters. standards for breeders and shelters.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:04:51.280> blood testing with lung function tests, blood testing with lung function tests
• And on the same that testing for free?
• medically necessary biomarker testing. medically necessary biomarker testing.
• I'm testing testifying in homeless.
• So, I'm suggesting that the standards that were put forth in the New Jersey law be the standards that

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured. For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• methods, standards, as well as that which has been undertaken by other states.
• , test methods, and those of other states as well.
• Updated science, test methods, and standards have also been undertaken by other states.
• , test methods, what have you, and those of other states as well.
• Additionally, we've got really complex management standards and requirements.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products program. Senators and Assembly members emphasized protecting overburdened communities and asked how DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety are using their authority to improve accountability, reduce delays, and address hazardous waste facilities and consumer product chemicals. The hearing also included discussion of extended producer responsibility programs and whether DTSC can support them more efficiently, including through coordination with CalRecycle. DTSC Director Katie Butler said the department is now more transparent, accountable, and fiscally stable, citing stronger enforcement actions, an interactive inspections map, expanded community outreach, and emergency response work on the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup. She said DTSC has made progress on fee reform, the hazardous waste management plan, cleanup grants, permit renewals, and safer consumer products rulemaking, including adding microplastics to the candidate chemical list. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw said the board has held multiple public meetings and hearings, is working on fee rates and performance metrics, and is revising the hazardous waste management plan after public comment, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. He also noted remaining concerns about fee structure, permit delays, and the pace of the safer consumer products program. Public witnesses offered sharply different views. A representative of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance said SB 158 reforms have improved permitting and transparency, but urged more attention to risk-based decision-making, reduced duplication, and possible General Fund support for plan implementation rather than relying only on fees. Earthjustice argued DTSC remains too slow and that communities continue to suffer from long-delayed permits and weak protections, urging the Legislature to take a more active role and to prioritize eliminating hazardous substances rather than minimizing costs. Committee members pressed the witnesses on permit renewals, community impacts, and the pace of the safer consumer products program, while DTSC defended its progress and said further legislative collaboration may be needed on hazardous waste management and emerging waste streams.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a two-prong test.
• And so this is a two-pronged test.
• Members, SB 2166 strengthens testing requirements to ensure that all election equipment is tested properly
• The bill enhances the testing protocols for Texas elections by adding additional testing for equipment
• As you would before this, and under what standard.

Bills: SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB6, SB7, SB36, SB38, SB815, SB1856, SB379, SB1171, SB1121, SB1061, SB1036, SB1019, SB890, SB11, SB868, SB1188, SB1120, SB1254, SB2778, SB2543, SB2443, SB1333, SB1259, SB1401, SB1404, SB2139, SB2165, SB2237, SB2268, SB1202, SB1198, SB1212, SB1451, SB1470, SB1498, SB965, SB1547, SB1667, SB1818, SB1902, SB2129, SB2078, SB2069, SB1737, SB1589, SB1318, SB387, SB1150, SB1574, SB2127, SB3034, SB860, SB1278, SB263, SB370, SB663, SB924, SB1939, SB1937, SB1598, SB2798, SB2801, SB2580, SB2569, SB2514, SB2064, SB1940, SB1621, SB2601, SB1379, SB1376, SB1372, SB1353, SB2216, SB552, SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB2166, SB2148, SB535, SB777, SB827, SB1141, SB1330, SB1352, SB1664, SB1612, SB1862, SB1936, SB1453, SB1448, SB1398, SB2137, SB2111, SB53, SB226, SB1677, SB1723, SB1839, SB6, SB7, SB36, SB38, SB815, SB1856, SCR5, SCR32, SCR8, HCR88, HCR91, HCR129, HCR130, HCR131, HCR133, HCR137, HCR138, HCR139, HCR140, HCR143, HCR145, HCR147, HCR150, HCR152, HR6, HR105, HR112, HR124, HR146, HR151, HR158, HR221, HR222, HR237, HR469, HR543, HR571, HR605, HR702, HR703, HR704, HR705, HR706, HR707, HR708, HR709, HR710, HR713, HR714, HR715, HR716, HR717, HR718, HR719, HR720, HR721, HR722, HR723, HR724, HR725, HR726, HR727, HR728, HR729, HR730, HR731, HR732, HR733, HR734, HR735, HR736, HR737, HR738, HR739, HR740, HR741, HR742, HR743, HR744, HR745, HR746, HR747, HR748, HR749, HR750, HR751, HR752, HR782, HR787, HR789, HR796, HR798, HR799, HR800, HR801, HR802, HR804, HR807, HR812, HR813, HR814, HR817, HR819, HR820, HR821, HR822, HR824, HR827, HR828, HR830, HR831, HR832, HR833, HR837, HR839, HR840, HR841, HR842, HR843, HR844, HR847, HR849, HR850, HR851, HR852, HR853, HR854, HR855, HR856, HR858, HR859, HR861, HR865, HR871, HR873, HR874, HR875, HR876, HR880, HR881, HR884, HR886, HR887, HR890, HR892, HR894, HR895, HR898, HR900, HR901, HR903, HR904, HR905, HR908, HR910, HR912, HR913, HR915, HR916, HR917, HR918, HR919, HR920, HR921, HR922, HR923, HR924, HR925, HR926, HR927, HR928, HR930, HR931, HR932, HR936, HR937, HR938, HR939, HR940, HR941, HR942, HR943, HR946, HR947, HR948, HR949, HR952, HR953, HR954, HR955, HR956, HR960, HR964, HR965, HR967, HR968, HR969, HR970, HR972, HR973, HR974, HR975, HR976, HR977, HR978, HR979, HR980, HR981, HR982, HR983, HR984, HR985, HR987, HR988, HR989, HR990, HR991, HR992, HR993, HR994, HR995, HR996, HR997, HR998, HR999, HR1000, HR1002, HR1003, HR1004, HR1005, HR1006, HR1007, HR1008, HR1009, HR1010, HR1011, HR1012, HR1013, HR1014, HR1015, HR1016, HR1017, HR1018, HR1019, HR1020, HR1024, HR1025, HR1026, HR1027, HR1028, HR1029, HR1030, HR1032, HR1034, HR1035, HR1036, HR1038, HR1040, HR1041, HR1042, HR1043, HR1044, HR1046, HR1047, HR1048, HR1049, HR1050, HR1051, HR1052, HR1053, HR1055, HR1056, HR1057, HR1059, HR1064, HR1067, HR1068, HR1069, HR1070, HR1071, HR1073, HR1074, HR1075, HR1077, HR1078, HR1079, HR1080, HR1081, HR1083, HR1086, HR1087, HR1088, HR1089, HR1090, HR1091, HR1092, HR1093, HR1094, HR1095, HR1096, HR1098, HR1099, HR1100, HR1101, HR1103, HR1104, HR1105, HR1106, HR1109, HR1111, HR1112, HR1115, HR1116, HR1117, HR1118, HR1119, HR1121, HR1123, HR1125, HR1128, HR1130, HR1131, HR1132, HR1139, HR1140, HR1143, HR1144, HR1146, HR1147, HR1148, HR1149, HR1151, HR1153, HR1154, HR1155, HR1156, HR1157, HR1158, HR1159, HR1160, HR1161, HR1162, HR1163, HR1164, HR1165, HR1166, HR1167, HR1168, HR1169, HR1170, HR1171, HR1172, HR1173, HR1174, HR1175, HR1176, HR1177, HR1178, HR1179, HR1180, HR1181, HR1182, HR1183, HR1184, HR1185, HR1186, HR1187, HR1188, HR1189, HR1190, HR1191, HR1192, HR1193, HR1194, HR1195, HR1196, HR1197, HR1198, HR1199, HR1200, HR1201, HR1202, HR1203, HR1204, HR1205, HR1206, HR1207, HR1208, HR1209, HR1210, HR1211, HR1212, HR1213, HR1214, HR1215, HR1216, HR1217, HR1218, HR1219, HR1220, HR1221, HR1222, HR1223, HR1224, HR1225, HR1226, HR1227, HR1228, HR1229, HR1230, HR1231, HR1232, HR1233, HR1234, HR1235, HR1236, HR1237, HR1238, HR1241, HR1243, HR1244, HR1245, HR1246, HR1247, HR1248, HR1249, HR1252, HR1253, HR1255, HR1256, HR1257, HR1260, HR1261, HR1262, HR1263, HR1264, HR1266, HR1267, HR1268, HR1269, HR1270, HR1271, HR1272, HR1273, HR1274, HR1275, HR1278, HR1280, HR1281, HR1282, HR1283, HR1284, HR1285, HR1286, HR1287, HR1288, HR1289, HR1290, HR1291, HR1293, HR1294, HR1295, HR1299, HR1300, HR1301, HR1302, SCR49, HCR134, HCR136, HR18, HR247, HR428, HR494, HR538, HR540, HR786, HR791, HR803, HR805, HR808, HR809, HR811, HR816, HR825, HR826, HR836, HR838, HR845, HR846, HR862, HR869, HR870, HR878, HR879, HR896, HR899, HR902, HR911, HR914, HR933, HR934, HR935, HR951, HR958, HR959, HR986, HR1021, HR1022, HR1039, HR1054, HR1058, HR1061, HR1062, HR1065, HR1072, HR1107, HR1108, HR1110, HR1114, HR1120, HR1122, HR1129, HR1142, HR1145, HR1239, HR1242, HR1250, HR1251, HR1254, HR1258, HR1259, SCR21, HB3228, HB2802, HB45, HB1318, HB5560, HB2894, HB4344, HB4238, HB 130, HB2775, HB34, HB33, HB 12, HB148, HB4273, HB4850, HB2733, HB4783, HB4187, HB39, SB2155

Keywords: criminal justice, parole, medical supervision, rehabilitation programs, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, offenders with medical impairments, Windham School District, Sabine River Authority, board of directors, term limits, removal grounds, government oversight, training requirements, Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, Lower Neches Valley Authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, public participation, complaints resolution, electric power