Transcript Highlights:

• The Federal Trade Commission has actually tried to step in and start sending.
• Social Security will not take it, and insurance companies will not take it.
• They may be on Social Security and fixed incomes and strained financially to support these children,
• It says you're with the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.
• I am the director of family protection representation at the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:

• 250 pin from the Along with another America 250 pin from the United States Semi-Quincentennial Commission
• And additionally, Representative Mitchell commissioned a limited-edition challenge coin.
• The founding vision promised the potential to secure stability through labor and perseverance.
• So one of the prizes donated by the Idaho Potato Commission is a Spuddy Buddy backpack with some Potato
• Commission hats and some Potato Commission pins.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the March 4, 2026 journal, and received notice of a substitute appointment for Legislative District 32. Much of the day was devoted to Idaho Day ceremonies, including prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, a performance of the national anthem, and remarks honoring Idaho history and former Representative Lyndon Bateman, who was remembered as the founder of Idaho Day and a longtime advocate for cursive, history, and civic education. Guest speakers included historian Justin Vipperman, who spoke about liberty, self-government, and Idaho’s frontier development, and former Attorney General David Leroy, who praised Bateman’s public service and legacy. Members also shared personal tributes before the chamber considered a memorial resolution in Bateman’s honor. The House suspended the rules by a two-thirds vote and adopted House Concurrent Resolution 31, recognizing and commending the lifetime achievements of Lyndon Bateman. The resolution passed 68-0 with two absent and excused, and was sent to the Senate. The chamber also received and referred several Senate messages and committee reports, including bills and resolutions on transportation, agriculture, commerce, state affairs, resources, and other topics. New measures were introduced on issues such as minors and library protections, tax exemptions, stable coins, parental rights and child custody, county fair boards, vehicle license plates, honey industry regulation, and Idaho Digital Learning Academy governance. Several bills and resolutions were placed on the second reading calendar, including measures on elections, environmental quality, hazardous waste, transportation, vehicle titles, industrial hemp, Medicaid managed care, Medicare, and appropriations. House Bill 750 was moved to general orders, and the remaining third-reading bills were held one legislative day. The House also announced committee schedule changes, upcoming events tied to Idaho Day and other advocacy groups, and a reminder about project submissions. The chamber adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• imposes penalties on the possession and use of license plate obscuring devices, whether in the commission
• The bill provides for certain salaries for the commission, provides for a clear time period for a union
• The bill requires the commission to notice.
• The bill requires the commission to notify the union if it provides incomplete membership information
• The strike-all removes the provision relating to salaries of the commission.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard a long agenda of bills covering education, public safety, local government, labor relations, and foreign policy. Early measures included HB 1055, which would support Florida State University’s Election Law Center; CS/HB 4073, a Leon County local bill updating career service rules for sheriff’s office employees; CS/HB 253, creating penalties for license plate obscuring devices and misuse of emergency-style lights; and HB 293, codifying the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s Office and creating a liaison and advisory council. Members raised questions on academic freedom in HB 1055 and on church-state concerns and oversight in HB 293, but both bills advanced after supportive testimony from university, faith-based, and law enforcement representatives. The committee also approved HB 4029, a local bill for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, and HB 889, requiring classroom driver education for minors before licensure, with supporters emphasizing roadway safety and teen crash reduction. The committee then took up PCS/HB 731, which would require standardized testing for admission to health-related degree programs at state universities. The sponsor argued the bill would ensure qualified applicants and objective admissions standards, while several members and public witnesses raised concerns that it would duplicate existing requirements like the MCAT and create unnecessary barriers; the bill still passed, though with several no votes. HB 1519, expanding Florida’s anti-BDS law to cover academic boycotts, nonprofits, local governments, and certain grants, drew strong support from Jewish organizations and strong opposition from speakers who argued it chilled free speech and punished criticism of Israel. After an amendment narrowing and clarifying parts of the bill, it passed favorably as a committee substitute. The most contentious debate came on HB 1387, a major overhaul of Public Employees Relations Commission procedures and public-sector union rules. Supporters said the bill would streamline PERC processes, improve fairness, and address cases where unions were certified with very low participation; opponents, including teachers and labor advocates, said it weakened collective bargaining and public employee rights. After a strike-all amendment and extensive testimony, the bill passed as a committee substitute. The committee also approved HB 351, which adds extreme speeding to reckless driving and increases penalties, after removing impoundment language in an amendment, and PCB GOS 25-07, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking judicial waiver of parental notice/consent for abortion. The meeting adjourned after all measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:40:12.440><c> of</c> commission of commission of the the the violent<01:40:14.800><c> offense</c>
• </c> weapon in the commission of a felony. weapon in the commission of a felony.
• </c> possession of it during the commission possession of it during the commission of<01:59:15.640><c
• </c> officers ask for your social security officers ask for your social security number.<03:45:14.160
• security number, they run that social security number,<03:45:17.240><c> all</c><03:45:17.440><c> your

Keywords: MS House Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in H.R. 1, the D.C. bill, there was a $6,000 credit that was sold to offset Social Security.
• I am proud to say in Arizona, we do not tax Social Security.
• So since we're not taxing Social Security, we thought, okay, how do we honor this?
• As a $24,000-a-year employee, I contribute to a Roth because I don't trust Social Security.
• And I think that the chairman's explanation of that vis-à-vis Social Security stands on its own.

Bills: HB4138 , HB4139 , HB4140 , HB4141 , HB4142 , HB4143 , HB4144 , HB4145 , HB4146 , HB4147 , HB4148 , HB4149 , HB4150 , HB4151 , HB4152 , HB4153 , SB1831 , SB1832 , SB1833 , SB1834 , SB1835 , SB1836 , SB1837 , SB1838 , SB1839 , SB1840 , SB1841 , SB1842 , SB1843 , SB1844 , SB1845 , SB1846

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, education funding, health care, general fund, state budget, local funding, gaming, pari-mutuel, horse racing, regulatory assessment, first-time starters, budget implementation, federal funds, government services, budget stabilization, financial reporting, capital outlay, infrastructure, veterans services, highway construction

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas the Carl Albert High School boys' swim team secured its third state championship in program
• the area championship, the Lady Titans responded with grit and perseverance, defeating El Reno to secure
• They didn't just win they secured the Class 6A state championship for the fourth consecutive year.
• This is a request bill from the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth as doing some clean-up for
• the offender is accused of an offense involving domestic violence or... abuse, evidence in the commission

Bills: HB2894 , HB3418 , HB3415 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3419 , HB3420 , HB1739 , HB1752 , HB1979 , HB2941 , HB2992 , HB3075 , HB3086 , HB3177 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3279 , HB3497 , HB3644 , HB4432 , HB3720 , HB3849 , HB3882 , HB3919 , HB3941 , HB4118 , HB4141 , HB4268 , HB4342 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB4434

Keywords: HB2894, Oklahoma Rural Jobs Act, rural jobs, rural investment, tax credit, capital investment tax credit, state tax credits, economic development, rural fund, rural investor, qualified investment, eligible business, Department of Commerce, rural business, investment certification, tax liability, credit cap, workforce development, small business finance, rural development

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas the Arizona Ireland Trade Commission works to promote economic and educational exchanges
• further renewed confidence, and Rosslare Airport is one of Ireland's most strategic assets, and to secure
• further renewed confidence, and Roslari Airport is one of Ireland's most strategic assets and to secure
• When the Attorney General can secure a settlement for nearly half a million dollars...
• Judiciary: SB 14 and 9th Civil Classical Commission. 1503, 1531 special play.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jasleen Chatwal. Members also introduced a number of guests and visiting groups, including Irish dignitaries for St. Patrick’s Day recognition, labor organizations such as AFSCME and CWA, the Arizona Farm Bureau, the Arizona chapter of the American College of Surgeons for Stop the Bleed training, and advocates for rare skeletal conditions. A proclamation recognizing St. Patrick’s Day was read, and the House later heard a proclamation honoring AFSCME Arizona. On the floor, the House took up several procedural motions, including requests to have the Senate return HB 4027 and HB 2444 for reconsideration, and received multiple Senate bills on first and second reading. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and approved HB 2750 with a friendly floor amendment, sending it forward as amended. The House also sent HB 2999 to an additional Committee of the Whole, adopted a floor amendment, and advanced it as amended for engrossing. During third reading, HB 2197, relating to water access and camping near water sources, failed on reconsideration after members debated whether it imposed unnecessary criminal penalties and enforcement concerns. HB 2429, relating to vacation and short-term rentals, passed after supporters said it restored local control to cities and towns. HB 2950, creating special districts for tourism improvement areas, passed after amendments made participation voluntary and added notice requirements. HB 4001, relating to nicotine products, also passed after debate over youth vaping, enforcement authority, and whether the bill struck the right balance between regulation and parental responsibility. The House then made committee announcements and adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas the Arizona Ireland Trade Commission works to promote economic and educational exchanges
• further renewed confidence, and Rosslare Airport is one of Ireland's most strategic assets, and to secure
• further renewed confidence, and Roslari Airport is one of Ireland's most strategic assets and to secure
• When the Attorney General can secure a settlement for nearly half a million dollars...
• Judiciary: SB 14 and 9th Civil Classical Commission. 1503, 1531 Special Play.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4479 creates a rural workforce development program. program at the Texas Workforce Commission
• The bill also calls for for the commission to provide an annual report on the program's effectiveness
• We have a resource witness from the Texas Workforce Commission if anyone has any questions.
• There is a negotiated rate that's lower than the Social Security Act, but the actual rate itself, what
• We have a first witness from the Texas Workforce Commission, if anyone has any questions.

Bills: HB875 , HB1667 , HB2369 , HB3844 , HB4415 , HB4479 , HB4483 , HB4676 , HB5118 , HB5400 , HB5545

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Keywords: workers' compensation, municipal construction, bidding requirements, small municipalities, contracting policies, first responders, PTSD, mental health, emergency services, medical expenses, injury claims, insurance carriers, opportunity youth, workforce development, employment, education, federal funds, employment discrimination, immunity waiver, public employees

Transcript Highlights:

• House for final passage: House No. 2313, an act removing the town of Hull from the Western Regional Commission
• Paragraph A, there shall be established a commission to study, report, and make recommendations on the
• I rise today in support of Amendment Number Five, which establishes a special commission to study the
• professionals, educators, foster parents, youth advocates, and the agencies themselves to explore how we can securely
• This amendment ensures that it moves smarter in a way that we develop that is secure, consistent, and

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with ceremonial business, including adoption of resolutions recognizing the Copernicus Institute and honoring October 2025 as Polish American Heritage Month. Members also concurred in Senate petitions and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several new petitions to be referred, including proposals on employer notice of I-9 records, Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a sick leave bank for a trial court employee, and the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm. The chamber then advanced several local and administrative bills, including legislation authorizing MassDOT to convey land in Stoneham and bills on child welfare protections, transit-worker assault penalties, and other local matters. The most substantial debate centered on House No. 4645, a substitute bill addressing assault and battery on transit workers. Supporters argued that transit employees face rising violence and deserve protections similar to other public employees, citing MBTA assault statistics and testimony from workers describing threats, spitting, weapons, and serious injuries. The House accepted the substitute bill and passed it to be engrossed by roll call, 116-0. The chamber also passed to be engrossed a child welfare bill, House No. 4644, after debate on expanded DCF reporting, discharge planning, the independence of the Office of the Child Advocate, education coordination for children in care, and child fatality review reforms; amendments were adopted, including one adding a Department of Social Services social worker to the fatality review team and another creating a commission to study a digital education portfolio for foster youth. The House also adopted an emergency preamble for a bonds bill and passed several engrossed local bills, including measures affecting Hull, Lanesborough, and Norton. The session included a formal visit from a Hokkaido, Japan delegation marking the 35th anniversary of the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship, with remarks entered into the Journal. Members observed moments of silence for Bernard Fang and former Representative Thomas George, and the House later adopted a special adjournment in memory of Mark Haren before adjourning to meet the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• GETTING DONE BUT IT'S DONE BY US PULLING THE CORRECTION OFFICER FURTHER EXACERBATING THE SHORTAGE OF SECURITY
• I DID SPEAK AT THE COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY SECURITY SOME DOWN IN ORLANDO AND I'VE ARTIE GOT A BUNCH OF
• THEY ARE RECOGNIZED UNDER THE TERMINAL JUSTICE TRAINING COMMISSION. THEY ARE OFFICERS.
• AWESOME THANK YOU MEMBERS. >> COMMISSION ON OFFENDER REVIEW.
• THE COMMISSION IS ONE OF THE SMALLEST AGENCIES IN THE STATE. WE ONLY HAVE 164 FTE STATEWIDE.

Transcript Highlights:

• Randy Christman from the Public Service Commission come up right now.
• Of the Public Service Commission, mine reclamation. They pay 64% of that.
• I didn't even know what it meant when I got on the commission.
• The LRC and then the NDIC has commissioned going up across the state.
• So if they default, we have security to back all that up.

Committee: Joint Energy Development and Transmission Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the current 60/40 structure, we simply cannot secure enough supportive housing beds for the people
• The Public Employment Relations Commission, or PERC, administers and enforces these laws.
• I'm here today on behalf of the Washington Asparagus Commission.
• I'm here today on behalf of the Washington Asparagus Commission.
• So, as you know, school districts must first secure local funding.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on multiple bills, beginning with a motion to suspend the five-day notice rule for a long list of Senate bills, which passed on a voice vote. The committee first heard Substitute Senate Bill 6026, a governor-request housing bill that would require cities and counties over 30,000 population to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, limit mixed-use/ground-floor commercial requirements in some areas, and allow added height where such requirements are imposed. The lieutenant governor testified strongly in support, arguing the bill would add needed housing capacity without requiring ground-floor retail burdens. The hearing on SB 6026 was then suspended so the committee could move through the agenda. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6294, a broad local government finance measure with eight parts, including expanded uses for certain REET revenues, a new county public utility tax, a new local sales tax for children and family services, expanded housing-related tax uses, changes to county levy structure, longer lid lift periods, and expanded use of rental car tax revenue. Local government, housing, and public health witnesses largely supported the bill, emphasizing flexibility for affordable housing, rental assistance, children’s services, and county fiscal stability. Opponents, including wireless industry, water/sewer district, auto dealer, realtors, energy, and cannabis representatives, objected to specific tax provisions as regressive, costly, or likely to raise consumer prices. Several witnesses requested amendments, including adding public health clinic funding and flood recovery language from House bills. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5400 on local news sustainability, which would create a state grant program funded by a surcharge on large search engines and social media platforms to support journalism jobs and the Murrow Fellowship program. News organizations, the League of Women Voters, open government advocates, and local journalism supporters testified in favor, saying local news is essential to civic life and that the bill would help sustain reporting without using general fund dollars. Technology industry representatives opposed the bill, arguing it unfairly singles out tech companies and could face legal challenges. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6211, which would let opt-in GMA jurisdictions impose REET-2 without voter approval; cities and counties supported it as a parity and infrastructure funding measure, while Realtors opposed the loss of voter approval. Senate Bill 5650, authorizing local cannabis excise taxes, drew support from some local officials but strong opposition from cannabis businesses, which argued Washington’s cannabis taxes are already too high and drive sales to the illicit market. Senate Bill 6033, waiving penalties and interest for taxpayers who failed to collect new sales tax on certain services, was supported by NFIB as a compliance and fairness measure. Senate Bill 6297, exempting temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health providers from sales tax, drew strong support from behavioral health organizations citing workforce shortages and unsustainable costs. Finally, Senate Bill 6343, extending and expanding tax relief for disaster-damaged property and repairs, was presented as aid for flood recovery; local officials testified in support. No final committee votes on the bills were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> secure suspension or removal of a judge. secure suspension or removal of a judge.
• /c><01:13:12.640><c> an</c><01:13:12.800><c> annual</c> the commission to publish an annual the commission
• Currently, all complaints commission?
• </c><01:16:01.120><c> isn't</c> the composition of the commission isn't the composition of the commission
• ,</c> rights for our safety, for our security, rights for our safety, for our security, and<01:50:14.159

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission Chair Marty and, uh, Senator Jasinski, at MMB we've not had an instance that would require
• chair Marty and uh know commission chair Marty and uh Senator<00:19:13.080><c> jinsky</c><00:19:13.600
• guards are letting them in the front door and out the back door, we have to look at the security guards
• And I believe MMB's job is to be our security guards of our money.
• And I believe MMB's job is to be our security guards of our money.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, first up from the commission or agency deem appropriate by commission or agency deem appropriate
• ><c> and</c> departments, boards, commissions, and departments, boards, commissions, and agencies<00:
• insurance commission just &gt;&gt; Mr.
• Um, we have prosecuted under the current law and secured convictions under it.
• </c><00:59:34.160><c> convictions</c> the current law secured convictions the current law secured convictions

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2122, which would tie public service flexible spending account contribution and carryover limits to the annual IRS cafeteria plan caps. DEER supported the bill and said it would help the state keep pace with federal limits, though it suggested deleting the words “inflation/adjusted” and “for that calendar year” as unnecessary. HGA and UPW strongly supported the measure, saying state limits lag the IRS amounts and that higher caps would help employees offset rising health care costs. In response to questions, DEER said the plan has a fund balance of about $1.6 million but noted some risk if employees leave before contributing enough to cover reimbursements. The unions agreed to DEER’s suggested wording change so long as the bill still clearly required future increases to track the IRS limits. The committee then took up SB 2116, which would create a confidential process in the Attorney General’s office for anonymous complaints against public employees, with complaints forwarded to the appropriate agency and annual reporting required. DLIR and the Attorney General opposed the bill. The AG’s office said anonymous complaints cannot truly be guaranteed to remain anonymous, that existing laws already provide confidential complaint processes in specific areas, and that the AG would effectively be only a repository without meaningful authority over how complaints are handled. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would begin a conversation about protecting complainants while discouraging frivolous complaints. In questions, senators raised concerns about how anonymous complaints would be investigated and whether the AG could serve as an appeal body; the AG said the proposal would likely require broader changes to existing complaint laws. The committee also heard SB 218, which would amend the amount a disbursing officer may deduct from an employee’s wages to repay indebtedness to the state. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would create a more lenient repayment process for employees who were overpaid and should not have to repay large amounts in a single pay period. UPW said the bill would eliminate a provision allowing recovery of debts of $1,000 or less in one pay period, which it described as problematic for members. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii was listed in opposition, and additional comments were submitted by the state controller and the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. Finally, the committee heard SB 2114, which would repeal the prohibition on certain exempt employees grieving suspensions or discharges and allow bargaining-unit members to grieve disciplinary actions. DHRD and the City and County of Honolulu opposed the bill, arguing exempt employees are at-will employees who serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and already have other legal remedies for discrimination or harassment; they also said the issue is a negotiable matter under collective bargaining agreements. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying exempt positions have increased in number and that just-cause protections would improve recruitment and retention. Senators questioned how unions would represent exempt employees and whether the bill would change the at-will nature of those positions; no vote or final action was taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and men who have worked hard to feed this nation, and whose bravery fueled a persistent fight to secure
• Worked hard to feed this nation and whose bravery fueled a persistent fight to secure essential worker
• And it's a lot of job security. And so I just want to be able to have the meaningful discussion.
• The nonpartisan Little Hoover Commission published a report this year examining these challenges and
• Senate Bill 920 would require the Gambling Commission, upon the adoption or adjustment of a fee that

Committee: Senate Governmental Organization

Summary: The committee began with an informational hearing on the second amendment to the tribal-state gaming compact with the Yurok Tribe. Governor’s office staff and Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph James explained that the amendment is a narrow, technical one that extends the existing 2006 compact through December 31 to preserve the status quo while longer-term negotiations continue. Members asked about the compact process and why Bureau of Indian Affairs approval is not needed for a simple extension; staff said only substantive compact changes require federal approval. No vote was taken on the informational item. The committee then heard AB 2156, which would designate March 31 as Farm Workers’ Day in California. Supporters, including the authors’ representatives and members of the committee, described the bill as a way to honor farmworkers and the broader farmworker movement, especially in light of recent allegations involving the holiday’s prior namesake. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the floor. The committee also approved several consent calendar items and later advanced SB 1044, which raises the small business procurement cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and indexes it to inflation; supporters from the Hispanic and Asian Pacific chambers of commerce and veteran business groups said the change would expand access to state contracts for small, micro, and disabled veteran-owned businesses. That bill was sent to Appropriations. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 1114, which would restrict state agencies from sharing LGBTQ-related SOGI and intersex data with federal agencies except where legally required. Equality California and other supporters said the bill would protect trust and prevent misuse of sensitive data, while no opposition testified. The committee passed the bill to Privacy. Cabaldon also presented SB 1248 on automated decision systems in state government, arguing it would create baseline guardrails, require human review for adverse decisions, and improve service delivery. Labor groups opposed it, saying the bill authorizes use before establishing enforceable standards and that workers were not adequately included in stakeholder discussions. After extensive debate about AI, collective bargaining, and implementation, the committee voted to send the bill to Privacy. The committee also advanced SB 1273, which would allow short-form social media videos to promote instructional events at wineries, and SB 917, which would loosen farmers’ market rules so more small wineries can sell wine there; both were supported by wine industry representatives and sent forward on due pass motions. The transcript then began SB 1240, which would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement, grants, and payment systems, with strong support from nonprofit organizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• In order for them to... secure that.
• we have had some land grants that have had to utilize short-term real estate contracts in order to secure
• The sale price was $800,000, and they have been able to secure about $350,000. and I think in capital
• , and no land grant representative on that commission.
• You know, I don't think they've been treated well by the county commission.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• So just to give y'all a heads up, security team. We have an operation down there.
• I'm the state veterinarian and the executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission.
• field response trainings for Texas Animal Health Commission staff and other response agencies.
• This fight is about safeguarding food security and rural economies.
• And I'm sure that we would get guidance from the Animal Health Commission and others for that.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on preparedness for the New World screwworm threat and brought together the House Committees on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and Agriculture and Livestock. USDA officials, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and Texas Animal Health Commission leadership described the pest as a serious risk to livestock, wildlife, rural economies, and beef prices, and emphasized coordination among federal, state, industry, and Mexican partners. Witnesses repeatedly stressed that Texas is currently seeing no confirmed U.S. detections, but that recent confirmed cases in northern Mexico, including Nuevo León, remain a concern because of their proximity to the border. USDA testimony outlined current surveillance and response efforts, including more than 120 screw worm-specific traps along the Texas border and neighboring states, thousands of additional dual-purpose traps, wildlife inspections, weekly coordination with Mexico’s Senasica, and a new USDA New World Screwworm Directorate. Officials said the existing Panama sterile fly facility is maxed out at about 100 million flies per week, while a dispersal facility in Tampico is helping move flies farther north in Mexico. They also described plans for a retrofitted sterile fly facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to come online in 2026, and a new domestic production facility at Moore Air Base, with phase one targeted for late 2026 or early 2027 and phase two adding substantially more capacity later. Members pressed USDA on timelines, production capacity, the reliability of Mexican reporting, the risk from wildlife, and whether modular or mobile facilities could be deployed faster. USDA said it is also exploring innovative technologies, including a genetically engineered sterile male fly, but that such tools still require EPA review and field validation. Commissioner Miller highlighted Texas biosecurity efforts, five permanent inspection stations, cooperation with FDA and EPA on treatments such as Exzolt, and other pest issues affecting Texas agriculture. He also noted research into fly bait and private-sector efforts to speed sterile fly production. Texas Animal Health Commission officials described extensive state preparedness work, including weekly coordination calls, field response trainings, outreach to producers and veterinarians, and a Texas Screwworm Response Team. They said Texas has trained more than 100 inspectors and other personnel, with additional trainings planned, and that the state is expanding its cattle fever tick rider program. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing; the main action was the exchange of testimony and questions about readiness, surveillance, and facility timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Boles secured the vote. See in here. Declare the vote.
• Senate Bill 91,990 directs the incentive evaluation commission to also submit its annual report to the
• Secretary of State and also directs the commission to evaluate whether a business would have likely
• The commission is also directed to examine whether an incentive meets a strategic economic goal and assess

Bills: SB1530 , SB1579 , SB1778 , SB1847 , SB1990 , SB1992 , SB2060

Committee: House Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, reading instruction, literacy, educational equity, intervention services, third grade retention, Strong Readers Act, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria