Transcript Highlights:

• But what I wasn't expecting to hear, and what we did hear, was the additional positive impacts, which
• And it was really interesting to hear.
• I'm tired of hearing... doing I'm tired of hearing that the numbers don't add up to warrant the expense
• As a parent, I hear As a parent, I hear the parents in my heart truly goes out to what they've experienced
• McFarlane, I hear you clearly.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and took up seven bills, all of which were reported favorably. First, HB 1367 on school attendance was presented as a response to rising chronic absenteeism; it would standardize attendance definitions and reporting statewide, and it passed 18-0 after supportive testimony from education and business groups. HB 949 would prohibit student use of wireless devices during the school day, while allowing district policies for designated use areas and existing medical/disability exceptions; members discussed classroom disruption, bullying, public safety, and accommodations, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved PCS for CS for HB 1135, requiring ECGs for student athletes in grades 9-12, with exemptions for religious objections and provisions on cost, liability, and medical clearance; the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates who described children lost to sudden cardiac arrest and was reported favorably after unanimous support. Members then approved CS for CS for HB 597 on diabetes management in schools, which would allow schools to keep glucagon pens and authorize trained personnel to administer them in emergencies; an amendment clarified charter schools are included as public schools. HB 1309 on reading interventions and instruction would expand reading support and training for grades 4-12 and require district reading plans to include evidence-based interventions; it also passed without opposition. CS for HB 981 on athlete representation and compensation would cap certain NIL agent fees, allow some high school athletes to earn NIL compensation, and create a framework for registered advisors; members raised concerns about predatory practices and coach involvement, but the bill passed favorably after amendment. Finally, HB 1111 would eliminate the certificate of completion option for students who do not meet graduation requirements, with the sponsor arguing it would better motivate students to earn a standard diploma and improve postsecondary and workforce opportunities. Members discussed the need for stronger supports to help students meet graduation standards, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after completing all agenda items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, he wants to start the hearing and get the information flowing.
• This is a public hearing. ...from the public.
• Why was there not a public hearing and having that input?
• We could have had a public hearing in that group.
• Hearing a lot of is what has happened in the past.

Bills: HB471 , HB473

Committee: House Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Keywords: water authority, sewer management, fire protection, local governance, board of directors, local officers, water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• David Carter, you hear? David Carter. All right, I will show him.
• The chair hears none, and the bill will be left pending. All right.
• The chair hears none and the bill is left pending.
• The chair hears none. The bill is left pending.
• Chair hears none. The substitute is adopted.

Committee: House Energy Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair hears none. House Bill 2337 is left pending.
• Thank you for being here this morning at the hearing.
• Chair hears none, and HCR 92 is... is left pending.
• Chair hears none, and House Bill 2564 is left pending.
• Hearing none, the chair hears none, House Bill 114 is left pending. Thank you. Thank you.

Bills: HCR92 , HB 114 , HB561 , HB 1171 , HB1894 , HB2026 , HB2143 , HB2337 , HB2564 , HB114

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: Tuskegee Airmen, commemoration, African American history, civil rights, military recognition, veterans, mental health, Texas Veterans Commission, peer support, suicide prevention, community mental health, grant program, defense, grants, local government, economic support, community development, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, state land use

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the questions we posed in a recent committee hearing that we had in the Senate Labor Committee
• But in general, I came away from our hearing, which is posted online if people want to go watch it.
• So it did feel to me from that hearing and hearing my colleagues, the different comments people had,
• </c> changing and shifting so when we hear changing and shifting so when we hear these<00:02:27.920><
• </c><00:05:17.160><c> the</c> hearing and hearing my colleagues the hearing and hearing my colleagues

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair hears none. The motion is adopted.
• Hearing none, it is so ordered.
• James, let's do the He's last, I think I want to hear the girls last.
• It's really special to hear from you guys.
• This was something that came up during one of the interim charge hearings.

Bills: SB 53 , SB53 , SB125 , SB315 , SB379 , SB457 , SB541 , SB599 , SB896 , SB921 , SB963 , SB1038 , SB1084 , SB1330 , SB1461

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, autologous blood donation, direct blood donation, blood bank, hospital, Health and Safety Code, physician order, preoperative blood donation, patient blood reserve, transfusion, surgery

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess I’ll repeat the question I had in our previous rules hearing, which is: it does not seem possible
• You had mentioned in our previous hearing that some of them would be not up for debate, and some of them
• which is it uh does not seem hearing which is it uh does not seem possible<00:03:20.840><c> to</c><00
• </c> had mentioned in our previous hearing had mentioned in our previous hearing that<00:03:30.439><c
• this in front of the environment hear this in front of the environment committee<00:08:13.879><c> um

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for hearing this bill.
• And so we will be continuing to have hearings like we did yesterday with the OA.
• </c> of bills is your committee going to hear of bills is your committee going to hear chair<00:15:54.480
• </c> standing committees and so we will hear standing committees and so we will hear bills<00:16:07.120
• </c> we will be continuing to have hearings we will be continuing to have hearings like<00:16:15.639>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 23, authored by Representative Robbins, was heard on a motion to advance it to the next committee. The bill, as amended by the A1 author’s amendment, would clarify the statutory definition of abuse, fraud, and waste and expand whistleblower protections for state employees who report those issues to legislators, the legislative auditor, or constitutional officers. Robbins said the measure is intended to protect state workers and align whistleblower language with existing Inspector General definitions; he also cited recent fraud investigations as the backdrop for the bill and noted a Senate companion, SF 475, with bipartisan support. Devon Bruce of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees testified in support of the bill’s protective intent but raised concerns that it only covers classified state employees, creating uneven treatment between classified and unclassified workers and between state and local public employees. Bruce also warned that the bill does not fully address data practices issues, including the handling of nonpublic, private, or proprietary information, and suggested broader privacy protections for whistleblowers’ identities. In response to questions, Robbins said the bill was not meant to change data practices law and that those issues should be addressed separately. Members debated whether the bill was ready for further consideration and whether it should also go to the fraud oversight committee or Judiciary. Motions to lay the bill over and to re-refer it to the fraud prevention and state oversight committee both failed. After a roll call vote, the committee approved the bill 7-6 and sent House File 23 to Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for hearing me. Thank you for hearing me.
• I can't hear you.
• We can't hear this bill.
• hear on Thursday.
• We're going to hear the committee substitute. Comment again.

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to hear first House Resolution...
• That will close the hearing on 3997. We'll now hear House Resolution 4061 by Representative Mackie.
• So I'm glad to hear more and more getting involved with it.
• Seeing none, that will conclude hearing on House Resolution 4062.
• That will conclude our hearing on House Resolution 4113.

Committee: House Consent and Procedure

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our goal is to conduct hearing room.
• Do I want to hear it? And I think I would not be doing him honor by not hearing this bill.
• Do I want to hear it? And I think I would not be doing him honor by not hearing this bill.
• Do I want to hear it? And I think I would not be doing him honor by not hearing this bill.
• Want to hear it? And I think I would not be doing him honor by not hearing this bill.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> hearing. Thank you. hearing. Thank you.
• </c> hear back uh about that in uh two years. hear back uh about that in uh two years.
• So the consideration hearing is first, and then later on it's the disposition hearing.
• </c> bring him in for that hearing. bring him in for that hearing.
• So the consideration hearing.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> before we jump into the public hearing, before we jump into the public hearing, Miss<00:04:13.599
• You should hear that buzzer go off. And once you hear that, I'd appreciate you shutting it down.
• </c> You should hear that uh buzzer go off. You should hear that uh buzzer go off.
• Hearing none. on there. Any opposition? Hearing none.
• So, I'm on the opposition use previous role hearing? opposition use previous role hearing?

Bills: SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: SB255, cannabinoid, hemp, hemp-derived THC, THCa, delta-8 THC, HHC, CBD, THC, novel cannabinoid products, hemp products, intoxicating hemp, delta-8, retail license, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture and Industries, testing and labeling, third-party laboratory, product safety, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• > understand</c><00:00:25.760><c> today's</c> view, hear, and understand today's view, hear, and understand
• For the safety, throughout this hearing.
• </c> leave the hearing room. leave the hearing room.
• </c> that we will hear today. that we will hear today.
• </c><00:05:04.479><c> today's</c> We're looking forward to hearing today's We're looking forward to hearing

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• e e e e e e It's 10:02 on my clock, so I'm going to convene this hearing of Division 3 Finance.
• I'm not going to go through all of them as you're going to hear about them.
• that. those platforms include and you'll hear those platforms include and you'll hear in<00:35:40.160
• </c> streamline these Solutions you'll hear streamline these Solutions you'll hear more<00:38:55.560>
• </c> that and that's why you're going to hear that and that's why you're going to hear about<00:50:33.200

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened an informational Division 3 Finance hearing focused on DHHS programmatic issues rather than budget line items. The chair emphasized that members should avoid questions requiring dollar figures and noted that the coming budget cycle would likely be difficult because revenues are expected to be tighter. Commissioner Lori Weaver said the department wanted to use the session to explain its functions at a high level, with more detailed presentations to follow, and to collect questions for later responses. Weaver outlined DHHS’s mission of supporting optimal health for state residents and described the department’s three main responsibilities: protection and prevention, client service delivery, and regulatory oversight. She said DHHS has eight divisions, a $3.6 billion total budget, about $1.217 billion in general funds, roughly a quarter of state positions, and personnel costs that are less than 11% of the budget. She also noted a recent hiring freeze, explained that the department did not request new positions except where required by law, and said vacancy rates had improved from 22% to 14% over the last two years but could rise again because of attrition and the hiring freeze. Weaver and CFO Nathan White then discussed why the DHHS budget is complex, explaining that it is built from multiple funding sources and is shaped by assumptions made months before the fiscal year begins, actual service demand, and cost allocation rules used to draw down federal funds. White highlighted maintenance-of-effort requirements, including TANF, where state spending is needed to secure federal matching funds and shortfalls can trigger penalties. At the committee’s request, DHHS agreed to provide a simplified historical accounting of TANF contributions to show how the match is assembled across positions, contracts, and other factors. The department also reviewed its roadmap, which Weaver described as a framework developed with staff and stakeholders around three themes: culture, community, and customer service. She highlighted priorities such as Mission Zero to end emergency department boarding, expanding access to community-based and residential behavioral health services, reducing reliance on institutional care, improving contract management with nonprofit and provider partners, using data dashboards to guide decisions, and investing in workforce stability and culture. No votes were taken; the main action was DHHS’s commitment to provide additional follow-up materials, including the TANF contribution breakdown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to hear SF 5025.
• We're going to hear SF 5025.
• </c> you know, we hear we hear like the you know, we hear we hear like the stories,<00:37:06.440><c>
• </c> Um next we'll hear from Ms. Mohamed. Um next we'll hear from Ms. Mohamed.
• </c><02:09:37.280><c> Thursday,</c> and hear public testimony. Thursday, and hear public testimony.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or executive session with uh representative. want to hear from Representative Ammon want to hear from
• So, I'm going to close the hearing on HB 74 and turn to and open the hearing on HB 232.
• I hear what you're saying.
• <c> you're</c> &gt;&gt; I I hear what No, I hear what you're &gt;&gt; I I hear what No, I hear what you're
• </c> the hearing on uh HP 313. the hearing on uh HP 313.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by explaining that the meeting was a work session and that votes would only be taken where there was clear consensus. CACR 6, the proposed constitutional amendment on a “right to compute,” was discussed first but not acted on because the prime sponsor was absent. Members raised concerns about whether the issue belonged in the constitution and what the amendment would mean in practice, and the chair recessed the matter for a future meeting. HB 74, concerning the definition of “citizen” for the right-to-know law and disclosure of preliminary drafts circulated to a quorum or majority of a public body, drew little support. Members noted the Senate’s prior rejection of a related bill and agreed the proposal was unlikely to advance. A motion to ITL the bill passed unanimously by roll call, 15-0, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. HB 232, dealing with rights of conscience for medical professionals, was also recessed. Members said they had not yet seen the amendment, which was described as narrowing the bill to abortion-related issues and limiting penalties. Several members said they could not judge the bill without the amendment and expected disagreement, so the chair recessed it. HB 253, on interest-bearing pooled trust accounts maintained by lawyers, was discussed at length; the chair said the bill did not address the underlying IOLTA issue and would likely create conflict with the bar and judiciary. Members cited existing Supreme Court procedures and suggested the bill was unnecessary. A straw vote showed support for interim study and ITL, and the committee ultimately voted 15-0 to place HB 253 on consent. HB 293, aimed at preventing minors from accessing obscene material on internet-connected devices, prompted substantial debate. Members generally supported the goal but objected to the bill’s private right of action, its focus on manufacturers rather than content providers or internet platforms, uncertainty about the filtering technology required, and concerns about defining obscenity on a national rather than community basis. The committee discussed forming a subcommittee to work on the bill further, and members volunteered to serve, indicating the issue would be revisited rather than voted on immediately.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our 3:00 p.m. agenda, and we are in Hearing Room 229.
• Thank you for bringing this bill to a hearing.
• </c> Foundation hello can you hear Foundation hello can you hear hi<00:24:50.399><c> thank</c><00:24:
• </c><00:38:03.560><c> me</c><00:38:04.359><c> yes</c> krena can you hear me yes krena can you hear me
• </c> reservations anyone voting no hearing reservations anyone voting no hearing none<01:08:49.159><c

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as we continue with the public hearings.
• We're not quite sure when we'll conclude the hearings.
• Most of the complexities and the problems in the system that I hear identified in hearings across the
• But we do hear about, you know, the cost of swipe fees.
• That's what we have to hear.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card heard extensive testimony from credit union, banking, retail, restaurant, and payments-industry representatives about proposals to limit interchange fees, especially on the tax and tip portions of transactions. Several witnesses opposed state-level restrictions, arguing they would create a patchwork of rules, burden state-chartered institutions, raise compliance complexity, and ultimately reduce resources for fraud prevention, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit. Others, including retail and merchant advocates, said swipe fees are a significant and growing cost for small businesses and that states should consider reforms such as limiting fees on taxes and tips, allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs more closely. Witnesses also discussed recent legal and regulatory developments, including Illinois’s interchange-fee law, OCC and NCUA interim rules, and the ongoing Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement. Industry representatives said the Illinois law has been delayed and is likely preempted for most transactions, while merchant advocates argued the state efforts and court rulings show that networks and banks do not set fees competitively. The proposed antitrust settlement was described by some as a meaningful but limited merchant victory, with temporary fee reductions and expanded surcharge/steering rights, while others said it still falls short of structural reform. The commission members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of fees, the cost of cash, whether merchants can pass costs through, and whether small businesses are actually seeing benefits from the current system. Members repeatedly emphasized the need for a fair middle ground that protects both small businesses and the payment system. No substantive votes or policy actions were taken beyond accepting testimony, and the meeting ended with adjournment after all scheduled witnesses had spoken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioner, thanks so much for joining us and kicking off the hearing.
• So maybe at some point we'll also hear from him.
• It's just you don't hear those stories as much.
• Just confirming you can hear me? Yes. Great. Thank you.
• Can everyone hear me? Yes. Great. And can folks see my screen?

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Summary: The hearing focused on the value of Mass Save, with committee members and witnesses largely emphasizing that the program lowers energy bills, reduces peak demand, supports climate goals, and delivers benefits beyond direct participants. The chair opened by noting Mass Save’s long-term savings, its role in weatherization and heat pump deployment, and recent statutory changes directing the program toward emissions reductions, low- and moderate-income households, and fossil-fuel restrictions. Elizabeth Mahoney of the Department of Energy Resources said the program has evolved to broaden access and control costs, citing large weatherization totals, heat pump installations, avoided emissions, and budget controls that removed $500 million from the approved plan. She also said the governor’s proposal to have only electric utilities administer Mass Save was intended to reduce administrative and procurement costs, and she explained that outreach to low- and moderate-income communities is counted within marketing spending. Several witnesses addressed the program’s workforce and business impacts. Dave Betcher of Abode Energy Management and Rick Taglienti of Rogers Insulation said Mass Save sustains small businesses, contractors, and thousands of jobs by creating stable demand for energy-efficiency work, while warning that sharp budget cuts would lead to layoffs and discourage investment in training, equipment, and hiring. Committee members pressed them on who administers the program, and both said the program administrators and utilities collaborate, with day-to-day contractor oversight and customer work largely delegated to private vendors and community partners. Other witnesses, including Brian Biot and James Collins of the low-income network, described the “quarterbacking” model used for income-eligible customers, where community action agencies provide full project management, technical support, and wraparound services to help households access fuel assistance, discount rates, weatherization, and electrification measures. A major theme was cost-effectiveness and system-wide savings. Anna Johnson of ACEEE and Kyle Murray of Acadia Center said Mass Save returns more than it costs, reduces peak demand, and lowers prices for all ratepayers, including those who do not participate directly. They cited avoided costs in the billions, strong state rankings, and examples of peak-hour savings that avoid expensive generation and infrastructure. Amy Boyd-Rabin of the Environmental League of Massachusetts argued that energy efficiency is the cheapest way to achieve greenhouse gas reductions and that cutting the program would force more expensive power plants to run. Bronte Payne of Sunrun and Ben Sondaga of Highland Electric Fleets highlighted Connected Solutions, a Mass Save-funded virtual power plant program, saying it saves ratepayers money and can use home batteries and electric school buses to reduce peak demand and support grid reliability. Equity and affordable housing witnesses, including Mary Wampo and Barney Heath, said Mass Save has become more responsive to renters, low-income households, and designated equity communities, while also helping affordable housing projects meet passive house and electrification standards; no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.