Transcript Highlights:

• , While you're in high school, While you're in high school, while<00:40:55.120> you're<00:
• They told me about the School Safety Center.
• They told me about the School Safety Center.
• They told me about the School Safety Center.
• They told me about School Safety Center.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House received several Senate messages returning House File 3426 on natural resources and House File 4252 on higher education with Senate amendments, and in both cases the House refused to concur and moved to conference committee. The House also acceded to the Senate’s request for a conference committee on Senate File 4612, which concerns state government and Department of Health and Human Services provisions. Speaker appointments to the conference committees were announced for all three bills. The House then concurred in Senate amendments to House File 3522, a veterans bill allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to temporarily close state veterans homes under a CMS order. Representative Duran said the Senate had bundled several veterans-related bills into HF 3522, including measures on SGU veterans, National Guard pay, grant requirements in the MDBA process, burial eligibility in veterans and National Guard cemeteries, honor guard eligibility, and codifying a commandos task force. The bill passed 134-0 and was read to pass. On the floor calendar, Senate File 3210, a human rights bill on disability accommodations, was laid on the table by agreement for later consideration. House File 4017, a study bill on unlawful shipments of infectious or pathological waste, was presented as a worker-safety measure; an A6 technical amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 126-8. House File 4138, dealing with social media platforms and minors, was amended with A10 and A11 changes emphasizing transparency, privacy defaults, limits on data use, and a shift from “child” to “minor” in the age provisions; Representative Bonner argued for extending protections to age 18, while Representative Scott said the bill was a first step and opposed the amendment. The A11 amendment was adopted, and debate on the bill continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:36.320> to concurrent internship with schooling to concurrent internship with schooling
• the schooling. the schooling.
• All from Minnesota schools. All from Minnesota schools.
• ,<00:26:46.720> this nonprofits, and our schools, this nonprofits, and our schools, this specialized
• , in our lives today, you know, schools, in our lives today, you know, schools, counties<00:57:04.160

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next unit appears on page 55: Unit 199, School Law Office, School Foundation.
• specifically the school facilities bill. specifically the school facilities bill.
• <01:53:58.719> foundation in this unit are school foundation in this unit are school foundation
• That's the school facilities bill.
• This is major maintenance for schools.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Really quick, I support my adult schools, and so I would love to be added as a co-author.
• This is an important tool for schools to allow effective communication.
• We're obligated by the state and by our constitution to provide safe and stable schools.
• We have recent reports out, but also school is now back in session.
• on to school sites.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a public school employee with Dallas ISD.
• As a public school employee, I know that most school districts across the state are...
• As a public school employee, I know that most school districts across the state are ...bill.
• As a public school employee, I know that most school districts across the state are currently asking
• Teachers, if I understand correctly, public school teachers have contracts with school districts, don't

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard Senate Bill 2021 by Senator Johnson, as substituted, on distributed energy resources (DERs). Johnson said the bill was intended to create a regulatory framework for DERs and virtual power plants, address interconnection and registration issues, and prevent regulatory capture as the industry grows. Testimony was split: Texas Electric Cooperatives asked for clarification so co-ops would not be unintentionally excluded from owning or operating DERs; AECT supported the bill as providing needed rules and customer protections; TABA, Texas Solar and Storage Association, Sierra Club, Texas Solar Energy Society, and several others opposed it or raised concerns that it was too utility-centric, imposed red tape, and could burden homeowners and small businesses with registration and interconnection requirements. Johnson repeatedly said the bill was not meant to stop rooftop solar or backup systems and that he was open to specific redlines and further changes. SB 2021 was left pending after testimony. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2330 by Senator Parker, which would end government payroll deduction for dues to certain public employee organizations, while exempting first responders under Chapters 143 and 147 and making other conforming changes in a committee substitute. Parker argued the bill was about government neutrality, transparency, and employee freedom from coercion, and said organizations can collect dues directly using modern payment methods. Supporters from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Business Coalition, Freedom Foundation, ABC Texas, and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility said taxpayer-funded payroll systems should not be used to collect dues for private organizations, especially ones involved in political activity. Opponents, including ATPE, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Public Employees Association, and correctional employees, said payroll deduction is a convenient, secure service that helps professional associations and employee groups, and argued the bill would burden teachers and other public employees. Several witnesses and senators focused on the bill’s exemptions and whether it treated teachers differently from first responders. Senator Menendez questioned why some public employees were excluded while others were not, and a Houston police union representative said he moved from opposing to supporting the bill after being told the substitute would preserve meet-and-confer deductions under Chapters 143 and 147. Senator Parker closed by saying the bill was not meant to eliminate associations or payroll deduction entirely, only to remove the state as a middleman. SB 2330 was left pending, and the committee then recessed subject to call.

Transcript Highlights:

• students from over a thousand schools. students from over a thousand schools.
• agency and we run a public high school. agency and we run a public high school.
• <00:20:56.159> in with the Perpet Arts High School in with the Perpet Arts High School in
• While the metro area has more than 20 arts-focused schools at the elementary, middle, and high school
• Um, it really school in our state.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes by voice vote. It then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Zoo on its aging facilities and bonding needs. Zoo staff highlighted the zoo’s economic and educational role, its 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, and its Free to Explore program, while stressing that many of its 50-year-old buildings are in poor condition, with more than $78 million in backlog and safety concerns for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said the governor recommended $4 million for critical life-support systems and asked for an additional $6 million in asset preservation to renovate the original animal hospital building so a new hospital wing can function properly. Testimony emphasized that the renovation is necessary for staff space, storage, code compliance, asbestos removal, and safe animal care, and described recent injuries and close calls tied to outdated facilities. Members asked questions about porcupine quills, natural predators, and the meaning of the zoo’s incident rate. Zoo staff explained that quills are not poisonous but are barbed and can be difficult to remove, and that predators include larger cats, owls, and fishers. On incidents, staff said they include close calls and injuries linked to aging infrastructure, such as a tiger reaching farther through a wall after fencing shifted over time, and staff injuries during animal procedures in older spaces. Members also confirmed that the hospital project has shifted from a standalone building to a wing attached to the existing hospital because of rising construction costs. The committee then heard from Perpich Center for Arts Education. Perpich described its statewide role as both a public high school and an arts education resource center, serving students and educators across Minnesota. It said it hosted 313 events last year for nearly 2,000 educators and administrators and worked with 275 school districts across all 67 Senate districts. Perpich emphasized that nearly seven in 10 students rely on its residential programs because there are no comparable arts high school options in greater Minnesota, and noted strong student outcomes including a 100% graduation rate and national recognition as an exemplary school. For capital needs, Perpich said it received $1.26 million last year for HVAC and building automation work, is grateful for the governor’s recommended $1.3 million this year, and requested $6 million to create a secure, accessible main entrance and upgrade outdated restrooms to ADA compliance.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, this extender includes about $2.3 billion for schools. Thank you. Mr.
• So what can we tell our school districts while this budget is late, what to expect in school funding?
• SO WHAT CAN WE TELL OUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS WHILE THIS BUDGET IS LATE, WHAT TO EXPECT IN SCHOOL Through
• Is it the shade of trees on my way To school before they were uprooted.
• just enriched the incredible diversity of those schools.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship. The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• School District 288, and Intermediate School District 916.
• <01:20:59.840> School<01:21:00.080> District 9917 Intermediate School District 9917
• Intermediate School District 287<01:21:02.920> Intermediate<01:21:03.440> School<01:21
• School District Intermediate School District 916<01:21:07.800> we<01:21:08.000> partner
• five additional classes at the school five additional classes at the school because<01:29:10.560

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2076 relates to school safety and employees carrying concealed firearms.
• it cuts off an injured plaintiff from pursuing a claim for ordinary negligence against a private school
• Madam Rules Attorney, so the amendment would have to effectively take out private school teachers from
• Madam Rules Attorney, so the amendment would have to effectively take out private school teachers from
• I believe it would be okay for the private school employees to still be part of that program elsewhere

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are doing everything in our power to keep them in school because just because one score, an A or
• The same criteria is used for both groups in order to get them admitted into school.
• And those kids could have finished school and have a better quality of life.
• finished school and have a better quality of life.
• I can personally attest to the challenges facing the system during my last year of high school.

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. First, PCS for HB 879 by Representatives Rizo and Woodson would require state colleges and universities to prioritize housing placement for students who are homeless, were in foster care, or are at risk of homelessness, and to give first priority in housing or work-study priority systems to students eligible for child-welfare-related tuition and fee exemptions. Members heard extensive supportive testimony from Florida Youth Shine participants and other advocates describing housing instability after foster care and the importance of campus housing and vouchers for student success. The bill was reported favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then heard CS for HB 1113 by Representative Valdes, which would standardize minimum math-content requirements for elementary teacher preparation programs and increase math content in competency-based certification programs. The sponsor cited stagnant Florida math outcomes and a state report finding limited math preparation for elementary teacher candidates. The bill drew support from the Foundation for Florida’s Future and the Florida Chamber of Commerce and was reported favorably by a 15-0 vote. Finally, the committee considered HB 827 by Representative Spencer, directing the Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research to conduct a recurring statewide study on the effects of automation and artificial intelligence on Florida’s workforce, including affected industries, at-risk workers, and training needs. Members discussed whether similar data exists in the private sector, the bill’s fiscal impact, and the sponsor’s use of AI tools in preparing remarks. The bill received supportive debate and was reported favorably without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• , where it could still kind of be a standard that we could develop policies within the schools based
• where it could still kind of be a standard that we could develop policies within the schools based on
• This would not apply to indoor workers and or schools.
• My understanding the school districts already have standards.
• I think Senator Edgar Flores, for the record, I think the school district might have a standard that's

Bills: AB93, AB204, AB414, AB504, AB598

Keywords: public employees, police officers, benefits, appropriation, law enforcement, medical debt, collection agency, healthcare, consumer protection, financial assistance, occupational safety, air quality, greenhouse gases, employee monitoring, safety program, hemp, hemp products, cannabidiol, CBD, cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• Should have been safe in their schools in my district in Texas District 145.
• But to cross lethal train tracks to get to school.
• lights were still off in the school.
• high school.
• It's about fully funding public education, especially neighborhood schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have some elected officers here from Florence Middle School if they'll stand for us.
• And they're from the Florence Middle School student council, and Mr.
• Florence Middle School, some of our great people. Florence Middle School.
• Florence Middle School. So [applause] Florence Middle School.
• We will certainly do that. principal at the Humphre County School principal at the Humphre County School

Keywords: MS House Floor - 13 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with a guest-led prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum and dispensed with reading the journal. There were no select committee reports, and standing committee reports were noted as being on the calendar. The chamber also welcomed visitors, including Florence Middle School student council members, school administrators and teachers, and longtime sports writer Jeff Bird. On the calendar, the House considered motions to reconsider and tabled House Bills 1441 and 1442. The rules calendar then took up House Resolutions 4 through 14 in a block, and the House gave them final passage. Immediate release was requested and granted for those resolutions. During announcements, a member changed a prior vote on House Bill 1314 from nay to yea. Members also offered memorials for Jerry Montgomery and Dr. Mary Washington of Humphreys County. The Speaker thanked members for a productive week, and the House adopted a motion to adjourn until 4:00 p.m. Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• It basically says that, in terms of a school, the school board would have to vote to accept the ESST
• And it's not just schools, obviously.
• <00:47:30.720> would<00:47:31.040> have school that the school board would have school
• <00:48:10.240> board to, uh, decide with their school board to, uh, decide with their school
• And it's not just schools perspective?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . schools. schools.
• experienced a school shooting. experienced a school shooting.
• security in schools. security in schools.
• <00:32:38.720> and would have locked down that school and would have locked down that school
• I know schools are pretty big deal.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um she's a student at Wy Bates school.
• recognize the Mata Catholic High School recognize the Mata Catholic High School in<00:07:22.319>
• <00:45:26.240> superintendent public uh school superintendent public uh school superintendent
• <00:48:02.560> The student uh in our school districts.
• The student uh in our school districts.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, quorum call, and several introductions recognizing guests, including Reverend Jennifer Carsner and her daughter, President Kirk Schmoke, representatives from Maryland independent colleges and universities, students from Stevenson University, Howard and Anne Arundel counties, Washington College, a constituent, and the Greater Washington, D.C.-Maryland chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The chamber also adopted a resolution honoring Damatha Catholic High School for winning the 2025 WCAC football championship and another recognizing the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce on its 100th anniversary. Both resolutions were adopted unanimously after brief remarks and roll calls. The Senate then took up executive nominations, separating nominee 16 from the main report. The chamber voted 42 in favor on the remaining nominations and then 42 in favor on nominee 16, giving all nominees the Senate’s advice and consent. On third reading, the Senate passed several bills, including SB 46, SB 25, SB 58, SB 163, SB 170, SB 188, SB 247, SB 356, and SB 379, with recorded affirmative votes ranging from 36 to 42. These measures covered topics such as veterans cemeteries, tax credits and tax modifications, education funding, transportation revenue bonds, biotechnology incentives, a stillborn child tax credit, and recovery residence grant funding. The chamber also advanced numerous second-reading bills, generally adopting committee reports and amendments without objection. Among the measures discussed were collective bargaining for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission police officers; adoption of the 2022 Uniform Commercial Code amendments for controllable electronic records; cemetery sale and transfer oversight; an additional license for electronic smoking devices; collective bargaining for Baltimore County Public Library supervisory employees; payroll processor exemptions under the Money Transmission Act; scalp cooling coverage for chemotherapy patients; orthoses and prostheses coverage under health and Medicaid plans; an online database of elevator inspection certificates; service animal program disqualification standards; extension of the State Board of Environmental Health Specialists; disclosure of lapsed professional liability insurance for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and nurse midwives; and revisions to massage therapy licensure rules. Most reports were favorable, with several technical or substantive amendments adopted and bills ordered printed for third reading. A notable policy discussion occurred on SB 56, which would allow the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center to share individual-level student and workforce data with a third-party data center for multi-state reporting. The sponsor explained the bill as a way to compare Maryland outcomes with other states while using data-sharing agreements and oversight to protect privacy; a minority whip raised concerns about the type of third-party data center and whether the practice was new. The sponsor said the bill was intended to formalize and safeguard data sharing, and noted a technical amendment would be offered to correct the amendment language.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:10:18.640> readiness kids a head start on school readiness kids a head start on school
• I believe in school choice.
• Whether it's a district-run public school, charter school, private school, or home school, period. school
• > school,<01:29:47.280> private public school, charter school, private public school, charter
• school, private school,<01:29:48.080> or<01:29:48.320> home<01:29:48.639> school,

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have the honor of welcoming the Futures High School Hydrogen Car Grand Prix team.
• Year and Lyric is an eighth grader preparing to enter high school.
• High School, where he transformed it into the highly respected school.
• In recognition of his impact, the school was later renamed John W.
• Finney High School and has since evolved into the John W. Finney educational complex.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved procedural motions, and then moved through guest introductions and floor items. Members welcomed students from Futures High School’s Hydrogen Car Grand Prix team, family members and visitors from their districts, and former legislator George Runner. The chamber also took up several ceremonial resolutions recognizing Portuguese Heritage Month, Italian American Heritage Month, congenital cytomegalovirus awareness month, and World No Tobacco Day. ACR 185 by Assembly Member Macedo was adopted by voice vote after 51 co-authors were added, honoring Portuguese Heritage Month and the contributions of Portuguese Californians. ACR 197 by Assembly Member Stephanie was also adopted after 54 co-authors were added, recognizing Italian American Heritage Month and Italian American contributions to California. ACR 205 by Assembly Member Lackey was adopted after 55 co-authors were added, designating June as CMV Awareness Month, and SCR 177 by Assembly Member Connolly was adopted after 49 co-authors were added, proclaiming May 31, 2026, as World No Tobacco Day and reaffirming California’s anti-tobacco efforts. The session also included adjournments in memory for John Wesley Finney, Jr., a longtime educator and public servant, and Deputy Levi Vargas of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Assembly observed a moment of silence for Finney. The body then announced upcoming committee and floor schedules and adjourned until Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have the honor of welcoming the Futures High School Hydrogen Car Grand Prix team.
• Year, and Lyric is an eighth grader preparing to enter high school.
• High School, where he transformed it into a highly respected school.
• In recognition of his impact, the school was later renamed John W.
• Finney High School and has since evolved into the John W. Finney Educational Complex.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment is necessary and critical for four schools in the state of Arkansas to be open and stay
• the substitute motion to discuss this amendment, you are going to issue a death sentence to Umpire School
• , Kingston School, Rural Special School, and Timbo School.
• I think this in and of itself will impact a lot of other school districts.
• But back on page 1, in the general fund, in the public school fund, it’s zero. It’s the same.

Summary: The committee first reviewed a long list of House and Senate bills that were ready to be passed out, then heard a special language subcommittee report. The report recommended do pass on six bills, including SB 63, SB 67, SB 73, HB 1089, HB 1090, and HB 1093, and amendments on 11 others. A motion to pull HB 107 out for separate consideration failed, and the special language report was adopted. The committee then took up the Revenue Stabilization Law and schedule. Staff explained the schedule’s differences from the governor’s balanced budget proposal and described several fund transfers, including $100 million for Medicaid sustainability, $70 million for the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom account, $43.7 million for the general discretionary majority vote set-aside, $5 million for the motor vehicle set-aside, and two $150 million transfers related to the Quick Action Closing Fund and public highway improvements. Members asked for clarification on allocations, and the committee adopted the amendment and passed both House Bill 1100 and Senate Bill 75 as amended. Representative McClendon then presented a bill to support expansion of the Bella Vista Veterans Wall of Honor, but withdrew it, saying he would seek other funding sources. The committee then moved through the remaining captioned bills, including House Bills 105, 107, 1008, 1022, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1051, 1052, 1064, 1066, 1068, 1089, 1090, and 1093, and Senate Bills 3, 4, 7, 8, 15, 20, 21, 30, 31, 36, 41, 43, 58, 63, 67, and 77, generally passing them with little or no discussion, some as amended. The chair announced that all prior holds had been released and said the next Joint Budget Committee meeting would be Tuesday for peer issues only, then adjourned the meeting.