Transcript Highlights:

• the app stores and the device platforms. the app stores and the device platforms.
• that a kids are on various devices that a kids are on whether<00:10:19.279> it's<00:10:20.079
• Since I have four children, my 12-year-old just got a device.
• He said the credit for that goes to his parents, who monitored and managed the devices, websites, and
• He said the credit for that goes to his parents, who monitored and managed the devices, websites, and

Bills: HB69, HB114, HB161

Keywords: firearms, possession, Class 1 municipalities, criminal penalties, federal law, stolen firearms, prohibited persons, HB114, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama, dental board, dental licensing, dentist regulation, professional licensing, occupational licensing, healthcare regulation, licensure board, state agency continuation, agency sunset review

Transcript Highlights:

• Earlier in the session, Senate Bill 2368 addressed the issue of students using cell phone devices and
• personal communication. devices during instructional time in Texas classrooms.
• These devices are addictive. They provide access to harmful content and harmful people.
• Our current district has a good balance of device time. but our former ones sometimes use devices as
• I would like to urge clarification that these devices can be used for academic purposes. Thank you.

Bills: HB322, HB126, HB3062, HB1481, HB2310, HB2674, HB121, HB2243, HB3627, HB1178, HB367, HB5515, HB126, HB121

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, higher education, mental health resources, substance abuse education, student policy, communication devices, school regulations, disciplinary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• That bill was amended from a ban on all vaped devices to a ban on single-use devices, removing options
• From a ban on all vaped devices to a ban on single-use devices, removing opposition from several groups
• These devices are...
• A half-gram device delivers 150 doses, and a full-gram device delivers more than 300.
• Disposable vapor devices with embedded batteries are still in high demand.

Summary: The committee heard several environmental and consumer-safety bills. AB 405, the Fashion Act, would require fashion companies to disclose and manage toxic chemicals in their supply chains; supporters said it would reduce worker and consumer exposure and align with existing industry frameworks, while retailers and business groups argued it would duplicate existing laws and raise costs. After questions about DTSC workload, international standards, and affordability, the bill was moved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Natural Resources and held on call with three votes. AB 762 would ban the sale and distribution of disposable vape devices; supporters emphasized battery-fire risks, recycling contamination, and waste impacts, while cannabis and convenience-store interests warned it would push consumers to illicit markets and harm legal businesses. The bill passed on a due-pass motion to Business and Professions with three votes and was held on call. The committee also adopted the consent calendar with six votes. AB 794 would direct California to keep in place the federal PFAS drinking-water standard if federal protections are weakened, with supporters citing health risks and the need for certainty, and water agencies opposing the emergency-rulemaking authority and potential costs. Members debated whether the bill was too broad and whether federal funds would cover implementation; the bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations with four votes and was held open. AB 1148, the Safer Food Packaging Act, would restrict certain chemicals in food packaging; supporters cited cancer and reproductive-health concerns, while chemical, beverage, and manufacturing groups argued the bill should go through existing regulatory processes and that some chemicals lacked feasible alternatives. The author said she would remove antimony trioxide later in the process after hearing opposition concerns; the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Judiciary with four votes and was held open. Finally, AB 1338 would allow local air districts to recover costs for implementing fence-line air monitoring at metal shredding facilities, building on prior legislation and local air district efforts in AB 617 communities. The author said the bill would preserve local control and improve efficiency, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District testified in support. The transcript ends as the district witness begins testimony, with no vote yet taken on AB 1338.

Transcript Highlights:

• I see this as a device or list of devices that we should actually be pulling an electrical permit and
• I see this as a device or list of devices that we should actually be pulling an electrical permit and
• those devices and what they work with. those devices and what they work with.
• or list of I see this as a device or list of devices<00:19:48.200> that<00:19:48.360> we
• role as Commerce Chair, um these devices role as Commerce Chair, um these devices are<00:22:49.640

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence all electronic devices. Anyone wishing... There's a quorum. Thank you.
• Please silence all electronic devices.
• SB 936 on temporary door locking devices by Senator McLean.
• Temporary door locking devices... ...allow me to present SB 936, temporary door locking devices.
• Temporary door locking devices will define the term what that is, authorizes temporary door locking devices

Summary: The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and considered four bills. First, the committee took up SB 1724 on municipal utility services. A late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Martin was adopted after he explained it would require annual customer meetings for certain extraterritorial utility customers, cap the use of utility revenues for general government purposes, eliminate a 25% surcharge and reduce the rate differential cap, remove municipal natural gas utilities from the bill, and preserve certain surcharges only as needed to satisfy existing bond covenants. The Florida League of Cities raised implementation concerns about the July 1, 2026 effective date and the time needed for rate studies and budget adjustments, but the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 936 on temporary door locking devices by Senator McLean. The bill would define temporary door locking devices, authorize their installation at any height, require the Florida Building Commission to add standards to the Florida Building Code, and require their use to be incorporated into safety plans, drills, and training. With no opposition or debate, SB 936 was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 1014 by Senator Mayfield, which would prohibit municipalities from refusing water and wastewater service solely because a property owner declines annexation, if the property is near a municipal main line, not served by another utility, and the utility has capacity. An amendment narrowed the bill by defining “main line” and reducing the distance threshold from 2,000 meters to one-half mile. The Florida League of Cities opposed the bill as amended, citing concerns about large users, possible conflict with annexation law, potential enclave creation, and revenue impacts, but Senator Mayfield said he would continue working on the issues. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, Chair Bradley presented SB 1498 on community associations. A strike-all amendment was adopted that made technical changes to video conference recording, turnover inspection reports, and electronic voting, and added provisions requiring associations to provide records to law enforcement and prosecutors, creating a second-degree misdemeanor for willful refusal. It also targeted mandatory club or amenity fee structures controlled by developers or third parties, declaring such provisions against public policy, limiting assessments to proportional expenses, and allowing suits and conveyance of common areas after turnover. Testimony from homeowners described alleged governance abuses and opaque, profit-driven mandatory fees in their communities, while the Community Associations Institute supported the amendment. The committee reported CS for SB 1498 favorably. Members then recorded additional votes for the record, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will do we expect these devices. Will do we expect these devices.
• And I didn't I never have a device. And I didn't I never have a device.
• Um but how many devices are we are we but how many devices are we are we but how many devices are we
• whether it be the mobile device device whether it be the mobile device device whether it be the mobile
• So, you see where I'm these devices. So, you see where I'm these devices.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , these PL battery plug-in solar devices, balcony devices as they're called.
• , all plug-in solar generation devices, all plug-in solar generation<02:08:53.520> devices<02:
• <02:10:16.400> um<02:10:16.639> some devices. I put that in. um some devices.
• ,<04:17:26.000> uh, are applying one of these devices, uh, are applying one of these devices
• I saw device used frequently throughout.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, current law as it was written for an earlier time does not clearly reflect how mobile devices
• while operating a vehicle on a device while operating a vehicle on a public<00:20:53.039> highways
• Could a ticket be added after the fact if the officer visually sees that I have some device in my lap
• could see that I would have a a device. could see that I would have a a device.
• uh that would be in in my lap device uh that would be in in my lap whether<00:22:13.360> it's

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused an absent senator, and approved the journal. The chamber then moved to third reading and passage of Senate Bill 10, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon and commutation power during the period surrounding gubernatorial elections. The sponsor argued the measure would prevent last-minute abuses of an otherwise broad pardon power; one senator supported it as a check on a “pay-to-play” system. The bill passed 36-0 with one pass. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 28, the “Phones Down Kentucky Act,” which would prohibit drivers from holding a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle, while allowing hands-free use, emergency calls, first responders, and use when parked or stopped. The sponsor emphasized roadway safety, the bill’s limited enforcement standard, and a $100 prepayable fine with no points. Senators raised questions about whether the law could be used based on surveillance or after-the-fact observation; the sponsor said a stop would require a clear, unobstructed visual observation of unlawful use. The bill passed 31-7. After passing over several other bills and resolutions, the Senate recessed for rules and committee-on-committees meetings. The rules committee posted several bills for future consideration and recommitted Senate Bill 11 to Appropriations and Review. The committee on committees referred multiple bills to standing committees and sent several resolutions to the floor. During announcements, members requested co-sponsorships on various bills, a committee meeting schedule was announced, Senate Resolution 19 honoring Lee Caroline Reed was adopted, and new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on eminent domain for solar projects, employment conditions, alcohol control, motor vehicles, physical activity in schools, and several resolutions. The Senate adjourned until the following afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does that. tracking devices on a reported stolen tracking devices on a reported stolen vehicle
• allow placement of the tracking device allow placement of the tracking device on<00:13:00.680>
• Next point I want to talk about is the authorization of the tracker device to place tracking devices
• tracker device to place tracking devices tracker device to place tracking devices on<00:31:20.279
• <01:30:32.440> and by placing these tracking devices and by placing these tracking devices

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What this is, ladies and gentlemen, is that you break into the pump and add a device on, and the device
• the opposition that they don't think just owning a device should be illegal.
• the opposition that they don't think just owning a device should be illegal.
• It's called a pulsar manipulation device. Pulsar. P-U-L-S-A-R.
• It's called a pulsar manipulation device. Pulsar. P-U-L-S-A-R.

Bills: SB1092, SB1094, SB1139, SB1239, SB1240, SB1248, SB1326, SB1502, SB1512, SB1540, SB1616, SB1635, SB1669, SB1673

Keywords: probation, dangerous crimes, children, Arizona Revised Statutes, criminal justice, juvenile offenses, rehabilitation, gender reassignment, civil liability, minors, medical consent, detransition, family court, therapeutic intervention, expert testimony, parenting time, child development, sex offenders, statute of limitations, prosecution

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills dealing with criminal justice, victims’ rights, education funding, and public safety. SB 1094, which would create a civil cause of action for minors who received irreversible gender reassignment surgery in violation of Arizona law, drew extensive testimony. Supporters argued it would provide compensation for harmed minors and extend accountability similar to sexual abuse cases; opponents said it was discriminatory, targeted transgender people and providers, and interfered with informed consent and parental decision-making. The committee voted 6-3 to give SB 1094 a do pass recommendation. SB 1635, which creates the offense of unlawfully alerting someone to an imminent arrest, also passed 6-3 after strong debate. The sponsor said it was intended to stop people from warning specific targets of arrest, including in immigration enforcement and other criminal cases, while preserving First Amendment protections for general alerts. Opponents, including the ACLU and community members, argued the bill criminalized speech, was overbroad, and duplicated existing obstruction laws. SB 1673, appropriating money for the crime victim notification fund, passed unanimously after an amendment increasing the appropriation from $5 million to $8.2 million was adopted. The committee also approved SB 1092, which bars early termination of probation for dangerous crimes against children, after testimony from victims’ advocates and defense-side witnesses about probation, online evidence, and the risk of re-victimizing survivors. SB 1239, extending the statute of limitations for failure to register as a sex offender, passed 6-4 despite arguments that registration is already continuously monitored and that the bill could create redundant liability. SB 1139, a strike-everything bill requiring GPS monitoring for registered sex offenders without a permanent residence, failed after members noted existing monitoring systems already cover many offenders. Later, SB 1502, increasing penalties for unlawful flight when accompanied by aggravating danger, passed 5-1 amid concerns about over-criminalization and possible impacts on drivers trying to pull over safely. Additional measures included SB 1248, clarifying county use of accommodation schools for juvenile detention and jail education programs, which passed unanimously, and SB 1240, excluding dangerous-crime-against-children probationers from county probation incentive calculations, which passed 5-4 over objections that it would undermine rehabilitation incentives. SB 1669, changing rape-shield evidence rules to focus on physical injury, passed 6-3 after a dispute over whether the bill would narrow or clarify admissible evidence. The committee then began hearing SB 1540, a new offense targeting fuel dispenser theft and manipulation devices, with the petroleum industry describing organized gas theft schemes and the sponsor’s amendment removing mere possession of a device from the criminal statute.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unlike the lead apron that we wear basically from our clavicle to our knee, this is a device.
• There are several devices being manufactured, but the device does two things. Thanks.
• There are several devices being manufactured, but the device does two things.
• I'm still quite hazy on how the device works, but I can take a flying leap with you about it.
• But what proof do we have that the device does work?

Bills: SB1063, SB1118, SB1153, SB1154, SB1209, SCM1001

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, safety improvements, Route 70, infrastructure, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, special license plate, special plate, license plate, vanity plate

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced six measures. SB 1118, as amended, appropriates $3 million to the Department of Health Services for grants to rural hospitals to install radiation protection systems in cardiac catheterization rooms; testimony focused on protecting health care workers from ionizing radiation, with the amendment narrowing the bill from an unspecified appropriation to a specific amount and room type. The committee also approved SB 1154, a $500,000 General Fund appropriation for an ADOT traffic and safety study on SR 64 between Williams and the Grand Canyon, after testimony from local officials, law enforcement, and fire personnel describing heavy tourism traffic, crashes, and fatalities. SB 1063, which appropriates $10.4 million for safety improvements on U.S. Route 70, also received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from the San Carlos Apache Tribe, sheriffs, and tribal law enforcement describing a high number of fatalities and dangerous roadway conditions. The committee then passed SB 1153, which creates a Grand Canyon National Park specialty license plate and fund; the Grand Canyon Conservancy testified that proceeds would support park conservation, research, education, and preservation work. SCM 1001, as amended, urging the renaming of State Route 260 as the Donald J. Trump Highway, was approved after a contentious debate over the symbolism of the memorial. Finally, SB 1209, which exempts people without a residence address or whose address is a homeless shelter from non-operating ID license fees and extends the validity period for those IDs, received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from homeless services providers that IDs are essential for housing, employment, and access to services. Votes were 10-0 for SB 1118, 6-4 for SB 1154, 6-4 for SB 1063, 10-0 for SB 1153, 6-4 for SCM 1001, and 9-0 with one not voting for SB 1209.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, a wireless communication device is not defined.
• This bill would simply clarify that a wireless communication device does not include skimmers or devices
• However, a wireless communication device is not defined.
• This bill would simply clarify that a wireless communication device does not include skimmers or devices
• Relating to the use of an epinephrine delivery device by certain entities.

Bills: SJR12, SJR37, SB7, SB8, SB16, SB27, SB108, SB125, SB207, SB251, SB318, SB371, SB379, SB396, SB406, SB472, SB503, SB533, SB578, SB599, SB608, SB617, SB621, SB689, SB707, SB763, SB836, SB854, SB856, SB857, SB875, SB878, SB906, SB922, SB942, SB965, SB985, SB988, SB1021, SB1059, SB1084, SB1098, SB1185, SB1188, SB1202, SB1207, SB1307, SB1321, SB1330, SB1366, SB1388, SB1396, SB1453, SB1484, SB1497, SB1498, SB1535, SB1563, SB1596, SB1610, SB1619, SB1737, SB1738, SB1741, SB1816, SB1822, SB1841, SB1939, SB2188, SJR36, SJR12, SJR37, SJR81, SJR50, SCR22, SCR12, SCR39, SB875, SB318, SB707, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB504, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB1497, SB1498, SB241, SB304, SB621, SB1023, SB371, SB204, SB609, SB670, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB447, SB406, SB985, SB965, SB1119, SB1505, SB1215, SB1302, SB856, SB583, SB673, SB681, SB1172, SB608, SB955, SB957, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB541, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB125, SB599, SB1330, SB53, SB1352, SB785, SB472, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB108, SB8, SB507, SB533, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB763, SB667, SB1059, SB617, SB1567, SB503, SB16, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB1209, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB1029, SB1185, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB878, SB1350, SB462, SB1535, SB827, SB1585, SB207, SB1207, SB1619, SB1396, SB920, SB1484, SB1273, SB1741, SB7, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1366, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1816, SB1841, SB2188, SB1147, SB879, SB1008, SB1536, SB2016, SB1453, SB1173, SB1163, SB996, SB27, SB568, SB1370, SB1321, SB1101, SB906, SB860, SB1563, SB993, SB693, SB1610, SB1537, SB836, SB1332, SB1307, SB963, SB493, SB922, SB984, SB1084, SB619, SB1098, SB1122, SB455, SB522, SB1057, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1877, SB464, SB1277, SB32, SB732, SB660, SB731, SB921, SB268, SB1822, SB1188, SB1939, SB1589, SB397, SB1388, SB2230, SB1058, SB1036, SB1267, SB2112, SB1930, SB532, SB1035, SB2155, SB508, SB29, SB292, SB291, SB901, SB1333, SB1436, SB1494, SB964, SB779, SB1378, SB2312, SB1719, SB1386, SB287, SB2143, SB1245, SB261, SB1247, SB1948, SB2406, SB2407, SB1882, SB1197, SB1814, SB618, SB38

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, voter ID, citizenship, election integrity, voting rights, water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law

Transcript Highlights:

• Most hospitals that offer cooling devices only have them because a family didn't.
• Most hospitals that offer cooling devices only have them because a family didn't.
• And these devices are no bigger than any of these desks in this room.
• Let's get hospitals up and running with this device.
• Please pass it, and let's get hospitals up and running with this device. Thank you.

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB 116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB 1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum and took up several House and Senate bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The committee first heard HB 2358, a cleanup bill requested by HHSC that would repeal outdated training and conference requirements for long-term care facility surveyors and certain providers; there were no witnesses, and the bill was left pending. The committee then heard HB 18, the rural hospital stabilization bill, which would create financial assessment tools, a rural hospital finance office at HHSC, an academy for rural hospital officers, multiple grant programs, enhanced Medicaid reimbursement tied to average cost, OB/GYN add-on payments, expanded pediatric telehealth connectivity, and a rural pediatric mental health program. Senator Perry and witnesses from TORCH, a rural hospital, AARP Texas, and ARCHI strongly supported the bill as a way to stabilize rural hospitals, improve OB access, and address workforce and financial pressures. Committee members discussed rural hospital closures, low-volume quality metrics, system affiliation, and the need for predictable monthly reimbursement; the bill was left pending after testimony and questions. The committee next heard HB 37, which would create a perinatal bereavement care initiative for families experiencing stillbirth, neonatal death, or intrauterine fetal demise, including counseling, staff training, and access to cooling devices, with possible grants and a recognition program for hospitals. Senator Huffman explained the bill, and several witnesses testified in support, sharing personal stories about infant loss and the importance of time with the baby, trained staff, and cuddle cots or similar devices. A neonatologist also supported the bill while suggesting clarification that hospitals should not be penalized if state funding is unavailable and recommending use of regional advisory councils to help implement training. Public testimony was then closed and the bill left pending. The committee also heard HB 879, which would create a streamlined licensing pathway for veterans with medical or nursing experience to practice in Texas, and HB 913, which would add new state hospitals to statute and split the North Texas State Hospital into two separate hospitals with their own superintendents; both bills had no opposition testimony and were left pending. Later, the committee heard SB 2744, a heart disease screening bill that would update the 2009 Texas Heart Attack Prevention Act to require insurance coverage for coronary CT angiography with plaque analysis, including soft plaque detection, as a preventive screening tool. The author and invited witnesses argued the technology is more effective than calcium scoring alone, can identify patients before symptoms appear, and could save lives at a cost comparable to or lower than colonoscopy. An insurance industry witness opposed the bill, arguing the technology has not been recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for universal screening and that the mandated coverage and payment level would raise costs; the bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1151, a parental rights bill clarifying that refusing psychotropic medication or psychiatric treatment is not neglect unless the child is harmed. Supporters, including parent advocates and attorneys, said the bill would protect parents from CPS overreach and preserve medical decision-making authority, while one witness urged broader attention to physical causes of behavioral issues. Public testimony was closed and HB 1151 was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• I put this device that's being used as being prescribed by a physician.
• So these are consumer devices. That's a great, great distinction. Senator.
• I put this device that's being used as being prescribed by a physician.
• So these are consumer device. That's a great, great distinct.
• Prescribed by a physician, so these are consumer devices—a great, great distinction.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information. Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement. Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, you need two per device you're using.
• The approved ballot counting devices.
• :58.559> proprietary Liberty device has expensive proprietary Liberty device has expensive proprietary
• Uh you need two per device memory cards. Uh you need two per device you're<00:34:02.000> using.
• counting device counting device um um um you<00:35:23.280> really<00:35:23.520> couldn't

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All senators and guests in the gallery, please silence all electronic devices.
• E-scooters and other such devices, and that is the amendment. Other questions of the sponsor?
• If it fits the description of e-mobility or micro-mobility devices, I would say yes.
• E-Scooters, and other such devices, and that is the amendment. Other questions of the sponsor?
• If it fits the description of e-mobility or micro-mobility devices, I would say yes.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and a doctor of the day announcement. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Senator Charlie Dean, with tributes offered to his service and family. Several introductions were made, including guests in the gallery and visiting students. On the special order calendar, the Senate temporarily postponed bills on Citizens Property Insurance, artificial intelligence, public records, and data centers, then took up and passed several measures. SB 198/HB 505 on virtual currency kiosks was substituted to the House bill, amended to adopt the Senate language, and passed 37-0 to address fraud, registration, transaction limits, warnings, receipts, and refunds for scam victims. SB 382 on electric bicycles passed 37-0 after amendment to broaden the task force to micro-mobility devices and collect crash data. SB 844 on sickle cell disease continuing education passed 37-0, requiring one-time board-approved training for certain licensed health professionals. SB 1014 on municipal utility service outside city limits passed 37-0, prohibiting cities from denying water or wastewater service solely because an owner refuses annexation, subject to service and funding conditions. The Senate also passed SB 428 on the swimming lesson voucher program by 36-0 after amendments expanding eligibility to ages 1 through 7 and adding postpartum drowning-prevention education and safe bathing guidance. SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation passed 36-0, creating cybersecurity program and oversight requirements for certain financial licensees and clarifying anti-money-laundering enforcement. SB 1440 on public records passed 35-1 after technical amendments, extending cybersecurity-related public records exemptions and reporting provisions. SB 1594 on veteran benefit payments to minor clients passed 36-0, directing benefits received on behalf of foster youth toward post-secondary education or aftercare rather than agency reimbursement. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules so all bills passed that day would be immediately certified to the House and the postponed bills would remain on the special order calendar; both motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until the next morning for committee meetings and other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please make sure all electronic devices are turned off or are on silent mode.
• Moving on to HB 949, wireless devices on school grounds, by Representative Bousada.
• So how does the bill define wireless communication devices?
• So there is some emotional attachment to this device that was discussed at great length.
• So there is some emotional attachment to this device that was discussed at great length.

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:

• It's not waterproof, and a secondary device for physical activity is considered optional and uncovered
• All of these devices help me restore my self-confidence, my mental health, and my independence.
• Without access to different devices for different activities, people with limited...
• Access to different activities, to different devices for different activities.
• that could help. ...struggle because insurance won't cover the device that could help them thrive.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with the Senate and House chairs of the Joint Committee on Financial Services explaining that the day’s agenda would focus on health insurance and other insurance matters, with a large number of witnesses and a request for brief testimony. Legislators were taken out of order to accommodate their schedules, and the committee heard testimony on several bills, including coverage for hair prostheses for alopecia (H. 1223/S. 832), medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivors (H. 1258), modernizing fertility and family-building coverage (H. 715/H. 1190 and related bills), coverage for prosthetic devices to support physical activity for people with limb loss (the “So Everybody Can Move” bill), remediation coverage for home heating oil releases (S. 813/H. 1302), and expanded access to physical therapy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (H. 1170). A separate bill on sickle cell care and registry development (S. 788) was also discussed by Senator Liz Miranda. Witnesses largely offered personal stories and expert testimony in support of the bills. Advocates for alopecia coverage described the medical and emotional impact of hair loss, the high cost of quality wigs, and the argument that scalp and facial hair prostheses should be treated like other medically necessary prosthetics. Cancer survivors and supporters of H. 1258 said oral and dental care after head and neck cancer treatment is a quality-of-life issue and often not covered despite major out-of-pocket costs. Fertility specialists, LGBTQ+ advocates, and legislators supporting the modern family-building bills said the current infertility definition is outdated and discriminatory, excluding same-sex couples, people needing donors or gestational carriers, and others with medical barriers to conception. For the limb-loss bill, parents and adults with prosthetic needs stressed that activity-specific prostheses are essential for children and adults to run, swim, play sports, and stay healthy, but are often excluded from coverage. The home heating oil testimony focused on the financial devastation caused by residential oil spills and the need to make spill coverage automatic in homeowners policies. Environmental professionals and homeowners described cleanup costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, the strict liability homeowners face, and the fact that many policyholders do not know the rider exists. The insurance industry testified in opposition to the mandatory-coverage approach, arguing for clearer distinctions between first- and third-party coverage, risk-mitigation standards, a delayed effective date, and more emphasis on education and notification rather than mandates. Committee members pressed the industry witness on why agents do not routinely tell customers about the rider and suggested that the issue may require broader disclosure by insurers, agents, and fuel dealers. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and discussed possible compromise language and future action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Silence all electronic devices.
• And by taking out the word "directly," the expansion really could be very great for medical devices and
• They include accessible mobile devices, computer terminals, or other similar access devices.
• Say that again - if you have a mobile device, a computer terminal, or other similar access device, it
• money out they will arrest you and you can prove it in front of a judge that it's not a gambling device

Bills: S0598, S0934, S1260, S1300, S1452, S1510, S1566, S1580, S1668, S7034

Keywords: funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care, direct disposal, mortuary science, funeral service arts, licensure by endorsement, cemetery license, contiguous acres, consumer services

Transcript Highlights:

• . regarding machine gun conversion devices.
• Under federal law, a machine gun conversion device is already illegal.
• but more appropriately referred to as machine gun conversion devices.
• But again, already under federal law, these conversion devices are illegal, and we're...
• It's almost... ... conversion device.

Bills: SB 26, SJR 36, SB 26, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 28, SR 109, SR 122, SR 126, SR 130, SR 136, SR 137, SR 141, SR 142, SCR 20

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer