Transcript Highlights:

• National Milk Testing Strategy since last February.
• So, we do monitor dairy farms, but we'll be going to just testing milk silos at plants coming up soon
• </c> uh testing. uh testing.
• So when we are doing closeouts or we are doing spot checks, they are with us running speed tests, and
• There's a link for speed tests as well.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe Mays added that the greatest danger is people not understanding the Miller test.
• He said they do not have anything that would fail the Miller test.
• He said they do not have anything that would fail the Miller test.
• I passed the equivalency test in high school.
• The bar tests all aspects of law, and I think this is important.

Bills: HB2242 , HB2446 , HB2799 , HB4502 , HB2920 , HB2790 , HB5620 , HB5060 , HB5076 , HB5080 , HB5081 , HB5128 , HB5130 , HB3847 , HB5116 , HB2969 , HB4546 , HB4202 , HB5624 , HB3964 , HB4803 , HB872 , HB4775 , HB4777 , HB4961 , HB5570 , HB2988 , HB4260 , HB1375 , HB5009 , HB5411 , HB5134 , HB4388 , HB3095 , HB1387

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moss head<00:04:13.439><c> up</c><00:04:13.560><c> to</c><00:04:13.640><c> the</c><00:04:13.760><c> test
• ><00:04:14.040><c> Fire's</c><00:04:14.319><c> table</c><00:04:14.840><c> Scott</c> head up to the test
• Fire's table Scott head up to the test Fire's table Scott maror<00:04:15.480><c> you</c><00:04:15.560
• um computer basic skills travel testing um computer basic skills travel stiens<01:13:32.080><c> um</
• fee and then I like $100 for the test fee and then I think<01:25:05.600><c> there's</c><01:25:05.880

Bills: HF2582 , HF2266 , HF2518 , HF2039 , HF1941

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:49:14.319><c> for</c> meet a test.
• There's a fourpart test for meet a test.
• There's a fourpart test for charitable<02:49:14.880><c> exemptions</c><02:49:15.359><c> set</c><02:49
• </c> &gt;&gt; Seeing none, thank you for your test. &gt;&gt; Seeing none, thank you for your test.
• The test and the process that is already in place in case law and in our statute is there's a pretty

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:34.760><c> learned</c><00:26:35.240><c> uh</c> test time swimming test they learned uh test
• time swimming test they learned uh life<00:26:35.720><c> saving</c><00:26:36.000><c> skills</c><00:26
• They have to pass a timed swim test and have some capability. So, yeah, that's just the MIL.
• and have um some some time swim test and have um some some capability<00:31:50.679><c> so</c><00:31:
• </c> streams and Coastal Waters at our test streams and Coastal Waters at our test sites<03:09:38.760

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also are testing out, to the right, you'll see a smart shelf.
• They test better when they take tests for kindergarten readiness.
• of Essential Competencies, and that was a placement test in 10th grade.
• of Essential Competencies, and that was a placement test in 10th grade.
• of Essential Competencies, and that was a placement test in 10th grade.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education held an informational/budget briefing with presentations from the State Library System, the School Facilities Authority, and the Department of Education. The chair opened the meeting by outlining the order of presentations and noting that members would hold questions until after all three agencies had testified. The discussion focused on each agency’s priorities for the upcoming biennium and their budget requests. State Librarian Stacy Aldridge described library usage and services, emphasizing strong demand for physical and digital materials, internet and Wi-Fi access, programs, Kanopy streaming, and PressReader. She highlighted digital literacy classes, RFID self-check and smart shelving improvements, and the role of libraries as community hubs. The library’s budget request included an additional $1.2 million for security guards, $48.484 million for FY 26-27 to support popup libraries during temporary closures and other needs, $500,000 for repair and maintenance, $2 million for Kap planning and design, and $25 million each year for lump-sum capital funding. Mallerie Fujitani said the lump-sum funding is needed to keep roughly 50 projects moving and to avoid delays in construction. School Facilities Authority Executive Director Ricky Fujitani explained the agency’s startup history and its programs for preschools, Central Maui schools, and workforce housing. He said the authority is using standardized, prefabricated, programmatic approaches to speed delivery and improve maintainability, citing prior preschool renovations as a successful model. He reported that of $389 million appropriated, $106 million was released, with $81 million for preschools, $20 million for Central Maui schools, and $5 million for workforce housing; he also noted the workforce housing program was reduced after Maui fire-related reallocations. He said the pilot workforce housing site at Mililani High School has been awarded and pointed to University of Hawaiʻi student housing projects as a model. Superintendent Hayashi then began the Department of Education presentation, introducing DOE leadership and outlining the department’s mission to support academic achievement, character development, and student well-being. He noted the department serves more than 152,000 students in 258 public schools and employs over 42,000 people, with nearly 54% of students facing significant challenges. He framed the budget request around the department’s strategic plan to prepare graduates for college, careers, or military service. The transcript ends during the DOE presentation, before any committee votes or formal actions are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This site will offer commercial skills testing beginning very soon.
• The site will offer commercial skills testing beginning very soon, passenger vehicle testing starting
• later this year, and motorcycle testing starting in the spring of 2026.
• flight this summer at our drone test site in Windham, Massachusetts.
• We're starting to test it.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization. MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades. Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• This site will offer commercial skills testing beginning very soon.
• This site will offer commercial skills testing beginning very soon, passenger vehicle testing starting
• later this year, and motorcycle testing starting in the spring of 2026.
• flight this summer at our drone test site in Windsor, Massachusetts.
• We’re starting to test it.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for motorcycle testing.
• /c><01:08:05.760><c> and</c><01:08:06.000><c> the</c><01:08:06.160><c> skills</c><01:08:06.559><c> test
• </c> for both the written and the skills test for both the written and the skills test uh<01:08:07.680
• </c> Kentucky state police you know testing Kentucky state police you know testing centers<01:08:11.760
• . testing. testing.

Keywords: This meeting will take place Upon Adjournment of both Chambers. An exact time is not given or known at this time., 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met for its first 2026 meeting, approved the December 9 minutes, and reviewed 337 contracts totaling about $71.8 million. After a motion to consider the routine contract lists without objection passed, the committee pulled several items for discussion, including contracts from the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Highways, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, and Kentucky State University. Most items were ultimately approved by roll call votes. For the Council on Postsecondary Education item, members discussed why the contract was not handled through the usual Finance Cabinet bidding process. Staff explained it stemmed from House Bill 200 and the healthcare workforce incentive fund, which uses a separate competitive award process and steering committee under different statutory standards. The committee accepted that explanation and approved the contract. Department of Highways staff then explained the difference between scour assessments, which evaluate erosion and foundation risk around bridge piers, and load ratings, which assess the bridge structure itself. Members also questioned a larger engineering contract increase; staff said it reflected progression from preliminary engineering to final design on a phased project and estimated the funding split at roughly 80% federal and 20% state. Those highway contracts were approved. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission presented a legal services contract. Officials said the new corporation had identified legal needs, issued an RFP, and awarded four firms to create a pool of counsel to avoid conflicts as the agency now licenses racing, sports betting, and charitable gaming. They also said an emergency contract was needed after a temporary restraining order was issued in litigation involving charitable gaming machines and alleged losses to charities. The committee asked about the litigation and the affected organizations, and the contract was approved. Kentucky State University then defended a marketing/enrollment contract despite financial concerns, saying the work was intended to raise awareness of the university, improve enrollment, and support financial stability. University officials also said they were tightening student payment enforcement and collection practices, including payment plans and holding students accountable for balances. That contract was also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third reading of the bill: An act authorizing the town of Millis to establish a means-tested senior citizen
• Third reading of the bill: An act authorizing the town of North Attleboro to establish a means-tested

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then concurred with a Senate petition referring legislation to designate an official vegetable of the Commonwealth to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling then reported several local bills for consideration, including measures affecting alcohol licenses in Topsfield and South Hadley, special town meeting procedures in Andover, continued employment for fire officials in Colrain, reserve time for public safety personnel in Salem, and a town charter amendment in Oxford. The House suspended Rule 7A and advanced these bills to third reading. The House also passed to be enacted House Bill 4399, amending the charter of Middleton. Several other bills were taken up on third reading and passed to be engrossed, including a recall election measure for Rutland, a tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a Rehoboth deputy chief, a means-tested senior property tax exemption for Millis, sewer-related funding authority for Falmouth, and a North Adams bill on appointing retired police officers for paid detail work. Two bills involving disability pension and North Attleboro senior tax exemption were amended by substitution before being engrossed, and a Salem parking-space excise bill was amended for wording changes before passage. The House also observed a moment of silent tribute to Stephen Fennell of Falmouth. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Scientists and entrepreneurs are testing radical ideas like... Notion whose time has come.
• Scientists and entrepreneurs are testing radical ideas like solar radiation management and ocean fertilization

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have more questions on that, the main thing is making sure that you're going through that fourfold test
• That each test he's he's he's the golden child. Our guest today.

Committee: House Administrative Rules

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, raising four kids at a time, they had all been through the testing and only one was a challenge
• So this, the testing we have in place doesn't pick up on all the issues that could occur there.

Bills: HB4329 , HB3016 , HB4118 , HB3066 , HB3649 , HB3650

Committee: House A&B Health Subcommittee

Keywords: dental insurance, claims, medical necessity, appeal procedures, dentist reimbursement, education, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, family caregiver, tax credit, activities of daily living, elderly care, Oklahoma tax law, HB3066, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, workforce recruitment, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill removes the classic learning test as a qualifying assessment for fee waivers.
• What was the reason for the removal of the classic learning tests?

Bills: S7038 , S1694

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: education, Florida College System, tuition waivers, vocational rehabilitation, state universities, accreditation, public safety, technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard and approved CS/SB 1694, which would revise general education core standards at public postsecondary institutions to incorporate technology-related instruction. The adopted amendment shifted the bill away from creating a sixth core course and instead required technology integration within existing core courses to include digital literacy, AI tool application, and related instruction in areas such as software engineering, networks, databases, and cybersecurity as applicable. For high school computer science courses, the amendment added guidance on critical evaluation of AI results, AI limitations, and ethical use of AI. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted the bill favorably. The committee also took up confirmation appointments on tabs 1 through 2 and, on one motion, recommended confirmation of all appointees favorably. In addition, it considered SPB 7038 on postsecondary education and workforce development, which addresses tuition and fee policies, consumer protections, career and technical education, student acceleration, and institutional operations. Members asked about dual enrollment expansion, CIE licensure exemptions, and the removal of the Classic Learning Test as a fee-waiver qualifier; staff said the dual enrollment change was intended to expand student options without necessarily increasing enrollment, the CLT removal was an error to be corrected, and a Florida Dental Association representative raised concern about preserving the long-standing exemption for dental assisting programs. The committee moved SPB 7038 as a committee bill and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill removes the classic learning test as a qualifying assessment for fee waivers.
• What was the reason for the removal of the classic learning tests?

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard and approved CS/SB 1694, which revises postsecondary general education standards to incorporate technology-related instruction. The adopted amendment shifted the bill away from creating a sixth core course and instead required technology-integrated general education courses to include digital literacy, AI tool application, and related content such as software engineering, networks, databases, and cybersecurity as applicable. The amendment also addressed high school computer science instruction by emphasizing critical evaluation of AI results, limitations of AI, and ethical use. After brief questions and no opposition, the committee voted unanimously to report the bill favorably. The committee also took up a confirmation package for appointments on tabs 1 through 2 and, on one motion, recommended confirmation of all appointees favorably. It then considered SPB 7038, a committee bill on postsecondary education and workforce development that touches tuition and fee policies, consumer protections, career and technical education, student acceleration, and institutional operations. Senator Berman asked about dual enrollment expansion, CIE licensure/jurisdiction, and removal of the classic learning test as a fee-waiver qualifier; the sponsor said the dual enrollment change was intended to expand student options without necessarily increasing enrollment costs, and that the classic learning test removal was an error to be corrected later. Joanne Hart of the Florida Dental Association appeared in support of preserving the existing exemption for dental assisting programs from CIE requirements, noting the programs are approved by the Board of Dentistry and help address workforce shortages. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to submit SPB 7038 as a committee bill and then voted unanimously to report it favorably. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1497, Classic Learning Test Examinations. Education.
• SB 1497, Classic Learning Test Examinations. Education.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge of allegiance, and an electronic roll call showing 26 members present and four excused. The journal for January 29, 2026, was approved, and the chamber recognized Lucid Motors Day at the Capitol, highlighting the company’s Arizona operations, investment, and job creation. The Senate also received a gubernatorial nomination for Troy L. Campbell to the State Liquor Board, which was referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency. A large number of bills were introduced and read for the first time, covering topics such as commerce, E-Verify, municipal self-certification, voter registration text notices, immigration enforcement training, school eligibility and testing, campaign finance, vulnerable adults, temporary vehicle plates, tribal flags, water projects, public works apprenticeships, housing and water supply, special plates, controlled substances research, and election-related resolutions. One bill, SB 1429, was further referred to the Committee on Finance. The Senate also placed many measures on second reading, including bills on roads, labor and collective bargaining, tax relief, education data, assisted living, liquor policy, public pensions, housing, utilities, and election and redistricting proposals. The President noted that it was the final day to submit bills by the 5:00 p.m. deadline and announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings for February 3. During a personal privilege statement, the Majority Leader criticized the Attorney General’s recent remarks as dangerous and confusing, argued she should retract them, and said elected officials should lower the temperature around rhetoric that could contribute to violence. The Senate then adjourned by motion until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, of course, there's physical test. And so why we're Do those kind of things.
• And then, of course, there's physical test.
• Said that everything had to be tested.
• Label costs a penny, testing costs... All that testing and just put that label on.
• Testing costs tens of thousands of dollars. And you know what that means?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I passed all my state tests the first time around, so I don't have to do no test, test.
• It has not led to improved test scores.
• It has not led to improved test scores.
• And I think this particular legislation is standing the test of time.
• And I think this particular legislation is standing the test of time.

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has recently added a $100 test to get the certification, and while the people on the critical incident
• stress management teams love the idea of the training, they don't think the test is necessary for most
• idea of the training they don't<00:06:29.639><c> think</c><00:06:29.800><c> the</c><00:06:29.960><c> test
• c><00:06:30.280><c> is</c><00:06:30.599><c> necessary</c><00:06:31.240><c> for</c> don't think the test
• is necessary for don't think the test is necessary for most<00:06:31.919><c> members</c><00:06:32.919

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I do appreciate in this bill that the That there are waivers for the certification test for the
• The teacher evaluation through. t-test evaluation process, and student growth.
• You'll note instructional improvements by our teacher. across grade levels and in all tests.
• One of the things that we talk about sometimes is districts will start with tested subjects.
• With 80% of my students testing at or above grade level in reading proficiency.

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace