Transcript Highlights:

• Insurance companies are required Insurance companies are required to restore homes to their pre-loss
• It ensures that genetic testing leads to better health.
• It is no different than a blood test, a cholesterol test, or your heightened weight.
• And so it's something that is definitely different than a blood test, a urine test, all those other tests
• And so it's something that is definitely different than a blood test, a urine test, all those other tests

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Extending the required age for booster use and implementing straightforward testing can significantly
• Extending the required age for booster use and implementing straightforward testing can significantly
• And then, lastly, to require that children must meet the five-step test before being allowed to sit in
• It requires a passenger in the front seat, 13- to 16-year-old to pass the five-step test, or is that
• So even underneath the age requirements, it's still just passing the five-step test.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee met and began without a quorum, first hearing AB 612 by Assembly Member Rogers and later AB 435 by Assembly Member Wilson. AB 612 would direct Caltrans to update the highway design manual so local jurisdictions consult with fire departments on major road improvements. Supporters, including the California Professional Firefighters and labor representatives, said the bill would improve emergency response and prevent road designs from hindering fire apparatus. County representatives said they were not opposed but wanted the bill narrowed to avoid mandatory consultation on minor maintenance projects or in areas without a local fire district. Several members praised the bill as common-sense safety legislation, and it was moved forward to Appropriations. The committee then adopted its rules and approved a seven-bill consent calendar. AB 435 would update California child passenger safety law to require children under 10 to be properly restrained in the back seat, require children ages 10 to 13 to remain in the back seat unless they pass the five-step seat belt fit test, and require the five-step test before a child may ride in the front seat. The author and supporters, including Safe Kids Greater Sacramento, Safety Belt Safe USA, AAA, the Automobile Club, and hospitals, argued the bill would align state law with national best practices and improve child safety. Committee members raised concerns about enforceability, implementation timing, pickup trucks, large families, and low-speed vehicles, and the author said he was open to amendments and additional data, including California-specific information. AB 435 was advanced to the Committee on Appropriations after discussion. AB 612 also received a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee held rolls open to allow additional members to add on, then later confirmed the votes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• bottleneck of at at the testing labs. bottleneck of at at the testing labs.
• Um, but there are ways to ensure and require that labs that are doing these tests meet certain standards
• of analysis, which is the testing form. of analysis, which is the testing form.
• on our testing facility and we test them on our testing facility and we test them on the<00:15:34.000
• test is the actual method they're using. test is the actual method they're using.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Relating to requiring the Presidential Fitness Physical Fitness Test in physical education courses in
• Krista Freming continued that, if the bill passes, the presidential fitness test would be required as
• The fitness test is not even a requirement for public or non-public schools at the federal level.
• Non-public schools are not receiving state funding, and they should not be required to take this test
• Where we changed requiring participation in the fitness test.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2401, which would require physicians to complete continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health as part of the state’s rural health transformation effort. HHS supported the bill, saying it would help physicians better address chronic disease and preserve federal grant points tied to the state’s application. A member of the public also testified in favor, arguing that better nutrition education could improve diabetes outcomes and reduce costs. The committee then adopted an amendment to add the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice to the background-check statute so the occupational therapy compact could proceed, and it passed the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee next heard House Bill 1621, which would require the Presidential Fitness Physical Fitness Test in elementary, middle, and high school physical education courses. HHS said the bill was part of the rural health transformation application and could help preserve federal funding, but members raised many questions about the test’s criteria, adaptive options for students with disabilities, equipment needs, and whether the bill should apply to non-public schools. Senator Clemens offered an amendment to limit the requirement to public schools, but it failed. Senator Hogan then offered an amendment to clarify exemptions and allow DPI to align implementation with federal guidance; that amendment passed. A further amendment adding language allowing DPI to establish criteria for and exceptions to the test also passed. The committee then approved the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee also considered House Bill 1622, which joins North Dakota to the physician assistant licensure compact. HHS said the compact would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, support military families, and help preserve rural health transformation funding. Members noted the compact had been discussed in a prior session and that many earlier concerns had been resolved. After brief discussion about the compact process and its consistency with other interstate compacts, the committee voted to do pass the bill. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 2402, which expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution powers. HHS and the Board of Pharmacy supported the bill as a way to improve access to care and maintain rural health transformation funding. Senator Roers introduced a detailed amendment negotiated with the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to narrow and clarify the bill, including notification requirements, limits on certain drug categories, and patient-protection language for therapeutic substitution. The Board of Pharmacy then testified in support of the broader bill and explained the CLIA-waived testing provisions and the repeal of the older, narrower pharmacist-testing language. The hearing and amendment discussion were still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, also very importantly, it requires programs that have failed to meet the required NCLEX pass
• We believe the test should count.
• It was developed back in the 50s and 60s when the tests were handwritten and it took six months to test
• test.
• It'd be like requiring each of you to take the teacher's certification test.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard three bills. HB 919 on nursing education programs would tighten accountability for nursing schools with low NCLEX pass rates by shortening the probation period, requiring remediation plans, mandating free remediation for students who fail, and requiring tuition reimbursement for programs with very low pass rates. The sponsor argued Florida’s nursing pass rates are unacceptably low and that stronger consequences are needed; opponents warned the bill could shut down programs, worsen the nursing shortage, and unfairly target private schools, while supporters said it would protect students and improve outcomes. After debate, the bill was reported favorably by a vote of 18-0. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1261, the “Smart Living Act,” a student-driven proposal from Jefferson High School in Hillsborough County to expand personal financial literacy and practical life-skills instruction in high school. Students and school officials testified that the bill would better prepare graduates for adulthood by covering topics such as budgeting, credit, loans, FAFSA, resumes, interviews, and basic household skills. Members praised the students’ work and the bill’s practical focus, and the PCS was reported favorably 18-0. Finally, the committee considered HB 809, which would exempt school social workers from educator certification requirements for general and subject-area knowledge. Supporters from Lee and Broward counties said the current testing requirement is unrelated to social work, creates financial and recruitment barriers, and has contributed to staffing shortages. Members from both parties supported the measure as a simple way to remove an obstacle to hiring and retaining school social workers. HB 809 was also reported favorably by a vote of 18-0, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• They test on their own, but they wouldn't test on ours.
• those additional test uh for those requirements.<01:19:15.679> And<01:19:16.320> perhaps
• tested on the New requiring that they be tested on the New Hampshire<01:19:31.040> rules?
• They have to take a test. endorsement. They have to take a test.
• <01:44:33.520> isn't more test isn't more test isn't >> required.<01:44:34.560> Yeah

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and consent calendar, then took up several rule items. For Department of Safety rule 2611, DMV leadership explained the rule had been under development since January but needed to be updated to reflect a new statutory change and to align the rule with RSA 266. Members discussed narrowing the rule to road-safety items rather than automobile inspection provisions, and the department said it would issue a new public notice and hold another hearing. The committee voted to grant a waiver and postpone the item until the October 15, 2026 meeting. The Board of Active Puncture Licensing item 26-47 was postponed one month at the agency’s request so it could incorporate OS feedback, with no waiver needed. The Insurance Department’s claim settlement rule 25-234 and related item 26-78 drew more extensive discussion over waiver language. Committee members objected that the proposed language gave the commissioner broad discretion to set waiver periods without clear criteria, while agency counsel argued the rule already contained standards and that the language allowed temporary waivers. After discussion about consistency, permanency, and the need for clearer documentation, the committee voted to postpone 25-234 with a waiver and to postpone 26-78. Finally, the committee considered Health and Human Services rule 2690, which sets SNAP certification periods for a pilot demonstration authorized by SB 499. Staff explained that federal changes now require the age threshold for the 36-month certification period to be 65 instead of 60, and that the agency had been directed to make the change by August 12. Agency staff said the rule needed to be updated to match federal direction, and members generally agreed. The committee discussed whether the federal citation was sufficient and whether the rule should reference the law change directly, but no final objection was raised in the portion shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will include requirements for the products to be lab tested and for those results to be made available
• Due to the current test requirements and lack of clarity in the law, these types of investigations are
• Currently, testing is required on every THC-consumable product in the U.S. seized by law enforcement.
• We have packaging, labeling. and full panel testing requirements for this.
• Retailers are also already required to test. their own products on their shelves.

Bills: HB28, SB3, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• We provide the tracking for backflow testing, as well as carry out the backflow testing.
• There are separate testing and licensing requirements for that test.
• This essentially just takes our testing and says, does this meet or exceed the requirements in Texas?
• Check and some of their more local requirements, some state-specific requirements.
• or the testing requirement.

Bills: HB5208, SB863, SB1243, SB1624, SB1965, SB2660, SB2702, SB2885

Keywords: water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow

Transcript Highlights:

• citizens test? citizens test?
• Also, this bill would also require that there be no translators when they do take the test.
• . requirements. requirements.
• test.
• test.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also requires homesooled students to test at a public school that the child would otherwise be required
• Requiring children to return to the same school environment for testing can create unnecessary stress
• What about the yearly requirement to submit an annual report or test scores?
• requirement to submit an annual report or<01:17:29.600> test<01:17:29.840> scores?
• <02:15:02.960> requirements<02:15:03.679> and adhere to the testing requirements and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on February 17 and announced it would limit public testimony to one minute because more than a thousand testimonies were expected on one measure. The first bill heard was HB 1934, relating to the Imagination Library of Hawaii. The state librarian and Friends of the Library supported the bill, saying the program is a proven, cost-effective way to improve early literacy and should be expanded statewide for children ages 0 to 5. Friends of the Library said the current 50/50 match requirement would be too difficult to meet immediately and asked for state funding for the first few years to help launch the expansion. Testimony included eight supporters and one opponent, and members asked whether the proposal was an expansion of an existing program; the state librarian said it would expand service beyond currently targeted communities. The committee then heard HB 20004, which would extend the floating librarian pilot program. The state librarian, Department of Education, HSTA, and several individuals testified in support. Supporters said the program helps address staffing needs and improves student readiness, especially for college and information literacy. One retired community college librarian said school librarians help students prepare for college and are increasingly important in teaching critical evaluation of misinformation and AI-generated content. Members asked about implementation of the existing pilot, including recruitment of certified librarians for neighbor island and Oahu complex areas; DOE said those positions had been identified and recruitment was underway, and existing funds remained intact. The final major discussion was HB 2398, which clarifies the library system’s role in RNMSP-related projects and public library construction on or near school land. The state librarian and public library system supported the bill, while the Department of Education and Attorney General’s office raised concerns about vague language, especially the phrase “land controlled by the board,” and suggested amendments. In questioning, the state librarian explained that the bill was prompted by conflicts on shared or adjacent school/public library sites, including traffic, pickup and drop-off access, and other operational issues. DOE described significant disruption from one project’s traffic changes and said planning for such projects should involve early coordination and formal agreements. The state librarian responded that the new bill would clarify oversight and help avoid delays and disputes over property control and future renovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• and degree requirements.
• In short, the end-of-year test will be an actual end of the school year test.
• test at the end of the year.
• test.
• A norm-referenced test is not exactly the same type of diagnostic instrument as the STAAR test.

Bills: HB4, HB20

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2853, which would allow the UT System Board of Regents to adjust the University of Texas at El Paso student union fee above the current statutory cap, subject to student approval, to help fund a new student union building. Senator Blanco explained the bill and the committee substitute, there were no questions or witnesses, public testimony was closed, and the committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending subject to the call of the chair. The committee then heard House Bill 610, which would limit severance payments for terminated independent school district superintendents to six months’ salary and benefits. Senator Paxton described large severance payouts and said the bill had passed the House overwhelmingly. There were no witnesses, public testimony was closed, and the bill was left pending. A lengthy hearing followed on House Bill 4623, which would waive school district immunity in certain cases involving negligent hiring, supervision, or employment of professional school employees who commit abuse or related misconduct against students. Senator Paxton and several witnesses, including survivors and parents, argued the bill was needed to address cover-ups, delayed reporting, and repeated failures to remove dangerous employees; some members raised concerns about liability caps, litigation, and how the bill would interact with the Tort Claims Act. The committee also heard from TEA staff and employee-group witnesses who discussed possible injunctions and stronger no-hire protections. Public testimony was then closed and the bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4, an accountability and assessment bill that would restore A-F ratings, change the state testing system, and replace STAAR with shorter, more instructionally useful assessments. Senator Bettencourt explained the committee substitute, including annual ratings, limits on taxpayer-funded lawsuits, and a phased-in testing redesign with beginning, middle, and end-of-year assessments. Testimony was generally supportive from education and business groups, though some witnesses favored norm-referenced testing while others emphasized criterion-referenced, TEKS-aligned assessments; one witness noted social studies assessments were restored in the bill. The hearing concluded with additional invited testimony and no final vote reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• year of our testing, our NAEP testing. year of our testing, our NAEP testing.
• Now in math and in science and in language arts, we require testing at each of those levels, to your
• of<01:50:29.960> those we require testing at each of those we require testing at each of those
• . test. test.
• . testing. testing.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so we provide the tracking for the backflow testing, um, as well as backflow testing.
• There are separate set of testing and licensing requirements for that test.
• This essentially just takes our testing and says, does this meet or exceed the requirement?
• They're trained to test it.
• or the testing requirements, right, because we, we say it's specifically related to a, a, an accepted

Bills: HB 5208, SB 863, SB 1243, SB 1624, SB 1965, SB 2660, SB 2702, SB 2885

Keywords: water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow

Transcript Highlights:

• What distinguishes this sort of testing from where we have the more common testing that was mentioned
• only testing for certain things, or they're also not getting deep They're only testing for certain things
• Madam Chair, Representative, so Southwest's focus is exclusively in two tests, primarily toxicology testing
• and requirement that they require when they are sent to a substance use clinic, and the substance use
• No, I, well, my, Madam Check, my testing process is a process that tests for everything.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, the bill eliminates the STAAR test. and requires TA to adopt a new nationally norm-referenced
• HB4 also takes our testing standards down to the federally required minimums.
• prior tests.
• Secondly, it returns months of instructional time to teachers by requiring less time testing for students
• requirements and what kinds of tests district can mandate in addition to these assessments.

Bills: HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24, HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• prohibit the use of animal testing to comply with state or federal agency requirements.
• This legislation requires manufacturers and contract testing facilities to use test methods that replace
• SB 444 requires product testing facilities to use test methods that replace animal testing when they
• /c><02:08:52.000> to requires product testing facilities to requires product testing facilities
• It prohibits testing and requires, in order to determine whether a test has been done and whether it

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill very simply changes the date on an in-state testing requirement from January 1, 2026, to May
• requirements of lower potency uh testing requirements of lower potency uh hemp,<00:02:29.520> edibles
• The original statute<00:02:33.760> required<00:02:34.160> the<00:02:34.319> testing<
• /c><00:02:34.560> of<00:02:34.800> those statute required the testing of those statute
• required the testing of those products<00:02:35.280> be<00:02:35.519> done<00:02:35.680

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The written portion of a driver's test, in as simple terms, and this bill would require it to be in English
• What if you could take the test...
• I could pass a test in Spanish.
• require an appendix, if you will, to the test that says, you have to know these signs.
• And so whatever conditions we put on that, including requiring the test to be taken in English so that

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is required to present... ...the First Credential Oversight Committee is required to present the master
• If they need to be in class and they're... this bill would require a test out option for core areas that's
• in the test itself, when you go longer, you run into test fatigue, right?
• And every teacher, every test... When you go longer, you run into test fatigue, right? Yeah.
• This just simply tests to the standards. And it's not an additional test.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nearly 60% of all cancer drugs approved in the last five years require or recommend biomarker testing
• SB 120 would require that insurance cover biomarker testing when the test is supported by medical and
• that insurance cover biomarker require that insurance cover biomarker testing<02:18:27.200> quote
• Some biomarker tests are required by the Affordable Care Act.
• Some biomarker tests are required by the Affordable Care Act.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all