Transcript Highlights:

• ARE THERE BILLS ON THE SPECIAL ORDER CALENDAR? NONE ON THE DESK, MR. SPEAKER.
• Speaker Perez: MEMBERS, ON JANUARY 13, WHEN THE GOVERNOR ISSUED A PROCLAMATION CALLING US INTO A SPECIAL
• WE HAVE CONVENED A SPECIAL SESSION AS SURGICALLY AS POSSIBLE.
• WE WILL BE ON THE FLOOR ON THURSDAY AT NOON FOR SPECIAL ORDER. FINAL PASSAGE.

Keywords: illegal immigration, special session, budget committee

Summary: The Florida House of Representatives convened for a special session on February 11-14 to address illegal immigration legislation. Speaker Perez announced they would consider two bills and a memorial filed the previous night, with committee meetings scheduled for Wednesday and final passage on Thursday. The Speaker emphasized the legislature's role as equal participants rather than recipients of instructions, describing their approach as aggressive in combating illegal immigration while being thoughtful in methods. The session was designed to be surgical and efficient, bypassing the normal committee process except for Budget Committee review.

Transcript Highlights:

• It clarifies that officers assigned to SWAT, specialized tactical teams, undercover units, drug units

Keywords: June 29, 2026 - Special Session 1, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Calendar for today, Monday, June 22nd, for this gathering of the 2026 Special Session 1, page one, first

Keywords: June 22, 2026 - Special Session 1, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, remind the body as we prepare for this 2026 special session one, pursuant to House Joint Resolution
• on March 14th, pursuant to Article 4, Section 6, which directs that the governor shall convene a special
• Accordingly, the governor of the Commonwealth, Abigail Spanberger, issued a proclamation calling for a special
• As the House is operating on the 2026-2027 rules of the House of Delegates during special session one
• Fourth portion of the morning hour in Special Session 1 is reserved for points of personal privilege.

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Special Session 1, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We specialize in cybersecurity and risk management through DOD and the DHA space in San Antonio, and
• I know that was a primary motivation when I supported the bill, and some of the witnesses may know more
• I know that was a primary motivation when I supported the bill, and some of the witnesses may know more

Bills: HB42

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• on Special Education Funding has been instrumental in bringing this issue to the forefront.
• I am Rachel Hull, and I am the special and federal programs director for Florence ISD.
• When special education is well resourced, it's transformational for students.
• When special education is well resourced, it's transformational for students.
• And further discussion and insights on the urgent need for investment in special education.

Keywords: special education, funding, equity, advocacy, Texas Legislature, SB568, HB2, disabilities

Summary: This was a press conference calling on the Texas Legislature to increase and reform funding for special education, with speakers arguing that the current system leaves a roughly $1.7 billion gap and forces districts to stretch general education dollars to cover mandated services. Sabrina Gonzalez Ocedo of The Arc of Texas opened by framing the issue as one of equity and self-determination for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and noted support for legislative efforts including Senate Bill 568 and House Bill 2. She also thanked a coalition of advocacy groups and legislators involved in special education funding work. Representative Steve Toth spoke in favor of investing surplus dollars in special education, citing high rates of functional illiteracy and dyslexia among prison populations and saying earlier intervention could change life outcomes. Amy Litzinger described how accommodations and assistive technology helped her succeed in school and urged continued investment so other students can access similar supports. Sarah Harden, a parent and disability advocate, shared her daughter’s positive experience in a well-supported district but warned that many Texas districts cannot provide comparable services because of funding shortages and that families are increasingly worried about cuts. Rachel Hull, a special education director, said well-resourced special education is transformational and outlined the need for individualized services, therapies, vocational training, and college readiness supports. Jean Mayer, a school trustee, said districts are struggling to meet state and federal requirements because funding does not match actual costs, pointing to staffing shortages and the need for parent engagement and professional development. The speakers repeatedly urged lawmakers to fully fund Senate Bill 568 and broader special education reforms this session; no votes were taken, as this was an advocacy event rather than a committee hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, if we could just real quick, we don't have a sheet for it, but specials, just non-recurring
• See is the special appropriation request.
• Just looking down at the justification for the special appropriation request.
• We did receive a special appropriation... last year for $50 million.
• I would put in a pitch also for what I would call specialized housing, so...

Bills: SB48, SB64, SB100

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a special ed bill Several years that didn't seem to pass.
• So, the governor set up an office of special education in the PED.
• Voting yes on the Special Education Act will provide all stakeholders with support of all special education
• Chairman, the Office of Special Education would be doing this.
• We have an office of special education. Because I think Mr.

Bills: SB48, SB64, SB100

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• That by creating a simple grandfathering process for any ACN certificate holder who has an active primary
• is, number one, telling anyone who they would give ivermectin to, you need to follow up with your primary
• steps will decrease the number of patients I can see, which is dangerous during an already pronounced primary
• I had a conversation with my primary care doctor. I've had a good friend for many, many years...
• I had a conversation with my primary care doctor.

Bills: S1082, S1168, S1756, S1156, S1480

Keywords: provider disputes, health plan, dispute resolution, Medicare, Medicaid, healthcare regulation, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions, ambulatory surgical centers, patient safety, licensure

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills. SB 1082, on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program, was presented as a way to let providers and insurers use the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated commercial plans. A late-filed amendment clarified when providers and health plans could access the state program, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1168, which would centralize background screening clearinghouse functions at the Agency for Health Care Administration, also passed as amended after an amendment requiring sealed and expunged records to be included in screenings for qualified entities. Supporters said centralization would improve turnaround times, reduce duplication, and save costs; the sponsor said the bill also addresses coaches’ background screening language from last session. The committee then approved SB 1156, which moves ambulatory surgery center regulation out of the hospital-focused chapter of law into a standalone section, and SB 1480, as amended by a strike-all, which would grandfather certain temporary certificate holders practicing in areas of critical need if federal designation changes affect those areas. Testimony on SB 1480 emphasized continuity of care for patients in underserved communities, and the bill was reported favorably. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require state-approved educational materials on childhood vaccines, require practitioners to provide those materials and alternative schedules before vaccination, expand school immunization exemptions to include conscience-based objections, clarify that the Surgeon General cannot order vaccination during a public health emergency, and authorize pharmacists to provide ivermectin behind the counter without a prescription with written information and safeguards. The sponsor argued the bill strengthens parental choice and informed consent. Committee members raised concerns about vaccine-preventable disease risks, immunocompromised children, school outbreaks, and the impact of adding a new exemption. A Department of Health representative said the department would need to provide details on the history of exemption consultations and noted that removing the earlier consultation requirement had not been shown to increase outbreaks. The committee adopted a friendly amendment to give physicians the same liability protection as pharmacists for ivermectin dispensing, but rejected a substitute amendment that would have required a consultation for exemption requests. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, with physicians, pediatric specialists, cancer advocates, parents of immunocompromised children, and public health groups warning that it would lower vaccination rates and endanger vulnerable Floridians. The bill remained pending after testimony, with the committee continuing to hear public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and member, Senate Bill 1020 would establish the Arizona Space Commission special plates.
• December 31, 2026, a person must pay $32,000 to the Arizona Department of Transportation for the special

Bills: SB1020

Keywords: special plates, Arizona Space Commission, transportation, funding, space exploration, 1182, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1020, which would create Arizona Space Commission special license plates and direct a portion of the plate fee to the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund. The bill’s sponsor and the Arizona Space Commission chair testified in support, emphasizing Arizona’s growing space industry, the need for a funding stream for the commission, and the bill’s role in promoting aerospace jobs, education, and economic development. They noted a planned floor amendment to extend the implementation deadline from 2026 to 2027. Members expressed strong support and highlighted Arizona’s competitiveness in space-related activity. The committee then heard a presentation from Deloitte on artificial intelligence in government. Deloitte described how AI and predictive analytics can improve state services, but stressed concerns about accountability, data quality, privacy, workforce impacts, and responsible use. The presentation used examples from public-sector data integration and predictive modeling, including how AI can help identify veterans who may qualify for benefits or other outreach, while cautioning that such tools should not be used for yes-or-no eligibility decisions. Members asked about data sources, accuracy, minors, privacy protections, and safeguards, and Deloitte said it follows a trust-and-governance framework and could provide more information later. Finally, the committee heard from Pano AI on wildfire detection technology. The presenter explained that the company uses camera towers, AI, and human review to detect smoke early, provide location data to responders, and improve initial attack on wildfires. She said the system is already deployed across Arizona through utilities, state agencies, and local departments, with more installations planned, and described examples where early detection helped contain fires and support evacuation and jurisdictional response. Members asked about coverage, weather limitations, funding, and future capabilities, and the presenter said the technology is a tool that will continue improving through better prediction and integration with other fire-management systems. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• to 14 the minimum number of days before an election that a county board of supervisors must mail primary

Bills: HB2006, HB2165, HB2245, HB2348, HB2806, HB2901, HB2902, HCR2016

Keywords: sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2348, which would appropriate state general fund money in FY 2027 for Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs projects including wireless networking at training centers, a reimbursement program for service members without government computers, lodging and kind for service members, and HVAC upgrades and maintenance. Two amendments were considered: the Marquez Amendment, which filled in dollar amounts for the appropriations, failed; and the Gillette Amendment, which restricted certain networking equipment for national security reasons, removed the reimbursement program, revised the lodging language, and tied some funding intentions to compliance, passed. After extensive testimony from the sponsor and several Army Reserve and National Guard witnesses about lack of Wi-Fi, inadequate lodging, safety concerns from long drives, and poor HVAC at joint facilities, the committee approved HB 2348 as amended on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered HCR 2016, a ballot referral that would cap precinct size at 2,500 voters and eliminate county authority to use vote centers, emergency voting centers, and certain on-site early voting options. The sponsor said the measure was intended to restore precinct-based voting and let voters decide. County officials and election advocates opposed it, arguing that vote centers and early voting provide flexibility, are more cost-effective in many counties, and are necessary where geography, staffing, and facility availability make precinct voting difficult. After debate over local control, voter choice, and the practicality of precincting, the committee gave HCR 2016 a 4-3 do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2165, which exempts veterans from Arizona State Parks admission fees, and adopted the Marquez Amendment to extend the exemption to active military members, National Guard members, and reserve-unit members, with alternative ID options. Arizona State Parks testified in neutral, saying it supports veterans but is concerned about revenue losses; it estimated that even a modest share of veteran visits could reduce revenue by about $1.8 million annually. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by constituent requests and was meant to help veterans enjoy outdoor recreation and therapeutic opportunities. The committee then approved HB 2165 as amended on a vote of 4-0, with some members absent or not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what frustrates me—that we in this building have for years treated special education and public
• There are severities, and this state needs to recognize that not everyone with special needs is exactly

Keywords: special education, legislation, Texas, personalized education, families testimonies, education reform, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting featured strong dialogues focused on improving educational provisions for special needs students in Texas. A key highlight was the discussion around legislation aimed at personalizing educational programs to cater to individual needs, which included testimonies from families who have benefited from similar initiatives. The overall sentiment was one of urgency to rectify past shortcomings in the education system and to foster an environment where every student is given the chance to thrive. Members also expressed frustration over delayed bills and a commitment to continue fighting for progress as the session approached its end.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is $1.5 billion in new special education funding.
• A very special thank you to my friends who have joined us from some of the best school districts across
• We have woefully funded special needs kids in Texas for years. House Bill 2 seeks to correct that.
• For example, we talked about the special education piece.
• And if any of you know or have children with special needs, you understand that the term "special needs

Keywords: public education, HB2, teacher salaries, special education, emergent bilingual programs, Texas legislature

Summary: The meeting primarily revolved around the discussion of HB2, which aims to increase funding for public education in Texas. Key points included enhancements to teacher salaries, special education funding, and initiatives to support emergent bilingual programs. Legislators highlighted the need for collaboration and leadership in addressing the challenges faced by public schools, noting the vital role that education plays in the state's future. Speaker Burroughs expressed confidence in achieving significant improvements for Texas students through this legislation, which has been deemed one of the most consequential bills of the session.

Bills: HF2433

Keywords: education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation

Transcript Highlights:

• securing our elections by prepaying for the two elections that we'll have this year, and both the primary
• We're going to go now to. a motion from the Vice Chair, and then we'll have a special quick little celebration

Bills: HB2, SB48, SB64, SB100

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Please call a special election today and let the people vote.
• It can only be filled by special election set solely by you.
• In 2018, you suspended state law and called for a special election after Rep.
• Blake Farenthold's seat was vacated, even though a primary election was set.
• In 2018, you suspended state law and called for a special election after Rep.

Keywords: special election, 18th Congressional District, Governor Abbott, federal representation, constituent services, Sylvester Turner

Summary: State Rep. Jolanda Jones, joined by Sen. Molly Cook and Reps. Christina Morales, Charlene Ward Johnson, and Lauren Ashley Simmons, held a press event at the Capitol urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special election for Texas Congressional District 18. They said the district has been without federal representation since the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner and argued that more than 800,000 constituents are losing access to constituent services, federal assistance, and a voice in Congress. The speakers framed the delay as a constitutional and fairness issue, repeatedly describing the situation as “taxation without representation.” They said the vacancy affects Democrats and Republicans alike, and cited examples such as passport help, veterans’ issues, immigration concerns, and access to federal funding. Several speakers accused the governor of delaying for partisan reasons and called for immediate action so the district can elect a new representative. A letter from Sen. Borris Miles was read into the record, urging Abbott to set the earliest possible special election date and noting that the governor has acted quickly in past vacancies. The event ended with a unified demand that Abbott call the election immediately; no vote or formal legislative action was taken.

Bills: SF0021, SF0022, SF0054, SF0055

Keywords: stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification, banking regulation, special purpose depository institution, conversion process, Wyoming state laws, financial services

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:02:46.560> Those<00:02:46.800> are<00:02:46.959> the<00:02:47.200> primary
• Those are the primary changes in the bill and then some changes in numbering.
• And all it does is allow a banking entity, a state-chartered bank that is chartered as a SPDI, a special
• <00:36:47.599> uh SP55, Special Purpose Depository Institution Amendments.
• the requirements for an approved special the requirements for an approved special purpose<00:41:

Bills: SF0021, SF0022, SF0054, SF0055

Keywords: stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification, banking regulation, special purpose depository institution, conversion process, Wyoming state laws, financial services

Bills: HF2433

Keywords: education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• contracts and reprioritize that money to what matters: teacher pay, school safety, and closing the special
• I've also told the story about how my son did not get evaluated for special education for over a year
• And our special education program in the state is the most underfunded in the whole school finance system
• ..concern of Texas parents, and taking care of our most vulnerable kids, our kids who qualify for special

Keywords: education funding, House Bill 5419, zero-based budgeting, public testimony, school safety, special education

Summary: State Representative Gina Hinojosa and a group of parents and education advocates testified in support of House Bill 5419, a zero-based budgeting proposal aimed at reviewing Texas Education Agency spending and redirecting more public education dollars to classrooms. Hinojosa argued that public schools are being weakened by chronic underfunding, teacher shortages, delayed special education services, and inadequate school safety funding, and said the bill would help cut bureaucracy, vendor contracts, and other non-classroom spending in favor of teacher pay, safety, and special education. Several witnesses, including self-identified Republicans and former GOP officials, backed the bill as a good-government measure and said they were crossing party lines because public schools need more direct investment. They criticized TEA growth, vendor contracts, public-private partnerships, and what they described as unfunded mandates from the state, including school safety requirements. One witness said rural districts are being forced into four-day school weeks, while others cited campus closures, deferred maintenance, and local tax increases tied to state funding shortfalls and recapture payments. The discussion also focused on the need for a systematic review of TEA spending and the lack of a sunset review for the agency since before 2005. Hinojosa and others said increasing the basic allotment would help districts, reduce recapture pressures, and prevent local tax hikes. The exchange was primarily a public hearing and advocacy session; no vote or formal committee action was described in the transcript.