Transcript Highlights:

• of the Texas-Mexico border region across multiple sections of state law.
• I, I, I would state that. The Texas should, um, I mean this committee is very important.
• I would state that as a, I used to be a state in Texas employee for almost 10 years for 3 different agencies
• We love Texas. So I'd state that it could be a danger as well, and I'll just end with this.
• So that region is incredibly important for the state of Texas.

Committee: House S/C on International Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we have with us Arkansas State Trooper Corporal Trey Keller.
• Great, great job, ladies, representing our state.
• House Bill 1052 is to amend the budget for state turnbacks for counties.
• Members, this is part of the Treasurer of State.
• Members, this is the Department of Education, Arkansas State Library appropriation.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The chamber recognized several guests, including state troopers, a nurse of the day, students, a cheer team, and a representative-elect. The Governor’s office also reported approval of House Bill 1002, Act 1. The House then moved into the red and yellow calendars to consider a series of appropriation bills and amendments. House Bill 1003, the Arkansas House Representative Staff appropriation for fiscal years 2026-2027, passed unanimously with its emergency clause. On the budget calendar, the House adopted amendments to several appropriation bills, including funding changes for the Labor and Licensing Board, the University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain, the State Treasurer, the Department of Finance and Administration, the Department of Education, Northwest Arkansas Community College, and Fort Chaffee-related appropriations. Members also batched and passed a large group of appropriation bills by a 94-1 vote, while some bills were pulled out for separate consideration. Several separate bills were then considered. House Bill 1014, for the Department of Health and Human Services’ DIPSQA appropriation, failed on a 74-9 vote with 12 present. House Bill 1021 (Arkansas State University–Mid-South), 1027 (Health Services permit agency), 1049 (Treasurer’s office appropriation for animal rescue shelters), 1056 (Martin Luther King Jr. Commission), 1061 (Department of Labor and Licensing), 1074 (Oil and Gas Commission), 1075 (Division of Agriculture and Arkansas Bioscience Institute), and 1079 (Department of Corrections contraband cell phone prevention program) all passed, while House Bills 1060 (Arkansas State Library) and 1062 (Medicaid Tobacco Settlement Program) failed. The House also adopted House Resolutions 1004 and 1005, which were described as necessary to introduce a non-appropriation bill. At the end of the meeting, the House adopted a motion to adjourn until 11 a.m. the next day. Announcements were made for House Rules, Special Language, and Joint Budget committee meetings scheduled for the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an honor and a privilege to be here, uh, in the great state of Texas at the state Capitol, uh, with
• By the Texas state government. Under Republican leadership.
• Of the members of the Texas congressional delegation, and the Texas state legislature who aren't fighting
• of that state and when you evaluate the demographics here in the state of Texas as has been illustrated
• There are 50 states in America. I'm here in Texas for a reason.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the economy of not only the state of Texas and Houston, from the, but the United States of America
• And we've had the largest release ever in the state of Texas.
• It shows you all of the active CCNs in the state of Texas.
• Texas is blessed to have many aquifers around the state, and almost 80% of Texas has an aquifer beneath
• Texas ports represent 28% of the state's gross state product.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• We serve more than 50 wholesale customers in the state of Texas.
• and the economy of not only the state of Texas. in Houston, but the United States of America, and also
• It shows you all of the active CCNs in the state of... Texas.
• Texas is blessed to have many aquifers around the state and almost 80% of Texas has an aquifer beneath
• Texas and across the state depend on our ports to move goods to their region that fuel the Texas economy

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• Pledge of Aliance to the flag of the Pledge of Aliance to the flag of the United<00:22:09.919><c> States
• Library. for Northern Colorado and our neighbors. for Northern Colorado and our neighbors.
• Come meet the airport directors and operators from across the state.
• Uh, but I do have the most airports in the state, so I hate to miss it, but you guys please go out.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and suspended Senate Rule 1B to allow Senator Sullivan’s granddaughter, daughter, and wife to lead the chamber in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Senate then approved the January 26, 2026 journal as corrected and received routine administrative notices, including that several bills and resolutions were correctly engrossed or revised. Members made a series of announcements and personal privilege remarks recognizing guests and upcoming events. The chamber welcomed representatives from Summit Stone Health Partners, who were praised for their behavioral health and crisis services in Northern Colorado, including crisis intervention, detox, outpatient treatment, mobile crisis response, and peer support. Senators also highlighted an upcoming higher education reception, a Forest Health Council breakfast, a State Affairs Committee hearing on Senate Bill 4, and a Colorado Airport Operators Association reception. Additional announcements noted that the Joint Budget Committee would meet on supplemental budget requests from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and that the Joint Health and Human Services Committee would hold its SMART Act hearing after adjournment. Senator Bridges promoted the Great Colorado Payback and National Unclaimed Property Day. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. later that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm on the Texas side. I pledge allegiance to the state of Texas, one state under God.
• Austin State University, she worked for Texas State Mental Health Services in Longview, and went on to
• throughout the state to the capital for Audubon Texas.
• I know a lot of people are excited to come to this state of Texas.
• Let's welcome them to our Texas State Capitol today.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Budd-Dinges of the Texas State Department of Labor, and Veterinarian Janine Coggeshall.
• Texas State Veterinarian representing the Texas Animal Health Commission testifying on the subject.
• with our state response partners and we include the Texas Department of Agriculture.
• We did have infestations in the state of Texas back in the 70s.
• I know that folks in Texas are doing the same thing, as are other states.

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the Texas flag, I pledge allegiance to the flag of Texas, one state under God.
• Austin State University, she worked for Texas State Mental Health Services in Longview, and went on to
• To the state of Texas, move adoption.
• state to the capital for Audubon Texas.
• Let's welcome them to our Texas State Capitol today. Mr.

Keywords: legislation, testimonies, committee meeting, public interest, bills

Summary: The committee meeting was conducted with several discussions surrounding various proposed bills, addressing both public interests and legislative concerns. Specific bills were presented, and members debated the implications of each, emphasizing their potential impact on the community and state regulations. Notably, several testimonies were heard from stakeholders, which enriched the conversation and provided different perspectives on the bills being reviewed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 89th Legislature of the State of Texas will come to order.
• Following message from the Secretary of State: I, Jane Nelson, Secretary of State of the State of Texas
• Why is Texas more the land of opportunity than other states?
• God bless you all, and God bless the great state of Texas. And God bless the great state of Texas.
• President Pro Tempore of the State of Texas, of the Senate of the State of Texas, and I will do to the

Summary: The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators by the Secretary of State. Senators-elect were then administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, formally seating the new members. Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, congratulating members and emphasizing priorities such as border security, education, energy, foster care, and school choice, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick highlighted the Senate’s bipartisan culture and the work ahead. The chamber then held its organizational business, including the election of Senator Brandon Creighton as President Pro Tempore. Senator Parker nominated Creighton and Senator Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising his background, legislative record, and leadership. The Senate voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the dais and sworn in. In his remarks, Creighton reflected on his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including Texas sovereignty, economic opportunity, education, and conservative policy goals. The only formal legislative action taken was adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during the specified period. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus meeting earlier that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Texas, and plans to open a school in the state of Texas.
• You just had to accomplish good things for the State of Texas and the people of Texas.
• In the state of Texas. Mr.
• And Denton County is the home of the North Texas State Fair.
• In our state and to stand tall for our Texas teachers. Mr.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with remarks highlighting UTRGV’s growth, degree production, research expansion, medical school, and role in serving the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. The chamber also recognized the doctor of the day and adopted additional resolutions, including one for Denton County Days at the Capitol and another recognizing Texas HBCU Day. The Senate gave extensive recognition to outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp through Senate Resolution 368. Senators from both parties praised his long public career, leadership of the A&M System, support for regional universities, and bipartisan approach. The resolution was adopted after multiple members added their names. The chamber also heard from advocates with the Texas Streets Coalition, and received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. On legislation, the Senate passed several major bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to address teacher vacancies, bilingual certification testing, paid leave options, classroom removals, and appeal rights, then passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment on parents’ right to direct a child’s education, advanced on a 22-9 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, aimed at preventing foreign influence and intellectual property theft at public institutions of higher education, passed unanimously. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the business entities bill, also passed after debate over corporate governance and shareholder protections. Senate Bill 857, authorizing law enforcement to tow certain vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed despite some concern about towing abuses during disasters. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, but the transcript ends as that bill is being laid out.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's not what's best for the people of the state of Texas.
• I look forward to serving the citizens of the state of Texas, the Texas Tech University System, the governor
• best for the people of the state of Texas.
• We're across the entire state of Texas.
• He blesses me, us, and the great state of Texas. Amen. Okay.

Committee: Senate Nominations

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations met to consider several gubernatorial nominees and first approved a slate of nominees left pending from the March 31 agenda. The committee voted 5-0 to favorably report those nominees to the full Senate for confirmation. Public testimony was then opened and later closed, with some listed witnesses not appearing. The committee heard testimony on Jerry K. Weldon II for the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors. Senators focused on stewardship of the Brazos River, the authority’s relationship to the legislature and the public, Sunset review, water quality and nutrient runoff, impaired waterways, and possible uses of constructed wetlands for aggregate mine reclamation. Weldon emphasized collaboration, transparency, and keeping the citizens of Texas as the authority’s primary customer. Commissioner Robert Vaughn was considered for reappointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. Discussion centered on TxDOT’s management, rural funding, population growth, project delivery, and the commissioner’s role on the audit committee. Doug McCreakin was considered for the Texas Tech University Board of Regents, with questions about legislative priorities, compliance with DEI-related state law, workforce development, rural medical education, and university partnerships. Jody Giles was considered for reappointment to the University of Texas Board of Regents, and Bernadette Carrasco Coleman for reappointment to the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents; both discussed higher education priorities, PUF funding, compliance with state law, and student support programs. John Rutherford was considered for reappointment to the Teachers Retirement System Board of Trustees, with questions about fiduciary oversight, investment understanding, and keeping the retirement system solvent. Brigadier General Michael Boyd was also considered for appointment to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, where discussion focused on military retention, child care, spouse licensing, base infrastructure, and grant funding for Texas installations. The committee did not take final votes on these later nominees during the hearing and left them pending subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Governor of the State of Texas, pursuant to Article 3, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution, and by
• The state of the state. Respectfully submitted, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas. convened.
• The state of the state respectfully submitted Greg Abbott, governor of Texas.
• spirit, innovation, and resilience of this great state of Texas.
• , and the state of Texas.

Summary: The Texas Senate convened with a quorum, heard the governor’s emergency message outlining priority issues for the session, including property tax relief, water supply and infrastructure funding, universal education savings accounts, teacher pay, career and technical education, creation of a Texas Cyber Command, and bail reform. The governor also submitted a State of the State message and several appointment nominations for Senate confirmation. The chamber then took up a series of ceremonial resolutions and recognitions for McAllen Day, UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day, Wise County Day, and Houston East End Chamber of Commerce East End Day, along with visits from the Houston Realty Business Coalition, Cedar Creek Chamber of Commerce, Webb County/Laredo delegates, UT Dallas McDermott Scholars, Andrews County officials, and occupational therapy professionals and students. Several senators spoke in support of the recognitions, highlighting local economic development, higher education, public health, and regional history. McAllen was praised for its growth, business climate, and cultural significance; Laredo and Webb County were recognized for trade, the Washington’s Birthday Celebration, and cross-border ties; UTSA and UT Health were commended for research, cybersecurity, and health science work; and UT Dallas scholars were recognized for academic achievement and public service. Wise County, the East End of Houston, and Andrews County were also described in terms of their economic contributions and community heritage. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 27 for McAllen Day and Senate Resolution 32 for UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day without objection. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 11, which granted permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days between February 5 and February 11, by a recorded vote of 30 ayes and 0 nays. Additional resolutions listed on the calendar were adopted without objection, and the Senate recessed until noon on Wednesday, February 5.

Transcript Highlights:

• They didn't recognize that their customer was the people of the state of Texas.
• I know we've been a big proponent for a number of universities including U of H, North Texas, Texas State
• They were crossing the entire state of Texas; we're just about everywhere, but South Texas.
• And may God continue to bless this great state of Texas. Okay, now...
• News and World Report for the state of Texas.

Committee: Senate Nominations

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply exempts Texas counties from the state motor fuels tax.
• Texas currently ranks 33rd in R&D investment as a percentage of gross state product, behind states like
• We are the Texas State Chamber, and we strongly support SB 2206.
• Texas, California, and Florida are the leading states for private aircraft ownership, but Texas is not
• Texas, California, and Florida are the leading states for private aircraft ownership, but Texas is not

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several tax and economic development bills. SB 935 would exempt counties from the motor fuels tax on fuel used exclusively in county vehicles; Sen. Hall and Cass County Judge Travis Ransom argued it would save counties money without changing fund allocations, and the bill was left pending while the committee waited for the House version. SB 2206 would extend and revise Texas’s research and development incentives by tying the franchise tax credit more closely to federal law and changing the program’s effective date; supporters from business, manufacturing, and tax policy groups said it would protect innovation jobs and help startups, while the Comptroller’s office explained the fiscal note and said the committee substitute was no longer needed. The committee later withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending before ultimately voting it out favorably. The committee also heard SB 2020, which would repeal the “rehab tax” on nonresidential remodeling. Sen. Campbell said a large fiscal note led him to delay a full presentation, but builders, architects, and contractors testified that the tax raises remodeling costs, complicates audits, and discourages reuse and reinvestment in existing buildings. The bill was left pending. SB 2018 would create a two-year “strong families” tax credit for businesses donating to nonprofits that provide family support services; supporters from Family First, Buckner International, and Texas Baptist said it would strengthen families, father engagement, and upstream prevention, while the author said the Comptroller and HHSC were still working on administration details. That bill was also left pending. After a quorum was established, the committee heard and later reported several bills favorably. SB 1030 would exempt certain aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul parts from sales tax for general aviation; industry, airport, and local economic development witnesses said it would keep high-wage aviation work in Texas and improve competitiveness with neighboring states, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 214 would create a temporary sales tax holiday for qualifying residential HVAC systems; it was laid out and left pending. SB 1901 would make administrative and ethics changes to the Opioid Abatement Fund Council, including staggered terms, conflict rules, and fund reallocation procedures; it was reported favorably. SB 266 would repeal the Texas Research Incentive Program and use the appropriation to address the existing backlog of unmatched donations; the chair and Sen. Paxton said the state should honor past commitments, and the committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• doesn't change what's received by the state of Texas.
• But this population is invisible in the state of Texas, estimated only by the number of youth who no
• But this population is invisible in the state of Texas, estimated only by the number of youth who no
• the state of Texas.
• This bill will have a significant positive economic impact to the state of Texas, approximately $50 million

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the Texas Department of Agriculture. Doctor Lewis R. Bud Dinges, Texas State, uh, veterinarian.
• Bud Dinges, Texas State Veterinarian, representing the Texas Animal Health Commission, uh, testifying
• Uh, we did have, uh, infestations in the state of Texas back in the 70s.
• Uh, Texas A&M University, Department of State Health Services.
• This is critical to the state of Texas.

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Transcript Highlights:

• . state. state.
• . the state.
• </c> the United States but for this state. the United States but for this state.
• of the state.
• State, South Dakota State, North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Purdue,<03:28:04.080><c> Ohio</c>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas A&M AgriLife for their leadership in the state.
• I've got 400-plus dealers just in the state of Texas.
• I've got 400-plus dealers just in the state of Texas.
• Texas and works with other state organizations.
• Texas and works with other state organizations.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on preparedness for the New World screwworm threat and brought together the House Committees on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and Agriculture and Livestock. USDA officials, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and Texas Animal Health Commission leadership described the pest as a serious risk to livestock, wildlife, rural economies, and beef prices, and emphasized coordination among federal, state, industry, and Mexican partners. Witnesses repeatedly stressed that Texas is currently seeing no confirmed U.S. detections, but that recent confirmed cases in northern Mexico, including Nuevo León, remain a concern because of their proximity to the border. USDA testimony outlined current surveillance and response efforts, including more than 120 screw worm-specific traps along the Texas border and neighboring states, thousands of additional dual-purpose traps, wildlife inspections, weekly coordination with Mexico’s Senasica, and a new USDA New World Screwworm Directorate. Officials said the existing Panama sterile fly facility is maxed out at about 100 million flies per week, while a dispersal facility in Tampico is helping move flies farther north in Mexico. They also described plans for a retrofitted sterile fly facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to come online in 2026, and a new domestic production facility at Moore Air Base, with phase one targeted for late 2026 or early 2027 and phase two adding substantially more capacity later. Members pressed USDA on timelines, production capacity, the reliability of Mexican reporting, the risk from wildlife, and whether modular or mobile facilities could be deployed faster. USDA said it is also exploring innovative technologies, including a genetically engineered sterile male fly, but that such tools still require EPA review and field validation. Commissioner Miller highlighted Texas biosecurity efforts, five permanent inspection stations, cooperation with FDA and EPA on treatments such as Exzolt, and other pest issues affecting Texas agriculture. He also noted research into fly bait and private-sector efforts to speed sterile fly production. Texas Animal Health Commission officials described extensive state preparedness work, including weekly coordination calls, field response trainings, outreach to producers and veterinarians, and a Texas Screwworm Response Team. They said Texas has trained more than 100 inspectors and other personnel, with additional trainings planned, and that the state is expanding its cattle fever tick rider program. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing; the main action was the exchange of testimony and questions about readiness, surveillance, and facility timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas was the 49th state to pass this law in 18- involved in those early negotiations.
• pipelines within the borders of the state of Texas.
• And I think one of the advantages to the state of Texas is, uh...
• Texas is one of only a few states that continues to follow the 48-hour code. clock.
• We are doing everything we can to bring Texas, other states, and particularly interest in Texas and to

Keywords: 1184, house, all