Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I respectfully request the right to close.
• Um, and with that, uh, I close.
• We'll recognize you to close, Representative Cunningham.
• If not, the chair recognizes the vice chair bet is to close. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I close.
• If not, the chair recognizes the chairman canals to close on the measure. I close.

Committee: House S/C on Transportation Funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Collier to close. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I ask for your favorable consideration, and I close.
• Campos to close. Thank you.
• Alders to close. Thank you, Mr.
• Villabos to close. Thank you again for hearing this bill. I close. Ms. Villabos, to close.
• Jones to close. Members, she requests your favorable consideration and closes.

Bills: HB115

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: public funds, lobbying, political subdivision, government spending, transparency, HB 115, taxpayer-funded lobbying, local government lobbying, county association dues, municipal lobbying, lobbyist registration, Chapter 305, Government Code Section 556.0056, Local Government Code Section 89.002, county government, city government, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, state association of counties, sheriffs association

Summary: The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence reconvened with a quorum present and announced it would likely not vote that night because of confusion over the bill list; members were told a definitive list would be circulated the next morning and a formal meeting would be scheduled later. The chair then heard a series of bills, generally taking testimony and leaving each pending without action. House Bill 1847 would set maximum caseload standards for private attorneys handling indigent criminal appointments through the Texas Indigent Defense Commission; House Bill 2417 would expand compensation eligibility for some wrongfully imprisoned people; House Bill 2813 would require earlier and more specific victim notice of scheduled court proceedings; and House Bill 2309 would expand state and local authority in certain civil asset forfeiture cases involving human trafficking, health care fraud, and organized crime. Each bill was laid out by its author or a member, with no opposition witnesses registered, and each was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 4733, which would require sealing records for people acquitted of charges when they were not convicted on the related allegation; House Bill 2328, which would modernize expunction service by encouraging electronic notice, setting a standardized fee when electronic service is unavailable, extending clerk retention of expunction orders, and preserving certain mental health commitment orders; and House Bill 115, which would revise Texas’s “junk science” post-conviction writ law by providing counsel, changing the relief standard, requiring written decisions, and easing procedural barriers. Testimony on HB 2328 was mixed: county clerks supported the bill as a cost-saving modernization, while legal advocates warned that permanent retention of expunction orders could undermine true expunction and create privacy risks. HB 115 drew support from innocence and defense organizations, with some concern about a provision affecting subsequent writs. All were left pending after testimony. Later, the committee heard House Bill 2046, which would allow affirmative family-violence findings for any Penal Code offense rather than only Title V offenses; testimony from a Dallas County prosecutor and a committee member emphasized that family violence can involve arson, burglary, fraud, and other non-Title V conduct, and the bill was left pending. House Bill 1765 would tighten restrictions on no-knock warrants by requiring higher-level approval, judicial review, and identifiable officers; members discussed the dangers highlighted by the Harding Street raid and similar incidents, and the bill was also left pending. The meeting ended with the chair noting that some bills had been removed from the agenda at the author’s request and that members should be prepared to finalize the vote list the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our primary issue with the proposal here in Senate...
• Our primary issue with the proposal here in Senate... bill and uh we're appreciative of the bill and
• </c> the discharge of firearms our primary the discharge of firearms our primary issue<00:22:20.360><
• County commissioners live in their districts, regularly meet monthly within the county, and have close
• In closing, he said this issue is not about politics; it is about safety, ethics, and practicality.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What we see happening now is when hospitals start getting close to that cap or going over that cap, the
• There are hospitals closing all over this country, and Vermont is lucky because we haven't lost one.
• There are hospitals closing all over this country, and Vermont is lucky because we haven't lost one.
• There are hospitals closing all over this country, and Vermont is lucky because we haven't lost one.
• :10.639><c> between</c> primary disagreements were uh between primary disagreements were uh between the

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Um and make sure we pay really close Um and make sure we pay really close attention<00:21:20.799
• Any closing remarks from the testifiers? >> Thank you, Mr.
• </c> Any closing remarks from the testifiers? Any closing remarks from the testifiers?
• </c><00:42:40.480><c> adrenal</c> gold syndrome, primary adrenal gold syndrome, primary adrenal insufficiency
• Your final closing remarks.

Bills: HF3174 , HF3800

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: background study, disqualification, set-aside, permanent disqualification, Office of Administrative Hearings, chief judge, human services licensing, substance use disorder treatment, SUD treatment, chemical dependency, recovery, rehabilitation, abstinence, foster care, child foster care, vulnerable adults, caregiver background check, license holder, direct contact, risk of harm

Transcript Highlights:

• Close to the end of my lease, my rental company retracted the renewal offer they had previously sent.
• I want to close long-term public costs.
• Uh, this morning, Highway 61, Highway 1 were closed. That that's emergencies, you know.
• </c><01:14:34.080><c> focus</c> legal organization whose primary focus legal organization whose primary
• We have had days where we closed early because there were not enough customers to remain open.

Bills: HF3403 , HF3410 , HF3424

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, eviction, rent, redemption

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in closing, Mr.
• So in closing, I just want to... ...outlier from the global payment system.
• Award-winning restaurants that are probably in your neighborhoods are closing.
• Chickadee, Nine, right down the street, Fido and Davio's have closed.
• And then I just close by saying that litigation is ongoing.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission studying the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses held what leaders described as its last public hearing, though they said the commission would continue meeting to develop a report and recommendations. Chair Paul Feeney and other members noted the issue is complex and that they had sought testimony from a wide range of stakeholders before moving into a more deliberative phase. The commission adjourned after hearing from several in-person and virtual witnesses. Banking and card-industry witnesses, including the Massachusetts Bankers Association, the Card Coalition, the Electronic Payments Coalition, and others, argued that payment cards provide major benefits to consumers and merchants, including convenience, fraud protection, fast settlement, and broad access to electronic commerce. They warned that state-level changes to interchange rules could create a patchwork of conflicting requirements, disrupt global payment systems, and especially affect state-chartered community banks and small businesses. Several also said recent federal actions and litigation, including OCC and NCUA preemption rules and the Illinois interchange-fee litigation, have limited the practical reach of state laws. Restaurant, retail, and convenience-store witnesses pushed for relief from swipe fees, saying independent businesses operate on thin margins and pay fees on amounts that are not really their revenue, such as sales tax and gratuities. They urged transparency, the ability to surcharge, vendor compensation for tax collection, and limits on interchange or related fees. Some witnesses said merchants bear significant fraud and chargeback costs and that banks and card networks have not offered enough direct relief. Commissioners asked questions about surcharging, fee regulation, fraud, and whether industry should share more of the burden. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adjourning the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: You may close. Representative Miller: Waive close. Chair: Those in favor?
• And I will save the rest for my closing. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chair: Questions?
• You are recognized for closing. Representative Gantt: I will not be long.
• What they get is diminished services, closed parks, loss of afterschool care. But I get it.
• Chair: You are recognized to close. Representative Miller: Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Feist, any closing remarks? Um, no. Good bill. I would appreciate your support.
• Representative Virnig, any closing remarks? No. Thank you, Madam Chair and committee members.
• Any closing remarks? Um, thank you, Chair Jordan. Thank you, Chair Bennett for those comments.
• To thank you for your time, and with that, I'll close my comments.
• Representative, do you have any closing comments? Thank you, Chair Jordan.

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, the chair recognizes Chairman begin to close. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• If there's no further questions, I close and ask for your favorable consideration.
• Close. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• I close. I, I don't close. I, uh, respectfully reserve my right to close. Alright, yes sir.
• If not, the chair recognizes Representative Lauderback to close.

Committee: House S/C on International Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Kerry recognized to close wave close.
• We need to get a referral from your primary care physician. We didn't wait.
• Senator Bradley, you're recognized to close wave close. Mister Chair. Thank you.
• Senator Bradley. close wave close. Mister Chair. Thank you. Senator Bradley.
• Having waived close, Lisa, please call the roll on Senate Bill 538. >> Senator Berman.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Graal, you are recognized to close on the bill. Waive close. Mr.
• Senator McLean, you're recognized to close on the bill. Thank you. Close.
• Senator Burton, you’re recognized to close the amendment. Debate closed.
• Senator Arbor, you recognize to close on the bill. Wave closed, Chair.
• Senator Truenow, you're recognized to close on the amendment. Wave close.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee considered a full agenda of insurance, financial services, and probate bills. Early action included SB 1000, setting a floor and ceiling for interest on attorneys’ trust accounts, which was reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program for out-of-network emergency claims. Senator Graal explained it as a way to reduce litigation and use a dispute-resolution process similar to the federal No Surprises Act. An amendment intended to require plan disclosure and prevent default by nonparticipation drew questions from members and concerns from insurers and providers about clarity and scope, especially whether it could affect contracted rates or shift claims between state and federal systems. Senator Graal withdrew the amendment, and the bill was reported favorably after testimony from insurers and emergency physicians both supporting the underlying dispute-resolution concept while asking for further clarification. The committee also favorably reported SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels; CS/SB 158 on pet insurance, which adds agent continuing education, stronger consumer disclosures, and annual reporting to OIR; SB 1494 on breast cancer screening coverage, expanding required mammogram and supplemental screening coverage; and CS/SB 314, a strike-all bill creating a Florida framework for payment stablecoin issuers consistent with the federal GENIUS Act. CS/SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings was also approved, with an amendment addressing access to safe deposit boxes by requiring letters of administration. SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance raised the consent-to-rate cap from 10% to 20% for workers’ comp policies and adjusted the Florida Workers’ Compensation Guarantee Association board membership; supporters said it would help keep high-risk employers in the voluntary market. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 1568 creating a Florida Stablecoin Pilot Program within DFS to allow certain stablecoin payments for fees, after a substitute amendment removed authority for a Florida coin, limited eligible stablecoins, and required qualified public deposit handling. CS/SB 838 clarified that convenience fees for electronic payments on retail installment contracts are permissible, while preserving a fee-free payment option; members discussed consumer access and fee concerns. CS/SB 1452, a broad DFS agency bill covering My Safe Florida Home, insurance administration, unclaimed property, licensing, and other departmental changes, was reported favorably after a technical amendment. The committee also approved SB 1706 creating a My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program targeted to owner-occupied, lower-income condominiums, and SB 990 authorizing protected cell captive insurance companies in Florida, with supporters arguing it would modernize law and promote competition. The meeting concluded with all bills on the agenda that were heard being reported favorably and the committee adjourning without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not even close.
• Not even close.
• Not even close.
• Not even close.
• Not even close.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:37:04.720><c> by</c> At case loads that are recommended by national organizations and come as close
• It jumped up close to $98 million, and the current expenditures in that area are $68.7 million, so we're
• It jumped up close to $98 million, and the current expenditures in that area are $68.7 million, so we're
• We're so close to it. I'm not trying to force it.
• </c><04:18:38.800><c> proponents</c> who uh have been the primary proponents who uh have been the primary

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The executive session focused primarily on HB 563, which revises the school funding formula, especially the adequate education grant amounts for special education students and the treatment of fiscal capacity disparity aid. Representative Ladd moved OTPA on Amendment 06508, explaining that FY 26 would largely hold the current formula steady, while FY 27 would increase several per-pupil amounts, including base cost, free and reduced-price meals, English language learner aid, and special education differentiated aid. He said the special education change was based on estimated case loads across disability categories and that the amendment also reinstates fiscal capacity disparity aid, using a formula intended to better assist property-poor communities. Several members supported the amendment as a step in the right direction, saying it better recognizes special education costs and separates property wealth from low-income student counts. Others raised concerns about the lack of time and the absence of a printed spreadsheet showing how the fiscal capacity disparity aid would affect each town. In response, sponsors said the spreadsheet existed, that the LBA had copies, and that the amendment would help about 40 target towns, while Manchester would be the main community receiving less under the new formula because of prior shifts in the extraordinary needs grant. Discussion also covered the broader impact of the bill, with members noting that about 200 of the state’s 245 cities and towns would see an increase and 45 a decrease under the proposed FY 27 changes. Supporters argued the bill was a compromise given limited revenues and that it should move forward so it can be considered by the full House and then Finance. No final vote on the amendment or bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee was still deciding whether it had enough information to proceed.

Transcript Highlights:

• AZAFP, where she attended the advocacy summit in Washington, D.C., and met with legislators on key primary
• Seeing no further discussion, Representative Wynn, would you like closing comments?”

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the doctor of the day. Members also offered personal privilege remarks, including a thank-you for care packages sent to deployed National Guard troops, an introduction of Mom’s Demand Action guests, and a proclamation honoring the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. The Speaker announced several committee assignments and bill referrals, including the withdrawal and reassignment of SB 1050 and SB 1519, and the House then moved into Committee of the Whole. In Committee of the Whole, the House considered and approved three Senate bills. SB 1125 received a do pass recommendation; discussion noted it was part of a broader set of child welfare-related measures stemming from hearings and the Emily Pike case, with emphasis on communication gaps between tribes and DCS, and DCS’s support for the bill. SB 1193 was amended on the floor to include paramedics along with EMTs, with supporters saying the bill protects private information held by DHS vendors. SB 1448 was also amended and passed; it adds utility, telecommunications, and video service workers to the aggravated assault statute when they are engaged in official work duties, and members debated whether the protection was necessary or overly broad, with supporters stressing on-duty protection and opponents questioning the need for a special classification. After the Committee of the Whole rose, the House adopted its report and referred the three bills to engrossing. The chamber then took up third-reading votes on SB 1023, relating to optometrists, which passed 43-10, and SB 1211, relating to sentencing, which passed 53-0. The House also heard announcements about upcoming committee meetings and a proclamation naming April 26 through May 2, 2026, as Arizona Water Professionals Week. The House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• AZAFP, where she attended the advocacy summit in Washington, D.C., and met with legislators on key primary
• Seeing no further discussion, Representative Wynn, would you like closing comments?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She is passionate about making sure that each Arizonan has access to high-quality primary care.
• They are eager to view our process here up close, and we are glad that you have come to visit your house

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day and numerous guest introductions, including advocates for children’s health, Jewish advocacy, housing affordability, environmental issues, and other community groups. Members also made several personal privilege remarks, including a resolution-style statement for Lobo Week supporting Mexican gray wolf conservation and a brief announcement about an upcoming CAP update. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered two Senate bills. SB 1415 was recommended do pass without amendment, and SB 1430 was amended in committee to remove a disputed provision so the measure remained limited to tax-code corrections; it was then recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report, and both bills were deferred for engrossing. Earlier calendar actions also included the placement and referral of several Senate bills and resolutions. On third reading, the House passed HB 2680 on workers’ compensation by a vote of 55-1, and SB 1029 on campaign contributions and expenses by a vote of 57-0. The session included extended partisan debate during personal privilege remarks over the federal government shutdown, TSA pay, ICE presence at airports, and broader federal and state budget issues. The House later recessed briefly, received additional bill referrals and first readings, and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The two primary digital wallets.
• Yeah, if you'll look closely, you'll find that marriage is not in the Constitution at all.

Committee: House Rules

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• printer or CNC milling machine that was advertised, marketed, or promoted to consumers would have the primary
• that these weapons are just as lethal as those made in a factory, and that's why we've worked so closely

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee met on February 4th and took executive action on five bills. Staff summarized House Bill 2255 on litigation finance, House Bill 2354 on Waukiawa and small common interest communities, House Bill 2595 on extending the time to bring post-conviction collateral attacks, House Bill 2320 on restricting certain 3D-printed and CNC-manufactured firearms and related code, and House Bill 2597 on civil remedies for constitutional violations during immigration enforcement. Members discussed each bill’s purpose and, in several cases, the committee heard support for transparency, reduced regulation for smaller communities, expanded access to justice, public safety concerns about untraceable firearms, and the need for remedies when constitutional rights are violated. The committee adopted an amendment to the proposed substitute for House Bill 2320, removing rebuttable presumption language related to intent to unlawfully distribute digital firearm manufacturing code or manufacture a firearm. Members also discussed the substitute versions of House Bills 2354 and 2597, which narrowed or clarified the original bills in various ways, including changes to audit thresholds, immunity language, attorney fee provisions, and the statute of limitations. No amendments were offered to House Bills 2255, 2354, or 2595. All four bills that reached final action were reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation: House Bill 2255 passed 12-1, House Bill 2354 passed 13-0, House Bill 2595 passed 8-5, House Bill 2320 passed 8-5 after the amendment was adopted, and House Bill 2597 passed 8-5. The chair then adjourned the meeting and thanked staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• With nearly 450 miles of shared border between us, our economic and cultural bonds are so closely intertwined
• Canada is New York's primary Canada is an export market with over $17 billion in exports and over $37

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior Journal, and then handled several introductions and resolutions. Senator Bailey introduced Jayson Fefami, described as the Bronx-based creator of the “quarter zip” trend, and the chamber welcomed him with applause. Senator Cooney presented a privileged resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim July 1, 2026, as Canada Day in New York, emphasizing the state’s economic, cultural, and border ties with Canada; the resolution was adopted. Senator Hinchey also spoke on a previously adopted resolution designating February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week, with Senator Helming and visiting FFA students and advisers offering remarks in support of agricultural education and youth leadership. The Senate then took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, including measures related to a fiscal task force, environmental conservation, urban development, education, workers’ compensation, elder law, real property, general business, state finance, insurance, tenant protection, and public health. Several bills passed unanimously, while others drew limited opposition; for example, the Environmental Conservation and Education measures had a handful of negative votes, and the real property bill drew more substantial opposition. Senator Webb explained her vote on a bill addressing college student food insecurity by exempting certain meal-share donations from sales tax, saying students should not have to choose between class and hunger. Senator Palumbo also explained his vote on the kratom labeling bill, supporting the measure while urging future action on the synthetic opioid 7-OH. The chamber also discharged several identical Assembly bills from Rules and substituted Senate versions earlier in the day, and later passed those measures on the floor. At the end of the session, the Senate completed the calendar, reported no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.