Transcript Highlights:

• I'm testifying in support of HB5510.
• Chairman King, members of the committee, I'm here to support and testify in support of HB5510.
• Please support HB 5510. Silent is deadly.
• By targeting people who support Texans seeking medication abortion, even when that support happens in
• Chairman, we're supporting HB 229.

Bills: HB229, HB229, HB3990, HB5082, HB5510

Keywords: HB 229, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county dues, county association, state association of counties, lobbying, lobbyist, public funds, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Government Code Chapter 556, Local Government Code Section 89.002, legislative advocacy, municipal government, county government, city government, special district

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much for supporting this group and the work you do.
• ,</c> supports strengthens communities, supports strengthens communities, reduces<00:39:59.000><c> long-term
• So, bill and brings me to full support.
• </c> I hope that you will support this today. I hope that you will support this today.
• Thank you. listen to survivors, to support critical listen to survivors, to support critical services

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> amendment and do support it. amendment and do support it.
• </c> and we either support support it or not. and we either support support it or not.
• </c> reimbursements or other support systems. reimbursements or other support systems.
• </c><00:44:30.520><c> the</c> I would urge members not to support the I would urge members not to support
• I think that's a for future behaviors.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; Thank you for your support. &gt;&gt; Thank you for your support.
• </c> ultimately your goal and I support that. ultimately your goal and I support that.
• And I have to admit I I I support &gt;&gt; I.
• <01:42:12.560><c> health,</c><01:42:12.880><c> developmental</c> behavioral health, developmental behavioral
• So be able to support existing programs.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise in support of L59.
• I rise in support of L59.
• I rise in support of L61.
• I would uh encourage support of L67. I would uh encourage support of L67.
• </c> support for L016. support for L016. &gt;&gt; Senator<02:46:29.920><c> Kip.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that bill passed with bipartisan support, I think, almost unanimously.
• It was for general operations to support... ...or the IRS, it was one or the other.
• him to come to that support group because I didn't feel like that was a—I could—I needed that support
• I don't want you to come to the support group...
• I have given him emotional support, financial support, personal advice.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The hearing resumed on day two of the Legislative Ethics Board fact-finding matter involving Representative Tara Simmons. After opening remarks and confirmation that board members had not engaged in outside research or ex parte communications, Simmons’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she improperly combined a legislative proviso for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and private conduct were intertwined and that the board had enough evidence to require a defense. After deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss and proceeded to hear defense testimony. The first defense witness, Sharon Navas, testified that she met Simmons through advocacy work, later hired her at the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), and maintained written employment policies intended to separate Simmons’s legislative role from her work for EEC. Navas said Simmons was never compensated for lobbying or legislative acts, that EEC paid her from unrestricted funds, and that Simmons did not work on the AEJG dashboard project or participate in the contract dispute with Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley. Navas described the proviso request and later contract issues as separate from Simmons’s legislative duties, and said she continued to pay invoices while the project was being completed. Simmons then testified about her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics advice before taking outside employment or pursuing provisos. She said she repeatedly consulted House ethics counsel and reviewed prior board decisions to ensure her outside work and legislative actions were separated. Simmons described her relationship with Anthony Powers, the dashboard project, the proviso process, and her understanding that the work was distinct from her legislative role. The hearing paused for lunch after part of Simmons’s direct examination, with testimony set to continue after the break.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today to support House Bill 4008.
• It causes changes in behavior, cognition, and functioning, often appearing overnight.
• It causes changes in behavior, cognition, and functioning, often appearing overnight.
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 586, relating to peer support services.
• The bill establishes standards for peer support programs.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> is the civilian Workforce that supports is the civilian Workforce that supports the<00:08:05.960
• </c> Affairs receive funding for the support Affairs receive funding for the support our<00:16:06.279
• Hopefully we can get some support for that.
• </c><00:26:52.919><c> for</c> hopefully we can get some support for hopefully we can get some support
• </c> because they had displayed behaviors because they had displayed behaviors that<00:34:09.679><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And that bill passed with bipartisan support, I think, almost unanimously.
• It was for general operations to support... ...or the IRS, it was one or the other.
• I needed that support group for a place of trust.
• I don't want you to come to the support group.
• I have given him emotional support, financial support, personal advice.

Summary: The hearing resumed in the Legislative Ethics Board matter involving Tara Simmons after the board confirmed no ex parte communications had occurred overnight. Respondent’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she violated ethics rules by combining legislative support for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and personal dealings were intertwined. After a recess for deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss, and the hearing moved into the defense case. The first defense witness was Sharon Navas, executive director of the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC). Navas testified that she met Simmons in 2018, later hired her, and took steps to separate Simmons’s legislative duties from her work for EEC. She said Simmons was never paid for lobbying or legislative acts, that her compensation came from unrestricted funds, and that the organization used written ethics-compliance language and a formal scope of work. Navas also described the proviso-funded dashboard project involving Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley, testifying that Simmons was not involved in the project’s day-to-day work, did not attend the meetings about the dispute, and was not part of the alleged contract disagreement. On cross-examination, staff focused on the contract documents, the dashboard work, and whether the scope of work matched the parties’ understanding. Tara Simmons then testified in her own defense. She described her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics guidance from House counsel and board-related materials before taking outside employment or supporting provisos. She said she relied on prior ethics advice when separating her legislative role from outside work and when seeking provisos for AEJG and EEC. Simmons also addressed her relationship with Anthony Powers, describing it as a friendship rooted in criminal justice reform work and prior collaboration. The hearing was still in the middle of Simmons’s direct testimony when the transcript excerpt ended, with no final ruling on the merits or disposition of the allegations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ma'am, do you support the bill?
• risk-taking behaviors.
• I am in support of this bill.
• I'm in support of SB30.
• We support Senate Bill 30.

Bills: SB 30, SB 517, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 1698, SB 1845, SB 1860, SB 2420, SB 2429

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Please support Senate File 3210. Please support Senate File 3210.
• I very much<02:06:42.159><c> support</c><02:06:42.480><c> it.</c> much support it. much support it.
• I'll support the bill.
• I'll support the bill.
• I'll support the bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Morgan Parrish waives speaking in support. Jason Welty waives speaking in support.
• No, I just thank everyone for all of their support.
• I would ask for your support. Thank you, sir.
• I support your bill. I support your thoughtful approach.
• I support your bill, I support your thoughtful approach, and the ability to plan and require all those

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We stand in strong support, and I'm happy to answer any questions.
• I'm representing myself, and I'm in support of HB 3225.
• Of Texas, the Friendship State, and is not supporters of this bill.
• It does not support families; it serves only to erase.
• Supporting trans women does not erase me.

Bills: HB186, HB201, HB229, HB796, HB1506, HB2702, HB2885, HB3225, HB3909, HB4285, HB5138

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority

Transcript Highlights:

• But her support didn't stop there.
• </c> to support you. to support you.
• I want to support you because you have supported us. Hang in there. We are in this together.
• </c> bad behavior would remain unchecked. bad behavior would remain unchecked.
• </c> support in any way and I accepted. support in any way and I accepted.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> side of a caring community of support, side of a caring community of support, building<00:03:50.640
• </c> of hope and support. of hope and support.
• ><c> unsuccessful</c> supported an ultimately unsuccessful supported an ultimately unsuccessful legislative
• I urge the body to support Proposal 4. >> Speaker, I rise in support of Proposal 4 because this is a
• </c><01:29:36.239><c> this</c> appreciate this body supporting this appreciate this body supporting this

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you may recall a few years ago, we added the loan payback for those students that are getting state support
• You may have opinions about that, as all of us do, and I don't want to dissuade you from supporting this
• taken in those situations, but I do think that this is a fair way to deal with it, and it has broad support
• Senator Ward-Engelking: I am going to support the motion.
• local control and telling teachers we do not trust them to do the right things with kids, so I will support

Summary: The committee began by recognizing and thanking page Caleb Williams for his service, including brief remarks and a song, before moving to approval of the minutes from March 12, 16, 17, and 18, 2026. All four sets of minutes were approved by voice vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1420, which would redirect about 1% of the state health insurance premium tax into a fund for medical education, with the goal of stabilizing funding for undergraduate medical education and supporting future expansion of medical school seats. Senator Lent and Representative Manwaring explained that the bill would create a dedicated pathway for these funds and could also accommodate other medical education-related revenues. After questions about the premium tax and existing uses of the fund, the committee voted to send SB 1420 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; Senator Zito requested to be recorded as opposed. Next, the committee considered House Joint Memorial 20, which asks the federal government to address the costs Idaho incurs under Plyler v. Doe for educating students regardless of immigration status. Representative Tanner argued the decision created an unfunded mandate and cited rough estimates of annual and long-term costs. After questions about the source of the student estimates, the committee voted to send HJM 20 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senators Burtenshaw and Semmelroth requesting to be recorded as opposed. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 915, which would establish a baseline recess policy for public and charter schools, including a 20-minute daily outdoor recess for grades K-5 when feasible and a prohibition on withholding recess from an entire class as punishment. Senator Taves said the bill was intended to protect children’s health and learning, while opponents argued it was unnecessary and infringed on local control because schools already provide recess. The committee voted to hold HB 915 at the call of the chair, and the meeting adjourned with notice that the IDLA bill was expected the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, we have data and information on additional financial and support programs for teachers in
• Finally, we have teacher training, mentoring, and support programs.
• percent on classroom environment means—whether it refers to the physical classroom environment, behavior
• On slide 61, this is on teacher financial and support programs.
• “Master professional educator” that supports training of experienced mentor teachers assisting novice

Summary: The committee first approved the May 18 meeting minutes and then received a Legislative Audit presentation summarizing Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions for fiscal year 2025. Auditors said the department distributed about $4.6 billion in grants overall, including $3.2 billion from the Public School Fund, $1.1 billion in federal funds, and $268 million from other state and miscellaneous sources, across 56 Public School Fund programs, 14 other state programs, and 29 federal programs. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, master principal bonuses, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance funding; audit staff and Department of Education representatives explained that the report was only a distribution summary and not a recipient-level audit. Members also questioned why many districts showed lower funding, and staff said the decline was largely due to reduced federal and one-time COVID-related funds. Senators and representatives also discussed whether some incentive programs, such as master principal and national board bonuses, were tied to student outcomes, and whether Economics Arkansas was the sole entity named in special language for financial literacy funding; department staff said they would follow up on several details. The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on consumer price index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global, with discussion of CPI-U and core CPI estimates for future fiscal years. Dr. Carlos Silva explained that the forecasts generally trend toward about 2 percent over time and that recent projections may have understated actual inflation because of recent shocks. Members asked about the accuracy of past projections, and he said he would provide more detail later if needed. The bulk of the meeting focused on the final adequacy report on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. BLR staff reported that Arkansas had about 32,800 teachers and 473,000 students in 2025, with a statewide student-to-teacher ratio of about 14 to 1, average teaching experience of 11.9 years, and a slight increase in National Board Certified teachers. The report found that districts with higher poverty and minority concentrations generally had less experienced teachers, and that teacher shortages remained widespread, especially in special education, math, science, and foreign language. Members asked about licensure exceptions, alternative preparation pathways, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, and the cost and return on investment of traditional versus alternative routes. Staff said some licensure exceptions are being phased out under Act 304 of 2025 and that they would follow up on several requested details. The report also found that teacher retention averaged 87 percent statewide in 2025, with districts retaining teachers at higher rates than charters, and that 30 percent of surveyed teachers were considering leaving the profession. Principals and teachers identified school leadership as the strongest positive factor in recruitment and retention, while workload and salary were the strongest negative factors. On salaries, BLR reported a statewide average teacher salary of $60,254 in 2025, with districts averaging $60,458 and charters $55,724. Arkansas ranked 45th nationally on average teacher salary in 2025, though its cost-adjusted ranking improved to 36th; among SREB states it ranked 12th, and among neighboring states it ranked fourth. Members asked about starting salaries, salary compression, district step increases, and whether the report should be shared more broadly with educators and school leaders. Staff said they would provide follow-up information on several questions, and the committee took no formal action beyond receiving the presentations and asking for additional data.

Transcript Highlights:

• Green cards are for support, red cards are for opposition, and white cards are for providing information
• Well, I mean, sometimes even if it's negligent, we're still trying to deter not just intentional behavior
• , but sometimes negligent behavior as well.
• quantifies and supports this specific 60% increase?
• I respect and ask for your support. I respect and ask for your support.

Bills: HB220, HB259, HB463, HB536, HB750, HB830, HB950

Keywords: child exploitation, online reporting, platforms, cyber crime, PROTECT Act, excavation, demolition, infrastructure repair, BEAD Program, utility damage, construction coordination, contact point, emergency services, telephone charge, wireless service, reporting requirements, communications district, wireless communication, school safety, community permits

Transcript Highlights:

• We will not accept disruptive behavior or behavior that incites or threatens violence.
• that we can get not only questions answered that we need but also to provide proper oversight and support
• Caltrans has created a headquarters strike team to support our 12 regional districts that are responsible
• In addition we have strong support by CalSTA who remains committed to closing the digital divide along
• But what we want to do is do more in supporting the partners in doing that preparation, getting through

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we don't have money available for our behavioral health capital fund.
• And then lastly, we took one more shot at getting funding into the behavioral health and primary care
• Our conversation continues about Innovative in multiple ways that we can support medical access uh throughout
• then this last piece, which is that we are putting This system in place so that all of that can be supported
• Us and so much of the state dollar support New Mexico community.