Transcript Highlights:

• This support is not just a financial remedy, but also a recognition of the critical role our office plays
• Minnesotans deserve the highest level of skill when their vision and facial function are at stake.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Bills: HR58, HR59, HR60, HR61, HR62, HR63, HR64, HCR32, HB43, HB447, HB573, HB1000, HB1001, HB1002, HB1003, HB1004, HB1005, HR46, HR48, HR50, HR51, HR52, HR53, HR54, HR55, HR56, HR57, HCR31, HB20, HB21, HB166, HB494, HB710, HB795, HB985, HB986, HB987, HB988, HB989, HB990, HB991, HB992, HB993, HB994, HB995, HB996, HB997, HB998, SB128, SB149, SB174, SB191, SB205, SB213, SB218, SB220, SB229, SB238, SB243, SB375, SB379, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB15, HB16, HB17, HB18, HB19, HB22, HB33, HB34, HB35, HB44, HB46, HB47, HB48, HB61, HB101, HB126, HB135, HB142, HB164, HB185, HB215, HB226, HB232, HB233, HB242, HB284, HB292, HB297, HB301, HB334, HB436, HB468, HB548, HB571, HB582, HB593, HB594, HB609, HB613, HB712, HB722, HB732, HB746, HB781, HB827, HB845, HB848, HB921, HB923, HB951, HB953, HB999, HB129, HB130, HB287, HB489, HB545, HB553, HB555, HB570, HB854, HB952, HB28, HB36, HB50, HB52, HB56, HB62, HB68, HB92, HB110, HB117, HB119, HB124, HB140, HB147, HB171, HB182, HB193, HB196, HB203, HB228, HB234, HB260, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB289, HB351, HB400, HB413, HB469, HB534, HB551, HB552, HB574, HB576, HB634, HB649, HB677, HB735, HB739, HB779, HB784, HB796, HB842, HB850, HB919, HB149, HB733, HB875, HB868, HB901

Keywords: waterfowl conservation, wetlands preservation, Ducks Unlimited, environmental stewardship, Louisiana, tennis, athlete recognition, family legacy, sports achievements, coaching, student parents, higher education, academic support, family stability, workforce equity, Homeland Security, federal funding, public safety, emergency services, TSA

Transcript Highlights:

• Garcia-Hernandez for a memorial recognition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Harris Davila for her recognition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members.
• Harris Davila for her recognition. Excuse me, for resolution recognition. Mr.
• We've got recognition. The chair recognizes Ms. Morales of Harris for recognition.
• Bowers for her recognition. Hello members. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, members.

Bills: SB664, SB40, SB9, SJR1, SJR5, SB27, SB207, SB2938, SB1901, SB1227, SB1248, SB912, SB1321, SB2143, SB2145, SB1497, SB1239, SB2180, SB1388, SB1762, SB1662, SB1951, SB1537, SB493, SB378, SB1020, SB1018, SB992, SB958, SB920, SB1350, SCR25, SB687, SB1332, SB2185, SB552, SB664, SB40, SB9, SJR1, SJR5, SB458, SB482, SB927, SB984, SB651, SB1620, SB2124, SB2448, SB841, SB843, SB402, SB2662, SB2053, SB2332, SB2112, SB745, SB1247, SB1789, SB27, SB207, SB2938, SB1901, SB1227, SB1248, SB912, SB1321, SB2143, SB2145, SB1497, SB1239, SB2180, SB1388, SB1762, SB1662, SB1951, SB1537, SB493, SB378, SB1020, SB1018, SB992, SB958, SB920, SB1350, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40, HCR118, HR559, HCR59, HCR135, HCR141, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10, SCR25, HB2525, HB142, HB140, HB29, HB451, HB3809, HB3307, HB 1130, HJR1, HB9, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB2308

Keywords: Texas courts, judicial officers, associate judge, magistrate, master, referee, hearing officer, court administration, Government Code Chapter 54, Government Code Chapter 54A, bail training, Article 17.024, Article 15.17, local administrative judge, State Commission on Judicial Conduct, Office of Court Administration, county courts, criminal justice, criminal jurisprudence, judicial qualifications

Bills: HR133, HR134, HR135, HR136, HR137, HR138, HR139, HR140, HR141, HR142, HR143, HR144, HR145, HR146, HR147, HR148, HR149, HR150, HR151, HR152, HR119, HR120, HR121, HR122, HR123, HR125, HR126, HR127, HR128, HR129, HR130, HR131, HR132, HCR53, HCR54, HCR55, HCR56, SCR3, SCR22, SB4, SB18, SB66, SB106, SB201, SB256, SB274, SB292, SB326, SB386, SB406, SB422, SB423, SB456, SB475, HCR3, HB1, HB3, HB27, HB71, HB214, HB225, HB241, HB244, HB306, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB345, HB366, HB383, HB446, HB473, HB511, HB514, HB655, HB730, HB743, HB836, HB983, HB1027, HB1037, HB1043, HB1082, HB1091, HB1096, HB1103, HB1126, HB1167, HB1174, HB1175, HB1230, HB1237, HB1238, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, HB76, HB132, HB181, HB210, HB250, HB265, HB275, HB291, HB322, HB342, HB475, HB486, HB616, HB635, HB639, HB690, HB740, HB757, HB761, HB774, HB808, HB855, HB872, HB883, HB886, HB903, HB949, HB962, HB996, HB1003, HB1036, HB1054, HB1071, HB1076, HB1078, HB1113, HB1132, HB1146, HB1232, HB1233, HB21, HB24, HB29, HB31, HB39, HB45, HB77, HB136, HB150, HB263, HB273, HB299, HB315, HB376, HB377, HB431, HB444, HB450, HB519, HB533, HB538, HB559, HB562, HB663, HB664, HB715, HB717, HB805, HB822, HB823, HB834, HB864, HB867, HB1017, HB1018, HB1068, HB1134, HB1137, HB1234, HB1235, HB1236, HB961, HB399, HB868, HB905, HB180, HB192, HB284, HB476, HB915, HB952, HB1006, HB401, HB51, HB58, HB140, HB982, HB1010, HB750, HB911, HB977, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB9, HB151, HB193, HB310, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB615, HB682, HB733, HB773

Keywords: commendation, leadership, energy sector, Shell USA, Louisiana pride, House Resolution 134, HR134, honorary resolution, Bob Lupo, Robert E. Smith Lupo, Lakeview, New Orleans, civic service, philanthropy, real estate development, Hurricane Katrina recovery, community service, charitable giving, public recognition, Louisiana House of Representatives

Transcript Highlights:

• Dean Zaffirini for a recognition. Mr.
• President and members. 113 Chair recognizes Senator Colcource for recognition. Thank you, Mr.

Bills: SJR36, SJR34, SJR18, SCR9, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB764, SB842, SB971, SB767, SB480, SB1066, SB929, SB765, SB523, SB62, SB19, SB18, SB666, SB688, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB706, SB847, SB869, SB890, SB992, SB1145, SB494, SB290, SB766, SB11, SB10, SB13, SB263, SB412, SB20, SB441, SB442, SB1621, SCR13, SB569, SB314, SB25, SB293, SB914, SB260, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SJR34, SCR9, SB10, SB11, SB19, SB20, SB25, SB62, SB140, SB260, SB262, SB290, SB293, SB314, SB370, SB384, SB412, SB441, SB442, SB480, SB494, SB495, SB616, SB627, SB706, SB707, SB764, SB767, SB869, SB890, SB929, SB992, SB1145, SB1621, SJR34, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB480, SB627, SB764, SB767, SR224, SB1626, SB1627, SB1628, SB1629, SB1630, SB1631, SB1632, SB1633, SB1634, SB1635, SB1636, SB1637, SB1638, SB1639, SB1640, SB1641, SB1642, SB1643, SB1644, SB1645, SB1646, SB1647, SB1648, SB1649, SB1650, SB1651, SB1652, SB1653, SB1654, SB1656, SB1657, SB1658, SB1659, SB1660, SB1661, SB1662, SB1663, SB1664, SB1665, SB1666, SB1667, SB1668, SB1669, SB1670, SB1671, SB1672, SB1673, SB1674, SB1675, SB1676, SB1677, SB1678, SB1679, SB1680, SB1681, SB1682, SB1683, SB1684, SB1685, SB1686, SB1687, SB1688, SB1689, SB1690, SB1691, SB1692, SB1693, SB1694, SB1695, SB1696, SB1697, SB1698, SB1699, SB1700, SB1626, SB1627, SB1628, SB1629, SB1630, SB1631, SB1632, SB1633, SB1634, SB1635, SB1636, SB1637, SB1638, SB1639, SB1640, SB1641, SB1642, SB1643, SB1644, SB1645, SB1646, SB1647, SB1648, SB1649, SB1650, SB1651, SB1652, SB1653, SB1654, SB1656, SB1657, SB1658, SB1659, SB1660, SB1661, SB1662, SB1663, SB1664, SB1665, SB1666, SB1667, SB1668, SB1669, SB1670, SB1671, SB1672, SB1673, SB1674, SB1675, SB1676, SB1677, SB1678, SB1679, SB1680, SB1681, SB1682, SB1683, SB1684, SB1685, SB1686, SB1687, SB1688, SB1689, SB1690, SB1691, SB1692, SB1693, SB1694, SB1695, SB1696, SB1697, SB1698, SB1699, SB1700

Keywords: parental rights, parents, children, custody, care and control, upbringing, family law, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, child welfare, education policy, medical decisions, parental authority, primary decision makers, family autonomy, capital gains, taxation, state revenue, individual investment, Supreme Court

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't see the facial features.
• But the doctor who did his evaluation did see all of the facial features there and said that he would

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its September 24 meeting after a motion and second. It then heard a presentation from New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Gragensky on that state’s early childhood system and planned universal child care rollout. She described how New Mexico consolidated multiple prenatal-to-age-five programs into a cabinet-level department, expanded pre-K to a longer day, and uses a cost model to set reimbursement rates intended to cover true provider costs, including wages, benefits, occupancy, food, and reserves. She also said the state created an Early Childhood Trust Fund and secured a constitutional amendment to dedicate 0.60% of the land grant permanent fund to early care and education, with the department’s budget growing from about $400 million in 2021 to just under $1 billion this year. Gragensky said families can begin applying for universal child care on November 1, with participation voluntary for both families and providers. She reported that New Mexico is aiming to expand capacity by adding 1,000 registered home providers, 120 group homes, and about 55 more centers, supported in part by a $13 million low-interest loan fund and a request for an additional $20 million. She said the state has seen growth in early childhood professionals, including a 64% increase over the last three to four years, and pointed to reported outcomes such as a 21% increase in literacy and a 75% kindergarten readiness rate, while noting that some measures are new and baseline comparisons are still being developed. Members asked about the funding sources, provider profitability, workforce development, and measurable outcomes. Gragensky said the program is designed to support provider sustainability through rates tied to true cost and includes allowances for sick leave, vacation, benefits, and reserves. She also said maternal labor force participation is 10% higher than the national rate and attributed that in part to child care access. The committee then moved to a separate presentation by Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Lisa Dennis and Division of Family Support Director Roger McCann on anticipated cuts to TANF and SNAP, beginning with an overview of TANF as a federal block grant with a fixed annual Kentucky allocation of about $180.7 million.

Bills: SB 2, SB 10, HB27, HB18, HB17, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB18, SR 1, SR 2, SR 5, HB18, HB17, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SR1, SR2, SR5, SB2, SB10, HB27

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Bills: SB 2, SB 10, HB27, HB18, HB17, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB18, SR 1, SR 2, SR 5, HB18, HB17, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SR1, SR2, SR5, SB2, SB10, HB27

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first prior authorization change is to 2D oral and facial photographs.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to review the history and current treatment of North Dakota health insurance mandates, with presentations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Sanford Health Plan, the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and the Insurance Department. The discussion focused on how mandates apply differently to fully insured, self-funded, ACA, Medicaid, and PERS plans; how the state’s benchmark plan and federal essential health benefits affect coverage; and how the existing process requires cost-benefit analysis and, for certain measures, a PERS pilot period before broader application. Presenters also reviewed the long list of existing state mandates, including provider, beneficiary, and coverage requirements, and noted that many were enacted decades ago and have not been revisited despite changes in medical evidence and treatment options. Witnesses from the carriers argued that mandates should be reviewed periodically because some are outdated, can create unintended costs, and may not align with current medical guidance. Examples cited included PSA screening, off-label drug coverage, prior authorization rules, step therapy, and cost-sharing provisions for mental health and substance use treatment. They emphasized that carriers often cover services without a mandate when supported by clinical evidence, and that mandates can shift costs to employers and employees, especially in the fully insured small-group market. They also suggested possible policy improvements such as clearer mandate definitions, better transparency around cost-benefit analyses, a regular 10-year review of mandates, and more timely submission of proposals through the interim process. PERS and the Insurance Department highlighted a recurring tension over what counts as a mandate and when a measure triggers the state’s defrayal obligation under federal law. PERS described its interim committee process, the April 1 deadline for fiscal-impact proposals, and the limited pilot program used for certain measures, noting that only a few bills have gone through the full pilot process. The Insurance Department explained that it views new benefit mandates through the lens of the ACA benchmark plan and essential health benefits, distinguishing true new benefits, such as infertility coverage, from changes to existing benefits, such as telehealth or insulin cost-sharing caps. No votes were taken on policy changes; the meeting was informational, with members asking questions about costs, applicability, transparency, and whether a periodic mandate review should be established.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marcus Button suffered permanent brain damage, skull and facial fractures, loss of vision in one eye,

Summary: The committee considered a long agenda of bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, amendments, and roll calls. Early bills included SB 658 on lien waivers/releases, SB 736 on Brownfields redevelopment, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, and SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Each was amended or discussed as needed and then approved by the committee. The committee also advanced SB 768 on foreign control interests in health care licensing, SB 772 on school diabetes management and access to glucagon, SB 1400 on removal of altered sexual depictions posted without consent, SB 1696 on prearranged transportation services, and SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct. Several bills drew notable public testimony and debate. SB 1132 prompted strong support from the sponsor and agriculture interests, but opposition from equipment dealers, technology groups, and wireless industry representatives who argued the market already provides repair options and that the bill could harm dealer networks and security. SB 1730, the Live Local/affordable housing bill, received extensive discussion about parking reductions, height and density preemption, attorney’s fees, local government authority, and impacts on Monroe County and other areas; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably despite concerns from some members and advocates about parking, due process, and local control. SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments also generated significant debate, with opponents warning it could displace long-term guests and vulnerable families, while the sponsor said it clarifies transient occupancy and removes ambiguity in the removal process; the bill passed after the committee rejected a related amendment. Other measures advanced with less controversy. SB 576 updated service-of-process rules, and SB 1164 authorized email delivery of landlord-tenant notices if the parties agree in writing, though tenant advocates urged clearer safeguards and the sponsor said he was not yet committed to the House version. SB 940 prohibited the resale of restaurant reservations without consent and was supported by restaurant interests. SB 1690, allowing infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, drew emotional support from several witnesses who said it would provide anonymous, life-saving alternatives for mothers in crisis; the committee continued discussion into the latter part of the meeting. Throughout, the committee adopted several amendments, heard both support and opposition from industry, advocacy, and local-government witnesses, and reported the discussed bills favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marcus Button suffered permanent brain damage, skull and facial fractures, loss of vision in one eye,

Summary: The Rules Committee took up a large agenda of bills, with many measures reported favorably after brief explanations, amendments, and testimony. Early bills included CS/SB 658 on lien waivers and releases, which was amended to preserve enforceability despite form differences and then passed; CS/CS/SB 736 on brownfields redevelopment, which drew support from business and redevelopment interests and passed; and CS/SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, which was amended to bar certain building or fire code provisions affecting fuel-source choices and then passed despite opposition from environmental advocates. The committee also advanced CS/CS/SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, where manufacturers, dealer representatives, and industry groups warned the bill could undermine dealer networks and existing repair programs, while supporters argued it would improve consumer access and help farmers and equipment owners. The bill still passed. Other measures reported favorably included CS/SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of property-damage crashes, CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign-country controlling interests in health care licensing, CS/SB 772 on school access to glucagon for diabetes emergencies, CS/SB 1400 on removal of nonconsensual altered sexual depictions, and CS/SB 1696 on transportation network company impersonation and transit funding. A major portion of the meeting focused on affordable housing. CS/SB 1730, a follow-up to the Live Local Act, made several changes to zoning, height, density, parking, moratorium, and enforcement provisions, with members raising concerns about parking reductions, attorney’s fees, local control, and impacts in the Keys and other sensitive areas. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes and improves workforce housing implementation, while some witnesses urged additional exemptions for areas of critical state concern. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. Later, the committee considered several bills from Senator Leak, including CS/SB 576 on service of process, CS/SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments, and CS/SB 1164 on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices. CS/SB 606 drew substantial debate over whether hotels and extended-stay properties should be able to remove nonpaying guests without treating them like residential tenants; the sponsor said the bill clarifies transient occupancy and removes mandatory arrest provisions, and it passed. CS/SB 1164, which allows email notice delivery by agreement, passed despite concerns from tenant advocates that the bill should include clearer consent and safeguards. The committee also approved CS/SB 1374 on school district reporting of educator arrests and misconduct, CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation sales, and began hearing CS/SB 1690 on surrendered infants, which would authorize infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, with supportive testimony from proponents describing crisis situations and the need for anonymous surrender options.

Transcript Highlights:

• taxpayers do not want their hard-earned money weaponized against them and their values to promote facially

Transcript Highlights:

• , a letter mailed to you that says, "Hey, you filed a complaint and we've decided that this is a facially
• They're a very important part, recognition-wise.
• They're a very important part, recognition-wise.
• They're a very important part recognition<04:17:09.199> wise.
• When people think of recognition wise.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee discussed House Bill 185, which would amend RSA 3109 to add timelines for OPLC’s complaint review and investigation process. Members reviewed the existing five-year limitation period for misconduct complaints and noted that the bill would add a 30-day deadline for the office to make a recommendation to the board and a 90-day deadline to complete investigations. Some members raised concerns that the new deadlines could conflict with the existing statute of limitations, create pressure to dismiss cases too quickly, and potentially undermine the separation between OPLC’s investigative role and the boards’ adjudicatory role established by House Bill 655. Nicholas Fry, OPLC general counsel, testified that the agency’s fiscal note originally assumed it would need roughly double its staff to meet the proposed deadlines, though a later amendment reduced that estimate somewhat. He said OPLC would still need additional personnel, including investigatory paralegals and a physician investigator for the Board of Medicine, to meet the timeframes. He also explained OPLC’s current complaint and hearing procedures, including new consumer-friendly correspondence, website guidance, and efforts by the enforcement division to improve transparency and communication with complainants and licensees. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors testified in support of the bill’s basic goal of speeding up intake and investigation, saying the 30-day intake/review period was reasonable and that the bill would not change OPLC’s role in that first step. He argued, however, that the investigation step is where delays occur, especially for lower-priority complaints, and that some cases have remained unresolved for years. Committee members also questioned how the added staffing costs would be paid, with discussion of whether they would come from license fees or the general fund. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sue underwent full gender reassignment surgery and had facial feminization to soften her features.
• Sue underwent full gender reassignment surgery and had facial feminization to soften her features.
• Putting me on steroids did not—it changed my voice and it made me grow body hair and facial hair, but
• :04:17.920> because<03:04:18.240> human<03:04:18.560> sex<03:04:18.800> recognition
• <03:04:19.359> is male because human sex recognition is male because human sex recognition

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Why are we expected to make huge growth as a school, earn things like a school of distinction recognition
• As a non-verbal communicator, Erin relies on facial expressions, gestures, and vocalizations.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was having facial paralysis. The vision was going off in my left eye.
• Search repair, your recognition.

Bills: SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Facial masks are not just for respiratory, but for mental health purposes. Thank you, sir.
• All it takes to change that is the recognition that pets are like family and can be an equally effective

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the fact that we're up front addressing fraud is really just a recognition of the obvious of what's
• No facial expressions or anything like that.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Several senators emphasized support for public education, teacher pay and safety, parental choice, and the combined K-16 jurisdiction of the committee. The chair also reviewed hearing procedures, including public testimony registration and time limits. The main item was Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, laid out by Chairman Creighton. He described the bill as an education savings account program intended to expand school choice, with a $200 million universal eligibility pool and an additional $800 million targeted to students with disabilities and lower-income families. He said the bill includes anti-fraud safeguards, criminal background checks for vendors, reporting requirements, data protections, and annual testing for participating students, while not imposing STAAR on private schools or homeschoolers. He also said the bill removes a prior hold-harmless provision for public schools and is separate from public school funding and teacher pay legislation. Members questioned the bill’s income threshold, lottery and priority structure, treatment of homeschoolers, microschools, charter schools, religious freedom protections, citizenship/lawful presence language, cybersecurity, open records, and disability-related issues, including whether 504 students and foster children should be included. Creighton said the bill is designed to prioritize former public school students with disabilities or lower incomes, while also allowing universal eligibility within the program’s first funding tier, and that the Comptroller would oversee vendor screening and cybersecurity rules. He said the bill does not direct curriculum or interfere with religious beliefs and that amendments may be offered later on citizenship and other issues. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, starting with EdChoice representative Robert Inlow, who testified in support of SB 2 and cited national growth in school choice programs and studies he said show positive effects for students and public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

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• 43.000> was<02:04:43.719> necessary<02:04:44.719> um<02:04:45.760> but facial
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Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee opened with a brief prayer for Representative Grossman’s son, Oscar, who was reported to be in critical condition after a traumatic fall. The committee then took up House Bill 430, which would reduce DHHS retention of unfounded abuse and neglect reports from 10 years to 3 years. Prime sponsor Chairman James Spain argued that 10 years is excessive and burdens families with a long-lasting stigma, while emphasizing that founded reports and reports with reasonable concern would still be retained indefinitely. Committee members questioned whether longer retention helps identify malicious reporting or patterns of abuse, and whether parents understand the distinction between unfounded and unfounded with reasonable concern. The Office of the Child Advocate and DCF opposed the bill. Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez said historical reports are important for identifying patterns, reviewing critical incidents, and understanding family dynamics, and that screened-out and unfounded reports can be essential context when later reports arise. She also noted that the records are highly confidential and not publicly accessible. DCF General Counsel Susan Larabe added that the bill could create inconsistencies by retaining screened-out reports longer than unfounded reports, and explained that unfounded reports can be used in court and in administrative reviews when there are multiple prior reports. The committee discussed how other states handle retention, with testimony that some keep records indefinitely and others for long periods. The hearing on HB 430 concluded, and the chair said the bill would not be executed until early March, leaving time for amendments. The committee then opened House Bill 187, concerning restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child. Prime sponsor Representative Mike Belcher said the bill is intended to correct a gap in the law so children can access the same restraining-order protections adults can, through a parent or guardian, and framed it as an equal-protection issue. Members questioned why the proposal was placed in the child abuse and neglect statute rather than the civil restraining-order statutes, and whether it should instead be handled as a broader civil-law fix. Alanda Peterson, who said she created Jade’s Law, testified that the original wording was meant to protect all children, not just those harmed by family members, and supported expanding the language. The hearing continued with additional discussion of the bill’s scope and purpose.

Bills: HR39, HCR43, HR178, HCR188, SB3144, SB3102, SB2053, SB3248, SB2256, SB3118, SB2245, SB2519, SB3055, SB2090, SB2765, SB2169, SB3136, SB2521, SB2851, SB3154, SB3262, SB2387, SB3001, SB2818, SB2972, SB2372, SB2108, SB888, HR63, HCR69

Keywords: pedestrian safety, crosswalks, traffic calming, school zone, Honolulu, community safety, raised crosswalks, traffic infrastructure, agritourism, agricultural tourism, Hawaii Tourism Authority, HTA, working group, farm tourism, regenerative tourism, working lands, agricultural land use, county ordinances, permitting, farm bureau