Bills: HB3840, HB3431, HB4422, HB4117, HB4300, HB4298, HB2984, HB3344, HB2979, HB2980, HB3662, HB4107, HB3082, HB2997, HB3083, HB3055, HB2951, HB3469, HB3173, HB3287, HB2947, HB3784, HB3901, HB4275, HR1031, HB4359, HB4115, HB3467, HB2978, HB3026, HB3032

Keywords: foreign ownership, land acquisition, military installation, critical infrastructure, affidavit requirements, state law, penalties, Attorney General, foreign ownership of land, foreign adversary, foreign government adversary, foreign government enterprise, foreign government entity, foreign terrorist organization, specially designated national, SDN, FTO, critical minerals, land ownership, real property

Summary: The House convened with a roll call, prayer by Chaplain Ronnie Wilson, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Littrell. The chamber then heard several introductions and recognitions, including guests from members’ districts, the Lady Hornets championship team, and Doctor of the Day Dr. Ahmed Aziz, an internal medicine hospitalist from the Edmond/Deer Creek area. The main legislative action was consideration of House Joint Resolution 1031 by Representative Tammy West, a resolution recognizing Rose Day 2026 and honoring the sanctity of life. West moved adoption of the resolution, and the House approved it by recorded vote, 72-16. After the resolution passed, the body moved to announcements and introductions. The floor leader then offered a motion to adjourn, and the House agreed to adjourn until Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which raises procedural safeguards, which raises serious<00:57:42.079><c> concerns</c><00:57:42.400
• Given that violations accrue daily penalties, the absence of procedural guardrails creates substantial
• Given that violations accrue daily penalties, the absence of procedural guardrails creates substantial
• Given that violations accrue daily penalties, the absence of procedural guardrails creates substantial
• Given that violations accrue daily penalties, the absence of procedural guardrails creates substantial

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dean Ed, no executive director, Charter School School Commission, in support. Osatou?
• It's not a common occurrence, but it does occur, and the current procedure when that happens is the school
• <00:50:07.640><c> and</c><00:50:07.880><c> the</c><00:50:08.079><c> current</c><00:50:08.520><c> procedure
• </c> does occur and the current procedure does occur and the current procedure when<00:50:09.400><c>
• </c> the need for emergency procedures the need for emergency procedures strategies<01:01:04.480><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senator Hon was the chair of that commission, and this language was discussed there and accepted.
• </c><00:26:37.559><c> and</c> mental health or a medical procedure and mental health or a medical procedure
• certain procedures that are not contemplated in the bill as drafted.
• but there are certain procedures but there are certain procedures<01:23:36.480><c> that</c><01:23:36.600
• certain procedures that are not contemplated in the bill as drafted.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we can, rather than passing new law, if we want to amend some of those procedures to do it, let's
• Let me assure you that Louisville is a fiscally responsible city with exactly the policies and procedures
• I understand that goal, but just to point out to the commission and a...
• The Ethics Commission forbids even using the word "need" or using tone or intonation to express need
• In fact, so much so, we commissioned a Permian Basin freight study in 2020, and that freight study showed

Bills: HB17, HB23, SB 10

Keywords: property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest

Transcript Highlights:

• A procedural matter.
• </c> deterrent to the commission of murder. deterrent to the commission of murder.
• So this commission is justified.
• So this commission is justified.
• So this commission is justified.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this was an action brought by the commission.
• Just briefly, the commission is the seven-person body.
• But it was a directive of the commission, and the commission was driving the ship on that.
• The commission...
• I didn't commission it. The CCA didn't commission it. It's impartial.

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 886 by Rep. Orgeron, which would make seasonal catch totals and related reporting for the commercial menhaden fishery publicly available by carving out an exception to confidentiality rules. The author said the bill was intended to align with the original intent of prior reporting legislation and to ensure the public can see how much menhaden is being taken from Louisiana waters. Supporters, including Louisiana Wildlife Federation, CCA, charter captains, and recreational anglers, argued the fishery uses a public resource and that transparency is needed for policymaking. Opponents said they did not object to transparency in principle, but one speaker asked that size-sampling data be removed, arguing it has no scientific value and is already handled through NOAA and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Council processes. The committee reported HB 886 favorably without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 855, also by Rep. Orgeron, which would establish a 22-foot depth requirement for the commercial use of purse seines in the menhaden fishery. The author said the bill was based on a state-funded bycatch study showing red drum bycatch rises sharply in shallow water and that the current quarter-mile buffer is insufficient, especially in nearshore areas where recreational fishing and sensitive habitats are concentrated. Supporters emphasized the public trust nature of menhaden, the economic value of recreational fishing, and concerns about bycatch, beach fouling, and localized depletion. Several speakers cited the bycatch study, public comments opposing the recent reduction from a half-mile to a quarter-mile buffer, and the belief that deeper-water fishing would reduce impacts on redfish and other species. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries staff and the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Scott Rayburn, answered questions about the current buffer rules, enforcement, and the science behind the 22-foot threshold. They explained that the recent reduction to a quarter-mile buffer came from a commission directive and that the department had investigated complaints but found no violations. Dr. Rayburn said the 22-foot figure came from modeling red drum bycatch as a function of depth and that the study focused on red drum because of its economic and social importance, while not analyzing every species in the same way. Opponents of the bill, including West Bank Fishing and Ocean Harvesters representatives, said the rule of three is a standard confidentiality concept, argued the bill should not be framed as anti-transparency, and urged removal of the size-sampling provisions. The committee heard extensive testimony but no final action on HB 855 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't remember the title of it, but I think it was Boards and Commissions.
• I think we had a Boards and Commissions office, something like that.
• I think our Legislative Research Commission staff on providing definitions to proposed legislation so
• I think our Legislative Research Commission staff on providing definitions to proposed legislation so
• > staff</c><00:20:38.159><c> on</c> legislative research commission staff on legislative research commission

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting. The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings. Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.

Transcript Highlights:

• Language is added that will require data brokers to maintain procedures ensuring that they only sell
• ,</c> three new positions on that commission, three new positions on that commission, one<00:43:56.600
• this that advises on how the commission is going to in fact operate?
• > going</c> advises on how the commission is going advises on how the commission is going to<00:44:33.200
• </c><00:45:06.920><c> committee</c><00:45:07.320><c> on</c> to the commission committee on to the commission

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• subcommittee today, we're going to be going over three different topics: Department of State Hospitals, Commission
• subcommittee today, we're going to be going over three different topics: Department of State Hospitals, Commission
• Moving on to our next: Commission for Behavioral Health. Good morning.
• Brenda Graylish, Executive Officer for the Commission for Behavioral Health.
• The Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, also referred to as the Commission

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget and policy updates from the Department of State Hospitals, the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services. DSH described its proposed 2026-27 budget of $3.2 billion, including savings tied to IST solutions, higher patient-driven operating costs, and a small increase in caseload projections. Officials said the department has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks, with wait times reduced from a pandemic peak of 1,953 pending placements to about 250, and average treatment initiation now around five days. Members asked about the effects of Proposition 36 and SB 1323, rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, and whether IST solution funding was being overbudgeted; DSH said referrals are slightly down overall, aging and medically complex patients are driving outside care costs, and the IST solution savings reflect slower-than-expected program activation rather than a service gap. The department also outlined proposed funding for CONREP cost increases, a new county-by-county LPS bed allocation model, electrical infrastructure upgrades at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and additional dental staffing and space at Metropolitan and Patton. The Commission for Behavioral Health reviewed its role in the Behavioral Health Services Act transition and its new Innovation Partnership Fund. Staff said the commission is shifting from county-level innovation oversight to a statewide grant strategy, with the first $20 million RFA drawing strong interest and awards expected in mid-June. Members asked how “innovation” would be defined, whether grants could be renewed after the initial three-year contracts, and how the state would ensure the money supports real service delivery rather than general outreach or training. The commission also sought a liquidation deadline extension for the Alcove youth drop-in center grants so remaining funds can be spent before they revert, allowing sites to finish implementation and support the final evaluation. DHCS provided an overview of CalAIM and BH Connect implementation, including updated specialty mental health access criteria, new ASAM-based substance use treatment standards, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation, and transitional rent services. The department also addressed BHSA implementation, saying it does not track specific local program cuts but will monitor county three-year plans, performance measures, and outcomes as counties shift to the new funding structure. On H.R. 1, DHCS said it is preparing outreach, eligibility simplification, and exemption strategies to reduce Medi-Cal coverage losses, including clinic navigators, a statewide outreach campaign, and possible employment supports through a future waiver. The department also reported that BH-CHIP bond funds have supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds, with additional outpatient capacity and tribal investments. Finally, DHCS outlined a proposed 988 trailer bill to create a statewide designation process for 988 centers and mobile crisis teams, with implementation no earlier than October 1, 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yasmin Chan, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in support. I don't see her here.
• Yasmin Chan, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in support. I don't see her here.
• Yasmin Chan, Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, in support. Advomed in support.
• ><c> of</c><00:26:17.760><c> Women</c><00:26:18.320><c> in</c> Commission on Status of Women in Commission
• Yasmin Cheyne, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee hearing opened with notice that the meeting was being streamed and could reconvene later if technical problems forced an abrupt end. The chair also announced a one-minute testimony limit and proceeded through several bills, taking mostly written and oral support testimony and asking limited questions. No votes were taken in the portion provided. HB 1626, relating to youth penalties, drew strong support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, youth advocates, the ACLU, the Department of Education, and others. Testifiers said financial sanctions on youth are ineffective, disproportionately burden Native Hawaiian youth, and function as poverty penalties; they urged replacing fines with community service, restorative practices, and ʻāina-based programs, and eliminating uncollectible legacy debt. The chair moved on after no member questions. HB 1643, relating to pharmacy, was discussed with support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, Kaiser, the Board of Pharmacy, independent pharmacies, and PBM representatives. Testimony focused on amendment language, audit procedures, HIPAA concerns, and the need for flexibility for small island pharmacies. HB 1668, relating to Medicaid, received broad support from disability advocates and the Department of Human Services; witnesses said CMS had already approved the underlying state plan amendment removing income and asset limits for certain workers with disabilities, but they wanted the protection codified in law to preserve it long term. The chair asked whether codification was necessary and was told it would not be harmful and would help ensure continuity if federal policy changed. The committee then heard HB 1550 on drug paraphernalia and syringe access, with support from Shipta and the Department of Health; testimony emphasized preserving flexibility for the statewide syringe access program to respond to emerging drugs like xylazine. HB 1974, relating to health, was presented as a planning measure for hearing loss; testifiers said Hawaii lacks a comprehensive hearing-loss plan and that the bill would fund a state planning process, not direct services. HB 1858 on vital statistics drew support from clinicians and medical organizations, who said better data on spontaneous fetal deaths is needed and that the term used in the bill is standard medical and CDC terminology. HB 1871 and HB 1966 also received support, with HB 1966’s EMS special fund prompting discussion about the cigarette-tax revenue source; the chair questioned the nexus to EMS, and the Department of Health said the revenue currently funds the special fund and there is no alternative funding stream.

Transcript Highlights:

• Testifying on behalf of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement neutrally, is that correct?
• There is a committee substitute in the bill, clarifying that the commission may not.
• I'm non-commissioned, sir. OK.
• We show you registered as Colin Grissom, Grissom, um, Texas Commission of Texas Commission of Law Enforcement
• That totals 38 years as a licensed commissioned Texas peace officer.

Transcript Highlights:

• establishing guidelines on how to how the grants are applied for and awarded including and clear procedures
• Test final behalf of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement neutrally, is that correct?
• . clarifying that the commission may not make a grant has appropriated the money for the grant.
• Director, I'm non-commissioned, sir. Okay. Director, what's the — can you give us a quick rundown?
• So you're registered as Cullen Grissom, Texas Commission, or Cleet, Texas Commission. law enforcement

Bills: HB2034, HB2436, HB3010, HB3033, HB3138, HB3177, HB3426, HB3686, HB3858, HB4176, HB4257, HB4264, HB4804, HCR98

Keywords: groundwater, foreign ownership, national security, water permits, environmental health, deadly conduct, firearm, recklessness, peace officer, prosecution, Penal Code, Texas laws, disaster recovery, infrastructure, rural communities, grants, state funding, emergency management, HB 3033, Texas Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I want to start by saying commission.
• Um, but this is something that I wanted to just highlight for the commission.
• Um, but this is something that I wanted to just highlight for the commission.
• Um, but this is something that I wanted to just highlight for the commission.
• Um, but this is something that I wanted to just highlight for the commission.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met in September 2025, established a quorum, introduced new member Larry Forester, and approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. The main presentation came from Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Johnson, who discussed the district’s work serving English language learners and multilingual students, including immigrant and refugee families. They said Warren County now serves roughly 5,500 multilingual students out of about 19,000 total, representing about 92 languages and 90 countries, with 57 certified multilingual teachers, a GO Center, migrant and refugee advocates, and the state’s first international high school. The presenters emphasized that the district welcomes immigrant families and that students and parents generally value public education, but they described major challenges tied to accountability and funding. They explained that multilingual students are tested after one year in the system, even though many need more time to become proficient in English and grade-level standards, and they argued that current graduation-rate rules can unfairly penalize schools when transient students enroll briefly and then leave. They also said the cost of serving this population has risen sharply, with special revenue and especially general-fund spending increasing substantially over the past decade, prompting the district to reallocate resources from EL teacher assistants toward translation technology and additional certified staff. Committee members asked questions about how long-term multilingual students compare with the general student body and whether the district’s data show similar graduation outcomes. Clayton said he did not have the specific comparison data at hand but believed students who stay K-12 generally reach proficiency. He and Johnson asked legislators to consider giving students more time before accountability measures apply and to shift some graduation accountability from individual schools to the district level for highly transient populations, while still maintaining accountability. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• as Rial 054 and provides that L&I's authority to hire additional claims managers using allotment procedures
• as Rial 054 and provides that L&I's authority to hire additional claims managers using allotment procedures
• Many other combinations of gender-affirming procedures, including revisions to prior treatment, when
• And, you know, the thing is that we have a lot of protections in our law for getting procedures done
• , and at no point does it circle back and say that before these surgical procedures are done, there needs

Bills: HB2689, SB5420, SB5868, SB5877

Keywords: Working Connections Child Care, child care subsidy, subsidized child care, Washington DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, low-income families, child care providers, licensed child care centers, family child care, market rate survey, subsidy rates, income eligibility, state median income, SNAP, Basic Food, collective bargaining, provider reimbursement, daily payment, half-day care, partial-day care

Transcript Highlights:

• AGS 871 represents the Campaign Spending Commission. We have our executive director, Kristen Isumi.
• Representing the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, we have our executive director, Amy Hammond.
• And from our systems and procedures office, which is like the DAGS IT office, not ETS, they put in the
• </c> Lou and from our systems and procedures Lou and from our systems and procedures office<04:59:53.558
• The next item is a request from the Campaign Spending Commission.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Law Enforcement on its priorities following the January 1 transfer of law enforcement assets into the department, including the sheriff’s division, narcotics enforcement, criminal investigations, homeland security, and the inspector general’s office. DLE said its goals are to improve public safety, accountability, communications, training, and standards. The department outlined planned initiatives such as stronger federal partnerships, narcotics and gun-violence enforcement, an agricultural crime unit, traffic and commercial vehicle enforcement, an explosive/fireworks enforcement section, gun buybacks, new police facilities in the airport area, Aahu, and the leeward side, a state training center, upgraded law-enforcement IT, and efforts to narrow salary gaps with county departments to improve recruitment. A major portion of the discussion focused on illegal fireworks enforcement after the recent explosion tragedy. DLE said its current task force is small and relies on ad hoc support from HPD, the Attorney General’s office, criminal investigations, and sheriffs, which is not sustainable. The department requested eight FTEs for the effort—one administrator, two clerical staff, and six investigators—plus funding for a laboratory, equipment, storage, disposal, vehicles, safety gear, and a criminalist. DLE said the explosive enforcement section would use an existing facility and that the initial lab startup cost is about $2 million. Members asked for follow-up materials, and DLE said it would send the explosive enforcement forms and additional details to the Finance and Judiciary chairs. Members also questioned staffing vacancies, interagency coordination, and whether new specialized units could be filled. DLE said it has about 119 vacancies and that recruitment is hindered by a roughly $28,000 starting pay gap with county police departments; academy classes are down to about 12 to 14 recruits. The department said it is streamlining hiring, using QR-code recruitment, and hopes specialized units will attract applicants. On coordination, DLE said it works closely with HPD and other agencies on operations such as fireworks enforcement and public events, and that DOCARE remains a case-by-case partner but is not currently moving into DLE. The committee also received updates on the Silver Alert program, which is nearing rollout with county MOUs and a coordinator expected later in the month, the special duty officer program, which is being moved to a web-based vendor-managed system at no cost to the department, and the SaferWatch school safety system, which is being deployed statewide with annual software costs of $3,500 per school in the first year and $2,500 thereafter. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The SAO also conducted an audit of financial practices at the Commission.
• I'm the Executive Director of the Texas Ethics Commission.
• How would it be something that the Historic Commission can do by looking at?
• Executive Director of the Texas Historical Commission. Thank you so much.
• Texas Commission on the Arts.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, if they don't, it becomes a whole other procedure where the administration gets involved and other
• If not, the clerk will take the call. other procedure where they other procedure where they administration
• ,</c> House Bill 336, criminal procedure, House Bill 336, criminal procedure, District<01:01:15.400><
• House Bill 336, criminal procedure, district court issuance of summons and arrest warrants.
• House Bill 1529, Baltimore County Local Commission on Common Ownership Communities.

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Marisol would not have happened if police had followed procedure.
• Marisol would not have happened if police had followed procedure.
• Marisol would not have happened if police had followed procedure.
• Marisol would not have happened if police had followed procedure.
• Marisol would not have happened if police had followed procedure.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If realtors have got to have a license, if they got to be monitored by the Securities Commission, I be
• , I be dog, we the Securities Commission, I be dog, we gonna<00:38:21.680><c> have</c><00:38:21.760><
• </c><00:45:05.040><c> and</c> resistance that these procedures and resistance that these procedures and
• >> So, procedurally, how do you figure we get to that point?
• &gt;&gt; So,<04:09:34.560><c> procedurally</c> &gt;&gt; So, procedurally &gt;&gt; So, procedurally procedurally

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate first recognized the Montgomery Academy boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 3A state championship, their second straight title. Senator Barfoot introduced the team and read a resolution commending the players, coaches, and school community for the 66-39 win over Southside Selma, noting standout performances by Braden Gordon, Mason Ellis, and Jarrett Friendley. Coach Jeremy Aant and school head John Williams thanked the Senate and emphasized the team’s selflessness, teamwork, academic standards, service, and leadership development. The Senate applauded the team, added all senators to the resolution, and arranged for a picture and challenge coins for the players. After the recognition, the Senate came to order, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Committee reports followed. The Committee on State Government Affairs reported House Bill 541 favorably with one amendment; the bill would create the Safeguard Alabama Voter Engagement Act, requiring party registration for primary voting, restricting crossover voting, retaining voter history as a public record, revising voter registration forms, and requiring parties to publish candidate qualifications. The bill was ordered to a second reading and placed on the calendar. The Committee on Local Legislation reported House Bills 630, 631, and 632 favorably, all relating to Etowah County, including changes to tax exemptions and personnel board membership. These bills were also sent to second reading and the calendar. The Senate then took up Senate Joint Resolution 117, commending Dylan Nut for winning the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic, and added all members as co-sponsors. During discussion, one senator used the opportunity to speak at length about a separate concern involving alleged unlicensed real estate solicitation and the need for legislation to protect citizens from property-related scams; he also discussed the calendar process and other bills. The floor later included extended informal remarks about fishing and a separate discussion of a proposal to designate Miss America as an official state ambassador, with support expressed for a possible stipend amendment.