Transcript Highlights:

• and serves as the chair of the House Democratic Caucus.
• current House Democratic Caucus chair.
• on the House Public Education Committee.
• I represent Central Austin in the Texas House.
• So we saw this coming: House Bill 5419 and House Bill 5288 require the state of Texas to take any federal

Keywords: public education, Department of Education, funding, Trump, Kassar, Elon Musk, education policy, youth advocacy, billionaire influence

Summary: This was a press conference organized by student advocates and Texas Democratic lawmakers to oppose efforts by the Trump administration and allies to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and to criticize Texas voucher proposals. Speakers argued that the department and its Office for Civil Rights are essential for enforcing civil rights protections, supporting special education, Title I, Pell Grants, career and technical education, and other federal education programs. They said eliminating the department would weaken oversight, shift power to states that have a poor record on student protections, and harm marginalized, low-income, disabled, and rural students. Congressman Greg Casar framed the issue as a transfer of public money from schools to billionaires, tying the department fight to federal budget and tax-cut debates and to Texas voucher efforts. State Representative Gene Wu said Texas public education is already near collapse and warned that losing federal support would worsen school closures, staffing shortages, and class-size increases. Representative Gina Hinojosa highlighted Texas’s past special education cap and attacks on Section 504, and said she filed bills to route federal block grants directly to schools if federal policy changes move forward. Representative Vicki Goodwin said the state should fund schools rather than vouchers and noted underfunding of special education and inflation pressures. Round Rock ISD trustee Melissa Ross and Texas AFT president Zef Capo emphasized that federal oversight protects students and that Texas has a history of underfunding and mishandling special education, meals, and other services. The final speaker, Westwood High School senior Eliza Abert, said the loss of federal education support would most harm low-income and middle-class students and called on attendees to oppose the changes. No votes were taken; the event ended with a call for public pressure on lawmakers and continued advocacy.

Transcript Highlights:

• And every time, they've died in the House. That's just the facts.
• I believe we have a commitment from the Texas House to pass this bail bond package.
• , it's time for the Democrats in the House to join the Democrats in the Senate.
• If the House had passed the bill, this is serious stuff; this is like. Life and death.
• Thinking you were going to be critical of the House for not passing this legislation.

Bills: SJR2 , SB4 , SJR36 , SJR2 , SB4 , SR42 , SR74 , SR76 , HCR5 , SB710 , SB710

Transcript Highlights:

• The hour to which the House adjourned having arrived, the House will be in order.
• Frost moves that the House stand in recess to the hour of 5:50 p.m.
• Will all the members of the committee, the House and Senate, please meet in the well of the House chamber
• Transportation, housing. Transportation, housing, child care. You know what people also want?
• Let me tell you about housing. For decades, for decades, Let me tell you about housing.

Summary: The House and Senate met in joint convention for the Governor’s annual State of the Commonwealth address. Before the address, the chamber handled routine organizational motions, including recesses, the appointment of committees to escort the Lieutenant Governor, constitutional officers, and the Governor into the chamber, the posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and an invocation and benediction. The joint convention then heard Governor Maura Healey’s address, followed by remarks from legislative leaders and a closing benediction. In her speech, Governor Healey said the state is strong and highlighted accomplishments from the past session, including tax cuts, expanded child care support, the Affordable Homes Act, transportation improvements, federal funding gains, veterans’ services, and health care measures. She also emphasized ongoing priorities such as reducing housing costs, improving transit and infrastructure, expanding primary care and mental health services, supporting education and career pathways, strengthening clean energy and AI investment, and protecting reproductive health care. She called for abolishing tenant broker’s fees, creating a statewide graduation standards council after the MCAS requirement change, and continuing efforts to address the emergency shelter system and other cost pressures. No roll call votes were taken on legislation during the address itself, but the convention adopted the various ceremonial orders and motions by voice vote. After the Governor’s remarks and the benediction, the joint convention adjourned, and the House later adjourned to meet the following Tuesday in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name for the record and tell us about House Bill 803."
• I am Rebecca Mallory Seward, 2010 House page. God brought me here today.
• Okay, next we have House Bill 752.
• All right, motion carries and House Bill 752 will be sent. bathrooms.
• All right, motion carries and House Bill 752 will be sent. We will do so.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• I own my house. And I consider myself a success story. I own my house. I pay my bills every month.
• You've given House Bill 2416 a do-pass recommendation. ...in House Bill 2416 to do-pass recommendation
• And you've given House Bill 2806 a do-pass recommendation.
• You only get 16 days worth of basic allowance for housing.
• Housing shortage, my car broke down, right? Can't pay the rent.

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee heard several bills. HB 2416 would appropriate $20 million for Department of Public Safety border support, including equipment, law enforcement positions, and grants to local governments for border-related enforcement and detention costs. Supporters, including the Arizona Sheriffs Association, said the funds are fully used each year and are largely spent on drug interdiction, especially against fentanyl and methamphetamine. Opponents argued the bill’s immigration-enforcement language was too broad and that the money should instead go to health care, education, food assistance, or prevention programs. The committee approved HB 2416 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also heard HB 2806, which would require county recorders, ADOT, and AHCCCS to use the federal SAVE system and report citizenship-verification results to JLBC and the Auditor General. The ACLU of Arizona opposed the bill, saying SAVE is not designed to determine voter eligibility, could wrongly flag eligible citizens, and would likely lead to litigation and confusion. Several members questioned the need for the bill, noting existing citizenship requirements and current use of SAVE in some agencies, while others supported it as a way to ensure only citizens access voting and benefits. HB 2806 passed 4-3. HB 2663, a technical cleanup bill updating military leave language for state and local employees serving in the National Guard or Reserves, drew little opposition and passed unanimously. HB 2759 would appropriate $500,000 to the Department of Veterans Services for a grant program with Yavapai County educational institutions to help veterans with emergency housing, equipment, professional development, and other shortfalls tied to delayed GI Bill payments. Testimony supported expanding help for veterans, but some members raised concerns that the bill was limited to Yavapai County and included private institutions; the sponsor and witnesses said it could serve as a pilot and potentially expand statewide. The committee approved HB 2759 on a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking online, is there opposition to House Memorial 51?
• Representative Garcia moved a due pass on House Memorial 51.
• Today I'll be presenting House Bill 194.
• It says, you know, of course, housing vouchers will be accepted.
• with affordable housing.

Bills: HB310 , HB323 , HM51 , HB194

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Keywords: museum, cultural affairs, lowrider, Espanola, appropriation, feasibility study, broadband access, low-income, rural areas, Indian nations, affordable internet, employment opportunities, detention centers, immigration, economic development, repurposing facilities, job transition, rural development, housing, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2450.
• House Bill 3667, the chair offers a substitute to HB 3667. Recognizes Mr.
• If there's no objection, House Bill 3667 will be left pending.
• Does anyone else wish to testify for or against the House bill?
• If there's no objection, House Bill 321 will be left pending. Thank you.

Bills: SB650 , HB3667 , SB28 , HB3201 , SB1184 , HB1800 , SB 28

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Keywords: permit issuance, regulatory framework, business operations, efficiency, application process, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, lottery regulations, occupational licensing, fraud prevention, criminal background checks, lottery couriers, SB 1184, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, wine collection seller, collectible wine, vintage wine

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to your House of Representatives. to your House of Representatives.
• Welcome to your House of Representatives. Welcome to your House of Representatives.
• It's about housing stability.
• It's about housing stability.
• </c> housing chair and brief comment. housing chair and brief comment.

Bills: HB1952 , HB1951 , HB1929 , HB2497 , HB2208 , HB2572 , HB1953 , HB2551 , HB2549 , HB1737 , HB1628 , HB1769 , HB2493 , HB2264 , HB1997 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB1805 , HB2180 , HB2184 , HB2219 , HB2469 , HB2233 , HB2519 , HB2141 , HB1904 , HB2201 , HB2410 , HB2007 , HB2385 , HB2444 , HB2349 , HB2235 , HB1872 , HB2416 , HB2291 , HB2292 , HB2263 , HB2359 , HB2455 , HB1509 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1648 , HB2164 , HB2323 , HB1825 , HB2172 , HB1888 , HB2005 , HB2387 , HB2358 , HB2119 , HB2276 , HB2472 , HB1714 , HB2325 , HB1541 , HB1960 , HB2140 , HB2315 , HB2367 , HB2388 , HB1696 , HB2333 , HB2138 , HB2332 , HB2283 , HB2059 , HB2057 , HB2589 , HB2417 , HB2337 , HB1588 , HB2217 , HB2020 , HB1915 , HB1742 , HB2026 , HB1965 , HB1546 , HB2360 , HB1563 , HB1749 , HB2614 , HB1511 , HB1753 , HB1849 , HB1641 , HB2161 , HB2194 , HB1721 , HB2284 , HB2188 , HB1897 , HB1880 , HB1573 , HB1876 , HB20 , HB2137

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> residential treatment and housing residential treatment and housing supports<00:11:31.680><c> crisis
• the housing crunch.
• rehousing, which gets somebody quickly into housing and keeps them in housing.
• in housing we housing um and keep them in housing we have<03:38:45.680><c> youth</c><03:38:46.120><c
• So we have recovery housing.

Summary: The House Finance Committee’s Division 3 held a public work session on the Behavioral Health budget on February 27, 2025. The chair opened by explaining the schedule, materials, and deadlines for the budget process, and noted there would be no motions or votes in the division that day. Division of Behavioral Health Director Ktia Fox and DHHS CFO Nathan White then walked the committee through the division’s mission, structure, and budget materials, describing the division’s four bureaus: Mental Health Services, Children’s Behavioral Health, Drug and Alcohol Services, and Homeless Services, along with the policy unit. They emphasized the division’s role in oversight, technical assistance, quality assurance, contracting, and the continuum of care from prevention and early intervention through crisis and residential services. Much of the discussion focused on major programs and funding lines, including the 988 Lifeline contract with Headrest, a technical assistance contract with UNH, Medicaid pass-through payments to New Hampshire Hospital and Glencliff, crisis response services, cold-weather homeless responses, housing supports, and the children’s system of care. Members asked about the UNH contract, the 988 program, crisis stabilization centers, and the peer certification program; Fox explained that the peer certification is a training-and-credentialing pathway for people with lived experience to enter community-based behavioral health work, not a volunteer program. The committee also discussed the “Choose Love” program, which Fox said was created after the Sandy Hook tragedy to build resilience and strength-based emotional regulation in schools and communities. On the children’s side, Fox described the system of care account as the place where many contracted services are budgeted, including community mental health centers, care management entities, rapid response services, and residential programs. Members asked about temporary staffing, and Fox said roughly $500,000 in temporary staff costs shown in the current year would not be spent next year because the money came from a nonlapsing appropriation in HB 1573 for oversight of children’s residential services. She also said provider rate increases were a prioritized need but were not funded in the governor’s current budget, and that the Children’s Behavioral Health Resource Center was not funded, resulting in about a $1 million reduction. The session ended while the division was still moving through the children’s behavioral health slides, including questions about the Fast Forward high-fidelity wraparound program and medication management.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> legislation of House File 4432. legislation of House File 4432.
• House<01:28:33.360><c> File</c><01:28:33.600><c> 4174</c> House File 4174 House File 4174 &gt;&gt; [snorts
• House<01:34:33.520><c> File</c><01:34:33.760><c> 4174</c> House File 4174 House File 4174 is<01:34:35.400
• House<01:35:20.360><c> File</c><01:35:20.600><c> 4174</c> House File 4174 House File 4174 moves<01:35
• </c> share their thoughts on House File 3773. share their thoughts on House File 3773.

Bills: HF2136 , HF4195 , HF4548 , HF4432 , HF4174 , HF3024 , HF4389 , HF3773

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• housing market with pets?
• </c> for its own public housing. for its own public housing.
• </c> no longer eligible for public housing. no longer eligible for public housing.
• </c> private housing to pet owners as well. private housing to pet owners as well.
• And we just stand on our testimony as submitted, House Bill 2283, House Draft 1.

Bills: HB1984 , HB1593 , HB2423 , HB1691 , HB2283 , HB2386 , HB1824 , HB1697 , HB2164 , HB2165

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the order of House File 1066, House File 1126, then House File 967, and 1669.
• Day here to testify on House File 1126 and House File 967. I just wanted to welcome them.
• <00:01:49.200><c> file</c> house file house file 1126<00:01:51.079><c> and</c><00:01:51.240><c> house
• I will move House File 1126. Are there any amendments on House File 1126?
• Next item: House File 967, and I will just take it from here. House File 967...

Bills: HF1126 , HF967 , HF1066 , HF1669 , HF926

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: property tax, Indian Tribe, tax exemption, Minnesota, public charity, property tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, unorganized territory, federally recognized, soil conservation, water conservation, local government aid, environmental funding, Minnesota legislation, tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, tobacco

Transcript Highlights:

• you need to have an overview of all the different sections and subsections of House Bill 2.
• PED agency budget lives in House Bill 2.
• On pay on line 26 in your high level should match that rightmost number in House Bill 2.
• included in House Bill 253.
• So this is another item that's required because of the bill, House Bill 47.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is House Bill 55 by Representative Villio.
• House Bill 1035.
• Welcome to House and Governmental Affairs.
• I bring before you House Bill 1049.
• House Bill 1177, would you please read it in? Mr.

Bills: HB55 , HB608 , HB997 , HB1035 , HB1045 , HB1048 , HB1049 , HB1057 , HB1131 , HB1177 , HB1201

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Keywords: juror confidentiality, public records, criminal procedure, privacy, court disclosure, official journal, public notices, government transparency, local government, municipal website, school board notices, parish council, police jury, special districts, levee district, drainage district, road district, navigation district, sewerage district, newspaper publication

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope you will send it to the House with a due pass.
• I am here in support of House Bill 713.
• The next item on the agenda is House Bill 655.
• And so with that in mind, I'll go over what House Bill 655 does.
• Next up, House Bill 723, Children’s Residential Facilities.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• I hereby call the House Committee on the Judiciary to order. Mr.
• So, uh, House Bill 4 is in response to that.
• House Bill 4<00:01:32.560><c> today.
• I'm the state representative for House District 66.
• It makes me... that we will take up is House Bill 188, that we will take up is House Bill 188, Representative

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• e e e e e e e e e The House will be in order.
• House Calendar No. 1. House Resolution 53.
• of House Resolution 53.
• in the House.
• The House will be in order. The House will be in order.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will be in order.
• Signed, Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives. >> Pursuant to the order of the House
• Signed, Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives. >> Pursuant to the order of the House
• </c> to the house the approval thereof. to the house the approval thereof.
• </c> to address the House for one minute. to address the House for one minute.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair has been informed that House 4648 has been released by the Committee on Third Reading.
• Question: Shall the House adjourn in special adjournment? All those in favor say aye.
• Order that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet Thursday next at 11 o'clock a.m.
• Howard of Seekonk now moves that the House stand adjourned. All those in favor say aye.
• The House stands adjourned to meet Thursday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Summary: The House took up several committee and rules reports, mostly on procedural matters. It adopted orders extending committee reporting deadlines to March 18, 2026 for the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, and Public Safety and Homeland Security committees, and adopted a resolution honoring Russell Carrier for 44 years of service to the Forbes Library. The chamber also concurred with Senate petitions referred under suspension of joint rule 12, including proposals related to a sick leave bank for a trial court employee, creditable service for certain police officers and firefighters, and mobile driver’s licenses. Members suspended rules to advance a set of bills recommended by the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee, including measures on anti-retaliation protections for public employees, “Getting to Zero Week,” local and regional cultural council membership, and a Boston police age-waiver for Giselle Mello. Those bills were ordered to a third reading. The House also passed to be enacted two local bills: one increasing the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police officers in Weston and another dissolving a special fund in Athol. On third reading, the House passed to be engrossed bills authorizing the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm in Stockbridge, allowing Bridgewater to amend its charter for gender-neutral language, and permitting Arlington to place a ballot question on increasing all-alcohol beverage licenses. The chamber then observed a moment of silence for Philip L. Shea of Lowell, a former Lowell city councilor, state representative, and state senator, and ordered special adjournment in his memory. The House adjourned to meet Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> We have on the calendar for action H.R. 410, which was passed by the House April 10th of '26.
• Judiciary, which reports it has considered the bill and recommends that the Senate propose to the House
• The ayes have it, and you've proposed to the House to amend the bill as proposed by the Committee on
• passed by the house with a proposal<00:16:24.920><c> of</c><00:16:25.040><c> amendment.
• We received the House proposal of amendment and reviewed it this morning with Legislative Council.