Transcript Highlights:

• School.
• He fantasized about throwing my children from the roof of their schools.
• It simply removes the word school, which no longer reflects that It simply removes the word school, which
• Keeping school in the name is misleading to families and the public.
• This bill's Keeping school in the name is misleading to families and the public.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2539 would raise the indigent inmate account threshold from $25 to $100, allowing incarcerated people to retain more money for commissary items like hygiene products, postage, and medications before deductions for legal financial obligations, child support, and other debts. Representative Street said the bill is meant to better cover essentials without stopping debt repayment. Testifiers from Civil Survival, incarcerated people, and family advocates supported the bill, describing current commissary prices, low prison wages, and the burden on families. The committee also heard that the Department of Corrections expects some indeterminate implementation costs and IT expenses. No vote was taken. House Bill 2510 would require the Department of Corrections to supervise anyone sentenced to community custody for stalking, regardless of risk classification. Representative Burnett said the bill is intended to protect victims and give them peace of mind. Staff explained that the bill is narrower than a related measure heard earlier because it applies only to people sentenced to community custody, typically at the superior court level. Victim advocates and survivors testified in strong support, describing stalking cases that escalated to severe threats and violence and arguing that mandatory supervision could prevent future harm. The hearing was closed without action. The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2319 and Substitute House Bill 2350, both concerning residential habilitation centers. HB 2319 would rename Fircrest School and Rainier School to remove the word “school” and better reflect their current role as residential habilitation centers; supporters said the old terminology is outdated and confusing, while the sponsor said the bill is a clarification only and does not change services or funding. HB 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and other designated people when an RHC falls out of compliance with federal CMS requirements, and to post plain-language notices at the facility. Supporters from Disability Rights Washington, The Arc, and self-advocates said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The committee closed public hearing on both bills, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• three-year-old boy who had drowned at one of those swim schools.
• When he drowned, he was in his swim school group.
• We're not unusual among private swim schools, generally.
• Deshaun was a Woodrow Wilson student and a high school senior.
• Deshaun transitioned one month before high school graduation.

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:

• Remember, Summit High School is part of the Mansfield Independent School District located in the city
• They're also joined by the principal of Summit High School, Jason Mutterer today.
• Of certain laws governing public school requirements of the School District of Innovation or for the
• HB 3754 by Cunningham ruling to the school district's conference of hearing for a public school students
• the administration of assessment instruments in public schools, the assignment of public school campus

Transcript Highlights:

• or a school district.
• call a non-public school.
• </c> Schools opened the school in Schools opened the school in 1967<01:09:30.480><c> so</c><01:09:30.679
• Just to clarify, our constituents are school boards and school board members.
• </c><04:17:03.800><c> and</c><04:17:04.000><c> we</c> schools all the public schools and we schools all

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met to hear House Bill 520, which would authorize the Department of Education to issue subpoenas in investigations and hearings involving the code of conduct for New Hampshire educators. Representative Lynn, the bill sponsor, said the measure was intended to give the department standard subpoena power during investigations and in later adjudicatory proceedings, with a process for challenging overbroad subpoenas. He argued that agencies with investigative and hearing authority should also have the power to compel witnesses and documents, and said the bill was narrowed from an earlier broader draft to focus on teacher credentialing and address concerns about scope. Members raised several concerns about whether the department already has enough authority, whether the Attorney General could handle subpoenas instead, and whether the bill creates an imbalance by giving subpoena power mainly to the investigating side. Representative Burroughs said she did not feel she had enough information and was uncomfortable with the bill, especially regarding who bears subpoena costs. Representative Biron questioned the trial analogy and whether both sides truly have equal subpoena rights. Lynn responded that the investigative stage is like a grand jury process, where only the investigating body subpoenas witnesses, while the adjudicatory stage allows both sides to seek subpoenas through the hearing officer. Other questions focused on the bill’s scope. Representative Andreos asked what investigative authority the Department of Education already has, and Representative Organ questioned why the bill is limited to educators rather than also covering vendors, charter school boards, or the EFA scholarship organization. Lynn said the limitation to educators was deliberate, because earlier broader versions drew objections for being too expansive. Representative Tur asked whether the Attorney General could already handle such matters, and Lynn said that while the AG might be able to pursue some investigations or court subpoenas, agencies should be able to conduct their own internal investigations. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; What school are you go to? &gt;&gt; What school are you go to?
• </c> Uh I go to Asia International School. Uh I go to Asia International School.
• school.
• for a school bus. >> Okay.
• </c> qualify for a school bus. qualify for a school bus.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1694, which would create a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, and HB 1695, which would expand the state’s renewable fuels production tax credit. For HB 1694, supporters from the airlines, renewable fuels industry, business groups, and some environmental and youth representatives said sustainable aviation fuel is a practical near-term way to cut emissions in aviation, a hard-to-decarbonize sector, and argued the credit would send a market signal, support local production, and help meet state climate goals. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and a taxpayer-focused testifier, argued the bill could subsidize expensive fuels that may not be truly clean, could duplicate benefits available under other tax provisions, and should not support transpacific aviation or technologies they said are unproven or harmful. The Department of Taxation stood on written testimony, and the chair later asked that all verbal testimony on remaining bills be limited to one minute because of time constraints. HB 1695 drew similar support and opposition, but focused more broadly on renewable fuels for transportation, trucking, shipping, and other sectors. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Energy Office, airlines, PAR Hawaii, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pacific Biodiesel, and the RNG Coalition, said the bill would help scale local fuel production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support jobs and agriculture, and advance the state’s climate and energy goals. Several supporters emphasized that the credit would help build a local industry and that life-cycle accounting should be used to measure emissions benefits. Opponents repeated concerns that some biofuels and waste-based fuels may not be climate-beneficial, may rely on flawed modeling, and could create costly infrastructure that would need to be replaced later. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then section 15, at the behest of the House, we know that there are schools—many schools—that tuition
• Perhaps as we put the pressure on public school spending, some of those public schools might see a way
• of all the schools, A list of all the schools, what their spending is, who hits what impact, and one
• I do not feel that any one of our schools...
• Uh, it's most interesting because the school that's the most impact, which is the school... but I live

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CS for SB 182 on school teacher training and mentoring, school teacher training and mentoring program
• The program authorizes school districts and charter schools to place current and retired high-performing
• Are you trying to take them from the same school? That's a very good question.
• high-performing teachers to go work in low-performing schools.
• really, really help locally in school districts to help school board members be empowered to esteem

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Summary: The Pre-K–12 Education Appropriations Subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. First, SB 1318 by Senator Rodriguez made a technical clarification to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. There was little discussion, no opposition, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 182 by Senator Jones, which creates a school teacher training and mentoring program within the Department of Education. The program would allow districts and charter schools to place current or retired high-performing teachers as mentors in D- or F-rated schools, with mentors required to have at least three years of experience, a highly effective evaluation, and eligibility for a stipend of up to $3,000. A late-filed amendment was adopted to align the bill with the House version by setting the mentoring term to one grading period, capping the number of mentees, and clarifying use of enrichment funds. Members discussed implementation, including that principals would assign mentors based on workload and that the mentoring would occur within the same school. The bill received supportive testimony from a seven-year-old student, his mother, and the Florida Parent Teacher Association, and several senators spoke in favor of the measure as a way to support teachers and improve student outcomes. CS for SB 182 was reported favorably. The chair then thanked members and staff, noted this was likely the committee’s final policy meeting, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am curious a little bit – SRO school resource officers – how does their status change in a school setting
• I'm just thinking about when my daughter is in school, having her interrogated by a teacher or a school
• This amendment will simply direct our local law enforcement to not enter schools during school hours
• Imagine students that come to school.
• and thrive in school.

Transcript Highlights:

• system, the Donovan school system.
• So these are not owned by local school districts.
• Somewhat, because I know there are some schools, but because DESE is...
• These are schools that are owned by the state, but there are school districts that are owned by local
• Is there a list of those schools? Of the state-owned, operated schools? Yes.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee heard only Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 937, which would authorize the governor to convey a list of state-owned properties that are no longer needed. Representative Veit and Office of Administration witness Hanna Swan explained that many of the parcels are vacant, costly to maintain, or are former DESE school properties closing at the end of the year. They said the bill is intended to consolidate multiple conveyance authorizations into one measure, with some properties to be sold on the open market and others transferred for specific public purposes. Members asked about the location, ownership, and intended use of several parcels, including whether some were easements, how “indeterminate” acreage would be handled, and whether the Donovan School District would receive a property back in the substitute. Swan said the state generally seeks the best deal for Missouri while also considering community impact, and that maintenance savings on some vacated school properties could be roughly $100,000 to $130,000 annually. Questions also focused on whether local school districts or the state owned the properties, and on how community input would be considered before any sale. A second witness, Jefferson City city engineer David Bangy, testified in support of the parcel related to the High Street viaduct. He said the conveyance would help the city redesign and rebuild the bridge, improve pedestrian safety, add underpasses, and support a roundabout and better access to downtown and emergency services, though it could reduce parking by about 20 to 30 spaces. No witnesses spoke in opposition or for information only, and the committee adjourned after testimony without taking a recorded vote in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, and I will also just echo the last concerns also around our schools.
• , to high school, or to college.
• Not to start a business or not to go to school, to high school, or to college.
• I teach at Woodland High School in Yolo County.
• Their kids are going to school.

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 1277, which would create a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide refundable relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, energy, and general living costs. Senator Grove and supporters, including the California Policy Center and some local government representatives, argued the bill would put direct relief into the hands of working families. Opposition came from the California Tax Reform Association and the California Teachers Association, which said California already has progressive tax credits and that the proposal would be costly to the General Fund and reduce money for schools and other services. After extended debate, the bill was not advanced; a roll call vote on a motion to pass it to Appropriations failed 1-4, and the bill was held/fails on the floor with a request for reconsideration noted. The committee then heard SB 1287, which would create a capped tax credit to encourage private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. The author and rail industry witnesses said the measure would improve safety, reliability, emissions, and freight movement, especially for rural communities and agriculture, and that it was a public-private partnership rather than a handout. Opposition from CTA and the California Tax Reform Association argued a direct grant program would be preferable to a tax credit. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call without a final vote in the transcript. Members also considered SB 1407, which would fully exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax, increasing the prior partial exemption. The author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said the change would help retain veterans in California, support local economies, and align California with most other states. CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, with the roll call showing support and the bill placed on call. Later, the committee heard SB 1349, directing the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major tax expenditures and evaluate their goals, beneficiaries, and effects on revenues and Proposition 98 funding. CTA, CTRA, and several local government and labor supporters backed the bill as a way to improve accountability for roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1078, authorizing Santa Cruz County to ask voters for a temporary half-cent sales tax to help fund health care and safety-net services amid federal cuts; it was placed on call. SB 1120, extending the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and making it refundable for certain strategic industries, received strong support from business and manufacturing groups and was passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1275, which would replace the state sales tax on vehicle purchases with a vehicle license fee structure intended to increase federal deductibility for Californians, was passed 4-0 as amended to the Committee on Transportation.

Transcript Highlights:

• JUST TWO YEARS AGO, A WING OF THAT SCHOOL WAS DEDICATED TO HIS HONOR.
• I elected the first member to the school board to serve with me back when I first served on the school
• I elected the first member to the school board to serve with me back when I first served on the school
• I elected the first member to the school board to serve with me back when I first served on the school
• The school districts that have brought these electric school buses in... Buses in.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing individuals, communities, and state traditions. The chamber honored Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis posthumously after his Medal of Honor recognition, with remarks from Senator Scarcella-Spanton and others praising his sacrifice and welcoming his parents. Senators also celebrated New York maple producers and Maple Weekends, Bangladesh Independence Day and the contributions of Bangladeshi New Yorkers, York Middle/High School girls varsity volleyball for winning a state championship, Pavilion/York Air Rifle for winning the state invitational championship, and Tartan Day. These resolutions were adopted, and the sponsors opened them for co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the regular calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures on environmental conservation, personal property, agriculture and markets, insurance, state law, executive law, workers’ compensation, election law, correction law, public health, and parks/historic preservation. Most passed with broad support, though some drew a handful of negative votes. One bill on election law, allowing certain 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will be 18 by the general election, prompted supportive floor debate from several senators and passed 43-17. Another bill on correction law also passed after debate. A notable controversy arose over Calendar 227, a Public Authorities Law bill related to school energy planning and electric buses. Senator Borrello challenged an amendment as nongermane, the Chair ruled against it, and the Senate voted 22-0 to sustain the ruling. The underlying bill then passed, despite criticism from senators who argued the state should repeal the electric bus mandate and instead study safer, more practical alternatives for school districts. The Senate then completed its business and adjourned until March 24 at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...the stipend that would allow him to finish school.
• Does this bill extend to schools or teachers at all?
• Does this bill extend to schools or teachers at all?
• , another trusted adult out there, even if it’s outside the school setting... ...the school nurse, a
• He was bullied at school to the point that I had to move him from the school and homeschool him.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered several bills. SB 590, by Senator Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement, with a retroactivity amendment adopted. Supporters said it would help hold mandatory reporters accountable in institutional abuse cases; it was reported favorably. SB 778, by Senator Simon, would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency could be housed in the same secure setting under Chapter 916, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at APD; it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 560, by Senator Garcia, which streamlines psychotropic medication procedures for children in DCF custody, clarifies when new medical reports are needed, reduces duplicative background checks, and simplifies consent documentation. An amendment removed language expanding who could serve as a qualified evaluator and revised the Road to Independence Program changes to focus only on post-secondary education services and support, extending eligibility ages to 26 while keeping a five-year maximum. Members discussed fiscal impacts and funding sources, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1010, by Senator Yarbrough, which strengthens enforcement of existing prohibitions on sex-reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors and adds civil and criminal penalties, along with Attorney General enforcement authority and related parental rights provisions. An amendment clarified that actions could be brought by individuals as well as the Attorney General and that the provisions apply only to minors. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing child protection and accountability and opponents warning about chilling effects on medical care, schools, and parental rights. Senators raised concerns about standing, scope, and impacts on teachers and clinicians, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably on a 5-1 vote, with Senator Sharif voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• It exempts pre-schools from special tax assessments.
• It exempts pre-schools from special tax assessments.
• So here's an interesting nuance that's different between preschool and school school school.
• Here's an interesting nuance that's different between preschool and school school.
• It's carried with the school instead. I would love to look at it. The school instead.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met and first took up HB 47, Child Care and Early Learning Providers, sponsored by Rep. McFarland. The bill was presented as an effort to reduce child care costs and regulatory burdens by exempting preschools from special tax assessments, moving teacher training and testing online and making it free, allowing abbreviated inspections for top providers, extending license-exempt status to employer-provided child care, and addressing an insurance issue affecting family child care homes. Members asked about DCF transparency, accreditation, background screening timelines, accountability for exempt facilities, and whether violations would still be searchable; McFarland said accreditation would still be required, DCF reporting and abuse hotlines would remain available, and the bill would not eliminate existing transparency for licensed providers. An amendment was adopted to add clarifying language and exempt certain DOD and Coast Guard child care facilities operated by DOD personnel. Several witnesses and members spoke in support, emphasizing workforce needs, affordability, and safety. HB 47 was reported favorably by a vote of 18-0. The committee then heard HB 259, which designates August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day. Rep. Gerwig said the bill is intended to raise awareness of fentanyl’s dangers and overdose risks. Members spoke in strong support, citing fentanyl’s impact on families, youth, and first responders, and the need for education because fentanyl is often unknowingly ingested or mixed into other drugs. Gerwig also described a personal example involving a child exposed to fentanyl in a vacation rental. HB 259 was reported favorably by a vote of 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> $2,922 at the expense of the school $2,922 at the expense of the school district<00:13:43.720><c
• </c><00:15:50.000><c> District</c> liability yearly allow School District liability yearly allow School
• district like I said we have a school district like I said we have a school<00:18:08.919><c> district
• </c> you know that's and then 1819 school you know that's and then 1819 school year<00:20:22.600><c>
• </c><00:20:48.960><c> system</c> in U um one of the um U school system in U um one of the um U school

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:44 Attendance Roll Call: 00:55 SB 193 (Sen. Girdler): 01:53 SB 9 (Sen. Higdon): 03:22 SB 257 (Sen. Tichenor): 34:14 Adjournment: 50:57, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government first took up Senate Bill 193, a simple measure described as restoring wallet cards for jailers to carry when they are outside the jail. The sponsor noted the fiscal impact was essentially zero, there were no questions, and the committee approved the bill 9-0 for passage to the Senate floor. The committee then heard Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senator Higdon, which would change how the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) treats sick leave, personal leave, and annual leave in retirement calculations. The sponsor argued the bill is intended to address TRS’s financial challenges by standardizing leave rules statewide, limiting TRS retirement credit to 10 sick days and 2 personal days per year, preventing annual leave from being rolled into sick leave, requiring districts to pay the actuarial cost for any leave beyond the cap, and adding reporting and oversight requirements for participating agencies. He also said the bill would add 30 days of maternity leave, allow voluntary district contributions for tier four teachers, and direct the state auditor to audit TRS and report on agencies. Committee members asked about how overages would be audited and billed, the cost of a sick day, and how the bill would interact with local leave policies, including paid parental leave in some districts. The sponsor clarified that existing accumulated leave would not be affected, that the bill applies going forward, and that districts could still offer more leave but would bear the added cost. Members also discussed whether the maternity leave language set a cap or a minimum, and one senator noted the bill was intended to preserve personal days while stopping annual leave from being converted into pension credit. No vote on Senate Bill 9 was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to follow the Miss Hall School, my niece, in high school, was sexually abused by her ski coach.
• In 2004, I was a 14-year-old and a sophomore enrolled at Miss Hall School, an all-girls boarding school
• Hall School in all-girls boarding school in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
• School was an extension of my home. I struggled in school with learning and other disabilities.
• School was an extension of my home. I struggled in school with learning and other disabilities.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on a wide range of bills involving domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, trafficking, victim compensation, and related criminal justice reforms. Testimony focused on measures to support survivors and close perceived legal gaps, including bills to protect domestic violence survivors in child welfare proceedings, expand victim compensation for homicide families and trafficking survivors, create a DNA exception to the rape statute of limitations, eliminate or extend statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse, and strengthen laws on upskirting, sexual abuse by adults in positions of authority, and sexual assault by rideshare drivers. Several speakers also addressed bills concerning vulnerable adults, harassment and custody-related abuse, and early evidence kits. Witnesses included legislators, prosecutors, advocates, and many survivors who described personal experiences with abuse and barriers to justice. Supporters argued that current laws often leave survivors without meaningful remedies, especially where consent, reporting requirements, evidentiary rules, or statutes of limitations prevent prosecution or compensation. Prosecutors and advocates said the bills would clarify vague statutes, increase penalties in some cases, and better reflect the realities of coercion, grooming, trafficking, and delayed reporting. Some testimony also urged amendments, including changes to victim compensation reporting rules and clarifications to avoid unintended conflicts with other wage-recovery laws. No committee votes or final actions were taken in the hearing itself. The chairs emphasized strict time limits, respectful conduct, and the submission of written testimony, and several witnesses were called out of order to accommodate the large number of speakers.

Transcript Highlights:

• charter schools, we get children every month coming back from charter schools.
• charter schools, we get children every month coming back from charter schools.
• charter schools, we get children every month coming back from charter schools.
• talking about s school about school, you talking about s school systems<01:25:33.920><c> having</c><01
• . schools. schools.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Lansdown High School, Jaylen Hall. Lansdown High School, Jaylen Hall.
• ,</c><00:07:00.160><c> Tanvi</c> Mount Hebrin High School, Tanvi Mount Hebrin High School, Tanvi Modula
• </c> Lla High School, Nila Rooney. Lla High School, Nila Rooney.
• </c> High School, Marcus Schwarz. High School, Marcus Schwarz.
• ,</c><00:07:28.800><c> Crystal</c> District 23, Buoie High School, Crystal District 23, Buoie High School

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, February 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to recognize a Lubbock High School student, Alicia, are you in the gallery?
• Members, Summit High School is part of the Mansfield Independent School District, located in the city
• They are also joined by the principal of Summit High School, Jason Mutterer, today.
• requirements of the School District of Innovation.
• instruments in public schools and the assignment of public school campus performance ratings.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the school district.
• Is it all of the Arkansas schools? Is it a... Arkansas schools? Is it all of the Arkansas schools?
• And it's available to every school district in the state, charter schools as well? Yes.
• for school-based counseling.
• counselor or the school?

Committee: All JBC-PEER REVIEW

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of budget, appropriation, transfer, and contract items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests for several agencies, including the Auditor of State, Department of Education, and Labor and Licensing; ARPA return requests from Workforce Services; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests for State Police and Agriculture; restricted reserve transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic stimulus; a Commerce reallocation of positions and spending authority; cash fund, budget classification, overtime, and pay plan requests; and 17 methods of finance items for universities and other agencies. Most items were approved without objection after brief explanations from staff and agencies. Several items drew questions and were held or discussed further. A Department of Human Services discretionary grant package for the RSVP program was held over after Senator Irvin raised concerns about whether the grants were an effective use of state general revenue and asked for more information on administration costs and program operations. In the contracts section, Representative Richardson questioned a DHS sole-source contract with EMS Link for document management software and a DHS contract with Presidio; the EMS Link item was held for additional answers, while the Presidio item was clarified as not sole-source and was allowed to proceed. Members also asked for more information on a Department of Education mental health referral contract with Care Solace, which officials said is a statewide concierge/referral service connecting students to Arkansas providers and telehealth options. The committee also reviewed monthly reports, including the Medicaid Trust Fund. DHS and DFA officials said the fund was currently sufficient to finish the fiscal year, though it was being drawn down and would likely require a $100 million transfer from restricted reserves in FY27, with another $100 million set aside in the governor’s budget as a backstop. Members discussed the need to define a minimum reserve level and to better account for ongoing Medicaid costs in the budget. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jerry Kinney Weldon is a proud 1981 graduate of Stephenville High School.
• That's where I went to medical school, and they do have, as all the medical schools have concerns for
• It's a liberal arts school out there, right?
• schools. ...with some of the different schools, yet there's still expansion of those schools, and it's
• In terms of volunteerism and school involvement, she's a former president of the Denton High School Cheer

Committee: Senate Nominations

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations met to consider several gubernatorial nominees and first approved a slate of nominees left pending from the March 31 agenda. The committee voted 5-0 to favorably report those nominees to the full Senate for confirmation. Public testimony was then opened and later closed, with some listed witnesses not appearing. The committee heard testimony on Jerry K. Weldon II for the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors. Senators focused on stewardship of the Brazos River, the authority’s relationship to the legislature and the public, Sunset review, water quality and nutrient runoff, impaired waterways, and possible uses of constructed wetlands for aggregate mine reclamation. Weldon emphasized collaboration, transparency, and keeping the citizens of Texas as the authority’s primary customer. Commissioner Robert Vaughn was considered for reappointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. Discussion centered on TxDOT’s management, rural funding, population growth, project delivery, and the commissioner’s role on the audit committee. Doug McCreakin was considered for the Texas Tech University Board of Regents, with questions about legislative priorities, compliance with DEI-related state law, workforce development, rural medical education, and university partnerships. Jody Giles was considered for reappointment to the University of Texas Board of Regents, and Bernadette Carrasco Coleman for reappointment to the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents; both discussed higher education priorities, PUF funding, compliance with state law, and student support programs. John Rutherford was considered for reappointment to the Teachers Retirement System Board of Trustees, with questions about fiduciary oversight, investment understanding, and keeping the retirement system solvent. Brigadier General Michael Boyd was also considered for appointment to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, where discussion focused on military retention, child care, spouse licensing, base infrastructure, and grant funding for Texas installations. The committee did not take final votes on these later nominees during the hearing and left them pending subject to the call of the chair.