Transcript Highlights:

• the Texas-Mexico border region with the definition provided in Section 2056.002 of the Government Code
• 31. 36. All right.
• The SOAH hearings process is... governed by Chapter 2003 of the Government Code.
• , and transportation code.
• Is there anyone else who wishes to testify on, for, or against House Bill 31?

Bills: HB1240, HB2768, HB2788, HB3146, HB4850, HB5032, HCR90

Keywords: border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, HB 2768, Texas information technology apprenticeship, state IT credential, information resources workforce, junior college, technical institute, apprenticeship program, workforce development, state agency hiring, job classification, career ladder, bachelor's degree substitution, associate degree, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, state auditor classification officer

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas and Mexico border region with the definition provided in Section 2056.002 of the Government Code
• The SOAH hearings process is governed by Chapter 2003 of the Government Code.
• for agriculture, human resources, insurance, labor, and transportation code.
• Additionally, the bill amends Government Code Section 481.066, Subsection (e), to add a qualified member
• Additionally, the bill amends government code section 481.066 sub e to add a qualified member from a

Bills: HB1240, HB2768, HB2788, HB3146, HB4850, HB5032, HCR90

Keywords: border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, HB 2768, Texas information technology apprenticeship, state IT credential, information resources workforce, junior college, technical institute, apprenticeship program, workforce development, state agency hiring, job classification, career ladder, bachelor's degree substitution, associate degree, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, state auditor classification officer

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee met without a quorum, so no votes or formal actions were taken. The chair laid out several bills and resolutions for explanation and public testimony, with each item left pending subject to the call of the chair. Early items included House Bill 1240, a cleanup measure to create a single uniform definition of the Texas-Mexico border region across state law, and House Bill 2768, which would establish an IT apprenticeship credential through junior colleges and technical institutions to help fill state government technology jobs. The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 90, which would encourage establishing a Texas trade and investment office in Jerusalem. Testimony on the resolution was sharply divided: one witness opposed it on foreign policy and values grounds, while a Texas Association of Business representative strongly supported it, citing Israel’s innovation and trade potential. Another major item was House Bill 4187, a committee substitute for legislation affecting the Texas Historical Commission; the sponsor described changes expanding use of trust fund money for historic sites, allowing more affiliated nonprofits, clarifying retail operations, and creating a framework for training and consistent interpretation at historic sites. A Texas Historical Commission witness explained that the bill would shift responsibility for maintaining many state-owned historical markers and monuments, including markers on private land, to the commission. Additional measures included House Bill 2788, which would shield Texas Workforce Commission fraud-prevention methods from public information requests; House Bill 5032, directing state agencies to plan for public display of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Texas Constitution, and the Victory or Death letter at the Capitol Complex; House Bill 3146, which would eliminate outdated memoranda-of-understanding requirements for certain State Office of Administrative Hearings arrangements; and House Bill 4815, a cleanup bill modernizing economic development statutes, revising the Made in Texas standard to 51% Texas-origin content, repealing the Governor’s Broadband Development Council, and making other conforming changes. The committee ended by recessing, with members indicating they would likely vote on pending business later when a quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• may hear testimony claiming this bill's requirements are more stringent than requirements in this code
• I know we're affecting a couple of different chapters of Water code.
• Um, I'm, I pulled up the, um, the government code just to see, you know, what other provisions are there

Bills: HB 279, HB 310, HB 365, HB 391, HB 420, HB 422, HB 638

Keywords: HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2021, a rural area district definition was added to Chapter 49 of 0.016. 2 of the Water Code for residents
• The Water Code provides that five people within the district can petition the board for... district meetings
• back to 2021 a rural desk district was defined definition was added to chapter 49062 of the water code
• will once again say that 2021 a rule area district definition was added to chapter 49062 of the water code

Bills: HB279, HB310, HB365, HB391, HB420, HB422, HB638, HB279, HB310

Keywords: HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• You may hear testimony claiming this bill's required and so are more. than requirements in this code
• We're affecting a couple of different chapters of water code.
• I'm I pulled up the the government code just to see you know What other provisions are there that may

Bills: HB279, HB310, HB365, HB391, HB420, HB422, HB638, HB279, HB310

Keywords: HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• >> All<00:31:39.760> right,<00:31:40.000> motion.<00:31:40.640> Second.
• >> Any<00:31:43.919> oppose<00:31:44.320> say<00:31:44.559> nay.
• <00:31:45.600> All<00:31:45.600> right.
• Okay.<00:31:48.960> Next<00:31:49.120> item<00:31:49.440> on<00:31:49.679> the
• agenda<00:31:56.960> for<00:31:57.200> the<00:31:57.360> office<00:31:57.679>

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:22 Office of Education Accountability Report: Early Childhood Regional Training Centers (RTCs): 01:22 Approval of July 14, 2025 Minutes 31:21 Office of Education Accountability: 2025 Study Agenda 32:35 Adjournment: 39:12, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an Office of Education Accountability report on Kentucky’s early childhood regional training centers (RTCs). OEA said the centers provide valuable training, consultation, technical assistance, and materials for preschool personnel, especially for children with disabilities and at-risk students, and that the services align with state and federal requirements. However, the report found uneven student and teacher populations across regions, wide variation in per-student funding, some staffing data inaccuracies, and several fiscal oversight concerns, including inconsistent indirect cost rates, a building rental charge that may have been duplicative, and host districts recording RTC expenditures in a way that could blur them with district finances. OEA also said some documentation of progress toward goals was incomplete and that the technology lending library appeared underused. The report recommended stronger KDE oversight, uniform coding and accounting practices, review of budgets and expenditures, and an evaluation of whether the current five-center model remains the most efficient structure; OEA also suggested the General Assembly may wish to revisit KRS 157.318. Members asked about KDE’s response, whether the centers are required by federal law, how the centers operate, and whether changing the model would affect federal funding. OEA said KDE had only discussed the findings informally and had not issued a formal response, the centers are required by state law but not federal law, and changing the model would not jeopardize IDEA preschool funds. The committee accepted the report by motion. The subcommittee then approved the minutes from its July 14, 2025 meeting after initially delaying action because quorum was not yet present. After that, members turned to the Office of Education Accountability’s proposed 2026 study agenda. OEA said the three proposed topics are the annual district data profiles, facilities funding, and implementation of early literacy statutes. The district profiles would add an appendix showing the number and percentage of students moving to private school or homeschool by district and another appendix noting data-quality issues that affect comparability. OEA explained that district staffing data can undercount contract staff because those employees are not always entered into the system, and members expressed interest in tracking whether prior recommendations were implemented. One senator also raised a separate interest in reviewing whether KDE created and implemented regulations related to KFIX. The discussion remained informational, with no final vote on the study agenda shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:03.279> But<00:31:03.440> we're<00:31:03.679> working<00:31:03.840>
• > Big<00:31:08.399> 10,<00:31:09.360> um,<00:31:09.679> Big<00:31:09.919>
• Josh<00:31:19.679> and<00:31:19.919> for<00:31:20.080> for<00:31:20.480>
• I don't<00:31:28.080> think<00:31:28.159> there<00:31:28.399> could<00:31:28.559
• <00:31:38.799> That<00:31:39.039> is<00:31:39.200> not<00:31:39.440> new<

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:28 Kentucky Recovery Vocational: Workforce Reimagined 00:01:31 Update on College Athletics and 25RS SB 3 00:24:39 Goodwill Kentucky Excel Center 01:09:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Kentucky Recovery Vocational Workforce and Re-entry Incorporated, led by Executive Director Jerick D'vor, on its vocational training model for people in recovery and formerly incarcerated individuals. He said the nonprofit operates in Russell Springs and serves students from across Kentucky, offering manufacturing and welding training tied to recovery services through Spark Recovery. D'vor emphasized that the program combines treatment, soft-skills coaching, job placement, and continued support after employment, arguing that training should begin around 90 days into recovery rather than earlier. He reported strong outcomes, including 292 students served, 259 certificates earned, and 250 job placements, with many participants placed in manufacturing jobs and 17 welders trained and placed through the new welding academy. Members praised the program but asked about funding, retention, and employability barriers. D'vor said the pilot was supported by opioid abatement grant funding, and the program now relies mainly on donor contributions and Spark Recovery’s investment in clients, with possible future support from additional opioid abatement funds or 1915(i) mechanisms. He said participants are not charged tuition and that the organization provides soft-skills training and job coaches. In response to questions about long-term outcomes, he said the program does not yet have a full alumni tracking system but is exploring technology options and continues to provide post-employment support for 90 days. After approving the committee minutes, members received an update on college athletics and Senate Bill 3 from University of Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird and University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. They said Kentucky’s NIL framework and reporting requirements are working reasonably well and praised the state for not trying to create a competitive advantage in the evolving college sports environment. Heird reported that 521 student-athletes have signed up for NILGO and about 240 deals have been approved through the system, while noting the need to ensure NIL agreements are legitimate marketplace deals rather than artificial payments. The discussion also touched on the House settlement, the $600 approval threshold, and broader federal changes affecting college athletics.

Transcript Highlights:

• :31:05.320> and<00:31:05.600> you<00:31:05.760> all<00:31:06.039> have<00
• of Harden County<00:31:15.120> hi<00:31:15.320> I'm<00:31:15.559> Griffin<00:31
• thank<00:31:23.840> you<00:31:24.480> uh<00:31:24.639> this<00:31:24.760>
• her here uh<00:31:28.639> she<00:31:28.840> is<00:31:29.080> just<00:31:29.240>
• like<00:31:29.440> my<00:31:29.600> niece<00:31:30.360> and<00:31:30.919

Keywords: Roll Call – 00:11 Discussion on SB 181 – 01:05 Vote on SB 181 – 24:16 Discussion on HB 242 – 31:00 Vote on HB 242 – 32:14 Discussion on HB 164 – 33:26 Vote on HB 164 – 39:55, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children heard Senate Bill 181, which would require school districts to use only traceable forms of communication for staff, coaches, and volunteers when contacting students, require reporting of known private direct communication, notify parents, protect minors’ anonymity in EPSB investigations, and extend the investigation period for sexual misconduct cases to 120 days. Senator Lindsay Tichenor said the bill is meant to restore safeguards for children and families and address inappropriate private communications between school personnel and students. The committee also heard testimony from Stacy and Brad Brisco, who described allegations that an Anderson County guidance counselor had communicated privately with their daughter, encouraged her to pursue emancipation and CPS involvement, and used school channels to facilitate contact; they said the resulting abuse report was unsubstantiated and that the school system and EPSB had not acted promptly. Ashley Nation also testified in support as a survivor of educator sexual abuse, arguing that traceable communication policies are needed to prevent grooming and misconduct and that the bill does not stop communication, only makes it transparent and accountable. Members asked questions about what counts as traceable communication and whether schools already have policies. Tichenor said traceable communication could include paper notes, email, and apps such as ClassDojo or Google Classroom, and said the bill requires a trail parents can access. She also said some districts have ethical standards but they are not consistently followed, and that state-level action is needed. Senator Denine suggested the bill should allow districts more flexibility to choose among trackable platforms, noting that some systems already use tools like Dojo and Remind; Tichenor said a floor amendment would address that concern. Senators Williams, Meredith, Mills, Wise, and others voiced support, emphasizing child safety and the need for timely EPSB action. The committee then voted 9-0 to pass SB 181 with a favorable recommendation to the Senate floor. Afterward, the committee took up House Bill 242, sponsored by Representative Samara Heavrin, which would increase transparency in the child welfare system by making Kentucky child welfare data available to researchers while preserving privacy protections. With no questions, the committee approved HB 242 as well, also by a favorable vote, and members briefly noted support for the bill and the need for better data to inform child welfare policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• > payers<00:31:07.320> uh<00:31:07.440> the<00:31:07.520> citizens<00:31:
• > it<00:31:14.320> a<00:31:14.400> kind<00:31:14.680> of<00:31:14.840>
• So<00:31:30.280> that<00:31:30.520> would<00:31:30.640> be<00:31:30.760> part
• So<00:31:53.200> if<00:31:53.240> I<00:31:53.320> could<00:31:53.440> have
• ><00:31:53.560> a<00:31:53.600> quick<00:31:53.920> follow-up<00:31:54.400> I

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:28 Introduction of Guests 00:02:08 American Electric Power and Kentucky Power Presentation 00:03:31 SB 89 Discussion 00:53:55 SB 89 Roll Call Vote 01:07:46, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for an initial natural resources hearing with a quorum present and introductory housekeeping, including prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests. Chair Smith outlined ground rules for questions and then invited Kentucky Power and American Electric Power representatives to the table to discuss a proposed plan involving the Mitchell Power Plant and future generation needs in Eastern Kentucky. Witnesses Cindy Wiseman, Alex Vaughn, and AEP CEO Bill Fehrman said the company’s goals are to stabilize and lower rates, reduce rate volatility, and expand generation in the Commonwealth. They explained that Kentucky Power seeks legislative authority to securitize its 50% interest in the Mitchell coal plant, describing securitization as a refinancing mechanism that would lower annual plant costs by about $34 million and help offset roughly one-third of the expected cost of adding new generation in Kentucky. They emphasized that the proposal is not intended to close Mitchell, and said Kentucky Power currently has no plan to divest its interest; the company still needs the plant to serve customers while it pursues additional dispatchable generation in Kentucky. Members pressed the witnesses on the plant’s book value versus fair market value, whether the Mitchell interest had ever been assigned a nominal value, how any divestiture proceeds would be handled, whether Kentucky Power owns Wheeling Power, and how long Mitchell can continue operating. The company said it values Mitchell at net book value for accounting purposes, not fair market value, and explained that Wheeling Power is a separate AEP affiliate and that West Virginia affiliates have already proposed securitization of their share. Witnesses said Kentucky Power’s interest cannot technically operate past 2028 without additional environmental control investment, while the West Virginia side is depreciating through 2040. They also described the financing timeline, saying securitization would require enactment of legislation, a PSC financing order, bond issuance, and then parallel work to acquire or build new generation, with any reinvestment terms to be addressed through the regulatory process.

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQUgsv0HfsY, 2026-07-02T01:22:31+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agendas affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDN-WAL_03-11-21_.HTM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-Fqoh2C3Dg, 2026-07-02T01:22:31+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agendas affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAL_03-11-21_.HTM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X8vuWAuetk, 2026-07-02T01:22:31+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agendas affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_GVR_03-05-21_.HTM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EqpNr9sLks, 2026-07-02T01:22:31+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agendas affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_ECD_03-05-21_.HTM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bESvKByaQmA, 2026-07-02T01:22:31+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agendas affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_JHA_03-03-21_.HTM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k2Zyn5hM_c, 2026-07-02T01:22:31+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agendas affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_JHA_03-02-21_.HTM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBpH70AK1No, 2026-07-02T01:22:31+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agendas affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_GVR_03-03-21_.HTM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oMZ9eFYh-E, 2026-07-02T01:22:31+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agendas affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_JHA_02-26-21_.HTM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G_W_aoc04g, 2026-07-02T01:22:31+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Notices affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_AGR_02-26-21_INFO_.HTM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-7gL63lMeg, 2026-07-02T01:22:31+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agendas affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPC_02-25-21_.HTM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g-ZmewXFmw, 2026-07-02T01:22:31+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agendas affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_JHA_02-24-21_.HTM, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47