Transcript Highlights:

• resolution to commend and congratulate Brockston Whitesell upon being named reserve champion of the Hondo Rodeo

Bills: SR130, SR131, SR132, SR133, SCR74, SCR12, HB582, HB221, HCR74, HCR58, HB71, HB79, HB158, HB160, HB169, HB227, HB251, HB289, HB330, HB394, HB410, HB429, HB769, HB1017, HB1234, HB712, SCR3, SB54, SB72, SB129, SB164, SB232, SB287, SB322, SB374, SB375, SB386, SB409, SB447, SB458, SB78, SB112, SB124, SB125, SB174, SB190, SB201, SB208, SB236, SB273, SB307, SB347, SB357, SB385, SB387, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB426, SB435, SB487, SB488, SB523, SB222, SCR9, SCR58, SB480, SB514, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, HCR31, HCR47, HB362, HB363, HB368, HB377, HB380, HB382, HB386, HB392, HB406, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB503, HB533, HB559, HB575, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB655, HB664, HB685, HB692, HB707, HB715, HB732, HB738, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB807, HB822, HB856, HB860, HB868, HB887, HB888, HB905, HB908, HB961, HB980, HB990, HB992, HB999, HB1000, HB1010, HB1146, HB1157, HB1233, HB1243, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1198, HB1246, HB27, HB143, HB205, HB259, HB267, HB288, HB308, HB403, HB405, HB414, HB417, HB478, HB546, HB548, HB555, HB557, HB609, HB670, HB672, HB740, HB779, HB786, HB796, HB812, HB848, HB915, HB917, HB921, HB930, HB933, HB1095, HB1096, HB1103, HB1129, HB1154, HB1166, HB1187, HB1195, HB1230, HB316, HB511, HB514, HB799, HB1039, HB17, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB211, HB226, HB271, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB571, HB723, HB726, HB750, HB759, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1018, HB1036, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB441, SB449, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782, SB149

Keywords: E. Joseph Savoie, Dr. Savoie, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, UL Lafayette, higher education, Louisiana Board of Regents, commissioner of higher education, president emeritus, Carnegie R1, research university, student financial aid, needs-based aid, community and technical college system, teacher education, hurricane Katrina, hurricane Rita, retirement resolution, commendation, senate resolution, public service

Summary: The Senate convened with 29 members present, opened with prayer by Oren Connor, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a musical performance by the Chuck Wagon Gang. The chamber also recognized several guests and observances, including birthdays for Senators Seabaugh, Fesi, and Price, White Coat Wednesday participants, Tourism Day, the Louisiana Oil Marketers Association, Chenault International Airport’s 40th anniversary, and visiting fair queens from Washington and Tangipahoa parishes. The Senate dispensed with reading the journal and received numerous House and Senate messages, committee reports, and resolutions. Several Senate resolutions were taken up and adopted, including commendations for Isaac Herzenberg, condolences for Kathleen Sessomson and former Senator Louis Lambert Jr., recognition of White Coat Wednesday and Tourism Day, and a study resolution on transfer-on-death and payable-on-death accounts. The Senate also adopted a conference committee report on House Bill 782, which concerned vapor and alternative nicotine products and was described as giving the state more tools to combat illegal vapes. A number of Senate bills returned from the House with amendments were either concurred in or rejected, including SB 54, SB 72, SB 129, SB 164, SB 232, SB 287, SB 374, SB 375, SB 386, SB 409, SB 112, SB 124, SB 125, SB 174, SB 190, SB 207, SB 236, SB 307, SB 357, SB 385, SB 387, SB 458, SB 477, SB 590, SB 593, SB 618, SB 655, SB 692, SB 707, SB 732, SB 738, SB 748, SB 776, SB 807, SB 860, SB 868, SB 887, SB 888, SB 905, and SB 961, with votes generally passing by wide margins. The chamber also considered several House bills on final passage. Among those approved were measures on local security districts, budget review authority, school activity access for virtual students, electronic bid forms, brake equipment and trailer safety, construction management at risk contracts, temporary registration plates, the Louisiana Maritime Academy name change, OMV fee and ID issues, ferry operations, group purchasing for local governments, the Green Envelope Program for drivers with disabilities, OMV field office fees, LED fee updates, port development priorities, workforce instructor capacity, and a campus disciplinary process bill tied to hazing prevention. Some House bills were passed after amendments, while others were passed over or rejected for later conference, including bills on virtual school participation, historic preservation, civil service, suicide prevention, local government training, and economic development districts. The Senate also rejected House amendments on SB 78 and SB 208, and rejected amendments on SB 387, sending those matters toward further negotiation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to apologize; this week is actually the week for our annual statewide equipment rodeo at Expo

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my first rodeo, even though I have been with Highlands for many years.

Transcript Highlights:

• you have a, a can of Budweiser today and this UPC code is different than a can of let's go to the rodeo

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1781 by Gonzalez of El Paso relating to the Texas Livestock Stock and rodeo Education Constitution

Transcript Highlights:

• take a look at this and as I talk with some of the folks in my district, there was concern about the Sunday
• concern<00:04:27.919> about<00:04:28.160> about<00:04:28.479> the<00:04:28.720> Sunday
• <00:04:29.120> sales<00:04:29.600> of concern about about the Sunday sales of concern
• about about the Sunday sales of of<00:04:30.160> alcohol,<00:04:30.960> but<00:04:31.120

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 00:21 SB 145 Discussion 02:05 SB 145 Vote 04:06 SB 98 Discussion 06:25 SB 98 Vote 11:00 Adjournment 12:07, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 10, 2026, with a quorum present and welcomed student visitors from the University of Louisville and Graves County DECA. The committee first considered Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and declared an emergency. The bill was described as clarifying caterer licensing language, allowing catering services in certain venues, permitting advance storage of alcohol for multi-day events, and requiring ABC to act on applications within 45 days. Members discussed concerns about alcohol sales in conservative districts, while others praised ABC’s interpretation of the law and the need for practical regulatory fixes. SB 145 was approved by the committee and sent to the floor on a 10-1 vote, with Senator Donald Douglas voting no and explaining that he wanted more time to discuss the issue with constituents. The committee then heard Senate Bill 98 on welding safety, presented as a measure to require compliance with specified welding certifications and design plans on projects where such standards are called for, in order to improve structural safety and reduce liability. Supporters, including the sponsor, a representative, and a lobbyist, said the bill would apply only in limited cases and would help ensure welds are properly inspected and performed according to engineering specifications. SB 98 also received favorable action, passing 9-2 and advancing to the floor. Senators Christian McDaniel and Matt Nunn voted no, while supporters emphasized public safety, code compliance, and avoiding future damages by doing the work correctly upfront. After the two bills were considered, the committee had no further business and moved toward adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would exclude Sundays and federal holidays from the timeline between filing and hearing date.
• one says Sundays and Is it possible that we could be including any holiday that we have in Oklahoma
• We're talking Fourth of July and Sundays Is a very small compared to the five-day window.
• Sheriff's, you know, are certainly our sheriffs aren't working on Sunday, but you know, private service
• For by excluding Sundays and holidays.

Bills: SCR17, SB2104, SB2155, SB1428, SB1250, SB1651, SB1794, SB444, SB1061, SB1327, SB1425, SB1455, SB1458, SB1460, SB1480, SB1530, SB1543, SB1555, SB1593, SB1209, SB1730, SB1733, SB1769, SB1805, SB2069, SB2095, SB1503

Keywords: trusts, Oklahoma Uniform Trust Code, trust administration, trustee, beneficiary, qualified beneficiary, nonjudicial settlement agreement, trust accounting, fiduciary duty, forfeiture clause, no-contest clause, in terrorem clause, certification of trust, trust property, district court jurisdiction, venue, surcharge trustee, trust protector, trust advisor, principal distribution

Transcript Highlights:

• If the Chair will allow, Section 3 requires the DMV to remain open on Saturdays and Sundays, and hours
• 8 to... ...to that is they're going to be open Monday through Saturday, 7:30 to 5:30, and then on Sunday
• day to register to vote and then also preceding the general or primary election and then including Sunday
• So 8 to noon would not necessarily fit in on a Sunday.
• Does the DMV's plans to open for four hours on a Sunday meet the intent of this bill?

Bills: AB534, AB562, AB595, AB597, AB600, SB74, SB226, SB422, SB488

Keywords: election reform, voter accessibility, conditional ballots, voter registration, mechanical voting systems, election audits, voter access grants, provisional ballot, voting technology, AB562, Nevada, Secretary of State, elections, elections management system, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, automatic voter registration, AVR, election technology, state appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• 21:59.760> Senate They're in here, and the Senate attorney said, "Don't count Saturdays and Sundays
• My question is, would you consider taking out excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays?
• The problem with the reason Saturdays and Sundays was added the way it was, so that the 48 hours that
• they can hold them, that Saturday and Sunday would not count.
• time on Tuesday would be 48 hours, okay, because we would not count the time during Saturday and Sunday

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it ended up going on up on Sunday.
• <00:10:07.360> So >> So it ended up going on up on Sunday.
• So >> So it ended up going on up on Sunday.
• <00:10:19.840> And<00:10:20.000> on teams into there on Sunday.
• And on teams into there on Sunday.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee received a budget and program update from Kentucky Emergency Management on the state’s urban search and rescue buildout. Eric Gibson and Doug Hargrave said the legislature’s funding was used to create FEMA-type urban search and rescue capacity, including Kentucky Task Force 1 and 2, the incident support team, and the helicopter aquatic rescue/hoist team. They emphasized that the effort is not just equipment purchases but also training, credentialing, warehouse and training-facility development, canine program expansion, and coordination with local search and rescue agencies across the Commonwealth. Gibson reported that the agency executed 99.4% of the $16.175 million appropriation by the end of the fiscal year and said the team met its readiness target ahead of schedule, with equipment already being deployed in recent flood response operations. He also said $500,000 per year was set aside for local search and rescue grants, with about $482,000 awarded to 29 teams in one year and $490,000 to 36 teams in the next, averaging about $20,000 per grant. Several members urged the committee to consider increasing support for local responders in future budgets, noting rising equipment costs and the importance of local teams as first on scene. Members asked about staffing, coverage, and benefits. Gibson explained that the task force is a mixed workforce of full-time fire personnel loaned from local departments, professional service staff such as doctors and engineers, and temporary deployment staff, with workers’ compensation coverage provided through KYEM and/or home agencies depending on the arrangement. He also said local search and rescue members are not currently included in line-of-duty death benefits. In response to questions about coverage and deployment, he described the two task force locations as designed to keep resources within roughly 100 miles of every Kentuckian. The discussion also turned to recent flood response and disaster recovery. Gibson said the state had mobilized up to 24 teams over the weekend, documented roughly 60 to 80 water rescues or assisted evacuations, and was seeing significant damage in counties such as Cumberland, Clinton, and Metcalfe, including agricultural losses. He said several counties were meeting FEMA public assistance thresholds and that the state was preparing a broader relief request that could include FEMA, SBA, and USDA assistance. He also updated members on efforts to claw back and reallocate unused “strained fiscal liquidity” funds by the statutory deadline, saying notices were sent and funds were redirected where possible to unmet local needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the question becomes, if we can um have activities on Sundays, if we can gamble on Sundays, if we
• can dance and party on Sundays, the fundamental policy question is why not be able to hunt on Sundays
• we have had 67 bills alone about Sunday we have had 67 bills alone about Sunday hunting.<02:04:04.680
• ,<02:04:27.520> if Sundays, if we can gamble on Sundays, if Sundays, if we can gamble on Sundays
• ,<02:04:29.960> the we can dance and party on Sundays, the we can dance and party on Sundays

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

Summary: The House convened with 129 members present, read the prior journal, and then took up a series of third-reading bills. Early action included unanimous passage of HB 159 (mail theft), HB 412 (child support and driver’s license suspension), HB 912 (trap-neuter-return policies for community cats), HB 914 (Worcester County Board of License Commissioners membership), HB 558 (Prince George’s County wine festival licenses), HB 1400 (shellfish aquaculture penalties), and HB 1463 (Anne Arundel County Board of Education constituent services liaison). HB 582, dealing with Prince George’s County alcoholic beverages licenses and voter registration requirements, drew brief debate over whether it removed or retained a voter registration condition; it ultimately passed 119-12. HB 846, a property tax exemption for the Hagerstown multi-use sports and events facility, passed 126-7 after a system delay interrupted proceedings. Several bills prompted more substantive discussion. HB 1218, the Safe and Healthy Homes for All Act, drew opposing explanations over a proposed public registry of properties with housing violations; supporters said it would help identify serious housing problems and improve compliance, while opponents objected to publicly naming private properties based on administrative findings. It passed 99-36. HB 525, the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, passed 135-1 after questions about enforcement, with supporters comparing it to ordinary classroom discipline. HB 1483, allowing out-of-state clinical professional counseling and social work providers to use telehealth for continuity of care, passed 135-0 after clarification that it applies to people moving into Maryland and allows a six-month continuity period. HB 1504, the Pedestrian Safety Act, passed unanimously. Later, HB 664 (Cecil County alcoholic beverages license quota) passed 134-1, and HB 837 (cardiovascular pre-screening for student athletic activities) passed 133-2 after the sponsor explained that reporting requirements were removed for cost reasons and the bill now mainly requires screening questions. HB 925, regulating PFAS in sewage sludge applied to farmland, generated the most extended debate: one delegate argued the bill’s limits were too weak and lacked liability for industry actors, while supporters said it establishes the first limits, requires wastewater treatment plants to reduce PFAS, and leaves room for future tightening; it passed 130-7. HB 1370, authorizing a pilot stop-sign monitoring program in Rising Sun, passed 109-26. HB 649, expanding Maryland Commission on Civil Rights enforcement to higher education discrimination claims, passed 100-35 after supporters said current protections are stronger for K-12 than for colleges. The House also passed HB 512 on compensation for Anne Arundel County license commissioners and inspectors, and the session continued into HB 661 on commemorative months.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a seven-day event, with people arriving on Saturday and Sunday before practice rounds on Monday
• before because you have Saturday, Sunday before because you have practice<01:37:58.960> rounds
• <01:38:52.239> I've Saturday or Sunday when it's on TV.
• I've Saturday or Sunday when it's on TV.
• when it's the especially on a a Sunday when it's the final<01:39:20.159> round<01:39:20.560><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:56:52.240> And Sunday, get cleaned up for the week.
• And Sunday, get cleaned up for the week.
• They on their own go on a Sunday to check their emails for the month coming Monday morning.
• So if they work 15 minutes on a Sunday, you say, okay, well, you put in 20 minutes on Sunday, take an
• Violations and the employee on their own volition clocked in on a Sunday for a half hour.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• evening and sometimes on a Sunday evening and sometimes on a Sunday evening and on Wednesdays I get
• How many of y'all went to church Sunday? Don't raise y'all went to church Sunday?
• Don't raise y'all went to church Sunday? Don't raise your hand. Don't raise your hand now.
• at your church uh over a thousand people at your church uh over a thousand people at your church Sunday
• So, we were we had church we Sunday. So, we were we had church we Sunday.

Bills: SJR 39, SJR 68, SCR 29, SCR 42, SB 30, SB 33, SB 37, SB 217, SB 240, SB 331, SB 393, SB 505, SB 530, SB 546, SB 552, SB 584, SB 586, SB 618, SB 619, SB 636, SB 732, SB 769, SB 801, SB 825, SB 826, SB 844, SB 847, SB 870, SB 884, SB 957, SB 1065, SB 1150, SB 1184, SB 1257, SB 1261, SB 1262, SB 1299, SB 1314, SB 1325, SB 1398, SB 1413, SB 1455, SB 1539, SB 1577, SB 1583, SB 1596, SB 1620, SB 1624, SB 1642, SB 1643, SB 1667, SB 1717, SB 1727, SB 1760, SB 1789, SB 1791, SB 1804, SB 1868, SB 1870, SB 1883, SB 1901, SB 1923, SB 1924, SB 1927, SB 1951, SB 1960, SB 1962, SB 1963, SB 2010, SB 2018, SB 2023, SB 2024, SB 2037, SB 2051, SB 2052, SB 2056, SB 2066, SB 2073, SB 2127, SB 2129, SB 2161, SB 2183, SB 2185, SB 2207, SB 2252, SB 2323, SB 2332, SB 2368, SB 2405, SB 2439, SB 2626, SB 2717, SB 2743, SB 2774, SB 2949, SB 1, SJR 36, SJR 50, SJR 63, SJR 68, SCR 12, SCR 39, SCR 38, SCR 37, SCR 42, SCR 29, SB 2023, SB 62, SB 666, SB 847, SB 284, SB 854, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1539, SB 1505, SB 583, SB 957, SB 1502, SB 507, SB 1026, SB 1349, SB 1433, SB 1434, SB 264, SB 1364, SB 1376, SB 1585, SB 1772, SB 2016, SB 1163, SB 619, SB 1122, SB 1877, SB 732, SB 731, SB 397, SB 508, SB 1436, SB 287, SB 2143, SB 261, SB 1247, SB 1882, SB 618, SB 393, SB 2243, SB 1919, SB 1791, SB 651, SB 826, SB 1079, SB 1243, SB 1504, SB 1851, SB 1879, SB 2237, SB 1257, SB 2034, SB 1522, SB 1151, SB 596, SB 1191, SB 226, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 1401, SB 1728, SB 586, SB 529, SB 217, SB 209, SB 1923, SB 1839, SB 387, SB 1874, SB 1872, SB 1873, SB 1921, SB 1883, SB 1620, SB 1838, SB 2024, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 2166, SB 510, SB 1860, SB 1314, SB 1398, SB 855, SB 2037, SB 1759, SB 1924, SB 1818, SB 1762, SB 1968, SB 1977, SB 2077, SB 2321, SB 1662, SB 1663, SB 2124, SB 2204, SB 1855, SB 863, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 825, SB 1184, SB 2018, SB 2206, SB 1901, SB 2368, SB 1963, SB 1960, SB 1643, SB 1625, SB 1299, SB 841, SB 668, SB 584, SB 231, SB 1085, SB 2431, SB 2231, SB 1490, SB 530, SB 1261, SB 2180, SB 1804, SB 1937, SB 1936, SB 2569, SB 1372, SB 1868, SB 2314, SB 769, SB 1409, SB 434, SB 1214, SB 1951, SB 2183, SB 2046, SB 1667, SB 1870, SB 1727, SB 2405, SB 2127, SB 1975, SB 1760, SB 1734, SB 1335, SB 2066, SB 2129, SB 2246, SB 2439, SB 1624, SB 1244, SB 1468, SB 2717, SB 1612, SB 1262, SB 604, SB 2395, SB 2185, SB 1832, SB 1745, SB 1746, SB 2207, SB 1784, SB 1524, SB 528, SB 437, SB 269, SB 1137, SB 968, SB 636, SB 747, SB 1325, SB 1789, SB 1455, SB 2056, SB 1940, SB 2052, SB 2010, SB 1579, SB 2068, SB 3034, SB 844, SB 1920, SB 1558, SB 1236, SB 1044, SB 884, SB 463, SB 331, SB 227, SB 240, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1410, SB 1626, SB 1845, SB 1863, SB 2216, SB 2681, SB 1717, SB 2053, SB 546, SB 2141, SB 2949, SB 2323, SB 2200, SB 2332, SB 2199, SB 1642, SB 1150, SB 1757, SB 2050, SB 1138, SB 2051, SB 2626, SB 2458, SB 1864, SB 2201, SB 1862, SB 1583, SB 1055, SB 2660, SB 1898, SB 2662, SB 2161, SB 2964, SB 2881, SB 1065, SB 801, SB 2743, SB 2533, SB 1413, SB 2073, SB 3014, SB 3013, SB 2774, SB 2702, SB 2629, SB 2443, SB 2349, SB 2167, SB 2145, SB 2121, SB 758, SB 648, SB 647, SB 512, SB 438, SB 1721, SB 2268, SB 1495, SB 2705, SB 2366, SB 1422, SB 1369, SB 1013, SB 682, SB 2692, SB 2570, SB 2797, SB 2111, SB 1896, SB 1164, SB 1020, SB 663, SB 2371, SB 1152, SB 2196, SB 2383, SB 2581, SB 2798, SB 330, SB 646, SB 843, SB 1998, SB 1418, SB 2788, SB 1169, SB 2873, SB 1754, SB 1534, SB 1718, SB 2779, SB 2004, SB 1143, SB 1756, SB 912, SB 2119, SB 2032, SB 527, SB 1580, SB 1952, SB 2601, HJR 4, SJR 85, SJR 84, SCR 4, SCR 18, SCR 43, SCR 46, SB 2322, SB 2448, SB 1777, SB 1283, SB 407, SB 2392, SB 2076, SB 2786, SB 3031, SB 2877, SB 2876, SB 2284, SB 2225, SB 1540, SB 2920, SB 2929, SB 1395, SB 1972, SB 2540, SB 1183, SB 2742, SB 2595, SB 2217, SB 2117, SB 715, SB 2330, SB 1964, SB 1383, SB 500, SB 1640, SB 39, SB 2001, SB 2080, SB 2722, SB 506, SB 2514, SB 2623, SB 2658, SB 1574, SB 2900, SB 23, SB 2753, SB 2398, SB 401, SB 1241, SB 2927, SB 2173, SB 2538, SB 898, SB 467, SB 1449, SB 2529, SB 1531, SB 2846, SB 2476, SB 2031, SB 986, SB 1181, SB 2075, SB 2154, SB 2864, SB 2, SB 260, SJR 68, SB 217, SB 331, SB 530, SB 546, SB 586, SB 1150, SB 1184, SB 1261, SB 1398, SB 1620, SB 1923, SB 1951, SB 1960, SB 2051, SB 2129, SB 2183, SB 2185, SB 2252, SB 2368, SB 2405, SB 2949, SB 825, SB 1870, SB 2010, SR 434, SB 3048, SB 3049, SB 3050, SB 3051, SB 3052, SB 3053, SB 3055, SB 3048, SB 3049, SB 3050, SB 3051, SB 3052, SB 3053, SB 3055

Keywords: constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, impeachment, public officers, removal from office, disqualification, El Paso, Boot Capital, cultural heritage, economic development, Western footwear, gender identity, biological sex, women's rights, immutability, policy, higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, this past Sunday, as I was traveling down to Austin, I stopped in Temple, and I went to church
• And when we walked in, they handed us a bulletin and across the top it said, Solidarity Sunday.
• wasn't just at their church, but churches all across Texas and all across the world yesterday, or on Sunday
• , recognized Solidarity Sunday, which is coming together to remind people of faith of the biblical...

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard the daily invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, which authorizes the legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified period. The chamber then took up several recognitions, including Senate Resolution 8 honoring Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Advocacy Day, a recognition of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, a delegation from Dimmit County, and the doctor of the day, Dr. Hosey Hinojosa. The main floor business centered on Senate Resolution 15, commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust history, the rise of anti-Semitism, the importance of education, and solidarity with Israel. The resolution was adopted without objection, and Senator Bettencourt moved to add all senators’ names. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17, recognizing Sexual Assault Survivors Day, with remarks focused on the prevalence of sexual violence, underreporting, support for survivors, and the need for prevention and stronger systems of response. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 14 in memory of Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman highlighting his service and using the occasion to call for tougher measures against violent offenders. Additional resolutions SR 3, SR 4, SR 5, SR 6, SR 7, SR 11, and SR 12 were adopted together, and SR 54 granting permission for adjournment for more than three days was approved by a 31-0 roll call vote. The chamber also recognized Leadership Frisco Class No. 28 and later honored former Senator Dr. Joe J. Bernal and, upon adjournment, Sergeant Mark Allen Butler of the Navasota Police Department. The Senate adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Butler.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, this past Sunday, as I was traveling down to Austin, I stopped in Temple, and I went to church
• And when we walked in, they handed us a bulletin and across the top it said, Solidarity Sunday.
• wasn't just at their church, but churches all across Texas and all across the world yesterday, or on Sunday
• , recognized Solidarity Sunday, which is coming together to remind people of faith of the biblical...

Bills: SJR36

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, and then took up a series of recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups, including Texas Society of CPAs Advocacy Day, the Texas A&M System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, Dimmit County officials, the Doctor of the Day, and Leadership Frisco. Senators also recognized the Senate’s memorial and ceremonial guests throughout the day. The main floor business centered on two commemorative resolutions. Senate Resolution 15 marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust education, opposition to anti-Semitism and denial, remembrance of victims and survivors, and the importance of teaching students to stand up against hatred. The resolution was adopted, and the names of all senators and the lieutenant governor were added. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17 designating January 28 as Sexual Assault Survivors Day. Senator Parker described the prevalence and underreporting of sexual assault, the impact on survivors, and the need for prevention, support services, and stronger responses; Senator Cook spoke as a survivor and emergency room nurse and highlighted rape-kit backlogs and the need for victim support. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman urging action against violent offenders and stronger protections for law enforcement. Several additional resolutions were adopted, including SRs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, and SR 54 granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days was approved by roll call, 31 ayes and 0 nays. The Senate later adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Mark Allen Butler, whom Senator Kolkhorst also honored in remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is interpretation of Sunday.
• you pay me for 30 minutes on Sunday. you pay me for 30 minutes on Sunday.
• Um there there's a paid on Sundays.
• logs on at on Sunday logs on at on Sunday >> to<02:00:50.239> their<02:00:50.480>
• > temperatures<04:44:14.000> in past Sunday, we saw temperatures in past Sunday, we saw

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have support testimony from the Hawaii Self-Advocacy Advisory Council, testimony and support from Easter
• :27.360> every venue but they do a drug Circle every venue but they do a drug Circle every Sunday
• 28.520> use<01:53:28.719> the<01:53:28.880> castle<01:53:29.400> right Sunday

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions. The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> She knows it's not her first rodeo. >> That's right. >> So, at this point, I would suggest that
• <04:28:10.000> not<04:28:10.159> her<04:28:10.319> first<04:28:10.479> rodeo
• >> She knows it's not her first rodeo. >> She knows it's not her first rodeo.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be dealing with Senate File 124, Economic Development, Rodeo Museum, and any referrals as assigned
• with Senate File 124, Economic dealing with Senate File 124, Economic Development,<03:11:47.040> Rodeo
• <03:11:47.520> Museum,<03:11:48.560> and<03:11:48.800> any Development, Rodeo
• Museum, and any Development, Rodeo Museum, and any referrals<03:11:49.680> as<03:11:49.840>

Keywords: 916, all