Transcript Highlights:

• for covering the entire state how are you managing the demand particularly in high-traffic areas like
• Texas, for the state of Maryland, for the state of Illinois, and for the state to Utah.
• No, for two reasons. OK. It's a fair question, but for two reasons.
• Chairman, but we also want to just thank... again for talking to us about the bill and we're hopeful
• Thank you for being here and thank you for your testimony.

Bills: HB214 , HB626 , HB647 , HB658 , HB668 , HB674 , HB908 , HB214

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: firearm acquisition, gun smuggling, criminal offenses, ammunition, terrorism, public safety, Texas criminal procedure, federal law enforcement, state arrest authority, search and seizure, felony offenses, federal air marshal, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Defense police, military police, Homeland Security, Public Safety, veterans affairs, federal officers, joint law enforcement authority

Transcript Highlights:

• It was designed to be a high-security, high-medical-acuity...
• It has very high mental health acuity with the SRU, which is a special unit for severe mental health
• It's probably no different for DOC for our staff.
• We have three for men and one for women.
• But I appreciate you coming today, and I hope that there is a pathway forward for us to figure this out

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But then my hope is that we can save larger discussion largely for the end, but don't want to stop things
• But then my hope is that we can save larger discussion largely for the end, but don't want to stop things
• As I hope you've all already seen, submitted for the record in this hearing is a report from the Roosevelt
• Notably, our analysis found high levels of misclassification in sectors that are known for it, that have
• I'm hoping that we will hear it and pass it this year in state gov. or for defrauding the trust fund

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target. Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then. Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's been working diligently for you. So I'm hoping this bill gets somewhere you need to go.
• Thank y'all for being here today and for your testimony.
• done and parts for manufacturers or distributors for auto dealers. ...warranty work done and parts for
• rate for parts used for warranty work.
• rate for parts used for warranty work.

Bills: SB1113 , SB1117 , SB1206 , SB1460 , SB1802 , SB1906 , SB1917 , SB2340 , SB2455 , SB2680 , SB2690 , SB705 , SB748

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: SB 1113, converter's license, converter license, motor vehicle dealer, auto dealer, vehicle conversion, converted vehicles, direct sales, retail sales, trailer, semitrailer, manufactured trailer, chassis, manufacturer's statement of origin, MSO, Occupations Code, Transportation Code, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, dealer licensing, general distinguishing number

Summary: The committee took up pending business first and reported several bills favorably, including SB 2139, SB 2610, SB 1856, SB 2530, SB 2401, SB 2858, and SB 3016, with most of those measures moving out on committee substitutes and being sent to the local and uncontested calendar or to the full Senate. The committee also heard SB 1906 on expanding Chapter 342E consumer lending rates; supporters argued it would modernize Texas law and expand access to safe, regulated credit, while opponents from Texas Appleseed and AARP warned it would raise costs on already expensive loans and worsen debt burdens. SB 1906 was left pending after testimony. The committee also reconsidered and re-voted SB 1856 after a procedural issue, with the substitute ultimately adopted and the bill reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1113, which would clarify that certain vehicle converters, including a Texarkana business, do not need an additional dealer license to sell converted vehicles. The bill’s supporters described a long-standing business model and said the new metal license plate rules had created problems, while the Texas Automobile Dealers Association opposed the bill in its current form and said it could be resolved through DMV action or narrower changes. DMV said it was still researching a possible administrative fix, and SB 1113 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2680, a Public Information Act cleanup bill dealing with emergency deadlines, business-day exclusions, and litigation timing; broadcasters and other open-government advocates argued the issues were already addressed by prior law and court rulings, while the Attorney General’s office said the bill would help with catastrophe notices and timing conflicts. SB 2680 was left pending. Other bills heard included SB 1117, which would allow any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin neuromodulators for aesthetic purposes in the oral and maxillofacial region; the author and dental witnesses said it would clarify scope and improve access, and the bill was left pending. SB 2340 would clarify the Attorney General’s investigative authority over Texas corporations, including pre-suit depositions and sworn written questions; opponents raised due process and separation-of-powers concerns, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 705 and SB 748, both TDLR cleanup bills, and SB 1206, which would impose timelines and notice requirements on municipalities reviewing transmission projects; SB 1206 was supported by an electric cooperative and left pending. SB 1460, creating an ethics violation registry tied to licensing consequences, drew constitutional and due-process objections from several witnesses and was also left pending. After a recess, the committee heard SB 1802 on landlord duties to repair mobility assistance devices like elevators and ramps in rental housing, with the author describing prolonged outages affecting seniors; the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 2455, creating an Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate efficiency and demand-response programs, drew support from energy-efficiency and environmental witnesses and was left pending, and SB 2690, targeting deceptive business-certification solicitations, was laid out and opened to testimony before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is what I hope for your favorable support. Thank you. >> Thank you, Cindy.
• allowed height on July one. 2023 if more favorable for the high preemption as well.
• >> I am sure that I just hope for then Senator Bradley than Senator Ber Berman. >> You're recognized.
• And I miss the opportunity for questions. So she's hoping maybe you can address in your clothes.
• But thank you for what you want done to pull the parties together yesterday and I hope we can continue

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason for that is that excise taxes, while they serve a purpose for something like gasoline where
• So one other thing that I want to do in my decrim bill is provide a path for expunction for those who
• That's true for veterans.
• There's a lot of therapeutic value, well documented for centuries, for cannabis and marijuana, and so
• And I hope when it comes to THC it can be a first step for Republicans and Democrats to come together

Summary: Senator Nathan Johnson presented a pair of bills he described as a comprehensive cannabis reform package for Texas. He said one bill would regulate hemp-derived THC with a 21-and-over purchase age, a 5 mg THC threshold, testing, labeling, licensing, packaging, and marketing standards, an advisory committee to report to the Legislature, and a tax structure that would direct revenue to public health, law enforcement, testing, and the Texas Compassionate Use Program. He also said the legislation reflects work by Chairman Ken King and is intended as an alternative to a total ban, which he argued would be unenforceable and undesirable. Johnson said the second bill would decriminalize possession and personal use of up to 2 ounces of marijuana, allow limited home cultivation, and create a path to expunction for people convicted of conduct that would no longer be illegal. He argued current Texas THC laws are inconsistent, harmful, and disproportionately affect communities of color, while also diverting law enforcement resources. He said the bills aim to create a more consistent and enforceable framework and to support medical THC use. Supportive testimony came from Shawn Salvahi, a veteran and Texas Cannabis Collective representative, who said decriminalization and homegrow would help veterans and first responders and that leaders should correct mistaken policy. Senator Molly Cook, an ER nurse, also backed Johnson’s approach and opposed SB 5, saying prohibition has failed, worsened safety, and created criminal and economic harms. In questions, Johnson said the Senate is likely to move SB 5, that the House could still change the outcome, and that he has been consistent in opposing a ban since 2018. The discussion also briefly touched on redistricting, with participants urging attention to flooding and criticizing proposed maps, but the main action was the presentation and defense of the THC bills ahead of floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• for educational stability for provide for educational stability for children<00:01:56.360><c> in</c>
• ><c> wait</c><00:41:02.600><c> for</c> wait for accountability, and wait for wait for accountability,
• </c> for a delay and they've asked for for a delay and they've asked for additional<01:34:49.360><c>
• So, I hope this can be a lesson for all of us to take away and hear ourselves when we talk about things
• So, I hope this can be a lesson for<01:39:12.880><c> all</c><01:39:13.000><c> of</c><01:39:13.120><c>

Bills: HF3665 , HF3002 , HF4217 , HF4125 , HF4174

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: foster care, early childhood education, child care programs, placement plan, social services, extended foster care, kinship care, relative custody, permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar kinship assistance, independent living plan, transition services, youth aging out of care, medical assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, children youth and families, out-of-home placement, case plan, relative placement

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I think what this would do would get the payments out upfront for some of these high-cost things that
• you here and then our to outline for you here and then our hope<00:54:03.280><c> is</c><00:54:03.440
• fair process for incorporating these high<02:10:17.119><c> impact</c><02:10:17.520><c> loads</c><02:
• So, through this option for our high impact loads, our utility members are permitted to self-supply.
• </c><02:21:45.520><c> our</c><02:21:45.680><c> high</c> So, uh, through this option for our high So,

Committee: Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have the right to ticket people for either engaging in the fight or for having the birds or for
• They have the right to ticket people for either engaging in the fight or for having the birds or for
• For grocers operating on thin margins but high transaction volume, standardization is critical.
• For grocers operating on thin margins but high transaction volume, standardization is critical.
• Johnny Vineda, on behalf of the Latino Coalition for Health California, Campaign for More Doctors for

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1191 extends the census date for California High-Cost Fund A and B programs by five years
• high-cost fund programs continue to be necessary for rural communities.
• Telecom. the high-cost fund programs continue to be necessary for rural communities.
• The California High-Cost Fund A makes it possible for us to provide access to telecommunications services
• For this kind of service, the California High-Cost Fund A and B help to significantly defray the costs

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For members participating remotely, when the speaker calls for the ayes and nays on the question, you
• So for that reason, I'll be voting yes, and I ask for your support. I will close by saying, Mr.
• connection charges for organizations working on green technologies, hoping to engage in industrial symbiosis
• We are also seeing the opportunities for utilizing renewable energy for fertilizer.
• facilities to pay for connection to... ...for industrial facilities to pay for connection to utilities

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, and announced caucuses before moving through introductions, committee reports, and second reading bills. The chamber considered three bills on second reading: HB 1175, allowing small business establishments in residential zones; HB 1376, allowing voluntary prepayment of capital gains tax up to six months early; and HB 1500, concerning resale certificates for units in common interest communities. HB 1175 received Amendment 1461, which added a population-estimate reference for small communities, and then passed 94-2. HB 1376 passed 97-0 after supporters said it would let taxpayers capture a federal deduction by paying earlier, while still preserving state revenue. HB 1500 received a technical striking amendment updating condo-law language and then passed 85-12; supporters said it would improve access to complete resale certificates for condo sales, while some members raised concerns about added regulation and costs. The House then took up third reading bills. Substitute HB 1302, which would let local governments waive utility connection charges for certain green technology or industrial symbiosis projects, passed 76-21 after supporters emphasized environmental benefits and opponents warned it could shift costs to other ratepayers. HB 1796, allowing school districts to bond against capital levy collections to speed projects and reduce inflationary costs, passed 78-19; supporters said it would save taxpayers money and help districts complete needed construction sooner, while opponents argued it could bypass voter intent and increase indebtedness without renewed approval. Finally, Substitute HB 1980 was returned to second reading for a striking amendment, which was adopted, and then passed 97-0. Supporters described it as a pilot program to help employers and transit agencies work together to move workers more efficiently in congested areas, using existing transit/HOV infrastructure. The House also re-referred HJM 4010 and HB 2402 to different committees, then adjourned until the following Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's 12 hours for community colleges, 15 hours for four years.
• And that's to prepare people for life and for the workforce.
• There may be some need for some modification, for changes.
• And if not, then just for clarification, you, you You know, "12 for two."
• We restored the FY26 core for home visiting for CTF on line 31.

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee heard extended discussion of the chair’s House budget substitute, especially House Bill 2 for elementary and secondary education and House Bill 3 for higher education. The chair said the operating budget leaves roughly $300 million in reserve, explained several cuts and restorations, and described proposed changes to child care, including cutting enhancement payments and keeping attendance-based rather than enrollment-based subsidy payments. Representative Fogle objected to the child care cuts and the proposed language limiting the department’s move to prospective payment and enrollment-based reimbursement; State Budget Director Dan Hogg testified that the governor’s office still intended to move to payment on enrollment in May if the budget language did not block it, while prospective payment remained under review because of federal funding concerns. The chair also explained a restriction on Parents as Teachers services for children already in public pre-K, and members debated whether that would reduce duplication or improperly limit services. The chair further proposed a new competitive Title I innovation grant program funded by a reallocation of some Title I dollars, with questions raised about what services would be reduced to offset it. The bulk of the meeting focused on a major higher education funding overhaul in House Bill 3. The chair and vice chair proposed replacing the current base-plus model with an FTE-based formula that would distribute the same overall state funding according to student credit hours, with community colleges funded on a 12-hour FTE, four-year undergraduate students on a 15-hour FTE, and graduate enrollment discussed as a separate issue. They said the goal was to make funding follow students rather than institutions and to reduce long-standing disparities between schools. Several members supported the idea as overdue and more transparent, while others warned it was being done too quickly and could harm institutions with high-cost programs, research missions, or smaller enrollments. Concerns were raised about possible closures, accreditation problems, and unintended effects on workforce programs such as nursing, engineering, and technical training. The chair and vice chair said there was no intent to force consolidation, but acknowledged that some institutions would gain and others would lose under the new model. Members also questioned how the formula would treat research and doctoral funding, especially at the University of Missouri, and whether graduate programs were properly counted. The chair said some special-purpose lines were retained, but a large portion of MU’s research and doctoral funding was folded into the broader pool and redistributed through the FTE model. Several members asked for clarification on whether graduate hours were counted at nine credits, and the chair said he was not certain and would seek follow-up from staff or the department. Community college representatives were discussed as having unanimously opposed the recommendation, and the chair noted that the institutions were briefed only shortly before the hearing. No votes were taken during the exchange, and the committee appeared to be gathering testimony and concerns ahead of markup and future action on the budget bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I do thank y’all for the work that you’ve done and the hope that you provide to some of these young
• And thank you, Representative Carlson, for authoring the bill for us.
• It's time for them, and the death sentence for almost 30 years.
• session for me.
• Never once for the state, every single time for the defense.

Committee: Senate Judiciary C

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 137, which would strengthen penalties for knowingly making threats against schools, school activities, students, or school employees. The author said the bill responds to repeated false threats that disrupt schools, frighten families, and divert law enforcement, and it adds education and parental acknowledgment requirements. Members discussed possible juvenile consequences such as public service or physical work at schools, and the bill drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, and Catholic bishops. It was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 321 followed, addressing Louisiana’s Safe Harbor law by expressly exempting minors from prostitution offenses and treating them as trafficking victims rather than offenders. The author, clergy, trafficking advocates, and a survivor testified that children involved in commercial sex are typically coerced, groomed, or controlled by traffickers, often family members or caregivers, and should receive protection and services instead of arrest. Witnesses described statewide advocacy and crisis-response services created in 2022, and committee members asked about prosecution of perpetrators and the prevalence of trafficking in rural areas. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then approved House Bill 1246, a response to a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Jada Bright, which would allow law enforcement to keep intoxicated offenders in jail if they are not safe to release. An amendment was adopted to clean up the language, and the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 1104, creating a misdemeanor for possession of motor vehicle key-programming or emulating devices used to steal cars, also passed favorably with support from prosecutors and police. House Bill 552, a cleanup measure replacing references to intoxication with impairment in prior drug-related statutes, was reported favorably as well. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 310, which would require random reassignment when a defendant waives a jury trial in districts with more than two judges, unless the prosecutor agrees otherwise. Supporters said it would prevent judge shopping and address concerns about unusually high acquittal rates before particular judges, while opponents argued it raises due process concerns and effectively lets prosecutors choose the judge. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The last major item was House Bill 1107, dealing with post-conviction death penalty cases involving claims of intellectual disability; the bill would set a 75 IQ threshold and create procedures for Atkins claims. Supporters said it would bring finality to long-pending capital cases and follow U.S. Supreme Court guidance, while opponents argued it would be unconstitutional under Atkins, Moore, and Hall because intellectual disability cannot be reduced to a single number. After extensive testimony and debate over amendments, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a question for you before you sit down.
• I reported the sexual misconduct of the head of Timberline High School softball coach, high school softball
• And so we're just asking for the same type of provisions for them to implement as well so that we can
• And thank you, Senator, for that understanding. Thank you, Senator, for that understanding.
• I think that the intent and the goals for myself, for the superintendent, for the department, and for

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All of us are here for the same reason. Here for the same reason.
• We found new homes for...
• He flew helicopters for the National Guard for 20 years, then became a high school history and science
• He was assassinated for it in 1954 after he won the primary for coming general.
• Hope you'll be there.

Bills: SB67 , HB295 , SB104

Committee: House Military and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion

Transcript Highlights:

• So first up we prepare for and plan for.
• </c> already doing for us. already doing for us.
• for um research uh for also um advocate for um research uh for uh<00:52:46.319><c> Filipino</c><00:52
• Um and hope hope leave you with that.
• </c> it for for everyone, all the survivors. it for for everyone, all the survivors.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires, with Chair Dela Alani framing the discussion around emergency preparedness, recovery, and lessons for future disasters. The main presentation came from researchers involved in the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study, who described the project as a grassroots academic-community partnership that has enrolled more than 2,000 adults and children for health screenings, social assessments, and biomonitoring. They said the study has documented elevated mental and physical health conditions, housing instability, unemployment, barriers to care, and exposure to heavy metals and other toxicants, while also noting some modest improvement in adult mental health and self-rated health compared with the prior year. The presenters emphasized that wildfire impacts remain severe two years later. They reported that about half of adult participants had worsening health since the fires, roughly 40% had direct or frequent fire exposure, and many adults showed chronic disease burdens such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory impairment. They also said about half of adult survivors reported depressive symptoms, about a quarter had moderate to severe anxiety, more than 4% had considered suicide in the prior month, and nearly one in four had PTSD. A clinician from the Lahaina Certified Community Behavioral Health Center described the clinic’s no-turn-away model, with case management, therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management for anyone who needs it, and urged lawmakers to fund and expand that approach. The researchers also highlighted environmental findings, saying urine testing of more than 1,200 adults found heavy metal signatures that differed between burn-zone residents and those on the perimeter, with higher levels associated with displacement and ash re-exposure. They said about 20% of participants had higher-than-expected heavy metal levels 6 to 12 months after the fires, and cited a negative association between nickel levels and lung function. They argued for long-term monitoring, better cleanup methods, and a centralized health surveillance system tied to community outreach. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the briefing; the chair said the presentation materials and related reports would be posted for public access, and members were invited to ask questions after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Through him there is grace for the guilty, hope for the broken, and the guilty, hope for the broken,
• You know, for a brief moment, Pro Tem Pringle, I felt a sense of hope because that bill received a favorable
• But verse five said, "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his
• They are tired of paying high prices for gas. They are tired of going to the...
• And not just in a justice system that was rarely just for us. The difference always was hope.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not easy for me as an alumna of Molokai High School.
• So, for these reasons, I hope that we could work out these issues in conference, and for that, in support
• , I hope that we So, for these reasons, I hope that we could<00:33:33.360><c> work</c><00:33:33.560><
• And for that reason, I hope you problem.
• plan prioritizes stability for our residents to address the high cost of living.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I hope to see you all tomorrow, but if I don't, I want to thank you, good senators, for your faithful
• And I hope that we're not cutting so severely that we make it impossible for some of our students to
• maybe four, up to four courses for maybe a senior in high school to help them get a bachelor degree.
• I remember in high school walking into a classroom and seeing campaign signs for the Democrat running
• I'm hoping on the last day that we can move forward. Again, this is for rural health.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I ask my colleagues today to join me in celebrating this great victory for Anaheim High School's
• Speaker, I rise today to recognize West Salem High School for its commitment to inclusivity in sports
• Speaker, I rise today to recognize West Salem High School for its commitment to inclusivity in sports
• You know, this is why I am hopeful for projects like Black Butte Copper near White Sulphur Springs, who
• And finally, I have introduced legislation to make the high-speed rail project ineligible for further

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 27, 2025, 1012, house, all