Transcript Highlights:

• This bill directs OSPI and our educational service districts to both create and utilize a technical assistance
• This bill directs OSPI and our educational service districts to both create and utilize a technical assistance
• It requires that school districts provide the parent or guardian with a copy of the special education
• It also says they cannot schedule a special education eligibility determination meeting sooner than five
• It's a good, simple bill to build trust and involvement by parents in their child's educational process

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill directs OSPI and our educational service districts to both create and utilize a technical assistance
• It requires that school districts provide the parent or guardian with a copy of the special education
• It requires that school districts provide the parent or guardian with a copy of the special education
• Senator Braun: ...to evaluate the student, and also says they can't schedule a special education eligibility
• It's a good, simple bill to build trust and involvement by parents in their child's educational process

Summary: The Senate considered a consent calendar package and a regular calendar package, both described as bipartisan and unanimously supported, and both motions to advance them passed by voice vote. The body then moved a series of House bills from the white sheet to the floor calendar, with no recorded roll-call votes and generally little or no opposition. Topics included ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms (HB 2320), updating terminology from “alien” to “non-citizen” (HB 2632), inmate indigency thresholds (SHB 2539), incident reporting by private detention facilities (HB 2464), electronic notarization (SHB 2158), theater alcohol licensing and safeguards for minors (ESHB 2476), behavioral health coordination and training for schools and educational service districts (E3SHB 1634), non-compete law fixes (ESHB 1155), manufactured home rent increase notices (SHB 2452), false identification as a peace officer (ESHB 2165), permit timelines for certain special purpose districts (E2SHB 2418), life insurance lapse notifications to third parties (SHB 2428), agricultural regulatory stress and a task force study (HB 2619), ambulance staffing by registered nurses in certain transports (ESHB 2110), special education report timelines and meeting notice for parents (ESHB 2557), and siting standards for step housing, including permanent supportive, transitional, and indoor emergency housing (ESHB 2266).

Transcript Highlights:

• grant program for the school district, local accountability plans and actions challenging the Texas Education
• Agency decisions related to public school accountability for the Committee on Public Education.
• Corporations located in populous County and used to promote agriculture, support youth and provide educational
• adoption of administration of an assessment instruments in public schools for the Committee on Public Education
• state required assessments with instructionally supportive assessments for the Committee on Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I call this meeting of the House Education Policy Committee to order. There is a quorum present.
• Uh, members, today, which is also our last day of education policy, we are going to conclude committee
• Members, the DE1 amendment adds overdose recognition, prevention, and response education to the list
• Members, the DE1 amendment adds overdose recognition, prevention, and response education to the list
• Members and the public, again, this completes our committee work for education policy for the year.

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• services, timeframes for renewal, document processes, liability insurance needs, and continuing education
• ... ...document processes, liability insurance needs, and continuing education requirements.
• equivalent post-licensure experience, board certification, which is built upon the Doctor of Pharmacy educational
• This eight-year doctoral-level program of education consists of demanding didactic and experiential curriculum
• Pharmacists are highly trained to manage chronic health conditions and undergo extensive education and

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services took up two bills. Senator Burgess presented SB 116, the Senate Veterans Package, which would reduce the number of Veterans Hall of Fame nominations, expand FDVA health survey and coordination efforts, add mental health training to the veterans suicide prevention pilot program, fix statutory references, improve coordination between Veterans Florida and FDVA, and require FDVA to develop a plan for adult day health care facilities for veterans and their families. An amendment was adopted to appropriate $300,000 for the suicide prevention training pilot and $50,000 for the health survey. The bill was supported in debate, especially for the adult day care provision, and CS/SB 116 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 294 by Senator Harrell, which would exclude specified cardiac conditions—such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, and cardiac arrhythmias—from the list of chronic health conditions that may be managed under collaborative pharmacy practice agreements. Senator Harrell argued that these complex conditions require direct physician involvement and that pharmacists should not be making medication changes for severe cardiac patients based on protocols alone. Senator Rouson asked why heart conditions had been included previously, and Vice Chair Davis asked about fiscal impact; Harrell said there would be no state cost, though patients might face additional out-of-pocket expenses, which she said could be offset by avoiding more serious complications. Public testimony on SB 294 was divided. The Florida Pharmacy Association opposed the bill, arguing that collaborative practice agreements are voluntary, physician-controlled, and already include safeguards, and that pharmacists are highly trained to help manage chronic conditions and improve access and outcomes. A cardiologist with the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology supported the bill, warning that cardiac patients are complex and that pharmacists may make dangerous decisions without the full clinical picture. Senator Burton also supported the bill, saying the original collaborative practice framework was not intended to let pharmacists diagnose or treat serious cardiac disease. SB 294 was then reported favorably by roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, Senators Rodriguez and Garcia asked to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 116, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the group has made a positive difference with its important work in the areas of civil rights, education
• Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek letter organization established by African American college-educated
• heights through implementation of programs that are laser-focused on issues involving economics, education
• chairmen, if you want African-American women to be resource witnesses, expert witnesses for you, be it education
• supports those who operate, improve, and maintain public works and infrastructure through advocacy, education

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and dispensed with the reading of the previous day’s journal. The chamber then spent much of the session on recognitions, including a visit from the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the introduction of Dr. Joshua Splinter as Doctor of the Day. Senators offered remarks honoring the chiefs’ service and welcoming Dr. Splinter and Dr. Sarah Jethro to the chamber. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 16, sponsored by Senators Miles, West, Alvarado, and Cook, designating January 29, 2025 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day at the State Capitol. Senators Miles and West highlighted the sorority’s history, service work, and Texas members, and the resolution was adopted without objection. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 9 by Senator Perry recognizing American Public Works Association Day, and Senate Resolution 10 congratulating Heather Keister on being named Engineer of the Year by the South Plains Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. Senator Perry emphasized the importance of public works and infrastructure, and praised Keister’s engineering work and contributions to West Texas. The Senate also recognized a Brownsville delegation and celebrated Brownsville Day at the Capitol, with Senator Hinojosa of Nueces speaking about the city’s history and community spirit. Additional resolutions, including Senate Resolution 13 and Senate Resolution 18, were adopted without objection. The chamber then approved a motion to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 so committees could meet during the reading and referral of bills. Announcements followed, including a Finance Committee hearing and a Senate Democratic Caucus meeting, and the Senate recessed until Monday, February 3, for bill reading and referral, then adjourned until Tuesday, February 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the group has made a positive difference with its important work in the areas of civil rights, education
• Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek letter organization established by African American college-educated
• heights through implementation of programs that are laser-focused on issues involving economics, education
• chairman, if you want African-American women to be resource witnesses, expert witnesses for you, be it education
• supports those who operate, improve, and maintain public works and infrastructure through advocacy, education

Bills: SJR36 , SB2

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation, dispensed with the reading of the previous day’s journal, and recognized several visiting groups and individuals. Senators Flores, Hinojosa of Hidalgo, and Campbell welcomed members of the Texas Police Chiefs Association, and Senator Nichols introduced Dr. Joshua Splinter as Doctor of the Day. The chamber then adopted several resolutions without objection. Senate Resolution 16 recognized Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and its South Central Region for Alpha Kappa Alpha Day at the Capitol, with remarks from Senators Miles and West highlighting the organization’s history, service, and Texas members. Senate Resolution 9 designated January 29, 2025, as American Public Works Association Day at the Capitol, and Senate Resolution 10 congratulated Heather Keister for being named Engineer of the Year by the South Plains Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. Senator Hinojosa of Nueces also recognized a Brownsville delegation, and additional resolutions, including Senate Resolutions 13 and 18, were adopted without objection. The Senate also approved a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 so committees could meet during the reading and referral of bills. Announcements followed, including a Finance Committee reconvening at 12:45 p.m. and a Senate Democratic Caucus meeting upon adjournment. The chamber then recessed until 10 a.m. Monday, February 3, for reading and referral of bills, and after that process, adjourned until 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Education Postsecondary will now come to order. Secretary, please call the roll.
• I have to say we have the number one higher education system in the entire country.
• record over the last five or six years in doing and remaining number one in the country in higher education
• . ...doing and remaining number one in the country in higher education.

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary convened with a quorum present, welcomed visiting students from the College of Central Florida and several county programs, and announced that tabs 1 through 4 would be handled together as a confirmation hearing for appointments unless a senator requested separate votes. Senator Simon moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees, the motion was seconded, and the committee voted favorably to report the appointments on tabs 1 through 4. After the vote, members offered closing remarks thanking committee staff for their work and praising Florida’s higher education system, state colleges, and universities. Chair Calatayud reflected on her service and encouraged the visiting students to continue their advocacy and leadership, noting that student voices can influence policy and that they can achieve their goals. With no further business, Senator Simon moved to adjourn. There was no objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• HOUSE BILL 5015 RELATING TO STATE GROUP INSURANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND IMPLEMENTING BILL.
• McClure: YOU MAY EXPLAIN THE HIGHER EDUCATION OFFER. >> THANK YOU.
• FOR HIGHER EDUCATION ONLINE ONE OF THE SUMMARY SHEET THE HOUSE OFFERS MODIFY THE LANGUAGE TO INCLUDE
• LINE NUMBER THREE THE HOUSE MAINTAINS THE POSITION RELATING TO THE LINKING INDUSTRY TO NURSING EDUCATION

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, seed banks and seed preservation are educational.
• Texas A&M Agricultural Life Extension Center Service, an educational agency...
• Focused on life sciences and natural resources, delivers wide-ranging educational programs focused on
• Associated with adopting data-driven crop production practices in 2024, with continuing education supporting

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard testimony on House Bill 5085, which would create a report on the impacts of seed banks and seed preservation, especially as they relate to food access, biodiversity, disaster recovery, and education. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented the bill, citing examples such as the Bastrop wildfire and the role of seed banking in restoring ecosystems and supporting food security. No one testified against the bill, and the author closed after questions. The committee then voted to report HB 5085 favorably to the full House without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion passed on a 6-3 vote. The committee also considered Senate Bill 1035, with a committee substitute adopted that made a minor wording change from "or" to "and." SB 1035, which creates a legal pathway for agricultural operators to challenge unlawful local regulations and recover court costs and attorneys' fees, was reported favorably on a 9-0 vote. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2155, which implements TDLR recommendations to modernize the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners by improving licensing, complaint resolution, and enforcement processes. The bill was reported favorably to the full House without amendment on a 9-0 vote. After disposing of these items, the committee adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Preservation efforts are educational, raising awareness of the importance of seed conservation.
• Texas A&M Agricultural Life Extension Service an educational agency focused on life sciences and natural
• resources, delivers wide-ranging educational programs focused on research-based crop production.
• With continuing education supporting nearly... with an annual wage base of $1.2 billion.

Bills: HB5085

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: seed banks, food access, environment, biodiversity, agriculture policy, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and help our local communities. ...about programming to help educate and help our local communities
• to help educate the public and the next generation of North Dakota citizens through the Energy Hawks
• And education and outreach to help educate the public, educate the next generation of North Dakota citizens
• Okay, the third thing here is education and outreach.
• So these activities are focused on advocating for and educating about North Dakota energy.

Committee: Joint Energy Development and Transmission Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Through my later teens and adulthood, I built a platform that was focused on LGBTQ education through
• Through my later teens and adulthood, I built a platform that was focused on LGBTQ education through
• And third would fall along the line of digital literacy and safety education.
• And so I started to, you know, educate people, like, flip the script, that sort of thing.
• , that they can find employment... ...health, that they can participate in school and education, that

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm curious about how you think about how that education and interaction is happening.
• We encourage them to do as much outreach as possible in education.
• Can I just get clear, and you're saying not an active role with educating the community?
• Yes, we have not taken an active role in educating the public.
• But in terms of actually educating the public at that level, that is something that's primarily held

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am speaking on behalf of myself today as a retired educator of 35 years in special education with deaf
• And as a 20-year Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind educator, as well as a public school educator
• working with deaf and hard of hearing... ...blind educator, as well as a public school educator working
• Come to the education kicker. All right.”
• Come to the education kicker. All right.

Bills: HB2180 , HB2184 , HB2188 , HB2194 , HB2206 , HB2321 , HB2322 , HB2438 , HB2442 , HB2448 , HB2727 , HB2797

Committee: House Health & Human Services

Keywords: appropriation, funding, University of Arizona, education, state budget, fetal death, funeral homes, informed consent, abortion, women's rights, medical assistance, emotional support, language acquisition, early intervention, hearing impairment, grant program, deaf education, health care, insurance claims, prior authorization

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> partnerships with leading educational partnerships with leading educational institutions<00:34:24.720
• </c> multi-state region to provide education multi-state region to provide education pathways<00:43:07.920
• </c><00:43:20.160><c> Uh</c><00:43:20.400><c> but</c> that around the education side.
• Uh but that around the education side.
• </c><00:43:30.720><c> you</c><00:43:30.880><c> can</c> Getting this type of education, you can see from

Keywords: The live stream for this meeting was prematurely interrupted. The full version will be uploaded in the next few days., 958, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from Kentucky’s three major commercial airports: Lexington Blue Grass Airport, Louisville Regional Airport Authority (SDF and Bowman Field), and CVG. Lexington’s Eric Franco described post-COVID growth that has already exceeded pre-pandemic activity, along with a master plan focused on the whole airport, expanded surface parking, relocation of the air traffic control tower, and a major terminal project estimated at $500 million to $700 million. He emphasized the airport’s role in serving both passenger and corporate aviation across central Kentucky and thanked the legislature for prior funding, including $5 million for parking. Louisville’s Dan Mann reported record passenger growth, expanded nonstop service, and especially strong cargo activity driven by UPS, noting SDF is now among the busiest cargo airports in North America and Bowman Field remains the state’s busiest general aviation airport. He highlighted major infrastructure needs, including airfield and terminal work, parking expansion, and a planned federal inspection service facility to support international flights around events like the Kentucky Derby.

Transcript Highlights:

• We still pulled him in on all things public education.
• His policy areas have focused on IDD issues, higher education, and transportation.
• She has a background in education and advocacy.
• My legislative aide, Masochi, I met Masochi when I was on the State Board of Education.
• I'm most proud of what we did for public education.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the education component of this, where we actually train those who are going to administer rural
• I think the education component of this where we actually train those that are going to administer rural
• At the very least, we can provide them with time, education, and resources.
• At the very least, we can provide them with time, education, and resources.
• Government entities, schools, and even medical professionals are making critical health and education

Bills: HB18 , HB37 , HB 116 , HB388 , HB879 , HB913 , HB 1151 , HB2216 , HB2358 , HB2809 , SB577 , SB1590 , SB1782 , SB1887 , SB2744

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum and took up several House and Senate bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The committee first heard HB 2358, a cleanup bill requested by HHSC that would repeal outdated training and conference requirements for long-term care facility surveyors and certain providers; there were no witnesses, and the bill was left pending. The committee then heard HB 18, the rural hospital stabilization bill, which would create financial assessment tools, a rural hospital finance office at HHSC, an academy for rural hospital officers, multiple grant programs, enhanced Medicaid reimbursement tied to average cost, OB/GYN add-on payments, expanded pediatric telehealth connectivity, and a rural pediatric mental health program. Senator Perry and witnesses from TORCH, a rural hospital, AARP Texas, and ARCHI strongly supported the bill as a way to stabilize rural hospitals, improve OB access, and address workforce and financial pressures. Committee members discussed rural hospital closures, low-volume quality metrics, system affiliation, and the need for predictable monthly reimbursement; the bill was left pending after testimony and questions. The committee next heard HB 37, which would create a perinatal bereavement care initiative for families experiencing stillbirth, neonatal death, or intrauterine fetal demise, including counseling, staff training, and access to cooling devices, with possible grants and a recognition program for hospitals. Senator Huffman explained the bill, and several witnesses testified in support, sharing personal stories about infant loss and the importance of time with the baby, trained staff, and cuddle cots or similar devices. A neonatologist also supported the bill while suggesting clarification that hospitals should not be penalized if state funding is unavailable and recommending use of regional advisory councils to help implement training. Public testimony was then closed and the bill left pending. The committee also heard HB 879, which would create a streamlined licensing pathway for veterans with medical or nursing experience to practice in Texas, and HB 913, which would add new state hospitals to statute and split the North Texas State Hospital into two separate hospitals with their own superintendents; both bills had no opposition testimony and were left pending. Later, the committee heard SB 2744, a heart disease screening bill that would update the 2009 Texas Heart Attack Prevention Act to require insurance coverage for coronary CT angiography with plaque analysis, including soft plaque detection, as a preventive screening tool. The author and invited witnesses argued the technology is more effective than calcium scoring alone, can identify patients before symptoms appear, and could save lives at a cost comparable to or lower than colonoscopy. An insurance industry witness opposed the bill, arguing the technology has not been recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for universal screening and that the mandated coverage and payment level would raise costs; the bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1151, a parental rights bill clarifying that refusing psychotropic medication or psychiatric treatment is not neglect unless the child is harmed. Supporters, including parent advocates and attorneys, said the bill would protect parents from CPS overreach and preserve medical decision-making authority, while one witness urged broader attention to physical causes of behavioral issues. Public testimony was closed and HB 1151 was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is number one of several education trains. This one contains the Bright Futures legislation.
• Committee substitute for House Bill 875, a bill to be entitled an act relating to educator preparation
• President, round two of our education train, if you include Senator Claudio, of our education policy.
• We should have an entire session on education policy alone, Mr. President.
• Thank you to the education trio.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing interns, pages, a retiring sergeant-at-arms employee, and advocates visiting for a Prader-Willi Syndrome awareness resolution. Leaders also noted ongoing budget talks with the House and said senators should not plan to be in next week while negotiations continue. The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for House Bill 12.5, a citizen-initiative elections bill. Sponsors said it was intended to address petition fraud and protect the integrity of the constitutional amendment process, citing investigations, arrests, and fraudulent petition activity tied to recent initiatives. Opponents argued the bill would make it much harder and more expensive for citizens to place amendments on the ballot, chill volunteer participation, and effectively favor wealthy or corporate interests. After extensive debate, the bill passed 28-10. The Senate then moved through a series of education bills, including measures on Bright Futures, Gold Seal, Florida ABLE, dual enrollment, educator preparation, and broader education policy, all of which passed unanimously. After a recess, the chamber took up House messages and concurred in amendments to bills on stem cell therapy, student athlete ECGs, cardiac emergency response plans, and school safety. Those measures also passed with broad support, with the school safety bill drawing some questions about the Guardian program and child care facilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• This makes it one of the most highly educated counties in our state.
• Collin County's commitment to education is evident through its top-rated schools.
• Must be taught in driver's education curriculum by statute.
• It applies only to state agencies, and it doesn't apply to education.
• This bill does not apply to education because Senator Creighton has a bill...

Bills: SJR 12 , SCR 39 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 27 , SB 29 , SB 125 , SB 241 , SB 371 , SB 396 , SB 406 , SB 464 , SB 568 , SB 578 , SB 608 , SB 617 , SB 660 , SB 689 , SB 693 , SB 707 , SB 731 , SB 732 , SB 763 , SB 779 , SB 836 , SB 854 , SB 857 , SB 875 , SB 878 , SB 879 , SB 906 , SB 920 , SB 921 , SB 922 , SB 942 , SB 965 , SB 985 , SB 996 , SB 1029 , SB 1035 , SB 1036 , SB 1059 , SB 1084 , SB 1098 , SB 1101 , SB 1185 , SB 1188 , SB 1321 , SB 1332 , SB 1366 , SB 1388 , SB 1396 , SB 1453 , SB 1484 , SB 1494 , SB 1536 , SB 1563 , SB 1596 , SB 1610 , SB 1619 , SB 1737 , SB 1738 , SB 1741 , SB 1816 , SB 1822 , SB 1841 , SB 1939 , SB 2155 , SB 2188 , SB 2230

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers

Summary: In this meeting, significant discussions revolved around the passage and modification of various Senate Bills, including SB1388, which pertains to family support services under the Health and Human Services Commission. Senator Kolkhorst advocated for the bill, emphasizing its focus on pro-life, family-centered care. The committee passed the bill after thorough examination, showcasing a collaborative effort among the members to ensure its alignment with successful past initiatives. In another session, Senator Hughes presented SB942, aimed at retroactive child support linked to prenatal care, which sparked a constructive dialogue reflecting bipartisan support for maternal and child welfare.