Transcript Highlights:

• If you would stand up, Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker and City Council Member Lori Matthews from
• SB 1638, conformity Internal Revenue Code deductions. SB 1643, firearm sales regulation. SB 1648.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, electronic roll call showing 27 present, and approval of the previous day’s journal. Members then introduced guests, including Dr. Kelly Arari as Doctor of the Day, visitors from Arizona Western College and its health-care programs, a Tempe Leadership participant, a Flagstaff county attorney and city council member who were there to testify on a public safety bill about detox centers, and participants in the Doty London Excellence in Public Service class. The chamber also adopted a legislative proclamation honoring Dr. Daniel P. Korr for his decade of leadership as president of Arizona Western College, citing record enrollment, expanded transfer and dual-enrollment success, financial stability, and broader impact on rural higher education and workforce development. Senators noted ongoing efforts to address rural health-care shortages, including support for a future University of Arizona regional medical campus in Yuma. On the floor, the President announced a temporary committee appointment and referred SB 1176 from Natural Resources to Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency. The clerk then read a long list of bills on second reading, covering topics such as taxes, water, housing, education, public safety, health care, elections, labor, and appropriations, along with two Senate concurrent resolutions. No debate or votes on those measures occurred in this transcript. Committee meeting announcements were made for the following day, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that the section of code includes a financial penalty if they don't give you financial information
• People have horse blinders on because being a city councilman or a senator, people can get off base real

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And under the penal code, under... Knowingly, that we already have in 6.03.
• Where I think this would apply, it'd be easier to prove, would be like here in the city of Austin where

Bills: SB36 , SB2202 , SB 36

Committee: Senate Border Security

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• just to emphasize, this policy is already in place in D.C., sorry, Senator Huxable, D.C., New York City
• It clears up some voids and some deficiencies in existing code as far as hunter education and licensing
• House Bill 456 updates the Subaqueous Land Chapter of the Code with the intent of reducing permitting
• House Bill 3-456 updates the Sub-Aquacious Land Chapter of the Code with the intent of reducing permitting

Summary: The committee met in hybrid format on June 18, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum, so minutes were not approved until later in the meeting after additional members joined. The committee heard a series of bills, with most receiving supportive testimony from sponsors, agency officials, advocacy groups, and frequent public commenter Robert Overmiller. Several measures focused on transportation and public safety, including HB 363 on residential speed limits, HB 384 extending DelDOT open-end contracts from three to five years, HB 413 allowing green flashing lights on road work and emergency vehicles, HB 456 streamlining subaqueous lands permitting, and HB 388 letting drivers with temporary medical suspensions keep their license for ID purposes while being flagged in the system as not allowed to drive. Members asked questions mainly about implementation, enforcement, and scope, and sponsors or agency witnesses explained that the bills were intended to improve safety, efficiency, and administrative clarity. The committee also took up HB 111, which would require single-use food service items such as utensils, straws, napkins, and condiments to be provided only upon request, with exemptions for schools, nonprofits, health care facilities, correctional facilities, and similar settings. Supporters, including Plastic Free Delaware and the Sierra Club, said the bill would reduce waste and save businesses money, while opponents from the restaurant industry argued it could confuse customers, hurt tourism, and be difficult to enforce. Sponsors emphasized that restaurants could still ask customers if they wanted items and that the bill included a phase-in period and capped penalties. The committee also heard HB 393, a consumer protection bill for third-party electric suppliers that tightens oversight, training, reporting, renewal notices, and rate limits after concerns about misleading sales and unexpectedly high bills; it drew support from environmental advocates and members who had seen constituent complaints. Finally, the committee heard HB 412 on hunting and trapping education and wildlife drug administration, which was described as a safety and modernization measure and supported by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and sportsmen’s groups, and SB 346, which would speed up Environmental Appeals Board hearings and decisions. SB 346 drew broad support from DNREC, the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, and business groups, though one witness asked to clarify that Superior Court appeal rights would remain intact; DNREC confirmed they would. The committee also approved the June 10, 2026 minutes after quorum was established, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn and unanimous approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• Going forward, it will be vital for PED, school districts, and charter schools to develop consistent coding
• There's a QR code there for you to, if you're savvy and want to click on that QR code at some point,
• , my daughter got her degree in mental health counseling from the University of Missouri in Kansas City

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, many of you that have cities and counties hire third-party tax collectors, and I've been in front
• This bill looks thick, but a lot of this is already language that was in the code. Thank you, Mr.
• And I think we can get a quick amendment to where if there is a hearing and criminal code would be considered
• Subpoena power in the administrative... we'll say the administrative portion by code or an administrative

Bills: SB324 , HB395 , HB222 , HB310 , HB285 , HB144 , HB251 , HB380

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: Morgan County, judge of probate, legal qualifications, equity jurisdiction, constitutional amendment, campaign finance, electronic notifications, civil penalties, Fair Campaign Practices Act, Secretary of State, sex offenders, treatment programs, electronic media, post office box restrictions, Class C felony, parole, probation, human cloning, criminal penalties, embryo

Transcript Highlights:

• and then are steeped in exposure to the work and awareness of VA procedures in the M-21 And the 38 Code
• I'm a VA-accredited attorney in private practice in the Twin Cities area.
• Department of Veterans Affairs under Title 38 United States Code or Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• state did not present proof of an adhering to trigger the many provisions within our constitutional code
• extensively during your State of the Judiciary address. about a major issue, a problem with the Family Code
• The Texas government code to impose statutory deadlines or timeframes. on the amount of time that these
• beginning of our online program which started in We have had 54,000 registered patrons from 1,400 cities

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• hurricane shelter selection standards or it's enhanced hurricane protection area and International Code
• success of retrofitting buildings, construction of new schools, you know, changes in the building code
• Construction of new schools, you know, changes in the building code.
• The box and having that engagement with not just our economic partners, the city, county level, and municipalities

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications. Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed. The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cities and towns are struggling to balance budgets, forcing overrides and difficult cuts to essential
• UGA is the most flexible form: a no-strings-attached fund from the state to cities and towns that they
• and in our seasonal communities and our cities and so forth.
• We understand that 351 cities and towns cannot be served by a one-size-fits-all policy.
• As we approach the one-year anniversary of the tragic Gabriel House fire in my city of Fall River, it

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met on the FY27 budget and began with several ceremonial introductions and brief amendment withdrawals. Senator Collins withdrew amendments related to restoring DCF social worker funding and educator pay. The chamber then ruled a package of tax-related amendments offered by Senator Tarr out of order on constitutional grounds, finding they would create money-bill provisions that must originate in the House; the Senate upheld that ruling by a vote of 35-4. Senator Tarr later offered amendments on a gas tax suspension and related tax relief themes, but those were not adopted. The Senate considered and rejected several other amendments, including proposals on commemorating Commonwealth history, naming a bridge, repeat offenders, and no-cost calls. One amendment by Senator Fattman to extend domestic violence leave protections to contract employees was adopted unanimously, with 39 votes in favor and none opposed. The chamber also adopted an amendment creating a special commission to study the adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid (UGA), after extended debate about inequities in municipal aid and local budget pressures. Members from across the chamber supported the commission, while some emphasized that adequacy of funding, not just redistribution, remains a concern. The Senate then took up Chapter 90, passing the municipal roads and bridges bill to be engrossed. It also adopted a community programming amendment and a Senate Ways and Means amendment, then adopted the Ways and Means budget amendment as amended and ordered the underlying FY27 appropriations bill to a third reading. After lengthy closing remarks from the Ways and Means chair, minority leader, and the Senate President praising the budget process and highlighting investments in local aid, education, public safety, and other priorities, the Senate voted 40-0 to pass the FY27 budget bill to be engrossed. The chamber then adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Trooper Kevin Thomas Traynor.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we also have the leaders from a number of the great cities.
• Are cities' arms of the state? Are cities' arms of the state?
• The distinction between counties and cities, home rule cities versus counties, counties are entirely
• It allows that streamlined process for the city to, It allows that streamlined process for the city to
• Well, Elon Musk is starting his own city, and I hope that we have a level playing field for his city.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with remarks highlighting UTRGV’s growth, degree production, research expansion, medical school, and role in serving the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. The chamber also recognized the doctor of the day and adopted additional resolutions, including one for Denton County Days at the Capitol and another recognizing Texas HBCU Day. The Senate gave extensive recognition to outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp through Senate Resolution 368. Senators from both parties praised his long public career, leadership of the A&M System, support for regional universities, and bipartisan approach. The resolution was adopted after multiple members added their names. The chamber also heard from advocates with the Texas Streets Coalition, and received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. On legislation, the Senate passed several major bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to address teacher vacancies, bilingual certification testing, paid leave options, classroom removals, and appeal rights, then passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment on parents’ right to direct a child’s education, advanced on a 22-9 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, aimed at preventing foreign influence and intellectual property theft at public institutions of higher education, passed unanimously. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the business entities bill, also passed after debate over corporate governance and shareholder protections. Senate Bill 857, authorizing law enforcement to tow certain vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed despite some concern about towing abuses during disasters. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, but the transcript ends as that bill is being laid out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our key concern is that the current language includes refining through the Uniform Commercial Code of
• I'm also a professional fireman in the city of Newark.
• In Perth Amboy, Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson, and other places where Latino families make up 40,
• Through emergency city borrowing that cuts services to our schools and our city...
• for Youth Center Project and City of Paterson.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've also served on the city of Nashville zoning board. Thank you.
• I've also served on the city of Nashville zoning board. Thank you.
• </c><00:27:04.600><c> of</c> housing I've also served on the city of housing I've also served on the
• city of Nashville<00:27:05.200><c> zoning</c><00:27:05.880><c> board</c><00:27:06.880><c> thank</c><00
• throughout the country that of C cities throughout the country that have<00:50:04.799><c> adopted</c

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was very concerned, was not happy with the response of the city employees.
• </c><00:03:29.519><c> So</c><00:03:29.680><c> I</c> response of the city employees.
• So I response of the city employees.
• You know, each AOAO, each condominium community is like a little city on its own.
• </c> comply with code requirements. comply with code requirements.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2294, which would require condominium associations, boards, and managing agents to comply with declarations, bylaws, county ordinances, and state and federal laws, including mortgage lending requirements. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill as redundant, arguing existing law already requires compliance and provides penalties. Supporters, including condominium owners and board members, said the measure would clarify that associations are not “self-governing” in a way that exempts them from outside laws, and cited examples where local officials or police told residents to take issues back to their boards. Several supporters said the bill would reinforce board responsibility for permits, safety, and legal compliance. The committee noted 27 pieces of testimony, with 10 in support and 17 in opposition, and then moved on without taking a vote on the measure in the transcript provided. The committee also took up SB 2298, which would require common interest community proxy forms to include additional language explaining proxy selection options. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying the proposed language was inaccurate and would not improve consumer clarity unless significantly revised. Supporters argued that proxy forms are confusing and that clearer instructions would help homeowners understand how their votes are being used. Opponents said the added language would make the forms longer and more confusing, and suggested a separate instruction sheet or other educational material instead. Testimony also raised broader concerns about proxy voting being misused in some associations, with one witness urging that proxy voting be eliminated altogether. The committee reported 29 written testimonies, including seven in support, 19 in opposition, and three with comments, and again did not record a final vote in the excerpt. For SB 2300, which would shorten condominium reserve cash-flow projections from 30 years to 25 years, the Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying it would not make housing more affordable, would reduce transparency, and would increase the annual burden by giving associations less time to save for long-life components. The group suggested that if affordability is the goal, lawmakers should consider allowing future loans or special assessments with guardrails. Supporters of the bill said the shorter projection period would better reflect practical budgeting and help associations plan more realistically, though some supporters also warned against relying too heavily on loans and emphasized accountability and fiduciary responsibility. Other testimony stressed that the impact of changing the projection period would vary by association and that many owners are already struggling with rising fees. The discussion remained focused on testimony and policy concerns, with no final action on SB 2300 shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• defined by public service, serving in the National Guard and on the Dover School Board, the Dover City
• Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Rules of Civil Procedure, and as a member of the Arkansas Water Code
• favor of Senate Memorial Resolution 5 to remember Attorney John Gill for his contributions to the city
• At that time, he wasn't, I think it was a local city council member in Toneytown.
• president for Sister Cities International, which was started by President Eisenhower in 1956.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One was in Kansas City just last year, where 100 members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front
• paraded through downtown Kansas City in a flash mob.
• I just know where our places have—I’ve been both here in Jefferson City and in Kansas City.
• They all have QR codes on the can that show exactly what's in it and where it's tested, and that should
• I think there was a lawsuit in Kansas City maybe two or three years ago on exactly that premise.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think one of the big selling points is that AI is everywhere, but some places are doing it, cities
• And they looked at me with almost pity, because any city, any state, can step up, find their niche, and
• Because, yes, other cities have lots of venture capital money, but money isn't enough.
• to be involved—no, we want to be leaders in this—is an incredibly powerful signal that what other cities
• Find things to move it forward because, yes, other cities have lots of venture capital money, but money

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that kind of capacity, but ultimately TCEQ gave us over 60,000 acre-feet of water rights within the city
• regional flood planning statutory requirements, which are contained in Chapter 16 of the Texas Water Code
• So that they can have an indication within the city for emergency management.
• And so, how could we, let's say a city, for example, the city of Weslaco, goes and wants to place some
• of these gauges on their front or within the city in areas that are majorly impacted by floodwaters

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current Education Code, the Legislature has told our institutions that they expect campuses to
• Education Code also prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual
• 42 that two of the colleges have withdrawn their applications: College of the Canyons and San Diego City
• Patel, it's my understanding that for the San Diego City College, they passed their own local measure
• Hi, Carol Gonzalez on behalf of Long Beach City College, a district that has been working to secure state

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held a hearing focused on California Community College budget proposals. Chair Alvarez opened by emphasizing the system’s role in access, transfer, workforce training, and serving more than 2 million students, while also noting persistent challenges in enrollment, persistence, transfer, and graduation. Public commenters and system representatives broadly supported COLA, enrollment growth funding, deferred maintenance, student support block grants, and additional flexibility for districts facing uncertainty. The first major panel covered the student-centered funding formula, COLA, and enrollment growth. The Department of Finance said the Governor proposes a 2.43% COLA ($230.4 million) and 0.5% enrollment growth funding ($30.4 million). The LAO said the COLA was reasonable and recommended funding at least the proposed growth amount, citing uneven enrollment recovery and regional differences. The Chancellor’s Office supported both proposals and asked for additional changes, including using the greater of current-year or three-year average for apportionments and lifting the 10% local enrollment cap, arguing these would better fund growing districts. Members questioned how the formula works, whether SCFF is improving outcomes, and how much additional funding would be needed under different growth scenarios. The committee then reviewed categorical program COLAs, Rising Scholars, career education proposals, IT proposals, and student housing. The Governor proposed a 2.43% COLA for selected categorical programs ($31.9 million). For Rising Scholars, the Governor proposed $30 million ongoing and removal of the cap on participating colleges; the LAO urged waiting for outcome data before doubling funding, while the Chancellor’s Office said the program is serving more students and supports equity for justice-impacted students. On career education, the Governor proposed $50 million for credit for prior learning and $50 million for a career passport; the LAO supported more reporting on credit for prior learning but recommended rejecting the career passport as too undefined, while the Chancellor’s Office supported both. On technology, the Governor proposed $162.5 million for a common cloud data platform and $168 million for a common ERP system; the LAO said both were premature or lacked sufficient planning and recommended rejection, while the Chancellor’s Office argued they would improve real-time data, security, and systemwide efficiency. The committee also heard an update on student housing: the administration said the 2024 shift to a lease-revenue bond model remains in progress for 13 approved projects, with 11 still active, and members asked about withdrawn projects and possible use of any returned funds. No votes were taken, and several items were held open for further discussion and May Revision updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each has a separate fund code within the University's accounting system, allowing us to manage the funds
• 47.840><c> fund</c> state specials each has a separate fund state specials each has a separate fund code
• They're a little farther away from the Twin Cities, and with what our budget will allow, we couldn't
• They're a little farther away from the Twin Cities, and with what our budget will allow, we couldn't
• </c><01:40:10.320><c> Campus</c> your spreadsheet the Twin Cities Campus your spreadsheet the Twin Cities

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all