Transcript Highlights:

• A few years back, we had State Road 2, No, ma'am, they don't.
• All states have had to follow those rules since they were passed as states continue to draw their own
• They will be the rules of the road that all states will follow.
• I'm here to state our support for SM1.
• I would hope that our state would not track those.

Bills: SR1 , SM1 , SM6

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Keywords: alcohol consumption, Senate rules, legislative conduct, ethics, New Mexico Senate, redistricting, gerrymandering, election integrity, Congress, voter rights, political polarization, Nancy Lopez, Roswell bypass, US Highway 285, U.S. Highway 285, Highway 285 bypass, road naming, highway naming, memorial, transportation department

Transcript Highlights:

• The Alamo stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Texas and American history, a symbol of courage
• As the site of the pivotal 1836 battle for Texas independence, it continues to draw millions of visitors
• and serves as a place of solemn remembrance and state pride.
• Obviously, the Alamos belongs to everybody in the state of Texas, but it's physically located in the
• Well, thank you for your passion for the project as well and for this great Texas site. Yes. Ms.

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• For many young people, particularly in rural areas or some other unsupportive environments in our state
• Your technology policy rarely stays here; when California leads, other states watch.
• Like, I remember, like, you know, I was volunteering at a library for a time.
• But as I stated in the beginning, this is truly a double-edged sword.
• Noting that the reality is the same, you know, in the states. But Australia is massive.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ+ youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair members framed the discussion around the tension between protecting young people from addictive design, harassment, hate speech, exploitation, and mental health harms while preserving access to affirming resources, community, and crisis support that many LGBTQ+ youth rely on online. Members emphasized that the hearing was meant to inform future policy rather than relitigate prior bills, and several members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus attended or participated. The first panel featured lived experience and advocacy testimony from Madi Roby of Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described social media as essential to exploring identity, finding trans language and safety information, and connecting to Trevor Project resources during a family crisis, while also acknowledging online hate and bullying. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad age-based exclusions, warning that account bans and age-gating could cut off access to community, privacy-protective pseudonymity, and crisis resources. Pick testified that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than peers to attempt suicide, that social media can be both a lifeline and a risk, and that Trevor Space and other moderated online spaces can improve mental health and reduce isolation; she also cautioned against policies that would push youth into less visible, less moderated spaces. Committee members questioned the witnesses about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to do more to protect youth. Several lawmakers distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, and asked for more targeted prescriptions. Witnesses generally supported stronger privacy protections, limits on data collection and use, better reporting and moderation tools, digital literacy, and design changes that reduce harmful engagement patterns without eliminating access to community. The discussion also touched on the loss of LGBTQ-specific 988 services at the national level and the importance of maintaining alternative support pathways. The second panel presented research from Common Sense Media, UC Irvine, Hope Lab, and LGBTQ+ Health Australia. Researchers reported that LGBTQ+ youth often arrive online with higher depressive symptoms and limited in-person support, encounter homophobic and transphobic content at high rates, and may self-censor because of fear of harassment. At the same time, many said social media helps them feel less alone and find affirmation. Dr. Sean Young emphasized a harm-reduction approach, noting that online environments can be designed to support health and that policymakers should measure whether restrictions actually reduce harm or simply displace it. Dr. Amy Green echoed that social media is both harmful and supportive for LGBTQ+ youth, underscoring that the policy goal should be to make youth safer rather than less visible online.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment preempts conflicting local requirements and states that the act applies regardless of
• criminal code or certain other state laws related to crimes and punishments.
• We had to hire a security guard at the library.
• And it's incumbent upon us to address this throughout the entire state of Washington.
• We know that many cities have been doing this... ...this throughout the entire state of Washington.

Summary: The Housing Committee considered two bills in executive session. House Bill 2266, the “step housing” bill, was presented with a proposed substitute that set different siting rules for transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, emergency shelters, and emergency housing; allowed some local standards and certifications; required local code updates within two years or the next comprehensive plan update; and grandfathered existing facilities. Members debated several amendments, adopting amendments to allow form-based codes, clarify timing and definitions, and preempt conflicting local requirements, while rejecting amendments that would have added school/daycare setbacks, expanded operational requirements, or changed local program conditions. The committee then approved the substitute bill on a 10-7 vote and reported it out with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2489 would bar local governments from adopting or enforcing laws that criminalize or penalize life-sustaining activities on public property unless adequate alternative shelter space is available. The proposed substitute narrowed and clarified the bill, including exceptions for imminent harm, emergency access, disability access, and certain criminal laws; it also allowed regional shelter agreements and broadened the definition of adequate alternative shelter space. Members adopted an amendment allowing portable mats, beds, or other sleeping spaces in drop-in overnight shelters, including those in religious buildings, while rejecting or withdrawing other amendments, including one on park facilities and one on weapons. After debate over public safety, shelter availability, and local control, the committee passed the substitute bill on a 9-8 vote and reported it out with a do pass recommendation. The chair then announced the committee would not meet the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the agency, a preliminary review that reviewed 27 court state collection and management
• Moving on to item six, the Texas Forensic Science Commission account.
• Houston State University to the Office of Court Administration.
• The Texas Forensic Science Commission, they're using a new license renewal fee collection model.
• Moving on to item 8, the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some states have that representation, and we believe that Massachusetts should also.”
• Other legislatures across the state, Chicago and Arizona also trying to do it.
• Only those retirement communities certified by the state could market themselves as a CCRC.
• There's a library with books for residents to use as a whole component of art.
• Massachusetts, as a state, has some of the best hospitals in the country, not-for-profit.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Continuing Care Retirement Communities held a public hearing focused on studying CCRCs in Massachusetts, including their financial viability, consumer protections, oversight, entrance fee and refund policies, advertising, and procedures for closure or ownership changes. Chair Rep. Tom Stanley and co-chair Sen. Pat Jehlen opened by explaining the commission’s mandate under Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024 and asked speakers to keep testimony brief. Several commissioners and staff also emphasized the importance of hearing directly from residents, providers, and advocates. Resident testimony largely centered on two themes: the need for stronger resident representation and the need for clearer, faster refund protections. Multiple residents urged the legislature to require resident seats on governing boards, including full voting rights on national or nonprofit boards, and to make board minutes and meetings more transparent. Several speakers described long delays in receiving entrance-fee refunds after leaving a community, with one family reporting an 18-month wait and financial hardship; they called for a one-year refund limit, vacancy-order systems, escrow or reserve protections, and state oversight or guarantee funds. One resident also argued that CCRCs should be more clearly defined in state law and possibly licensed or certified so only approved communities can market themselves as CCRCs. Providers and operators generally described CCRCs as valuable models for aging in place and emphasized transparency, resident engagement, and the benefits of nonprofit ownership. Speakers from nonprofit communities said residents often serve on boards or committees, participate in budgeting and planning, and benefit from integrated care, amenities, and financial stability. A for-profit operator also said residents receive disclosure and input, while noting that CCRCs vary widely and that consumer education is important. Commissioners echoed several recurring issues at the end of the hearing, especially the need to define what a CCRC is and to address refund timelines and information sharing. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with notice that the next virtual meeting would be on June 23 at 10:00 a.m., and written testimony was invited by email.

Transcript Highlights:

• We We have the ability to beat Texas.
• </c><00:20:28.559><c> because</c> than either Louisiana or Texas because than either Louisiana or Texas
• Our president of our United States.
• </c> our president of our United States. our president of our United States.
• </c><00:32:06.720><c> has</c> my biggest questions is our state has my biggest questions is our state

Bills: HB0120

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is funded by the state of Oklahoma.
• Amtrak operates it, but we pay for it in a partnership with Texas as a state-supported route.
• Texas pays something just less than that.
• You know, Texas had that problem last year.
• That also helps our state and local elections.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In our state that can be persons outside of our state.
• And so what I learned is I went to the state of Texas, and they surveyed all of their employers Big employers
• Immediately, the state of Texas put into play, and I mean, of course, they've got The land mass that
• Oklahoma is that in all of those six states, the diversion programs, including the Texas program, are
• Those state questions.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Members and guests, please rise and join me in pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States
• Pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
• Scarsdale for legislation to amend the Sick Leave Bank for Matthew McRae, an employee of the Department of State
• Common Cause testified before the committee and stated that over the last 10 years, over $340 million
• Common Cause stated that over the last 10 years, over $340 million has been spent on ballot questions

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• members and guests are asked to rise and join me in pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States
• Pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
• Scarsdale for legislation to amend the Sick Leave Bank for Matthew McRae, an employee of the Department of State
• Common Cause testified before the committee and stated that over the last 10 years, over $340 million
• And a third was found to be in violation of Article 48, as the Massachusetts Constitution states that

Summary: The House opened with routine procedural actions, including suspension of Joint Rule 12 for two petitions and suspension of Rule 7A to take up several bills immediately. Members advanced multiple Ways and Means bills to third reading, including measures on campaign finance reporting for statewide ballot questions, tax-free medical devices, fairness for Massachusetts Water Resources Authority employees, releasing land use restrictions in Revere, and authorizing a land taking in Norwood. Several engrossed local and special bills were then passed to be enacted, including measures affecting Boston police age waivers, the Hudson charter, Plymouth’s land acquisition account, Falmouth sewer-related costs, and Randolph’s charter. The House also considered Senate Bill 2916 on campaign finance reporting for ballot questions. Supporters said the bill would strengthen disclosure, close reporting loopholes, and improve transparency around ballot question committees and signature gathering, while also creating a commission to review the initiative petition process. Amendments were adopted, including changes to the commission’s membership and a separate amendment related to signature-gathering provisions. After debate, the bill passed to be engrossed by roll call vote 149-0. Members then took up the fiscal year 2027 budget conference report, House No. 5555, totaling about $63.4 billion. Supporters highlighted funding for Chapter 70 education aid, local aid, Fair Share investments in education and transportation, MBTA and regional transit support, housing and homelessness programs, food assistance, and immigration legal aid. The conference report was adopted by roll call 142-6, the emergency preamble was adopted, and the budget bill was passed to be enacted by the same vote. The House also declined concurrence on Senate Bill 3064, “to build resilience for Massachusetts communities,” and appointed a committee of conference, and later appointed a conference committee on House Bill 4646, enhancing child welfare protections. The session ended with a moment of silence for community figures and adjournment to the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• They didn't want to connect to other states. They just said, 'We're Texas.
• And so this state of Wisconsin, state of South Dakota.
• But, you know, in the state of Texas, you don't have to bury your water lines 36 inches deep like you
• But you know, in the state of Texas, you don't have to bear your water lines 36 inches deep like you
• You know, in the state of Texas, you don't have to bury your water lines 36 inches deep like you do here

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 3114, which would require operating railroads in Missouri to provide digital copies of valuation and station maps to the state land surveyor for inclusion in a public repository. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help surveyors locate abandoned railroad rights-of-way and determine center lines for adjoining landowners’ reversionary rights. Committee members asked about whether the bill would apply to active versus abandoned lines, whether records still exist for older railroads, and whether a deadline should be added for compliance. Railroad testimony raised concerns about the breadth of the request, potential security and proprietary issues, and the burden of compiling historical records, while indicating a willingness to continue discussions and possibly work with surveyors on a more targeted process. The committee then heard House Bill 2298, which would remove the current exemption for electric cooperatives from the requirement that condemning entities pay 150% of appraised value in eminent domain cases. The sponsor argued that co-ops should be treated the same as regulated utilities because landowners face the same burden when transmission lines cross their property, and he cited examples where co-op offers were far below what he believed comparable utility projects would pay. Landowners and a lawyer testifying in favor described alleged unfair treatment, uneven compensation, and the impact of transmission lines on farm operations and property value, while emphasizing that the bill would simply put co-ops on the same footing as other utilities. Opposition testimony from Associated Industries of Missouri and the Missouri Electric Cooperatives argued that the bill would interfere with the cooperative model, which is member-owned and governed by elected boards, and would reduce flexibility in negotiating easements. The co-op representative said the organizations are not partnered with Grain Belt Express, that any interconnection compensation is separate from the project itself, and that most easement acquisitions are settled by negotiation rather than condemnation. Committee members questioned whether co-ops already pay comparable amounts in practice, whether the bill would affect transmission projects tied to Grain Belt Express, and how co-op governance and member oversight should factor into eminent domain policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Perry, which proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state
• sales and use tax to the Texas Water Fund.
• It will be viewed in a historical context looking back that this is where Texas chose to meet one of
• the biggest unmet needs in the state.
• Of Texas. Happy to take questions at this time.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Perry, which proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state
• sales and use taxes to the Texas Water Fund, was heard on May 7th.
• This means that it will require active engagement with Texas Water Development Board and legislature
• Uh, it will be viewed in a historical context looking back that this is where Texas chose to meet one
• of the biggest unmet needs in the state of Texas.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• But the bill also states that if the parent or the custodian is not available, try to preserve the integrity
• I just want to let the committee know also this bill is mirrored after a Texas bill that passed in 2023
• Representative Frank from Texas... ...Representative Frank from Texas passed this bill in 2023's chief
• working with the committee on mirroring the bill from... ...the committee on mirroring the bill from Texas
• Is the bill from Texas parallel to what you got, or what are you getting there?

Bills: HB340

Committee: House Children and Senior Advocacy

Keywords: child protection, due process, family preservation, child custody, human resources, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Even my colleagues who represent states like Texas and Arizona, where energy projects are being held
• </c> gentleman from Texas. gentleman from Texas.
• differences</c> to recognize state-by-state differences to recognize state-by-state differences in<03
• Speaker, the state, the whole state &gt;&gt; Mr.
• </c> the state of Texas, Mr. Krenshaw. the state of Texas, Mr. Krenshaw.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So not much has changed about insurance providers leaving the state or coming into the state.
• Texas caps non-economic damages, so the value of somebody's life is capped in those states.
• So what you see, that's a difference between Texas and Colorado or Texas and New Mexico, is that New
• And so we're doing things that, again, a few states still do. Most states have since abandoned.
• My lawyer experience is telling me that this state, as the state, as...

Bills: SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• The United States Research Protection Act, introduced by my fellow Americans, my fellow Texans, Senator
• I think this is a very big competitive issue. for the United States of America.
• the ability to choose what's the right time to lock for your state.
• In Texas, the state legislature is considering legislation to have a referendum and have action.
• Actually, the voters of Texas decide whether Texas will be under Standard Time or Daylight Savings Time

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• to me as an issue by my district, and what appears to have happened is years ago, we decided as a state
• And we've seen that across the state, and well, it used to be my district, not my district anymore, but
• Again, we have a lot of taxing districts across the state, whether it's mosquito abatement, library districts
• We've seen that a lot in our state, and it's a critical tool for our cities to be able to use for that
• It's a tool that has been very beneficial to our state.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We started the Texas Compassionate in 2020 when we lived in Texas.
• I created an organization a few years ago in Texas called Central Texas fires, we did a Bashdrop complex
• They've built a state-of-the-art quality assurance reference lab in their state, and they've been excellent
• We assisted with state agencies at different times.
• The METRIC data belongs to the State of Oklahoma, we are the state of Oklahoma government.

Keywords: 914, all