Video & Transcript : 'open primary' :
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session May 14th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will open the roll. The clerk will open the roll.
- Clerk will open the roll.
- Clerk will open the roll.
- Clerk, open the roll.
- Clerk will open the roll. Open the roll. The chair is preparing to close.
Bills:
HJR1088 , HJR1090 , HJR1091 , HB1370 , SB2154 , HJR1092 , HJR1093 , HJR1095 , HJR1099 , HJR1100 , HB3021 , SB893 , SB206 , SB248 , SB259 , SB423 , SB563 , SB604 , SB633 , HJR1077 , SB667 , SB1224 , SB1257 , SB1264 , SB1319 , SB1360 , SB1437 , SB1531 , SB1543 , SB1806 , HB3004 , SB1572 , HB4342 , SB1618 , SB2 , SB237 , SB1632 , SB1687 , SB1726 , SB1859 , SB1894 , SB1461 , HB4432 , SB1948 , SB1589 , SJR52 , SR46 , HCR1030 , SB2071 , SB2182 , SB1451
Keywords:
education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools, Statewide Charter School Board, career and technology education, CTE, OEQA, rule approval, legislative oversight, permanent rules, school governance, teacher retirement, education agencies, Oklahoma Register, Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and recognition of two student pages before taking up a long agenda of House joint resolutions and bills, mostly related to administrative rules and agency approvals. The chamber advanced and passed H.J.R. 1088, 1090, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1099, and 1100, which approved permanent rules for education, energy and agriculture, business and commerce, building code, health-related agencies, general government agencies, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and OMES. Several senators criticized the process for moving rule resolutions quickly and without committee vetting, while supporters said the calendar delays required direct consideration. The Senate also adopted conference committee reports and passed SB 206, SB 248, and HB 3021, with HB 3021 making small changes to graduation requirements, including science/math course language, Oklahoma history flexibility for some military families, and personal financial literacy counting toward math in some cases.
A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 1370, which was described by its author as repealing an automatic state trigger that would replace any federal gasoline tax if the federal government suspended it. Supporters argued the bill would prevent Oklahoma drivers from paying more if the federal gas tax were repealed and framed it as tax relief; opponents argued it could reduce highway and bridge funding and create a budget hole. The Senate suspended several rules to bring the bill up, but rejected a motion to suspend the fiscal-impact rule for a proposed amendment. After debate, the chamber passed the measure 41-7 and then approved it as an emergency measure.
The Senate also took up Senate Bill 893, a conference report dealing with foreign ownership near critical infrastructure and agricultural land. The bill would restrict certain foreign adversary ownership or leasing within 10 miles of critical infrastructure, add training zones and other protected areas, delay implementation until July 1, 2027, and create an enforcement process involving Attorney General review and whistleblower-style reporting. Senators raised concerns about enforcement, possible misuse, and profiling, while the author said the bill was aimed at national security and infrastructure protection. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. Later, the Senate received notice that the House was ready to convene in joint session, and the chamber briefly stood at ease before returning to continue its work.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/24/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, I'd like to provide some opening context for the very sobering information that my colleagues from
- Um, so I just have a comment and then I will open it up for discussion among the members here.
- </c> centuries, state law was the primary centuries, state law was the primary mechanism<00:36:40.720
- Finally, I'd like to note that while this bill opens the courthouse door, these cases would still be
- That was an example of a law where it was written in a way to open up the window of opportunity to go
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Keywords:
civil rights, law enforcement, federal collaboration, accountability, state law, constitutional rights, color of law, 42 U.S.C. 1983, section 1983, civil action, damages, injunctive relief, attorney fees, law enforcement task force, federal-state cooperation, intergovernmental agreement, federal agency partnership, Minnesota Constitution, U.S. Constitution, police accountability
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- 38.160><c> the</c> reiterate that midwives are some of the reiterate that midwives are some of the primary
- 39.839><c> of</c><00:11:40.079><c> care</c><00:11:40.320><c> for</c><00:11:41.040><c> prenatal</c> primary
- providers of care for prenatal primary providers of care for prenatal and<00:11:41.920><c> postpartum
- Open to questions. >> Thank you, Mr. See, Hawaii Health Planning and Development Agency. Dr. Jack.
- So my concern initially with the bill is that the language is so open-ended that, okay, where exactly
Committee:
House Health
Keywords:
accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers.
The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation.
For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/21/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Line 130 is the Z-Degree textbook program, open educational resources. It's $100,000.
- One of the primary changes made, though, are increases in fees paid by these institutions.
- One of the primary changes definitions.
- One of the primary changes made<00:38:15.920><c> though</c><00:38:16.480><c> are</c><00:38:17.040><c>
- Our practice spans the spectrum of care from the most primary to the most complex.
Bills:
HF2312
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
Keywords:
higher education, college finance, student aid, financial aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, tuition relief, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, work-study, child care grants, Indian scholarships, tribal colleges, Hunger-Free Campus, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So we'll do them in the most open, transparent, and participatory way we can during the session.
- And so I would actually argue that it's a much more open process to do it by region.
- Well, first off, again, we've opened the portal that anyone in Texas can access, and there's a pretty
- Again, I think that the virtual hearings are much more open to the public than anything we have ever
- And of course, it's open to any member of the Senate.
Bills:
SR5 , SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SB25 , SB26 , SB28 , SB35 , SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SB25 , SB26 , SB28 , SB35 , SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SB25 , SB26 , SB28 , SB35 , SR5
Keywords:
redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- That was the primary provision that was at issue in the EPA versus Ellison case.
- That was the primary provision that was at issue in the EPA versus Ellison case.
- That was the primary provision that was at issue in the EPA versus Ellison case.
- That<00:34:31.760><c> was</c><00:34:32.000><c> the</c><00:34:32.120><c> primary</c><00:34:32.679><c>
- provision</c><00:34:33.200><c> that</c><00:34:33.399><c> was</c> That was the primary provision that
Committee:
Senate Human Services
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It's going to be pretty wide open.
- It's going to be pretty wide open. like. It's going to be pretty wide open.
- </c><00:21:45.280><c> and</c> room, maybe the cafeteria is open and room, maybe the cafeteria is open
- Um, our primary concern is with the special fund.
- Um, our primary Foundation of Hawaii.
Bills:
HB2185 , HB2621 , HB2179 , HB2534 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB2560 , HB2565 , HB2172 , HB2298 , HB2304
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
sports officials, referees, umpires, athletic directors, school administrators, league administrators, coaches, assault, first-degree assault, substantial bodily injury, temporary restraining order, TRO, private counsel, Department of Education, DOE, sports safety, school sports, amateur athletics, professional sports, public schools
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:46.840><c> um</c> project both for our two main primary um project both for our two main primary
- </c><00:20:24.159><c> to</c> where as Larry mentioned we're open to where as Larry mentioned we're open
- barrier to them actually being able to open.
- Specificity takes away the gray areas and takes away the openness to interpretation.
- </c><00:48:33.640><c> to</c> areas and takes away the openness to areas and takes away the openness to
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/12/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It's been operating online and is prepared to open its doors this spring.
- c> doors</c><00:08:08.960><c> um</c><00:08:09.680><c> in</c><00:08:10.039><c> this</c> prepared to open
- its doors um in this prepared to open its doors um in this spring<00:08:10.720><c> I</c><00:08:10.840
- We've opened over a thousand cases in 2024 and put on hold $7.7 million to prevent fraud and financial
- receive primary care and then<00:57:32.599><c> they'll</c><00:57:32.799><c> rely</c><00:57:33.079><c
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 1260, HB 1574, HB 1816, HB 1499, HB 1709 (05/26/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- And Article 22 of, uh, you know, open government.
- </c> >> and article 22 of uh you know open >> and article 22 of uh you know open government
- I'm going to open the committee of conference on HB 1499.
- I'm going to open the right, it's 2:30.
- That's not our primary concern.
Keywords:
10:00am HB 1260
11:00am HB 1574
12:00pm HB 1816
2:30pm HB 1499
2:45pm HB 1709, 928, house, all
Summary:
The conference committee first met on HB 1260, a bill requested by municipal clerks to allow certain divorce-related records to be kept confidential. House members argued the Senate amendment would reverse the presumption of openness established in the Keene Sentinel case and raise constitutional issues under the state constitution’s privacy and open-government provisions. Senate members responded that the 2018 privacy amendment, the limited scope of the proposal, and modern internet risks justified the change, but the House maintained the issue needed a full hearing in a separate bill. The committee ultimately voted unanimously for the Senate to recede and adopt the House version, preserving the underlying bill without the Senate amendment, and both sides said they would revisit the topic in a future session.
The committee then took up HB 1574, which extends free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs and provides funding for SNAP administrative costs. The main dispute was the Senate’s addition of $4.4 million for SNAP administration, which DHHS said was needed because federal law would shift more administrative costs to the state and could increase the state’s SNAP error rate, potentially triggering much larger future penalties. DHHS officials reported the current error rate was 7.57% for federal fiscal year 2024, below the national average, and estimated that if the rate rose above 8%, the state could owe about 10% of SNAP benefits, or roughly $12 million for a partial year and nearly $16 million for a full year. Some House members supported the added funding as a preventive measure, while others objected that the underlying bill was modest and the amendment resembled a previously rejected proposal. The discussion ended with the committee moving toward the House position and the bill’s future depending on the chamber’s vote on the Senate amendment.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, this is the same bill that I waved open. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Absolutely.
- The primary reason is that they are better suited to manage the grant program.
- We are opening up doors that we are going to be unable to close.
- And these are doors that the U.S. government has not opened.
- That's one of the primary amendments.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum calls, and introductory remarks, including recognition of former Representative Ardian Zika and law enforcement officer of the day Representative Chuck Brannan. Members also unveiled a portrait of Speaker Daniel Perez, with extended remarks praising his leadership and the institution of the House. The Speaker then explained the process for taking up returning messages from the Senate, noting that the House would consider Senate amendments to bills already passed by both chambers.
The House first concurred in Senate amendments and passed CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which adds computer science and artificial intelligence content to high school instruction and creates a teacher certification program, with implementation delayed to give the Department of Education time to develop curriculum. The chamber then considered CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program whether or not they receive a grant, add a five-year sunset, and keep the program under the Florida Digital Service rather than a university. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 104-1. Members also refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both bills back to the Senate.
The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/HB 1471, which would create a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and related restrictions. Supporters said the Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline requirements, and aligned the bill with federal-style procedures; opponents argued it lacked due process, could chill speech, and gave the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate evidentiary standards or judicial review. Members also debated a related public records bill, CS/CS/HB 1473, which would exempt certain records tied to the designation process; critics said the exemption would further reduce transparency and due process. Despite objections, the House adopted the amendments and passed HB 1471 by 80-25, while the public records measure was taken up as a technical companion to align with the newly amended bill.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HOU-LBT, HOU DEFER, WTL-HOU, HOU, HOU Public Hearings 03-18-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's good to hear that you're open to third-party review.
- to third party hear that you're open to third party review.<01:39:31.600><c> It's</c><01:39:31.840><
- And so the lack of specificity here opens the door for developers to bend the law and bend the rules
- And so the lack of specificity here opens the door for developers to bend the law and bend the rules
- Specificity here opens the door for developers to bend the law and bend the rules however fits them,
Summary:
The committees heard several housing-related bills and resolutions. HB 1298 HD3 would create a government employee housing revolving fund and a government employee 99-year leasehold rent-to-own program; testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, labor groups, and the Maui Chamber, with the Tax Foundation and Budget and Finance raising concerns about the revolving fund. The committees recommended passage with non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency, and the motion was adopted. HB 741 H2, which would exempt certain affordable housing projects financed by a certified nonprofit CDFI from prevailing wage requirements, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from several construction unions; the chairs said they were concerned about the labor objections and deferred the measure, with the labor committee agreeing to defer it as well.
The housing committee then took up HB 417 HD1, which creates a housing efficiency and innovation subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund and allows HHFDC to transfer funds between the subaccount and the main fund without legislative approval. Testimony was largely supportive. The chair described a series of amendments, including changing the funding-efficiency standard, adding perpetual affordability language, allowing any land tenure type, broadening eligible financing tools, adding priority criteria for mixed-income projects and government-employee projects, and inserting blank appropriations tied to a requested $75 million per year and a $75 million subaccount appropriation for the HCDA 99-year leasehold project. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted.
HB 422 HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and move remaining balances to the school facilities special fund, drew broad support from housing and taxpayer groups and opposition from the Department of Education and some individuals. The School Facilities Authority and DOE argued the current system had not produced enough usable land or school sites and suggested narrowing the exemption to government housing projects’ construction costs instead of repealing the fee entirely. Members pressed DOE and SFA on how much land had actually been obtained and whether the fee had been effective; the discussion highlighted concerns about unused balances, school overcrowding, and the role of the Land Use Commission and county zoning in securing school sites. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion shown. The committee also heard STR 60/SR 45, urging HHFDC to develop a plan to meet housing demand, and STR 77/SR 60, addressing continued eligibility for housing credits for certain projects after repeal of Act 31; both sets of resolutions had HHFDC support, with DHHL supporting STR 77/SR 60 and Johnny May Perry opposing both.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Apr 30th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- then there are just a couple of components that made sure that the care plan was approved by the primary
- then there are just a couple of components that made sure that the care plan was approved by the primary
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 4, 2026 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- But the primary thing it does is establishes requirements for project government structures across these
- have the biggest impact so I imagine they will draw resources from DMS and FLDS making this their primary
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I need to be open about that.
- And we're a very open and inclusive family that may not be the same for all children.
- I think we're very open to those parts.
- I would even love to get to primary foods at some point, right?
- Certainly, we're open to negotiating whether more or less would be appropriate.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote.
The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations.
The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma Education Commission Apr 30th, 2026
Oklahoma Education Commission
Transcript Highlights:
- So we really do kind of open up a much larger space for us to engage in inquiry.
- So, but I think this opens the door.
- When did that, when did they open that up?
- What was the date that they opened that up for a grant application to be submitted?
- So open it up. Our statewide OER Commons database.
Committee:
House Oklahoma Education Commission
Summary:
The commission met with a quorum and introduced Brett Farley, who was discussed as a possible partner to help strengthen the nonprofit side of the commission’s work. Members also welcomed a new participant, Naomi Janes of Owasso Public Schools, who described her role in instructional technology and AI integration. The group spent much of the meeting on planning for the upcoming AI symposium, including venue logistics, room and meal costs, audio-visual expenses, fundraising progress, keynote and vendor participation, and ideas for breakout sessions and after-hours demonstrations. Members discussed keeping attendee contact information private unless permission is obtained, and they also considered future regional meetings and year-round follow-up to sustain momentum beyond the symposium.
A major portion of the meeting focused on legislation and grant strategy. Michael provided an update on House Bill 1782, saying floor amendments had been filed and that the bill now includes authority for agencies to pursue gifts and donations, an expanded advisory council, broader research purposes, and a fund structure that can support multi-year projects without fiscal-year pressure. He also reviewed Senate Bill 1734, which would require parental disclosure, allow opt-outs, and require reporting on data minimization and privacy compliance for AI tools used in schools. Members discussed how the commission could help schools, families, and the public understand AI policy and how the new law might shape future recommendations.
The group also reviewed several grant efforts. Anna reported on the NSF TechABLE/AI HubZone proposal, a three-year, $1 million-per-year opportunity with a June 15 letter-of-intent deadline and July 15 full proposal deadline, and noted plans to include staff positions to support the project. She also updated the group on a rural health care transformation proposal of roughly $700,000 and asked for follow-up on its status. In addition, Anna outlined a broader K-20 pipeline concept centered on a shared learner record and microcredential system that would connect K-12, CareerTech, higher education, libraries, and workforce systems, with tools such as Career Coach and Skill of Eye to link credentials to jobs. Members generally supported the idea, noting benefits for transcript portability, special populations, teacher certification, and workforce alignment. The commission agreed to meet again on June 14 at 1:00 p.m., and the meeting adjourned after a brief announcement of an informal AI book club for the summer.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing none, we'll open public testimony. Chair calls. Do we have any witnesses?
- Hearing none, we're going to open up public testimony for HB 132.
- Hearing none, we'll go ahead and open up for public testimony.
- Seeing none, we'll open for public testimony.
- Seeing none, we'll open for public testimony. We have no one registered.
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
Keywords:
licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism, critical infrastructure, emergency response, law enforcement
Summary:
The meeting was a thorough exploration of multiple bills, most notably focused on innovative energy solutions and public safety enhancements. Key discussions centered around HB14, which aims to bolster the state's nuclear energy capabilities through the establishment of a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and a strategic necessity for Texas's growth. There was strong support for the bill, with various stakeholders highlighting its importance for the future energy landscape. Additionally, other bills like HB132 addressed the need for enhanced confidentiality protections regarding sensitive information, while HB1584 sought improvements in power restoration procedures during emergencies. Overall, the committee engaged with multiple viewpoints, balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators and guests in the gallery, please rise for the opening prayer, which will be given by Senior
- Senate Bill 7010, a bill to be entitled, an act relating to a review under the Open Government Sunset
- Senate Bill 7010, a bill to be entitled in Act laying to a review under the Open Government Sunset Review
- read the next bill: Senate Bill 7008, a bill to be entitled an act relating to a review under the Open
- Senate Bill 7008, a bill to be entitled an act relating to a review under the Open Government Sunset
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several introductions recognizing guests, family members, and a USF Day at the Capitol presentation. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar, where it first passed two Open Government Sunset Review bills: CS/SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008/HB 7003, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both measures passed unanimously.
The Senate also passed CS/SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, a bill intended to help victims enforce judgments against terrorist entities, and CS/CS/SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, aimed at improving veterans’ access to benefits and transition support. Additional measures passed included CS/CS/CS/SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, CS/CS/CS/SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, and several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric and Jennifer Miles on behalf of EEM, and Marcus Button. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements also passed after an amendment making texting while driving a moving violation with points and a distracted-driving course requirement.
The most extended debate centered on CS/CS/CS/SB 700, where senators discussed provisions on fluoride in drinking water, labeling of plant-based products, drone penalties, charity registration, agricultural housing, and other agriculture-related policy changes. Several amendments on fluoride were offered and defeated, while a technical amendment on financial institution definitions was adopted. Senators also briefly discussed the policy implications of the bill’s fluoride language and its relationship to local control and public health. Several other bills on the calendar were temporarily postponed, and at the end of the session the Senate adopted motions to certify passed bills to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and remove CS/SB 7016 from the special order calendar. The Senate then adjourned until April 16.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- At this time, the floor is open for testimony, and the Chair will call George Berigo.
- We'll open up for public testimony at this time, and the Chair calls Jaime Puente.
- The floor is open for public testimony on Senate Bill 1224.
- In 2015, the TEA opened 188 investigations into improper educator-student relationships.
- We'll open up public testimony and continue public testimony at this time.
Committee:
Senate Education K-16
Summary:
The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard several bills focused on school finance, transparency, student safety, and educator misconduct. SB 843 by Senator Kolkhorst would create a centralized TEA database for school bond elections, tax rates, and project details; supporters said it would improve transparency for taxpayers, while members discussed the fiscal note and suggested adding charter schools. SB 1224 by Senator Sparks would require superintendents to report alleged romantic, sexual, or abusive conduct between staff and students directly to law enforcement within 48 hours, with penalties for failure to report; testimony from advocates and survivors strongly supported the bill and urged that it also apply to private and charter schools. SB 747 by Senator Paxton on behalf of Senator King would require school district policies addressing AI-generated sexually explicit images of minors as cyberbullying and direct the School Safety Center to develop guidance; the committee heard emotional testimony from a student victim and discussed school authority to discipline off-campus conduct and the role of cell phones.
The committee also heard SB 1636 by Senator Hinojosa, which would limit use of interest and sinking tax revenues to debt service for voter-approved capital projects and not deferred maintenance; school finance witnesses raised concerns that the bill’s language could restrict needed facility maintenance spending and asked for a clearer definition of deferred maintenance. SB 2185, also by Senator Hinojosa, would expand access to the bilingual education allotment for dual-language programs; district officials and educators testified in support, saying it would remove barriers to funding and better support bilingual instruction. SB 604 by Senator West would require the Permanent School Fund Corporation to publicly track bonds backed by the state guarantee program that are downgraded to speculative or junk status, with West arguing the information would provide an early warning sign of district financial distress.
Across the hearing, much of the testimony centered on student protection and accountability in schools. Multiple witnesses described educator misconduct cases, failures to report abuse, and the need for outside law enforcement involvement rather than internal district investigations. Committee members repeatedly discussed extending reporting and safety requirements to private and charter schools, and several witnesses urged independent oversight. No bills were voted out; each measure heard was left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, let's open a public testimony the The floor is now open for public testimony on Senate Bill 1242
- At this time, we will open up the floor for discussion.
- We'll open up public testimony on Senate Bill 14. 1409.
- Okay, at this time, public testimony will open for. 2431.
- Okay, the chair now opens public testimony for Senate.
Bills:
SB530 , SB757 , SB769 , SB1085 , SB1241 , SB1242 , SB1409 , SB1878 , SB2138 , SB2314 , SB2231 , SB2361 , SB2431 , SJR59
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio