Transcript Highlights:

• I will say that the word "regional"... I think is important.
• Then they can apply it to their regional needs.
• But if you come through the center asking.
• The Center for Human Identification at the University of North Texas and the Texas A&M Center for Rural
• If, like Regional Director Luciano said, it...

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are located on university campuses in all regions of our state.
• But what's come my way, and when I presented it to the Career Center directors, was the income limits
• The next step was that research secured... The next step was that research secured U.S.
• And I've been talking with administration in my region about ways to do that with additional vocations
• And I've been talking with administration in my region about, conversations about future career.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every Friday, Mary would host a region.
• Um, she helped us get a YMCA in Hermantown, a wellness center for our community.
• Um, she helped us get a YMCA in Hermantown, a wellness center for our community.
• Um, she helped us get a YMCA in Hermantown, a wellness center for our community.
• A wellness center for our community.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He created the school for the Center for School Safety. No, I know he did.
• under if they're operating, you know, with no issues right now?
• They will pass an ordinance to continue operating just as they are.
• We have conducted highway interdiction operations along Highway 90.
• I am from Region 1, New Orleans East.

Summary: The committee first approved the April 28 minutes and announced that Senate Bill 499 was voluntarily deferred. It then heard several House bills, beginning with HB 168, a reentry/transitional housing program for female parolees near release; supporters said it would improve public safety and reduce recidivism, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 322, a cleanup bill from the Maggie Grace Act clarifying that victims or families requesting transcripts would not be charged, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 622, which aligns Louisiana criminal history information practices with federal rules, was amended and then reported favorably. HB 821, moving the School for Safe Centers from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, was reported favorably as well. The committee then took up HB 364, which directs State Police to partner on public awareness efforts about the illegality of discharging firearms, especially around holidays. An amendment removed a proposed printing cost and shifted the bill toward PSAs; the bill was reported favorably with amendments. HB 568, which strengthens enforcement of drug-free school zone laws by creating a clearer offense for openly smoking or vaping illegal drugs in school zones and setting a specific penalty for marijuana, drew extensive debate. Supporters, including the author and governor’s office, said it was needed to protect children and families and to give law enforcement a workable deterrent. Opponents argued it would impose harsh, geography-based penalties, sweep in medical cannabis patients and veterans, and worsen racial and fiscal disparities. After roll-call, the committee reported HB 568 favorably by a 3-2 vote. The committee also approved HB 296, a cleanup bill removing long-defunct programs from statute, without objection. HB 823, creating an Orleans Parish DA pilot diversion program for unhoused people accused of nonviolent offenses, was supported by Covenant House and others as a way to avoid criminalizing homelessness and was reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 1038, a major bill revising the authority and liability structure of city marshals and local governments, prompted extensive testimony. The bill and amendments would limit some marshal powers in smaller jurisdictions, require local approval for certain staffing/insurance matters, and allow local governments to restore powers by ordinance. Supporters said it would reduce liability, clarify authority, and address problems in some marshal offices; opponents, including multiple marshals and law enforcement supporters, said it would undermine elected marshals, hurt small offices, and was too broad and under-studied. The transcript ends amid that hearing, with no final committee action shown on HB 1038.

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...or certified behavioral health facilities that have commenced operations on or before January 1,
• circumstances, if they've been existing, that would be allowed just where they're at and how they operate
• I'm actually a housing operator. I've been following this bill.
• I spent 17 years working inside Planned Parenthood, including as a center director here in Arizona.
• I'm the Deputy Director for ADL's Desert Region.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee heard a full slate of bills, beginning with HB 2749, which would allow certain nonviolent class 4, 5, or 6 felonies to be redesignated as misdemeanors after completion of sentence and a waiting period. The committee adopted a chair’s amendment narrowing eligibility and excluding some offenses, then passed the bill 6-0 with one not voting. Supporters described it as a redemption and reintegration measure for people who have completed their obligations. The committee then considered HB 2870, a constituent-driven bill restricting level 2 and level 3 sex offenders from living together in the same single-family dwelling unless they are related or in certain supervised facilities. The sponsor and neighborhood witnesses described a Chandler/Ocotillo situation involving multiple offenders in one house and argued the bill would protect families; opponents warned it could push offenders into homelessness and make supervision harder. After debate and testimony from both sides, the bill passed 3-2 with two not voting. HB 2862, which enhances penalties for offenses committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity, also passed 3-2 with two not voting after the Scottsdale city attorney testified in support and the ACLU argued it would chill protected protest and anonymity. HB 2364, which creates criminal penalties for mailing or delivering abortion-inducing drugs and for ordering them by mail, drew strong support from anti-abortion witnesses and strong opposition from lawmakers who said it conflicts with Proposition 139 and constitutional protections for abortion access. The bill passed 4-3. HB 2244, supported by Phoenix Vice Mayor Keisha Hodge Washington, would require landlords to respond to motions to satisfy eviction judgments and allow sealing of eviction records when tenants have paid; it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2573, which removes a 45-day waiting period before some DUI offenders can apply for an ignition interlock restricted license, passed 7-0. The committee also advanced HB 4117, a strike-everything amendment creating penalties for interfering with religious services by obstructing access or engaging in disorderly conduct intended to disrupt worship. The ADL and Jewish community advocates supported it as a protection for worshippers, while the ACLU argued it could criminalize protected protest and speech; it passed 4-3. Finally, HCR 2004, a mirror resolution on photo enforcement systems that would require voter approval for continued operation and periodic reauthorization, passed 4-3 after testimony from the League of Cities and Towns and a discussion of traffic safety versus civil-liberties concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> putting the whole learner at the center putting the whole learner at the center uh<00:04:22.560>
• Uh, a wealth of resources the state has to offer through local and regional partners.
• Uh, a wealth of resources the state has to offer through local and regional partners.
• </c> to offer through local and regional to offer through local and regional partners.<00:37:02.320><
• We provide support for a wide centers.

Bills: HF3650, HF2238

Keywords: student career pathways, education framework, experiential learning, employer engagement, career technical education, HF2238, Minnesota, workforce development, construction trades, youth skills training, youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, construction training, career and technical education, CTE, child labor laws, minor labor, labor exemption, workforce pipeline, skilled trades

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we have declining enrollment in every region of the state, right?
• So we are working with our hospitals, our agencies, our regional centers to make sure that we are serving
• We operate that for the CDE in partnership with them.
• We operate that for the CDE in partnership with them.
• Hello, Paige Clark with the National Center for Youth Law.

Summary: The committee heard opening public comment and then took up several K-12 budget items in the Governor’s January proposal. On LCFF and necessary small schools, the Department of Finance described a 2.41% COLA, a roughly $2.2 billion increase for districts and charters, and a $30.7 million ongoing augmentation to raise necessary small schools funding by 20%. The LAO supported funding the COLA and said the small schools proposal had merit, but questioned the 20% figure and warned about a sharp funding cliff around the enrollment thresholds. Members and witnesses repeatedly raised declining enrollment, attendance, and the need to align funding with outcomes and local cost pressures. The chair and several members also asked whether consolidation, shared administration, or alternative formulas could better address small district costs, and the issue was left open for further discussion. The panel then discussed special education equalization. Finance proposed $509 million ongoing Proposition 98 funding to raise the statewide special education base rate to $999 per ADA, which would fully equalize SELPA base rates; the LAO said the same target could likely be reached with less money under current assumptions. CDE strongly supported equalization as an equity issue and said about 15% of students are identified with disabilities, with identification rising by roughly 20,000 to 25,000 students per year. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, high caseloads, and the need to use any additional funds for inclusive practices, alternative diploma pathways, and the extraordinary cost pool. The committee also discussed whether the budget language should reflect the $509 million amount or the $999 rate, and the item was held open. For the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant, Finance proposed restoring $757.3 million one-time to complete the program, while the LAO recommended approval because learning loss remains unresolved and districts have generally used the funds for tutoring, supplemental instruction, and other academic supports. CDE explained that LEAs must revisit their needs assessments and that many districts are using the funds alongside other support systems, but members pressed for clearer accountability and better data on how much money actually goes to tutoring or other direct services. The committee then reviewed the Student Support and Professional Development Discretionary Block Grant, with Finance proposing $2.8 billion one-time and the LAO saying discretionary funding can help districts address local priorities but should be paired with fiscal oversight and possibly more targeted priorities. Members split between supporting flexibility for local needs and worrying that the grant could be used to cover ongoing structural deficits without clear evidence of student-outcome gains; the issue was also held open. Finally, the committee heard a high-level overview of school facilities funding under Proposition 2, with Finance proposing to continue $1.5 billion in bond spending in 2026-27. OPSC said that at the current pace all Prop 2 K-12 funds would likely be exhausted around 2029-30, and that demand is shifting toward modernization as enrollment declines in many areas. Members asked about school closures, reuse of unused sites, and the new small school district facilities program, which OPSC said is moving toward proposed regulations and would begin accepting modernization applications in November 2026 and new construction applications in January 2027. The committee also briefly noted community college facilities funding and asked for more information later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Jessica McLean,... should have never happened
• Civil Regional Counsel, Jessica McLean, waving in support; Eli Nortellis, Florida Justice Association
• It just means that right now they are currently operating at that level with that low PCPM.
• When we look at, especially on group care and residential care, this varies region to region.
• So we're hoping this starts to put us in the right direction, operate at the provider level.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• together here this morning, senators, staffers, security, and spectators.
• She's a resident in the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
• She's a resident in the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
• “Like a massage parlor that, you know, is operating illegally in a community.
• Lauren was seriously injured and was airlifted to Seton Medical Center in Austin.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, recognized a Karnes County Day delegation and the Texas Association of Museums, received a governor’s message on Texas Diabetes Council appointments, and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber then took up several resolutions, including SR 388 honoring the Texas Association of Museums, and adopted SRs 380, 382, and 387 by voice vote. Senator King was excused due to a family death, and the journal reading was dispensed with. The Senate then moved through a series of bills, most of them on expedited suspension of the regular order and three-day rule. Measures passed included SB 868 on Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program funding for high-wildfire-risk areas; SB 264 exempting certain family motor-vehicle transfers from tax; SB 2112 on oyster mariculture penalties; SB 1484 on catfish labeling and marketing; SB 660 on bollards near hospital emergency rooms; SB 1809 creating offenses for gift card fraud; SB 32 and SJR 81 providing business personal property tax relief and a related constitutional amendment; SB 1267 modernizing boat titling and adding disclosure for hidden hull damage; SB 1470 allowing DPS data sharing for voter list maintenance; SB 2406 and SB 2407 implementing Sunset recommendations for the Sabine River Authority and Lower Neches Valley River Authority; SB 609 on school district compliance with legally required policies; SB 921 on ex parte Medicaid eligibility renewals; SB 2320 increasing DWI penalties; SB 1822 requiring disclosure and oversight of AI-based utilization review algorithms; SB 693 on notaries public and deed theft prevention; and SB 664 setting statewide qualifications and oversight for magistrates and related judicial officers. One of the most contested items was SB 779 on common law public nuisance claims, which drew extended debate over whether the bill would limit lawsuits against lawful, regulated activities and whether it would preserve private nuisance and other existing remedies. Despite objections, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment by a 17-12 vote, holding it there. Another debated measure was SB 1008 on state and local authority over the food service industry; after a perfecting amendment, it was passed to engrossment and then to final passage. Several bills were adopted or passed with near-unanimous support, while others, including SB 1267, SB 1470, SB 1822, and SB 2320, saw some opposition but still cleared the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• MY PRIORITIES INCLUDE STUDENT SAFETY AND SECURITY FISCAL DISCIPLINE AND TRANSPARENCY AND BEING A VOICE
• THERE IS GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR REGIONAL GROWTH.
• THERE WILL BE CONCERTS AND THINGS THAT THE PENSACOLA REGION HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO AND A LARGER SCOPE YOU
• IN A CYBER SECURITY.
• HAS COME UP A FEW TIME IN CYBER SECURITY FOR NATIONAL NEEDS AND TO TOPICS THE KEY FOCUS OF THAT PROGRAM

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then it adds a regional growth factor for those whose average wage in their region is greater than
• Thank you. stuff in here about regional average stuff in here about regional average wage<00:35:42.880
• </c> operating capital in the general fund. operating capital in the general fund.
• Our district operates with zero operating referendum revenue, while some districts receive more than
• </c> benchmark of $23 in our region. benchmark of $23 in our region.

Bills: HF3790, HF3654, HF3371, HF3470, HF1099

Keywords: education finance, lease levy authority, graduation ceremonies, school districts, Minnesota Statutes, local revenue, funding increase, education, state appropriation, local control, HF3371, local optional revenue, school finance, general education aid, school district funding, referendum revenue, referendum market value, equalization aid, state aid, property tax levy

Transcript Highlights:

• It involved districts, educators, school boards, regional centers, MDE, and the governor and lieutenant
• um</c> boards and Regional centers and mde um boards and Regional centers and mde um and<00:02:21.319
• um Regional and facilitated by our um Regional literacy<00:14:57.160><c> leads</c><00:14:58.160><c>
• So we have the regional centers, we have literacy leads at districts, and it is to provide that ongoing
• </c> within the regional centers and at the within the regional centers and at the state<01:56:07.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• TNC believes in regionally appropriate wildfire solutions.
• to do so, leaving little protection against the risks these operations can create.
• Jake Schultz, on behalf of the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District, East Bay Regional Park District
• Catalina Gonzalez, Center for Progressive Reform, in support. Mr.
• Castilejos, organizing coordinator with the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice.

Summary: The committee heard a series of Senate bills on environmental, climate, recycling, wildfire, outdoor access, and clean transportation policy. SB 958 would clarify CEQA treatment of impacts tied solely to increased building height, and SB 1230 would increase penalties and create CalRecycle support tools for repeat commercial illegal dumping. SB 1341 would revise how processing fees are calculated for bag-in-a-box wine under California’s recycling program. All three measures received due-pass recommendations to Appropriations, with roll calls showing majority support and the bills left open for absent members. Members then took up SB 1300, which would create a more permanent legislative role in California’s international climate cooperation and establish a climate secretariat at UC; SB 1370, which would codify and streamline wildfire fuel-reduction permitting with added safeguards, geographic and size limits, and pesticide-related amendments; and SB 1260/1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative and the Deputy Secretary for Access position at the Natural Resources Agency. Each drew support from environmental, utility, business, and local-government witnesses, while SB 1370 also drew opposition from environmental and advocacy groups concerned about reduced CEQA review and herbicide use. The committee discussed amendments at length, especially on SB 1370, and all three measures advanced with due-pass recommendations. The committee also heard SB 1213, the Clean Truck Transparency Act, requiring baseline pricing disclosure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission trucks tied to state incentives and directing agencies to explore alternative financing. Support came from clean-air, business, and environmental groups, and the trucking/manufacturing opposition moved to neutral after amendments; the bill advanced on a due-pass vote. Finally, SB 1075, the Clean Air Promise, sought to strengthen AB 617 implementation and clarify community emission reduction planning, but it generated substantial opposition from air districts, business groups, and others over enforceability, funding, and the distinction between formal SERPs and community L-SERPs. The author described additional pending amendments to narrow L-SERP provisions, and the bill also received a due-pass recommendation to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:06.080><c> there</c> businesses that that are operating there businesses that that are operating
• regionally because it's important.
• All right, that was the focus of alleviating the concerns in those regional committees on the regional
• All right, that was the focus of alleviating the concerns in those regional committees on the regional
• </c> designated as a project of regional designated as a project of regional impact<00:34:39.800><c>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That in their regional plans are going to be moving water by pipe.
• So, we've got to get real. 14 of the 16 regional planning groups, to what?
• They will become part of the regional planning section of the plan. It's allowable, correct?
• Based on regional needs, project readiness, and long-term impact, Texas is large.
• You've heard the ratios, and they vary from region to region in the state, and so you'll see some different

Bills: HB3077, HJR2, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: alcohol, taxation, reporting requirements, sales, distribution, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer, constitutional amendment, water fund, Texas water supply, state revenue, infrastructure, HJR 7, Texas Legislature, quorum, majority quorum, two-thirds quorum, legislative procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• Across Arizona, many tribes are also the largest employers in their regions, providing hundreds and,
• Across Arizona, many tribes are also the largest employers in their regions, providing hundreds and,
• You talk about homeland security? We are homeland security.
• We spend approximately $3 million plus annually on border security.
• Thousands of Arizonans have jobs created directly and indirectly by tribal gaming operations.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona House and Senate held the joint protocol session for the 31st Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day, opening with a tribal blessing, presentation of the colors, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed tribal leaders, elders, and guests, emphasizing the importance of government-to-government collaboration, tribal sovereignty, and the role of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes in issues such as water, energy, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. The tribal address was delivered by Fort Mojave Chairman Timothy Williams, who focused heavily on Colorado River water rights, drought, climate change, and the need to include tribes in any future river management framework as current guidelines expire. He also discussed tribal economic development, education, public safety, border security, and the importance of protecting culture, language, land, and water. Thana Autumn Nation Chairman Verlin Jose similarly stressed unity, tribal sovereignty, border issues, water stewardship, and the economic impact of tribal gaming, arguing that tribes should be full partners in state and federal policy discussions and opposing a fixed border wall. Dr. Laura Tohi of the Navajo Nation gave a poetry reading and spoke about her background, the importance of language and oral tradition, and her role as Arizona State Poet Laureate. Her poems centered on food, water, weaving, and homeland. The session concluded with closing remarks from legislative leaders thanking participants for their perspectives and contributions, and the joint protocol session was dissolved. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just an exciting time to be in this cancer center.
• We are one of the cancer centers in 36 states.
• It's a unique area of NCI cancer centers.
• is unique to our cancer center.
• So I just think more regionally, as to how we can continue to support what UNM Cancer Center is doing

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have a credit union for these students in cooperation with a regional education cooperative.
• Regarding the funds, I think I heard you say it, but will these operate similar to what we've seen in
• We talked about some of them being focused on, as far as basically student-centered.
• Ensures that there are test security procedures to have valid and reliable year-to-year measures.
• Committee, we are not here tomorrow; we are at the Stan Fulton Center, which is up.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:26:51.760><c> our</c> looking at the internal operations, our looking at the internal operations
• </c> credit to the other regions that did. credit to the other regions that did.
• </c> you are are someone that the regions you are are someone that the regions appreciate<00:35:22.560
• </c><00:36:45.920><c> I</c> the nice things about being a region I the nice things about being a region
• </c> have you and the rest of the regions have you and the rest of the regions assessed<00:37:52.400>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 96, which encourages the University of Hawaiʻi to evaluate and expand student mental health services. University of Hawaiʻi Associate Vice President Farah Marie Gomes testified in support and noted the system’s mental health and basic-needs efforts across all 10 campuses. Members discussed staffing and funding constraints, including that the system had 27 adult mental health positions, 21 filled and six vacant, with one vacancy open for about four years. The resolution was adopted unanimously, unamended. The committee then took up several gubernatorial appointments. GM 785 nominated Wendo Hensel to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), and GM 784 nominated Terry George to the same body. Both nominees testified about the value of Hawaiʻi’s participation in WICHE; Hensel emphasized the importance of sharing policy ideas and best practices, while George highlighted Hawaiʻi’s unique higher education needs and the benefits of learning from other western states. Both nominations were supported and moved forward. The committee also considered multiple appointments to the Hawaiʻi Commission for National and Community Service. Kylie Alakard described wanting to serve as a youth voice and role model, and Ray Galas spoke about his prior volunteer board experience and desire to help people connect through service. Sandra Larson said volunteerism and community service were important to her and that she wanted to give back. The committee then heard GM 771 and GM 772 for Ken Kawahara to the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi; Kawahara said he would bring business and government experience to help with internal operations, education, and strategic goals, though he acknowledged he was still learning the organization’s details. Members also began hearing GM 624 for Joshua Famuina to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, with student caucus testimony in strong support emphasizing his attendance, communication, and engagement with students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sergeant at Arms, will please secure the chamber doors. Members, please take your seats.
• <c> recorded</c> All right. center has everyone recorded All right. center has everyone recorded their
• and our three regional higher education centers<00:09:17.040><c> located</c><00:09:17.440><c> in</c>
• <00:09:17.600><c> Shady</c><00:09:18.000><c> Grove,</c> centers located in Shady Grove, centers located
• Maryland Longitudinal Data Center external data sharing with third-party data centers for multi-state

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate met on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with a quorum present. The session opened with an invocation by Chaplain David Stadler, followed by journalization of his remarks and several introductions recognizing guests in the chamber, including dentists, an intern, a former legislative staffer, and representatives from the University System of Maryland and other groups. Senators also noted upcoming committee meetings and a Legislative Black Caucus photo the next day. The main floor action centered on a resolution honoring Maryland Career and Technical Student Organizations for Career and Technical Student Organization Week. The sponsor described the role of CTSOs in serving more than 12,000 students statewide and in building leadership, professional, and career skills. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with the Senate expressing congratulations and appreciation for the organizations’ work with young people. The Senate then took up layover items and calendar bills. Senate Bill 56, concerning Maryland Longitudinal Data Center external data sharing for multi-state reporting, was special ordered for one day after members raised privacy-related questions. Senate Bill 99, the Open Meetings Act/Local Board of Education Transparency Act measure, was also special ordered for one day after discussion of its committee amendment. The chamber also received administrative corrections from the Governor and referred them to the Executive Nominations Committee, and the majority leader later moved adjournment until February 19 at 10:00 a.m., which was adopted without objection.