Transcript Highlights:

• We also operate a statewide our work.
• , but particularly around operating.
• , but particularly around operating.
• previously included in our operating previously included in our operating budget,<00:43:18.400><
• certificates of participation then? certificates of participation then?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With not only continuing to support alternative certification, but enhancing alternative certification
• One of my biggest concerns in teacher certification is the process itself.
• And that would require that special education certification. to have the high school biology certification
• Today, we operate seven campuses and serve over a thousand students.
• Our charter was approved in 2021, and we are in our third year of operations.

Bills: SB451, SB762, SB1490, SB1262, SB1459, SB1750, SB1962, SB2252, SB2253, SB2365

Keywords: instructional materials, public schools, Education Code, adoption, rejected materials, local funds, open educational resources, Texas Education Code, school districts, open enrollment charter schools, funding restrictions, environmental regulation, business compliance, local authority, economic development, state preemption, local control, open education resources, SB 762, Texas public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:08.680> and are going to get the certification and are going to get the certification
• <00:29:45.039> by program is going to be operational by program is going to be operational
• employee that needs the certification employee that needs the certification prior<00:30:40.720><
• be included in the safety certification be included in the safety certification training<00:41:37.319
• It is quicker to get this certification.

Bills: HF47, HF434, HF1503, HF1702

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF434, cervidae, deer, elk, moose, chronic wasting disease, CWD, wildlife importation, animal health, biosecurity, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, USDA exhibitor, species survival plan

Transcript Highlights:

• Non-normal operations, catching up, retraining on our JINSA bar operating system, bringing in some contractual
• Some of the different certifications and degree programs that we offer include an occupational certificate
• And then we have our Associate of Applied Science certification.
• requiring the GWO certification to come and work.
• Okay, and what is the pay for the certificate?

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires additional certifications for licensees licensed between 2020 and 2023 to be completed prior
• It requires<00:01:07.600> additional<00:01:08.040> certifications<00:01:08.880> for<
• /c> requires additional certifications for requires additional certifications for licensees<00:01:09.680
• The board determined that it would utilize the American Board of Optometry Certification Exam rather
• test, the certification test. test, the certification test.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection. Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection. Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Program for the Committee on Higher Education, HB 1585 by Bella Montgomery relating to the areas of operation
• AP 2438 by Darby relating to the operations and administrations of the County Hospital District versus
• and updates of resale certificates or for the Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development
• Institutions of higher education requiring students to enroll in certain courses to complete certificate
• HB 2588 by Hull relating to a cottage food production operations refer to the Committee on Public Health

Transcript Highlights:

• Program for the Committee on Higher Education, HB 1585 by Bella Montgomery, relating to the areas of operation
• The operations and administrations of the county hospital district versus subcommittee and county and
• and upseats of resale certificates or for the committee on.
• SB 2510 by Turner, relating to the assisted living facility operations and the provisions of certain
• Requiring students to enroll in certain courses to complete certificate or degree program using courses

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to put you beside one of our operators. We are going to train you.
• <00:41:23.720> this have a skill set you could operate this have a skill set you could operate
• <00:41:42.680> We put you beside one of our operators.
• We put you beside one of our operators.
• "<00:43:36.680> And<00:43:36.880> that<00:43:37.200> means Certification.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• certifications mean.
• So you can go online and get any number of. certifications on various software that's out there.
• Many employers and tell us that's nice but what I really need is this particular certificate.
• We're helping align courses with what certificates the workforce say they need.
• Every person that I came across, I started asking them what their certification was.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• operations.
• Will operate because it goes back to the locals.
• A way for us to see whether there's legitimate operations.
• Are you anticipating a self-certification process?
• Are you anticipating a self-certification process?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of certifications on grants has been one that has been growing exponentially over time.
• Basically, the crux of the case is that the certification is too vague to be enforced.
• /c><00:40:33.280> standard certifications uh standard certifications uh standard certifications
• <01:57:40.880> that is that I have a birth certificate that is that I have a birth certificate
• even though they birth certificates even though they passed<01:57:52.239> away.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety. Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA. The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe I'm not an operator, but maybe I really do like chemistry, or maybe I really do like, I didn't
• Maybe I'm not an operator, but maybe I really do like chemistry, or maybe I really do like, I didn't
• It is operators. It is welders. It's maintenance. It's administration.
• It is operators. It is welders. It's maintenance. It's administration.
• who have been denied certification, authorizes Bessie to override a decision of the teacher certification

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dow Louisiana Operations is celebrating 70 years of operations here in our state.
• Dow has been in operation 129 years globally.
• , certificate of birth abroad issued via the United States Department of State, certificate of naturalization
• , and a certificate of naturalization... ...via the United States Department of State, certificate of
• When DEQ began operating, it began operating at a fiscal deficit in 2022, having had to use state general

Bills: SB524, SR108, SR109, SCR56, SCR57, SCR12, HB227, HB398, HB689, HB897, HB1029, HB1107, HB1217, HB221, HCR58, HB136, SB162, SB382, SCR33, SCR30, SB112, SB194, SB307, SB341, SB346, SB363, SB495, SB503, SB507, SB509, SB513, SB408, SB131, SB145, SB333, SB464, SB466, SB500, SB283, SB338, SB488, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB228, SB246, SB249, SB268, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB312, SB319, SB323, SB369, SB431, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB501, HCR14, HB537, HB652, HB653, HB661, HB726, HB756, HB851, HB964, HB966, HB34, HB35, HB48, HB474, HB553, HB758, HB852, HB10, HB16, HB36, HB44, HB46, HB52, HB61, HB78, HB98, HB102, HB124, HB126, HB131, HB135, HB141, HB142, HB164, HB170, HB171, HB179, HB194, HB231, HB245, HB280, HB292, HB294, HB297, HB305, HB336, HB337, HB351, HB436, HB594, HB789, HB956, HB957, HB995, HB1040, HB50, HB117, HB120, HB122, HB139, HB148, HB149, HB185, HB199, HB247, HB271, HB286, HB301, HB358, HB359, HB384, HB413, HB428, HB450, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB631, HB657, HB669, HB675, HB680, HB691, HB712, HB716, HB720, HB723, HB727, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB842, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB29, HB39, HB58, HB67, HB73, HB76, HB77, HB82, HB112, HB121, HB125, HB132, HB134, HB151, HB154, HB155, HB161, HB166, HB187, HB191, HB207, HB211, HB224, HB238, HB241, HB242, HB250, HB260, HB265, HB275, HB300, HB320, HB338, HB339, HB349, HB379, HB399, HB427, HB463, HB464, HB468, HB545, HB550, HB551, HB565, HB588, HB639, HB725, HB782, HB805, HB808, HB834, HB847, HB853, HB858, HB861, HB883, HB916, HB937, HB977, HB1012, HB1027, HB1044, HB1054, HB1071, HB1091, HB1117, HB119, HB129, HB677, HB850, SB68, SB149

Keywords: Jump Start, career and technical education, CTE, career diploma, career pathways, workforce development, high school diploma, career major, individual career and academic plan, ICAP, individual graduation plan, IGP, work-based learning, apprenticeship, internship, dual enrollment, articulation agreement, transfer credit, rural schools, rural LEA

Transcript Highlights:

• IT IS THE INTENT TO REVISE EDUCATOR PREPARATION CERTIFICATION IN PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DEVELOPMENT BY
• THE BILL EXEMPTS FROM EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO DEMONSTRATING GENERAL AND SUBJECT
• THE DELETE ALL ADDS A REQUIREMENT FOR A HOPE OPERATOR SCHOOL DISTRICT TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT FOR USE
• VACANT OR SURPLUS FACILITY RATHER THAN SPECIFY THE HOPE OPERATOR IS A FACILITY AT NO COST.
• IT INCLUDES AN AUTHORIZATION PRESCHOOL HOPE OPERATING IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO CO-LOCATE IN ANY PUBLIC

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then if the health care facility is able to demonstrate that they are operating at a loss, you'll
• Each local delegation operates according to its own internal rules.
• Local bill certification form.
• A separate local bill certification form is required for...
• A separate local bill certification form is required for each legislative delegation.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard and passed two measures before receiving a staff presentation on the local bill process and local delegation meetings. HB 4007, by Rep. Snyder, would cap reimbursement for certain inmate emergency medical services in Martin County at 110% of the Medicare rate, with a higher cap if a provider shows it is operating at a loss. Snyder said the bill is intended to create predictability and save taxpayer dollars; members asked about fiscal effects and whether other counties could adopt similar language. Public testimony came in support from Martin County and related local officials, and the bill was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. The committee also passed HM 4005, by Rep. Daly, which urges Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure. Daly argued Florida’s troop allocation is outdated and inadequate for the state’s population and disaster demands, contributing to burnout and recruiting problems. Members asked about the basis for the current allocation, possible budget and infrastructure impacts, and the National Guard’s needs; there was no opposition or public testimony, and the memorial was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. After the votes, Reps. Holcomb and Kendall gave a detailed presentation explaining how local bills differ from general laws, constitutional limits on local legislation, required local delegation meetings and notice, certification and economic impact forms, and amendment procedures. Members asked several process questions, including about multi-county delegations and Miami-Dade’s special status. The meeting ended with a few recognitions and adjournment before session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even though our daily operations.
• So the Ag Water Quality Certification is a good example.
• So operation or grower um in Minnesota.
• Is that a program certificate program.
• <01:32:40.000> to holders of voting trust certificates to holders of voting trust certificates

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Going back to Operation Lone Star...
• We just don't have the staff to operate all those. about another 5,000 on beds that we don't operate,
• of administering the emergency manager certification for TDEM, as well as allowing certification reciprocity
• These two divisions together manage all aspects of certification exams, issuing certifications, and annual
• certification renewal.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard the Legislative Budget Board’s overview of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s 2026-27 budget, followed by extensive testimony from DPS leadership. The LBB presentation covered funding and staffing changes across driver license services, facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, and border security. The recommendations included added support for customer service staffing and trooper hiring, but did not include several DPS exceptional items such as major driver license staffing and technology requests, new regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio, and other capital projects. Members also discussed proposed rider changes, including a new rider to lapse unused trooper funding and require reporting after recruit schools. Much of the committee’s questioning focused on driver license operations, where senators criticized long call wait times, low call-answer rates, appointment delays, and what they viewed as an overreliance on adding staff rather than improving processes. DPS and LBB witnesses said the agency is pursuing some technology upgrades, including automation, online pre-population of applications, and appointment-system improvements, but acknowledged that the driver license division remains a major problem area. Senators also raised concerns about whether the 2019 efficiency study led to meaningful changes and whether the agency should consider broader process redesign or even a different administrative structure. Colonel Freeman and other DPS officials then defended the agency’s broader law enforcement and border-security work, emphasizing the need for the Williamson County training academy, the 500 additional troopers funded in prior sessions, and continued support for Operation Lone Star. They described DPS’s role in border interdiction, threat-to-life investigations, oilfield theft cases, Capitol and Alamo security, and highway safety, and said the agency is stretched thin by deployments and overtime. Members asked about border reimbursement possibilities, regional staffing differences, pursuit safety, fleet and aircraft replacement needs, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame museum. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Workforce Pell will operate as a last-dollar-in program.
• Workforce Pell will operate as a last dollar in program.
• You've got a data system at Cradle to Career which is operating.
• operational requests.
• We want to build the system of certification.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up the May Revision update on Proposition 98 and the school rainy-day fund. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee rises by $6.4 billion over the Governor’s Budget across the three-year window, with lower average daily attendance projections offsetting some of the revenue gains. Finance also described a reduced $3.9 billion settle-up proposal, increased deposits into the Public School System Stabilization Account, and an ending reserve balance of about $10.3 billion. The LAO said the revenue and LCFF adjustments were reasonable, but urged the Legislature to be cautious about delaying settle-up payments and to consider more budget resiliency, including larger cushions or other tools to protect ongoing programs. Members then questioned the administration and LAO about the size of the settle-up, the rationale for the reserve deposit, declining enrollment, and how lower attendance is creating savings that can be redirected to other school priorities. The LAO said the May Revision’s mix of one-time and ongoing spending was generally reasonable but recommended keeping a strong cushion and considering alternatives such as advance payments or pension-related savings. Questions also focused on how the May Revision’s funding mix affects districts if revenues weaken, and on the treatment of special education, discretionary block grants, and paid family leave costs for LEAs and community colleges. The committee next heard the community colleges portion of the budget. Finance described a higher SCFF COLA, increased apportionment costs, a student support block grant, deferred maintenance, Common Cloud, Calbright, credit for prior learning, and a one-time adult learner demonstration project. The Chancellor’s Office supported the core investments but asked for more funding for enrollment growth, changes to the SCFF growth formula, and a COLA for Student Equity and Achievement. The LAO recommended funding the statutory COLA increase, noted a $52 million current-year apportionment shortfall not yet included in the May Revision, and suggested the Legislature could instead direct some funds to enrollment growth, categorical COLAs, or one-time uses. Members also clarified how COLA and hold-harmless rules apply to different community college districts. Finally, the committee reviewed the proposed state implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance proposed one-time funding for the Student Aid Commission and Cradle to Career data work, plus trailer bill changes to set up state approval of eligible programs. CSAC said the program is promising but highly complex, with new federal rules just released and significant data, regulatory, and systems work still needed; it said the state will not be ready by July 1 and that ongoing funding will likely be necessary. The LAO agreed that implementation will require careful trailer bill language and noted that ongoing administrative costs remain unresolved. Members asked about other states’ approaches and the practical effect on short-term workforce programs in California.

Transcript Highlights:

• HP 45 78 by Metcalf relating to the titling registration and operation of a miniature vehicle, refer
• AG 4667, by my enrollment, relating to the pre-authorized. authorization and pre-certification, repair
• H.U. 4815 by Curtis, Relating the Liability of Owners and Operators for Certain Sources of Facilities
• HB 4895 by Vasute, really in the of a number and certificates of the issues.
• of a motor vehicle while another person rides in the operation or portion of the vehicle not for the

Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• , and asked what the certification does.
• . certification. certification.
• the following after certification. the following after certification.
• . certification. certification.
• One problem we're certification process.

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 24 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took House Bill 1637 off the table and adopted a committee substitute amendment narrowing Public Records Act exemptions to records of the child death review panel, maternal mortality review committee, and fetal and infant mortality review panel. Supporters said the exemption was intended to let providers and hospitals speak candidly in closed-door reviews to identify mistakes and prevent future deaths, while critics questioned how the public and legislature would learn the outcomes. The amendment and then the bill as amended were adopted by voice vote. House Bill 479, which would extend temporary licensing timeframes for the psychology board and the board of licensed marriage and family therapists from 30 to 60 days, was then considered. An amendment was adopted clarifying that the bill does not alter existing education, supervised training, or examination requirements. Senator Hill raised concerns that the bill’s language could allow a temporary license to last 365 days even if licensure requirements were not met, and the committee ultimately tabled the bill subject to call so the language could be clarified. The committee also heard House Bill 514, the Mississippi Veterinary Practice Act, which updates the vet-client-patient relationship definition, adds a public member and a certified veterinary technician to the board, removes some fees, and adds title protection for certified veterinary technicians. Witnesses said the changes were meant to support the profession and keep more graduates in-state. The bill passed after questions about the certification’s scope. House Bill 612, authorizing intergovernmental agreements and involving Coast Guard training and installation support services, was tabled subject to call after members said they needed more explanation. Finally, House Bill 1152, the Right to Try the Medical Cannabis Act, was considered. The bill creates a process for patients with chronic, progressive, severely disabling, or terminal illnesses not already covered by the medical cannabis statute to petition the Department of Health for access, with the treating physician initiating the request. An amendment was adopted to clarify that out-of-state patients receiving care in Mississippi are not excluded if they meet the same process and standards. Members then debated unclear language near the end of the bill about which provisions control in case of conflict; the sponsor said the new right-to-try provisions would govern for the covered patients. The discussion continued with examples of conditions that might qualify, such as non-malignant chronic pain syndromes, and the bill remained under consideration as the transcript ended.