Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think so; that was a mistaken button.
• I don't think so; that was a mistaken button.
• I think we've debated enough times. We changed. On this bill, I think we've debated enough times.
• I think we have an amendment. Thank you. On this board as well. I think we have an amendment.
• I think so. Okay, yes. All right. I think so. Okay. Thank you so. One more question.

Bills: SCR63, SCR12, HB89, HB451, HB595, HB617, HB621, HB730, HB1064, HB1125, HB221, HCR58, SB106, SB206, SB248, SB441, SB104, SB122, SB180, SB260, SB424, SB476, SCR9, SCR30, SB57, SB414, SB525, SB35, SB65, SB135, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB276, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB501, SB513, HCR31, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB691, HB712, HB720, HB723, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, 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, HB1091, HB1117, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB17, HB21, HB51, HB55, HB74, HB106, HB108, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB168, HB215, HB226, HB263, HB296, HB299, HB322, HB364, HB519, HB535, HB538, HB568, HB571, HB622, HB635, HB676, HB772, HB784, HB1006, HB1018, HB1033, HB1034, HB1043, HB1070, HB1134, HB1237, HB1239, HB36, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB677, HB726, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, SB149, SB382

Keywords: fiscal notes, legislation, legislative auditor, state policy, conflict of interest, logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB89, Act 615, district attorney, assistant district attorney, retiree health insurance, group health insurance, retirement benefits, public employee benefits, Third Judicial District, Thirtieth Judicial District

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:04:59.920> the money um there's a revenue I think the money um there's a revenue I think
• Other than that, I think that's the whole bill. I'm happy to take questions.
• <01:48:35.679> it's economic environment I think it's economic environment I think it's difficult
• I think it's good for their health, and I think it's good for their mental health. because they just
• it's good for their health and I think it's good for their health and I think<01:50:20.080> it's<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we're not thinking better. We're not teaching kids how to think.
• So, as I said, the most important thing I think we can do as human beings is to think.
• how to think. how to think.
• So, I do think that critical thinking is important. when I looked up rhetoric.
• time to think about this. All right. time to think about this. All right.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• report over the three years and I think report over the three years and I think um<00:16:18.880>
• But I think she's right, and I think this is a place that we've got to do better.
• think two pieces here that are relevant. think two pieces here that are relevant.
• I think there were computers from the Palente era that were still present in there.
• I think there were computers from the Palente era that were still present in there.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the legislative auditor on a performance audit of the governor’s office and lieutenant governor’s office covering July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. The audit reviewed receipts, inventory, payroll, and non-payroll expenditures and found 12 findings, concluding the office generally did not comply with the criteria tested because of internal control deficiencies. The auditor said four of five prior findings that remained relevant were not fully resolved, and that the problems were widespread across financial operations, creating opportunities for waste and fraud, though no evidence of wrongdoing or misuse of funds was found. The main findings involved weak segregation of duties, late vendor payments, inaccurate reimbursements and vendor payments, missing documentation, and poor receipt management. Auditors said one employee handled purchasing, receiving, payment processing, and inventory functions without adequate oversight; vendors were often paid late, resulting in more than $1,000 in late/reactivation fees; reimbursements and some state airplane payments contained errors; and many vendor payments, reimbursements, and purchasing card transactions lacked required support. The office also failed to collect about $12,000 for events at the governor’s residence, did not fully process several deposits, and lacked documentation for some billed or deposited amounts. Members reacted strongly to the repeated control failures and the lack of documentation, with several saying the issues were pervasive and concerning even if the dollar amounts were not large. Questions focused on whether the problems reflected different treatment of vendors versus employee expenses, whether restitution was being sought, and whether legislation was needed. The auditor responded that the state already has the necessary policies and procedures, and that the issue is implementation and oversight by the governor’s office, not new legislation. The auditor also said the governor’s office had been receptive and had begun taking steps to address the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• about what we beside because Just think about what we do<01:09:26.560> with<01:09:26.759>
• we ought to be uh and I don't think we ought to be uh promoting,<01:09:56.560> teaching<01:09
• If you have the bill paper in front of you or you have this bill pulled up on your computer, I would
• , computer, computer, I<01:13:26.320> would<01:13:26.480> just<01:13:26.680> point
• So, um, I am proud to sponsor this resolution with my colleagues, and I think it's very...

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports and appointment recommendations. Committees reported favorably on a number of bills and appointments, including local government, health and human services, transportation and energy, business/labor/technology, and judiciary items. The chamber also announced a change on the Senate Finance Committee, with Senator Adrian Benavidez appointed to replace Senator Julie Gonzales for the remainder of the session. A major floor item was House Bill 1136, creating the Pathways to Public Service Program in the Department of Personnel and Administration to identify coursework that could qualify students for entry-level state government jobs. Supporters said it would help attract young people to public service and fill state vacancies using existing resources; opponents argued it promoted government employment over private-sector careers and could expand government unnecessarily. After debate, the Senate adopted the bill on second reading, and the Committee of the Whole report later reflected that HB 1136 passed second reading and was ordered revised and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 1023 recognizing Latino/Latina Advocacy Day after reading it at length and hearing remarks in support of civic engagement and Latino participation in policymaking. In addition, the chamber concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 74, which clarifies penalties and procedures related to excessive claims in public construction performance bond disputes; the bill then passed again on re-passage. Several other bills, including Senate Bill 63 and remaining calendar items, were laid over to later dates, and the Senate also considered and began processing consent-calendar gubernatorial appointments.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think, let me just...
• Yes, I think.
• I think so, yes. And there's an extra report in on line 18. I think so, yes.
• <02:02:40.639> I<02:02:41.119> probably think in hindsight, I think I probably think
• I mean, I think I think if we can Yeah.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first revisited HB 781, the cell phone bill, after previously retaining it. On reconsideration, members moved to OTP the bill, and it passed unanimously. The committee then moved into the budget tracking packet and adopted an amendment to HB 2 to add the same cell phone policy language, also unanimously, and separately reduced HB 1 by $1 million to match the policy change. Members noted the cell phone language had already been stripped of grant funding language in the House version and that the policy and funding pieces were being aligned across the budget bills. The committee then took up a Department of Education technical amendment to HB 2 on charter school grants, which made timing and administrative changes without altering grant amounts, and adopted it unanimously. Members also discussed but held other education-related items, including adequacy grants, pending broader decisions on overall education funding. Another HB 2 item concerning E-911/state police radio communications prompted a longer discussion about whether E-911 surcharge funds were being used for purposes that should instead be general-funded. After debate over whether to leave the current practice in place or split the funding 50/50 between E-911 and general funds, the committee adopted a joint HB 1/HB 2 change to shift the funding source to a 50/50 split and delete the HB 2 language authorizing the prior use; the motion passed 7-0. The committee also discussed but did not act on several lottery-related provisions, including the video lottery terminal amendment, the increase in maximum ticket price from $30 to $50, and related tax split changes, with members planning to hear from the Lottery Commission on Monday. The meeting ended with the committee beginning review of new amendments in the tracking packet, including a Department of Education request related to Public School Infrastructure Commission grant administration, but no action was taken on that item in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, when we think about higher education Sometimes we think about our local college or university or
• I didn't think so.
• I don't think our students have hit those limits. I don't think they're going to hit those limits.
• Well, I mean, I think in I think part of it does talk about performance space, but those are, you know
• And I think, in looking at what I think that my boss, the state regents, believe, what could be done

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think nobody on the dais knows, but for the audience, I am an LCSW.
• you're leaving the door open, and I think that's a very good thing.
• I do think people should know who they're dealing with.
• And I think titles matter.
• I think anyone who knows me knows my door is always open, and I enjoy, and I think that you get a better

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. HB 361, by Rep. Nix, would reclassify registered interns as registered associates for clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling, and would streamline supervision rules by removing the requirement that licensed supervisors be physically present in private practice settings. Supporters said the bill would modernize terminology, reduce barriers to practice, and expand access to mental health care while maintaining supervision and public safety. Several members raised concerns about possible unintended effects on community health centers and Medicaid workforce issues, but the bill drew broad support and passed 17-0, reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 1341, by Rep. Gonzales Pittman, which is aimed at preventing misuse of physician specialty titles and limiting those titles to practitioners who are actually board-certified in the specialty they claim. The sponsor emphasized that the bill does not address the general use of “doctor” or “physician,” only specialty designations such as dermatologist, gynecologist, neurologist, or plastic surgeon. Testimony in support came from medical and professional groups, including anesthesiologists and plastic surgeons, who said clearer titles help patients know who is treating them and improve safety. The Florida Optometric Association opposed the bill, arguing it could create confusion or omit optometric titles and other designations. Two amendments were adopted without objection. One removed a hospital name-tag requirement from the bill. The other changed a claims-denial provision so that denial letters need only disclose that a Florida-licensed physician in good standing made the decision, while the insurer must retain the physician’s identifying information for potential litigation or discovery. Some members supported the privacy protections, while others questioned whether the amendment was germane to the bill. As amended, HB 1341 passed 13-4 and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it may be wise to put some sort of threshold in there that...
• I don't I don't think you're I'm not trying to make this difficult I don't think you understand the question
• The computers, I came out with them recently. We're going to utilize computers in our cattle.
• Okay, I think follow-up would be good.
• I think we're all absolutely in favor of things moving expeditiously.

Bills: SB 384, SB 503, SB 565, SB 616, SB 740

Keywords: hunting license, fishing license, donation, operation game thief fund, wildlife conservation, livestock, electronic registry, marks and brands, Texas Animal Health Commission, animal identification, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened under the leadership of Chairman Kelly Hancock, who opened the meeting with a prayer in remembrance of Chairman Perry, who was absent due to a personal loss. The session focused on the discussions surrounding SB384, which aims to support the longstanding initiative known as Operation Game Thief. Senator Flores presented the bill, emphasizing its essential role in the fight against poaching through public support. The operation has a successful track record of convictions but is currently dependent on donations and merchandise sales for funding. The committee aimed to vote on multiple bills during this session, contingent on achieving a quorum. Notably, discussions also revolved around fiscal notes on two bills that were set aside for later consideration, indicating the committee's intention to carefully manage their legislative decisions. The meeting showcased a productive atmosphere, with committee members actively engaged in the review and potential advancement of key legislative measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think you've heard over and over and over from our local, uh, state and federal partners that there's
• Uh, at times when, When I was there, we had employees in San Antonio had to cover their computers with
• a tarp when they left at night in case the roof leaked so it wouldn't damage their computer equipment
• Um, Um, I think just going on to going off of the DIR discussion.
• Um, and I may be speaking a little, a little off on that, but I think that's, that's how I, I review

Transcript Highlights:

• think I think I you for the question I think I think I understand<00:37:50.000> what<00:37:50.079
• I think probably many of them uh I think I think probably many of them many<03:23:28.560> of<
• c> bill<03:41:52.960> is bill is I think why I think my bill is bill is I think why I think
• /c><03:46:08.120> think<03:46:08.279> there think there I think there think there think
• I don't think I mean I don't think I don't think restricting<03:56:48.279> or<03:56:48.439>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 295, which would make school building aid funds non-lapsing/non-APS. Representative Cahill said the bill was intended to keep any unused building aid money available for future projects, potentially helping move projects up the priority list or provide a little more funding for school construction. Members asked about how much money has lapsed in past years, whether the education trust fund and building aid are separate, and whether any lapsing dollars could be used to pay down debt. Department of Education official Jim Carney said about $29.1 million would be available if building aid is funded to the $50 million maximum in FY26, confirmed that the fund currently lapses, and said the department would gather historical lapse data. Committee members also discussed whether a dedicated fund structure could achieve the same goal, and the chair noted that the education trust fund statute includes school building aid as one of its uses. No vote was taken; the hearing was closed and the committee said it would later hold a work session after receiving more information. The committee then took up HB 237, introduced by Representative Dan McGuire, which would prohibit the use of special education state funds and differentiated aid for students not receiving special education services. The New Hampshire School Boards Association, through Becky Wilson, opposed the bill as written, saying it was unclear, potentially unnecessary, and difficult to implement because adequacy and differentiated aid are distributed as part of a districtwide lump sum rather than as student-specific dollars. She explained that special education costs are embedded across district budgets, including staffing, training, transportation, and instruction, and that some staff and services benefit both special education and general education students. Wilson also said differentiated aid is not tied to a specific pupil and is used at the district’s discretion, though it is intended to support students with greater needs. Committee members pressed on whether the bill would require districts to track money by individual student, whether it could conflict with federal special education law, and whether it would affect least restrictive environment requirements. Wilson said making the funds student-specific could create privacy and accounting problems and could make it difficult to staff inclusive classrooms, though she did not give a definitive legal opinion on federal compliance. She agreed that students who are not eligible for special education would not be included in the separate catastrophic/special education aid reimbursement program. The discussion continued into the second section of the bill, with members exploring how adequacy aid and differentiated aid are used in practice, but no action was taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we should amend the certificate and include that in the...
• I think that you will be a tremendous addition to the county.
• I think it is, young lady. That's what they told me this morning.
• I think it's good. I'm in the same place.
• I think it's going to be a beautiful celebration of all of our cultures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we go on.
• But when you're thinking about a new benefit, when you're thinking about a new program, think about these
• But when you're thinking about a new benefit, when you're thinking about a new program, thinking about
• I think that's great. I think it's fantastic.
• And when we think of fraud, I think it's very natural for us to think about the Office of Inspector General

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in your personal opinion, do you think that we're thinking about this too complicated?
• Computer.
• I think that is...
• Yeah, I think you're correct.
• And I think you're right.

Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met to begin its study of charitable gaming and the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations, a study directed by Senate Bill 2334. Legislative Council gave an overview of the constitutional and statutory framework for charitable gaming, site authorizations, rent limits, proceeds, and recent legislative changes. The Attorney General’s Gaming Division then clarified the financial flow of gaming, explaining that in fiscal year 2025 North Dakota had about $2.5 billion in gross gaming proceeds, with roughly 88-90% paid back in prizes and about $256 million available to organizations after taxes; most of that activity came from electronic pull tabs. Members asked for more detail on winnings, replays, rent, and the breakdown of manufacturer/distributor revenues, and the AG’s office agreed to provide supplemental information. The committee also heard from the League of Cities and the Association of Counties about local site authorization. Cities said they have a limited role in approving gaming sites, can adopt policies after public hearing, may charge up to $100, and can set certain conditions, including local nexus requirements, but cannot require donations or force a specific charity or site. The League said it had worked with stakeholders on a model policy to provide more consistency, though members raised concerns that local requirements could become too restrictive for charities serving broader areas. Counties said the issue is mostly a city matter, with little county involvement beyond minimal site fees and general site approval. The North Dakota Gaming Alliance testified in support of the study and provided IRS-related material suggesting charities may use asset diversification, while emphasizing it had not taken a position on whether charities should own bars. Members questioned whether bar ownership is being used for site stability or to channel charitable gaming dollars, and whether city policies might disadvantage charities with broader missions. The committee also discussed the relationship between gaming organizations, manufacturers, and distributors, including restrictions on incentives and interference, and asked for more information on those entities and their ownership. Later in the meeting, the Racing Commission gave its regular update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, ADW providers, purse and promotion funds, a new TRPB contract, and concerns about cease-and-desist actions from other states. Finally, the State Hospital superintendent briefly reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, including the SORT team, training, and security assistance for the hospital campus.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is extraordinary to think that I am the 19th in our line of sovereigns, to study with daily attention
• Speaking in this renowned chamber of debate and deliberation, I cannot help but think of my late mother
• Our new partnerships in nuclear fusion and quantum computing, and in AI and drug discovery, hold the
• OUR NEW PARTNERSHIPS IN NUCLEAR FUSION AND QUANTUM COMPUTING, AND IN AI AND DRUG DISCOVERY, HOLDING THE

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > teams,<00:03:35.760> our think about our sports teams, our think about our sports teams
• Uh I think that was probably learning.
• finding more transparency, which I think finding more transparency, which I think is<00:32:11.960
• <00:42:09.760> of local accountability, they think of local accountability, they think of
• So again, as far as the faster, I think that really assesses more of adult behavior, but I think there

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And think of the win that we had. We sent two bills to that. Right?
• And think of the win that we had. We sent two bills to the House with no fees. Two.
• And I urge you to think about this because this is coming to your district.
• I think we would all agree that we did maybe even more in some circumstances.
• And I don't even think I've mentioned McCom's folks yet for everyone.

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I think that... I think that's an option.
• I think some of them, your...
• Chairman, I think it could be a... >> Uh, Mr. Chairman, I think it could be a collaborative effort.
• as you think about this problem.
• >> I think he had three requests. >> I think he had three requests. >> Oh, I'm sorry.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think technology is there.
• I think technology is there.
• I think technology is there.
• I think technology is there.
• I think technology is there.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's really tragic.
• But doing so misunderstands what we teach students, not what to think, but how to think, an important
• Dan Patrick wants our universities to teach students how to think, not what to think, but by dictating
• Howard, and I think.
• I think they should be different and I think they will be different.

Bills: SB 37

Keywords: fetal development, education, public health curriculum, middle school, age-appropriate instruction