Transcript Highlights:

• Rather, help us to become part of the solution by our courage and our unselfish efforts to lead our state
• I'm taking the lead of other legislators, really.
• I'm taking the lead of other legislators, really.
• Someone files a case in Missouri about, let's say, a lead smelter poisoned people in Peru.
• Lead smelter poisoned people in Peru. They filed the case in Missouri.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Factory-built housing should be an option that is on the table, and hopefully it will lead to housing
• Thank you to my lead author here on this bill.
• But the other two states, Minnesota and Washington, did that, followed our lead on that.
• If you could help me with that, I think that might lead me to my next question.
• In Oakland, we saw how excessive project delays lead to loss of life.

Summary: The committee hearing covered a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with the chair repeatedly noting the committee was operating without a quorum for much of the meeting. Several measures were heard with no opposition, including AB 2639 on Merced County flood control coordination, AB 1788 on allowing best-value contracting for general law cities and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, AB 2058 on reducing duplicative permitting and inspection costs for factory-built housing, AB 2576 on clarifying historic resource protections in a housing law, AB 2568 on increasing the compensation cap for water district board members, AB 2224 on updating county recorder fees and requiring electronic recording, AB 2469 on water-supply review and cost responsibility for data centers, and AB 2397 on requiring local governments to justify denials of certain housing-finance decisions. Most of these bills were presented as targeted fixes to improve efficiency, reduce delays, or modernize outdated statutes, and the authors generally requested aye votes and noted committee amendments where applicable. The most extended debate centered on AB 1751, which would streamline approval of qualifying townhome projects while setting a $28 hourly minimum wage floor for construction workers on covered private projects. Supporters argued the bill would expand homeownership opportunities, raise wages for largely non-union residential workers, and preserve existing prevailing wage law while adding enforcement tools and developer liability. Opponents, including several building trades and labor organizations, argued it would undercut prevailing wage standards, create a race to the bottom, and potentially affect wage-setting more broadly. Committee members asked detailed questions about land-use barriers, the relationship to prevailing wage, and whether the bill would affect unionized work; the author and supporters responded that it applies narrowly to private for-sale townhome projects and does not alter prevailing wage requirements. AB 2469 also drew a substantive split. Supporters said data centers should be required to provide water-supply assessments before approval, pay for infrastructure they trigger, and account for impacts on overdrafted groundwater basins and local ratepayers. Opponents from the Chamber of Commerce, Data Center Coalition, counties, and tech groups argued existing law already covers water planning, that the bill imposes unique and burdensome requirements on one industry, and that some reporting provisions could raise security concerns. The author responded that the bill is about front-end planning and local accountability, not daily reporting, and emphasized the hyperlocal strain data centers can place on small water systems. No final votes were taken during the hearing because the committee lacked a quorum, though members repeatedly indicated support or intent to vote aye once a quorum was present.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I can't speak for them, but they were in the middle of an investigation and they had multiple leads
• and they didn't know which lead was going to lead which way.
• And I can't speak for them, but they were in the middle of an investigation and they had multiple leads
• and they didn't know which lead was going to lead which way.
• ensuring continuity of care often falls on the family, and delays in special education services can lead

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first considered the executive nomination of John Snyder to the State Board for Charter Schools. Snyder described his background in municipal finance, charter school financings, and prior service with Arizona charter school organizations, and said his finance experience would help the board evaluate school viability and oversight. The committee voted 6-0 with one not voting to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard HB 2093, which would remove the statutory requirement that health education include mental health instruction and would repeal related consultation requirements over time. The sponsor argued schools should focus on academics and that social-emotional learning and mental health content belong with parents, while opponents, including students, a suicide-loss parent, and mental health advocates, said school-based instruction saves lives, helps students seek help, and preserves parental choice through opt-out provisions. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give HB 2093 a do pass recommendation. Members also considered HB 4043, requiring at least one campus employee trained in CPR, first aid, and AED use where applicable; HB 4005, requiring districts to teach ethical and educational uses of AI beginning in 2027-28; HB 2895, allowing Native American language proficiency to satisfy a world language graduation requirement; HB 2383, renaming trampoline court safety legislation as Ty’s Law; HB 4109, requiring school district public safety policies, notifications, and annual reporting after serious violence or weapon incidents; HB 2376, appropriating $40 million for the school safety program; and HB 2380, requiring public access to board meeting materials and tighter rules on out-of-state travel. HB 4043, HB 2895, and HB 2383 all received unanimous or near-unanimous do pass recommendations, while HB 4005, HB 4109, HB 2376, and HB 2380 each advanced on 4-3 votes, with some members citing concerns about unfunded mandates, criminal penalties, local control, or the scope and timing of required disclosures.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I can't speak for them, but they were in the middle of an investigation and they had multiple leads
• and they didn't know which lead was going to lead which way.
• And I can't speak for them, but they were in the middle of an investigation and they had multiple leads
• and they didn't know which lead was going to lead which way.
• to get the right, you know, the right votes, the right number, but also maybe the right votes that lead

Bills: HB2093 , HB2370 , HB2376 , HB2380 , HB2381 , HB2383 , HB2423 , HB2481 , HB2621 , HB2895 , HB4005 , HB4043 , HB4109

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: mental health, school curriculum, education policy, instruction requirements, statute repeal, charter schools, education, weapons detection, public safety, school administration, school districts, real estate transactions, school property, bond issuance, land use approval, capital improvements, school governance, board meetings, education funding, parental notification

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd love to have somebody who's knowledgeable helping us to figure out how the inputs lead to the outputs
• We'd love to have somebody who's knowledgeable helping us to figure out how the inputs lead to the outputs
• helping us to figure out how<00:42:37.360><c> the</c><00:42:37.560><c> inputs</c><00:42:38.040><c> lead
• </c><00:42:39.680><c> So</c><00:42:40.120><c> I</c> how the inputs lead to the outputs.
• So I how the inputs lead to the outputs.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2455, HD2, relating to employment practices. Testimony was limited, with support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and UPW; the committee noted nine support, zero opposition, and zero comments. No vote was taken on this bill during the portion provided. The committee then took up House Bill 2165, HD2, relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law. DLIR supported the measure but requested an amendment moving language in Section 2 from subsection A to subsection C to preserve the legal structure. Members questioned DLIR about a January 8 U.S. Department of Labor letter and whether the bill would keep Hawaii in conformity with federal unemployment insurance requirements. DLIR said the federal guidance requires the state to remove the carve-out for labor-dispute claimants, though unions with hiring halls and members in good standing could still be exempt from work-search requirements under an authorized list. UNITE HERE Local 5 opposed the bill and said the current law already gives the department discretion to exempt striking workers. The committee recessed the bill before any final action was taken in the portion shown. In the joint hearing with Commerce and Consumer Protection, the committees heard House Bill 1509, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill, DHER offered comments and requested an amendment, UPW supported it, and one Zoom testifier described personal experience with delayed care and urged faster decisions. After testimony, the committees voted to pass the bill with amendments. The adopted amendments restored the 7-day treatment-plan deadline from 10 days, changed the effective date to January 1, 2077, and struck the proposed $500 fine for employers who fail to respond within 10 days. Back in the Labor and Technology agenda, the committee heard House Bill 1515, HD2, also relating to workers’ compensation, with testimony noting seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, but no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard House Bill 1514, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation plans. A Zoom testifier opposed the bill, arguing the 120-day timeline was unrealistic for complex cases. DLIR said the bill would give the director discretion to extend the vocational rehabilitation plan timeline beyond 120 days with no cap on extensions, and the committee noted five support, four opposition, and zero comments. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2458, HD3, relating to surveillance pricing. OCP said it stood on written testimony, while supporters argued the bill would prevent corporations from using personal data to set prices, especially for groceries. Retail and grocery interests opposed the measure, saying it was too broad and could restrict loyalty programs, promotions, and discounts; one witness asked that a loyalty-program exemption be restored.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, I think this allows Missouri a chance to lead.
• And then finally, I think this allows Missouri a chance to lead.
• They're all on support, so I would ask the body to follow my lead as co-chairman of the Labor Caucus
• This is about Missouri leading, especially in the Midwest.
• This is about Missouri leading, especially in the Midwest.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But that question always leads to a bigger one: How will I make an impact with those degrees?
• women who sit in the chairs before me, thank you for making space for the next generation of women to lead
• women who sit in the chairs before me, thank you for making space for the next generation of women to lead
• women who sit in the chairs before me, thank you for making space for the next generation of women to lead
• women who sit in the chairs before me, thank you for making space for the next generation of women to lead

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If Black and Hispanic children are being targeted, because I don't want to lead to something, lead to
• I just don't want to lead to something, lead to a conclusion that's not factual, if you will, until we
• into the county attorney's office, which... ...get brought into the county attorney's office, which leads
• However, I have to lead, and I am going to lead.
• that's both sides of the aisle, you are more than welcome to come along with me, but I am going to lead

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The special committee on government convened to discuss child welfare reform, with members framing the meeting as a response to Arizona Auditor General findings and broader concerns about the Department of Child Safety (DCS). The chair emphasized that the committee’s goal was to improve accountability, oversight, and child-centered practices rather than assign blame, and said bills advanced from the committee would move to the floor. Roll was taken, and the committee then heard testimony on several bills focused on foster care and DCS operations. HB 2611 was heard first. The bill would require termination of a group foster home employee who tests positive on a drug screen, establish screening and safety requirements for group homes, expand foster youth rights, and include designated advocates on family/service teams. An amendment was adopted that changed the drug-testing language to require removal from child contact pending confirmatory review rather than automatic termination, and to require testing after certain incidents. Supporters, including foster youth and former foster youth, described unsafe conditions in group homes, bullying, drug use by staff, inadequate training, and the need for posted rights, mental health services, and stronger accountability. Some members raised questions about the amendment, drug-testing procedures, backup staffing, and contracting authority, but the amendment passed and HB 2611 was given a do pass recommendation by a 5-1-1 vote. The committee next considered HB 2035, which would add extended family members to the search, notification, and placement process when a child enters custody and create a presumption that placement with relatives or significant adults is in the child’s best interest. Testimony strongly favored kinship placement, with speakers arguing that children do better with familiar caregivers and that current practice often fails to locate or prioritize relatives. Several witnesses described tragic cases, including the death of Zariah Finley Dodd, to argue that repeated placements and congregate care increase risk. Some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing law and asked for clarification on differences from prior legislation; the sponsor said the bill strengthens existing policy and adds written documentation requirements. HB 2035 was ultimately given a do pass recommendation by a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 4049, which would authorize DCS to employ legal counsel and incur legal expenses, along with an amendment that would require independent representation or review in certain cases involving credible allegations against DCS or its agents. The sponsor and several witnesses argued that the Attorney General’s office has a structural conflict when representing DCS, and that independent counsel would better ensure honesty and accountability in court proceedings. Others cautioned that keeping representation within the Attorney General’s office preserves consistency, oversight, and existing checks and balances. Discussion continued on the structure of legal representation for DCS, but the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 4049 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think you are the lead on the last two for the first bill we proposed to reported amendment.
• Starting out with Senate Bill 2138. >> Yes, you have the lead on that one.
• Yes, you have the um<00:53:01.680><c> lead</c><00:53:01.920><c> on</c><00:53:02.079><c> that</c><00:53
• </c><00:53:03.200><c> National</c><00:53:03.599><c> Guide</c> um lead on that one.
• National Guide um lead on that one. National Guide tuition. tuition. tuition.

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard and then took action on several measures. Senate Bill 3048, relating to the State Building Code Council and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, received support from OPSD and the Chamber of Commerce, with OPSD requesting amendments tied to software licensing and a public permitting dashboard. The committees ultimately recommended passing the bill with amendments, including an effective date, and later adopted that recommendation by vote. Senate Bill 3083, relating to protective orders, drew support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Military and Community Relations Office, and a member of the public, while the Judiciary asked that the bill be deferred or amended because a prior notification process had lapsed and a new mandate could be difficult to implement. The committees nevertheless recommended passage with amendments and an effective date, noting implementation concerns in the report, and that recommendation was adopted. The committees also considered Senate Bill 3010, which would allow law enforcement, animal control officers, and firefighters to enter unattended vehicles to rescue animals in distress. The Animal Legal Defense Fund supported the measure as a common-sense good Samaritan protection, and the Hawaii Association for Justice recommended a small amendment. The bill was recommended for passage with amendments and later adopted. Senate Bill 3187, relating to off-site construction and SPEED Task Force recommendations, received OPSD testimony in support with comments; the committees recommended passing it with amendments, deleting the dollar amount and adding an effective date, and adopted that recommendation. In a later joint hearing with the Committee on Education, Senate Bill 2138, which would expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to graduate study, received support from the University of Hawaii, the Department of Defense, the Hawaii Army National Guard, and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office. Members asked whether the current law limited assistance to undergraduate degrees and whether the program would require new funding; witnesses said the bill would simply expand authority and could be implemented within the current budget. Senate Bill 2614, authorizing high school diplomas for certain veterans whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices, also drew support from DOE and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, with DOE explaining it had previously issued diplomas under an earlier version of the law and would verify eligibility through an application process. Senate Bill 2687, requiring a 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum plan and pilot program, drew mixed testimony: DOE said the topic is already covered in existing social studies standards and the bill was unnecessary, while supporters argued the history is not being consistently taught and should be mandated. The transcript cuts off before final action on the education bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> They say their plans is to continue to be the leading social work program in the state and graduate
• Cuz it's very vague to say that they're going to continue to be the leading force in a particular area
• social</c><00:29:23.120><c> work</c><00:29:23.480><c> program</c><00:29:23.960><c> in</c> be the leading
• social work program in be the leading social work program in the<00:29:24.160><c> state</c><00:29:24.600
• </c> going to continue to be the leading going to continue to be the leading force<00:30:31.440><c> in

Bills: HB151 , HB152 , HB138 , SB221 , SB190 , SB69 , SB225 , SB272 , HB151 , HB152 , HB138 , SB221 , SB190 , SB69 , SB225 , SB272

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation Education

Keywords: fire chaplains, distinctive license plate, firefighter, volunteer service, criminal penalties, sales tax exemption, baby supplies, baby formula, maternity clothing, menstrual hygiene products, pregnancy, pregnant defendant, incarceration, jail intake, pregnancy test, bail, pre-incarceration probation, supervised probation, electronic monitoring, electronic supervision

Transcript Highlights:

• And this leads, of course, when you apply that rate in districts that have greater property wealth, it
• leads to extra funds, and we call that recapture.
• And this leads, of course, when you apply that rate in districts that have greater property wealth, it
• leads to extra funds, and we call that recapture.
• </c><00:41:39.760><c> to</c> what leads to what leads to meeting<00:41:41.599><c> those</c><00:41:41.839

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But if we're ever going to achieve something like that, tourism is going to lead us in the way because
• tourism is achieve something like that, tourism is going<00:24:25.200><c> to</c><00:24:25.360><c> lead
• <c> the</c><00:24:26.080><c> way</c><00:24:26.320><c> because</c><00:24:26.559><c> of</c> going to lead
• us in the way because of going to lead us in the way because of the<00:24:26.960><c> sales</c><00:24
• </c><00:46:09.280><c> on</c> and can make sure they put lead on and can make sure they put lead on target

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:12 Roll Call: 00:00:21 Visit Jessamine - Making an Impact: 00:03:15 Fort Knox Update & Impact: 00:27:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the September minutes and heard two presentations focused on tourism and economic development. First, Visit Jessamine and local winery representatives described Jessamine County’s tourism branding, visitor center renovation at the old jail in Nicholasville, wayfinding signs, kiosks, murals, and the Jessamine Wine and Spirits Trail. They said Kentucky tourism generates more than $1 billion in taxes and $14.3 billion in economic impact statewide, and that Jessamine County tourism generates about $6.2 million in taxes and $87 million in economic impact. They emphasized that the wine trail and related events, including the Kentucky Wine and Vine Festival, draw repeat visitors, support surrounding counties, and attract visitors from across the country and overseas. Committee members praised the presentation and discussed local events such as Halloween activities in Nicholasville and Wilmore and the Great Jessamine Pumpkin event. The committee also received prepared comments on Fort Knox from Lance O’Brien of the Knox Regional Development Alliance after a Fort Knox representative could not attend because of the federal government shutdown. The remarks highlighted Fort Knox’s role as a military installation, economic engine, tourism draw, and workforce partner. The presentation cited an estimated $5.6 billion in annual output, about $1.3 billion in payroll, more than 60,000 retirees and veterans in the surrounding area, and roughly 11,000 to 13,000 soldiers stationed there at a time. It also noted major tourism-related activity such as Cadet Summer Training, the National Raider Challenge, and the George Patton Museum, along with more than $484 million in small-business contracts in fiscal year 2025 and Fort Knox’s role in IT and cybersecurity. Members discussed the importance of tourism revenue, out-of-state visitors, and the broader economic impact of both Jessamine County and Fort Knox.

Transcript Highlights:

• that decades of insufficient housing construction has left us with severe under supply of housing, leading
• And I couldn't think of a better person to lead us than Assembly Member Avila Farías, who again is someone
• But it's so complicated that sometimes it leads people to think that we should abandon it or we should
• You have to lead with the tax credits.
• And so it's really an honor to be able to lead this and to work with my colleague on this.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine California’s housing finance system, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for practical recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Co-chairs described the committee as an educational and problem-solving forum focused on financing housing production, first-time homeownership, mixed-income developments, and affordability across the income spectrum. Witnesses from state agencies and the development sector were invited to explain how housing is financed and where the system is breaking down. Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Tax Credit Allocation Committee/State Treasurer’s Office, CalHFA, and Related outlined the “capital stack” used to finance affordable housing, stressing that projects typically rely on multiple public and private sources, including federal and state low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental income. Speakers noted that affordable housing rents generally cannot support full project costs without public subsidy, and that recent federal changes—especially the expansion of the 4% and 9% tax credit programs and the reduction of the bond financing threshold for 4% credits—should allow California to finance substantially more units. CalHFA also described its homeownership programs, including My Home, Dream For All, and disaster-related mortgage assistance, as well as its multifamily lending and bond issuance programs. Several witnesses and committee members emphasized that the system remains too complex, too slow, and underfunded. They pointed to the need for more state funding, a housing bond, a permanent funding source, and better coordination among agencies, while also citing recent streamlining efforts such as AB 434’s SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency reorganization. Members raised concerns about equity, access, missing-middle housing, gender and racial disparities, and whether current programs adequately serve extremely low-income households and those at risk of homelessness. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing; the discussion ended with committee members and witnesses agreeing that both funding and administrative reform are needed to increase production and improve affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll order long lead time equipment.
• Some of you may have heard that transformer lead times are sometimes three, four, five years now.
• So, what is your leading question, and then a follow-on question?
• And that's my leading question on that?
• And that's my leading question to<00:32:54.480><c> some</c><00:32:54.720><c> of</c><00:32:54.799><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force held its third meeting and adopted the prior minutes after a motion and second. The main presentation came from John Bevington of LG&E and KU, who described the utility’s Kentucky service territory, its vertically integrated operations, and its role in economic development. He said the company supported 76 projects in 2024, representing about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, and noted that about 45% of statewide investment announcements were in its service area. He also outlined a large project pipeline of about 8.5 gigawatts, with data centers making up roughly two-thirds of that interest. Bevington explained that data center siting differs from traditional manufacturing site selection because it is driven primarily by transmission access and grid capacity rather than a process of eliminating locations. He said large data centers must locate near transmission lines, that utilities must conduct formal studies to ensure existing customers are not harmed, and that the buildout timeline for utility infrastructure is much longer than for data centers. He cited a Deloitte study and other industry data to argue that power constraints and timeline mismatches are the biggest challenges, while also emphasizing that data centers can generate significant construction activity, indirect jobs, and tax revenue. He said Kentucky’s sales tax exemption for data centers was a key enabler that increased interest in the state. Members asked about the number and size of potential data center projects, how Kentucky compares with other states, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects in Kentucky reflect current interest, that other states such as Ohio have had similar incentives for years, and that Kentucky is still early in the market. He also said data centers can vary in size, from 200 to 600 megawatts or more, and that they can be located anywhere with sufficient transmission capacity and, in some cases, access to workforce and roads. In response to concerns about energy supply, he said LG&E and KU are pursuing an “all of the above” strategy, including solar, batteries, and new natural gas combined-cycle units, and noted ongoing and proposed projects totaling additional capacity if approved by the Public Service Commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I wish I had known about this many years ago as in the organization that I lead.
• Uh, at least for two more days, I'll be leading.
• Uh at least for two more that I lead.
• Uh at least for two more days,<00:20:32.320><c> I'll</c><00:20:32.640><c> be</c><00:20:32.799><c> leading
• Um there are lots days, I'll be leading.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:24 Discussion of The Center for Courageous Kids – 00:02:46 Discussion of Adult Protective Services and State Guardianship Programs – 00:25:22 Discussion of Annual Report of the External Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel – 01:00:34 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 01:33:41 Adjournment – 01:42:07, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children opened its first meeting with roll call and a reminder about the number of children in out-of-home care with active placements, which the chair said was 8,641 as of June 1, 2025. The committee then heard a presentation from the Center for Courageous Kids, a donor-funded camp in Scottville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medically safe and inclusive model, and examples of campers gaining confidence and independence. They said the camp has served more than 43,000 campers from Kentucky, other states, and other countries, and that it is seeking legislative support for two capital projects: a new art barn and a medical lodge, with a combined request of $3.2 million. Members praised the program and asked about awareness, staffing, volunteer recruitment, accreditation, and how the projects would expand capacity; the camp said the medical lodge would help increase volunteer housing and allow future growth beyond its current summer cap of 128 campers per session. The committee then moved to adult protective services and state guardianship programs. Jessica Wayne, director of the Division of Guardianship, and Cliff Bryant of DCBS explained the legal framework for guardianship and conservatorship, including state guardianship as a last-resort option when no family member or private entity is available or appropriate. They outlined the court petition process, emergency appointments, and the distinction between full and limited guardianship or conservatorship. They emphasized that guardianship is based on legal incapacity to make decisions, not simply on a medical disability diagnosis, and noted that state guardianship can be arranged for some 17-year-olds aging out of youth services. The presenters said the state currently serves 4,645 individuals under guardianship, with most cases involving developmental intellectual disabilities, supported community living waiver participants, and people in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. They also described the division’s three branches: field services, which handles visits and day-to-day decisions in all 120 counties; a benefits branch that applies for public benefits; and a fiduciary branch that manages funds and pays bills. They reported 89 field workers statewide, an average caseload of 52, and said the agency is hiring to reduce that load. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair now recognizes the Honorable Cole Hefner to lead us in the Pledges of Allegiance to the United
• and business leaders, provide educational events and tours of the tech industry in this state, and lead
• it goes without saying that being Mouth Chair this year has been an awesome opportunity, a joy to lead
• She also took the lead in supporting me and my role on the Local and Consent Committee.
• Burgundy, your peers selected you to lead the Texas Legislative Ladies Club, and it's no surprise why

Summary: The House met on sine die and began with prayer, pledges, quorum verification, and a series of announcements and recognitions. The chamber received Senate messages reporting adoption of conference committee reports on SB 268 and SB 2972, and Senate concurrence in House amendments to SB 1637. Members also referred several resolutions and announced the signing of numerous House and Senate measures by the presence of the House. Technical correction resolutions were adopted: HCR 171, authorizing corrections to HB 46, passed 138-0, and SCR 55, making a wording correction in SB 1964, passed 126-12. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to memorials and recognitions. The House honored Pastor Dave Welch, with several members offering condolences and reflections on his work organizing pastors and engaging in civic life, followed by a moment of silence. Members also recognized the Ganado High School Maidens for winning the 2025 UIL 2A Division I softball state championship, Waco police K-9 Andor after being shot in the line of duty, Region 7 DPS for Capitol Complex security, and various restaurants, staff members, interns, caucus staff, and caucus freshmen of the year across Republican, Democratic, Black, Progressive, LGBTQ, IT, Energy and Climate, and Mexican American Legislative Caucuses. The chamber also heard a retirement-style address from Rep. Tony Tinderholt, who reflected on his six sessions in the House, his military service, and his decision to step aside to focus on family, while colleagues from both parties praised his service, discipline, and willingness to work across differences. The House then continued with additional staff and caucus recognitions, including committee staff, district office staff, and interns, with members repeatedly thanking their teams for their work during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• take the course I need for graduation, missing out on that opportunity to head down a pathway that leads
• to career and a skill in the leads to career and a skill in the trades.<00:43:54.400><c> So</c><00:43
• but you also said that you think it that but you also said that you think it will<00:45:54.480><c> lead
• ><c> kids</c><00:45:55.599><c> having</c><00:45:55.920><c> access</c><00:45:56.240><c> to</c> will lead
• to fewer kids having access to will lead to fewer kids having access to CTE.<00:45:57.839><c> I</c><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 771, the open enrollment bill, which had returned from the Senate with language clarifying that districts should list both tuition expenses and offsetting revenue estimates from sending districts. The chair and Representative McGuire supported concurring with the Senate changes, while Representative Luno raised broader concerns about the bill’s structure and equity, arguing that tuition based on 80% of the sending district’s average cost could be unfair and could create problems for receiving districts with different cost structures. After a show of hands, the committee voted to concur and send that recommendation to the House floor, with Luno indicating he would speak against it there. The committee then took up SB 9 in executive session. An amendment, 1920H, was offered to clarify that the tuition calculation should use the sending district’s average cost and to support access to CTE programs, including allowing students to take academic courses at the receiving school and, in some cases, attend the nearest CTE center. Supporters said the bill would help more students participate in career and technical education and noted bipartisan sponsorship in the Senate. Opponents argued the amendment would increase district costs, strain property taxpayers, and could reduce CTE participation or create logistical problems. The committee adopted the amendment 10-8, then voted 10-8 to recommend OTPA as amended; Representative Lad was assigned the majority report and Representative Luno the minority ITL report. After closing the SB 9 executive session, the chair reminded members that committee reports were due immediately and announced retained-bill subcommittees. One subcommittee will address adequacy and school funding issues arising from HB 651, HB 772, HB 491, and HB 434, chaired by Representative Spillsbury. Another will address school building aid issues from HB 295 and HB 366, including whether to keep the current formula or revise it, and how to handle renovations, new construction, and lease arrangements.

Transcript Highlights:

• through the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, which will help to reduce recidivism and lead
• which will help to reduce<01:20:30.520><c> recidivism</c><01:20:31.520><c> and</c><01:20:31.760><c> lead
• </c><01:20:32.400><c> to</c><01:20:32.640><c> safer</c> reduce recidivism and lead to safer reduce recidivism
• you will all be out in your communities, addressing the needs of your constituents, serving on and leading
• </c> constituents, serving on and leading constituents, serving on and leading working<01:39:45.199><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to thank Chair Port and Vice Chair Balden, Minority Lead Lucero, as well as Senator Draheim
• Stable homes lead to stable communities and better outcomes for us all.
• </c><00:36:41.200><c> Lucero,</c><00:36:41.760><c> as</c> Chair Balden, Minority Lead Lucero, as Chair
• Stable homes lead<00:37:58.960><c> to</c><00:37:59.119><c> stable</c><00:37:59.520><c> communities</c
• ><00:37:59.920><c> and</c><00:38:00.240><c> better</c> lead to stable communities and better lead to

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sent in incorrect information or sent in multiple<00:37:33.400><c> instances</c><00:37:34.400><c> leading
• </c><00:37:34.640><c> to</c><00:37:34.880><c> their</c> multiple instances leading to their multiple
• instances leading to their frustration<00:37:35.599><c> and</c><00:37:35.839><c> concern</c><00:37:36.160
• It's not very exciting, but it's going It's not very exciting, but it's going to<00:39:12.320><c> lead
• to better election day to lead to better election day experiences<00:39:14.800><c> for</c><00:39:14.960

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all