Transcript Highlights:

• to grant programs, quality improvement and child care development, oversight, and program integrity
• to grant programs, quality improvement and child care development, oversight, and program integrity
• to grant programs, quality improvement and child care development, oversight, and program integrity
• to grant programs, quality improvement and child care development, oversight, and program integrity
• . program.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> opportunities that I have been granted opportunities that I have been granted with<00:12:45.680>
• I am personally committed to all the students in all of our programs.
• </c><00:58:02.319><c> My</c> students in all of our programs. My students in all of our programs.
• </c> boards funded by a a national CSP grant boards funded by a a national CSP grant um<01:53:11.760>
• I'm with Hennepin County's Be@School program.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we compare this to other adult learning programs, the other adult learning programs provide a GED,
• If we compare this to other adult learning programs, the other adult learning programs provide a GED,
• The governor did fund the AEL program. The governor did fund the Goodwill program.
• The governor did fund the AEL program. The governor did fund the Goodwill program.
• So actually, the program has been deficit spending, borrowing money from other programs.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will expand their sales and use tax exclusion program.
• The CAEATFA sales and use tax exclusion program is one of the few incentive programs in California that
• We are fully compliant with environmental regulatory programs.
• And how does that work with the grants? Previously, we had a huge reliance on grants.
• And is this going to replace reliance on grants, or is this going to be additive?

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 86, which would extend and expand the CAEATFA sales and use tax exclusion program through 2031, raise the annual cap from $100 million to $200 million, and add fusion energy. Supporters, including the State Treasurer and industry and labor representatives, cited billions in clean-tech investment, job creation, and environmental benefits; county groups opposed the bill over local revenue losses. The committee approved SB 86 on a 12-0 roll, holding the roll open for additional members. The committee then heard SB 545, which would require Go-Biz to study economic development opportunities along the California high-speed rail corridor, including land value, development incentives, and public-private partnerships. Labor, Fresno’s mayor’s office, and other stakeholders supported the bill as a way to spur corridor development and future funding opportunities, while one business group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with the roll held open. Members next considered SB 63, a Bay Area transit funding measure authorizing a regional revenue measure to support transit operations amid looming fiscal shortfalls. The author and witnesses described severe service cuts that could follow without new funding, while committee members raised concerns about the bill’s structure, county participation, polling, and whether other revenue options should be considered. The bill advanced on a 9-3 vote, with the roll held open, and the committee also approved SB 263, directing a state study of tariff impacts on California’s economy and supply chains, on an 11-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 661, which would redirect aviation-related tax revenues back to airports for aviation purposes and bring the state into compliance with federal requirements; testimony focused on airport modernization, rural access, and allocation formulas, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every inmate there is there for a specific program. There's a program for vocational programs.
• There's program for, there's vocational programs.
• There's program for, there's vocational programs.
• This program is a grant-funded program at this point, and we would like to move that program into a permanently
• funded program.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Legislative Budget Board on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Article 5 budget. LBB recommended $3.7 billion in all funds for 2026-27, a 5.2 percent decrease from the base, while FTEs would rise by 856.7. Major items included funding for driver license services, DPS facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, border security, and rider changes. The committee also reviewed DPS exceptional items not included in the recommendation, including additional staffing, technology, and facility requests. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, criticizing long wait times, call abandonment, and repeated staffing increases without clear process improvements. LBB said the agency’s call-answer rate was about 9 percent in fiscal 2024, with average hold times around 34 minutes, later reduced to roughly 22-25 minutes. Senators questioned whether more FTEs alone would solve the problem and urged a broader efficiency study and better use of technology. DPS officials said they were pursuing process changes, including appointment-system upgrades, online pre-population of forms, and remote issuance options, while noting that Real ID requirements and population growth continue to drive demand. DPS leadership then outlined the agency’s priorities: completion of the Williamson County training academy, recruitment and retention of troopers, capital needs for vehicles and aircraft, and expanded responsibilities at the Capitol complex and the Alamo. Officials said the new trooper funding would help address staffing shortages, public safety, and border operations, and that overtime and deployment patterns had been adjusted to reduce burnout and improve flexibility. They also discussed Operation Lone Star, saying DPS spending is largely overtime, travel, and fuel, and that the agency continues to coordinate with federal partners while awaiting clarity on possible federal reimbursement for border security costs. Senators also raised concerns about oilfield theft, cartel activity, high-speed pursuits, bilingual pay, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and DPS said it would follow up on some of those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• In past sessions, this legislature has passed to provide grants to communities seeking additional water
• Of course, the language is And the board would still have purview to decline a grant application for
• . municipal utility district powers to bill specifically grants water control improvement district powers
• The use of this advanced data and analytics to assist the performance impact of existing water programs
• In recess until final adjournment, recess of the House or during bill referral if permission is granted

Bills: HB1523 , HB2109 , HB2694 , HB3525 , HB3898 , HB4646 , HB5188 , HB5219 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5655 , HB5659 , HB5662 , HB5672

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: aquifer conservation, Class V injection well, environmental regulation, groundwater protection, municipal water supply, temporary prohibition, water management, reservoir construction, state water plan, Texas Water Code, environmental impact, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, elections, vacancies, resignation, HB 3525, North Texas Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater permit, permit amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Grant us your wisdom that we may act with clarity and righteousness.
• and the State Civil Service Commission on the feasibility of creating a housing rental assistance program
• and the State Civil Service Commission on the feasibility of creating a housing rental assistance program
• So how can we determine if these PILOT programs are doing what they should do if we don't know what the
• They're here for the youth legislative program at the Old State Capitol, so they're here today and tomorrow

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 96 members present, opened in prayer and pledge, and introduced several resolutions and bills. Among the measures laid over were resolutions recognizing Funeral Directors’ Day, the crew of Eve’s anniversary, Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans, Nurse Practitioner Day, and condolences resolutions for several individuals. Bills introduced included appropriations measures to pay consent judgments, a property tax exemption bill for certain trusts involving seniors, and a nursing practice bill on administering reconstituted medication. Committee reports were also received, including favorable reports and amendments on multiple House bills from Civil Law and Transportation. The chamber adopted several resolutions without objection, including condolences for former Speaker Joe R. Salter, Derek Scott, and Leroy Cavalier, recognition of Bernardo de Gálvez and Hispanic contributions to the American Revolution, Codafield Day, Drew Brees’ Hall of Fame election, and support for continued National Guard operations at Camp Beauregard. Other resolutions were referred to committees, including measures on DOJ transparency regarding Epstein-related records, a housing rental assistance feasibility study, LHSAA recognition of dance and cheer as sports, and a study of disinheritance procedures for intestate successors. During personal privilege remarks, Representative McCormick discussed PILOTs (payments in lieu of taxes), citing legislative auditor findings about limited reporting and local entities’ authority to approve PILOTs, and questioned their economic development impact. Representatives also recognized a visiting 7th grade class from Trinity Episcopal School and held a moment of silence honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson. Announcements included upcoming committee meetings, a rescheduled Transportation Committee meeting with additional bills added, an ethics training after adjournment, and a Bible study meeting the next morning. The House then adjourned until 2:00 p.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• on page 7—currently on the bottom of page 6—you'll see conditions under which termination may be granted
• This legislation is to establish the Idaho Rural Health Transformation Program, basically an oversight
• a legislative oversight body for... ...an oversight body and a legislative oversight body for the program
• that has come from the federal government through a program to distribute $187 million to our state
• we'll be hearing from the Department of Health and Welfare on, I believe, their budget and some programs

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• relating to counselors and therapists, amending Section 54-3405, Idaho Code, to provide for the granting
• relating to counselors and therapists, amending Section 54-3405, Idaho Code, to provide for the granting
• Representative [unidentified] announced that the Rural Health Transformation Program would meet at 2:
• Representative [unidentified] announced that the Rural Health Transformation Program would meet at 2:
• Representative [unidentified] announced that the Rural Health Transformation Program would meet at 2:

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests will be granted privileges of the floor.
• Who is eligible for down payment assistance programs?
• home buyer assistance in state programs?
• programs?
• Competitive grants that force districts to fight over dollars, schools are unable to plan programs around

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, guest introductions, and several ceremonial proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Joseph Torkelson for his service in pediatric oncology and military medicine. Members also introduced guests connected to Arizona Bleeding Disorders, charter schools, and a suicide-prevention effort tied to HB 2665 (“Cade’s Law”). The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions. On the first calendar, the House gave do pass recommendations, mostly as amended, to HB 2117, 2744, 2751, 2917, 2939, 2957, 2970, and HCR 2038. The amendments addressed topics such as natural resource conservation district boundaries, manufacturing and jobs, Real ID/non-Real ID data privacy, and Colorado River conservation and tribal/community representation. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent the measures for engrossing; a later motion to amend the report to include the defeated Villegas amendment on HB 2667 failed by roll call vote, 22-32 with 6 not voting. In the next calendars, the House advanced HB 2015, 2129, 2327, 2439, 2533, 2667, 2793, 2873, HCR 2044, and others, with several floor or committee amendments adopted. Debate focused on homelessness coordination in HB 2533, homebuyer assistance and corporate ownership concerns in HB 2667, annexation and local control in HB 2793, and a proposed constitutional referral in HCR 2044 aimed at closing loopholes for discrimination in public programs. The House also considered HB 2044 and HB 2076 in the Judiciary calendar, with debate over the scope of a homicide-disposal statute in HB 2044 and school safety/teacher firearms issues in HB 2076; both bills advanced as amended. The final calendar covered natural resources, energy, and water bills. The House advanced HB 2014, 2055, 2145, 2185, 2267, 2340, 2428, 2696, 2798, 2955, 2975, and 2986, with amendments on drought definitions, emissions permitting, mineral district mapping, and environmental enforcement authority. HB 2267 drew the sharpest debate, with opponents arguing it would hinder solar and wind development and supporters arguing for diversification toward coal, gas, and nuclear; after a division vote, the bill still received a do pass recommendation. The session concluded with the Committee of the Whole rising and reporting, and the House adopting the report and assigning the measures accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• They said they had a grant person here and were trying to get clarification of that.
• I had searched through the University of Minnesota website and gone through grants.
• We had a grant person here, and I was trying to get clarification of that.
• we had a website i' gone through grants we had a grant<00:10:32.360><c> person</c><00:10:32.560><c>
• </c><00:26:45.120><c> um</c> community engagement award program um community engagement award program

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So DMAP, again, acronym for the Deer Management Assistance Program.
• So just to recap our program, basically... Okay.
• It's a voluntary program, except if you're in our... ...pens within your program? That's correct.
• Could be done better within your program.
• In the USDA herd certification program be considered. We feel that's important.

Summary: The committee and invited witnesses discussed chronic wasting disease surveillance and response in Louisiana, focusing on both wild deer and captive deer facilities. LDWF staff said surveillance goals are being met in about 32 of 64 parishes, but there are gaps in low-sample areas, and they described current efforts using voluntary hunter-harvested deer sampling, targeted sampling in higher-risk animals, and coordination with D-MAP properties. Witnesses and members raised possible ways to improve detection, including incentives for testing, use of taxidermists and processors to collect samples from older bucks, possible mandatory testing tied to special doe days or special seasons, and better use of D-MAP or mobile sampling units. Several members also suggested environmental testing, better deer-density data, and clearer mapping of hotspots and source areas. A major portion of the discussion centered on how to respond when a positive CWD case is found. Members debated whether Louisiana should follow an Arkansas-style approach, including allowing baiting during hunting season while using other tools to manage disease, versus stricter no-bait or no-feeding rules. Some members argued that immediate restrictions after a positive discourage hunters from submitting samples and hurt landowners and feed businesses, and suggested delaying new restrictions until the end of the season while intensifying sampling. Others emphasized that any response should be science-based and should preserve hunter participation. There was also discussion of whether control areas should be parish-based or based on geographic distance, and whether the state should establish thresholds that would allow a control zone to be reduced or removed if enough negative samples are collected. For captive deer facilities, LDWF and LDAF staff reviewed the USDA herd certification program and current surveillance practices. They said Louisiana has about 350 licensed deer facilities, including breeder and hunting facilities, and that a 2024 positive in Jeff Davis Parish led to depopulation and 12 quarantine farms; follow-up testing in 2025 found no new positives in the traced facilities. Staff said the state has relied on USDA competitive grants for diagnostic testing in the last two years, covering roughly $100,000 to $150,000 annually, while department self-generated funds covered more than $800,000 over the last three years. Members and witnesses recommended mandatory enrollment in the USDA herd certification program, mandatory 24-hour reporting of positives to LDWF and USDA APHIS, and clearer, reciprocal communication between LDWF and LDAF when positives are found. No votes were taken; the chair said staff would compile the discussion and written recommendations for consideration at the April 9 commission meeting, with the understanding that the committee will later make formal recommendations to the Legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, we see them getting left in our programs.
• It was a small 1115 grant, and so we utilized it.
• And then our after-school program. Program, probably about 120 total. OK, very good.
• They weren't aware of a non-public program. And so.
• So you're changing the way they can manage the program.

Bills: SB205 , SB582 , SB625 , SB1884 , SB1903 , SB2600 , SB2617 , SB2751 , SB111 , SB3061 , SB1908

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Keywords: fetal development, health curriculum, public schools, middle school health education, grade 7, grade 8, State Board of Education, school health advisory council, Texas Education Code, pregnancy, reproductive health, infertility, birth defects, prenatal development, unborn child, trimester, medically accurate instruction, age-appropriate instruction, drug and alcohol effects, lead exposure

Transcript Highlights:

• on aahu and $62 leasehold program on aahu and $62 million<00:23:47.320><c> for</c><00:23:47.520><c>
• rapid rehousing program, homeless outreach, and civil legal services.
• or help education loan repayment program or help which<00:32:34.440><c> is</c><00:32:34.600><c> the<
• And this incentive program, which is an amnesty program, doesn't require identification.
• </c> by Adam Grant by Adam Grant strong strong strong relationships<00:52:59.839><c> don't</c><00:53:

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that pilot program as our two<00:07:13.840><c> land</c><00:07:14.040><c> grant</c><00:07:14.240><c>
• </c> two land grant institutions. two land grant institutions.
• </c> an urban grower program an urban grower program led<00:07:56.000><c> by</c><00:07:56.360><c> a</
• they learned through the urban growers program in Louisville.
• </c> are in the program as well. are in the program as well.

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:15 HB 195 Discussion: 05:22 HB 195 Roll Call Vote: 16:33 SB 199 Discussion: 18:34 SB 199 Roll Call Vote: 41:25 SB 5 Discussion: 43:50 SB 5 Roll Call Vote: 46:35 HB 687 Discussion: 48:10 HB 687 Roll Call Vote: 50:15, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Programs that have integrated faith-based elements for decades.
• We're no longer allowed to offer our faith-based batterers intervention program.
• And thank you for keeping this element of the rural renaissance program it forward.
• Now the Veterans Dental Care grant program, the Florida mission of Mercy and Dental Care grant program
• , the Florida mission of Mercy and the Dental Student loan repayment program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, that's an authority that's granted to counties. This will grant it to this village.
• Skoufis, an act directing the Department of Taxation and Finance to create and implement an online program
• Scoop is an act directing the Department of Taxation and Finance to create and implement an online program

Committee: Senate Investigations And Government Operations

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations met on May 18, 2026, with Chair James Skoufis and several senators present for what was described as the committee’s final meeting. The committee took up several bills, beginning with S.412, which was moved and then referred to finance. S.6905, sponsored by Senator Harkham, was discussed briefly; staff explained that it would allow a village to set closing hours different from the state’s current mandate, authority that counties already have. That bill was reported, with one member recorded as without recommendation. The committee then approved and reported S.10-162, sponsored by Senator Ashby, and S.10-193, sponsored by Senator Bynoe, both amending the public officers law. S.10-193 was reported with one nay vote. S.10-266, sponsored by Senator Webb and amending the tax law, was also reported, with one nay and one without recommendation. The final bill, S.10-282, sponsored by Chair Skoufis and directing the Department of Taxation and Finance to create and implement an online program, was referred to finance. Before adjournment, Chair Skoufis thanked the committee clerk and central staff for their work, noting that many were occupied with budget duties. The meeting then concluded with expressions of appreciation from members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've adopted many statewide EPR programs for things from mattresses to paint to batteries.
• We've adopted many statewide EPR programs for things from mattresses to paint to batteries.
• , pickup programs, and product take-back requirements.
• Quick programming note before we take up Senator Jones next.
• The district court did grant a preliminary injunction against SB 627.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills and took testimony on each, with members often noting amendments and continuing negotiations. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require juvenile courts to find that less restrictive alternatives are unsuitable before ordering detention, and would require periodic review of continued detention and consideration of alternatives at disposition. Supporters argued it would reduce unnecessary youth detention and improve transparency; probation, judges, and police groups opposed it as an undue limit on judicial discretion and potentially unsafe in serious cases. The chair said he would recommend an aye with amendments, but the bill was held pending quorum and later remained on call. SB 1130 by Senator Gomez Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, requiring consent before recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and banning devices or accessories designed to defeat recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addresses secret recording and invasive surveillance; opponents from tech and hospitality groups sought clarification to avoid unintended liability for businesses and exempt workplace communication devices. Members discussed those exemptions, and the chair recommended an aye, but the measure also remained on call. Senator Blake Spear presented SB 99, which would let courts consider military protective orders in domestic violence proceedings and require better communication between civilian law enforcement and military authorities. Supporters from the Department of Defense, local officials, and military representatives said it would close protection gaps for military families; the ACLU opposed it on due process grounds because MPOs are issued without judicial process. The chair and author emphasized that the bill only allows consideration of MPOs and does not require civilian enforcement of them. The bill passed out on a vote, though it remained on call for additional members. The committee also heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, restricting flashbang use for crowd control and banning flashbangs and explosive breaching charges in immigration enforcement, and SB 1022, creating a statewide anti-trafficking task force. SB 937 drew support from civil rights and community groups and opposition from police and sheriffs over the use-of-force standard and limits on tactics; it passed out on a vote but remained on call. SB 1022 was supported by survivor and faith groups and opposed by public defenders and sex worker advocates who raised concerns about racial disparities and enforcement harms; it also passed out on a vote. Later, SB 1395, extending criminal protective orders for certain felony sex offenses against minors up to 20 years, and SB 1230, increasing penalties for repeat illegal dumping, were both heard with mixed testimony and were held on call after committee votes. The committee also adopted a consent calendar and several bills were moved forward with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, members' guests will be granted privileges of the floor.
• And she is overseeing the largest medical program in the state.
• Members, way back in the day, we all used to have PE programs, and these PE programs really got children
• Pursuant to House Rule 9E, committees are granted permission to continue meeting.
• First reading of bills: H.B. 2960, Veterans Court Fund grant program, Appropriations.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Jimmy Sade as Doctor of the Day. Members also read a proclamation honoring law enforcement officers involved in rescuing an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation, with several members praising interagency cooperation and the officers’ actions. The chamber then handled routine business, including committee substitutions, referral of HB 2245 to Appropriations, and first and second readings of numerous bills covering topics such as energy, taxes, education, health, public safety, commerce, and elections. The House resolved into Committee of the Whole and considered HB 2096, HB 2173, HB 2451, and HCR 2001. HB 2096, HB 2173, and HB 2451 were all recommended do pass. HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election requirements, drew extensive debate over voter ID, citizenship verification, foreign funding restrictions, and changes affecting early voting and mail ballots. A sub-floor amendment to HCR 2001 passed 32-26, and the resolution then received a do-pass recommendation in Committee of the Whole. HB 2121 was retained on the calendar. On third reading, HB 2010 passed 59-0 on digital consumer licensing disclosures; HB 2132 passed 59-0 on drug offenses; HB 2155 passed 57-2 on continuing the Arizona Beef Council; HB 2178 passed 51-9 on state agency medical credential requirements; HB 2310 passed 59-0 on employment relationships; and HB 2395 passed 59-0 on a Department of Education-related fitness/PE reporting measure. HCR 2001 then passed the House 32-27 and was sent to the Senate. The House also adopted the Committee of the Whole report, referred the passed measures to engrossing, and later adjourned until Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We keep hearing that grants may be going away, that it's going to be an expectation that the state fund
• activities that are currently grant funded.
• And what you'll see in this slide and the next slide are the rankings of those programs, or those requests
• If this grant goes away, and there was a threat of that, I think two years ago, we're going to lose 20
• We had some people come with that program, but we've gone from having about a thousand sites cataloged

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee heard two presentations on domestic security. Deputy Commissioner David Binder of FDLE described the state’s domestic security structure, including FDLE’s coordination role, the fusion center system, regional task forces, and private-sector infrastructure partnerships. He emphasized the Domestic Security Oversight Council’s grant-ranking process and warned that federal homeland security funding has dropped sharply over time, with possible future cuts threatening fusion center analysts and other capabilities. Binder also focused on emerging threats, especially drones and counter-UAS issues, noting current legal limits on mitigation authority, concerns about tethered drones and drone use near correctional facilities and military sites, and the need for a turnkey solution if state or federal authority expands. He also highlighted FDLE’s cataloging of critical infrastructure sites through Florida Kicker and the growth of trusted private partners. Director Dave Kerner of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles then outlined the Florida Highway Patrol’s role in domestic security. He paid tribute to a fallen sergeant and discussed FHP’s structure, criminal interdiction work, border integrity and trafficking enforcement, dispatch and communications, aviation and drone use, and immigration enforcement under 287(g). Kerner said troopers have seized large amounts of narcotics and currency this year and have arrested thousands of unlawful immigrants. He also described FHP’s involvement in operations such as Lone Star, Vigilant Sentry, and Faithful Service, and said the agency is working toward expanded counter-UAS authority through federal discussions and Sergeant Dooley’s testimony. Members expressed support for both agencies, discussed the dangers and potential benefits of drones, and the committee adjourned without objection after no public testimony was offered.