Transcript Highlights:

• That remains the goal of this legislation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Starlab Space in Webster is fully in favor of this important legislation.
• I expressed this legislation and found it to be a very helpful bill.
• So yeah, I think it's a great piece of legislation. Thank you.
• However, that legislation did not explicitly limit the court's jurisdiction.

Bills: HB5621 , HB4904 , HB5067 , HB5076 , HB5081 , HB5354 , HB4862 , HB3847 , HB4088 , HB4157 , HB2966 , HB2287 , HB4203 , HB4803 , HB4737 , HB5093 , HB783 , HB5411 , HB4281

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: HB 5621, consumer protection, Deceptive Trade Practices Act, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code, attorney general, consumer protection division, district attorney, county attorney, local prosecutor, civil investigative demand, CID, voluntary compliance, financial institution records, bank records, privacy, protective order, in camera review, trade secrets, insurer

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Orr, the bill relates to legislative leave for correctional officers employed by the Texas
• And that's why we need this legislation to promote a culture of life in our state.
• So for the last several legislative sessions, we have asked for funding.
• I find it interesting that it's being worked on, but there's still legislation being put forward.
• We did have it in our Legislative Appropriation Request, but not the full 85.

Bills: HB1826 , HB2854 , HB3006 , HB4614 , HB5261 , HB5639

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, HB 2854, Pokuaa-Flowers Act, parole, mandatory supervision, electronic monitoring, releasee, parole officer, hospital visit approval, general hospital, law enforcement notification, DSHS, Department of State Health Services, corrections, public safety, liability immunity

Transcript Highlights:

• So I guess I'm wondering specifically what. prompted this legislation, I mean, is there a specific list
• I mean, so I think this, you said it's a redundant piece of legislation.
• Members, during the 2021 legislative session.
• Publishes their legislative recommendations to the legislature SB-326 is a product of that.
• For the record, Senator King, just for legislative intent, I want to make sure, and it's a little bit

Bills: SJR27 , SJR39 , SB22 , SB33 , SB34 , SB37 , SB209 , SB310 , SB326 , SB505 , SB605 , SB618 , SB732 , SB762 , SB769 , SB783 , SB819 , SB825 , SB870 , SB964 , SB1030 , SB1080 , SB1085 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1233 , SB1314 , SB1320 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1405 , SB1541 , SB1567 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1625 , SB1646 , SB1662 , SB1750 , SB1758 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1810 , SB1818 , SB1838 , SB1855 , SB1869 , SB1951 , SB2024 , SB2077 , SB2078 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2368 , SB2411 , SB2420 , SB2425 , SB2569

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department

Transcript Highlights:

• Last session, I passed legislation which created a similar program for Texas game wardens.
• Contribution of time to the legislative leave pool is on a voluntary basis only, and there is no cost
• The legislature has already passed legislation that allows state troopers and game wardens to be able
• We urge you to support this important legislation.
• The legislation is significant in the reentry rehabilitation process for release.

Bills: HB153

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• The Fashion Act is common sense legislation drafted with the companies that would have to comply with
• So ZDHC supports legislation like AB 405 because it enables aligned action.
• And CPC are is actively engaged in in ensuring that this legislation is implemented as a model for other
• Not just as a piece of legislation, but as a commitment to protect the health of our communities and
• I also want to thank the committee for their work on this legislation.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, somebody asked me one time how, for a few months ago, how long it takes a new legislator to
• So that's more just a comment, but... ...about a deficiency appropriation next legislative session.
• Assembly just put the next Legislative Assembly.
• So whether it's in the bill or not, it should be a department study, not a legislative study?" "Mr.
• The department likes to include legislators on that." "You know, Mr. Chair, I just have a comment.

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met with all members present to review the medical services portion of the HHS budget. Sarah Aker, Executive Director of Medical Services, walked the committee through several budget items, including HCBS cost-to-continue adjustments, the DD bed assessment, expansion of value-based purchasing, targeted rate increases for home health and QSP services, and the cross-disability waiver. Members generally supported the targeted increases for home health and QSP, and Aker explained that the cross-disability waiver funding would support startup work, service design, and infrastructure ahead of a planned July 1, 2028 implementation. The committee spent significant time on rate-setting and provider payment issues. Members discussed ambulance rate rebasing, with several senators expressing concern that the proposed increase was too high relative to peer states; the committee ultimately moved toward reducing that item to $1 million rather than zero so it could be revisited in conference committee. They also discussed a House-added critical access hospital networking grant and similarly leaned toward reducing it to $1 million. Aker explained the department’s value-based purchasing plans, including use of a vendor selected through RFP, and clarified how the department’s existing Medicaid managed care and hospital value-based programs work. A major portion of the meeting focused on long-term care and basic care payments, including a House-added extension of the $5 per day basic care add-on and a proposed shift in nursing facility incentive grants toward a withhold-based model. Senator Mathern indicated he would bring an amendment to delay or modify the withhold change, and Aker said the department would prefer language that directly addresses whether a withhold may be implemented. Members also discussed 1915(i) services, FMAP changes, the Medicaid legacy system modernization carryover, and a House-added legislative intent section on medical assistance. The committee adjourned for the morning with plans to return later to continue Human Services budget work and revisit unresolved items in conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We remain concerned that this legislation will sow further confusion.
• And in that regard, you're saying if we were to pass this legislation, it would be difficult for you
• I've been up here for six legislative sessions, and all we get every time we come up here is the same
• So, again, I thank you for this piece of legislation, and I support you. Thank you. Thank you.
• I would love to be able to collaborate and see that sort of legislation.

Bills: HB341 , HB791 , HB1564 , HB1695 , HB1722 , HB1729 , HB1772 , HB2003 , HB2954 , HB2989 , HB3084 , HB3134 , HB3135 , HB3309 , HB3611 , HB3679 , HB3727 , HB3832

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation. Thank you.
• This legislation amends the law to add manslaughter when committed against a law enforcement officer
• Members, SB 538 is the state court's legislative package.
• Public engagement and accountability is very important in this piece of legislation.
• Briefly, I want to thank Senator Rouson for highlighting the importance of this legislation.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including visiting student groups, chambers of commerce, and apprenticeship participants. Senators also observed a moment of silence for a fallen Walton County deputy and later for the late John Pasadoma. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and special order calendar, with most bills passing overwhelmingly and several amendments adopted along the way. Among the major measures, SB 234 on criminal offenses against law enforcement officers passed 37-0 after debate and an amendment clarifying “good faith” in an officer’s duties; SB 7020 on open government and cybersecurity information passed 37-0; SM 1488 urging Congress to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund was adopted by voice vote; SB 944 reducing insurance overpayment claim deadlines for psychologists passed 37-0; SB 878 expanding misdemeanor probation treatment provisions to controlled substances passed 36-1; SB 538, the state court system package, passed 37-0; SB 480 on nonprofit agricultural organization medical benefit plans passed 32-4; SB 472 on correctional-facility education credit for licensure passed 37-0; and SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification passed 28-9 after extensive debate about enforcement, federal preemption, and the bill’s purpose. Later, the Senate passed CS/HB 421 on peer support for first responders 37-0 after substituting the House companion, and SB 164 on vessel accountability advanced with a technical amendment. SB 166 on administrative efficiency in public schools drew the most extended debate and multiple amendments; it changes testing, promotion, teacher evaluation, certification, and facilities rules, and passed 37-0. The chamber also passed SB 282 on warranty association financial requirements 36-0, SB 316 creating series LLCs 35-1, and SB 384 on annexing state-owned lands 36-0. At the end of the day, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, received budget schedule guidance from Appropriations Chair Hooper for SB 2500 and SB 2502, and adjourned until April 9.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation... Thank you.
• This legislation amends the law to add manslaughter when committed against a law enforcement officer
• Members, SB 538 is the state court's legislative package.
• Public engagement and accountability is very important in this piece of legislation.
• Briefly, I want to thank Senator Rouson for highlighting the importance of this legislation.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including state championship athletic teams, visiting chambers of commerce, apprentices, students, and other guests. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and special order calendar, with no committee reports or executive messages on the desk. A moment of silence was held for Walton County Deputy William Will May, who died in the line of duty. Among the major bills passed was SB 234, which strengthens restrictions on resisting law enforcement officers and increases penalties related to manslaughter of an officer; an amendment clarifying “good faith” in an officer’s duties was adopted, and the bill passed 37-0. The Senate also passed SB 7020 on open government review of certain cybersecurity information, SM 1488 urging Congress to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, SB 944 reducing the overpayment claim period for insurers/HMOs seeking reimbursement from licensed psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, SB 878 extending probation treatment options for misdemeanor offenses involving controlled substances, SB 538 updating the state court system, SB 480 expanding nonprofit agricultural medical benefit plans, SB 472 giving correctional education credit toward professional licensure, SB 86/House companion 421 expanding peer support for first responders to include support personnel, SB 164 on vessel accountability, SB 282 on warranty association financial requirements, SB 316 creating Series LLC rules, and SB 384 requiring notice to legislative delegations before municipal annexation of state-owned lands. The most debated measure was CS/CS/SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification, which Garcia said would prohibit unauthorized atmospheric interventions, create reporting and enforcement mechanisms through DEP, and impose felony penalties; Polsky questioned the bill’s practicality, federal preemption issues, and agency capacity, while supporters said it would address public concerns and close loopholes. The Senate also passed CS/SB 166 on public school administrative efficiency after adopting several amendments affecting school purchasing timelines, third-grade retention exemptions, teacher contracts, certification, facilities planning, and an OPPAGA study of cost-per-student-station limits; senators debated testing, teacher evaluations, and school accountability. At the end of the day, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, received budget process guidance from Appropriations Chair Hooper on SB 2500 and SB 2502 amendment deadlines, and then adjourned until April 9.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill codifies legislative intent with respect to charitable trust enforcement, specifically that
• I'm Kara Gross, the Legislative Director and Senior Policy Counsel of the ACLU of Florida, and the ACLU
• If this legislation becomes law, please know that we will see a significant increase in the misuse of
• So, with that, in closing, let's make this proposed pro-life legislation great again.
• Katherine Shay, Florida Department of Corrections Legislative Affairs, in support, I assume.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of 20 bills, beginning with CS/HB 1173 on the Florida Trust Code, which clarified that the Florida Attorney General is the only public official with standing to enforce charitable trusts administered in Florida; it was amended and reported favorably. The committee also unanimously or near-unanimously approved several claims and relief bills, including HB 6507 for Marcus Button, HB 6523 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., HB 6525 for Eric and Jennifer Miles, HB 6529 for J.N., and HB 6519 for the estate of Beniel Hambier, all involving settlements or compensation for injuries or wrongful death. Other measures reported favorably included CS/HB 213 on commercial squatters, CS/HB 1447 on trespass at large-scale ticketed events, CS/HB 515 updating the Uniform Commercial Code for virtual currency and related technologies, CS/HB 1007 on gift card fraud, CS/HB 1049 on protection of court officials, CS/HB 1219 on non-compete and garden leave agreements, CS/HB 399 on stolen valor in the ethics code, CS/HB 57 on xylazine regulation, HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/HB 265 on enforcing terrorism-related judgments against frozen assets. Most of these bills had support from industry, law enforcement, or affected parties and passed with little or no opposition. The most contested measure was CS/HB 1517, which would expand Florida’s wrongful death statute to include parents of unborn children as survivors. Supporters argued it would allow families to recover damages when negligence causes the loss of a pregnancy, while opponents—including the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, reproductive rights advocates, and some committee members—warned it could be used to advance fetal personhood, chill medical care, and empower abusive partners or others to sue over abortion-related conduct. The sponsor said the bill remained within the wrongful death framework and included protections for mothers and lawful medical providers, but the committee still reported it favorably on a 14-6 vote. CS/HB 903, a corrections bill addressing inmate litigation, sentencing, execution methods, tracking devices, health services, and offender review appointments, also drew debate over a proposed tolling amendment and due process concerns; the amendment failed and the bill passed 16-5. CS/HB 57 on xylazine likewise saw debate over whether penalties should target users or traffickers, but the committee rejected a narrowing amendment and passed the bill 20-1. Several bills were amended in committee, often with technical or clarifying changes, including CS/HB 1219, HB 1351 on sexual offender and predator registration, and HB 901. Public testimony was generally supportive on the non-controversial bills, especially from law enforcement, business groups, and affected claimants. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Gottlieb offered a personal correction, acknowledging he had wrongly criticized FOP in a prior meeting after learning the organization had, in fact, contacted him. The committee then adjourned after completing the full agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the cost drivers to the plan, as well as some of the recent initiatives set in motion by good legislation
• Legislative approval could lead to unpredictable budget impacts, making long-term financial planning
• I've been doing that for about 25 years, and we are opposed to the legislation, but we really do want
• Cruz, for the benefit of this committee, what were the limits in last year's legislation? Yes, sir.
• Taken on this particular piece of legislation. I know that it's very, very challenging.

Summary: The Budget Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. HB 677, relating to state-covered fertility preservation for employees undergoing cancer treatment, was introduced as coverage for egg and sperm preservation for up to three years, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $813,000. After brief questions and no public testimony or amendments, the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/HB 59, which would reform Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the clean-hands requirement, and allowing exonerees to choose between the state compensation process and a civil lawsuit; it was supported by the City of Flagler Beach and passed unanimously. CS/HB 1313, which recreates the Resilient Florida Trust Fund in the Department of Environmental Protection before its scheduled termination in 2025, also passed unanimously after supportive testimony from advocacy groups. The committee received a lengthy presentation from the Department of Management Services on the State Group Insurance Program and the recent Revenue Estimating Conference. The presentation covered enrollment, revenues and expenditures, rising medical and pharmacy costs, emergency room utilization, GLP-1 drug spending, and options for tighter formulary and utilization management. Members asked about ER cost growth, GLP-1 coverage and copays, PBM oversight and potential conflicts, avoidable ER visits, cancer screening claims, dental and vision costs, specialty drug biosimilars, and possible savings from more restrictive pharmacy models. DMS said it would follow up on several questions and noted ongoing work on cancer coordination, preventive screening, biomarker testing, and a proposed member-facing benefits platform. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 301, which would raise sovereign immunity caps from $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident to $1 million and $3 million, align limitations periods with private claims, and allow government entities to settle above the caps without a claims bill. Local governments, school-related entities, and county and city associations opposed the bill, warning of major fiscal impacts, higher insurance costs, and pressure on services; several speakers urged smaller increases or a tiered approach. Proponents, including families affected by catastrophic injury or death, argued the current caps are too low and the claims bill process is inefficient and unfair. After debate, the bill passed on a recorded vote, with some members voting no, and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, this legislation is cited as Trenton's Law in honor and memory of young Trenton Stewart.
• I'm the legislative chair for the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
• This legislation puts the determination of who was at fault and jail.
• I'm the legislative chair for the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
• I'm the legislative chair for the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. CS for CS for CS SB 138, Trenton’s Law, would broaden DUI and boating-under-the-influence laws to cover any impairing substance, increase penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing, allow blood warrants in misdemeanor DUI/BUI cases, enhance penalties for DUI with death or vehicular homicide involving prior convictions, and authorize DUI diversion programs. Supporters included law enforcement and prosecutors, who said the bill addresses gaps involving over-the-counter drugs and refusal cases; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about the breadth of the “any impairing substance” language and record consequences for first refusals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, and CS for SB 102, which creates a workforce credentialing program for exceptional student education students, especially those with autism, to earn badges for job skills and safety-related competencies. SB 102 drew questions about fiscal impact and teacher training, with supporters emphasizing workforce readiness and parent involvement while some members raised concerns about costs and implementation. SB 130, which updates compensation for wrongfully incarcerated people found factually innocent, was also reported favorably after supporters argued Florida’s current law is too restrictive and too few exonerees have been compensated. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 296, which repeals the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and returns the decision to local districts, while requiring districts to document their analysis of sleep, safety, transportation, and other impacts. An amendment added a reporting requirement to show how districts considered later start times and any unintended consequences. The bill drew broad support from school officials and education groups, with members noting transportation and extracurricular challenges. Finally, SB 234, dealing with criminal offenses against law enforcement officers, was reported favorably after debate over whether the bill should retain “good faith” language and how it would affect defenses and officer accountability. The committee also passed CS for SB 274, designating a portion of International Drive as Harris Rosen Way and adding a memorial designation for the late Senator Geraldine Thompson near the Wells Built Museum; members praised both honorees and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after recording one member’s request to be shown voting yes on the first bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here on the House 94th session, 2025, 11th legislative day, St.
• Reports from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration.
• The Minnesota DNR strongly supports this legislation.
• would already have the opportunity to do that with this legislation.
• Future legislators that are in place.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're working on legislation to ban the storage of high-level nuclear waste in the state.
• We stand in strong support of this legislation and thank the sponsor for bringing it forward.
• Those requirements stipulated right now in this legislation.
• So thank you, but we do oppose the legislation. Thank you, we will go to Ashley and then Micah.
• And so we felt that introducing legislation was really the next step.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate Representative Reynolds bringing forth a part of the Back the Blue legislation.
• So, I think that this particular piece of legislation expedites the process.
• I think this body has the right and ability to pass legislation in this area.
• I think we know that we said we'd probably have another sub coming on this piece of legislation.
• or they're outside of this legislation.

Bills: SB156 , SB134 , SB108 , SB47 , SB88 , SB89 , SB106 , SB18 , SB9 , HB38 , HB54

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: habitual felony offender, resentencing, Alabama Department of Corrections, victim notification, criminal justice reform, life sentences, parole eligibility, pardon, parole, law enforcement, GPS monitoring, data sharing, mail theft, stolen mail, criminal penalties, personally identifying information, felony, misdemeanor, expungement, criminal records

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we pass legislation in 2010 to establish programs and then in 2020 in accordance with the prior
• legislation, the Department of Environmental Protection publish the Twenty-twenty recycling goal.
• And I'm not really sure what we're doing with this legislation.
• You know, it's hard to past legislation when there's just too many questions.
• It's just 2 unknown to legislate upon right now for that reason. I'm in now. Vice chair.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I wanted to have it in our budget just in case they brought forward this legislation, which I've
• So we are going to recommend in the enabling legislation to drop that to...
• Been able to do that, but that'll be coming in the enabling legislation later.
• They analyze legislation in all the states. and they analyze legislation in all 50 states instantaneously
• Macky said, there are seven commissioners, but we serve every legislator.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had an opportunity during the interim to continue to work on this particular piece of legislation
• This legislation is broadly supported by the hunting and fishing community, as Mr. DuBell stated.
• To the point of competency, I'd like to see that extended to the legislators as well.
• It adds legislative caucus committees.
• a contribution from a lobbyist, lobbyist employer, current legislator, candidate, or PAC.

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• I come in support of this legislation.
• </c> at the the large picture of legislation at the the large picture of legislation is<00:21:00.720>
• 01:07.599><c> wanted</c><01:01:07.920><c> to</c> federal um legislation that wanted to federal um legislation
• </c><01:16:24.719><c> The</c> including possible legislation. The including possible legislation.
• Uh, and director of legislative affairs.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:24.120><c> on</c> In addition, uh the legislation on In addition, uh the legislation on Excuse
• </c> need uh some of our enabling legislation need uh some of our enabling legislation changed. changed
• </c> something as far as the legislative something as far as the legislative designation<01:06:37.520
• </c> on you know on on on other legislation. on you know on on on other legislation.
• > forward</c><01:44:41.320><c> and</c> bringing this legislation forward and bringing this legislation

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all