Transcript Highlights:

• After a lot of study, the VA has finally approved that.
• After a lot of study, the VA has finally approved that.
• The annual appropriation amount has not yet been determined, but we're getting close.
• I'd love to share it, pass it around the committee if that's appropriate and allowed.
• I'd love to share it, pass it around the committee if that's appropriate and allowed.

Bills: SB524 , SB782 , HB42 , HB 1056 , HB2894 , HB3033 , HB3474 , HB3594 , HB4738 , HB5246 , HB42

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: SB 524, Texas franchise tax, veteran-owned business, new veteran-owned business, business tax exemption, filing fee exemption, Tax Code Chapter 171, Business Organizations Code, Comptroller, small business, veterans, entrepreneurship, tax repeal, privilege tax, beginning date, franchise tax exemption, severance tax, oil, gas, restimulation wells

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hold veteran suicide prevention training with VA partners so that people recognize the signs of suicidal
• of a veteran through the application to our state veterans homes, or met veterans to discuss federal VA
• We hold veteran suicide prevention training with VA partners so that people recognize the signs of suicidal
• of a veteran through the application to our state veterans homes, or met veterans to discuss federal VA
• of a veteran through the application to our state veterans homes, or met veterans to discuss federal VA

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• And I certainly support utilization management, certainly support step therapies where appropriate, but
• Substitute Senate Bill 6226 affirms the ability of licensed clinicians to determine the most appropriate
• bill simply affirms their ability to use professional judgment to determine when telehealth is appropriate
• . ...simply affirms their ability to use professional judgment to determine when telehealth is appropriate
• It also allows licensed audiologists to use their clinical judgment to determine the most appropriate

Bills: SB5915 , SB6025 , SJM8002

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines, patient advocacy, public comment, medical necessity, rare disease, life-threatening disease

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to see party registration, and we wanted to make sure that we looked at the more appropriate factors
• Okay, I haven't made a motion that— is it appropriate for me to make a motion that I'm trying to concur

Bills: SCR12 , HB221 , HB509 , HCR58 , HB75 , HB1222 , SB121 , SB312 , SB348 , SB485 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB65 , SB215 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR54 , HCR79 , HCR87 , HCR94 , HCR104 , HCR32 , HB944 , HB17 , HB41 , HB73 , HB223 , HB244 , HB410 , HB750 , HB759 , HB906 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1086 , HB1107 , HB1112 , HB1215 , HB1242 , SB208 , SB217 , SB283 , SB387 , SB389 , SB401 , SB408 , SB469 , HB74 , HB119 , HB368 , HB414 , HB552 , HB732 , HB776 , HB848 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1236 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB78 , SB149 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449 , HB134 , HB210 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB784 , HB1117

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Transcript Highlights:

• And I certainly support utilization management, certainly support step therapies where appropriate, but
• Substitute Senate Bill 6226 affirms the ability of licensed clinicians to determine the most appropriate
• bill simply affirms their ability to use professional judgment to determine when telehealth is appropriate
• It also allows licensed audiologists to use their clinical judgment to determine the most appropriate
• Department of Health and Human Services, the VA, and national audiology associations, recognize telehealth

Summary: The committee held public hearings on Substitute Senate Bill 6183, which would require health plans to cover all FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management, with only one therapeutically equivalent option required if equivalents exist. The prime sponsor said the bill is part of Washington’s effort to end HIV/AIDS, citing ongoing new diagnoses and the need for immediate access to treatment, especially for late-stage cases. No one testified in person or remotely, and public testimony was closed with written comments invited. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6226, which limits the Board of Hearing and Speech from adopting rules that would prevent licensed audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and hearing aid specialists from using clinical judgment to choose telehealth or in-person care. Supporters said teleaudiology improves access, especially in rural areas and for patients with mobility barriers, and that the bill preserves professional autonomy. Some testifiers raised patient-safety concerns about first-time hearing aid fittings and asked for amendments or more time to study safeguards, while others said the bill should move forward to protect access. In executive session, the committee advanced several measures. It adopted amendments and reported out Substitute Senate Bill 5185 on international medical school graduate physician licensing, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5845 on claims payment timing and refund requests, Senate Bill 5915 on the health technology assessment program, Senate Bill 6025 on the definition of fetal death, and Senate Joint Memorial 8802 requesting federal Medicare changes. The committee recessed briefly for caucus before taking final votes, and each bill or memorial was reported out with a do pass recommendation; 5845 and 5185 were reported out as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• repaid with general revenue, and more than 95% of these housing loans are guaranteed by the Federal VA
• For local pension problems in some of our municipalities, SJR 57 prohibits the legislature from appropriating
• And gives retirees appropriate control over their own retirement benefits.

Bills: HB3015 , HB3521 , HB5632 , HJR182 , SJR57

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: healthcare, direct primary care, insurance deductibles, Texas Health Benefit Plans, telemedicine, police retirement, disability pension, municipalities, law enforcement, retirement benefits, retirement, beneficiary, Employees Retirement System of Texas, divorce decree, beneficiary designation, Veterans' Land Board, general obligation bonds, constitutional amendment, veterans, housing assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• , The amount that they're taking every year, like taking more, like maybe they went over their appropriation
• We think it is very appropriate for the state of Texas to be engaged.
• The amendments ensured that veterans from the Cofa Islands could access VA medical services and federal

Bills: HCR77 , HCR102 , HR559

Committee: House S/C on State-Federal Relations

Keywords: COFA, Compact of Free Association, Palau, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, COFA islanders, Texas House resolution, commemorative resolution, COFA Day, March 18 2025, Pacific Islands, insular affairs, U.S. territories, federal benefits, SNAP, TANF, FEMA, in-state tuition, veterans, Indo-Pacific

Transcript Highlights:

• room to breathe because that's what we needed in many cases with my father, who was in and out of the VA
• > out</c><01:20:16.159><c> of</c><01:20:16.760><c> uh</c><01:20:16.880><c> the</c><01:20:16.960><c> VA
• </c><01:20:17.320><c> hospital</c> who was in and out of uh the VA hospital who was in and out of uh
• Their surviving spouse will see a 59% reduction in her VA benefits when the veteran passes away.
• ><01:29:19.320><c> benefits</c><01:29:20.159><c> When</c><01:29:20.360><c> the</c> reduction in her VA

Bills: HF169 , HF195 , HF194 , HF1756 , HF2133

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Guard members if they do not have the requisite amount of active federal service days to qualify for VA-provided
• courthouse space that has—the Superior Court and the Essex County building—that could be really appropriate
• We did appropriate a $250,000 appropriation to the Guard two terms ago.
• It's two years for full medical benefits, 90 days for certain VA benefits, and different things like

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs

Summary: The committee held a hybrid public hearing on seven House bills and seven Senate bills related to the Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserves. Opening remarks covered hearing procedures, livestreaming, testimony limits, and expected reporting dates, and chairs noted the committee’s focus on Guard and Reserve issues. Testimony then moved through several bills, including S. 2465 to expand the National Guard welcome-home veterans bonus to all deployed Guard members regardless of residency, H. 3876/S. 2462 to authorize military-style headstones for long-serving or deceased Guard members, and S. 2482/H. 3833 to establish a Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Salem. Supporters of the bonus and headstone bills argued they would correct inequities and better honor service; Senator Lovely described the museum proposal as a way to preserve the Guard’s history in Salem and potentially support federal funding for the project. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 3829/S. 2471, the “Defend the Guard” proposal that would bar Massachusetts National Guard deployments into active combat absent a formal congressional declaration of war. Supporters argued the bill would restore constitutional war powers, reduce repeated undeclared deployments, and protect Guard members’ mental health and state readiness. Opponents, including retired Guard leaders and current service members, warned it could conflict with federal law and Title 10 authority, undermine federal funding and training, and harm readiness, force structure, and unique Guard capabilities. Committee members repeatedly questioned the bill’s legal authority, constitutional basis, and practical effects under the Supremacy Clause and Title 10, and several witnesses were asked to submit additional written legal support. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3831, which would extend Chapter 115 benefits to currently serving Guard and Reserve members who do not meet federal veteran-status thresholds, and on related proposals to clarify Guard command structure and the duties of the Adjutant General. Supporters said these changes would improve access to benefits, reduce confusion in the chain of command, and strengthen discipline and responsiveness. Separately, the National Guard Association of Massachusetts backed H. 3860/S. 2458, the Guard Enlistment Enhancement Program, as a recruiting tool, while opposing the Defend the Guard bills. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Bills: SB44 , SB237 , SB248 , SB985 , SB1204 , SB1239 , SB1307 , SB1360 , SB1390 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1427 , SB1428 , SB1732 , SB1832 , SB1859 , SB1989 , SB2018 , SB2143

Committee: House Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, ad valorem tax, manufacturing facilities, exemption, battery energy storage, employment, payroll, state tax regulation, tourism, revolving fund, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, real property, fund management, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement

Transcript Highlights:

• We have an appropriations meeting in room 535 at 4 o'clock this afternoon.

Bills: HB4440 , HJR1067 , HJR1087 , HB4426 , HB3704 , HB4311 , HB3044 , HB4191 , HB3465 , HB3972 , HB3759 , HB3625 , HB1411 , HB2980 , HB3015 , HB3147 , HB3277 , HB3323 , HB3443 , HB3882 , HB3406 , HB2975 , HB3977 , HB3263 , HB2988 , HB3404 , HB1770

Keywords: Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem

Transcript Highlights:

• She currently serves as a hospitalist physician at the VA Medical Center, providing comprehensive care
• I hate to use the word medically appropriate, but kind of the equivalent for remains.
• With appropriate safety training, I move for passage. Yield for questions.

Bills: HR1038 , HB3263 , HB3127 , HB2997 , HB3115 , HB2123 , HB3587 , HB3028 , HB2035 , HB3369 , HB3620 , HB3621 , HB3622 , HB3624 , HB3175 , HB3173 , HB3178 , HB1979 , HB4476

Keywords: Oklahoma Youth Expo, OYE, 4-H, FFA, agriculture, agricultural education, youth expo, livestock show, junior livestock, scholarships, youth leadership, Oklahoma City, rural communities, ag mechanics, engineering contest, farm youth, student recognition, ceremonial resolution, house resolution, livestock competition

Bills: HR1038 , HB3263 , HB3127 , HB2997 , HB3115 , HB2123 , HB3587 , HB3028 , HB2035 , HB3369 , HB3620 , HB3621 , HB3622 , HB3624 , HB3175 , HB3173 , HB3178 , HB1979 , HB4476

Keywords: Oklahoma Youth Expo, OYE, 4-H, FFA, agriculture, agricultural education, youth expo, livestock show, junior livestock, scholarships, youth leadership, Oklahoma City, rural communities, ag mechanics, engineering contest, farm youth, student recognition, ceremonial resolution, house resolution, livestock competition

Transcript Highlights:

• payout, and tonight I don't feel receive a one-time payout, and tonight I don't feel like it's appropriate
• Greed is not an appropriate description of the motivation of any of your colleagues here, Senator McEwen

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675 , HB2426 , SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2353 , HB2431 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB2124 , HB2104 , HB2624 , HB2510 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2436 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675 , HB2426 , SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2353 , HB2431 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB2124 , HB2104 , HB2624 , HB2510 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2436 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• establishing a commercial truck safety and education council, amending RCW 46.97 and 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation
• Provisor and others as deemed appropriate by the authority. Senator Rochelli.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675 , HB2426 , SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2353 , HB2431 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB2124 , HB2104 , HB2624 , HB2510 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2436 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2353 , HB2431 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB2124 , HB2104 , HB2624 , HB2510 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2436 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several House bills. HB 2624, relating to consumer protections for unsolicited real estate transactions for public purposes, was amended with a striking amendment from the Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee and then passed 30-18, with Senator Dozier voting no and saying the bill still needed work. HB 2104, which makes permanent aviation assurance funding for wildfire response by removing a sunset clause, passed 47-0 with two excused after Senator Short urged support based on its wildfire-fighting value. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Substitute HB 2334, which addresses cash transactions and rounding to eliminate the need for pennies, adding language that customers with exact change must be able to pay exact change. The bill passed 45-2, with Senator Frame describing it as permissive guidance for businesses and Senator Dozier supporting it humorously; Senator Gainer voted no. HB 2436, concerning requirements for oil tankers operating in restricted waters and clarifying tugboat horsepower standards to match current practice, passed 46-1 after support from Senator Lovelett and Senator King. Finally, Engrossed HB 2575, reducing certain reporting obligations under environmental or energy laws, passed 47-0 with two excused. Senator Schumaker said it would save administrative costs for the Department of Commerce and utilities and free up money for low-income energy assistance. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.

Bills: SB 8 , SB 1 , SB 2 , SB 5 , SB 10 , HB27 , HB7 , HB17 , HB1 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB20 , HB18 , HB7 , HB17 , HB1 , HB20 , HB18 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , SB1 , SR85 , SR87 , SB8 , SB5 , SB2 , SB10 , HB27

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam

Transcript Highlights:

• Then it went to a Senate Appropriations Committee.
• Section 4 is an appropriation for the operation of the Gaming Commission of $25,000.
• And the medical benefits for the county were much better and more affordable than even the VA.
• In the 2023 session, $15 million was appropriated for the same uses.
• I said that the appropriations for this are $99,500. Mr.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several procedural motions, including suspending House rules for three legislative days and replacing conference committee members on Senate Bill 2282 and SCR 4007. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups from Grafton/Pleasant Valley and Shiloh School. Later, the House agreed to several conference committee reports and moved a number of measures through final passage or final disposition. House Bill 1428, which would have created a sales tax exemption for clothing sold by thrift stores or nonprofit corporations, drew extensive debate over tax policy, revenue loss, and possible conflicts with streamlined sales tax rules. Supporters argued it would help lower-income shoppers and nonprofit thrift stores, while opponents said it created an unfair advantage and could reduce state and local revenue. The conference report was adopted, but the bill ultimately failed on final vote, 37-54. House Bill 1440, relating to cigar lounges, was amended in conference and then passed 75-17. House Bill 1460, concerning adult foster care for private-pay adults, electronic monitoring, and a legislative study, was also adopted and passed overwhelmingly, 91-1. The House then passed Senate Bill 2224, which revises gaming commission structure and gaming stamp requirements, adds Attorney General enforcement provisions, and includes a $25,000 general fund appropriation, by a vote of 88-0. Senate Bill 2327, which expands uses of the agriculture diversification and development fund and appropriates $15 million to it, passed 74-17 after a member was excused from voting due to a personal interest. Senate Bill 2267, creating a regulatory framework for on-site wastewater treatment systems and shifting licensing authority to the Department of Environmental Quality, passed 82-10, and Senate Bill 2276, addressing joint water resource boards for cross-county projects, passed 90-1. The most contentious debate centered on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the state employee health plan from grandfathered status to a non-grandfathered ACA-compliant plan and appropriate about $6.6 million for the transition. Supporters said it would give the PERS board more flexibility, expand preventive and other benefits, and potentially slow premium growth without charging employees premiums. Opponents warned it could raise out-of-pocket costs, add mandated benefits, and shift costs to employees, while also arguing the bill had not been adequately studied. After extended debate, the House passed SB 2160 by a vote of 55-37. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments to House Bill 1318, a pesticide labeling bill, and placed it on final passage, but the transcript ends before the final vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• faculty at the University of Utah and later at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and the VA
• value; HB 4099, child care state lottery; HB 4100, municipal water; HB 4101, D-SNAP; HB 4104, appropriation
• value; HB 4099, child care state lottery; HB 4100, municipal water; HB 4101, D-SNAP; HB 4104, appropriation
• withdrawn from the Committee on Ways and Means and additionally referred to the Committee on Appropriations
• withdrawn from the Committee on Ways and Means and additionally referred to the Committee on Appropriations