Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education will come to
• The proposed rules mirror rules previously adopted by other Senate select committees.
• colleagues in the Senate for your partnership as we convened the very first public hearing of the Select
• Finally, this is a joint select committee. This is not legislation before us.
• Chair Wilson and Benton Court, Vice Chair Hughes, and Raymond, and members of both select committees,

Summary: The joint Senate and House Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education convened for its first public hearing, adopted its proposed rules without objection, and framed the hearing as an organizational, invited-testimony-only session. Members repeatedly condemned political violence and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying the committee was created in response to concerns about civil discourse, intimidation, and hostility on college campuses. Several members emphasized that the goal was not to suppress speech but to protect open expression while maintaining order, due process, and institutional accountability. The first witness, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Wyn Rosser, outlined implementation of Senate Bill 37. He described the General Education Advisory Committee, which is reviewing broad core-curriculum knowledge and skills and may recommend reducing the current 42-hour core, while leaving review of specific courses to individual institutions. He also explained the new Office of the Ombudsman, the board’s role in supporting it, and existing training and certification requirements for governing board members. Members asked about enforcement tools, transparency, and whether the ombudsman would investigate complaints involving censorship, retaliation, or political bias; Rosser said some enforcement exists in certain laws, but he deferred on the exact scope of the ombudsman’s investigatory authority and on issues outside the agency’s role. University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis testified that UT Austin supports free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse, and he described three areas of focus: speech on campus grounds, classroom discourse, and how people treat one another. He said the university enforces time, place, and manner rules, expects professors to present alternative views on controversial topics, and has created internal reporting and appeal processes for students and faculty. Members questioned him about heckler’s veto incidents, protests, off-campus participants, complaints about professors, hate speech, and whether the university would protect speakers and students from disruption or unfair targeting. Davis said the university would not tolerate disruptions, would use due process and factual review, and is working to align campus practices with the new law and regents’ expectations. Ricky Adam Jr. of Turning Point USA’s Club America described the group’s campus and high-school organizing, praised Charlie Kirk’s approach to open debate, and said the organization is expanding in Texas. He raised concerns about school administrators and a counselor at an Early College High School in Killeen allegedly interfering with a student club and withholding footage, and committee members said they would seek information and, if necessary, use legislative process to investigate. Members from both chambers reiterated support for free speech, criticized political violence and campus suppression of viewpoints, and stressed that future hearings would continue examining implementation and enforcement issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• A select board member says, oh, my friend wants a license, I'm going to give it to him, and I'm going
• <01:17:34.440> board corruption a select board corruption a select board member<01:17:36.440
• So it's not just up to the select board to decide.
• people so it's not just up to the select people so it's not just up to the select board<01:32:08.920
• or to you know the to the to the select or to you know the war<01:57:23.159> i'<01:57:23.320>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up an amendment to a bill dealing with digital assets, zoning, utilities, and noise. Members discussed removing the “private key” language, clarifying that the bill would prohibit state or local governments from treating digital asset mining differently from other industrial uses, and narrowing several provisions based on feedback from the Municipal Association. There was also discussion about electricity use, rate schedules, and whether the bill would allow payment of electric bills in Bitcoin; members clarified that bills would still be paid in dollars and that discriminatory rates were not allowed. The amendment was approved on a straw vote, and the committee then voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. The committee then considered a separate bill related to a paint stewardship program. The sponsor explained that the amendment would remove references to a fee structure that had troubled him in public hearing, while still preserving the plan and oversight by the Department of Environmental Services. Members discussed whether the bill’s liability and disclosure language affected antitrust concerns, and a representative from the American Coatings Association testified that the program’s environmental management practices and liability provisions were intended to ensure responsible handling and cleanup. The committee ultimately voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. Later, the subcommittee moved to liquor-related business. It first voted unanimously, 7-0, to retain a cannabis-related item. It then discussed a tavern license bill that would create a 21-plus tavern category, with the Liquor Enforcement Division explaining that the restriction was tied to alcohol-only venues and the potential for late-night entertainment and nightclub-style operations. Members raised concerns about local control and public safety, and the discussion referenced existing cocktail lounge rules and the possibility of towns opting into such a license. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on that item is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next one is is a qualified organization selections.
• And then this is where they make the selection as to what support coordinator is provide is is they are
• selecting to provide the services.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that will drive the number of people that select email dramatically up and therefore reduce the number
• So within a year, two, three tops, we're going to drive almost all of this into email selection, because
• We have basically no data at all about conversion rates from a mailer or people selecting things.

Bills: HB17, HB23

Keywords: property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest

Transcript Highlights:

• Selected in the third round of the 1980 NFL draft, he began with the New England Patriots, but quickly
• past year members, this kid from Little Town in South Texas in Duval County Steve McMichael was selected
• Wilson selected to celebrate this week during the second week of.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Should you select to waive your speaking time, your position will be included in the committee meeting
• Should you select to waive your speaking time, your position will be included in the committee meeting
• The removal process begins with selection of contractors, both at the state and local level.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources received a presentation from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on derelict vessels, enforcement challenges, and a long-term stored vessel study. FWC reported about 1,040 derelict vessels currently in its database, with roughly 600 new cases entering each year, and noted that hurricanes account for a large share of recent cases. The agency explained the legal definition of derelict vessels, the environmental and navigation hazards they create, and its enforcement process, including investigation, notice to owners, administrative hearings, removal authorization, and recovery of costs through registration holds. FWC also described prevention efforts such as at-risk vessel enforcement, nuisance vessel designations, public awareness campaigns, and the vessel turn-in program, which has received more than 250 applications and removed more than 145 vessels since rollout. Committee members asked about owner resistance to removal, rapid-response options for hazardous vessels, county differences in derelict vessel numbers, and how local governments participate. FWC said only a small percentage of owners contest removals, that the agency relies on contractors and does not generally have its own removal equipment, and that local governments may conduct removals with their own funding but must still provide due process. Members also asked where removed vessels go; FWC said they are taken to landfills, with recyclable materials recovered, and that storage is used only when necessary for public safety because it is costly. The presentation also highlighted the long-term stored vessel study, which found a strong correlation between long-term anchored vessels and later derelict vessels, especially in Monroe County. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the committee adjourned after Senator Errington moved to adjourn and there was no objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• to floodlight and evacuation notice requirements for Youth Camp Flood Safety, is referred to the Select
• plans, including camp staff and volunteer training, and campers' safety drills, is referred to the Select

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB41, SB43, SB49, SB5, SB11, SB12

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the overall score was a little over 60, around 62, and that seven people selected the “never”
• If I'm not mistaken, I think Mary Beth interviewed at least twice before we selected her for General
• He was selected by the Honorable Louise Lucas.
• Well, why I want to, and why I think you should select me, are two slightly different reasons.
• I had the good fortune to, in law school, happen to get selected to do an internship in my third year

Keywords: House Committee Room C, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A select few were invited to a private meeting of approximately 20 people where a change in legislation
• These—we did our best to select a panel of nationwide experts on utility cases, Your Honor.
• We did our best to select a panel of nationwide experts on utility cases, Your Honor.
• Twenty-one study areas were identified, and four were selected for further evaluation.
• In June of 2024, twenty-one study areas were identified, and four were selected for further evaluation

Bills: HB2042, HB2052, HB2055, HB2056, HB2094, HB2098, HB2185, HB2328, HB2758, HB2798

Keywords: solar radiation management, environment, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, public health, complaint process, Attorney General, groundwater management, water conservation, irrigation, water supply, brackish groundwater, water supply development, desalination, water infrastructure, financial assistance, environmental reviews, brackish water, groundwater, water resources

Transcript Highlights:

• No site was ever selected, and no recorded meetings were found. archives and history uh for furtherance
• No site was ever selected Mississippi.
• No site was ever selected and<00:48:41.920> no<00:48:42.160> recorded<00:48:42.559>
• <00:52:27.920> So<00:52:28.640> I about how the selections were made.
• So I about how the selections were made.

Keywords: Government Structure - Room 409, 12 January, 2026; 2:00 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee held its first meeting under its new Government Structure Committee name and began by electing Senator Chris Johnson as secretary. The chair explained the committee’s purpose as improving efficiency, effectiveness, and stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and said members had asked statewide officials and agencies for ideas on streamlining government and reducing costs. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gibson testified at length about ways his agency has found efficiencies, especially after the COVID-era consolidation of three agencies into one. He said state procurement and construction rules can add major time and cost to projects, citing a proposed $300,000 building that grew to about $1 million through the state process. He recommended raising repair and quote thresholds, streamlining construction procedures, reconsidering restrictions on payments between state agencies, and allowing more flexibility for agencies to help one another when authorized. Members questioned Gibson about the repair caps, the construction cost increase, Ticketmaster and other technology/vendor arrangements, and whether agencies should have more decentralized control over contracts. The chair and several senators agreed the committee should examine red tape, vendor relationships, and procurement rules, and Gibson said he would provide more information and work with the committee. No formal legislation was acted on in the portion provided. The transcript then shifted to testimony from the Insurance Commissioner, who said his department is heavily affected by IT and board structure issues and oversees 17 boards. He urged consolidation of some boards, criticized the effects of SB 2362 on special-fund agencies, and said the State Fire Academy and other operations have been constrained by general-fund treatment and limited authority. He also discussed insurance-rate pressures, including projected premium increases, wind pool rate concerns on the Gulf Coast, and the need for mitigation to stabilize costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• certain standards and<00:32:41.200> certain<00:32:41.519> certain<00:32:42.000> selection
• <00:32:42.480> procedures and certain certain selection procedures and certain certain selection
• We do not select students. It's first come, first serve until we're at capacity.
• to earlier about charter schools and the way that they function and the ability of parents to be selective
• And so I applaud your to be selective.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met with a quorum, approved the August 20, 2025 minutes, and then heard a discussion tied to Constitution Day and Kentucky’s constitutional duty to provide an efficient system of common schools. Chairman James Tipton reviewed the history of Kentucky’s model laboratory schools, postsecondary academy programs such as Gatton and Craft, magnet schools, virtual learning, and computer science opportunities, arguing that Kentucky has long expanded educational opportunity through different school models. He described model schools and academy programs as hybrid or innovative approaches that serve specialized student needs and noted that some of these programs receive state appropriations and, in some cases, tuition. Senator Steve West then gave a retrospective on school choice in Kentucky, beginning with the 2017 charter school law and explaining that Kentucky’s charter framework was designed as public-only to comply with the state constitution. He said charter schools have remained largely dormant in Kentucky and used that as context for Senate Bill 207, the School Innovation Act, which he said was modeled on a South Carolina approach. Under SB 207, a local school board can contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, receive SEEK funding, and seek waivers from certain state regulations in order to innovate, while retaining limits on items such as school safety and attendance rules. Members asked about how the new model differs from charter schools, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the bill is intended to keep the school within the public system, with the local district initiating the process and maintaining accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school fails to perform. They emphasized that the school would serve the existing student population rather than select students, and that teachers would remain district employees with their pensions and related contributions unchanged. Representative Brown raised concerns that exceptions and charters could leave lower-income children behind, while West responded that the bill is meant to expand choice for families who otherwise lack access and cited examples from other states where outside management and parental involvement helped turn around low-performing schools. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hopefully Mike's working again, but we're looking at a selection of houses now.
• Louis County staff, Julie and her team, and have selected the first four properties to be rehabilitated
• Louis County staff, Julie and her team, and have selected the first four properties to be rehabilitated
• Louis County staff, Julie and her team, and have selected the first four properties to be rehabilitated
• the first four properties to be selected the first four properties to be rehabilitated<00:59:47.240>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our<00:38:09.720> main<00:38:10.000> roster<00:38:10.400> of until one selected
• our main roster of until one selected our main roster of arbitrators<00:38:11.160> can<00:38:
• Then the union and management members select the neutral members of the board.
• :53.640> and<00:53:53.880> management<00:53:54.359> members<00:53:54.839> select
• the union and management members select the union and management members select the<00:53:55.440

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee received an overview from Chief Judge Patricia Millan of the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals (WCCA). She explained the court’s history, created in 1981, its role as the appellate body for workers’ compensation disputes after Department of Labor and Industry and Office of Administrative Hearings proceedings, and its original jurisdiction over petitions to vacate settlement agreements. She also noted the court is composed of five judges, is funded entirely by the workers’ compensation fund, and operates with five staff attorneys and two full-time employees. The committee then heard introductory remarks from the judges present for confirmation: Deb Sunquist, Katherine Carlson, Shan Quinn, and Thomas Christensen, with a procedural note that Quinn’s reappointment had not yet been formally referred to the committee, so his motion would be held until paperwork arrived. The judges emphasized their collaborative, panel-based work, their experience representing both injured workers and employers, and their commitment to the workers’ compensation system. Quinn also described efforts to teach workers’ compensation at the University of Minnesota and encourage younger lawyers to enter the field. Members asked about the court’s caseload and about delays in workers’ compensation claims. In response, the judges said the WCCA’s caseload has generally declined and fluctuates, and they offered to provide case-count data. In a more detailed exchange, a senator described a family member’s long-delayed claim; judges explained that repetitive-trauma or “Gillette” injuries often require substantial medical proof and can be difficult for insurers to accept, but that the system is intended to be no-fault and typically takes about a year to a year and a half from filing to resolution. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected here.

Transcript Highlights:

• objection, one matter will be taken out of the orders of the day: an act relative to the Mattapoisett Select
• Board. ...of the orders of the day, an act relative to the Mattapoisett Select Board, House 4245.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up procedural business from the Committee on Rules of the Two Branches. On motion, Senate Rule 36 was suspended, Joint Rule 12 was suspended, and the referred matters were sent to their respective committees. The Senate then removed House 4245, an act relative to the Mattapoisett Select Board, from the orders of the day and ordered it to a third reading. No debate or testimony was recorded on the bill in this excerpt. The chamber also adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m., with the clerk directed to dispense with printing a calendar. The Senate then adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, I'll sort of leave you with something I heard at the new Health Select Committee.
• To leave you with something I heard at the new Health Select Committee: Dr.
• They will typically select one carrier, maybe two plans, coverage.
• I would hope they select Oscar. They may not. They may select one of our competitors.
• And the committee selected Dr. Jacqueline Albin as the chair and Dr. Ann Shippey as the vice chair.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you do not get selected, you gain a preference point by not getting selected.
• so every year you don't get a selected so every year you don't get a selected<00:48:33.960> you
• Higher-end mechanical pencils may select to use metal components that also have lead.
• Higher-end mechanical pencils may select to use metal components that also have lead.
• Higher-end mechanical pencils may select to use metal components that also have lead.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas he chaired the Berrytown Select Board, served as Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation
• And whereas he chaired the Berrytown<00:02:25.440> Select<00:02:25.840> Board,<00:02:26.800
• > served<00:02:27.120> as Berrytown Select Board, served as Berrytown Select Board, served

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with a moment of silence and then read H.C.R. 305, a resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew “Topper” McFaun for his public and community service. The resolution recounted his background, military and teaching service, work in Vermont state government, local civic leadership, coaching career, and nearly 11 terms in the House. The chamber also recognized McFaun’s family and marked several members’ birthdays with brief congratulatory remarks. The House then took up H.B. 921, an alcoholic beverages bill, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. The Senate changes limited certain fourth-class license locations to five, added recordkeeping and annual reporting requirements for malt direct distribution, deleted a prospective sunset on direct distribution, and added new caterer’s license provisions allowing service at the license holder’s own premises and limiting caterer-hosted functions to five per year. The committee reported hearing from legislative and industry stakeholders and recommended concurrence on a 9-0-2 straw poll. Next, the House considered H.B. 907 on legislative review of reporting requirements. Members explained that a Senate-related amendment was used to address a constitutional problem in the earlier bill by revising the sister-state program termination language so the governor retains sole authority to terminate an active partnership, while the committee may only propose termination by majority vote. The House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with the further House amendment, then suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith. Finally, the House took up S. 230, a miscellaneous labor bill on fair employment practices, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to the House amendment by roll call vote, 85-48. The main dispute concerned the Senate’s changes to House language restricting non-compete agreements for lower-income hourly employees and health care providers, and a separate provision directing the Department of Corrections and the Vermont State Employees Association to develop a proposal on solicitation in DOC parking lots. Supporters said the remaining language was acceptable and would facilitate discussion, while opponents objected to the DOC parking-lot provision. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Academy of American Poets named Bianca as the 2025 poet laureate fellow, making her one of 23 poets selected
• her one of poet laurate fellow, making her one of 23<00:04:39.840> poets<00:04:40.639> selected
• <00:04:41.199> from<00:04:41.440> across<00:04:41.759> the 23 poets selected
• from across the 23 poets selected from across the country<00:04:42.240> for<00:04:42.560>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Vermont poet laureate Bianca Stone, followed by remarks recognizing her work and the presence of students from her Dartmouth poetry class, as well as a separate recognition of community-based domestic and sexual violence advocates in the House gallery. Members also noted Creative Arts Day in Vermont and announced a reception, and later corrected a location for the Sportsmen’s Caucus meeting. No bill introductions were made. The main legislative item was H.527, extending the sunset of 30 V.S.A. section 248A, the telecommunications siting process that allows certain cell tower projects to be reviewed by the Public Utility Commission instead of Act 250. The committee report said testimony showed broad agreement that the process needs improvements in notice, transparency, fairness, and local participation, while preserving a statewide framework for telecommunications infrastructure. The bill would extend the sunset from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030, and direct the PUC to hold public workshops, consult with stakeholders, and report recommendations by December 15, 2027. The House adopted the committee amendment and ordered third reading; the committee vote was reported as 5-3-1. The House also took up JRS 37, a joint resolution supporting gender equality in Nordic combined Olympic competition and urging the International Olympic Committee to require both men’s and women’s divisions for new Olympic sports. The committee heard from the lieutenant governor, the Senate sponsor, and the Vermont Ski Areas Association president, and recommended adoption in concurrence by a vote of 10-1. After an interrogation clarified that the resolution calls for separate men’s and women’s divisions rather than combined teams, the House ordered third reading. The body then adjourned until Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why they got selected. They were not given any training in their professional career.
• That's why they<00:16:34.480> got<00:16:34.639> selected.
• They<00:16:35.839> were<00:16:35.920> not<00:16:36.079> given they got selected
• They were not given they got selected.

Bills: SB54, SB126, SB128, SB101, SB102, SB104, HB282, HB298, SB54, SB126, SB128, SB101, SB102, SB104, HB282, HB298

Keywords: sunset law, Alabama Surface Mining Commission, environmental regulation, mining, state commission, Alabama Private Investigation Board, regulatory oversight, agency review, continuation, sickle cell disease, healthcare, regulatory commission, public health, regulation, electrical contractors, state agencies, home medical equipment, board continuation, boards, commissions

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a little surprised by the selective outrage from my colleagues from across the aisle on this issue
• messages that we're sending to victims, and I asked my colleagues who have been expressing their selective
• I appreciate the policy debate, but I can't help but notice the terribly selective hypocrisy and the
• selective outrage that's happening on this floor this morning based on what we've seen from President

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum after a roll call and prayer, then moved through routine business and a lengthy floor debate centered on AB 379, a bill dealing with protections for minors and human trafficking victims. Assembly Member DeMaio first sought to bring the bill up without Public Safety Committee amendments, arguing the committee had gutted the bill and removed felony language for purchasing 16- and 17-year-olds for sex. The body instead adopted a substitute motion to take up Assembly Member Schultz’s floor amendments to AB 379, and the bill became the focus of intense debate over whether the amended language would still adequately protect minors or instead weaken penalties and create a lower standard for 16- and 17-year-olds. Supporters of the amendments, including Schultz, Petri-Norris, Mark Gonzalez, Krell, Wynn, and others, said the changes were intended to strengthen and clarify the law, protect trafficking survivors, and preserve prosecutorial effectiveness while avoiding misinformation about existing law. Opponents, including DeMaio, Gallagher, Dixon, Macedo, Castillo, and others, argued the amendments watered down the bill, failed to restore the original felony treatment for buyers of 16- and 17-year-olds, and amounted to political maneuvering rather than real protection. The chamber also briefly considered a motion to table the amendments, which failed, and an appeal of a ruling on decorum, which was rejected. After debate, the Assembly adopted Schultz’s amendments to AB 379 by a 55-21 vote and then rereferred the bill to the Appropriations Committee. The chamber also handled several procedural items, including re-referrals of other bills, consent calendar actions, and a series of unanimous consent votes on numerous bills and resolutions. The session ended with announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session, followed by adjournment until Monday, May 5 at 1 p.m.