Transcript Highlights:

• Same authorization requirements from the State Finance Committee and in a budget bill.
• Same authorization requirements from the State Finance Committee and in a budget bill.
• But what will be really good is if they operate on time, and that requires capital investment.
• It requires a qualifying... ...by a prohibited manufacturer.
• Let me begin by saying, Passing the franchise model required for legacy manufacturers like Honda.

Bills: SB6225 , SB6005 , SB6354

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: transportation bonds, general obligation bonds, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, highway funding, road construction, infrastructure financing, motor fuel tax, gas tax, vehicle fees, bond authorization, state finance committee, highway bond retirement fund, corridor projects, interstate improvements, right-of-way acquisition, public-private partnerships, transportation capital projects, local matching funds, emergency clause

Transcript Highlights:

• I refused, and eventually I was removed from the meetings required to do my job, citing concerns about
• We believe enacting legislation that closely resembles... determining who is a minor, still require the
• The law creating the work group required the group to study and make recommendations in five areas.
• The law creating the work group required the group to study and make recommendations in five areas.
• We're concerned about the requirements in Section 2 that would require insurers to file underwriting

Bills: SB5928

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, due to federal mandates under the Clean Air Act, 17 counties in Texas are still required to
• This requirement creates a clear disparity in how Texans are treated under state and federal law.
• House Bill 1533 requires that at least one trainer for ARBs be a taxpayer representative with legal and
• It requires appraisal district counties with 120,000 people to maintain a public website that posts and
• The bill requires the communication to be part of the record and for parties to be able to respond.

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills. The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0. Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them. At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you require assistance in registering or testifying, please get in touch with our committee staff.
• House Bill 2854 by Representative Anchia relates to the required approval for certain hospital visits
• Similar to Emily, I worked jobs and took classes that required these groups.
• Many of these men are being denied the very treatment required for their release.
• They do not receive therapy, yet are still held to the same treatment-based release requirements.

Bills: HB1826 , HB1969 , HB2708 , HB2729 , HB3618 , HB4515 , HB4764 , SB1021 , SB1610

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay

Transcript Highlights:

• First, HB4061 requires the largest banks in the U.S. to provide transparency to their customers.
• It simply states that each month, the bank is required to list on the consumer statement how much was
• And finally, it ensures that merchants are not required to accept a credit card with an exorbitant swipe
• The bill requires. Payment card networks, not banks.
• and are required to give to their employees?

Bills: HB245 , HB245 , HB700 , HB2783 , HB3526 , HB3900 , HB4061 , HB4124 , HB4166 , HB4395 , HB4534 , HB4609 , HB4641 , HB4736 , HB4738 , HB4739 , HB4945 , HB5015 , HJR175

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: property tax, delinquent taxes, ad valorem, penalties, interest cap, military service, retirement, law enforcement, custodial officer, Employees Retirement System, commercial financing, brokers, registration, disclosures, finance, consumer protection, fees, deferred compensation, automatic participation, county employees

Transcript Highlights:

• met, then the way this amendment... ...other requirements met, the way this amendment would do on page
• This bill also requires a woman to report the loss of a... requires a woman to report the loss of a pregnancy
• So it's not like if she could get arrested, she's required to be on bond.
• This just is after every 5 years it requires an auditing.
• the paperwork that we are... go to require the paperwork that we are requiring them to have.

Bills: SB210 , SB292 , HB360 , HB233 , HB66 , HB356 , HB164 , HB238 , HB209 , SB223 , HB307 , SB210 , SB292 , HB360 , HB233 , HB66 , HB356 , HB164 , HB238 , HB209 , SB223 , HB307

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, drug courts, accountability, veterans, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, criminal justice, court intervention, elder abuse, financial exploitation

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't know if they'll continue to be free if they're required for licensure.
• We don't know if they'll continue to be free if they're required for licensure.
• I'm a required provider. I see, frankly, a lot of these kids because we respond to their homes.
• I'm a I'm a required provider. I I see, I'm a I'm a required provider.
• a 100 hours of board of medicine require a 100 hours of continuing<00:18:19.039><c> education</c><00

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 538, a Liquor Commission cleanup bill. Chair Joseph Mica and CFO Tina Deir explained that the bill updates outdated statutory titles and positions after the commission’s 2014 restructuring, deleting references to the former commissioner and COO roles, adding a director of administration and a director of finance and audit, and keeping the new positions at the same labor grade pending review by the Joint Committee on Employee Classification (JCEC). Members discussed the proper sequence for JCEC review, but generally treated the bill as housekeeping. The committee then voted ought to pass, and the roll call was unanimous, 16-0. The committee next took up House Bill 493, which would require continuing education related to child abuse/ACE recognition for physicians and other providers. Testimony and committee discussion focused on whether the bill was too vague, whether it improperly intruded on the Board of Medicine’s authority to set professional education requirements, and whether it would effectively mandate a narrow training course that is currently voluntary and free. Supporters argued the bill addressed a real problem and cited testimony about missed abuse cases, while opponents said the board should handle the issue through its own rules and that the bill was poorly drafted. A motion of inexpedient to legislate passed 9-7, and the committee noted a minority report would be needed. The meeting ended with procedural and scheduling announcements, including that the committee would be dealing with budget hearings the following week and had a large number of Senate bills scheduled for later in the month.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it true that the Constitution requires two-thirds of members to be present to constitute a quorum
• To the extent that it requires two-thirds present, that is accurate and two-thirds were not present.
• A lifelong necessity, only 26 states require a personal financial course for high school graduation.
• This is a record vote required by the Constitution. The clerk will ring the bell.
• To obtain grants, the first responders would be required to receive proper training on the equipment,

Bills: HJR4 , HJR6 , HB195 , HB 13 , HB143 , HB135

Keywords: occupation tax, securities, financial regulation, tax exemption, legislative amendment, capital gains tax, realized gains, unrealized gains, investment income, asset sale, capital assets, wealth tax, estate tax, trust tax, tax limitation, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, property tax, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm thinking of something similar for Medicaid for schools: if we ever drop a requirement to require
• I'm thinking of something similar for Medicaid for schools: if we ever drop a requirement to require
• I'm thinking of something similar for Medicaid for schools: if we ever drop a requirement to require
• requirements or protocol require<01:05:11.799><c> issues</c><01:05:12.200><c> that</c><01:05:12.359>
• , redetermination requirements.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first recessed briefly, then took up HB 570, the prescription drug affordability board (PDAB). The chair and several members discussed the House amendment to repeal the board, which removed the fiscal note. The main concern raised was that the PDAB had not yet produced a clear business case showing value for the taxpayer investment, despite several years of work and four annual reports. Supporters of the repeal said the board’s recent report was largely redundant and that the board should either demonstrate a strong return on investment or be shut down; others cautioned against discarding the program too quickly and urged more time to refine the mission and legislative language. No vote was taken, and the committee appeared to agree to retain the bill for further work, with the possibility of revisiting it in a formal executive session on Tuesday. Members also shifted into discussion of HB 2, beginning with Section 85 on opioid abatement trust fund dollars for shelter programs. Department of Health and Human Services officials explained that the provision would provide $10 million from the opioid abatement trust fund, replacing general funds in the governor’s budget, while also noting an additional $2.5 million prioritized needs request for shelter care that was already fully funded. Committee members asked about shelter bed capacity, job placement efforts, and the remaining balance in the opioid fund; DHHS said there are 934 contracted beds and that case management includes help with housing and employment. Officials also said the current proposed budget includes another $1 million later in HB 2 from the opioid fund. The committee then began discussion of Sections 86 through 87, which would preserve the department’s ability to transfer funds between personnel lines. DHHS said the provision is operationally critical and that losing it would make it extremely difficult to manage the department, though it would not have a direct fiscal impact. The next item introduced was Section 88, extending a suspension related to eligibility for services until July 1, 2027; DHHS indicated that if the suspension were not continued, it would likely increase expenditures for Community Mental Health Centers and potentially others. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Same type of 45%, although we do have a 0% interest rate on this loan, and we only require interest only
• Same type of 45%, although we do have a 0% interest rate on this loan, and we only require interest only
• Same type of 45%, although we do have a 0% interest rate on this loan, and we only require interest only
• Same type of 45%, although we do have a 0% interest rate on this loan, and we only require interest only
• to guarantee paybacks so we've required to guarantee paybacks so we've done<00:16:21.319><c> good</c

Bills: HF770 , HF857 , HF38 , HF1500 , HF43

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF770, Rural Finance Authority, RFA, capital investment, state bonds, general obligation bonds, bonding bill, agricultural loans, farm loans, beginning farmer, new farmer, seller-sponsored loans, loan restructuring, agricultural improvement loans, livestock expansion, modernization loans, rural development, Minnesota agriculture, farm credit, chapter 41B

Transcript Highlights:

• They are not required to do so.
• we are required to work information, we are required to work with<00:25:04.320><c> a</c><00:25:04.720
• </c><01:12:56.800><c> And</c> not require legislative changes. And not require legislative changes.
• </c> questions regarding uh the requirement questions regarding uh the requirement of<01:19:45.600><c
• </c> equivalent plan providers are required equivalent plan providers are required to<01:30:34.480><c

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, the proposed committee amendments reinstate the requirement that certain personnel be uniformed
• at polling places, can remain safe. ...language access and disability access requirements at polling
• Existing law requires the sheriff to investigate public offenses which have been committed.
• And despite these... ...requires something different from what the statute provides.
• If that requires federal interference or investigation, so be it. We urge a no vote. Thank you.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section two of the bill eliminates an outdated bond requirement.
• Section two of the bill eliminates an outdated bond requirement.
• Section two of the bill eliminates an outdated bond requirement.
• Section two of the bill eliminates an outdated bond requirement.
• Section two of the bill eliminates an outdated bond requirement.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are still in jeopardy of recurrence and require careful continuity of care monitoring by our out-of-state
• vital form of consumer protection and helps ensure that physicians practicing here have met the requirements
• So there are significant requirements for that, as there is for the existing law.
• And for this Dental Assisting National Board exam, there is no requirement for any coursework at all
• And for this Dental Assisting National Board exam, there is no requirement for any coursework at all

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee met initially without quorum and operated as a subcommittee before later obtaining quorum and taking formal votes. The committee first heard SB 1002 by Senator Nilo, which would extend existing telehealth access for eligible out-of-state physicians treating patients with immediately life-threatening diagnoses to continue care after those patients go into remission. Supporters, including a cancer survivor, argued the bill preserves continuity of care for patients who still need specialist monitoring, while the Medical Board of California and the California Medical Association opposed it, citing licensure, consumer protection, and enforcement concerns. Senator Caballero spoke in support, emphasizing access to care, especially for rural patients. The bill was ultimately moved out of committee on a 6-0 vote and later confirmed out on a 9-0 vote after quorum was established. The committee then heard SB 1311, which updates the Dental Practice Act so unlicensed dental assistants can satisfy infection control training requirements either through an approved course or the Dental Assisting National Board infection control exam. The author and the California Dental Association supported the bill as a workforce and access measure, but the California Academy of General Dentistry raised concerns that the exam lacks a hands-on coursework requirement and should not substitute for in-person training unless amended. The committee accepted amendments and passed the bill 6-0 to Senate Appropriations, later confirming it out on a 9-0 vote. Finally, SB 1416 was heard, a bill reducing from 30 days to 21 days the time a physician or dentist has to refund duplicate payments to consumers. The author described it as a modest affordability measure to return patient funds more quickly, and the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons supported it as reasonable given current financial pressures. With no opposition, the bill passed 6-0 to Senate Appropriations and was later confirmed out on a 9-0 vote. The committee also approved consent calendar items SB 1263, SB 1148, SB 1376, and SB 1391.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, Senate Bill 1202 requires the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources
• It additionally requires an SMR co-located with a large industrial energy user...
• It additionally requires an SMR co-located with a large industrial energy user that does not obtain a
• The recharge permit statute contains the requirements for the permits.
• The recharge permit statute contains the requirements for the permits.

Committee: House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water considered several water and energy measures. Senate Bill 1202, which requires the Arizona Department of Water Resources director to include additional information on each groundwater basin in the five-year water supply and demand assessment, was described as similar to a bill vetoed in a prior session. After brief discussion, it was passed with a do pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. Senate Bill 1418, dealing with small modular nuclear reactors, would limit county regulation in certain cases, expand siting definitions, raise the megawatt threshold for plant regulation, and allow replacement of existing thermal units with SMRs without a new certificate in specified circumstances. Members noted it contained language from previously vetoed bills, but it also passed 6-3 with a do pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Concurrent Memorial 1007, which urges Congress to divest the federal government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the San Carlos Irrigation Project Electric System and provide funding for a system study and improvements. Testimony from the sponsor and Arizona Municipal Power Users Association emphasized the system’s unreliability, aging infrastructure, and support from multiple local and federal entities for transferring control. The memorial passed unanimously, 9-0, with a do pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1785 would codify in statute a Department of Water Resources policy on the area of impact for recovery wells associated with underground storage facilities, generally reflecting a one-mile safe harbor unless a hydrologic study shows a different impact area. Supporters said the bill would provide certainty for permit applicants and align statute with long-standing department practice; DWR testified neutral and said it would like to work on technical language changes. The bill passed with a do pass recommendation by a 7-3 vote. House Senate Bill 1287 was held for additional information and no action was taken on it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, Senate Bill 1202 requires the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources
• It additionally requires an SMR co-located with a large industrial energy user.
• We don't have any data on anything because the federal government is not required.
• The recharge permit statute contains the requirements for the department.
• The recharge permit statute contains the requirements for the permits. Okay, DWR is here, so...

Bills: SB1202 , SB1287 , SB1418 , SB1785 , SCM1007

Committee: House Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Keywords: groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, irrigation, active management area, domestic use, stock watering, water rights, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use, industrial users, water storage, recovery well, Arizona Revised Statutes, water management

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so just as a brief reminder, House Bill 2200 is the bill that requires JLARC to conduct a review
• This delays the JLARC data collection and reporting dates by one year and requires JLARC to include in
• The proposed substitute also replaces the DSHS data dashboard with an annual reporting requirement, due
• September 1 of each year beginning in 2028, and requires DSHS to collect and organize the data for the
• The proposed substitute also replaces the DSHS data dashboard with an annual reporting requirement, due

Summary: The House Early Learning & Human Services Committee met in executive session on three bills. House Bill 2200, concerning JLARC review of safety and stability outcomes for DSHS developmental disabilities clients and a DSHS public reporting requirement, was amended with a technical correction (House Amendment 799) and then reported out with a do pass recommendation. Supporters said the substitute shifts from a dashboard to an annual downloadable report, delays the timeline, and asks JLARC to recommend a methodology for future data collection; one member raised concerns about possible stigma and impacts on providers, but the bill passed 9-2. House Bill 2468, which updates DSHS statutory references to reflect agency restructuring and makes related technical changes, was advanced without amendment after the substitute reinstated the Dementia Action Collaborative expiration date and the requirement for two permanent employees to review the no-paid-services caseload. Members described it as a non-substantive cleanup bill to streamline and harmonize agency law. It was reported out unanimously, 11-0. House Bill 2660, authorizing courts to order conditions to keep a child under age five safe in the home after a shelter care hearing, had several proposed amendments withdrawn before action. The remaining amendment, Wickham 848, was adopted; it adds that the conditions must be the least restrictive necessary, reviewed every 30 days, and consistent with state and federal Indian Child Welfare Act requirements. The substitute bill then passed 9-2, with supporters saying it responds to recent critical incidents and opponents noting concerns but acknowledging shared commitment to child safety. The committee then adjourned and noted there would be no meeting the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The permission requirement extends to repurposing a timely open but now unwanted folder for a different
• curricula, evolution, intelligent design; SB 1026, alternative schools, continuous operations requirements
• ; SB 1047, National Guard active duty requirements; SB 1048, appropriation, juvenile services, Coconino
• ; SB 1047, National Guard active duty requirements; SB 1048, appropriation, juvenile services, Coconino
• 1005, elections; SCR 1005, elections, foreign contributions; SCR 1006, schools, biological sex requirements

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then completed roll call, approved the prior journal, and welcomed several guest groups to the gallery, including CSG West and NCSL visitors, Tucson Electric Power/UniSource Native BRG members, Pascua Yaqui constituents, Marcos de Niza High School students, and guests from Payson. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Senator Hatathlie read a proclamation honoring the life and service of Amaya Curley, a Navajo woman and Navy veteran, and the chamber recessed for presentation of an Arizona state flag flown in her memory, with her family present. The President Pro Tem announced extended deadlines for opening Senate folders and for Senate bill intro set preparation, and the Senate received House messages regarding adjournment. The chamber voted to accede to the House request to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026. No substantive bill debate occurred; instead, the body moved a large number of measures to second reading, including election, education, health care, firearms, immigration-related reporting, cryptocurrency, transportation, and various memorial and appropriation bills. Committee and caucus announcements were made for Thursday, January 15, including Rules Committee and both party caucuses. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The permission requirement extends to repurposing a timely open but now unwanted folder.
• elections, canvas certification acknowledgement; SP 104, ESA students interscholastic activities requirements
• Second reading of bills continued: SP 104, ESA students interscholastic activities requirements; SP 105
• blockchain technology tax fee prohibition; SB 1046, telecommunications infrastructure equipment requirements
• ; SB 1047, National Guard active duty requirements; SB 1048, appropriation, juvenile services, Coconino

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill changes current Bright Futures Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship requirements from three full
• personnel and public service employees who are stationed outside of the state due to their job requirements
• It leaves the GPA requirements for the Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship the same rather than lowering
• It requires that the principal, the school counselor, get this information to the students.
• There is also a lack of informed consent on the lower credit requirement for high school graduation and

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met with two bills on the agenda. HB 1055, by Rep. Albert, would make permanent the Center for the Study of Election Law at Florida State University’s College of Law, which was created temporarily in 2023. The sponsor described the center as successful and tied to Florida’s election reputation. There was brief public testimony, including support from FSU-affiliated witnesses, and no debate or amendments. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then heard HB 1105, by Rep. Kinghart-Johnson, a broader education bill affecting Bright Futures and related programs. As explained by the sponsor, the bill would change the Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship requirement from three full credits in one program to three full credits total, align the CTE diploma with scholarship eligibility, add the AP Capstone Diploma as an automatic Bright Futures Academic Scholarship qualifier, and remove barriers for some students whose parents are retired military or public service employees stationed out of state. An amendment was adopted that revised AP Capstone requirements, kept the Gold Seal GPA requirement unchanged, and added the ACE diploma as a qualifier for the Florida Seal of Fine Arts. Public testimony on HB 1105 included two social work students who supported expanding opportunities but warned that the bill could steer students into vocational tracks without enough safeguards, transparency, or access to transportation, internships, and counseling. Several members spoke in support of the bill’s goal of recognizing multiple paths to success, while also acknowledging concerns raised by speakers. In closing, the sponsor said the bill was intended to improve access and correct language that treated vocational pathways as lesser options. HB 1105 passed unanimously as amended, and the meeting adjourned afterward.