Transcript Highlights:

• After serving in World War II, he utilized the Hazelwood Act to pursue his degree at Texas Western.
• where we are across the state of Texas, rural healthcare CEOs are unified in our belief. that if we act
• Vice Chairman Howard did an outstanding job, for the record.

Bills: HB42 , HB 125 , HB 1233 , HB2853 , HB3148 , HB3326 , HB3701 , HB4066 , HB4361 , HB4762 , HB4909 , HB4912 , HB42 , HB125

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• So everybody bidding on the job, all the contractors bidding on a job with this government entity, where
• The job starts, and the utilities are in the way.
• None of the previous proposers went on the job.
• Contractors want to go in and do the job and get it done.
• That's what it costs him for every single day he's on the job.

Bills: SB75 , SB715 , SB776 , SB1299 , SB1405 , SB1968 , SB2021 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB2330 , SB2411

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• little bit of history: I started on this DER space probably six years ago because the PUC was not acting
• Currently, state and local governments act as financial intermediaries in the collection of membership
• Chairman and members, SB2330, the Government Accountability and Transparency Act, restores the proper
• While state and local governments exist to serve the people of Texas, they were never intended to act
• I can't afford to take on an extra job because who would take care of my son?"

Bills: SB75 , SB715 , SB776 , SB1299 , SB1405 , SB1968 , SB2021 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB2330 , SB2411

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• little bit of history, I started on this DER space probably six years ago because the PUC was not acting
• Currently, state and local governments act as financial intermediaries in the collection of membership
• Chairman and members, SB 2330, the Government Accountability and Transparency Act, restores the proper
• While state and local governments exist to serve the people of Texas, they were never intended to act
• I can't afford to take on an extra job because who would take care of my son?'

Bills: SB75 , SB715 , SB776 , SB1299 , SB1405 , SB1968 , SB2021 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB2330 , SB2411

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard Senate Bill 2021 by Senator Johnson, as substituted, on distributed energy resources (DERs). Johnson said the bill was intended to create a regulatory framework for DERs and virtual power plants, address interconnection and registration issues, and prevent regulatory capture as the industry grows. Testimony was split: Texas Electric Cooperatives asked for clarification so co-ops would not be unintentionally excluded from owning or operating DERs; AECT supported the bill as providing needed rules and customer protections; TABA, Texas Solar and Storage Association, Sierra Club, Texas Solar Energy Society, and several others opposed it or raised concerns that it was too utility-centric, imposed red tape, and could burden homeowners and small businesses with registration and interconnection requirements. Johnson repeatedly said the bill was not meant to stop rooftop solar or backup systems and that he was open to specific redlines and further changes. SB 2021 was left pending after testimony. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2330 by Senator Parker, which would end government payroll deduction for dues to certain public employee organizations, while exempting first responders under Chapters 143 and 147 and making other conforming changes in a committee substitute. Parker argued the bill was about government neutrality, transparency, and employee freedom from coercion, and said organizations can collect dues directly using modern payment methods. Supporters from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Business Coalition, Freedom Foundation, ABC Texas, and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility said taxpayer-funded payroll systems should not be used to collect dues for private organizations, especially ones involved in political activity. Opponents, including ATPE, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Public Employees Association, and correctional employees, said payroll deduction is a convenient, secure service that helps professional associations and employee groups, and argued the bill would burden teachers and other public employees. Several witnesses and senators focused on the bill’s exemptions and whether it treated teachers differently from first responders. Senator Menendez questioned why some public employees were excluded while others were not, and a Houston police union representative said he moved from opposing to supporting the bill after being told the substitute would preserve meet-and-confer deductions under Chapters 143 and 147. Senator Parker closed by saying the bill was not meant to eliminate associations or payroll deduction entirely, only to remove the state as a middleman. SB 2330 was left pending, and the committee then recessed subject to call.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so everybody bidding on the job, all the contractors bidding on a job with this government entity
• And so everybody bidding on the job, all the contractors bidding on a job with this government entity
• Like Jason said earlier today, he's got $15,000 a day on this job next door.
• That's what it cost him for every single day he's on the job.
• Why doesn't the industry act? Is it not in their best interest?

Bills: SB75 , SB715 , SB776 , SB1299 , SB1405 , SB1968 , SB2021 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB2330 , SB2411

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and favorably reported several bills without objection or by recorded vote, including SB 783, SB 1238, SB 1706, SB 1791, SB 458, SB 1644, and SB 1810, with some of them also sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then moved into hearings on additional bills. SB 1968, by Senator Schwertner, would update the Real Estate License Act by repealing subagency, requiring written buyer-agent agreements before showings, and clarifying when a formal buyer representation agreement must be signed. Texas Realtors testified in support, saying the bill modernizes agency rules and increases transparency, while a committee substitute corrected drafting issues. SB 2411, the annual update to the Texas Business Organizations Code, was also laid out and left pending after supportive testimony from the Texas Business Law Foundation and drafting committee representatives. The committee also heard SB 2321, which would codify ERCOT’s current practice of notifying TCEQ when backup generation needs enforcement discretion for grid reliability; Sierra Club and a chamber of commerce witness supported it with suggestions for clearer emissions reporting, and the bill was left pending. SB 2077 would broaden eligibility for the Texas Mutual Insurance Company board by narrowing conflict restrictions tied to insurance-related interests; Texas Mutual supported the change and the bill was left pending. SB 1405, a broadband bill, would align state law with FCC standards and streamline Broadband Development Office processes; it was left pending after supportive testimony. SB 1299, protecting nonprofit donor privacy, drew support from privacy advocates and concerns from one witness about transparency for publicly funded nonprofit operations; it was left pending. The committee then heard SB 776, which would bar government construction contracts from shifting delay damages to contractors when delays are caused solely by the public owner. Contractors, surety representatives, and water infrastructure advocates supported the bill, arguing it would improve fairness and reduce inflated bids, while water utilities and critical infrastructure entities opposed it, warning of more litigation and higher costs; the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 715, which would apply reliability requirements retroactively to all generation resources in ERCOT, drew opposition from renewable and storage groups and support from some critics of renewable subsidies, with witnesses split over whether it would improve reliability or raise costs; testimony was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• or a 31 on their ACT.
• I think the lowest ACT score, maybe a 20. Okay, so they have to earn at least a 20 ACT.
• Acting Speaker.
• It is their job to get convictions.
• It is their job to get convictions.

Bills: HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR184 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , HR165 , HR166 , HR168 , HR169 , HR170 , HR171 , HR172 , HR173 , HR174 , HR175 , HR176 , HR177 , HR178 , HCR65 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR69 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR73 , HCR74 , SCR34 , SB34 , SB43 , SB52 , SB56 , SB165 , SB173 , SB189 , SB190 , SB260 , SB322 , SB345 , SB374 , SB387 , SB401 , SB448 , SB449 , SB455 , SB487 , SB496 , SB502 , SB505 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB977 , HB181 , HB31 , HB664 , HB9 , HB192 , HB225 , HB306 , HB310 , HB366 , HB635 , HB911 , HB1230 , HB1236 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234

Keywords: neighborhood, crime prevention, security districts, law enforcement, community safety, funding, Counseling Day, mental health, Louisiana Counseling Association, community support, mental wellness, Louisiana State University, athletics, NAIA, sports achievements, recognition, success, competition, education, higher education

Summary: The House opened with a prayer, pledge, quorum call, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and special observances, including Junior League Day, Renewable Energy Day, Wholesalers Day, and Sin Law Day. Members also introduced and adopted a number of commemorative resolutions, including condolences, recognitions of schools and community figures, and resolutions related to LSU, ALS Awareness Month, and local festivals. Several Senate and House measures were referred or laid over, and the chamber announced upcoming scheduling changes for House and Senate bills. The most extensive debate centered on House Bill 385, which would require certain TOPS scholarship recipients to repay one semester of aid if they fail to meet academic requirements, subject to listed exemptions and an option to avoid repayment by entering certain high-demand career and technical programs. Opponents questioned the bill’s impact on students, its possible constitutional issues, administrative costs, lack of a fiscal note and implementation details, and whether it would worsen brain drain or convert a merit scholarship into a loan. The motion to recommit the bill to Appropriations failed 34-16, but after continued questioning and criticism, the author later moved to return the bill to the calendar, and that was agreed to. The House then passed House Bill 55, which restricts public disclosure of juror information, after adopting an amendment clarifying that juror interviews are still allowed if jurors choose to participate. The chamber also passed House Bill 394 extending the conditional parole programming period from nine months to 24 months, House Bill 396 making autopsy photographs admissible in criminal proceedings, House Bill 406 directing the Department of Education to study whether it should supervise interscholastic high school athletics, House Bill 622 aligning state criminal history record handling with federal requirements, and House Bill 676 creating the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or body brokering, with amendments clarifying lawful marketing arrangements. House Bill 1030, concerning reimbursement for non-emergency medical transportation for certain mental health-related services, was taken up with amendments and then temporarily returned to the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• or a 31 on their ACT.
• I think the lowest ACT score, maybe a 20. Okay, so they have to earn at least a 20 ACT.
• So rather when a kid makes 30 on ACT or 22 on ACT, that's the rule would apply to all students that fall
• Acting Speaker.
• It is their job to get convictions.

Bills: HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR184 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , HR165 , HR166 , HR168 , HR169 , HR170 , HR171 , HR172 , HR173 , HR174 , HR175 , HR176 , HR177 , HR178 , HCR65 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR69 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR73 , HCR74 , SCR34 , SB34 , SB43 , SB52 , SB56 , SB165 , SB173 , SB189 , SB190 , SB260 , SB322 , SB345 , SB374 , SB387 , SB401 , SB448 , SB449 , SB455 , SB487 , SB496 , SB502 , SB505 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB977 , HB181 , HB31 , HB664 , HB9 , HB192 , HB225 , HB306 , HB310 , HB366 , HB635 , HB911 , HB1230 , HB1236 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234

Keywords: neighborhood, crime prevention, security districts, law enforcement, community safety, funding, Counseling Day, mental health, Louisiana Counseling Association, community support, mental wellness, Louisiana State University, athletics, NAIA, sports achievements, recognition, success, competition, education, higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• This one updates the Public Competitive Bidding Act by refining procedures for public construction projects
• The Safe Neighborhoods Act is designed to give property owners a structured narrow avenue of recourse
• that's going to be called the Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, when in fact it's going to criminalize
• It's just if the city is attempting to good faith enforce its laws, then this act wouldn't come into
• Good, good, good job. Questions would be good. Thank you, Senator Alverd. One of the big questions.

Bills: HB3002 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3418 , HB3419 , HB3463 , HB3919 , HB3985 , HB4303

Committee: Senate Local and County Government

Keywords: counties, county officers, education, training, sunset law, county purchasing, procurement practices, budget management, public accountability, emergency procurement, reverse auction, bidding process, competitive bidding, public procurement, city council regulations, public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust

Transcript Highlights:

• This one updates the Public Competitive Bidding Act by refining procedures for public construction projects
• The Safe Neighborhoods Act is designed to give property owners a structured, narrow avenue of recourse
• supporting this today because I know there are better things that we can do instead of creating an act
• that's going to be called the Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, when, in fact... ...an act that's going
• It's just, if the city is attempting to good-faith enforce its laws, then this act wouldn't come into

Bills: HB3002 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3418 , HB3419 , HB3463 , HB3919 , HB3985 , HB4303

Committee: Senate Local and County Government

Keywords: counties, county officers, education, training, sunset law, county purchasing, procurement practices, budget management, public accountability, emergency procurement, reverse auction, bidding process, competitive bidding, public procurement, city council regulations, public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee heard and advanced several House bills focused on local government bidding, audits, ordinance publication, and county fair boards. House Bill 3418, which updates the Public Competitive Bidding Act for public construction projects and school district contracts, was amended to clarify that public agencies may still conduct preliminary procurement activities such as market research and vendor outreach; it then passed 9-0. House Bill 3463, requested by the state auditor, changes audit requirements for small municipalities under 2,500 people by moving from a biannual to an annual financial statement audit or agreed-upon procedures engagement and shortening the filing deadline; it passed 9-0. House Bill 3002 extends the sunset on the Commission on County Government, Personnel, Education, and Training to 2031 and passed 8-0. House Bill 4303 extends the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days and passed 8-0. House Bill 3919 would allow counties to replace the current nine-member Free Fair Association board with a five-member board elected from commissioner districts and at-large seats; it passed 8-0. House Bill 3416, also developed with the state auditor and other stakeholders, would let counties use quotes for certain smaller purchases instead of a full bidding process while keeping documentation and safeguards; it passed 7-1. House Bill 3417 would require cities and towns to follow the state competitive bidding laws and not bypass those standards through local rules; it passed 7-1. House Bill 3985, the Safe Neighborhoods Act, drew the most debate. The bill would give property owners in municipalities over 130,000 population a narrow path to seek compensation if a city adopts a policy or practice of not enforcing certain public safety laws, including laws against illegal camping, loitering, panhandling, public intoxication, drug use, and shoplifting, and that inaction reduces property values or forces mitigation costs. Supporters said it is meant to encourage enforcement of existing laws and protect business and property owners, while opponents argued it could burden under-resourced cities, criminalize vulnerable people, and rely on a questionable population threshold. The bill passed 7-2 after debate. Throughout the meeting, members also raised questions about felony and misdemeanor provisions in HB 3418, the cost and practicality of live video bid openings, and the use of a repealed statute reference in HB 3417, with the author saying he would provide follow-up clarification before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Migratory Bird Conservation Act.
• And the reason is because I explained the wolf act, but the Migratory Bird Act is that they are telling
• I grew up in the 2000s, where we had the Patriot Act, an act that caused my community that I would go
• So you harkened back to the Patriot Act.
• No fan of the Patriot Act, so Mr.

Bills: HB2908 , HB4042 , HCM2001 , HCM2002 , HCM2005 , HCM2006 , HCR2047

Committee: Senate Federalism and Family Law

Keywords: constitutional convention, faithless delegates, state delegates, oath of office, class 2 felony, civil penalties, parent-child relationship, termination of parental rights, child welfare, court procedures, abandonment, neglect, reunification services, felony conviction, Muslim Brotherhood, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, national security, Islamist extremism, Congress

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows the customer or someone acting responsibly for the customer to sign the application.
• Or you can do it online and someone acting for the customer can sign the application.
• So this tells me that Director Jorgensen was 100% doing his job.
• Kavanaugh and staff did a great job explaining the purpose of the bill.
• Kavanaugh and staff did a great job explaining the purpose of the bill.

Bills: SB1037 , SB1040 , SB1259 , SB1281

Committee: House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Keywords: elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway, tabulation equipment, secretary of state, certification, decertification, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, ballot images, audit logs

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Oh, well, she—I gave Representative Fig the job to drive our numbers, and we're like doubled or

Bills: HF3388 , HF400

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance, health insurance, group health carriers, MCHA, MNsure, individual market, premium stabilization, carrier assessment, health insurance assessment, premium security plan account, state innovation waiver, high-risk pool, reinsurance payments, healthcare premiums, insurance carriers, deferral of assessment, financially impaired condition, HF400

Transcript Highlights:

• with disabilities who may not qualify for an IEP under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
• with disabilities who may not qualify for an IEP under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
• with disabilities who may not qualify for an IEP under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Bills: HB1997 , HB2343 , HB2566 , HB2493

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: students with disabilities, individualized education programs, emergency plans, evacuation procedures, support services, Hawaii education law, HB2343, Maui State Veterans Home, veterans home, veterans, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, Alzheimer's care, respite care, assimilate, transfer deadline, Act 99, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1997, which would require IEPs for students with disabilities to include individualized emergency accommodations and evacuation supports. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended amendments to explicitly include students with Section 504 plans and to change references from “department schools” to “public schools” so charter school students are covered. Testimony in support came from disability advocates and several individuals, including Peter Fritz, who said emergency evacuation planning should be made explicit because it is not clearly required by federal law, and Ka Swan, who emphasized student safety during emergencies. No vote or final action was taken on the bill in the transcript. The committee then took up House Bill 2343, relating to the Maui State Veterans Home. The measure would repeal a deadline for transferring the home to a state agency with a Maui affiliation and instead require the transfer to occur as soon as practicable. The Department of Defense, the Office of Veterans Services, HHSC Oahu Region, and several individuals testified in support. Committee members asked whether a more definite deadline should be used, but the department said the open-ended language was preferable because the Maui entity is not yet ready and Oahu is currently providing oversight. No vote or final action was recorded. House Bill 2566, authorizing special license plates for Hawaii Civil Air Patrol members, was also heard. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services testified in opposition, while Johnny Perry testified in support. The committee did not take a vote in the transcript. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment compensation procedures. The Attorney General’s office opposed the bill, arguing it would create an automatic payment mechanism without a sufficient finding of actual innocence, could trigger payments within five days of dismissal, and raised concerns about insufficient time for prosecution review and about funding and appropriation issues. Supporters, including people who said they had been wrongfully convicted and later found actually innocent, argued the bill would reduce delays and help released individuals survive while awaiting compensation. Judiciary staff requested technical amendments and said operational details still needed review. Members questioned the AG about the meaning of “actual innocence,” burden shifting, and whether the bill would better define the standard, but no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here to present House Bill 30, the Teacher Residency Act changes.
• The goal of the Teacher Residency Act changes is to support teacher recruitment and retention in New
• This bill gives clarity to educators so they're not afraid to act when safety is at risk, and so they
• Restraint and seclusion are traumatic for the student, the adult, and any witnesses of those acts.
• Chair, you did a beautiful job because I was going to ask the same question. Thank you very much.

Bills: HB30 , HB120 , HJR1 , SB210 , SB306

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Keywords: teacher residency, Teacher Residency Act, public schools, teacher preparation, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, student teachers, apprenticeship, co-teaching, mentor teachers, residency stipend, teacher salary, level one teacher, charter schools, school districts, New Mexico education, teacher workforce, principal stipend, cohort model

Transcript Highlights:

• Jill Weiss, who is the acting deputy secretary of our Office of Special Education.
• Senate Bill 64 creates a special education act and codifies that office.
• Senate Bill 64 creates a special education act and codifies that office of special education within the
• single By consolidating and modernizing fragmented statutes into a single cohesive special education act
• here to talk about House Bill 256, which would amend provisions of the Emergency Medication in Schools Act

Bills: HB30 , HB120 , HJR1 , SB210 , SB306

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: teacher residency, Teacher Residency Act, public schools, teacher preparation, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, student teachers, apprenticeship, co-teaching, mentor teachers, residency stipend, teacher salary, level one teacher, charter schools, school districts, New Mexico education, teacher workforce, principal stipend, cohort model

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here to present House Bill 30, the Teacher Residency Act changes. The goal of this is...
• House Bill 30, the Teacher Residency Act changes.
• Restraint and seclusion is traumatic for the student, the adult, and any witnesses to those acts.
• Chair did a beautiful job because I was going to ask the same question. Mr. Chairman, Mr.
• Chair did a beautiful job because I was going to ask the same question. Thank you very much.

Bills: HB30 , HB120 , HJR1 , SB210 , SB306

Committee: Senate House Education

Keywords: teacher residency, Teacher Residency Act, public schools, teacher preparation, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, student teachers, apprenticeship, co-teaching, mentor teachers, residency stipend, teacher salary, level one teacher, charter schools, school districts, New Mexico education, teacher workforce, principal stipend, cohort model

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began with announcements about likely upcoming meetings and a reminder that public testimony could be limited if bills drew large crowds. Members also introduced student shadows and briefly recognized them. The committee then took up House Bill 30, which would revise the Teacher Residency Act to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention by tying resident stipends more closely to minimum level-one teacher salaries, increasing support for residents who already hold bachelor’s degrees, and giving residents more flexibility to complete their service in any public school rather than only the sponsoring district. The sponsor and supporters from educator preparation programs, unions, and advocacy groups said the bill would make residency programs more sustainable, help rural districts, and improve teacher preparation. The bill received support from the Public Education Department and several education organizations, and the committee voted due pass. The committee next heard House Bill 120, as amended, which would clarify and limit the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. The sponsor explained that the bill came from a task force and is intended to clarify existing law rather than create a new mandate, with clearer definitions, stronger documentation, family notification, and limits on dangerous practices such as prone, mechanical, or chemical restraint. Supporters included PED, the special education ombuds office, disability rights advocates, teachers’ unions, parents, and civil rights groups, who emphasized student safety, trauma prevention, and better training for staff. One opposition witness from the school superintendents’ association argued the bill could add burdens and that more time was needed to implement current law. Committee members raised concerns about protecting teachers and aides during violent incidents; sponsors responded that the bill is meant to give staff clearer guidance and emergency-response tools, not replace disciplinary procedures. The committee voted due pass. House Joint Resolution 1, a constitutional amendment to create nominating commissions for university regents, was then presented. The sponsor said the goal is to reduce purely political appointments by having nonpartisan commissions recommend regent candidates, while also changing how student regents are selected so students have a direct voice rather than the university president choosing the student regent. AFT New Mexico supported the measure, citing concerns about donor or insider appointments and backing student representation. Committee members questioned how many commissions would be created, who would appoint their members, and how many names would be sent to the governor; the sponsor said those details would be set later in enabling legislation. The committee approved the resolution on a due pass vote, sending it onward in the process. The committee also quickly passed Senate Bill 306, which would align state higher education accreditation language with federal terminology by removing the distinction between regionally and non-regionally accredited institutions and changing reporting and fee requirements for smaller private institutions. Finally, Senate Bill 210, an appropriation for athletic and related facilities at New Mexico Highlands University, drew the most debate. Supporters said the university’s athletic facilities are outdated and inadequate, especially for women’s soccer and track, and that the project would help student-athletes and Title IX compliance. Committee members questioned the $80 million request, noting that only $3 million was currently in the budget for the three Division II schools and expressing concern about priorities amid other education funding needs. The sponsor and university president said the project could be phased and that private fundraising is also being pursued. Despite reservations and some no votes, the committee ultimately voted due pass. The chair closed by reminding members to plan on meeting Monday at 9 a.m. and said the committee was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jill Weiss, who is the acting deputy secretary of our Office of Special Education.
• Senate Bill 64 creates a special education act and codifies that office.
• By consolidating and modernizing fragmented statutes into a single, cohesive special education act, this
• By consolidating and modernizing fragmented statutes into a single, cohesive special education act, this
• this bill would do would require it to be a placement as a part of the emergency medication and school act

Bills: HB30 , HB120 , HJR1 , SB210 , SB306

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: teacher residency, Teacher Residency Act, public schools, teacher preparation, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, student teachers, apprenticeship, co-teaching, mentor teachers, residency stipend, teacher salary, level one teacher, charter schools, school districts, New Mexico education, teacher workforce, principal stipend, cohort model

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 64, which would codify the existing Office of Special Education within the Public Education Department, create a deputy secretary position, and formalize responsibilities for enforcing special education law, monitoring disability protections, and supporting a statewide online IEP system. The sponsor and PED officials said the bill would provide continuity, improve compliance with IDEA, help students who move between schools, and keep gifted education unchanged in its current curriculum-and-instruction placement. An amendment requiring quarterly consultation with superintendents and charter school leaders was also described as a way to improve collaboration and continuous improvement. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from educators, disability advocates, parents, superintendents, unions, and charter school representatives, who said the bill would improve accountability, transparency, and services for students with disabilities. One parent testified in opposition to the gifted-education language, warning that removing gifted students from the special education umbrella could weaken protections and services. Committee members asked about cost, the office’s current structure, the role of 504 plans, and how the bill would affect military and foster students; PED said the office is already staffed and funded primarily through federal IDEA dollars and that 504 enforcement remains separate, though the office may monitor related protections. The committee then voted do pass. The committee next heard House Bill 256, which would require schools to include cardiac emergency response procedures for athletic activities and ensure AEDs are clearly marked and accessible at those events. Supporters, including the American Heart Association, nurses, and school leaders, emphasized that AEDs and trained staff can dramatically improve survival in sudden cardiac arrest cases. Questions focused on how many AEDs schools would need, whether schools already have them, and how the bill would affect middle school athletics and budgets; the sponsor said schools would determine the best placement, with at least one AED available for athletic events. The committee voted do pass. Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 43, which asks LESC and PED to study how New Mexico and other states measure school performance, including the use of the Lexile reading framework. Superintendents argued that Lexile provides a more consistent, apples-to-apples comparison than some state accountability measures and could better reflect student growth. There was no opposition, members asked about possible study costs, and the memorial passed on a do pass motion.

Bills: HJR1074 , HB3501 , HJR1070

Committee: House Rules

Keywords: Oklahoma veterans lottery, veterans trust fund, constitutional amendment, lottery proceeds, veterans services, military families, veteran assistance, emergency relief, indigent veteran funerals, veterans outreach, service organizations, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Guard, Air National Guard, Purple Heart, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, Oklahoma Veterans Council

Summary: The committee began with HJR 1074, a proposed Veterans Lottery Trust Fund measure. After adopting a scrivener’s-error amendment, the author explained it would create a veterans lottery game as a two-step process: first establishing the trust fund and board structure, then returning later to authorize the game itself. Members questioned how the money would be appropriated and whether the legislature could direct spending, as well as whether the lottery would compete with existing education lottery revenue. The author said the intent was for the funds to go to the Veterans Lottery Trust Fund and then be distributed by the board, and argued it would create recurring revenue for veterans without relying on annual appropriations. The committee approved the measure 7-1 and reported it do pass. Next, the committee considered HB 3501, which would allow the ABLE Commission to issue multiple manufacturing licenses for one premises. A PCS was adopted as the working draft without objection, and the bill passed 8-1 after brief discussion and no substantive debate. Finally, the committee took up HJR 1070, which would require the Attorney General to be a licensed attorney. An amendment was adopted to change the required practice threshold from 10 years to 5 years to align with requirements for district judges and Supreme Court justices. Members asked about residency, whether the requirement would apply to current candidates, and why the change was needed now. The author said it would not affect current candidates but was intended for future elections so the chief law enforcement officer would be an actual attorney. The resolution passed unanimously, 9-0, and was reported do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've provided a lifeline through this act to our rural and safety-net hospitals.
• So New Mexico has an opportunity to protect this program by acting now. Okay.
• In New Mexico, there's about 3,500 full-time staff and 2,300 supported jobs.
• In New Mexico, there's about 3,500 full-time staff and 2,300 supported jobs.
• In New Mexico, there's about 3,500 full-time staff and 2,300 supported jobs.

Bills: SB21 , SB42 , SB81 , SB101 , SB139

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: SB 21, Medicare supplement, Medigap, open enrollment, guaranteed issue, birthday month enrollment, health insurance, insurance regulation, senior health coverage, elderly, retiree, Medicare beneficiaries, preexisting conditions, underwriting restrictions, premium discrimination, New Mexico insurance law, superintendent of insurance, health care coverage, policy portability, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• Some may say we should wait until the next litter study in 2027 before acting.
• Thanks, Acting Chair Hall, members of the Environment and Energy Committee.
• You're doing a wonderful job.
• The generating station was found in violation of the Clean Air Act when I was a teenager.
• and have the whole state act as a responsible steward of the waters that we all share.

Bills: HB2421 , HB1652 , HB2367 , HB2284

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: 6PPD, tires, environmental impact, public health, chemical regulation, HB1652, Salish Sea Protection and Marine Clean Fuels Act, marine fuel, low-sulfur fuel, sulfur emissions, ocean-going vessels, shipping, maritime pollution, air quality, particulate matter, Department of Ecology, port visit, regulated waters, fuel switching, vessel emissions