Transcript Highlights:

• proposed by the House to the noted Senate concurrent resolutions.
• to the noted Senate concurrent resolutions.
• proposed by the House to the noted Senate concurrent resolutions.
• to the noted Senate concurrent resolutions.
• On page three, House Bill 1875, House Draft 2, Senate Draft 2, Representatives Alcos, Garcia, Gideon,

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the 3 p.m. agenda on Senate Bill 2866, SD 1, HD 1. We're referring to Corp. Housing.
• Senate conferees are myself as Chair and Co-Chair Senators San Buenaventura.
• Great, so shall we reconvene on Tuesday in this room at 2 p.m.? Yes, please. That sounds great.

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• our hospitals, as well as something we'll be announcing later today, which I can't say yet, but at 2:
• Ultimate wisdom can be found in 2 Timothy 1:7: 'For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power
• Ultimate wisdom can be found in 2 Timothy 1:7: 'For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power
• So we need to have this bill go through, be passed from the Senate and the House side and then signed
• Yeah, I think Senator Myers has a bill that's clarifying it.

Bills: HB414, HB786, HB1041, HB1052, HB1118, HB1139, HB1182, HB1185, HB1214, HB1217, HB1231, SR63, SCR27, SB5, SB194, SB415, SB433, SB451, SB462, SB516

Keywords: healthcare, criminal convictions, employment, background checks, prohibited offenses, Medicaid, claim payments, extrapolation, provider audits, medical freedom, discrimination, access, medical intervention, child protection, confidentiality, multidisciplinary teams, child advocacy centers, public records, investigations, hospital

Summary: The committee first received remarks from LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein and CMS Medicaid director Dan Brillman, who were introduced as partners in ongoing state-federal health care work. Members exchanged brief comments about collaboration with CMS and then moved to bills. HB 1214 by Chairman Miller was heard first; it would create an Office of State Healthcare Facilities within LDH to centralize oversight of the state’s inpatient facilities, including ELMS, Central Louisiana State Hospital, Pinecrest, Central Louisiana Supports and Services Center, and Villa Feliciana. The secretary and Deputy Under Secretary Albert Simeon said the change would streamline shared services, improve coordination and outcomes, and not add FTEs. Members asked about capacity and waiting lists, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 1041 by Rep. Ghali, a medical-freedom bill that originally would have barred discrimination based on medical intervention status and repealed certain school immunization provisions. After stakeholder discussions, the author offered amendments that exempted K-12 schools, colleges, hospitals, health care facilities, and tuberculosis-related requirements, while keeping the bill focused on access to businesses and public buildings. Supporters testified that the bill was needed to prevent coercion, protect bodily autonomy, and address harms they associated with COVID-era mandates; some health care workers and physicians described job loss, retaliation, or adverse experiences tied to mandates. Opponents, including Louisiana Families for Vaccines, argued the bill would remove narrow outbreak protections for schools and public health officials, especially for diseases like measles. The Louisiana Hospital Association and American Lung Association withdrew opposition after the amendments. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 1041 favorably as amended. Finally, HB 414 by Rep. Chenevere was heard, dealing with background checks and hiring restrictions for certain unlicensed health care workers and licensed ambulance personnel. The Attorney General’s office explained the bill was intended to close a loophole so convictions in other states that are substantially similar to disqualifying Louisiana offenses would also bar employment in direct care settings, especially where vulnerable Medicaid beneficiaries are involved. Amendments clarified definitions, documentation, and removed licensed ambulance personnel from the unlicensed-worker provisions. Supporters, including family members, a paramedic, and a disability advocate, emphasized the need to protect vulnerable people from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The committee adopted the amendments and, after questions about how out-of-state crimes would be treated, the bill was advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Menendez.
• Senator Hinojosa, somebody's got Senator Hinojosa. Senator Hinojosa. Rose Johnson.
• Well, I think Senator Johnson hit his button. Okay, Senator Hagenbuch, and then Senator West.
• Okay, so, Senator West. Senator Nichols on House Bill 3751 by Ashby.
• House Bill 2003 by Senator Kochor. Senator Hagenbuch.

Bills: HB647, HB791, HB1242, HB1729, HB2003, HB2029, HB2061, HB2775, HB3751, HB4804, HB3611

Keywords: driver's license, vision correction, medical verification, Texas Department of Public Safety, renewal fees, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates, license plate, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Transportation Code, general revenue fund, With Loyal Hearts, Catholic school, private school, religious school, school spirit plate, commemorative plate

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment brings this proposed Senate Joint Resolution 5 into compliance or compatibility with the
• This modification to Senate Joint Resolution 5 ensures that for the nine offenses that are encompassed
• Rule 11, Section 2 on the grounds that the amendment is not germane to the joint resolution.
• Bill 66, Senate Bill 40, Senate Bill 9, SGR 1, and SGR 2.
• I call up House Joint Resolution 1 with Senate amendments.

Bills: SB664, SB40, SB9, SJR1, SJR5, SB27, SB207, SB2938, SB1901, SB1227, SB1248, SB912, SB1321, SB2143, SB2145, SB1497, SB1239, SB2180, SB1388, SB1762, SB1662, SB1951, SB1537, SB493, SB378, SB1020, SB1018, SB992, SB958, SB920, SB1350, SCR25, SB687, SB1332, SB2185, SB552, SB664, SB40, SB9, SJR1, SJR5, SB458, SB482, SB927, SB984, SB651, SB1620, SB2124, SB2448, SB841, SB843, SB402, SB2662, SB2053, SB2332, SB2112, SB745, SB1247, SB1789, SB27, SB207, SB2938, SB1901, SB1227, SB1248, SB912, SB1321, SB2143, SB2145, SB1497, SB1239, SB2180, SB1388, SB1762, SB1662, SB1951, SB1537, SB493, SB378, SB1020, SB1018, SB992, SB958, SB920, SB1350, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40, HCR118, HR559, HCR59, HCR135, HCR141, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10, SCR25, HB2525, HB142, HB140, HB29, HB451, HB3809, HB3307, HB 1130, HJR1, HB9, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB2308

Keywords: Texas courts, judicial officers, associate judge, magistrate, master, referee, hearing officer, court administration, Government Code Chapter 54, Government Code Chapter 54A, bail training, Article 17.024, Article 15.17, local administrative judge, State Commission on Judicial Conduct, Office of Court Administration, county courts, criminal justice, criminal jurisprudence, judicial qualifications

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bergstrom here. Senator Boren here. Senator Brooks here. Senator Bullard here.
• Senator Burns here. Senator Coleman here. Senator Daniels here. Senator Deers here.
• Senator Green here. Senator Grellner here. Senator Guthrie here. Senator Hall here.
• Senator Howard here. Senator Yak here. Senator Jett here. Senator Kirt here. Senator Logan here.
• Senator Wingard here. Senator Woods here. Senator Woods here. Senator Nice here. Senator Mann here.

Bills: HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800, HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989, HB3016, HB2979, HB2988, HB2288, HB3062, HB3315, HB3372, HB3530, HB3622, HB3755, HB4266

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Yack. Yack. Senator Yek. Yek. Senator Jett. Jett. Senator Kern. Kern here. Senator Kurt.
• Senator Prieto. Senator Pew. Senator Pugh. Senator Rader. Senator Reiter. Senator Reinharton.
• Senator Reinharton. Senator Reinharton. Senator Reinharton. Senator Reinhard. Senator Raider.
• Senator Seifred. Senator Standridge. Senator Stanley. Senator Stifred. Senator Standridge.
• Senator Gollihare, Senator Hamilton, Senator Burns, Senator McIntosh, Senator Green, Senator Weaver,

Bills: HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800, HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989, HB3016, HB2979, HB2988, HB2288, HB3062, HB3315, HB3372, HB3530, HB3622, HB3755, HB4266

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized several guests and groups, including the nurse of the day, Donna Reynolds; the Tuttle High School wrestling team; auctioneer and ringman honorees; the Bristow Chamber of Commerce; Deer Creek cross country; Guthrie High School AP U.S. government students; and family members of Senator Reinhardt. The chamber also held a live auction demonstration on the floor, with Brandon Mendoza and Logan Snyder participating, and the winning bid was announced as $675. The Senate later recognized Millwood High School boys basketball and Isaiah Wilkes, the Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Basketball Player of the Year. The body then considered and passed several House bills. HB 3016 created a two-year pilot vision screening program for kindergarten through third grade to identify convergence insufficiency disorders; it passed 34-10 and was declared an emergency. HB 2979 authorized the Department of Transportation to establish school zones on portions of state highways at local request and passed 41-0. HB 2288, a teacher return-to-work bill removing the earnings cap and allowing return after six months, passed 45-0 as an emergency. HB 2988 expanded the definition of harmful woody species and broadened the Terry Peach Water Restoration Act statewide; it passed 43-1. HB 362, defining retired municipal judges for firearm-carry authority, passed 40-4. HB 3315 directed the state regents to study whether some graduate programs could be 90 credit hours and report to the governor; it passed 38-6 as an emergency. Additional bills passed included HB 3372, creating a $5 million revolving loan fund for charter school capital expenditures, after extended debate over public funds being used for improvements to privately owned facilities; it passed 39-6. HB 3530 required ABLE Commission records to be provided within 10 days when requested and passed 44-0. HB 3622 created a U.S. decennial census revolving fund in the Department of Commerce and passed 32-11. HB 3755 established a financial mechanism for juvenile detention centers to provide medication to youth in their care and passed 43-0. HB 4266, the omnibus specialty license plate bill, passed 25-19 after questions about out-of-state university plates. The Senate then made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, birthdays, and schedule changes, and adjourned until Monday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's bring up Senate Bill 46, Senator Coleman. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen
• So let's bring up Senate Bill 46, Senator Coleman. >> Thank you so much, Mr.
• Um, Senate Bill 46 I'm very proud of.
• Um, Senate Bill 46 I'm very proud of.

Bills: HB88, HB314, SB46, HB332, HB86, HB363, HB88, HB314, SB46, HB332, HB86, HB363

Keywords: driver license, English examinations, language requirement, immigration, testing standards, motor vehicles, window tint, law enforcement, prosecutors, vehicle regulations, medical condition, communication, first responder, invisible disabilities, anaphylaxis, day care centers, training, child safety, healthcare, parole

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pugh, Senator Albert, Senator Guthrie, Senator Akayriri, Senator Peterson, Senator Jett, Senator
• Senator Goodwin, Senator Brooks, Senator Pugugh, Senator Peterson, Senator Stewart, Senator Devers, Senator
• Senator Fried, Senator Woods, Senator Reinhart, Senator Albert, Senator Deverse, Senator Alahar, Senator
• Senator Goodwin, Senator Hicks, Senator Brooks, Senator Logan, Senator Jett, Senator Burns, Senator Saieri
• Senator Fried, Senator Fricks, Senator Dever, Senator Peterson, Senator Jett, Senator Burns, Senator

Bills: HB2268, HB3000, HB3043, HB3066, HB3078, HB3143, HB3144, HB3244, HB3298, HB3320, HB3467, HB3321, HB3329, HB3431, HB3464, HB3499, HB3500, HB3586, HB3590, HB3650, HB3671, HB3695, HB3700, HB3701, HB3764, HB3767, HB3834, HB3931, HB3934, HB3940, HB3944, HB3979, HB3985, HB4113, HB4294, HB4302, HB4317, HB4324, HB4359, HB4426, HB4427, HB4430, HB4431, HB4434, HJR1077, SR42, SR35, HJR1023, HB1225, HB1374, HB1381, HB1590, HB1675, HB2153

Keywords: HB2268, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OHCA, appropriation, General Revenue Fund, PACE, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, elderly care, aging Oklahomans, long-term care, Medicaid, health care funding, provider reimbursement, rate increase, low-income seniors, senior services, integrated care, emergency measure, cosmetology, barbering

Transcript Highlights:

• Will there be debate on the resolution? Senator Hicks, you'd like to close the debate.
• Senator Traen, Senator Danielsen, Senator Bergstrom, Senator Brooks, Senator Dossett, are there those
• Senator Murdock wishes unanimous consent to bring the resolution directly to the calendar without objection
• Senator Bullard, Senator Thompson, Senator Raider, Senator To, Senator Weve, Senator Woods, Senator Terrell
• Senator Reinhart, Senator McIntosh, Senator Deaver, Senator Green Senator Woods, Senator Jett, Senator

Bills: HB2268, HB3000, HB3043, HB3066, HB3078, HB3143, HB3144, HB3244, HB3298, HB3320, HB3467, HB3321, HB3329, HB3431, HB3464, HB3499, HB3500, HB3586, HB3590, HB3650, HB3671, HB3695, HB3700, HB3701, HB3764, HB3767, HB3834, HB3931, HB3934, HB3940, HB3944, HB3979, HB3985, HB4113, HB4294, HB4302, HB4317, HB4324, HB4359, HB4426, HB4427, HB4430, HB4431, HB4434, HJR1077, SR42, SR35, HJR1023, HB1225, HB1374, HB1381, HB1590, HB1675, HB2153

Keywords: HB2268, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OHCA, appropriation, General Revenue Fund, PACE, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, elderly care, aging Oklahomans, long-term care, Medicaid, health care funding, provider reimbursement, rate increase, low-income seniors, senior services, integrated care, emergency measure, cosmetology, barbering

Transcript Highlights:

• 2 Center will come to order. The following in motion. Motion in writing.
• Thank you. secretary may continue reading the bills and resolutions Senate Bill 1576 by Zaffirini, relaying
• Senate Bill 1595 by.
• , Senate Bill by Hagenby relating the combination of certain election precincts to state affairs, Senate
• Senate Bill 1604 by Anna Hinojosa.

Bills: SJR60, SJR62, SJR65, SJR66, SJR67, SJR68, SCR27, SCR28, SCR29, SB1576, SB1577, SB1578, SB1579, SB1580, SB1581, SB1582, SB1583, SB1584, SB1585, SB1586, SB1587, SB1588, SB1589, SB1590, SB1591, SB1592, SB1593, SB1594, SB1595, SB1596, SB1597, SB1598, SB1599, SB1600, SB1601, SB1602, SB1603, SB1604, SB1605, SB1606, SB1607, SB1608, SB1609, SB1610, SB1611, SB1612, SB1613, SB1614, SB1615, SB1616, SB1618, SB1619, SB1620, SB1622, SB1623, SB1624, SB1625, SJR60, SJR62, SJR65, SJR66, SJR67, SJR68, SCR27, SCR28, SCR29, SB1576, SB1577, SB1578, SB1579, SB1580, SB1581, SB1582, SB1583, SB1584, SB1585, SB1586, SB1587, SB1588, SB1589, SB1590, SB1591, SB1592, SB1593, SB1594, SB1595, SB1596, SB1597, SB1598, SB1599, SB1600, SB1601, SB1602, SB1603, SB1604, SB1605, SB1606, SB1607, SB1608, SB1609, SB1610, SB1611, SB1612, SB1613, SB1614, SB1615, SB1616, SB1618, SB1619, SB1620, SB1622, SB1623, SB1624, SB1625

Keywords: SJR 60, Texas constitutional amendment, property tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, rainwater harvesting, graywater system, water conservation, water reuse, residential tax incentive, local government finance, county commissioners court, appraisal value, environmental incentive, November 2025 ballot, Article VIII, tax relief, healthcare workforce, education funding, higher education, economic growth

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair recognizes Senator Hughes on the resolution. Thank you, Mr. President and senators.
• Each member of the Senate has signed on to sponsor this resolution, and sitting at Senator King's desk
• Senate Resolution 722 by Hall, whereas the Senate of the...
• The Secretary will read the resolution. Senate Resolution 723 by Hall.
• Senate Resolution 721 by Zaffirini, the caucus resolution. Senator Zaffirini. Thank you, Mr.

Bills: SB27, SB30, SB293, HB4, HB2974, HB5138, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, HB748, HB3395, HB180, HB3171, HB146, HB5596, HB5694, HB1135, HB3225, HB186, HB1449, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB3336, HB3520, HB3320, HB5663, HB2399, HB111, HB3483, HB4580, HB3748, HB632, HB4730, HB5690, HB5689, HB3385, HB4359, HB5381, HB123, HB5606, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59

Keywords: judicial conduct, judges discipline, judicial compensation, retirement benefits, judicial transparency, SJR 50, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, securities tax, transaction tax, occupation tax, financial markets, broker-dealer, stock exchange, securities exchange, trading platform, clearing agency, transfer agent, FINRA

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair announces the signing of the following in the presence of the Senate.
• Senate Bill 440 Senate Bill 293 and HCR 172. That was it. That was it? That's it.

Bills: SB27, SB30, SB293, HB4, HB2974, HB5138, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, HB748, HB3395, HB180, HB3171, HB146, HB5596, HB5694, HB1135, HB3225, HB186, HB1449, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB3336, HB3520, HB3320, HB5663, HB2399, HB111, HB3483, HB4580, HB3748, HB632, HB4730, HB5690, HB5689, HB3385, HB4359, HB5381, HB123, HB5606, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59

Keywords: judicial conduct, judges discipline, judicial compensation, retirement benefits, judicial transparency, SJR 50, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, securities tax, transaction tax, occupation tax, financial markets, broker-dealer, stock exchange, securities exchange, trading platform, clearing agency, transfer agent, FINRA

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pinkney, House Amendment 1, Senate Substitute 1 for House Bill 145. Good afternoon.
• Thank you, Senator Sturgeon.
• Thank you, Senator Sturgeon.
• If there's anyone here for House Joint Resolution 11, House Bill 59 with House Amendment 1 and House
• So, Senator Hoffner, Senator Pinkney, Senator Pettyjohn, thank you for being here. Thank you, sir.

Bills: HJR11, HB59, HB418, HB342, HB408, HB409, HB133, HB134, HB414, HB355

Keywords: HOPE Court, homeless court, housing instability, homelessness, poverty elimination, problem-solving court, community court, diversion program, criminal justice reform, reentry, warrants, fines and fees, low-level offenses, housing access, public safety, recidivism, Delaware Judiciary, DSHA, DHSS, DELJIS

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and heard presentations on several bills. House Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute 1 for House Bill 145 would restrict government use of reverse keyword searches, generally prohibiting reverse keyword court orders and voluntary requests, with a narrow exception for Class A violent felony investigations and rules on notice, deletion, and inadmissibility of unlawfully obtained evidence. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 368, with House Amendment 1, would limit Delaware law enforcement and the Department of Correction’s participation in federal civil immigration enforcement, especially regarding civil immigration warrants and detainers, while preserving exceptions for serious offenses and valid judicial processes; the Department of Correction said it had no operational or fiscal impact and supported the exclusions, and an ACLU-affiliated witness testified in support. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 427 would allow certain 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in hunting and target practice without direct adult supervision if they have parental permission, hunter education, and a valid Delaware hunting license. House Bill 355, the “Speak Your Truth Act,” would expand anti-SLAPP-style protections for survivors of sexual assault, discrimination, and harassment by raising the burden in defamation suits and allowing attorney’s fees and damages; advocates from the National Women’s Defense League and the Speak Your Truth movement supported it. House Bill 134 would increase penalties for repeat animal cruelty offenders and lengthen animal ownership bans. The committee also heard House Bill 133, as amended, which would create a hardship waiver process allowing courts to waive fines and fees for defendants who cannot afford them, while preserving restitution and exempting certain traffic-related penalties and victim compensation assessments. The administration said the bill is intended to address uncollectable debt and noted millions in outstanding fines and fees, while local government and police representatives raised concerns about lost revenue, administrative burden, and consistency; the Fines and Fees Justice Center supported the measure. Committee members asked about how the waiver funding would affect local governments, volunteer fire companies, and related fees, and the administration said the $5 million budgeted this year would cover the waiver costs and be treated as an annual expense going forward. No committee votes were taken during the excerpted discussion, but the chair indicated that bills ready for action would be circulated for signature or moved to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• our friends um uh I guess our Senate our friends um uh I guess our Senate council<00:31:58.399><
• And this is a resolution. What action. And this is a resolution.
• <00:52:49.599> to This is is about a resolution to This is is about a resolution to Congress
• /c><01:20:22.880> million was in the neighborhood of $2 million was in the neighborhood of $2
• /c> less money um than, you know, $2 less money um than, you know, $2 million,<01:21:02.159> you

Bills: HF4348, HF4186, HF4202, HF4455, HF3884, HF3883, HF3882, HF3881, HF2688, HF3295, HF3862, HF3362, HF4242, HF3798

Keywords: HF4186, Minnesota local government finance, housing and redevelopment authority, HRA, public investment authority, qualifying government, State Board of Investment, SBI, index mutual fund, multifamily housing development, long-term equity investment, investment-grade fixed income, federally insured securities, government-sponsored entities, municipal investing, local government investments, housing finance, public funds, investment policy, risk of loss

Transcript Highlights:

• We not only won it as a result of resolution.
• That's all this resolution does. I will take any questions.
• One of the worst things I ever had to do was when I was in a joint unit, a joint special forces unit.
• It's not as horrible as the Senate version, but this is horrible.
• I'm happy to report that today the bill passed. the Senate, and it was voted unanimously out of the Senate

Bills: HB2034, HB2436, HB3010, HB3033, HB3138, HB3177, HB3426, HB3686, HB3858, HB4176, HB4257, HB4264, HB4804, HCR98

Keywords: groundwater, foreign ownership, national security, water permits, environmental health, deadly conduct, firearm, recklessness, peace officer, prosecution, Penal Code, Texas laws, disaster recovery, infrastructure, rural communities, grants, state funding, emergency management, HB 3033, Texas Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to lay out Senate Bill 1337 by Senator Creighton. Senator Creighton, you're recognized.
• Senator Kimball, did you have a question of Senator Perry? Yes. Senator, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senate.
• Senate.
• Senate.

Bills: SB868, SB1337, SB1371, SB1377, SB1426, SB1620, SB2064, SB2065, SJR4

Keywords: SB 868, rural volunteer fire department assistance program, volunteer fire department assistance fund, Texas Government Code, wildfire, wildland fire, high-risk wildfire area, fire suppression, rural fire departments, volunteer firefighters, emergency response, public safety, grant allocation, appropriations, disaster preparedness, tax penalties, interest calculation, overpayment, tax law, refund process

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several bills focused on tax administration, transportation, emergency services, historic preservation, forensic training, pension funding, and the state’s rainy day fund. Senate Bill 1337, by Senator Creighton, would require the comptroller to assess penalty and interest only on the net tax due and allow sales and use tax overpayments to offset underpayments more automatically; it was left pending while the author, comptroller staff, and a private witness continued working on the language and fiscal note. Senate Bill 1371, by Senator Hinojosa, would address Corpus Christi transit authority operations, including emergency refueling coordination, fare-setting procedures, and board term limits; it received supportive testimony and was left pending. Senate Bill 1377, by Senator Perry, would create a grant program for rural counties to buy ambulances, with a committee substitute expanding eligible uses in some cases to equipment and setting a sunset date; numerous EMS officials, county representatives, and association witnesses testified in support, emphasizing rising ambulance costs, staffing shortages, and the need for rural emergency coverage, and the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Bill 868, by Senator Sparks, would direct at least 10% of volunteer fire department assistance funding to high wildfire-risk areas; Texas A&M Forest Service explained the map and methodology, and the committee substitute was adopted. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1426, which would place the First Capitol State Historic Site in West Columbia under Texas Historical Commission stewardship, and Senate Bill 1620, which would create a Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program through the Office of Court Administration to address forensic scientist shortages; both had no opposition in testimony and their committee substitutes were adopted. Senate Bill 2065 would change the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System funding structure to require an actuarially determined state contribution and address the system’s unfunded liability over 30 years; Pasadena fire department representatives testified that the pension is an important volunteer retention tool, and the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Joint Resolution 4 would raise the Economic Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 15% of biennial revenue deposits, with a committee substitute correcting the effective date to September 1, 2027; the committee discussed the fund’s current balance and purpose before adopting the substitute. After quorum was established, the committee voted out the measures. Senate Bill 1868, Senate Bill 1371, Senate Bill 264, Senate Joint Resolution 4, Senate Bill 1426, Senate Bill 1620, and Senate Bill 2065 were all reported favorably to the full Senate, with some bills also certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee substitute for Senate Bill 868 was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as well. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1 by Senate Efficiency; Senate Bill 2 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 14 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 19
• by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 22 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 22 by Joint Budget; Senate Bill 22 by Joint
• By Joint Budget, Senate Bill 42 by Joint Budget, Senate Bill 52 by Joint Budget, Senate Bill 52 by Joint
• , Senate Bill 62 by Joint Budget, Senate Bill 64 by Joint Budget, Senate Bill 65 by Joint Budget, Senate
• joint budget, Senate Bill 69 by joint budget, Senate bill 70 by joint budget, Senate bill 71 by joint

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, the Senate will take up Senate Memorial Resolution 2.
• Senate Memorial Resolution 2 by Senator Johnson and the 34 senators of this body.
• for the presentation of Senate Memorial Resolution 2.
• of Senate Memorial Resolution 2.
• Senate Memorial Resolution 2 is adopted. Thank you. Senate Memorial Resolution 2 is adopted.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine floor proceedings, including leave requests for several guests and introductions of visitors in the gallery. Reverend Andrea McMillan of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral delivered the opening prayer, and the chamber then moved into the day’s business agenda. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 14 recognizing and celebrating New Corps Day at the State Capitol on April 15, 2026, with remarks highlighting the company’s long presence in Mississippi County, its steel production, investment in Arkansas facilities, and employment impact. The body also adopted Senate Memorial Resolution 2 honoring former Senator Lou Hardin, with extended remarks from Senator Mark Johnson and a statement from Hardin’s son, Scott, emphasizing Hardin’s service in the Senate, state higher education leadership, and presidency at the University of Central Arkansas. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolutions 4 and 5, both authorizing introduction of non-appropriation bills related to the revenue stabilization law. House Bill 1001, the appropriation for the Arkansas House of Representatives for fiscal year 2025-26, passed 34-0 with its emergency clause adopted. The chamber also adopted multiple amendments to budget bills and then passed two large batches of appropriation bills, all by 34-0 votes, with emergency clauses adopted and bills transmitted to the House. Before adjournment, Senator Dismang announced special language would meet the next morning followed by Joint Budget, and Senator Hester said the Senate would convene at 11 a.m. the following day. The chamber adjourned subject to clearing the desk until Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 32 by Senator Love.
• Our first resolution on the business agenda is Senate Resolution 17, Senator Murdock.
• Senate Resolution 17 by Senator Murdock.
• Next, the Senate will take up Senate Resolution 29. Senate Resolution 29 by Senator McKee.
• Senate Bill 2 by joint budget, an Act for the Department of Finance and Administration Assessment Coordination

Keywords: 1204, all