Transcript Highlights:

• This basically extends the sunset on the ABLE accounts.
• The sunset right now would expire December 31, 2025.
• So this would extend the sunset for that five years.
• And I put Texas because Texas is always considered a benchmark state that people... considered a benchmark
• We also exempted all the federal CARES Act money from taxes.

Bills: HB188 , HB52

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical treatment, access, affordability, income tax, CHOOSE Act, education funding, ABLE account, tax credits, poverty threshold, legislative funding

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, it ensures that sunset dates as passed by the Senate were kept and adds sunsets to all sections
• But I I really am appreciative that there's a sunset on this to evaluate.
• Local governments operate under the Affordable Housing Act, and that's an act that is permitted under
• We extended a sunset.
• With some caution and consideration, we just put a new sunset out there.

Bills: SB240

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• Coming from Midland, Texas, West Texas, we understand the need for that, and also the Panhandle as well
• Quality (TCEQ), the Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Texas Public Utility Commission, the
• Texas Department of Agriculture, the Texas Animal Health Commission, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife
• It's authority to TCEQ to implement certain aspects of the Clean Water Act, meaning Texas can issue permits
• resources of Texas.

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And interestingly, it got some traction not just with Texas, but we ended up with a group that was Texas
• There might be the result that is good for Texas, but we are wary about that.
• Five, as a result of sunset legislation in 2015, the HHS system.
• Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act.
• Texas and then south Texas as well and the areas in white El Paso and the Permian Basin Concho Valley

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Act 495... So the amendment, there was an amendment last year.
• Act 495 lowered the number of signatures that all statewide candidates must obtain to qualify for the
• electioneering communication here is very similar to the other parties provisions of the Campaign Finance Act
• So my acts would be simple that try to familiarize yourself maybe with some of the aspirations that are
• Maybe there was some board meeting dysfunction, whether they acted without a quorum or whatever, but

Bills: HB9 , HB177 , HB181 , HB202 , HB225 , HB398 , HB459 , HB540 , HB906 , HB1052 , HB1057 , HB1245

Committee: Senate Senate & Governmental Affairs

Keywords: HB 9, HB9, Act 527, Shreveport, Stuffed Shrimp Capital, state symbol, Louisiana symbols, municipal designation, honorary title, cultural designation, tourism, local pride, seafood, shrimp, stuffed shrimp, cuisine, city branding, Louisiana Revised Statutes 49:170.26, court reporter, official court reporter

Bills: HB2271 , HB2324 , HB2387 , HB2116 , HB1682 , HB2468 , HB2091

Committee: House Labor

Keywords: HB2271, Hawaii budget, emergency appropriation, public employment cost items, collective bargaining, labor grievances, temporary hazard pay, state employees, bargaining unit 1, bargaining unit 10, BU-1, BU-10, Department of Education, University of Hawaii, general fund, revolving funds, interdepartmental transfers, settlement agreement, arbitration award, court order

Transcript Highlights:

• of the new requirements under the bill will be considered misbranded under the Cannabis Regulation Act
• bill was introduced actually come from the unregulated hemp market, but not from compliant Regulation Act
• As one of two original sponsors, along with Representative Romero, of the Cannabis Regulation Act...
• As one of two original sponsors, along with Representative Presevedro, of the Cannabis Regulation Act
• This act affirms that public safety must never come at the cost of our civil rights.

Bills: HB294 , SB40 , SB43 , SB35

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer

Bills: SB1026 , SB1126 , SB1143 , SB1166

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Keywords: alternative education, school funding, student accountability, education reform, school district governance, educational records, student privacy, FERPA, family educational rights and privacy act, Department of Child Safety, DCS caseworker, child welfare, abuse or neglect, juvenile justice, juvenile court, juvenile corrections, school records, discipline records, attendance records, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Acting Executive Director and Legal Director for Working Washington.
• So, you know, the reason we call it the Secure and Accountable Federal Enforcement Act, the SAFE Act,
• The SAFE Act protects these sensitive spaces.
• Now it's time for the legislature to act.
• A violation of this law is also a violation of the Consumer Protection Act.

Bills: SB5925 , SB5906 , SB6070 , SB6002

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: Attorney General, civil investigative demand, CID, subpoena-like demand, investigative authority, consumer protection, civil enforcement, pre-suit investigation, document production, interrogatories, deposition, oral testimony, confidentiality, trade secrets, judicial review, enforcement action, Washington RCW, law enforcement powers, government transparency, due process

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're creating a board that's going to have a two-year sunset.
• Texas isn't trying to set drug prices. Texas has no appetite for price controls.
• has stopped doing business with the state of Texas or has withdrawn from the state of Texas.
• And so in Act 474, we recreated the PBM Advisory Council.
• Acting Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Acting Chairman.

Committee: House Insurance

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 29 with a quorum present and took up several insurance and health care-related bills. SB 192, a dental reimbursement bill, was amended to allow dentists to opt in electronically to credit-card payment methods and to clarify applicability and effective date; it was reported as amended. SB 84 would require prostate cancer screening coverage for men over 40 under current clinical guidelines and prohibit cost-sharing; supporters from the American Cancer Society said Louisiana has a high incidence of prostate cancer and that out-of-pocket costs deter early screening. The committee adopted amendments and reported the bill as amended. SB 275, dealing with reimbursement and network participation for certified registered nurse anesthetists, drew support from nursing and hospital groups and was reported favorably. SB 169, a cleanup bill on biomarker testing, was also amended and reported. The committee spent substantial time on SB 401, which creates a temporary prescription drug affordability board to review pricing data on selected drugs and report findings to the legislature. Supporters said the board would improve transparency and help lawmakers understand drug pricing trends; opponents raised concerns about confidentiality, market effects, and the lack of a defined policy outcome beyond reporting. Amendments narrowed the scope, added confidentiality protections, and removed opposition cards, and the bill was reported as amended. SB 387, a major PBM reform bill tied to SB 401, would change PBM compensation, rebate handling, formulary practices, audits, and appeals, while excluding ERISA plans after discussion and amendment. Supporters argued it would curb spread pricing and other practices that raise costs, while opponents from the Pelican Institute and PCMA warned it would interfere with private contracts, reduce flexibility, and could raise premiums or disrupt city, school board, and small-group plans. After extensive debate and a roll call, SB 387 was reported with amendments by a 10-4 vote. The committee also considered SB 241, which requires certain insurance adjusters and public adjusters to include license numbers in written communications. After amendments limiting the requirement to individual licenses and removing one statutory reference, the bill was reported as amended. Throughout the meeting, members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the need for transparency in drug pricing and PBM practices, the role of ERISA and non-ERISA plans, and potential impacts on public employers and consumers.

Bills: HB351 , HB351

Committee: House Commerce and Small Business

Keywords: ad valorem tax, road funding, local government, referendum, Choctaw County, data privacy, consumer rights, personal data, data protection, Alabama Personal Data Protection Act

Transcript Highlights:

• And S-331, the Fentanyl Act, because the Fentanyl Act is listed on the agenda for the first time, it'll
• The FBI conducted an unprecedented raid on President Trump's home in an act of partisan lawfare.
• Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, apparently acting at Mr.
• They include Judge Michael Luddick and Peter Kiesler, a co-founder of the Federalist Society and acting
• Where, in addition to acting without authority, the President is indicating he will defy rulings from

Bills: SB331

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations, law enforcement, Kash Patel, FBI director nomination, S331, Fentanyl Act, committee meeting, legislative discussion

Summary: In this committee meeting, the primary focus was on the nomination of Kash Patel for the position of director of the FBI, which had sparked considerable debate over the past week. Members discussed the extensive vetting process Patel underwent, including a lengthy hearing where he addressed numerous questions, which emphasized his qualifications and the support he received from various law enforcement organizations. The meeting included significant arguments from both sides, reflecting the polarized nature of the nomination, especially regarding the allegations made against Patel by some committee members. As discussions continued, the committee decided to hold off on the Fentanyl Act, listed as S331, until the next meeting, indicating a prioritization of the nomination vote over new legislative measures at this time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rob Misa III from Cedar Park, Texas, who has been reappointed to the Texas State Technical College Board
• Texas and Texas State Technical College, and we are open for any questions you may have. Thank you.
• I had to find a way to justify Texas, and it's not just about justifying Texas.
• Texas has made significant strides in the aerospace industry, and we're looking forward to the Texas
• Appointees to the Texas Board of Nursing, which the Texas Department of State Health Services indicates

Committee: Senate Nominations

Bills: SB1533 , SB2026

Committee: House Veteran and Military Affairs

Keywords: veteran burial, burial assistance, indigent veterans, Dignity in Burial Act, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Texas Department of Justice.
• Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.
• Texas Indigent Defense Commission.
• But in Texas, the few things. that we are doing.
• I said, well, I'm from West Texas.

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentlemen from Texas. Mr.
• Gentleman from Texas. Mr.
• Seeing none, gentleman from Texas. I close.
• Could we put in a sunset maybe?
• Could we put in a sunset maybe?

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 117-0 vote, and a long series of guest introductions, including 911 officials, school groups, students shadowing legislators, international visitors from Quebec, family members, and various community advocates. The chamber then moved into floor debate on several measures, beginning with House Joint Resolution 115, which would extend personal property tax and homestead tax exemptions to 100% service-connected disabled veterans and surviving spouses. Members from both parties praised the sponsor’s eight-year effort, emphasized the financial burden on disabled veterans living on fixed incomes, and noted the measure’s broad support; the House adopted the committee substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. The House next took up House Bill 2151, a Fast Track workforce training program fix that raises household income eligibility thresholds from $40,000 to $50,000 for single filers and from $80,000 to $100,000 for joint filers without increasing the program’s overall funding cap. Supporters said the change reflects inflation and will help more adults and families access training for career changes and upskilling. The chamber then approved House Substitute for House Bill 2576, a naming bill that included several commemorative designations. Members adopted amendments designating January as Blood Donor Awareness Month, June 28 as Elliott and Muriel Battle Day, and March 26 as PANS Awareness Day; a proposed Josephine Baker Day amendment was withdrawn after concerns it could complicate the broader bill. The bill also included other memorial and honorary designations, including a highway naming for a Vietnam veteran and recognition of a former Pagedale mayor. The House also approved an amendment designating April 22 as Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day, with supporters saying it would promote public safety and education as bear populations increase. Another amendment added infertility awareness language, with members describing the issue as a disease that affects families in silence. The chamber then approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3175, known as Mason’s Law, which creates a system to flag certain driver records for law enforcement when a person has a condition affecting communication; an amendment expanded the notice to include driver’s licenses. Members said the bill would help officers safely interact with people who may have difficulty communicating during traffic stops. Finally, the House took up House Bill 1736, which allows local governments to use certain park-related sales tax revenues for natural disaster mitigation, including stormwater management and the purchase of repetitive-loss properties. Supporters said it would help communities address flooding without turning parks into hard infrastructure sites. The chamber then began debate on House Bill 1887 and related AI and digital-image protection provisions, including measures aimed at preventing nonconsensual deepfakes, protecting minors, and giving victims civil remedies and takedown processes. Members from both parties supported the goal of curbing AI abuse, though some raised technical drafting questions and one member suggested the legislature may eventually need a broader AI task force or sunset review. No final vote on HB 1887 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• afternoon, so as a reminder, House Bill 2251 is the bill that would repeal three Climate Commitment Act
• last amendment, Jeff's 062, sponsored by Representative Couture, changes the effective date of this act
• or May 1, 2027, for Section 2 of this act.
• or May 1, 2027 for Section 2 of this Act.
• I appreciate that we have an opportunity to reallocate the priorities in the Climate Commitment Act,

Bills: HB2159 , HB2251 , HB2521

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: preK, education funding, childcare, youth development, state budget, climate change, commitment act, emission reductions, sustainability, environmental policy, firearms, background check, gun control, public safety, legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not just in Texas. It's not just in Virginia.
• And Texas has a big voice. Texas has a huge voice. And America is listening.
• So, two Texas realtors.
• Am I correct on Texas? I didn't. Texas. Okay, thank you, sir.
• Are either of my Texas residents, is there anything?

Bills: SB2101 , SB2334 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2713 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB3059 , HB 1130 , HB256 , HCR19

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard several bills, mostly on alcohol regulation, ethics procedures, the Alamo, and free speech in professional associations. SB 2633 would let the City of Garland hold local option elections on alcohol sales within designated zones and use zoning/land-use rules for alcohol-selling businesses; Senator Johnson and Garland officials said it would reduce the burden of the petition process and support economic development. SB 2637 would require social media platforms to disclose when posts are made by bot accounts and allow Attorney General enforcement; supporters framed it as consumer protection against misleading automated content, while members raised questions about how platforms would identify bots and how enforcement would work. SB 2334 would allow airlines with passenger transportation permits to store sealed alcoholic beverages within five miles of an airport in the same county, which the sponsor and an American Airlines witness said would improve logistics without changing permits, taxes, or alcohol sourcing. The committee also heard SB 2781 and SB 2782, both related to Texas Ethics Commission procedures. SB 2781 would cap civil penalties tied to certain campaign contribution violations by former legislators who later lobby, and SB 2782 would require TEC to adopt discovery control plans and align discovery rules more closely with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure to limit costly, open-ended discovery. Both bills were left pending after no public testimony. SB 3059 would transfer oversight of the Alamo from the General Land Office to a new Alamo Commission beginning in 2027; Senator Campbell said it would provide long-term stewardship and transparency, while Senator Birdwell questioned the need for a change and the commission’s structure, and GLO witnesses said they were not aware of any problem prompting the shift. HB 1130, a House companion to a previously passed Senate bill, would provide liability protections for cavern entities that post warning signs, and it was also left pending. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2713, which would bar professional or trade associations from denying membership or access based on protected characteristics or lawful speech and assembly. Senator Middleton and invited witnesses described disciplinary actions by realtor associations against members for social media posts, sermons, or political speech, arguing that the National Association of Realtors’ ethics rules were being used to punish private expression and threaten livelihoods through loss of MLS access. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the bill should be narrowed to avoid affecting religious organizations, how association discipline works, and whether the measure should address existing penalties or only future conduct. The bill was left pending after extensive invited testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The LBJ Hospital is the busiest level three trauma center in Texas.
• Simply put, we all support the growth of Texas.
• That's why the Sunset Review recommended those changes.
• I think you were on the Sunset Committee during the last go-round as well.
• Chairman, as I stated in the Sunset hearing back then.

Bills: SB2082 , SB2203 , SB2351 , SB2550 , SCR48

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• They can only rely upon the Open Meetings Act.
• Many of you are probably aware. of the sunset. Many of our professional license types have sunsets.
• There is a winding down period under the sunset act.
• Can you tell us why so many are not acting?
• can't get it in Texas.

Bills: SB1 , SB3 , SB1 , SB3

Committees: Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce