Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the second meeting of the 2025 session of the House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military
• Please join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the republic
• Lord, we ask You to bless our chairman that's here today, Lord, for the best of our military and our
• </c><00:02:48.760><c> and</c><00:02:48.879><c> our</c> the best of our military and our the best of our
• military and our veterans<00:02:49.480><c> and</c><00:02:49.720><c> all</c><00:02:49.879><c> of</c><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection convened with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, and briefly discussed the ongoing flooding in eastern Kentucky. Members and the chair asked for prayers for affected families, first responders, utility workers, and others dealing with the disaster. The chair also reminded members about Military Kids Day on Tuesday, February 25 at 9:00 a.m. The committee then took up House Bill 234. Sean Butler, executive director of the Kentucky Police Chiefs Association, testified that the bill would fix an omission in current law so airport police departments can participate in grant funding when they turn in firearms for destruction or sale through the Kentucky State Police, as other departments already can. He said airport police are fully sworn and certified officers but were left out because they fall under a different statute. After questions, the committee voted on the bill and it passed with favorable expressions, advancing to the House floor. The chair said the second bill would not be considered that day because of unresolved issues and would be brought back later. A member also asked to register attendance before the meeting concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, this pertains to our military.
• Yes, this pertains to our military.
• I'm the chair of the Military and Veterans Committee, and I'm very concerned about our military that
• So there's various military expedite processes in place currently.
• So there's various military expedite processes in place currently.

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five regulatory entities: the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Board of Psychology, the Physician Assistant Board, the Podiatric Medical Board, and the California Massage Therapy Council. Across the hearing, each entity described recent accomplishments, licensing and enforcement workload, workforce shortages, and efforts to modernize processes. Common themes included streamlining licensure, expanding access to care, addressing telehealth or emerging technology, and balancing consumer protection with workforce needs. For the Board of Behavioral Sciences, members discussed workforce shortages in mental health, supervision barriers, telehealth confidentiality, AI in therapy, interstate compacts, school-based services, and military spouse licensure. The board said it has expanded outreach, improved licensing processes, and created temporary practice authority tracking, while also expressing concern about counseling compacts and emphasizing California-specific law, ethics, and cultural competency. Public commenters supported the board’s work and the possible move to a national MFT exam, while also urging more resources. The Board of Psychology highlighted fee adjustments, streamlined licensure pathways, enforcement process improvements, new CPD requirements, and proposed changes including a psychotherapist-client privilege exception for investigations. Committee members and public witnesses focused heavily on that privilege proposal, with some members opposing it as too broad and privacy-invasive, while the board argued it is needed to obtain records in bias and sexual misconduct cases. The board also discussed workforce shortages, processing improvements, and the use of inactive status for psychological associates. The Physician Assistant Board reported growth in the PA workforce and education programs, SB 697 implementation, and financial pressure from rising enforcement costs. The main policy debate centered on physician-to-PA ratios and practice agreements, with board representatives and many public commenters arguing that current restrictions limit access to care, especially in rural areas, while the California Medical Association defended the need for explicit ratios and agreements. The board also discussed AI, fee increases, and tracking temporary practice authority. The Podiatric Medical Board described licensing and renewal reforms, residency expansion, enforcement support, and budget constraints, while public testimony raised concerns about a proposed fee increase and about reimbursement parity and practice recognition for podiatrists. Finally, the California Massage Therapy Council defended the certification model over licensure, citing lower costs, local government collaboration, anti-trafficking work, and its role in vetting applications and disciplining bad actors; no formal votes or final actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• Madam Chair, your Committee on Federal and Military Affairs and Elections has under consideration Senate
• A lifelong resident of Tucson, Arizona, Bill Van Dyke began his career in the military in 1961 when he
• This morning, Governor Hobbs unveiled the pride flags on the Executive Building.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, guest introductions, and routine communications from the governor and Senate. Members then moved into multiple Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of Senate bills and later House bills on final reading. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others advanced with or without amendments. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous Senate amendments to House bills and later took up third-reading votes on a series of House bills. Among the main committee actions, SB 1049, SB 1315, SB 1401, SB 1418, and SB 1540 were amended and recommended do pass; SB 1332 and SB 1538 also advanced, while SB 1016, SB 1519, SB 1624, SB 1627, SB 1723, and SB 1725 were retained. Debate centered on school safety and interoperability equipment in SB 1315, housing and zoning issues in SB 1118, and school discipline/bullying transparency in SB 1684. Members also discussed SB 1074 on student discipline notifications, SB 1275 on diversion program wording, and SB 1684 on bullying reporting and school liability, with supporters emphasizing safety, accountability, and clarity and opponents warning about unfunded mandates, litigation, and impacts on public schools. On final reading, the House passed a long list of bills, including HB 2032, HB 2035, HB 2109, HB 2120, HB 2176, HB 2189, HB 2195, HB 2203, HB 2342, HB 2383, HB 2423, HB 2428, HB 2439, HB 2440, HB 2573, HB 2594, HB 2621, HB 2641, HB 2673, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2875, HB 2895, HB 2916, HB 2923, HB 2946, and HB 2999, with recorded votes ranging from narrow to unanimous. HB 1118, dealing with municipal zoning and historic properties, failed on the floor after debate over housing policy and charter/public school issues, though a motion to reconsider was later made. The session ended with personal announcements, including recognition of Child Help, a memorial reading for Major General W. Bill Van Dyke, caucus meeting notices, a retirement reception reminder, an anniversary acknowledgment, and a Pride Month statement.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag. ...join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• A lifelong resident of Tucson, Arizona, Bill Van Dyke began his career in the military in 1961 when he
• He became the director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and assumed command
• This morning, Governor Hobbs unveiled the pride flags on the Executive Building.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chaplain, Reverend Jason Benzzi, after which please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• As a husband, a father of four, a military officer, an engineer, an astronaut, and a public servant,
• As a husband, a father of four, a military officer, an engineer, an astronaut, and a public service,
• Senate Joint Resolution 14 by Senator Cabaldon relative to military and veterans.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have some of them that are actually already partnering with the military.
• We have another partner that is already partnering with UPS. military.
• My background is military.
• Doggone military time got me. Yeah, it's surreal. 5:22.
• time got me yeah it's uh Doggone military time got me.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met and first received an update from FDOT on the Sun Trail shared-use nonmotorized trail program. FDOT said the program, created in 2015 and expanded by 2023 legislation, now includes connections to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and received a one-time $200 million appropriation plus increased annual funding. The department reported programming about $180 million of that funding, completing 42 construction projects totaling nearly 95 miles in 21 counties, and installing trail counters and QR-code surveys to measure usage and economic impact. Members expressed support for the program and asked no substantive questions. The committee then heard a presentation on FDOT’s locally administered state transportation funding programs, including SCOP, SCOPM, SCRAP, SIGP, and TRIP. FDOT explained these programs support local roadway resurfacing, bridge repair, drainage, paving unpaved roads, and safety or capacity improvements, with varying state match levels depending on the program and eligibility. FDOT said its adopted five-year work program includes more than $1.4 billion for local transportation improvement projects. A member asked whether toll revenues from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties fund these programs; FDOT said it would research the funding source and follow up. The committee’s main discussion was a panel on advanced air mobility (AAM), including FDOT and industry representatives from Supernal, Joby, Atlantic Aviation, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, and Eve Air Mobility. FDOT described its AAM planning work, advisory committee, local government guidebook, and upcoming training, while panelists emphasized Florida’s leadership, the likely use of existing airport and heliport infrastructure first, and the expectation that private investment will fund much of the early vertiport buildout. Members raised concerns about community acceptance, privacy, zoning, airspace congestion, security, and lessons from scooters and drones. Panelists repeatedly stressed a “crawl, walk, run” rollout, local government coordination, multimodal connectivity, and public outreach. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the panel.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish to be led today by Senator Romo, and the salute to the New Mexico flag
• I swear fidelity to the flag of the U.S. and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God
• Beyond military service, Hurley was a celebrated artist.
• And acknowledgment to the Hurley family and the New Mexico Military Museum.
• Later attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in June 1945.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When you go through the military, you're going to get more hands-on.
• Does this bill require that military chaplains hold a master's degree?
• I grew up in the military. My father was career military. We moved from Navy base to Navy base.
• If you want to know how the military works on the chaplain bill, then we have to ask the military, because
• They would steal scraps of cloth, and they created their own flag.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 572 by Bella Montgomery relating to the purchase of military service credit in the Employees Retirement
• Tepper relating to proper etiquette during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the state flag
• Ter relating to the proper etiquette during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance for the state flag
• 598 by Bella Montgomery relating to the provision of financial services to survivors of certain military
• and Texas military forces, referred to the Subcommittee on Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Summary: The House met for first reading and referral of a large number of bills and joint resolutions, with no substantive debate on the measures themselves. The filings covered a broad range of topics, including agency rulemaking and regulatory deference, occupational licensing reciprocity, business entities, eviction procedures, higher education, public education, health care, elections and voting procedures, criminal justice, property tax and appraisal issues, transportation, agriculture, energy, and local government authority. Several proposals also addressed constitutional amendments on matters such as Medicaid expansion, property tax limits, quorum and special-session rules, voting citizenship proof, parental rights, reproductive autonomy, and state funding allocations. Many of the measures focused on education, public health, and election administration. Examples included bills on financial literacy in schools, school nurses and librarians, student meal debt policies, suicide prevention notices, menstrual products, and community-based learning programs, as well as election-related bills on voter registration, disability access, ballot corrections, political advertising, and voting equipment or procedures. Other notable bills dealt with housing and property issues, including evictions, homestead tax exemptions, and land ownership, along with criminal justice measures involving sentencing, juror challenges, trafficking-related nondisclosure, and firearm reporting or transfer restrictions. The House also referred a set of resolutions to the Local and Consent Calendars Committee. At the end of the proceedings, Mr. Bell moved that the House adjourn until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in memory of James Edward Cook of Eustace, Texas. There was no objection, and the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:33:24.799><c> orders</c> implementing the red flag orders implementing the red flag orders petitioning
• So anyone in file the red flag order.
• Uh so those are existing red flag law.
• </c> people to know how to get red flag people to know how to get red flag orders.<00:52:39.359><c> Um
• order</c> improve the way that the red flag order improve the way that the red flag order system<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we passed the red flag law which we know is working to save lives.
• You know, we passed<00:05:21.240><c> the</c><00:05:21.320><c> red</c><00:05:21.560><c> flag</c><00:05
• law which we know is passed the red flag law which we know is working<00:05:23.080><c> to</c><00:05:
• Getting anywhere near the Second Amendment, like the red flag law.
• Federal funds are a very flagged.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The program covered three main topics: Minnesota’s February economic forecast, gun violence prevention efforts, and the growing debate over data centers. Minnesota Management and Budget reported a stronger-than-expected outlook, replacing a projected deficit with a $3.7 billion surplus for FY 2026-27 and a projected positive balance for FY 2028-29, though officials warned the state still faces a structural imbalance and possible federal funding losses tied to Medicaid reimbursements and fraud-related federal actions. Lawmakers also discussed affordability concerns, with Senate Republicans promoting a tax-relief package focused on property taxes, vehicle tab fees, and ending taxes on tips and overtime. A lengthy segment focused on gun violence prevention, including a Capitol rally by Annunciation Catholic Church families, students, and advocates. Senator Ron Latz said an interim working group he co-led with Senator Zeinab Mohamed gathered public and expert input and helped shape ideas for the session. He said there is no single solution, but cited measures such as red flag laws, universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, high-capacity magazine limits, safe-storage requirements, ghost gun and binary trigger bans, and more school counseling and wraparound mental health supports. Latz emphasized that he sees these as compatible with the Second Amendment and said he hopes to build bipartisan support, especially around school counseling and other “common-sense” measures. Latz said the short session and narrow margins mean compromise will be necessary, and that if a package does not pass this year, lawmakers will return to the issue next session while voters should hold legislators accountable in future elections. The final segment introduced the data center discussion, with Senator Bill Liske describing how data centers have grown from small server rooms into large industrial facilities and noting that some communities are considering moratoriums or restrictions because of neighborhood impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the the United allegiance to the flag of the the United allegiance to the flag of the the United
• chestine and Jones regarding military chestine and Jones regarding military medical records on page
• stability terms of the military stability terms of the military stability commission terms of all the
• and Veterans to elevate the military and Veterans to elevate the military and Veterans to elevate the
• military medical records as evidence of military medical records as evidence of military medical records

Bills: SJR 36 , SJR 2 , SB 4 , SR 45 , SR 47 , SR 63 , SR 66 , SR 70 , SR 85 , SCR 14 , SB 10 , SB 11 , SB 10 , SB 11

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill allows the display of United States and Texas flags, POW/MIA, tribal flags representing local
• , state, or national subdivisions, military flags, educational or historic flags, and flags tied to authorized
• The flags exempted in this bill are neutral. The pride flag is not.
• and the official flag of the Lone Star State.
• flag, but also the foreign countries.

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• the XRDNA team deliver next-generation protections that support governments, enterprises, and the military
• Military Affairs and Border Security will meet at 1:30 p.m. in Senate hearing room 109.
• Military Affairs and Border Security will meet at 1:30 p.m. in Senate hearing room 109. Mr.
• Military Affairs and Board of Security, 130, Center hearing room 109. Excellent.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• oath of office, I declared a national emergency on our southern border, and I deployed the U.S. military
• <00:56:27.119><c> deployed</c><00:56:27.760><c> the</c><00:56:27.960><c> US</c><00:56:28.359><c> Military
• </c><00:56:28.960><c> and</c> and I deployed the US Military and and I deployed the US Military and border
• Military Academy at West Point. his dad who was also a Los Angeles his dad who was also a Los Angeles
• As commander-in-chief, my focus is on building the most powerful military of the future.

Keywords: Presidential address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know our military division, they will have their band as well.
• production and talent, that's the concert that will take place there in the park in addition to the military
• Flags across Idaho. Our congressional delegation has got the flags.
• that would be a project that would go well into December, you know, if we have the heritage fountain. flags
• Our congressional have got the flags.

Summary: The America 250 and Idaho Advisory Council met to approve prior minutes and authorize several funding items tied to Idaho’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Members approved January 19 minutes and a reimbursement of up to $20,882 to the State Superintendent of Public Education for additional Spirit of U.S. box materials for schools. They also approved a broader America 250 budget proposal that includes the July 4 Capitol celebration, ambassador programs, and authority to solicit and accept private donations, with funds to be managed separately by the treasurer’s office and the A250 subcommittee. Representative Galaviz and Treasurer Ellsworth outlined plans for the July 4 celebration at the Capitol and Cecil Andrus Park, including a parade, concert, bands, family activities, and open Capitol offices and exhibits. They described cost-sharing with the We the People parade organizers, who are covering most parade-related expenses, and discussed related projects such as the Liberty Bell carriage, go bags for ambassador materials, the Veterans Mustang Ride, challenge coins, heritage fountain plans, flags across Idaho, Liberty quilts, and the service challenge. The treasurer reported strong statewide participation, including 1,100 ambassadors across cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, and noted that service challenge participation had surpassed 11,000 acts. Director Gallimore gave a task force update on statewide and national America 250 efforts, including the Idaho Lottery’s planned scratch ticket, the Moments That Made Us downloadable exhibit, Reading the Republic, the Four Score exhibit opening, and a complementary exhibit later in March. She also noted coordination for events at Signature Point and the Old Pen, and said the museum would be open on July 4 with free admission. Hannah Laurie Hine reported on federal America 250 initiatives such as the White House’s Freedom Truck mobile museums, the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., a prayer-focused event, the Presidential 1776 Award civics contest, and other national story-collection and volunteer efforts. The committee agreed to meet again on March 9 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests, please join me in pledging allegiance to our flag.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag.
• And then also to present a flag.
• The Arizona State flag was designed by... ...of Amaya Curley.
• And then here is the flag. There's nothing more to say.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 474 revises provisions of Florida law relating to the Department of Military Affairs.
• military service, not on a group of single orders.
• And this is just proof that your heart is fully committed to the military and veterans.
• Coincidentally, my, the military taught me the three bees: to be brief, be bold, and be gone.
• We enacted the red flag law. We enacted the red flag law, a bill I originated in Florida.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 474 revises provisions of Florida law relating to the Department of Military Affairs.
• Senate Bill 474 revises provisions of Florida law relating to the Department of Military Affairs.
• Coincidentally, the military taught me the three bees.
• We enacted the red flag... ...from 18 to 21.
• We enacted the red flag law, a bill I originated in Florida.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests, please join me in pledging allegiance to our flag.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag.
• And then also to read a proclamation and then also to present a flag. Yes.
• The Arizona State flag was designed by... ...of Amaya Curley.
• And then here is the flag. There's nothing more to say.

Keywords: 1182, all