Transcript Highlights:

• Proponents tout a Utah pilot program that once recruited two dozen cities in the state.
• Yet over half have withdrawn, and that pilot program is set to end altogether later this year.
• It's the very telling example of Utah, where a pilot program was designed to test this out.
• They recruited two... dozen cities to join this program.
• So Tarrant County has run a very effective county wide polling program for a while. now.

Bills: SB16 , SB76 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB827 , SB964 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1386 , SB1470 , SB2035 , SJR37 , SB 16

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• state sat down and worked together to create greater predictability and stability for the Medicaid program
• He noted that Dave Chy from the Medicaid Program is behind him and said there are limits on what can
• That benefits both the Medicaid Program and the general fund.
• That benefits both the Medicaid Program and the general fund.
• </c> clear that this is an optional program clear that this is an optional program for<02:02:28.400><

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, we have a very robust T-Cup program, probably the most robust T-Cup program in the nation
• You said that the T-Cup program in Texas is the most robust program in the nation.
• That's why we have programs like ECI.
• That program has expanded this session through HB 46.
• It is not one of the most robust programs in the United States.

Bills: SB 5 , SB 11 , SB 12

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would require a free online training program for provisional driver's licenses.
• c><00:43:39.520><c> uh</c><00:43:39.720><c> program</c> provisional driver's licenses uh program provisional
• There are close to 500 driver ed programs in the state, almost...
• He also said the same is true for insurance programs and other driving programs that are not associated
• Likewise, insurance programs and other driving programs that are not associated with Driver's Ed are

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:27.520><c> much</c> think this will make this program much think this will make this program
• I don't like this program. I think it should go away.
• </c><00:21:42.919><c> I</c> we've had I don't like this program I we've had I don't like this program
• </c> standpoint due to creative programming standpoint due to creative programming that<00:40:12.079>
• </c><01:47:53.880><c> which</c> government paid insurance programs which government paid insurance programs

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, to coordinate with MnDOT on aligning programs during MnDOT's program development for the first three
• Program or STIP. And at that point, the Program or STIP.
• Often for its transportation program.
• Rider investment program.
• that program.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They were all members of the student attendance pilot program, and then Nick Negro from the LLC will
• </c><00:20:36.640><c> that</c> participate in after school program that participate in after school program
• </c><00:21:37.400><c> so</c> other sort of diversionary programs so other sort of diversionary programs
• We are doing where education is going for the future as far as facilities, programs.
• </c> these programs these programs attendance<01:36:55.119><c> is</c><01:36:55.239><c> a</c><01:36:55.400

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Over $1 billion for home ownership programs to help people permanently climb up the economic ladder.
• Over $1 billion for home ownership programs to help people permanently climb up the economic ladder.
• “This bond addresses the entire continuum of these challenges, not only the multifamily program, but
• It is an honor to welcome the inaugural cohort of Assembly District 13th Young Leadership Program to
• And so I'm honored to represent. ...these students have gained in our program, and so I'm honored to

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it would be for the teacher prep programs.
• Do you know how many of our teacher programs in the state already do provide instruction in the use of
• And they're the ones who are going to be programming the device.
• They don't need to know how to necessarily program and assess kids for the device.
• I mean, different teacher prep programs.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with most testimony focused on two main topics: improving access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for students with disabilities, and raising educator pay statewide. On the AAC bills (House 514/Senate 418), parents, advocates, and attorneys described how AAC devices and communication books help nonverbal or minimally verbal children communicate, participate in class, and reduce frustration and behavioral issues. Testimony emphasized that while districts are generally required to provide devices, many teachers and school staff lack training to use them effectively; the bill would direct DESE to update licensure and training requirements so newly licensed teachers are prepared to support AAC users. Committee members asked about current teacher-prep practices, implementation, and whether DESE could act without legislation, and witnesses said the proposal was intended as a long-term solution and had previously received some support and compromise language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House 733/Senate 370, which would set a statewide minimum salary of $70,000 for teachers and $55,000 for education support professionals (ESPs/paras), with inflation adjustments and a phase-in structure that would shift costs over time from the state to municipalities. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, MTA leaders, and school employees from several districts, argued that current pay is not a living wage, contributes to staffing shortages and turnover, and forces many educators to work multiple jobs or rely on public assistance. They said the bill would help recruit and retain staff and better reflect the importance of the work. Committee members raised questions about how the state would fund the mandate, how it would interact with Chapter 70 school aid and local budgets, whether other states have similar mechanisms, and whether the proposal could create disincentives for districts already paying above the floor. Witnesses pointed to the Student Opportunity Act, the Fair Share Amendment, and the need for a broader school funding formula review as possible parts of the solution. The committee also briefly heard and discussed Senate Bill 435/House Bill 736, which would require de-escalation training for school bus operators, with the training paid for by employers. The sponsor and a parent advocate said the bill was prompted by a school bus incident involving a child with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and would improve safety and reduce reliance on law enforcement. Members asked whether the bill should also cover bus monitors and other transportation staff, and whether private contractors and public operators currently provide similar training. At the end of the hearing, the chairs closed testimony on the full list of bills and adjourned the hearing without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund, by creating new automatic annual transfers to directly support programs
• for E.E., which, automatic annual transfers to directly support programs for EEE, which is economic
• I was part of the first cohort of the state's social equity program, and for those of you who do not
• I'm in the social equity program.
• I'm a participant in the social equity program, and I am the founder and CEO of Delivered Inc.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis held a hearing on a package of cannabis bills focused on equity funding, delivery expansion, advertising restrictions, medical use, first responders, and ownership limits. Testimony strongly supported S. 87/H. 184 to direct a larger share of cannabis revenue into the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and related equity programs, with speakers arguing the current funding is insufficient and that automatic transfers would better support businesses and communities harmed by the war on drugs. Several witnesses also backed H. 145/S. 89 to allow licensed cannabis delivery into municipalities that ban retail sales and to hotels, saying current rules unfairly limit social equity delivery operators and consumer access. There was also support for H. 176 on medical cannabis eligibility and S. 76 on cannabis use by first responders, while H. 177/H. 178 on new taxes drew opposition from several business owners who said the industry is already heavily burdened and overtaxed. A major point of debate was S. 94/H. 157, which would prohibit billboard advertising for non-prescription marijuana. Public health advocates, parents, and neuroscientists argued that cannabis billboards normalize use, are seen by youth, and are difficult to regulate effectively under the current 85% adult-audience standard. They urged a public health approach similar to tobacco restrictions. In contrast, several industry witnesses opposed further advertising limits, saying cannabis businesses already face strict marketing rules, billboards are privately owned, and additional restrictions would hurt small operators and raise First Amendment concerns. Some witnesses also criticized the proposed increase in ownership caps and consolidation provisions in the broader cannabis bill, warning they would favor large multistate companies over small and social equity businesses. Committee members asked questions about billboard ownership, enforcement of the current advertising rules, and the legal basis for restricting sign content. Witnesses and members also discussed the Cannabis Control Commission’s role, the difficulty of enforcing audience-composition standards, and whether delivery should be treated more like alcohol. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, many individuals who would benefit from Care Court are never connected to the program.
• We've worked with this Legislature to expand community paramedicine programs and mobile mental health
• So we are focused on implementation and trying to make this program work.
• Care Court is an unproven, costly, and coercive program.
• Care court is an unproven, costly, and coercive program.

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Literacy programs, navigation services, and community connection.
• So whether he's in a master's in public policy, a Sacramento Capital Fellowship program perhaps, or work
• The program includes the class visiting the State Capitol and state agencies for firsthand exposure to
• The small school districts they are from, Byron Union and Knightsen Elementary, had program funding cut
• This group is a mix of students in the Tobacco Youth Prevention Education Peer Mentor Program and some

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This adequacy statute requires us to cover the academic facilities distress program, and so there is
• information about that program in the accountability report.
• So there is a facilities partnership program.
• So that partnership program has been around for a while, and as in my mind it seems like we've been..
• Then we come to ALC and request those funds to be moved into the partnership program from restricted

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom Horne has not complied with an audit of the ESA program that dates back prior to the universal program
• Basically, this program says these schools that are in the pilot program do not have to go along with
• This is an opt-out program.
• I have a feeling that there are a couple schools that are using this program.
• This is an opt-out program.

Summary: The caucus reviewed a large Minority Caucus Calendar and moved quickly through many bills, with staff often noting whether items were unanimous, party-line, or pulled from consent. Early items included HB 2130 on ADOA personnel financial systems, HB 2749 on felony sentence-completion designation, HCR 258 on Medicaid claim audits, and several agency or board continuation bills. Members also discussed HB 2745 on legislative subpoenas, HB 4027 naming Loop 202 the Charlie Kirk Highway, HB 2601 on Interstate 11 studies, and a number of education, health, labor, and public safety measures. Several bills were pulled from consent or flagged for later discussion, including HCR 258, HB 4027, HB 2375, HB 2601, HB 2408, HB 2444, HB 2923, HB 2182, HCR 2048, HB 2750, HB 2765, HB 2838, HB 4043, HB 2290, HB 2940, and others. Testimony and caucus debate focused on a range of policy concerns. Members objected to bills involving school strikes, weapons detection systems, public records fees for legislators, union activity, school safety felony penalties, and restrictions on school clubs. Education bills drew extended discussion, including HB 2423 on automatic advanced math placement, HB 2478 creating a student outcomes commission, HB 2579 for free school meals, HB 2992 on child sexual abuse prevention, HB 4041 on spending authority for low-reading-performing districts, and HB 4043 requiring CPR/AED training. Health and professional regulation bills also prompted debate, including HB 2408 on nursing board investigations and expungement, HB 2444 on pharmacist testing authority, HB 2697 on expired opioid antagonists, and HB 4010 establishing a genetic counselors board. Members raised concerns about fiscal impacts, stakeholder opposition, and whether some measures were unfunded mandates or needed more amendment work. The caucus also discussed immigration, labor, and public safety measures, including HB 2416 for DPS local border support, HB 2811 on obstructing governmental operations during lawful arrests, HB 2862 on unlawful masking penalties, HB 4070 on nonprofit incorporation restrictions tied to offenses, and HB 4117 creating a crime for disturbing religious services. Water, energy, and land-use bills were reviewed as well, such as HB 2099, HB 2263, HB 2330, HB 2341, HB 2492, HB 2757, HB 2782, HB 2912, HB 2918, and HCR 2020. The meeting ended with announcements, including an Affordability Award for Brian Garcia and a March 12 breakfast update on the Colorado River, before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will say out of the 10 affected counties, we ran the program in five.
• A sixth county had their own program. We registered over 300 contractors.
• Of those 40, three were in counties where the program was operating.
• The other 37 were in the counties that did not have the program operating.
• So, the Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief Program, it operates throughout the Commonwealth.

Committee: Senate Banking & Insurance

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:09 Discussion SB 118 00:58 Vote SB 118 03:25 Discussion SB 153 04:39 Vote SB 153 17:48 Discussion SB 158 19:41 Vote SB 158 24:09, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Trooper R program retirement date.
• Senate new retirement program or system.
• You know, the Trooper R is a great program.
• I do have a a a it's a great program.
• Yes, this is a good bill and this is true for our program.

Committee: Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So with this program, I'm going to put the onus back on the manufacturer.
• We already have a program similar to this that's working well, called the Supplemental Environmental
• Project Program, or SEP program.
• program, but it's limited in its use.
• hazardous waste corrective action programs.

Bills: HB456 , HB482 , HB1463 , HB1682 , HB1949 , HB5549 , SB763

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: translation, environmental quality, complaints, accessibility, multilingual, TCEQ, environmental justice, environmental complaints, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, language access, public information, Texas Commission, multilingual access, administrative actions, environmental regulations, state representatives, state senators, penalty notice, Water Code, legislative notification

Transcript Highlights:

• to secure a line of credit or other instrument of indebtedness for the bond volume cap recycling program
• Bill 1760, which became Act 35, which provided a $150 million line of credit for a bond recycling program
• The proposal would allow the line of credit to be extended for the bond recycling program.
• I strongly feel that we really need to re-evaluate whether this program has the moral high ground if
• </c><00:23:42.159><c> has</c> to re-evaluate whether this program has to re-evaluate whether this program

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing-related measures. Senate Bill 65 would appropriate funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for rehabilitation and repair of public housing units. Testifiers from the Department of Human Services, HPHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and Roar Cares supported the bill, emphasizing that repairing vacant units is a fast, cost-effective way to increase available housing for homeless and elderly residents. HPHA later told the committee it had 139 vacant units, with an estimated average repair cost of about $73,000 per unit. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 65 with amendments, including an appropriation of $10,147,000, and the motion passed. The committee also considered Senate Bill 40, which would allow HHFDC to secure a line of credit or other indebtedness for the bond volume cap recycling program. HHFDC supported the measure and explained that Act 35 had provided a $150 million line of credit for fiscal year 2025 only, so this bill would extend that authority; HHFDC said the bonds involved would be revenue bonds. Roar Cares supported the bill, while the chair asked whether the Legislature would need to pass such a bill annually. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage with amendments to specify revenue bonds and noted the administration should study other ways to secure the line of credit without annual legislation. For Senate Bill 35, which would create a Housing Efficiency and Innovation subaccount within the rental housing revolving fund and allow fund transfers without legislative approval, HHFDC and several others supported the measure, arguing that more flexible fund movement would improve efficiency. The committee adopted a recommendation to pass SB 35 with amendments, including language prioritizing projects on state or county land or projects by entities required to reinvest surplus into housing, and noting nonprofit developers could qualify for prioritization. Senate Bill 42, which would repeal certain 30% AMI set-aside and preference requirements for rental housing revolving fund projects, drew opposition from Catholic Charities Hawaii, which argued the bill would reduce the supply of the most vulnerable housing units, while HHFDC warned it could reduce production of 30% AMI units. The committee deferred SB 42. The final bill discussed was Senate Bill 75, which would establish a working group to revise the state’s qualified allocation plan and related rental housing revolving fund loan terms and report back to the Legislature. HHFDC and others offered comments, while Catholic Charities asked that the bill be deferred, saying HHFDC already had the capacity to work with the community without a new law. Roar Cares supported the concept but urged broader stakeholder inclusion. In decision-making, the chair said the committee report would note concerns about prior QAP revisions and the need for more transparent, ongoing stakeholder participation, and the committee recommended passage of SB 75 without amendments. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Program. Program.
• </c> This is a last-dollar program for them. This is a last-dollar program for them.
• ,</c> fire truck under this program, fire truck under this program, which<03:46:29.840><c> are</c><03
• . program. program.
• </c> I'm I'm not a part of that program. I'm I'm not a part of that program.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The refugee program is a formal program through the State Department.
• /c><02:33:19.359><c> through</c><02:33:19.520><c> the</c> program is a formal program through the program
• </c> feel somewhat strongly about the program feel somewhat strongly about the program so<05:11:12.718
• </c><05:15:07.958><c> I</c> to get rid of our inspection program I to get rid of our inspection program
• going to be an inexpensive program going to be an inexpensive program especially<05:52:46.520><c> since

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 758, which would establish a study committee on airport operation hours and possible noise abatement measures, including whether New Hampshire should prohibit departures between midnight and 6 a.m. The sponsor said the committee would examine the pros and cons and consult stakeholders. The Bureau of Aeronautics testified neutrally, noting that New Hampshire has 25 public airports, 12 with federal funding and grant assurances that may require them to remain open during those hours, and that cargo operations, including at Manchester, commonly occur overnight. Members also discussed existing noise abatement programs and how mitigation is determined by noise contours and FAA funding decisions. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 489, allowing voluntary emergency workers to use rear-facing blue lights on private vehicles when responding to emergencies. The sponsor said the bill corrects an oversight in existing law, would not cost the state or towns money, and would improve visibility and safety, especially in rural areas. Supportive testimony from a volunteer responder emphasized that blue lights help cut through fog, snow, and nighttime conditions, and that the bill would only add a single rear-facing blue light to existing red, amber, and white emergency lighting. The New Hampshire State Police opposed the bill, arguing that expanding blue lights to private vehicles would confuse the public and desensitize drivers to blue lights, which are associated with law enforcement. The hearing closed without action. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 533, which the sponsor and State Police clarified is actually two separate changes: one authorizing civilian automotive equipment inspectors to assist with vehicle inspection work, and another expanding language in motor carrier enforcement to include new entrant safety audits and compliance reviews. The State Police explained that civilian inspectors are hired and trained through the department and that any findings of state-law violations would be referred to troopers; they also said the new motor carrier language was requested to satisfy federal audit concerns about right of entry. The New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said it had no position if the civilian inspectors were not doing commercial truck inspections, but would oppose the bill if they were. Members asked about the difference between audits and compliance reviews, and the State Police said audits are for newer carriers and are non-enforcement, while compliance reviews look for violations. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 533. After a brief reset, the committee opened House Bill 594, which would repeal an alternate definition of “way” for the driving-after-suspension statute. The sponsor said the change was requested by the Department of Justice. Representative Erica Leon opposed the repeal, explaining that the prior language was intended to avoid criminalizing people who mow lawns or perform similar work near property edges while suspended, but she worried the repeal could create a loophole allowing driving on places like highway medians. Members questioned whether the issue was limited to mowing or broader vehicle use on property edges, and Leon said she would work with agencies to clarify the language so it protects lawful mowing without allowing misuse. No vote was taken in the portion provided.