Transcript Highlights:

• We also support changes to allow the recapitalization of SWIFT, as this program that funds our state
• And we do know that, including other programs, we want to make sure that we maximize the funding and
• get these programs moving.
• Existing state and federal funding programs will cover some of this amount.
• These are valuable programs and would benefit from sustained funding.

Bills: SB7

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Article 11, 19. adopt this is the regional residential vocational program so this is what going back
• and revisit and we did in the introduced increase to spend allotments from the foundation school program
• I think you're thinking of the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program.
• For 12 FTES to establish a DNA investigation program within the Texas Ranger Division. 7C is 18 Forensic
• Moving to page 29 number 15 is for. 27 estimated appropriations for handgun licensing program to remove

Keywords: 1184, house, 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:

• 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.

Transcript Highlights:

• They non-driver IDs about the program.
• We meet with them once a month to talk about ways to improve the program, create more access to the program
• ><c> program.
• Um, just an example of to the program.
• </c><00:50:07.200><c> Does</c> DARE program, does it work? Does DARE program, does it work?

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, we're going to call the State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee to order.
• This is utilizing the new program that the Office of Procurement has done where there are five vendors
• then, of course, what the overall impact to our plan will be, if we're pushing members to use that program
• process of working with Navitus and figuring out with like the Mark Cuban Cost Plus and all of these programs
• then, of course, what the overtotal impact to our plan will be, if we're pushing members to use that program

Committee: All ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the school liaison program manager at Mountain Home Air Force Base. This is Dr.
• I'm the school liaison program manager at Mountain Home Air Force Base. This is Dr. Spencer Barsey.
• So we have what's called an ambassador program with our Purple Star schools.
• And the Purple Star schools, the program didn't exist, right?
• And it's an optional program, right?

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee approved the minutes from January 22, 2026, after a motion and second, with no opposition. The committee then heard a presentation on military-connected students from Dominic Hagan of Mountain Home Air Force Base and Dr. Spencer Barzzi of the Idaho State Department of Education. The presenters described Idaho’s Purple Star School designation, which recognizes schools that support military families, noting Stevenson Elementary in Mountain Home as the state’s first Purple Star school. They also discussed the Military Interstate Children’s Compact (MC3), which helps military students transfer credits, maintain graduation progress, and navigate enrollment and placement issues when families move. Dr. Barzzi also reviewed Idaho’s military student identifier and the State Department of Education’s website resources, explaining that these tools were developed in response to a 2023 study that found military-family resources were not always easy to access. Committee members asked how many military-connected students are in Idaho and whether the program is limited to base schools. The presenters said there are about 3,500 military-connected students in the state, concentrated near Mountain Home but also present in Kuna and Boise, and that Purple Star support can be offered in any school, not just those on base. No further action was taken, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the school liaison program manager at Mountain Home Air Force Base. This is Dr.
• I'm the school liaison program manager at Mountain Home Air Force Base. This is Dr. Spencer Barsey.
• So we have what's called an ambassador program with our Purple Star schools.
• And the Purple Star schools program didn't exist, right?
• And it's an optional program, right?

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had the opportunity to be originally appointed clear back in 2013 as we started this program and started
• Hyatt Erstad: I think it's always important that we try to have a program that's available to fellow
• Idahoans that is supported by voluntary organizations that help make this law work and make these programs
• that's appropriate to their needs. ...some assistance with obtaining a program that's appropriate to
• have given feedback that it's a very helpful program in terms of finding the product they need and can

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation also shifts allocations of financial aid fees and support programs to assist...
• Within the graduation alternative to traditional education, GATE program, offers a unique opportunity
• funding use to support marketing and outreach efforts to increase student participation in the GATE program
• Requires pipeline funds, which reward excellent nursing programs, to be used for healthcare industry-related
• programs, ensuring funds are directed to critical workforce needs.

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard two bills. First, it considered Senate Bill 312 relating to the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. The committee took up a strike-all amendment and then a secondary amendment offered by Senator Fine to clarify that the current University of West Florida Board of Trustees chair would have no role in the organization. Members described the changes as friendly, and both amendments were adopted. The bill, as amended, was then reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1624 on higher education, which was presented as a broad higher-education package. The bill would set market-rate out-of-state fees for nonresident online students, revise financial aid and support program language, provide tuition and fee waivers for Florida State Guard members, change rules for adult and career education programs, redirect certain workforce-related funds, rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough State College, rename the Florida Educational Equity Act as the Florida Educational Equality Act, adjust appointments to certain boards and councils, update admissions and scholarship references to include the classical learning test, broaden the definition of opioid antagonist, repeal a grandparent-based out-of-state fee waiver, and strengthen FIU’s Office of Ocean Economy. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting concluded after both measures were approved and no further business was raised.

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