Transcript Highlights:

• The fact that our veterans—and mine—it's not just about our veterans.
• I call it the silent war.
• The fact that our veterans—and mine—it's not just about our veterans.
• I call it the silent war.
• I call it the silent war.

Bills: SB2959 , HB3096 , HCR29 , HCR56 , HCR12 , HCR55 , HCR74 , HCR78 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR6 , HCR50 , HCR107 , HCR80 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR75 , HCR93 , HCR12 , HCR6

Committee: Senate Administration

Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration met with a quorum and took up a series of pending resolutions, bills, and the local uncontested calendar. The committee first reported HCR 80 favorably and placed it on the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar. It then heard and approved several commemorative resolutions, including HCR 12 designating September as Deaf Awareness Month for 10 years, HCR 55 reaffirming Poteet as the Strawberry Capital of Texas, HCR 56 designating May as NEC and Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and HB 3096 creating Profound Autism Awareness Day on March 17. Each of these measures was reported favorably to the full Senate, with no opposition in testimony except HB 3096, which included supportive testimony from Tara Duval describing the needs of individuals with profound autism and their families. The committee also approved HCR 58 redesignating Dripping Springs as the Wedding Capital of Texas, SB 2959 designating August as Firearm Safety Month, HCR 74 naming Carthage the Country Music Capital of Texas, HCR 78 establishing Lone Star Santa’s Charities Day, HCR 116 redesignating Brownsville as the Bicycling Capital of the Rio Grande Valley, and HCR 117 designating Port Aransas as the Fishing Capital of Texas. SB 2959 drew supportive testimony from Stephen Price, who emphasized gun safety, suicide prevention, and public awareness, while other measures received no public testimony. All were reported favorably and recommended for the May 9 local and uncontested calendar. Later, the committee approved HCR 6 naming Galveston the Juneteenth Capital of Texas, HCR 50 naming Galveston the Mardi Gras Capital of Texas, HCR 107 making the Texas Almanac the official State Book of Texas, HCR 70 designating Jim Hogg County as the Vaquero Capital of Texas, HCR 71 recognizing LaSalle County for wild hog hunting and related traditions, and HCR 29 designating April as Counseling Awareness Month. HCR 6 received testimony from a Galveston city representative in support of the Juneteenth designation, and HCR 29 received testimony from the Texas Counseling Association supporting recognition of counselors. Finally, the committee certified the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar after removing 32 bills for reasons including penalties, fiscal notes, or opposition, specifically noting SB 317 was removed due to criminal and civil penalties, and then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislative proclamation honoring the 100th anniversary of Sandy Corps Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
• 1433, whereas Sandy Corps Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1433 was established in 1926 in Glendale, Arizona
• , and whereas the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was founded to advocate for veterans
• Absolutely nothing more special than a veteran has come forward to me. Thank you. Thank you.
• To the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• for veterans like American Legions and VFWs.
• </c><00:07:36.800><c> seeks</c> increasingly diverse as veterans seeks increasingly diverse as veterans
• </c><00:08:08.520><c> Suicide</c> freedoms we also hold veteran Suicide freedoms we also hold veteran
• </c><00:10:12.200><c> who</c> meetings they can meet with veterans who meetings they can meet with veterans
• </c><00:15:45.480><c> in</c> Scouts and the veterans in Scouts and the veterans in need<00:15:47.160>

Transcript Highlights:

• But that's maybe where my mind goes right away because when we talk about the war in Ukraine, I know
• </c><00:45:37.040><c> talk</c><00:45:37.200><c> about</c><00:45:37.359><c> the</c><00:45:37.599><c> war
• </c> away because when we talk about the war away because when we talk about the war in<00:45:38.280>
• our demand for clean energy is<00:45:58.240><c> funding</c><00:45:58.560><c> a</c><00:45:58.720><c> war
• </c> gets warm, right, it's kind of cold gets warm, right, it's kind of cold right<01:05:51.039><c> now

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1945, when Californian veterans were returning from World War II, some workers voiced a concern that
• a disabled veteran from a war injury might be a larger workers' compensation liability for the employer
• I have a belief, after World War II, that veterans returning home with war-related injuries might have
• We saw veterans coming from the war.
• Gulf War veterans who are here in the state of California.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have the opportunity to treat a lot of veterans through Veterans Affairs recommendation.
• I have the opportunity to treat a lot of veterans through Veterans Affairs recommendation.
• I have the opportunity to treat a lot of veterans through Veterans Affairs recommendation.
• of the 1971 Liberation War.
• of the 1971 the families of the veterans of the 1971 Liberation<04:02:22.720><c> War</c><04:02:23.720

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• There are people like myself that have tried a multitude of times to quit cold turkey and to use the
• And we can reduce that harm to people that probably were never going to be able to quit cold turkey.
• And in a perfect world, we would want them to quit cold turkey.

Bills: HB3329 , HR1039 , HR1040 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3415 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3418 , HB3419 , HB3420 , HB3706 , HB3711 , HB4139 , HB1268 , HB3660 , HJR1023 , HB3298 , HB3056 , HJR1084 , HB3934 , HB3919 , HB4118 , HB4119 , HB3791 , HB4260 , HB4178 , HB4215 , HB4324 , HB3270 , HB4352 , HB4305 , HB2955 , HB3315 , HB3066 , HB1245 , HB4125 , HB3075 , HB3129 , HB3239 , HB4153 , HB3265 , HB4491 , SB680 , HB4263 , HB4268 , HB1675 , HB3885 , HB2984 , HB3697 , HB2959 , HB3671 , HB3852 , HB2933 , HB3057 , HB3802 , HB4294 , HB4285 , HB3708 , HB3979 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB3985 , HB3588 , HB3742 , HB3845 , HJR1070 , HB3590 , HB3595 , HB3391 , HB3183 , HB3764 , HB3765 , HB1002 , HB4434 , HJR1086 , HB4060 , HB3881 , HB3500 , HB4408 , HB3648 , HB3127 , HB3606

Keywords: long-term care, advisory board, sunset legislation, mental health, psychologists, University of Oklahoma, gymnastics, NCAA, congratulations, sports excellence, recognition, honor, athletics, Joseph Castiglione, leadership, education, sports management, HB3413, public finance, state budget

Bills: HB3329 , HR1039 , HR1040 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3415 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3418 , HB3419 , HB3420 , HB3706 , HB3711 , HB4139 , HB1268 , HB3660 , HJR1023 , HB3298 , HB3056 , HJR1084 , HB3934 , HB3919 , HB4118 , HB4119 , HB3791 , HB4260 , HB4178 , HB4215 , HB4324 , HB3270 , HB4352 , HB4305 , HB2955 , HB3315 , HB3066 , HB1245 , HB4125 , HB3075 , HB3129 , HB3239 , HB4153 , HB3265 , HB4491 , SB680 , HB4263 , HB4268 , HB1675 , HB3885 , HB2984 , HB3697 , HB2959 , HB3671 , HB3852 , HB2933 , HB3057 , HB3802 , HB4294 , HB4285 , HB3708 , HB3979 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB3985 , HB3588 , HB3742 , HB3845 , HJR1070 , HB3590 , HB3595 , HB3391 , HB3183 , HB3764 , HB3765 , HB1002 , HB4434 , HJR1086 , HB4060 , HB3881 , HB3500 , HB4408 , HB3648 , HB3127 , HB3606

Keywords: long-term care, advisory board, sunset legislation, mental health, psychologists, University of Oklahoma, gymnastics, NCAA, congratulations, sports excellence, recognition, honor, athletics, Joseph Castiglione, leadership, education, sports management, HB3413, public finance, state budget

Transcript Highlights:

• My husband is an Army veteran and a New Mexico Army National Guard veteran, Gulf War, serving in the
• I'm the niece of a Korean War veteran, and I'm the sister of a Vietnam War veteran, so I've heard a lot
• My father was a disabled Korean veteran. My oldest son is a disabled Gulf War veteran.
• The fear that our veterans have, it's all about trust when we talk about veterans.
• Of Veterans Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• My grandfather, a proud World War II veteran, received his high school diploma in the 1990s under New
• </c> Korean War era and Vietnam era veterans. Korean War era and Vietnam era veterans.
• I knew a career and war veteran.
• I knew a career and war veteran.<00:37:36.320><c> Not</c><00:37:36.480><c> only</c><00:37:36.640><c>
• Both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, the Department of War, are investing

Bills: HF4588 , HF3685 , HF4577 , HF4932

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• will go to veterans.
• will go to veterans.
• will go to veterans.
• will go to veterans.
• </c> in the middle of a war. in the middle of a war.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as a veteran, does it offend you that a school is open on Veterans Day?
• So as a veteran, does it offend you that a school is open on Veterans Day?
• In Pasco County, I know they do a great veteran stay program, but don't necessarily have Veterans Day
• In Pasco County, I know they do a great veteran stay program, but don't necessarily have Veterans Day
• I mean, certainly World War I and World War II, you know, we're losing those veterans.

Bills: S7022 , S0178 , S0430 , S0464 , S0538 , S0920 , S1036 , S1136 , S1216

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended to clarify certification exemptions and passed, with support focused on addressing counselor shortages and student mental health needs. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and to require written parent notice and exemption procedures; it passed with support from PTA and other advocates. SB 920 on mathematics education passed after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, end-of-course testing, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools also passed after amendment adding a $15,000 annual cap on coach-provided personal support per team and discussion of guardrails to prevent recruiting abuses; members emphasized the role coaches play in supporting students. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation passed with broad support for giving districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degree compensation. The committee also approved SPB 7022, a public records exemption bill extending protections for examination and assessment instruments to 2031 and clarifying coverage for district and school materials. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools passed after debate over whether schools should be closed or use the day for programs, with supporters arguing for statewide consistency and honoring veterans. Finally, SB 538 on physical education passed after a delete-all amendment establishing standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, addressing coach compensation at the district level, and clarifying participation limits across schools. The committee recessed briefly for Senator Avila’s arrival, postponed SB 430, and adjourned after recording one additional favorable vote on SB 1036.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2514 would establish a Global War on Terror memorial on the Capitol campus.
• The war in Afghanistan was the longest conflict in America's history.
• 280 Washingtonians lost their lives in those wars.
• , as you can imagine, to those who lost loved ones in these wars.
• , as you can imagine, to those who lost loved ones in these wars.

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee heard briefings and testimony on several bills. Substitute House Bill 2281 would require state agencies to avoid imposing an undue burden on Indian tribes’ traditional cultural practices at tribal traditional cultural places, and would create a Superior Court cause of action for tribes. The prime sponsor and tribal witnesses said the bill is needed to protect sacred sites and cultural resources, while an industry witness asked for narrower, more predictable language. Some testimony criticized the bill as too expansive and likely to increase litigation. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2514, which would create a Global War on Terror memorial work group to plan and recommend details for a memorial on the Capitol campus; the sponsor emphasized honoring Washington service members and said private fundraising would be central to the project. House Bill 2551 would let school districts with very low ending fund balances seek OSPI approval to sell district real property and use the proceeds to restore financial stability, rather than depositing the money into capital or debt service funds. The sponsor and Tacoma School District testified that the bill is a safeguard for districts nearing binding conditions, while members raised concerns about possible impacts on local land use and whether the bill could be misused in urban or rural areas. Substitute House Bill 2668 would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify alternate locations for the Bob O’K Game Farm and request future capital funding to relocate and remediate the site because of nitrate contamination affecting the Centralia area aquifer. Local officials, public health staff, and tribal representatives supported relocation, citing public health risks and the potential cost of inaction, while the sponsor stressed that the bill is about moving, not closing, the game farm. In executive action, the committee took up House Bill 2470, as amended by a proposed substitute, which would increase state school construction assistance for schools on military bases by adding 15% to the calculated state match percentage. Members discussed the role of federal funding and the need for safe, equitable facilities for military-connected students. The committee approved the substitute bill and reported it out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 15-1, with three excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• When in actual service in time of war, The land or naval forces or in the militia.
• When in actual service in time of war or public danger, nor shall any person be subject for the same
• conflicts that we've been involved with in our history—first for the World War II veterans, then for
• the Korean veterans, and then there was also a pin to recognize those veterans that served during the
• Further introductions, gentlemen from Veteran Pulaski. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ken is a 21-year Marine Corps veteran.
• He's a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• service, with many of its sons answering the call to serve the United States armed forces during World War
• I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, demonstrating courage... ...World War I, World
• War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, demonstrating courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized several guests and community groups, including Central Arizona Aging and visitors connected to the Santa Rosa Barrio/Washington Park community. Senator Bravo read a proclamation honoring the legacy of the Santa Rosa Barrio and celebrating the Washington Park community in Phoenix, recognizing its cultural history, labor heritage, military service, and the unveiling of a commemorative mural. The chamber also received introductions of other guests, including Ken Berger and John Elvis Taska. The body then moved through Committee of the Whole calendars. On the first calendar, the Senate considered and advanced House Bills 2050, 2176, 2189, 2195, and 2584, all receiving do-pass recommendations, with amendments adopted on HB 2050, HB 2176, HB 2189, and HB 2195. The discussion on these bills centered on health care and licensing issues, including radiologic technologies, health care institutions, licensed health aide rules, nursing facility records/timelines, and public money-related provisions. Several amendments were described as stakeholder-requested or clarifying supervision, timelines, or related requirements. On the second and third calendars, the Senate advanced additional measures including HB 2003, HB 2006, HB 2226, HB 2378, HB 2693, and HCM 2007, along with HB 2013, HB 2031, HB 2102, HB 213, HB 2117, HB 2262, and HB 2278. Topics included driver license destruction permits, elections and sample ballots/mail-in dates, arrest/processing and veteran status, school facilities oversight, accountable health plans, air pollution control and wildfire-related waivers, water rights and water improvement districts, natural resource conservation, geological survey matters, and a memorial urging a geographic name change for State Route 16. HB 2029 was retained on the calendar. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills, then adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sergeant Canel is an Army veteran from the Iraq War and was upholding his oath to defend and protect
• Sergeant Canel is an Army veteran from the Iraq War and was upholding his oath to defend and protect
• Sergeant Canel is an Army veteran from the Iraq War and was upholding his oath to defend and protect
• Sergeant Canel is an Army veteran from the Iraq War and was upholding his oath to defend and protect
• Sergeant Canel is an Army veteran from the Iraq War and was upholding his oath to defend and protect

Transcript Highlights:

• The veteran service officer has a power of attorney with that veteran.
• I serve as the General Counsel of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
• Yesterday, I spent some time with two of my veterans, both Vietnam veterans.
• veterans.
• A lot of the veterans from the 20-year war struggled with how that withdrawal could have happened the

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2535 in executive session. Members adopted a House committee substitute and two cleanup amendments, including clarifications related to Gold Star spouses and a correction to a property tax exemption amount for veterans. The substitute was then approved, and the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2535 do pass by a recorded vote of 15 ayes and 1 no. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 974, which Senator Black described as a consumer-protection measure aimed at preventing exploitation of veterans by unaccredited claims assistance companies. The bill would restrict compensation for referrals and certain claims work, require written agreements, cap fees tied to benefit increases, and prohibit upfront fees and misleading practices. Supporters, including a former VA official and several veterans, argued the bill would provide needed guardrails and choice for veterans navigating a difficult claims process. Opponents, including the VFW and Missouri veterans groups, argued the bill conflicts with federal law and could legitimize paid claims assistance outside the VA accreditation system; they urged striking the contested section and relying on existing federal rules and Missouri consumer-protection law instead. Testimony also covered several other provisions folded into SB 974, including military leave for public employees, National Guard-related items, survivor benefit tax deductions, and the MoGives living organ donor language. Witnesses on the organ donor provision said it would help service members avoid financial hardship while donating organs. The hearing ended without a vote on SB 974, and the chair announced the committee was out of time and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The veteran service officer has a power of attorney with that veteran.
• I serve as the General Counsel of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
• Both Vietnam veterans.
• veterans.
• A lot of the veterans from the 20-year war struggled with how that withdrawal could have happened the

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, I've never been so cold in all my life. I think my feet are finally unthawed.
• It was really, really cold.
• But, yeah, it was cold, snow blowing in your face.
• He was also cold, but he spent the night and is headed home today. Mr.
• He was also cold, but he spent the night and is headed home today. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, as a veteran of—this time I am a veteran of our law enforcement family—I spent 20-plus years in
• I am not a U.S. veteran. You do not have to be a U.S... veteran. I am not a U.S. veteran.
• After two decades of war, our generation of veterans have the desire, the will, and the ability to fight
• So now, first, I'm a Navy veteran.
• , for veterans.

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration