Transcript Highlights:

• ages.
• This is some of the STEM conversation, I think, that probably is on our mind as our population ages.
• We are currently facing a workforce crisis not just because of lack of funding, but because of lack of
• This is important for us to help some of the most vulnerable teens and young adults who are aging out
• a lot of work ahead of us.

Bills: HB1873, HB2600, SB5957

Keywords: child care, Working Connections Child Care, WCCC, graduate students, professional students, higher education, full-time student, affordable child care, subsidized child care, child care subsidy, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, DCYF, income eligibility, state median income, copayment, copay waiver, family support, workforce participation, working families, special needs child care

Summary: The House Early Learning & Human Services Committee held public hearings on House Bill 1873, which would expand Working Connections Child Care eligibility to full-time graduate and professional students with household income at or below 85% of state median income. Staff explained the bill and its copay rules, and Rep. Janice Zahn said the measure would help student parents avoid choosing between graduate school and child care. Student advocates from the University of Washington and Washington State University testified in strong support, describing high child care costs, stipend limitations, and the impact of child care on degree completion and workforce entry. Some members raised questions about likely uptake, cost, and return on investment, and the sponsor said she hoped to gather more data for future versions of the bill. The committee also heard House Bill 2600, which would require DSHS to update the supported living cost report template and convene a work group to develop Medicaid rate recommendations aimed at improving direct support professional wages. Supporters, including SEIU 775 and several direct support professionals, said the bill would add transparency and help ensure state funding reaches frontline workers, citing low wages and high turnover. Opponents from provider organizations argued the current cost report is already detailed and transparent, and warned the bill would add administrative burden and costs without addressing the underlying funding gap. No vote was taken on either House bill during the hearing. In executive session, the committee advanced three Senate bills. It adopted a striking amendment and passed Substitute Senate Bill 5911, which limits DCYF’s use of extended foster care funds and raises the threshold for conserving client funds, by a 9-1 vote. It then passed Senate Bill 5957, expanding the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee, by a 10-0 vote, and passed Substitute Senate Bill 6184, updating Office of Homeless Youth programs and language, by a 7-3 vote. The meeting ended with an interim planning discussion in which members raised priorities including critical incidents and imminent risk definitions, juvenile justice and rehabilitation, homelessness, developmental disabilities, child care funding, and possible committee tours and stakeholder roundtables during the interim.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, first of all, thank all of you for being here.
• It was one complaint copied by each one of them. One of them was the head of the association.
• of these conversations in the state of Texas.
• So I urge all of you to vote in favor of this bill.
• So I urge all of you to vote in favor of this bill.

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

Keywords: minors, sexually explicit materials, public libraries, age verification, civil penalties, library collection review, alcohol storage, airline permits, beverage regulations, airport, commercial flights, alcoholic beverages, local option election, zoning regulations, municipality control, land use, state law, social media, bot accounts, misinformation

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

Transcript Highlights:

• rights of freedom of expression and freedom of speech.
• The public library's mission is to provide access for all kinds of books for ages and interests.
• Materials in the minor sections of the library are age appropriate, and it is the parent's right and
• The cost of age verification technology and the staff time required to operate and implement these systems
• My name is Audrey Warner, and I am in favor of Senate Bill 2101 to require age verification to access

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

Keywords: minors, sexually explicit materials, public libraries, age verification, civil penalties, library collection review, alcohol storage, airline permits, beverage regulations, airport, commercial flights, alcoholic beverages, local option election, zoning regulations, municipality control, land use, state law, social media, bot accounts, misinformation

Summary: The committee first reopened public testimony on Senate Bill 2713, which concerned protections for freedom of conscience in the context of Realtor association discipline. Texas Realtors representatives testified that their organization is a separate Texas legal entity but affiliated with the National Association of Realtors through a charter and code of ethics. They said Texas Realtors is neutral on SB 2713, that their ethics process is focused on fair housing and equal professional service, and that they have not suspended or terminated anyone in Texas for religious or political speech. Senators pressed them on whether national standards could override Texas law and on examples from other states; the witnesses said state and federal law control and that they would comply with Texas law if the bill passed. Public testimony then closed and SB 2713 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1698 on e-cigarettes. Senator Parker explained a committee substitute that tightened enforcement, required distributor registration, expanded regulation to nicotine from any source, added restrictions on child-appealing packaging, authorized inspections and audits, and set compliance deadlines later in 2025 and 2026. After questions, the substitute was adopted and SB 1698, as substituted, was reported favorably to the full Senate on a 6-0 vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 2487 on crisis and mental health facilities. Senator Parker described a substitute that renamed the program a crisis service model, allowed multiple county facilities, added local siting limits, expanded staffing options, shortened clinical timelines, required discharge referrals, directed law enforcement and EMS to transport people there first, and created local boards and expanded reporting. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-0 vote, also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2819, dealing with political activities of county elections administrators, was then reported favorably on a 6-0 vote and likewise sent to the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2043 was withdrawn. The committee spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2101, which would require municipal public libraries to move sexually explicit materials out of minors’ sections and impose age-verification and review requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect children from explicit material in public libraries and that libraries should not be left to self-regulate. Opponents, including librarians, parents, authors, and ACLU representatives, argued the definitions were vague, the bill would be costly and burdensome for small libraries, could function as a book ban, and would restrict teens’ access to classics, research materials, and other books. Several witnesses said parents should make those decisions, not the state. The bill’s author said the committee substitute was still being worked on and asked witnesses to review it; public testimony remained open in the portion provided, with no final action on SB 2101 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• housing and make sure that we somehow bring that average age of 40-year-olds who can afford to buy a
• housing and making sure that we somehow bring that average age of 40-year-olds who can afford buy a
• Last year before this committee, I talked about how the average age of a first-time homebuyer was 38
• The average age of a first-time homebuyer is 40 years old.
• But again, to the point, the issue of design of the parks—these are... ...the issue of design of the

Bills: SB1108, SB1205, SB1241, SB1286, SB1366, SB1431, SB1473, SB1477, SB1478, SB1479, SB1492, SB1517, SB1563, SB1586, SB1665, SB1671

Keywords: cash transactions, mandatory rounding, swedish rounding, public notice, Arizona Revised Statutes, motor vehicle booting, private property, fees, dispute process, regulations, SB1241, private permitting provider, private permit, private certificate of completion, building permit, building plan review, inspection, single-trade residential construction, residential construction, municipal permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• In my case, my children were taken at the ages of 10 and 11 without warning, never allowed... allowed
• It's a live sentence of healing for all of us.
• of trafficking have a history of placement in foster care, and the average number of out-of-home placements
• and the notification of the rights of the defendant.
• So first, I'd like to say that I'm unaware of any of the...

Bills: HB168, HB 1044, HB1534, HB1914, HB2240, HB2530, HB3284, HB3395, HB3515, HB3783, HB4034, HB4213, HB168

Keywords: marriage age, minors, family law, void marriage, rights of minors, Texas marriage law, marriage ceremony, authorized officiants, family code, judges, religious leaders, parent-child relationship, Department of Family and Protective Services, legal rights, notice requirements, HB 1914, Texas Family Code, Chapter 156, conservatorship, custody

Transcript Highlights:

• severe age gaps in these emancipation... 10, 20, or even 30 years of age difference between them.
• Of that, 78% were girls wed to adult men, with an average age difference of four years.
• Given that up to 80% of marriages that involve just one person under the age of 18 end in divorce, that
• At the age of 16, I can tell you I was pregnant with my second child as a result of repeated statutory
• Even at the age of 16, the emotional maturity is not there. The mental fortitude is not there.

Bills: HB168, HB 1044, HB1534, HB1914, HB2240, HB2530, HB3284, HB3395, HB3515, HB3783, HB4034, HB4213, HB168

Keywords: marriage age, minors, family law, void marriage, rights of minors, Texas marriage law, marriage ceremony, authorized officiants, family code, judges, religious leaders, parent-child relationship, Department of Family and Protective Services, legal rights, notice requirements, HB 1914, Texas Family Code, Chapter 156, conservatorship, custody

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I move the adoption of the bill to give a favorable report. I'll second it.

Bills: SB371

Keywords: SB371, Madison County, Alabama constitutional amendment, senior property tax exemption, property tax freeze, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, age 65 and older, owner-occupied housing, principal residence, residential property tax, local tax relief, property tax assessment, county tax exemption, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But that's what all the doctors that take care of... ...what all the doctors that take care of women
• Neither one of them had any signs or symptoms of postpartum depression, but the way they answered the
• So, of course, she came and got him. So, of course, she came and got him.
• This bill is brought on behalf of the state board of chiropractic examiners.
• So, most of those are again new sections that start around page 69 of the bill.

Bills: SB191, HB84, HB79, SB132, HB108, HB109, HB110, HB114, HB118, HB120, HB122, HB124, HB126, HB128, HB129, HB131

Keywords: postpartum depression, mental health, Medicaid, screening, education, maternal health, Chiropractic, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, license renewal, continuing education, election procedures, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, SB132, Alabama, controlled substances, Schedule I

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's kind of where the whole idea of the bill came from.
• So, if you have candidate A out of the traditional Career path, I mean, education path out of one of
• I appreciate that kind of some of the things it does just real simple through K It takes it out of our
• to take care of a problem instead of being afraid.
• This runs afoul of the process in multiple lanes of law across our statute and in multiple areas of statute

Bills: HB2987, HB3026, HB3076, HB3288, HB3315, HB3467, HB3711, HB3885, HB4427, HB4359, HB4363

Keywords: education, academic standards, subject matter standards, State Board of Education, legislative review, joint resolution, curriculum, school standards, Oklahoma Administrative Code, education oversight, common education, curriculum standards, state education policy, rulemaking, legislative veto, kindergarten, military families, education policy, school districts, international military dependents

Transcript Highlights:

• , and that's kind of where the whole idea of the bill came from.
• In terms of the second part of your question...
• So if you have candidate A out of the traditional career path, I mean, education path out of one of our
• This runs afoul of the process in multiple lanes of law across our statute and in multiple areas of statute
• their own age.

Bills: HB2987, HB3026, HB3076, HB3288, HB3315, HB3467, HB3711, HB3885, HB4427, HB4359, HB4363

Keywords: education, academic standards, subject matter standards, State Board of Education, legislative review, joint resolution, curriculum, school standards, Oklahoma Administrative Code, education oversight, common education, curriculum standards, state education policy, rulemaking, legislative veto, kindergarten, military families, education policy, school districts, international military dependents

Summary: The Education Oversight committee heard and advanced several bills, with most receiving due pass recommendations by voice vote. HB 4359, by Speaker Pro Tem Moore, would move the annual testing window to the last three weeks of the school year; members asked about district scheduling and possible cost impacts, but the bill passed 10-0. HB 4363 updated outdated statutory references tied to OSU’s early development and also passed unanimously. HB 3467 would extend school-teacher maternity leave protections to include adoption of newborn children, and it passed without opposition. HB 2987 would change how academic standards are handled if the legislature takes no action within 30 legislative days, deeming them disapproved rather than approved; supporters said it preserves legislative oversight, while concerns were raised about leaving outdated standards in place, but it passed. HB 376, as amended, would create a new alternative teacher certification pathway through third-party certifiers; debate centered on whether easier pathways would weaken traditional teacher-prep programs or help fill vacancies, and it passed after extended discussion. The committee also advanced HB 4427, which adds guardrails to the adjunct teacher program by limiting adjuncts in core subjects in grades K-4 and requiring them to work toward certification. HB 3026 would let children of U.S. military allies stationed in Oklahoma start kindergarten according to their home-country timelines, and it passed. HB 3288 would restore physical education emphasis in schools, and HB 3315 would direct a feasibility study on 90-hour bachelor’s degree programs; both moved forward. HB 3711 would require schools to post the percentage of spending devoted to instructional expenditures on their websites and bond applications, with the sponsor declining to extend the same requirement to private schools receiving public tax-credit dollars. HB 3885 drew the most debate. It would establish suspension and expulsion standards for students who physically attack teachers or school employees, with supporters arguing it gives administrators clearer authority to protect staff and students and opponents warning it could conflict with existing protections for students with disabilities and create legal risk. The sponsor said the bill is intended to address intentional violence and allow case-by-case judgment, while critics cited prior civil-rights concerns over disproportionate discipline. Despite the objections, the bill passed on a due pass recommendation. The committee adjourned after announcing it would meet again Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• An officer at the age of 50 is only expected to live. an additional 7.8 years, compared to the general
• A peace officer with at least 25 years of service under this program can retire regardless of age, or
• So I'm under the rule of 80, which means my age plus my years of experience allow me to retire with that
• But all the officers coming on now are under the rule of 90, which is a combination of their age and
• Another important statistic: the man mentioned statistics of officers that start before age ...age 30

Bills: HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4591, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737

Keywords: retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits, municipal retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we had a lot of legislation on the floor of the House.
• of Texas.
• There was quite a bit of loss of purchasing power during that period of time.
• of 24.
• of loans.

Bills: HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4591, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737

Keywords: retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits, municipal retirement

Bills: SB 30, SB 517, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 1698, SB 1845, SB 1860, SB 2420, SB 2429

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, vaping regulation, manufacturer compliance, directory listing

Transcript Highlights:

• "Now, specifically speaking of 13 and over, because under the age of 13 it's handled a little bit differently
• . ...on behalf of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, in support of this legislation.
• The Turquoise Alert is from 0 to 65 years of age. And it really would codify.
• , provide quarterly reports to the AG on the status of the establishment's operations and financial condition
• It authorizes the AG, in conjunction with the Department of Health Services, to take enforcement actions

Bills: SB1071, SB1315, SB1317, SB1416, SB1493, SB1537, SB1542, SB1584, SB1626, SB1740, SB1751, SB1804, SCR1047, SCR1049

Keywords: Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, school safety, interoperable communications, law enforcement, emergency response, funding, reentry programs, criminal justice, grants, recidivism, attorney general, missing children, kidnapping, reporting requirements, child safety, training

Transcript Highlights:

• age or a minor who is 14 or 15 years of age if parental consent is not provided, and allows a parent
• age or a minor who is 14 or 15 years of age. account held by a minor under 14 years of age or a minor
• users, but users of all ages.
• However, age verification is a rapidly evolving area of technology.
• However, age verification is a rapidly evolving area of technology.

Bills: SB1176, SB1186, SB1235, SB1286, SB1446, SB1458, SB1515, SB1616, SB1641, SB1668, SB1670, SB1678, SB1747, SB1787

Keywords: stormwater, water storage, replenishment credits, groundwater, aquifer, Arizona Revised Statutes, disclosure, state contracts, procurement records, donations, transparency, EMS, reciprocity, interstate compact, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, licensure, public safety, military personnel, veterinary telemedicine

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't allow for customization for the age of the kid.
• This bill makes age of verification not optional. So what would make this have to require?
• But how do you prove the age of a child? Because they have children in different age categories.
• And on page six of the bill, it talks about protecting personal age-verification data by limiting the
• collection and processing of data for verifying a user's age, obtaining parental consent, and maintaining

Bills: HB461, HB467, HB522, HB565, HB673, HB799, HB917, HB937, HB956, HB977

Keywords: building codes, construction standards, state uniform construction code, local option, municipal ordinance, parish ordinance, resilient construction, FORTIFIED Home, IBHS, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, hurricane resistance, storm resilience, roof replacement, residential construction, certificate of occupancy, code enforcement, building resilience, home hardening, wind mitigation, residential roof

Transcript Highlights:

• Is is it a threshold of of of lack<00:13:11.040><c> of</c><00:13:11.120><c> better</c><00:13:11.440><
• All of us will, between all of us.
• All of us will, between all of us.
• All of us will, between all of us.
• </c> of it. of it.

Bills: SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226, SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226

Keywords: automated driving systems, oversized vehicles, transportation, regulations, permits, HB192, international wire transfer, wire transfer fee, remittance fee, money transmission business, Alabama Securities Commission, Department of Revenue, Education Trust Fund, ELL instructors, English Language Learner, ESL teachers, income tax credit, remittances, international money transfer, migrant families

Transcript Highlights:

• Pledge of allegiance to. Introduction of veteran of the. Week.
• Introduction of doctor and or nurse of the day. Correction of previous day's journal. How. And.
• But Aaron's story of service is not only one of military leadership; it is also one of a deeply personal
• Second reading of bills.
• This is just a few of them. There are more like 120 of them.

Bills: HB3522, HB4300, HB4359, HB4363, HB3467, HB2987, HB3076, HB4427, HB3026, HB3288, HB3315, HB3711, HB3885

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, ABLE Commission, licensing, regulation, annual reporting, child care, criminal history, background checks, child safety, Oklahoma laws, advisory committees, statewide assessments, student testing, testing window, end-of-year testing, Oklahoma Academic Standards, Oklahoma School Testing Program, State Board of Education, grade 3-8, alternate assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• of veteran of the week, introduction of doctor and or nurse of the day, correction of previous day's
• But Aaron's story of service is not only one of military leadership; it is also one of a deeply personal
• She wants to attend OSU to study ag business. Let's give Lillian a round of applause, please.
• She wants to attend OSU to study ag business. Let's give Lillian a round of applause, please.
• Horses, wants to attend OSU to study ag business. Let's give Lillian a round of applause, please.

Bills: HB3522, HB4300, HB4359, HB4363, HB3467, HB2987, HB3076, HB4427, HB3026, HB3288, HB3315, HB3711, HB3885

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, ABLE Commission, licensing, regulation, annual reporting, child care, criminal history, background checks, child safety, Oklahoma laws, advisory committees, statewide assessments, student testing, testing window, end-of-year testing, Oklahoma Academic Standards, Oklahoma School Testing Program, State Board of Education, grade 3-8, alternate assessment

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Aaron Hudkins, Psychologist of the Day Dr. Emily Corley, Doctor of the Day Dr. Jason Reagan, and a proclamation recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month. Members also honored the Edmond Santa Fe Palm Squad and Ava Garrett for assembling and funding 100 overnight bags for children entering foster care in memory of fallen Oklahoma service member Serena Butcher. On legislation, the House considered and passed House Bill 3522, a transparency measure requiring alcoholic beverage licensees to report disciplinary actions annually, and House Bill 4300, a Department of Human Services request bill aligning child-care worker assessment language with federal requirements. Both bills advanced without debate; HB 3522 passed by recorded vote and HB 4300 passed 94-0. The chamber also recognized 17 Pages of the Week and heard multiple announcements, including caucus and birthday notices, a planned Jeans Day request tied to Bob Wills Day, and the introduction of Oklahoma Task Force One members and a search dog. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• of.
• type of benefit.
• But it is an idea of how to move forward and better take care of our teachers.
• We're just setting an age limit of twenty-one. So, if they're over 21, then no. I'm not.
• I'm like, 'That's probably X amount of classrooms, X amount of students.'

Bills: SB1726, SB1236, SB1633, SB1413, SB1317, SB1360, SB1342, SB1477, SB1189, SB1546, SB1524, SB1338, SB1193, SB1812, SB1617

Keywords: higher education, graduate instructors, training program, academic integrity, First Amendment rights, administrative reporting, education, consolidation, board, public schools, resident tuition, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, state scholarships, financial aid, immigration status, undocumented students, noncitizen students, lawfully present, postsecondary education benefits, college tuition