Transcript Highlights:

• Chen Button of Dallas County to lead us in the Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
• Honor the Texas flag.
• I pledge allegiance to the Texas flag, one state, under God, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and
• Honor the Texas flag.

Bills: HB4, HB 4

Keywords: redistricting, congressional districts, Texas Legislature, elections, 2020 Census, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill came to me from a constituent having trouble with HOA flag rules.
• The Israeli flag, basically. That's basically what it's saying then.
• But would they ban, like, Phoenix Suns flags or Diamondbacks flags in this HOA?
• Chair, if they're banning this flag, they're probably banning anything.
• they fly any flag in front of their property.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Government opened with a lengthy chair statement about Department of Child Safety oversight, describing prior hearings that identified systemic failures in communication, child placement oversight, response times, transparency, and accountability. The chair said the committee would continue pursuing reforms through legislation and ongoing reporting requirements. During that discussion, members also raised concerns about child trafficking in congregate care settings and the need for separate legal representation for child victims, which was tied to recommendations and a bifurcation bill. The committee then considered and advanced several bills. SB 1141, concerning presidential electors if a candidate dies, withdraws, or becomes incapacitated before the Electoral College meets, received testimony in support from election-law and ethics groups and passed 4-3. SB 1186, requiring disclosure of things of value given by companies or their affiliates when seeking government contracts or grants, also passed 3-3 after a tie-breaking due-pass outcome. SB 1808, allowing certain flags, including the Israeli flag, to be displayed in HOA communities, passed 4-3. SB 1050, as amended, would create a lifetime free state parks pass for qualifying veterans and a related Game and Fish license provision; state parks and Game and Fish testified about fiscal impacts and requested further work, but the bill passed 6-0 with one present vote after the amendment was adopted. The committee also passed SB 1140, which creates a court-based expungement process for certain misdemeanor records, especially for trafficking survivors and others who have remained crime-free for five years; survivor advocates, anti-trafficking organizations, and legal service providers testified in support, and the bill passed 7-0 after an amendment clarifying limited uses of expunged records. SB 1437, requiring public records to be provided in the least expensive available format and favoring electronic delivery, passed 4-3 amid debate over transparency versus agency costs. SB 1246, raising the delinquency threshold before condominium lien foreclosure, passed 7-0. SB 1664, lowering signature requirements for constable nomination petitions in large counties, passed 7-0. SB 1338, addressing eligibility for state or local public benefits for certain noncitizens and unauthorized persons, passed 4-3. The committee adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flag will be led by the Honorable John McQueenie of Tarrant
• Speaker, members, and guests, please join me in honoring the flags.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• And now the Texas flag. I honor the Texas flag.
• And now the Texas flag. I honor the Texas flag.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their files were flagged. Agencies attempted to hire them. They were required to call us.
• But again, if they resign, that file will get flagged.
• While they are pending decertification, we flag their file.
• So again, let's go back to that flagging system.
• Do we need to flag his file? So I'm kind of in on the backside of that.

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police Director Mike Hager and other agency leaders about vehicle pursuits and tactical vehicle interventions (TVIs, formerly PIT maneuvers). Hager said Acts 734 of 2020 and 82 of 2022, which increased penalties for fleeing in a vehicle, along with a public campaign and work with prosecutors, helped reduce pursuits by 29% from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. He said the agency also added 120 troopers during that period and that the goal is to protect innocent civilians, officers, and suspects. Members asked about where pursuits occur most often, prosecution practices, the possibility of making fleeing charges non-pleadable like DWI, and a recent mistaken TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; Hager said no one was injured in that incident and called it inexcusable. The committee also discussed the Arkansas State Police Foundation. Hager explained that the foundation is a private support group made up largely of businesses and citizens that raises money for trooper-family scholarships, emergency relief for troopers affected by disasters or family hospitalizations, and facilities and training support, including the driving track. He said he was not aware of any lobbying activity by the foundation and praised its staff and leadership for supporting the agency beyond what the state budget can provide. Next, Director Chris Chapman of the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training described the state’s decertification and officer accountability process. He said every separation from an agency must be reported, and if an officer leaves under circumstances that may warrant decertification, the file is flagged so any future hiring agency must be told the full history before the officer can be added to a roster. Chapman said the commission has increased decertification requests from 158 in the prior three years to 256 in the last three years, with 147 officers currently pending hearings, and that the backlog has been reduced from about four and a half years to about a year and a half. Members asked about resignations during investigations, appeal rights, citizen complaints, and FOIA access to decertification records; Chapman said those matters can trigger review, appeals go to circuit court, and the records are generally public. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee visit to a fish hatchery in Lonoke County.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm just flagging for you all that sometimes here you have to be very careful.
• And I'm just flagging for you all that sometimes here you have to be very careful.
• And I'm just flagging for you all that sometimes here you have to be very careful.
• And I'm just flagging for you all that sometimes here you have to be very careful.
• And I'm just flagging for you all that sometimes here you have to be very careful.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The flag here for us is the anti-abrogation clause of Article 18, Section 6 of the Arizona Constitution
• The flag that we've raised here is ...from relying on religious sectarian law.
• that we flagged the bill last week that specifically dealt with Sharia law.
• Our flag for this committee is the potential of a conflict with that law.
• We flag any measure that relates to this for VPA, which of course requires that the measure further the

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider several Senate bills for constitutional and form review, while holding SB 1287, 1140, and 1811. SB 1012, which would loosen concealed-carry restrictions in restaurants and adjust liquor licensing/Dram Shop liability, was recommended as constitutional and in proper form by a 5-2 vote, though the rules attorney flagged a possible anti-abrogation issue with the bill’s immunity language. SB 1573, barring courts from relying on religious sectarian law, was also recommended despite concerns that it could raise an Establishment Clause challenge under the Larson strict-scrutiny framework. SB 1613, the annual revisors technical corrections bill, passed unanimously on the committee’s vote, and SB 1683, restricting property and equipment rights of foreign adversary nations and agents, was recommended after discussion of possible federal preemption/conflict issues. The committee then considered SB 1725, which defines excessive marijuana smoke or odor as a private and public nuisance. Counsel said the Voter Protection Act likely applies because the bill could be seen as restricting marijuana use beyond what the voter-approved initiatives contemplated, and noted a possible challenge on whether it furthers those initiatives’ purposes. The bill was nevertheless recommended as constitutional and in proper form by a 5-3 vote. Finally, the committee took up a large mass motion covering many additional bills, with a correction made from SB 1444 to SB 1445. Rules staff said the measures in the motion were constitutional and in proper form, and the committee approved the mass motion by an 8-0 vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• we're just going to make technical amendments to the reservations, uh, to the resolution that was flagged
• > us<00:10:14.160> by<00:10:14.240> our<00:10:14.480> research was um flagged
• to us by our research was um flagged to us by our research office.<00:10:15.760> Um<00:10:16.720
• This is also, we're just going to do some technical amendments that were flagged to us.
• tech amendments that were flagged to us. tech amendments that were flagged to us.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh we do the we actually Flags itself.
• What about the flags in the Hall of Flags? How well preserved are those cases?
• <00:10:12.640> Thank flags will continue to hold up?
• The flag preservation question, Senator.
• So we we're definition of the flags.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them. The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time. The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.

Transcript Highlights:

• The extreme risk protection orders or red flag laws have been proven to work.
• The extreme risk protection orders or red flag laws have been proven to work.
• The extreme risk protection orders or red flag laws have been proven to work.
• The extreme risk protection orders or red flag laws have been proven to work.
• The extreme risk protection orders or red flag laws have been proven to work.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The discussion focused on reactions to Governor Walz’s final State of the State address and the remaining priorities for the end of session. DFL leaders described the speech as hopeful and a summary of accomplishments over the past several years, highlighting education, paid family and medical leave, climate and labor policies, fraud prevention, affordability, and a new economy shaped by AI. They said the governor’s call to action on gun violence was especially important and argued that Minnesotans care more about the results of legislation than whether bills passed with bipartisan support. Gun violence prevention was a major topic. Leaders said the legislature had already passed measures in 2023 and 2024 including red flag laws, universal background checks, and a ban on binary triggers, and they defended those laws as saving lives. They said the governor’s renewed push for gun legislation was not divisive and that Republicans should join the effort. They also discussed public safety more broadly, including capital security and judicial security, saying there was bipartisan support for a security bill. Other priorities mentioned for the final weeks included combating fraud, making life more affordable, child tax credit changes, a tax on social media/data companies, HCMC modernization and IT, bonding, and school safety. Leaders said the Senate would take up health and human services next, expected the gun package to move out of finance and reach the floor soon, and anticipated conference committees or working groups to begin. They said they were confident the legislature could resolve differences with the House’s single-subject approach and finish its work by the May 18 deadline without a special session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please remain standing and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
• recite the Pledge of Allegiance<00:00:44.280> to<00:00:44.400> the<00:00:44.520> flag
• /c><00:00:44.960> of<00:00:45.080> the<00:00:45.200> United Allegiance to the flag
• <00:00:49.800> allegiance<00:00:50.320> to<00:00:50.440> the<00:00:50.520> flag
• >> I pledge allegiance to the flag >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of<00:00:51.560

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with silent reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the clerk called the roll to establish a quorum. The journal from the previous day was approved without objection, standing committee reports were adopted, and several House Files were given second reading. The House also received first reading on House Files 5119 through 5121. The Rules and Legislative Administration Committee reported a calendar designation for Thursday, May 7, 2026, placing House Files 3131, 3295, 3298, 3682, 4102, 4591, Senate File 856, and 4612 on the calendar and requiring pre-filing of amendments for those bills. No substantive debate on those measures occurred in this segment. Representative Perryman then rose on a point of privilege to recognize Dr. David Tilstra, recently named the 2025 recipient of the Kopick Minnesota Medical Association Humanitarian Award, highlighting his work in community health, active transportation, and access to healthy food, as well as a $10,000 donation he directed to genetic testing for families in need. After announcements that both parties would caucus, Representative Niska moved a recess to the call of the Speaker, and the House recessed on a voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please remain standing and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
• recite the Pledge of Allegiance<00:02:44.160> to<00:02:44.319> the<00:02:44.480> flag
• /c><00:02:44.959> of<00:02:45.200> the<00:02:45.360> United Allegiance to the flag
• To<00:02:49.840> the<00:02:50.000> flag<00:02:50.800> of<00:02:50.959> the
• United States of To the flag of the United States of America<00:02:53.120> and<00:02:53.360><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, we have HB 2532, relating to the Hawaiian flag.
• <00:44:10.480> has<00:44:10.720> since<00:44:11.200> 1816 the Hawaiian flag
• No other flag in the and its government.
• Johnson continued: It is to allow that flag to stand as a symbol.
• Moving on to HB 2532, relating to the Hawaiian flag. We're going to be deferring the date.

Bills: HB2436, HB2438, HB2532, HB2566

Keywords: arts integration, fine arts education, public schools, cultural education, student engagement, school coordinators, Hawaii education, Hawaii Cultural Trust, income tax credit, arts funding, cultural preservation, charitable contributions, HB2532, Hawaiian flag, Ka Hae Hawaiʻi, flag display, condominium, condo association, planned community association, cooperative housing corporation

Summary: The committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures related to arts funding, administration, and access. Testimony was largely supportive across the agenda. For HB 2218 and HB 1815, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the bills, and members discussed transition timing and administrative support, including the need for an additional year in one measure and a temporary administrative position to help with the transfer. HB 1764, the music accessibility pilot program, drew broad support from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Hawaii Public Library System, Hawaii Youth Symphony, and others, with testimony emphasizing library-based music programming, community access, and economic benefits. HB 2117, which would create an arts data mapping task force, also received extensive support, though witnesses suggested narrowing the initial scope, adding representatives from independent and charter schools and neighbor island arts programs, and ensuring adequate funding and a realistic timeline for the work. The committee also heard HB 2436 on arts integration in public schools, HB 2438 on the Hawaii Cultural Trust, and HB 2532 on the Hawaiian flag. HB 2436 and HB 2438 received support from SFCA, while the Cultural Trust bill prompted a lengthy explanation from the chair about how the proposed tax credit would work and amendments to clarify that donations to the trust and to qualifying cultural nonprofits must be made in tandem, with eligible organizations listed and updated annually by SFCA and OHA. HB 2532 drew testimony from Dr. Adam Jansen in support of protecting the Hawaiian flag as a historical and cultural symbol; he said the flag should continue to be used for solidarity, protest, inclusion, and identity. At the decision-making portion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered. HB 2118, HB 764, HB 1815, and HB 2117 were passed with amendments, including date deferrals and technical changes; HB 764 also had its appropriation blanked out. HB 2436 was passed with amendments, and HB 2438 was advanced with substantial clarifying amendments to the cultural trust structure. The chair indicated that HB 2117 would include an interim report due in 2027 focused on music and dance, with a final report due in 2029 on arts education more broadly.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, just to flag that if information.
• <00:25:32.799> Um just want to flag that for you. Um just want to flag that for you.
• c> does<00:31:51.840> make Just flagging that this does make Just flagging that this does
• So flagging it for that.
• So flagging it for that.

Keywords: 00:00:22 - Call to Order and Roll Call 00:03:00 – Approval of June 25, 2025 Minutes 00:03:22 - Update on Federal Changes to the Medicaid Program 01:03:44 - State Directed Payments, Provider Taxes, and the Rural Health Transformation Fund: How Medicaid Changes Could Impact Kentucky Hospitals 01:29:42 – Public Comments 01:45:25 – Announcements 01:46:19 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board met on July 30, 2025, approved the June 25 minutes, and received a presentation from Katherine Castanza of the National Conference of State Legislatures on Medicaid provisions in H.R. 1. The presentation outlined more than 20 Medicaid-related provisions, emphasizing that the largest federal savings come from work/community engagement requirements, changes to provider taxes, limits on state-directed payments, more frequent eligibility redeterminations for expansion populations, and related eligibility/enrollment changes. She said the fiscal effects are backloaded, with most reductions occurring in the later years of the 10-year window, and noted potential significant impacts on hospital payments and state financing. She also described new funding opportunities, including a $50 billion rural health transformation fund and a new home and community-based services waiver with associated grants. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on Kentucky’s pending community engagement 1115 waiver and how it would interact with the new federal requirements. Board members asked whether the waiver had been approved, what the cabinet’s contingency plan would be if CMS does not approve it, and what the timeline is for compliance. Cabinet representatives said the waiver has not yet been approved by CMS, remains under public comment, and that the state will wait for CMS guidance before moving forward; if needed, the state would amend the waiver or submit a new one. They said the work requirement must be in place by January 1, 2027, with a possible extension to 2028. Castanza also explained that expansion adults with incomes between 100% and 138% of the federal poverty level would face new cost-sharing requirements beginning October 1, 2028, and that eligibility redeterminations would move from annual to every six months starting January 1, 2027. She then walked through provider tax changes, including a moratorium on new provider taxes beginning October 1, 2026, and a phased reduction in the hold-harmless threshold for existing taxes beginning January 1, 2028, with exemptions for nursing facilities and ICF/IID providers. Board members questioned the timing and likely impact on Kentucky, and Castanza responded that the effect would depend on each tax’s current rate and would phase in over time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please remain standing and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• recite the Pledge of Allegiance<00:01:25.360> to<00:01:25.480> the<00:01:25.600> flag
• /c><00:01:25.960> of<00:01:26.080> the<00:01:26.160> United Allegiance to the flag
• I pledge allegiance to the flag I pledge allegiance to the flag of<00:01:31.760> the<00:01

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum after remote roll call. The journal of the previous day was approved, comparison reports and standing committee/division reports were adopted without objection, and several bills were advanced to second reading, including House Files 4074 and 4598 and Senate Files 2373, 4476, and 4282. The House also received first reading of House Files 5128 through 5133. A report from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration designated House Files 1597, 4017, and 4138 for the calendar on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and imposed a pre-filing requirement for amendments to those bills. No substantive debate on bill content occurred during the floor session; the transcript mainly reflects procedural business and announcements. Under motions and resolutions, Representative Olsen moved to suspend the rules to recall House File 4987 from the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee for immediate second and third readings, but discussion shifted to scheduling and caucus announcements. Representative Niska then moved that the House recess to the call of the Speaker, and the motion prevailed, sending the House into recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• Flags will be flown at half-staff across our state in his honor.
• Five minutes later, security knocks on the door, very politely, asks us to remove the flag.
• Security knocks on the door, very politely, asks us to remove the flag.
• About halfway through the second period, somebody decides that flag needs to go out the window again.
• They didn't even take the flag, and it just, I thought of how do I greet you all here this morning?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened in joint session for the special session of the 69th Legislative Assembly, with introductions of visiting officials and a moment of silence for former Governor Alan Olson. The chamber then escorted Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strind and Governor Kelly Armstrong, along with First Lady Kirstie Armstrong, to the rostrum. The governor’s remarks were ordered printed in the journal. Governor Armstrong addressed the special session’s single purpose: considering North Dakota’s $199 million first-year federal award under the rural health transformation program. He thanked legislators, HHS, tribal partners, providers, and community leaders for their work on the state’s CMS application, and said four bills helped improve the application score: requiring the presidential fitness test in PE courses, adding nutrition education to physicians’ continuing education, joining the physician assistant licensure compact, and expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice. He said he looked forward to signing those bills and the accompanying appropriation measure. The governor described the rural health plan as focused on four pillars: promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles, stabilizing the rural health workforce, expanding access through telehealth and mobile services, and using technology and data to improve care. He emphasized that the plan would avoid new buildings and unsustainable programs, and instead use federal funds for lasting, scalable reforms. He said the state could receive at least $500 million over five years, possibly more, and urged quick authorization and appropriation so the funding could be deployed responsibly. After the governor and lieutenant governor were escorted out, the joint session was dissolved. The House then returned to regular business, announced committee meetings, excused absent members, and adjourned until 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a flag placed on that file.
• If they resign, that file will get flagged.
• So again, let's go back to that flagging system.
• So if they go to work for someone else, Decertification, we flagged their file.
• We need to flag his file. So I'm kind of in on the backside of that.

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about efforts to reduce vehicle pursuits and fleeing from law enforcement. Members discussed prior legislation that made fleeing a felony and enhanced penalties when suspects exit moving vehicles, and the State Police reported those changes, along with a social media/public service campaign and work with prosecutors, were associated with a 29% decline in pursuits from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. Members also asked about a recent mistaken PIT/TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; the agency said the family was not injured, had requested privacy, and the trooper involved was terminated. The committee also received an overview of the Arkansas State Police Foundation, which funds scholarships, emergency assistance for troopers’ families, and facilities and training support, with no lobbying role reported. The committee then heard from the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training on officer decertification and hiring accountability. Director Chris Chapman explained that every officer separation must be reported, that files are flagged when conduct may warrant decertification even if it does not meet that threshold, and that hiring agencies must be told about prior misconduct before they can add an officer to their roster. He said the commission now receives more decertification requests than before, with requests rising from 158 in the prior three-year period to 256 in the last three years, and that 147 officers were pending hearings, down from a prior backlog that had stretched to about four and a half years. He also said the commission meets every other month for two-day hearings, and that most decertifications involve integrity or honesty issues. Members asked about open investigations, citizen complaints, appeals, and public access to decertification records. Chapman said resignations during internal affairs or criminal investigations are flagged, citizen complaints are usually handled through supervisors, chiefs, sheriffs, or prosecutors and may lead to decertification review if warranted, and decertified officers can appeal to circuit court. He added that decertification records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and may be used in civil claims. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee meeting at the fish hatchery in Lonoke.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we passed the red flag law, which we know is working to save lives.
• You know, we passed<00:03:44.959> the<00:03:45.080> red<00:03:45.320> flag<00:03
• law, which we know passed the red flag law, which we know is<00:03:46.519> working<00:03:46.840
• There are things we can do without getting anywhere near the Second Amendment, like the red flag law.
• the red flag law. the red flag law.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on Minnesota gun violence prevention efforts following the June shootings of the Hortmans and Hoffmans and the Annunciation shooting. The senator said those events prompted him and Senator Zaynab Mohamed to form a gun violence prevention working group during the interim to gather public and expert input, explore ideas, and build bipartisan support. He said the group was meant to set the stage for session work, and that several ideas vetted there are now appearing in legislative proposals, along with a package from the governor’s office. Asked what the legislature should prioritize, the senator said there is no single solution and outlined a multi-pronged approach: enforcing and expanding red flag and universal background check laws, considering an assault weapons ban and high-capacity magazine limits, banning ghost guns and binary triggers, improving firearm storage and security, and increasing school counseling and wraparound mental health supports. He emphasized that mental health alone is not the cause of violence, but said better identification of students in distress and easier access to care could help. He also argued that these measures can coexist with the Second Amendment and said regulation is appropriate to keep firearms from people with violent criminal histories, domestic violence histories, or other prohibitions. On politics and prospects, he said passage will depend on bipartisan negotiation in a closely divided legislature, noting that some Democrats and Republicans are uncomfortable with certain proposals while others are open to them. He said he is willing to adjust language, as he did on earlier red flag and background check laws, and hopes members will work with him and Senator Mohamed, especially in swing districts. If no package passes this session, he said the issue will return next session and voters should hold legislators accountable in the next election. He closed by telling families affected by gun violence that lawmakers are working on the issue now and should not wait for another mass shooting, adding that gun violence also includes suicides and other daily deaths, not just mass shootings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, that's a big red flag.
• I mean, huge huge red big red flag.
• And of course, and we see all flag.
• after red flags.
• This should be a red flag. I members. This should be a red flag.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• That's my favorite flag.
• The flag was not the one she wanted, the one that the flag commission ended up picking.
• I like the flag with seal and the flag.
• My favorite seal is the favorite flag.
• Um the flag was not the one that<01:10:22.880> the<01:10:23.440> uh<01:10:24.000> flag

Keywords: 1183, house