Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: "Any second." Senator Waters: "Second." Chair: "Second by Senator Rosenol. Any discussion?
• Any<00:35:02.960> second. Any second. Any second.
• Going to move to approve with an amendment. Senator Lang moves, and I'll second it.
• <00:39:19.440> Second. approve item number one. Second. approve item number one. Second.
• Second. Senator Birdsell seconds. Second. Senator Birdsell seconds.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment clarifies that students in second grade and below—kiddos about eight years old and younger—may
• Second, the amendment will... Senator West, I think you're explaining the wrong amendment.
• Hearing none, the amendment is adopted. Following amendment, Secretary will read the amendment.
• There is an amendment. Secretary, read the amendment: Amendment Number One by Creighton.
• And second, the amendment exempts medical directors, as they often have proprietary operational and business

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, received a House message that H.B. 422 had passed the House, and heard gubernatorial nominations for the Council on Sex Offender Treatment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day and several visiting groups and adopted a resolution designating June 20, 2025, as Texas Nuclear Legislative Day. Members then considered and passed several bills and resolutions, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. SB 311 passed to final passage on the Texas Supreme Court’s writ power. SB 883, on off-label prescription access for COVID-19 treatment, passed to engrossment. SB 1706, creating an Open Meetings Act exception for certain defense, military, and aerospace deliberations, passed despite concerns from Sen. Eckhardt that the bill’s use of “deliberate” could weaken open-government protections. CS SB 1677, directing a study on diabetes-related amputations, passed with support from Sen. Menendez. SB 1967 expanded flood infrastructure fund eligibility to certain multipurpose projects, and SB 1255, a cleanup bill on mold assessor and remediator regulation, passed unanimously. The Senate also approved CS SJR 40 and CS SB 871, which would change emergency and disaster law to require legislative involvement after prolonged or widespread emergencies and to limit gubernatorial suspension powers, with Sen. Eckhardt questioning whether the bill could slow urgent business closures during a disaster. Additional measures passed included SB 1426 transferring management of the First Capital State Historic Site to the Texas Historical Commission, SB 249 requiring TxDOT to fund memorial markers for fallen peace officers, SB 1592 centralizing collection of hotel occupancy taxes from accommodation intermediaries, SB 1271 allowing concurrent jurisdiction on military installations for certain juvenile matters, SB 745 creating a higher penalty for intoxication manslaughter involving multiple deaths, SB 365 shortening the academic fresh start waiting period at public colleges, and SB 1171 adjusting compensation and standards for certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department inspector general employees. CS SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, passed after questions about its relationship to federal homeland security and its focus on border security and critical infrastructure. The latter part of the session focused heavily on CS SB 38, a major eviction and squatter-related bill. Sen. Bettencourt described widespread squatter cases and argued the bill, with a Moody amendment, would clarify notice and eviction procedures while balancing property-owner and tenant rights. Sen. West said he supported addressing squatters but worried the broader eviction changes could harm vulnerable renters, especially single mothers, and said he would vote present not voting. The discussion continued with additional testimony from Sen. Kolkhorst about the need for a balanced eviction process.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:15.360> Does amend on the amendment 1482s? Does amend on the amendment 1482s?
• Do I have a second? House Bill 155. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second.
• a second. Uh, 1495s. a second. Uh, 1495s. >> A<00:16:54.160> second.
• That's the second one. That's Keith's amendment that I'm going to offer. We have this one."
• I would move Amendment 1541S. >> And I'll second that. So, this is a policy we've already passed.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That explanation for voters, the second paragraph is the proposed amendment explanation.
• It's been moved and properly seconded that we would adopt as amended the explanation language for H.J
• It's been moved and properly seconded that we would adopt as amended the explainer language for the right
• It's been moved and properly seconded that we would amend the explained language to include question
• If I could get a motion on the actual explainer language as amended. Second.

Summary: The joint meeting of the Privileges and Elections Committees convened with a quorum present to approve explanatory ballot language for three proposed constitutional amendments scheduled for the November ballot. The committee reviewed the amendments on reproductive freedom, the right to vote, and the right to marry, with staff explaining that the committee was only approving neutral voter-facing explanation language, not the constitutional text itself. Members raised questions about wording, ballot order, and whether the explanations were sufficiently clear or potentially leading, especially on the reproductive freedom amendment. For HJ 1/SJ 1, the committee debated the explanation at length, including objections that it was misleading or incomplete and responses from counsel and supporters that it accurately tracked the amendment text. A motion to insert “Question 1” into the explanation was adopted, and the amended explainer language for the reproductive freedom amendment was then approved. The committee then moved through the right-to-vote and right-to-marry amendments, similarly adding question numbers to the explanatory language before approving the amended explanations. Recorded votes showed the amendments to the explanatory language passing on party-line divisions in both chambers, generally with Senate support from the majority and House support from the majority, while several members voted no. After approving the amended explainer language for all three amendments, the committee concluded the meeting and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will second the motion, and I'd like to go ahead and get the amendment on.
• I'll second that motion. Are there any questions on the amendment? Okay. Is there any objection?
• The amendment is... ...the amendment? Okay. The amendment is adopted, and now we're on the bill.
• Do I have a second? I have a second by Senator Kelly.
• Do I have a second? I'll second it. Uh, so you have a second.

Bills: SB320, HB67, HB247, HB161, HB165, HB91, HB90, HB471, HB363, HB479

Keywords: liquefied petroleum gas, safety regulations, public gathering places, cylinder storage, proximity regulations, parental rights, drag performances, public schools, public libraries, overnight programs, gender identity, minor safety, Gulf of America, name change, state compliance, educational materials, local resources, historical reference, building codes, standardization

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.
• Second reading of the bill. Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.
• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.
• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.
• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous introductions of pages, guests, and visitors, including a large McDowell County Day delegation. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 66, designating March 14, 2026, as McDowell County Day at the Legislature, with remarks highlighting the county’s history, resilience, and economic importance. On legislation, the Senate rejected House amendments to Senate Bill 493 on open captioning for motion pictures and asked the House to recede. It then took up and passed Senate Bill 587, adjusting the salary schedule for elected county officials, after adopting an amendment restoring county control over future pay increases; the bill was made effective July 1, 2026. The Senate also received a gubernatorial executive message containing 76 nominations and set consideration of those nominations as a special order for 4 p.m. The Senate quickly advanced and passed several supplemental appropriation bills, all by unanimous 34-0 votes and made effective from passage: House Bill 527 for the Department of Health Facilities and three hospitals; House Bill 528 for the Department of Agriculture’s spay-neuter assistance fund; House Bill 5307 for the Department of Tourism, Division of Culture and History; Committee Substitute for House Bill 5317 for the Division of Natural Resources; and House Bill 5694 for the Department of Education, which removed unnecessary budget language. The chamber then recessed for 30 minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee amendment is adopted. The bill is on second reading.
• The bill is on amendment is adopted. The bill is on second<01:37:30.159> reading.
• The bill is on amendment is adopted. The bill is on second<02:30:42.479> reading.
• "Now on second reading, the first order of business is the committee amendment.
• The bill is on second reading and open for further discussion and amendment.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DLS has prepared a line amendment. Move the line amendment. Second.
• The question has been made and properly seconded on the line amendment.
• Motion has been made and properly seconded on the amendment, the new amendment that is before us.
• Move the amendment. Second. Motion has been made and properly seconded on the amendment.
• Motion made and properly seconded to report Senate Bill 220 as amended.

Keywords: House Committee Room A, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I move second reading amendment.
• second reading amendment. second reading amendment.
• > amendment we're doing second reading amendment we're doing second reading amendment number<00
• >> I move second reading amendment. >> I move second reading amendment.
• >> Second reading amendment. >> Second reading amendment.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got a motion to adopt the amendment. We've got a second. In discussion on the motion.
• We've got a motion to adopt the amendment. We've got a second. In discussion on the motion.
• The second bill they're requesting to amend is House Bill 1050.
• Committee, we've got a motion to adopt the amendment to House Bill 1065. We've got a second.
• We've got a motion to adopt the amendment. We've got a second. In discussion on the motion.

Summary: The committee first filed a report on the executive protection detail and then reviewed a long list of House and Senate bills that were ready for action, with members instructed to hold any items they wanted removed. The committee then took up several agency requests to amend bills: the Auditor of State’s request for a $370 increase for special deputy expense allowance, the Administrative Office of the Courts’ requests for additional funding for court interpreters and substitute court reporters, and requests tied to local sales tax refunds, county property tax redistribution, emergency medical and law enforcement support, and Northwest Arkansas Community College tornado-related repairs. All of those amendments were adopted, and one amendment on House Bill 1034 was held over at Senator Johnson’s request. A major portion of the meeting focused on an amendment for the Department of Corrections to fund a pilot program using mobile technology to identify and disable illegal inmate cell phones at Varner and Cummins prisons. The bill sponsors and Corrections officials described the problem as a serious public safety issue, saying inmates use contraband phones for criminal activity, trafficking, scams, and outside coordination. Members asked about FCC rules, procurement, whether the system would jam or only identify phones, whether it would affect staff or nearby users, how quickly it would work, whether it would be a one-time or ongoing cost, and whether the department had existing budget authority. Officials said the proposal would require an RFP, that current funding was not available in the department’s budget, and that the technology would be a two-year pilot. The committee ultimately adopted the amendment and then gave the underlying bill a do-pass recommendation. The committee also considered an amendment for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, which sought a $4 million increase in appropriation authority. Senators discussed the division’s role in county extension offices, 4-H, research, and salary competitiveness, while others questioned why the division needed more appropriation room when it already had about $10 million in headroom and had requested a different funding level through higher education. Division representatives said the increase would help with salaries and provide flexibility for future funding, and Higher Education staff clarified the original request and recommendation amounts. After extensive discussion, the committee adopted the amendment and gave it a do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee began acting on governor’s letters, adopting amendments for a homestead property tax credit increase, insurance department conference travel, property appraisal analysis support, career and technical education professional development, regulatory and casino gaming appropriations, a new program integrity line for the Department of Inspector General, consolidation of licensing board appropriations, deletion of a completed Fort Chaffee Readiness Center appropriation, and a revised reappropriation package for prison expansion that included special language limiting use of the funds. Members asked several questions about the prison reappropriation, including whether it still related to the earlier Calico Rock project and whether special language should be considered separately; the committee moved the governor’s letters forward for drafting and further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move amendment L13 to the amendment. Thank you. Uh, what this amendment would... Thank you.
• Uh, yes, we have an amendment. Uh, yes, we have an amendment. There is an amendment at the desk.
• as amended; House Bill 1065 as amended; House Bill 1102 as amended; House Bill 1223 as amended; House
• House Bill 1326 is amended. 1255 is amended. 1065 is amended. 1102 is amended. 1223 is amended. 1272
• is amended. 1141 is amended. 1424 is amended. 1138, 1426, 1427, 1274, and 1286 pass second reading and

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.
• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.
• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.
• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill?
• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and spent much of the day recognizing pages, guests, school groups, and civic organizations visiting the chamber. Several communications from the House and committee reports were received, and a petition on support for new electric transmission lines was referred to the Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining. Senate Resolution 61, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Obergefell, was referred to the Committee on Rules, while other resolutions and bills were held over or referred as required. The chamber then acted on a large number of measures, including concurrence in House amendments to Senate Bill 137 on parole eligibility for second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, and a conference committee was appointed on House Bill 4026 regarding integrated resource plans. Numerous House bills were advanced or passed after committee reports, covering topics such as industrial access roads, local airport hangar financing, college campus safety, youth and handicapped hunting, missing persons records, driver’s licenses, adjudicatory alternative dispositions, chronic absenteeism, party-switching deadlines for candidates, teacher/school personnel/state police pay raises, election official trainees, political committee filing notices, security personnel for the State Treasurer, post-secondary financial aid, legal practice rules, overseas voting, public officials’ residential information, homestead exemption, military juvenile jurisdiction, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, statewide prevention planning, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment taxation, microgrid and data center certification, transcript acceptance for students, emeritus medical licenses, higher education rule authorizations, board and commission reforms, managed care organization taxes, and deputy sheriff vacation carryover. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, and several received title amendments. The Senate also passed a series of supplemental appropriations, many with immediate-effect motions adopted by the required two-thirds vote. These included funding for the Department of Commerce, Workforce West Virginia, Homeland Security divisions, Health Facilities, Administration, Human Services, the Governor’s Civil Contingent Fund, the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Senior Services. Votes were overwhelmingly in favor, with only a few measures drawing one or more dissenting votes. One bill on tourism appropriations was referred to the Committee on Rules, and several second-reading bills were advanced, including measures on the West Virginia Collaboratory, business-ready sites, volunteer fire companies, religious organization eminent domain restrictions, electric load forecasting, and funeral service licensure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Dumont moves to pass as amended. Representative Howland seconds it.
• Representative Dumont moves Amendment 2025 0797, seconded by Representative Howland.
• Is there a second? Representative Grant seconds. I'm going to move Amendment 2025 0917H.
• Thank you, and I’ll second that so that you can offer the amendment, but I’m not going to support it.
• move seconds it representative Reed I move amendment<00:22:37.559> number amendment number amendment

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I'll make a motion to adopt the amendment. >> There's a second.
• Second. >> Second. >> All in favor give the bill as amended a favorable report say I. >> I. >> Bill gets
• As amended. >> Okay.<00:10:31.279> Second. >> Okay. Second. >> Okay.
• >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor of adopting the amendment say I. >> I. >> Opposed.
• We got a second. >> Second. >> Uh, all in favor to give the bill as amended the favorable report say

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.
• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.
• Second reading of the bill. Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.
• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.
• Second reading of the bill. Are there amendments to the bill? No, sir.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The West Virginia Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous introductions of honorary pages, guests, chaperones, and visitors, including a large McDowell County Day delegation. The Senate also received a governor’s executive message containing 76 nominations, which were referred to the Committee on Confirmation, and then set those nominations as a special order of business for 4 p.m. later that day. On legislation, the Senate rejected House amendments to Senate Bill 493 on open captioning for motion pictures and requested the House recede, saying the amendments changed the bill’s intent by making captioning mandatory and expanding its scope. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 587 on county officials’ salaries, adopted an amendment restoring county control over future pay increases while keeping a 5% raise, concurred in the House amendments as amended, and passed the bill 34-0 with immediate effectiveness. The Senate also fast-tracked and passed several supplemental appropriations bills, all by 34-0 votes and all made effective from passage: House Bill 527 for health facilities, House Bill 528 for the Department of Agriculture’s spay-neuter assistance fund, House Bill 5307 for the Division of Culture and History, House Bill 5317 for the Division of Natural Resources, and House Bill 5694 for the Department of Education. The Senate received House Bill 5286 on corrections and referred it to Finance. Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 66 designating March 14, 2026, as McDowell County Day at the legislature, with remarks highlighting the county’s history and current economic efforts, and then recessed for 30 minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Move to pass on the amendment. Second on the amendment. Will there be questions on the amendment?
• Second from the vice chair on the amendment. Will there be questions? Will there be debate?
• Do pass from the chair and second from the vice chair. Will there be questions on the amendment?
• Do pass from the chair and second from the vice chair on the amendment.
• Do pass from the chair and second from the vice chair. Will there be questions on the amendment?

Bills: SB1732, SB1217, SB1443, SB1455, SB1457, SB1459, SB1465, SB1944, SB1946, SB1218, SB1942, SB1352, SB2132, SB1920, SB1285, SB1304, SB1305, SB1326, SB1590, SB1767

Keywords: professional licensing, licensing fees, home inspection, home inspector, Construction Industries Board, CIB, contractor license, journeyman license, apprentice registration, alarm endorsement, code inspector, electrical license, plumbing license, mechanical license, permit fees, renewal fee, reciprocity, poultry house contractor, poultry house wiring, environmentally controlled poultry house

Transcript Highlights:

• Next amendment for our consideration to House Bill 10, amendment number two, second reading.
• ><00:42:15.359> amendment House Bill 10, second reading amendment House Bill 10, second reading
• :02.240> reading you're voting on second reading you're voting on second reading amendment<00:
• Uh, next amendment for our consideration to House Bill 111. Second reading amendment number two.
• Second reading amendment number two. Second reading amendment number two.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I move adoption of that amendment. Is there a second? Second by Representative Popovici-Muller.
• I will second it as amended, seconded by Representative Griffin.
• I will second it as amended, seconded by Representative Griffin.
• I will second it as amended, seconded by Representative Griffin.
• I will second it as amended, seconded by Representative Griffin.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee met for final approval of HB 1 and HB 2, with legislative budget staff Michael Kain reviewing the final amendment documents and surplus statements. Kain explained that HB 1474H and HB 1484H incorporated the committee’s prior votes and the Governor’s recommended sections, and he walked through the budget math for the general fund, education trust fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He said the committee’s proposal remained balanced overall, though the current-year general fund showed a projected deficit that HB 2 would address by allowing a possible rainy day fund transfer if needed. He also noted that the committee’s revenue estimates were below the Governor’s, requiring reductions and adjustments to appropriations and lapse assumptions. Members discussed the rainy day fund provisions, including a section in HB 2 that suspends existing restrictions so a transfer can be made if the deficit materializes. Kain said the committee’s approach differed from the Governor’s because the state was not below the overall revenue plan, and the fiscal committee would retain a role in determining any transfer. He also summarized that the Highway Fund would end with about a $13 million balance and Fish and Game with about $3 million, both without additional general fund support. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2 unanimously: Amendment 1473H, a technical cleanup to the Group 2 retirement seven-year rule, and Amendment 1482H, a technical correction to the recreational services language. Amendment 1484H, which incorporated those changes into HB 2, was adopted on a 14-1 vote after minority members objected to the bill’s broader cuts and policy changes, including reductions to state agencies, health and human services, and education-related provisions. The committee also adopted Amendment 1474H to HB 1A on a 14-1 vote after similar debate over budget reductions, vacancies, university funding, and school spending limits. Finally, the committee voted 14-1 to report HB 1A and HB 2 as amended as ought to pass, with the minority voting no and the committee planning a full House presentation the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second. Second by Senator Rosenwald. That’s amendment 0250. Any further discussion?
• All to pass by Senator Carson and I will second by Senator Gray, and I would also like to move amendment
• . amendment. amendment.
• >> Second. >> Second. >> Second.
• Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by Senator Gre. Any discussion?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A title amendment motion was made and seconded.
• <00:31:01.720> for Amendment have a motion and a second for Amendment have a motion and a
• Amendment we have a motion and a second Amendment we have a motion and a second on<00:32:23.080>
• to roll Amendment motion and a second to roll Amendment into into into phs2<00:32:51.320> on<
• This is a live bill with a motion, the second, on 775 as amended by the amendment presentation I've ever

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:12 SB 28 Discussion 00:01:33 SB 28 Vote 00:04:05 SJR 26 Discussion 00:05:32 SJR 26 Vote 00:07:10 HB 741 Discussion 00:08:30 HB 741 Vote 00:14:00 HB 544 Discussion 00:15:40 HB 544 Vote 00:28:15 HB 775 Discussion 00:31:20 HB 775 Vote 00:56:00 HJR 33 Discussion 01:00:25 HJR 33 Vote 01:01:40, 958, all

Summary: The committee met on March 11, 2025, with a quorum present and first adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28. The bill would create a framework for using $5 million previously set aside for agricultural economic development through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, including loan and grant programs. Members asked about changes in the substitute, and the sponsor explained that it revised the board composition to include members with more experience in finance, lending, and economic development. SB 28 was approved 20-0 and reported favorably. The committee then approved Senate Joint Resolution 26, which directs the Department for Medicaid Services to provide the Legislative Research Commission a report on pharmacist pay parity and the cost of allowing independent pharmacists and pharmacies to be reimbursed by Medicaid for services within their scope of practice. The sponsor and Kentucky Pharmacists Association representative described it as a request for information rather than a policy change. The resolution passed 20-0 and was reported favorably. House Bill 741, relating to public water and wastewater systems, was next. The sponsor said the substitute incorporated Kentucky Infrastructure Authority recommendations, clarified best management practices, and allowed storm water inflow and groundwater infiltration reduction projects to be scored more fairly alongside water projects. Members discussed how the bill narrows eligibility to systems most in need and refines the scoring process for the program created last session. HB 741 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and received a title amendment. The committee also considered House Bill 544, a branch budget bill amendment creating a new SAFE fund for the most recent Eastern Kentucky flood disaster, indexed to the relevant presidential disaster declaration. The bill would allow state money and other funds to support local governments, utilities, school districts, and other eligible recipients for recovery costs, planning, and short-term liquidity, with reimbursement provisions if FEMA or other sources later pay. Members discussed the amount of available funding, the use of prior SAFE fund balances, and the emergency clause. HB 544 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and a title amendment was adopted. The committee then began House Bill 775, relating to development areas, and adopted PHS 2 and a committee amendment; the sponsor started explaining the bill’s provisions on development areas, tax increment financing, brewers’ electronic filing, distilled spirits property tax language, income tax reduction conditions, tourism development incentives, and other tax-related sections, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.