Transcript Highlights:

• Hall. Hagenbuch. Hinojosa of Nueces. Hinojosa of Vidalgo. Huffman. Hughes. Johnson. King.
• Hall, Hinojosa of Nueces, Hinojosa of Hidalgo, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menendez, Middleton

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Stewart, Senator Weaver, Madam Leader, Senator Hall, thank you for your patience.
• Senator Hall, thank you for your patience.
• The question of Chairman Hall is that there are no questions.

Bills: SB1312, SB1323, SB1599, SB1863, SB1932, SB1950, SB1956, SB1958, SB1966, SB1970, SB2052

Keywords: vehicle registration, automatic payments, Service Oklahoma, taxes, motor vehicle, prepayment program, memorial designation, highway, Sheriff Marty Grisham, transportation, Oklahoma Statutes, memorial bridge, dedication, Oklahoma, commemoration, memorial highway, road designation, John Skelley, motor carrier, administrative hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• Eves, Fetgatter, Fetgatter, Ford, Ford, Fugate here, Gann, George, George, guys here, Grego, Grego, Hall
• , Hall, Harden, Harris, Harris, Hasenbeck, Hasenbeck, Hayes, Hayes, Hefner here, Hildebrandt, Hill to

Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and the chamber proceeded with routine opening business including the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. The Speaker outlined the day’s order of business, but the session did not move into substantive legislative debate or bill action because a quorum was lacking. During announcements and personal privilege remarks, Representative Crosswhite Hader noted a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing Child Care Providers Day on May 8. Representative Hasenbeck shared several FFA-related recognitions, including Henley Hasenbeck’s selection to the National FFA Chorus and local FFA officer team, and congratulated new State FFA President Coy Davidson. The Speaker also offered a personal family birthday announcement. With no quorum present, the floor leader moved to recess, and the House adjourned until Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ford, Ford, Fugate here, Gann, Gann, George, George, guys, guys, Greggo, Greggo, Hall, Hall, Hardin,

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters
• Hall of Fame, and he won two Grammy Awards.
• HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME, THE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME, THE NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS
• HALL OF FAME, AND HE WON TWO GRAMMY AWARDS.
• gt;> SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 29, CONCURRENT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF EMANCIPATION HALL

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Amanda Hall, Joy Gurgess, and Becky Rose Bowman, and Dr. Pat Murphy are all here.
• My name is Amanda Hall.
• So again, my name is Amanda Hall.
• My name is Amanda Hall. >> Oh, I'm sorry. My name is Amanda Hall.
• I'm a Kuckian and a name is Amanda Hall.

Keywords: 00:00:20 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:02:00 - Update on Rural Health Transformation Program 00:29:20 - Discussion of 26RS HB 134 00:36:35 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 134 00:37:41 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 01:09:44 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Health Services Committee met to receive an update from Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Steven Stack on Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Grant. He explained that all 50 states applied and were awarded funding, and Kentucky received about $212.9 million over five years, with the first year treated as a nine-month period. He emphasized that the award is a cooperative agreement with CMS, is not Medicaid funding, cannot be used to supplant existing funds, and is limited to the five areas approved in Kentucky’s application. He also said the state must submit a revised budget before major spending begins, and that CMS could claw back money if performance metrics are not met. Secretary Stack outlined the five focus areas: maternal health, mental health, oral health, emergency medical services, and chronic disease prevention/management, especially obesity and diabetes. He described possible approaches such as expanding behavioral health crisis stabilization models like EMPath, using teledentistry and mobile services, strengthening EMS staffing and treat-in-place options, and building healthier nutrition and activity supports. He said the application was developed quickly with broad stakeholder input and that the state plans to work with universities, nonprofits, and other partners through procurement and other formal processes. He also noted the program will be overseen by the public health department, with Commissioner John Langfeld leading the effort. Committee members asked about the grant timeline, the split between formula and competitive funding, the role of certificate of need, and whether new laws or regulations would be needed. Stack said the state believes it can implement the approved projects under current law, though some broader policy issues such as certificate of need were not included because they would be risky to change within the grant timeline. Members also asked how stakeholders can submit ideas; Stack pointed them to the public website and contact email, saying additional partner information will be posted soon. The committee did not take any formal vote or action during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no drill hall there currently. All drills were conducted at Fort Knox.
• Theatrical rigging systems in Whitney Hall and the Bombard Theater, which are original to the venue,
• and the Bombard Theater, which are Hall and the Bombard Theater, which are original<00:41:01.920>
• New Market Hall has been completely demolished.
• New Market Hall has been completely demolished.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09 Approval of Minutes 00:01:10 Welcome New Members 00:01:26 Information Items 00:01:49 COT Special Report 00:02:38 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:07:41 A. Department of Military Affairs 00:08:07 B. Department of Veterans’ Affairs 00:20:34 C. Kentucky Infrastructure Authority 00:25:54 D. Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 00:35:05 E. Transportation Cabinet 00:55:53, 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hall. Kohlkorst. Nichols here Paxton Perry Schwartner West Saffirini quorum is present.
• Senator Hall, you had your light on first. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• I'm not going to rehash a lot of what's Senator Hall was talking about. Okay.
• Senator Hall. Could the other director come back up, please? Commissioner, I'm sorry.
• Senator Hall. Can you tell me you, sir? Yes, we're specific.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hall. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator Hall, do you want to ask this witness a question? You want the whole presentation?
• Senator Hall. Thank you. Where to begin here?
• Hall, do you have other questions? No. Senator Hinojosa. Look forward to it.
• Senator Hall, that was in statute.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard budget presentations for the Texas Historical Commission, the Pension Review Board, the Employees Retirement System (ERS), Social Security and benefit replacement pay, the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESSRS), and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The Legislative Budget Board outlined recommendations and major changes for each agency, including reductions tied to one-time projects at the Historical Commission, continued funding for courthouse grants, heritage trails, and Holocaust/genocide education, as well as new or modified riders and capital items. For the pension-related items, LBB described funding changes for PRB, ERS, Social Security, and TESSRS, including ERS health plan cost growth driven largely by pharmacy costs, the status of pension funding reforms, and TESSRS’s request for additional state support to address its unfunded liability and staffing needs. Members asked extensive questions about the Historical Commission’s one-time funding, unexpended balance authority, courthouse preservation, the Presidio La Bahia and National Museum of the Pacific War projects, and coordination of Texas history messaging across sites such as the Alamo, San Jacinto, Washington on the Brazos, and other heritage locations. The Historical Commission chair emphasized heritage tourism, economic development, and the need for continued investment in historic sites, staffing, IT modernization, and vehicles. On the pension items, senators discussed PRB oversight of local systems, including the Dallas police and fire pension situation, and ERS investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health costs. ERS officials said the plan remains well funded overall, noted a 2021 cash balance reform and a planned supplemental legacy payment, and explained that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are a major driver of pharmacy spending; they also said the agency is working with the Texas Pharmacy Initiative and that rebates are contractually returned to ERS. For TESSRS, LBB and agency staff said the system serves volunteer and part-paid emergency personnel, is facing an infinite amortization period, and is requesting additional appropriations, staffing, and IT funding, along with a statutory change to allow an actuarially determined state contribution. The agency said it may otherwise need to cut benefits for volunteer firefighters. For CPRIT, LBB reported about $600 million in recommended funding for the biennium and a 10-FTE increase, while the agency described its $6 billion voter-approved program, $3.75 billion in grants awarded to date, and $10.4 million in revenue sharing since 2011. CPRIT’s only exceptional item was a request for a 10% salary increase for two exempt positions. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Hall. Here. Representative Sor. Here. Representative Mooney. Here.
• As a matter of fact, Representative Hall, I had someone come into my office last week and tell me that

Bills: HB245, HB278, SB59, SB78

Keywords: inhalants, controlled substances, butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, health, public safety, HB278, ivermectin, pharmacist, standing order, prescription drug, pharmacy, State Board of Pharmacy, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, CRNP, medical licensure, drug dispensing, adverse events

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation provides an important tool for our veterans organizations, those local posts, halls,
• In the last eight years alone, we've seen the closure of 49 VFWs and over 68 American Legion halls in
• Similarly, the town hall lacked sufficient meeting and storage space. ...accessibility standards.
• , we were able to plan, design, and build a brand new municipal complex comprised of a modern town hall
• Those funds are used each year to pay the debt service—the mortgage, if you will—on our new town hall

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies. The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools. The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes the city hall and civic center.
• they take it out to the voters and the voters say, "Hey, we want to do this community center, fire hall
• they take it out to the voters and the voters say, "Hey, we want to do this community center, fire hall
• ,<00:41:03.840> whatever<00:41:04.160> it<00:41:04.240> is," center, fire hall
• , whatever it is," center, fire hall, whatever it is," why<00:41:05.960> why<00:41:06.120>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For over two centuries, Jim Hall County has been shaped by the legacy of the Vaquero.
• Jim Hall, County Queen. Jessica Flores, Ms. First Runner Up, Alayna Maldonado.
• Members, please join me in welcoming our distinguished delegation. from Jim Hall County to their house
• for Jim Hall County Day at their state capitol with a big round of applause.
• relationship Involving the Department of Family and Protective Services the chair recognizes miss Hall

Bills: HB29, HB 125, HB145, HB171, HB255, HB50, HB796, HB363, HB 116, HB491, HB589, HB1495, HB368, HB 1285, HB1905, HB1360, HB2002, HB917, HB2723, HB2067, HB 1238, HB2337, HB745, HB 1188, HB1606, HB2003, HB2147, HB2391, HB2355, HB2546, HB2495, HB2818, HB2249, HB1749, HB3109, HB3228, HB3240, HB1507, HB658, HB1748, HB1851, HB1922, HB2001, HB2798, HB 107, HCR29, SB5, SB262, HB 11, HJR72, HB 106, HB18, HB48, HB27, HB37, HB1481, HB581, HB1696, HB2216, HB 1035, HB1633, HB742, HB754, HB1689, HB1690, HB2669, HB391, HB517, HB 1024, HB1607, HB252, HB1716, HB1562, HB4116, HB1866, HB1741, HB2103, HB2637, HB2884, HB503, HB 1089, HB2986, HB972, HB502, HB29, HB 125, HB145, HB171, HB255, HB50, HB796, HB363, HB 116, HB491, HB589, HB1495, HB368, HB 1285, HB1905, HB1360, HB2002, HB917, HB2723, HB2067, HB 1238, HB2337, HB745, HB 1188, HB1606, HB2003, HB2147, HB2391, HB2355, HB2546, HB2495, HB2818, HB2249, HB1749, HB3109, HB3228, HB3240, HB1507, HB658, HB1748, HB1851, HB1922, HB2001, HB2798, HB 107, HCR29

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we have these communications that used to be in the hall or in the classroom about homework
• You know, we have these communications that used to be in the hall or in the classroom about homework
• You know, we have these communications that used to be in the hall or in the classroom about homework
• You know, we have these communications that used to be in the hall or in the classroom about homework
• You know, we have these communications that used to be in the hall or in the classroom about homework

Keywords: Roll Call – 00:11 Discussion on SB 181 – 01:05 Vote on SB 181 – 24:16 Discussion on HB 242 – 31:00 Vote on HB 242 – 32:14 Discussion on HB 164 – 33:26 Vote on HB 164 – 39:55, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children heard Senate Bill 181, which would require school districts to use only traceable forms of communication for staff, coaches, and volunteers when contacting students, require reporting of known private direct communication, notify parents, protect minors’ anonymity in EPSB investigations, and extend the investigation period for sexual misconduct cases to 120 days. Senator Lindsay Tichenor said the bill is meant to restore safeguards for children and families and address inappropriate private communications between school personnel and students. The committee also heard testimony from Stacy and Brad Brisco, who described allegations that an Anderson County guidance counselor had communicated privately with their daughter, encouraged her to pursue emancipation and CPS involvement, and used school channels to facilitate contact; they said the resulting abuse report was unsubstantiated and that the school system and EPSB had not acted promptly. Ashley Nation also testified in support as a survivor of educator sexual abuse, arguing that traceable communication policies are needed to prevent grooming and misconduct and that the bill does not stop communication, only makes it transparent and accountable. Members asked questions about what counts as traceable communication and whether schools already have policies. Tichenor said traceable communication could include paper notes, email, and apps such as ClassDojo or Google Classroom, and said the bill requires a trail parents can access. She also said some districts have ethical standards but they are not consistently followed, and that state-level action is needed. Senator Denine suggested the bill should allow districts more flexibility to choose among trackable platforms, noting that some systems already use tools like Dojo and Remind; Tichenor said a floor amendment would address that concern. Senators Williams, Meredith, Mills, Wise, and others voiced support, emphasizing child safety and the need for timely EPSB action. The committee then voted 9-0 to pass SB 181 with a favorable recommendation to the Senate floor. Afterward, the committee took up House Bill 242, sponsored by Representative Samara Heavrin, which would increase transparency in the child welfare system by making Kentucky child welfare data available to researchers while preserving privacy protections. With no questions, the committee approved HB 242 as well, also by a favorable vote, and members briefly noted support for the bill and the need for better data to inform child welfare policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hall. >> Rep. Hall. >> Yes. >> Clerk is yes. Rep. Murphy. >> Yes. >> Rep. Sullivan. >> Yes. >> Rep.
• Representative Hall, yes. Representative Murphy, yes. Representative Sullivan, no.
• >> Rep.<00:50:34.079> Hall. >> Rep. Hall. >> Rep. Hall. >> Yes.
• >> Hall, >> Hall, >> Hall, >> no. >> no. >> no.
• Hall, yes. >> Clerk is yes. Rep. Murphy, yes. >> Rep. Sullivan, no. >> Rep.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hall? Aye. Kolkhorst? Aye. Nichols? Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.
• Hall, aye. Kolkhorst, aye. Nichols, aye. Paxton, aye. Perry, aye. Schwertner, aye. West, aye.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair recognizes that Senator Hall is present. Um, Charlie, that was a matter of pending business.
• Bettencourt, Birdwell, Hall, Hinojosa, Middleton, Parker, Perry, Schwertner, Safarini. Paxton, aye.

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met to consider pending business on three bills. Senator Hughes explained a committee substitute for Senate Bill 2035, which concerns foreign funding of elections. The substitute clarified that income to a U.S. citizen living overseas would not trigger notification, removed new reporting requirements, aligned the bill with existing reporting rules, and shifted civil enforcement to the Attorney General rather than the Ethics Commission. The substitute was adopted and SB 2035 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 10-0 vote, then recommended for placement on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up Senate Bill 31, the “Life of the Mother Act,” dealing with exceptions to otherwise prohibited abortions based on a physician’s reasonable medical judgment. Senator Hughes said the substitute reflected stakeholder feedback and was intended to further clarify that pregnant women would not be prosecuted, with support from pro-life groups and the medical community. The substitute was adopted and SB 31 was reported favorably to the full Senate by an 11-0 vote, then recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 2880, relating to abortion pills. Senator Hughes said the substitute focused liability on manufacturers and distributors of abortion pills and imposed civil liability to the fullest extent allowed by law. The substitute was adopted and SB 2880 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 10-1 vote. After completing the three items, the committee recessed at the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have three more halls or buildings.
• today and seven more data center halls today and seven more data center halls being<02:04:02.159
• either a dry cooler or a chiller plant to be dissipated outside of the data center hall.
• the heat moves outside of the data hall the heat moves outside of the data hall and<02:45:10.720
• of the data center hall. of the data center hall. >> Thank<02:45:18.960> you.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill raises money, and that's why we're here and not down the hall.
• This bill raises money, and that's why we're here and not down the hall.
• What happens after that is the responsibility of the people down the hall.
• What happens after that is the responsibility of the people down the hall.
• What happens after that is the responsibility of the people down the hall.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 402, a bill to repeal a provision in RSA 194-F:2 stating that Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds “shall not constitute taxable income” to the parent or student. The bill sponsor argued the current language is misleading because the state cannot determine federal tax liability, and said the bill would simply remove inaccurate tax advice from state law. He cited IRS guidance and prior federal legislation, including a Ted Cruz proposal, to suggest some EFA uses may be taxable under federal law, while others may not, and said the bill could be amended if needed to avoid confusion. Testimony was sharply divided. Py Campbell opposed the bill, arguing it would unfairly single out EFA students and could amount to a tax on education funds, including for self-employed families, and recommended it be voted inexpedient to legislate. Stephen Matthew French, a tax preparer, also opposed the bill, saying IRS Publication 970 already makes clear that scholarship-type payments used for tuition and related expenses are not taxable, and that the bill addresses a problem that does not exist. He warned that adding tax reporting requirements could create administrative costs for families and the program administrator. Bill Ardinger, a tax attorney, supported the repeal of the statutory language, saying the state should not place potentially incorrect tax advice into law. He explained that under federal tax law, only certain scholarship-like uses are exempt, while many EFA-eligible expenses may not be, especially for families using the program for homeschooling or other nontraditional expenses. He said the current statute could mislead families into thinking all EFA payments are tax-free and could expose the state to future legal problems. The hearing ended after questions from committee members; no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eaves, Fetgatter, Fetgatter, Ford, Fugate here, Gann, Gann, George, George, Gise, Gise, Grego, Grego, Hall
• , Hall, Hardin, Hardin, Harris, Harris, Hasenbeck, Hasenbeck, Hays, Hays, Hefner here, Hildebrandt, Hill

Summary: The House convened with a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into announcements and introductions. Members noted upcoming Hispanic Heritage Day hosted by the Latino Caucus and discussed the legislative schedule, including that the Senate was not expected to meet and that the House clerk’s desk would still open in case business was needed. Floor leaders clarified that there would be no quorum requirement for the next day because no Senate business was coming over, though the House would still be available if the Senate unexpectedly returned. There was also a light exchange about possibly introducing the Senate and a suggestion to play frisbee in the empty parking lot. No bills were debated or voted on. The House adjourned until the next day at 1:30 p.m.