Transcript Highlights:

• And welcome back to the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
• There's no better place than Florida to be a part of its natural resources.
• And I think that the science is there. I think it's a continued its continue program.
• And I think that I will serve the people of Florida and the natural resources.
• They're like vessels pose an ongoing risk to Florida's residents, visitors and natural resources.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• gas or natural gas to electricity.
• So I think the concept is good, but I don't know if the science is there yet.
• And with that, we're going to be... ...at firm energy, which is going to be natural gas.
• If we use a natural gas plant with a carbon capture... ...particular plant.
• CCS is an important way to reduce emissions from natural gas.

Bills: HB2272 , HB2285 , HB2296

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes, carbon capture, clean energy, environmental regulation, sustainability, green technology, distributed energy, renewable energy, energy resources, energy policy, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A concise, science-based lesson can help students understand how the human body grows before birth.
• So I think there is a natural place for this to be placed very easily within the science standards of
• I think that our students deserve education that's grounded in science.
• I think that our students deserve education that's grounded in science.
• And I echo Representative Amedee's concerns about the broad nature of this language. Yes, sir.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first took up HB 987, which would move the Louisiana Geological Survey under the LSU Energy Institute to streamline energy-related programs. The author and members described it as an efficiency measure, and the committee reported the bill favorably without objection. Members then heard HB 513 on name, image, and likeness rules for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes. The bill was presented as a product of a task force and was supported by the Attorney General’s office, coaches, and a student athlete, who emphasized the need for guardrails, education, and protections against exploitation by agents or third parties. Questions focused on high school enforcement, parental consent, and what students may legally do; the committee ultimately reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered HCR 26, which asks BESE to incorporate the science of human growth and development, including prenatal development, into science or health standards and to provide instructional materials. Supporters said it would improve science education and show fetal development more clearly, while opponents raised concerns about medical accuracy, political influence, and lack of safeguards. An amendment requiring parental consent for instruction was offered but failed on a roll call vote, and the resolution was then reported favorably. Later, the committee reported HB 608 favorably as amended to protect confidentiality of documents tied to intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing, while preserving public disclosure of overall institutional spending. It also advanced HB 380, creating a pilot program to expand CDL workforce training through a community college and school partnership, and HB 392, which would require suicide hotline information on school websites, student ID cards, and, through amendment, visible signs in schools. The committee then reported HB 476 as amended, requiring Safe Haven law flyers in school restrooms, and began discussion of HB 682 to authorize veterans as school resource officers, with amendments addressing qualifications and training.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.
• I believe in science.
• Good morning, Arturo Science, Local 261, support.
• Based on best available science.
• Michael Jaird, with the Nature Conservancy, echoing the comments related to nature-based solutions and

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard three major bills. SB 237, by Senator Grayson, proposed a package of fuel-supply and permitting changes aimed at stabilizing gasoline prices during California’s energy transition. Supporters, including state officials, Kern County representatives, labor groups, and industry groups, said it would help retain in-state refining and drilling capacity, reduce price spikes, and protect jobs. Opponents, including environmental justice and conservation groups, argued it would expand oil drilling without enough community protections and would not meaningfully address climate goals. After extensive testimony and questions about emissions, sunsets, and long-term strategy, the committee passed SB 237 on a due pass vote, with some members voting no or not voting. SB 352, by Senator Reyes, sought to strengthen implementation of AB 617, the community air protection program, by codifying the Environmental Justice Bureau in the Department of Justice, extending monitoring requirements, and requiring annual legislative reporting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and ensure that funding for impacted communities actually produces emissions reductions. Some environmental justice advocates were neutral or not fully supportive because they wanted stronger language, while business and industry groups opposed the bill, arguing it was added late and duplicated existing processes. The committee approved SB 352 on a due pass vote. SB 840, by Senator Limon, was the cap-and-invest reauthorization package. It would update offset protocols, adjust how revenues are spent, and continue funding for key climate, housing, transit, and community programs, including AB 617. Support came from environmental groups, labor, local governments, housing advocates, and clean transportation organizations, while some agricultural interests objected that the package did not sufficiently prioritize climate-smart agriculture and methane reduction programs. The committee passed SB 840 on a due pass vote as well. All three measures were later confirmed out of committee after calls were lifted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have the Science Museum. There's a one-time $200,000 increase for the Science Museum.
• </c> This next we have the Science Museum. This next we have the Science Museum.
• </c> the Science Museum. the Science Museum.
• And this Natural Resources Trust Fund.
• </c> Natural Resources. Natural Resources.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• President of the University of Texas at Tyler and their health science center.
• I'll pause for questions and then proceed into the Health Science Center.
• I'll now switch gears towards our Health Science Center.
• Colasuerdo, President of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
• We would like to do the same for behavioral. health sciences.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To my colleagues' point, I want to bring science into this.
• So I oppose this based on science and the broad definition.
• To the stool, bipartisan, common sense, and science-based.
• to cancer, that are linked by our best science to neurobehavioral harms.
• to cancer, that are linked by our best science to neurobehavioral harms.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and first dealt with a procedural dispute over four amendments to AB 1240. The Speaker ruled the amendments out of order as not germane, and the Assembly sustained that ruling on a 49-16 vote. Members then added co-authors to several consent-calendar resolutions, including measures on the National Conference of State Legislators, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, ALS Awareness Month, and Men’s Mental Health Month, before adopting the consent calendar. The chamber also heard guest introductions, including a welcome for Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, and took up a motion to bring AB 41 up out of file, which failed 19-48. The bulk of the meeting was floor action on a long series of bills and resolutions, many of which passed with broad bipartisan support. Measures approved included ACR 40 supporting immigrant students and FAFSA privacy; AB 917 on permanent status for certain school employees; AB 985 on anesthesia access; AB 7 and AB 42 on higher education and student services; AB 245 providing property tax relief for wildfire victims; AB 255 allowing funding for drug-free recovery housing; AB 279 updating K-12 library standards; AB 289 creating a pilot for automated speed enforcement in highway construction zones; AB 291 on an educator apprentice program; AB 327 addressing swatting; AB 340 on confidential union communications; AB 341 creating an oral health technical assistance center for people with disabilities; AB 356 on San Diego health care infrastructure; AB 410 on bot disclosure; AB 476 on copper theft enforcement; AB 477 on educator pay targets; AB 485 on stolen wages and business licensing; AB 487, the insurance committee’s technical omnibus bill; AB 573 on tobacco retail license fees; AB 598 on school mapping technology; AB 635 on mobile home law enforcement referrals; AB 651 on remote participation for incarcerated parents in dependency hearings; AB 654 on homelessness hotline assistance in Los Angeles County; AB 662 creating a South County higher education task force; AB 667 on language access in professional licensing; AB 669 limiting early denial of addiction treatment; AB 670 on naturally occurring affordable housing; AB 695 on online continuation of community college for deported students; AB 723 on disclosure for digitally altered real estate images; AB 727 placing Trevor Project information on student IDs; and AB 736, a $10 billion affordable housing bond for the June 2026 ballot, which passed on a 61-11 urgency vote after extensive debate. Debate on AB 736 was the most extensive of the day, with supporters arguing the bond would help address California’s housing crisis and give voters a chance to weigh in, while opponents criticized the state’s bond debt and past spending results. The Assembly then recessed for caucus meetings and later returned to continue the daily file, where additional measures were taken up, including AB 798 adding diapers and wipes to the emergency food bank reserve program, which passed 56-0, and AB 821 on career technical education, which was presented as bipartisan-supported as the transcript continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to this hearing of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
• I have a PhD in environmental science and engineering from UNC Chapel Hill.
• Toward natural grass? So I'm not a human health specialist. I speak for the environment.
• grass fields, and actually soil science and grass science for athletic fields has evolved tremendously
• I'm a Harvard College student studying environmental science and public policy.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing with testimony on a range of environmental bills. Early testimony focused on H. 1018, which would update management of the Commonwealth’s water resources and limit new conditions on historic water registrations. Water officials from Wellesley and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission supported the bill, arguing that drought-related restrictions on registered withdrawals are difficult to administer, create customer confusion, and can undermine utility revenue needed for infrastructure upgrades. A Massachusetts Waterworks Association representative also backed the bill, saying registered systems have long operated within their allocations and should not have those withdrawals conditioned by regulation. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 1040, which would ban tire-derived materials on playgrounds and playing fields. The bill’s petitioner, environmental advocates, and an environmental chemist testified that crumb rubber and other tire-derived infill can release chemicals into soil and water and may pose risks to aquatic life and public health. Committee members asked about alternatives and costs; witnesses said natural grass and some organic infills are available, though more research is needed on some substitutes. Rep. Schwartz also testified on CSO-related bills, describing combined sewer overflows as a public health and environmental problem and saying the bills set deadlines but leave implementation methods to local and regional officials. Rep. Chacolo supported H. 909, a grant program for low-noise, low-emission landscape equipment, citing worker health, noise, and emissions concerns, and Sen. Cyr testified for bills addressing coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution. The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 4040, which would prevent discharge of radioactive materials from the Pilgrim decommissioning process. Speakers including a Sierra Club representative, a physician, and the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association opposed Holtec’s plan to dispose of radioactive wastewater through evaporation or discharge, citing public health, transparency, and economic risks to fisheries and coastal communities. Another large block of testimony addressed CSO legislation, especially H. 1046 and related bills for the MWRA service area. Environmental groups, residents, and river users described sewage overflows into the Charles, Mystic, and Alewife Brook, impacts on health and recreation, and the need for a timeline to eliminate or sharply reduce overflows. Industry representatives opposed the CSO and waste bills, arguing they would be costly, duplicative, and disruptive, while waste facility operators said they already use continuous emissions monitoring and comply with existing regulations. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me just apologize for the nature of this.
• In the packet that you're receiving, there are a couple of maps from NERDL, which is a citizen science
• PFAS have been around since the 60s, and we don't have really great science regarding them.
• We believe that good policy comes from good science, and the science and understanding around PFAS includes
• But then in addition, just their science and data...

Bills: HB1341 , HB1674 , HB4028 , SB2321

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: hydrogen sulfide, public health, environmental regulation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ground level concentrations, emissions limit, emissions limits, ground-level concentrations, air quality, PFAS, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, criminal offense, chemical regulation, preproduction plastic, water quality, pollution control, industrial waste, emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, this is a modest but important first step in recognizing that our educators need to be natural
• For nearly two years, I was not allowed to take any substantive math or science classes.
• For 32 years, I was the Associate Director of the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley.
• For 32 years, I was the Associate Director of the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley.
• Many young people have little connection to nature at all.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here for the Science, Technology, and Telecommunications Committee.
• Computer science students are finding it extremely hard to find a job.
• The real challenge we will see is decision science.
• He has a bachelor's degree in computer science from NMSU.
• them with their math and their science projects.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill requires technology courses to provide students with an understanding of computer science through
• The high school computer science course provision does not require such courses to include instruction
• in artificial intelligence, but if a computer science course does include AI, then that instruction
• in artificial intelligence, but if a computer science course does include AI, then that instruction
• science, social science, and humanities.

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary considered several items. First, it took up SB 1694 on technology education, which would revise postsecondary general education standards to incorporate technology-related instruction, including computer science and artificial intelligence concepts. An amendment was adopted that shifted the bill away from creating a sixth core requirement and instead required technology-integrated core courses to include digital literacy, AI applications, and related topics such as software engineering, networks, databases, and cybersecurity where applicable. The amendment also added guidance for high school computer science courses that include AI, emphasizing critical evaluation, limitations, and ethical use. After brief discussion, the committee voted to report CS for SB 1694 favorably. The committee then approved confirmation of the appointments on Tabs 1 through 2 by a single favorable vote. Next, it considered SPB 7038, a proposed committee bill on postsecondary education and workforce development covering tuition and fee policies, consumer protections, career and technical education, student acceleration, and institutional operations. Senator Berman asked about changes to CIE licensure/jurisdiction and dual enrollment expansion; the sponsor said the bill affects institutions rather than individual courses and is intended to expand student options without necessarily increasing enrollment or funding needs. A Florida Dental Association representative testified in information only, urging preservation of the existing exemption for dental assisting programs from CIE oversight. The committee adopted a motion to submit the proposal as a committee bill and then reported SPB 7038 favorably. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the program manager for PETA's Humane Science Education Division.
• Animal dissection is not a magical way to get students excited about science.
• I am the program manager for Pitas Humane Science Education Division.
• Animal dissection is not a magical way to get students excited about science.
• Peter Reynthal, and I'm here representing the Hands-On Science Partnership.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met for its first hearing of the session, adopted its committee rules on a 6-0 vote, and then heard several bills. AB 347, which would require written notice to students about the right to opt out of animal dissection and receive a comparable assignment, drew strong support from the author, a student, and multiple advocacy and education groups, while opponents argued it would burden teachers and duplicate existing law. The committee approved AB 347 on a 7-0 vote and sent it to Appropriations. AB 281, which would expand parent access to sex education materials and require disclosure of outside consultants’ credentials, drew mixed testimony. Supporters framed it as a transparency and parent-rights measure, while school administrators and county education officials said current law already allows inspection and that the bill would create an unfunded administrative burden. After extended member discussion, the bill failed on a 4-3 vote with one abstention, though reconsideration was granted. AB 65, which would provide paid pregnancy leave for educators without requiring them to exhaust sick leave first, was supported by teachers, CTA, and the State Treasurer, but opposed by school administrators and business officials over cost concerns; it passed 6-0 to Higher Education. The committee also approved AB 361, which would extend and expand LAUSD’s best-value procurement authority for school construction to all school districts for five years, on a 5-0 vote with one abstention. AB 86, which would require the State Board of Education to adopt standardized K-8 health education instructional materials, passed 5-0. Finally, AB 228, the Zaki Fast Act, was introduced to clarify that schools may stock any federally approved epinephrine delivery system, including newer devices beyond auto-injectors, and was presented with testimony from the bill’s young namesake and his family; the transcript cuts off before the committee vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your recommendations highlight 40 states have implemented science of reading reforms.
• I don't think the evidence in our report speaks one way or the other to the science of reading.
• Was there a reason why you specifically called out the science of reading reform?
• I wouldn't look to our data to get guidance on whether to adopt science of reading.
• That are also aligned with the so-called science of reading approach?

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Science supports that. People in our neighborhoods support that.
• Science supports that. People in our neighborhoods support that.
• Staff are being forced to ignore science, their morals, and to put their safety in jeopardy.
• Staff are being forced to ignore science, their morals, and to put their safety in jeopardy.
• It's not a perfect science; there is no such thing as a perfect science when we're dealing with human

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't rocket science.
• This isn't rocket science.
• </c><01:06:21.039><c> is</c> line nature is line nature is wild<01:06:22.960><c> this</c><01:06:23.079
• It's just medical science.
• </c> ignore and disregard your own Natural ignore and disregard your own Natural Instincts<01:55:10.560

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The nature of some of the sodomy laws, it applies to anyone, not just...
• nature of the presumption that it does shift the burden of proof.
• And what you're asking is, so because there's a change in the science, and because the science that you
• That's sort of become second nature to me in practice.
• There's always going to be that period. ...of time and so we have science and we've always had science

Bills: HB 1194 , HB 1221 , HB1738 , HB1913 , HB2177 , HB2178 , HB2180 , HB2229 , HB2282 , HB2448 , HB2492 , HB2777 , HB2984 , HB3357 , HB3553 , HB3602

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee

Transcript Highlights:

• to implement nature-based research and demonstration projects.
• The science is clear: 2030 is a tipping point.
• These are projects that restore natural hydrology.
• Our state is a treasure trove of natural beauty.
• Nature belongs to us all. Thank you.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill. Administration officials said the bill would fund climate resilience, clean water, land conservation, parks, PFAS remediation, food security infrastructure, and coastal and inland flood protection, while also streamlining permitting for housing, restoration, and other resilience projects. They emphasized that the bond authorizes spending but does not itself obligate it, and said the proposal includes deauthorizations as housekeeping. Committee members asked about the new Resilience Revolving Fund, flood and drought management, MVP funding, land acquisition, Chapter 61 right-of-first-refusal changes, salt marsh carbon sequestration, and how the bill would help smaller municipalities and offset expected federal funding losses. Officials said the revolving fund would be managed through EEA and the Clean Water Trust, with criteria aimed at directing aid to communities most in need, and noted that drought issues would continue to be handled through existing DEP and drought commission tools. Several committee members and witnesses discussed specific policy provisions, including flood disclosure requirements for homebuyers and renters, expanded authority for regional planning and small-town access to grants, and permitting reforms that would exempt or expedite certain environmental restoration and priority housing projects from more time-consuming review processes. Administration witnesses defended the reforms as a way to achieve the same environmental outcomes faster and with more certainty, while some advocates argued the bill should go further, especially on Chapter 91 and restoration permitting. The administration also described investments in DCR facilities, water and wastewater systems, open space, agricultural easements, and a new focus on blue carbon and salt marsh restoration. Public testimony largely supported the bill. Mass Audubon, the Trustees of Reservations, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, The Nature Conservancy, MAPC, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, municipal officials, and others praised the bill’s resilience, conservation, and water infrastructure investments. Some witnesses urged additional funding for land protection, coastal resilience, buyouts, and restoration, and several called for stronger or simpler permitting reforms. Municipal witnesses from Boston, Beckett, Beverly, Conway, and regional planning organizations stressed the need for flexible financing, especially for small and rural communities facing costly infrastructure and climate adaptation projects. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee heard testimony and asked questions before moving on to additional panels.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Thursday, February 12th, House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
• Thank you, as always, for joining us here in the Ag Natural Resources Committee.
• So our imperfect assumptions—this is not perfect science.
• You need good science. You need good data.
• The first being, and you may not naturally think about this in the Ag and Natural Resources Committee

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It undermines science and public health.
• It undermines science and public health.
• I don't know if y'all want to agree with that; and deny science.
• And that is the nature of human nature. I don't know, you know, if...
• And that is the nature of human nature.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee took up CS for House Bill 1071, a broad education package described by the sponsor as updating transparency, parental rights, student safety, early learning accountability, scholarship oversight, and instructional program rules. The committee adopted two amendments without objection: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM programs, and another removing a prior provision related to canine dogs on school grounds. Members then questioned the bill’s provisions on student records transfers, instructional materials adoption and removal, educational emergency authority for low-performing schools, health education and a fetal development video, student-led organizations, FHSAA board language, lab schools, and rulemaking authority. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was intended to improve accountability, keep education dollars focused on students, and give districts flexibility, while also noting that some issues would be addressed through future rulemaking or later amendments. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Many speakers argued the bill was an omnibus measure that bundled unrelated policies together, making it hard for families and educators to understand or meaningfully comment on it. Opponents also said it would increase school-law enforcement coordination, chill immigrant and mixed-status families’ participation, restrict DEI-related and student-led organizations, and impose controversial health and embryology content on students. Supporters, including the Christian Family Coalition and Florida Citizens Alliance, backed the fetal development video and the bill’s parental rights and funding restrictions, saying the content should be medically accurate and that schools should not fund political advocacy. Several speakers urged the committee to break the bill into separate measures. In debate, some members praised the sponsor’s responsiveness but said they would vote no because of constituent concerns, especially around DEI, the fetal development video, and local control. Others supported the bill, emphasizing rulemaking, educational emergency flexibility, EpiPen access, early learning changes, and evidence-based math instruction. The sponsor closed by reiterating support for the bill as amended, saying the law enforcement provision had been removed, the embryology content would be opt-out with posted materials, state funds should not support political advocacy, and the bill would help with safety, accountability, and student outcomes. The committee then voted on the bill after debate, with the sponsor indicating support and members stating their positions during closing discussion.