Transcript Highlights:

• Baltz, and I'm the administrator-clerk-treasurer for the city of Spring Lake Park, and I want to express
• Lake Park and I'm and want to express Lake Park and I'm and want to express our<00:03:44.879>
• and um and commerce of um activity and um and commerce around<00:10:08.760> us<00:10:09.760><
• Then we also contract directly with Metro Transit for their express bus service.
• they they do the the the um the express they they do the the the um the express bus<01:53:38.079

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• carbon injection technology to activated carbon injection technology to capture<00:15:59.640> and
• a challenge that they're facing, express a challenge that they're facing, and<00:39:56.040> I'm
• Senate File 4749 is for the express purpose of setting up a task force on housing taxes and fees.
• If it's active, it's confidential, protected, non-public. If it's inactive, it's public.
• But I'm here to express strong support for the Sports and Events Reimbursement Program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the reasons that I've expressed above, the MPCA is in opposition to House File 376.
• For the reasons that I've expressed above, the MPCA is in opposition to House File 376.
• For the reasons that I've expressed above, the MPCA is in opposition to House File 376.
• For the reasons that I've expressed above, the MPCA is in opposition to House File 376.
• It is really aimed at expressive speech and conduct.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• you for taking my call yesterday and for our phone call to discuss this, and that you and I both express
• I expressed some of my concerns in regard to this.
• arrest, or detain a person, or otherwise assist in any investigation involving protected health care activity
• Any investigation involving protected health care activity. Move to report the bill.

Keywords: House Committee Room 1200, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. um yesterday I believe and I expressed a um yesterday I believe and I expressed a concern<
• You know, in the past our law enforcement folks, our chief of police, has been very active.
• You know, in the past our law enforcement folks, our chief of police, has been very active.
• people they can't do certain activities people they can't do certain activities but<03:57:43.279
• There are 16 active hate groups in a state of 1.1 million people.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ECECD expresses strong... ECECD expresses strong support for Senate Bill 23.
• ECECD expresses strong support for Senate Bill 23.
• this increases face-to-face engagement. 72% noted a shift from the heads-down scrolling to actual active
• this increases face-to-face engagement. 72 noted a shift from the heads-down scrolling to actual active
• Cell phone use on activity bus, even that exceeds classroom hours.

Bills: SB23, SB73, SB210, SB234, SB243, SB244, SM16

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans and active military personnel have the ability to apply for specialized license plates under
• The Brazos-Santiago Pilots have been active since the early 20th century.
• I'm here to express strong support for Senate Bill 1841. Thank you.
• Smith County Commissioner's Court fully supports this designation and adopted a resolution to express
• I am here to express my support for this bill, which will improve...

Bills: SB249, SB546, SB744, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1365, SB1366, SB1394, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1745, SB1746, SB1772, SB1816, SB1841, SB1939

Keywords: memorial markers, law enforcement, officer memorials, killed in the line of duty, highway signage, school bus, school district, student transportation, child safety, seat belts, three-point seat belt, two-point seat belt, bus retrofit, bus warranty, Texas Education Agency, TEA, transportation code, school activity bus, multifunction school activity bus, school-chartered bus

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no active—there isn't any track laid. There's nothing.
• I just really want to express our gratitude for a budget that understands the critical role counties
• Also expressing appreciation and an I vote for strong investments in schools and community colleges,
• Also expressing appreciation and an aye vote for strong investments in schools and community colleges
• I want to express appreciation. Thank you for the Prop. 98 package especially.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have had people express a concern that this bill is transphobic.
• I have had people express a concern that this bill is transphobic.
• many transgender law-abiding active many transgender law-abiding active service<02:04:11.280>
• Okay, do you have to question that activity?
• Okay, do you have to question that activity?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed. Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details. Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• congratulate Michael and his selection for the National Outstanding Ag Teacher of the Year Award, and express
• NASA has continued these activities as the Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program.
• NASA has continued these activities as the Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program.
• BUDGETARY BURDENS AND OPERATIONAL SECURITY RISKS AFFECTING NATIONAL DEFENSE ACTIVITIES.
• I am extremely disappointed that the House has been denied any opportunity to Express its will in such

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 3rd largest Army base in the nation, 50% of our student population is military affiliated, either active
• Uh, how many of those are, are active duty?
• That's a great idea, but how, how, how many active duties currently this semester, 5% of our students
• are active duty, uh, service members in the United States Army.
• It talks about our activity in the last 61 months, 58 independent activations of the state emergency

Transcript Highlights:

• He volunteers as chairman of the Diocese of San Angelo on the Finance Council. is an active member of
• I have had some of my district clerks. expressed concern, and it's something that we struggle with in
• We, you know, so I think we actively try to do things. I know the board right before I came.
• We have staff that actively manages each project to ensure.
• But active management doesn't necessarily equate audit.

Keywords: Texas Water Fund, water management, infrastructure funding, local governments, workforce development, community colleges, educational programs, sustainability

Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial issues, including the Texas Water Fund and its implications for development in the state. Various members highlighted the critical need for effective management of water resources, discussing the role of the Water Development Board and their strategies for outreach to local governments. The committee engaged in a thorough examination of funding projects and the sustainable financing necessary for communities facing challenges in meeting their infrastructure needs. Additionally, there was notable discussion regarding promoting workforce development and the alignment of educational programs with the demands of the job market as indicated by recent trends in community colleges.

Transcript Highlights:

• Introduction of Senate resolution, Senate resolution number 113 by Senator Budra is the resolution to express
• Don't be angry at them for expressing it either side.
• Don't be angry at them for expressing it either side.
• , and strengthening tourism and the local economy. ...billions in economic activity and strengthening
• : House Concurrent Resolution No. 11 by Representative Mike Johnson is a concurrent resolution to express

Bills: SCR63, SCR12, HB89, HB451, HB595, HB617, HB621, HB730, HB1064, HB1125, HB221, HCR58, SB106, SB206, SB248, SB441, SB104, SB122, SB180, SB260, SB424, SB476, SCR9, SCR30, SB57, SB414, SB525, SB35, SB65, SB135, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB276, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB501, SB513, HCR31, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB691, HB712, HB720, HB723, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB29, HB39, HB58, HB67, HB73, HB76, HB77, HB82, HB112, HB121, HB125, HB132, HB134, HB151, HB154, HB155, HB161, HB166, HB187, HB191, HB207, HB211, HB224, HB238, HB241, HB242, HB250, HB260, HB265, HB275, HB300, HB320, HB338, HB339, HB349, HB379, HB399, HB427, HB463, HB464, HB468, HB545, HB550, HB551, HB565, HB588, HB639, HB725, HB782, HB805, HB808, HB834, HB847, HB853, HB858, HB861, HB883, HB916, HB937, HB977, HB1012, HB1027, HB1044, HB1054, HB1091, HB1117, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB17, HB21, HB51, HB55, HB74, HB106, HB108, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB168, HB215, HB226, HB263, HB296, HB299, HB322, HB364, HB519, HB535, HB538, HB568, HB571, HB622, HB635, HB676, HB772, HB784, HB1006, HB1018, HB1033, HB1034, HB1043, HB1070, HB1134, HB1237, HB1239, HB36, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB677, HB726, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, SB149, SB382

Keywords: fiscal notes, legislation, legislative auditor, state policy, conflict of interest, logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB89, Act 615, district attorney, assistant district attorney, retiree health insurance, group health insurance, retirement benefits, public employee benefits, Third Judicial District, Thirtieth Judicial District

Summary: The Senate convened with 32 members present, heard a guest prayer from Pastor Dr. Michael Linton, and proceeded through routine journal approval and legislative bureau reports. The chamber received numerous House messages on passed Senate bills and House bills, introduced several resolutions and concurrent resolutions, and recognized Former Legislators’ Day with remarks honoring deceased former members and welcoming back past legislators and other officials. The Senate also adopted SCR 63, which asks the Legislative Auditor to review how fiscal notes are developed and prepared, after an amendment clarifying the study’s scope and a 33-0 vote. The body then took up a series of Senate bills returned from the House. It concurred in House amendments to SB 106 (crime scene recordings/public records), SB 206 (blood pressure testing in schools, narrowed to athletes), SB 248 (polling place closures for very small precincts), SB 104 (highway memorial designation), SB 122 (bridge preservation), SB 180 (disabled veterans’ homestead exemption transfer language), SB 260 (youth athletics safety training/Coach Safely Act), and SB 476 (garnishment service wording). It rejected House amendments to SB 441 on pre-kindergarten programs. SB 57 on nutrition cleanup, SB 414 on medical debt protection, SB 525 on unclaimed property purchases, SB 501 on postsecondary health information postings, and SB 276 on bail bond producer affidavits all advanced or passed, with SB 57 and SB 414 ultimately passing and SB 525 and SB 501 also receiving final passage. The Senate also adopted SCR 30, a resolution urging Congress to ensure accountability and release of Epstein-related files, and later took up SB 513, a pilot program involving average bid/design-build contracting for certain airport-related projects, which passed 25-10 after extended questioning about its purpose and safeguards. SB 484, revising higher education governance and removing LUMCON language in favor of a study commission, passed 36-1. In personal privilege remarks, senators recognized Louisiana Arts Day and introduced guest Ed Tillman. The chamber then began a long series of House bills, including HB 462 on the Capital Area Road and Bridge District board composition, HB 547 on photographing voter registration information, HB 613 on marking driver’s licenses with citizenship status, HB 691 on voter-roll verification through the federal SAVE system, and HB 712 waiving certain OMV fees for homeless individuals; several of these bills were explained and moved toward final passage as the session continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• This activity will ultimately lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in economic development activity
• This activity will ultimately lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in economic development activity
• , especially when those activities so often contradict ratepayer interests.
• Ratepayers should not be paying for those activities.
• Raid pair should not be paying for those activities.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several energy-related bills, with the main focus on H. 3534/S. 2255, which would ban or sharply restrict residential third-party electric suppliers, and on related reform proposals. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, municipal and regional planning officials, environmental justice groups, consumer advocates, and city officials from Boston and Chelsea. They argued that the residential competitive supply market has produced higher bills, deceptive sales tactics, auto-renewals into higher rates, and disproportionate harm to low-income residents, seniors, communities of color, and people with limited English. Witnesses cited AG reports estimating hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges over time, described door-to-door and storefront marketing abuses, and said municipal aggregation programs have saved residents money while offering more stable rates. Several supporters said the Legislature should either ban residential competitive supply or adopt strong guardrails such as ending automatic renewals, banning incentive-based commissions, and capping rates relative to basic service. Opponents or industry representatives from the Retail Energy Advancement League, Vistra, and Constellation argued that the market can provide savings, longer-term price stability, and value-added products such as renewable options and time-of-use offerings. They said Massachusetts has already improved consumer protections through DPU proceedings, that complaints are relatively few compared with the size of the market, and that a ban would eliminate consumer choice. They also defended direct sales and commissions as normal features of a retail market, while saying they would support additional protections, licensing, bonding, and stronger oversight of bad actors. Committee members pressed both sides on whether the market truly saves money, whether automatic renewals should be banned, and whether the AG’s proposed reforms would be enough. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3972, a bill to extend utility shutoff protections during extreme heat, with Rep. Mindy Domb arguing that Massachusetts should treat extreme heat like extreme cold and protect customers facing financial hardship. Rep. Barrett also testified for H. 3450, a municipal broadband/right-of-way bill, arguing that communities need easier and cheaper access to utility poles and public rights of way to build municipal broadband. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Creem testified for S. 2239, which would bar utilities from recovering ratepayer funds for lobbying, promotions, trade association dues, and similar expenses. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a warrant for some other criminal activity in our area.
• This is the kind of activity that Colby was involved with.
• This is the kind of activity that Colby was involved with.
• This is the kind of activity that Colby was involved with.
• This is the kind of activity that Colby was involved with.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on several public safety bills, with testimony first on S.2681, Colby’s Law, which would establish safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Supporters, including the family of a child killed at a track, argued the bill is needed because some tracks lack basic protections such as barriers, emergency plans, on-site medical staff, and adequate track maintenance. A motocross track representative opposed the bill as overregulation that could impose major costs and argued existing safety efforts and voluntary safety committees are preferable. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S.2680, which would expand emergency preparedness requirements around aging nuclear power plants and nuclear waste sites from a 10-mile to a 50-mile radius. Supporters from Cape Cod Downwinders, Massachusetts Peace Action, physicians, and other advocates said current law is outdated and insufficient, citing risks from radioactive waste storage, limited federal oversight, and the need for broader evacuation and emergency planning. Testifiers urged the bill’s passage, and no action was taken. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Protect Act, H.5158, dealing with limits on cooperation between state/local agencies and federal civil immigration enforcement. Sheriffs testified about how ICE detainers and notification requests work in practice, emphasizing discretion, public safety, and the difference between sentenced prisoners and pretrial detainees. Supporters from labor, education, and health care groups said immigrant communities are living in fear and asked for stronger protections, including bans on 287(g) agreements and clearer limits on ICE activity in schools, hospitals, and other sensitive locations. The hearing also included testimony on H.4697 regarding training and certification of constables and civil deputy sheriffs, with the Hampshire County sheriff saying sheriffs are already working with POST and MPTC on training standards and that the bill may be duplicative.

Transcript Highlights:

• So. ...or the overflight, as opposed to all of the related activities.
• No, I would say the licensed activities, that's what it is intended to cover.
• I did express my concern.
• He said the request covers the full breadth of expropriation activities.
• I did want to express those concerns. I heard from my caucus members.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Current law stops drones from flying over these installations, but spaceports, which actively drive Texas's
• They're still active. Our country has already invested in their training, leadership, expertise.
• From 1984 to 1988, I served in the United States Army Reserve, and then transferred to active duty in
• same time, it's my belief that the phrase 'thank you for your service' can be more than a polite expression
• For that, For that reason, I come here today to show my support and express my gratitude for what is

Bills: SB390, SB1197, SB1271

Keywords: veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, 1185

Summary: The Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills related to military installations, veterans, and contracting opportunities. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to spaceports, with exceptions for authorized users; no public testimony was offered at the first hearing, and the bill was left pending before later being reported favorably. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, which would allow Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations so state and local authorities could handle certain juvenile offenses and provide more rehabilitative options; a committee substitute was explained, but the bill was left pending after no initial witnesses appeared. The committee also considered SB 390, which would expand the state historically underutilized business definition to include SBA-certified veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability rating. Supporters from the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and other veterans argued the change would improve access to state contracting, strengthen the economy, and better recognize veterans’ contributions. Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category to all veterans might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB classifications, and Jim Brennan echoed that concern while suggesting a separate category might be more workable. During the pending-legislation portion, the committee voted on several bills. SB 651 and SB 897 were each substituted and reported favorably to the full Senate, with both also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was likewise reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1197 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 was left pending after a motion to report the committee substitute favorably, and SB 390 was left pending after testimony concluded. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• > any<01:03:07.920> other prevent activation for any other prevent activation for any other
• statute chief leader of the active statute chief leader of the active military<01:33:18.880>
• expressed the same things he expressed expressed the same things he expressed to<01:34:37.440>
• the National Command Authority activates the National Command Authority activates troops,<01:36:
• <01:42:24.000> your says, "I want you to activate your says, "I want you to activate your

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just want to express my gratitude to you.
• Industry continues to express support for existing voluntary commitments.
• We've been active.
• It does not interfere with federal enforcement activity.
• Thank you. enforcement activity.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has been an active effort for about three years directly.
• And so that is active in discussion.
• I get up in the air, I activate that flight plan. There's a lot of human pieces to that.
• There's a lot of activity.
• There's a lot of activity.

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.