Transcript Highlights:

• Craig Pulsifer, on behalf of Equality California. Good morning, Chair and members.
• Put simply, not all undercover assignments are created equal.
• Even if it's a person, you stay there, render aid, call 911 so that it hopes that aid will come and that
• Frank Shue, Californians for Equal Rights Foundation, in support.
• the causes of equality and merit.

Summary: The committee heard AB 82, which would expand privacy and safety protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care. The author and supporters said the bill is needed because of rising harassment, doxing, and threats, and because sensitive health data could be used by hostile actors; opponents argued it would create constitutional problems, enable abuse of safe-at-home protections, and improperly shield providers and records from scrutiny. Public testimony was heavily divided, with many advocates in support and many privacy, civil liberties, and anti-trafficking or sex-based policy groups in opposition. The bill was moved on a due pass recommendation and remained on call. The committee then heard AB 331, which would clarify that county election certification is a ministerial duty, prohibit misleading ballot return envelopes, and require voter information guides to be delivered to jails in an acceptable format. The Department of Justice and several good-government groups supported the measure, the Secretary of State had no position after amendments, and a committee member noted ongoing concerns but supported it after the changes. The bill passed on a do pass recommendation to Appropriations and was placed on call. AB 1178 followed, proposing to protect undercover peace officers’ names, images, and likenesses in public records while preserving disclosure of sustained misconduct records. Law enforcement and public safety groups supported the bill as a needed safety measure, while journalists, transparency advocates, and civil liberties groups opposed it, saying existing law already protects officers and the new language could lead to overbroad withholding. After discussion about the scope of undercover status and the need for judicial discretion, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar. Later, AB 981 was heard, creating a five-county pilot program requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for certain reckless driving convictions. Supporters, including traffic safety advocates and crash victims, said the bill could reduce repeat speeding and save lives; opponents raised concerns about cost, installer oversight, liability for automakers, and the breadth of the pilot. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 22, which would repeal Proposition 57 and restrict release of sexually violent predators and certain sex offenders, drew strong opposition from youth justice, public defender, and civil liberties groups who said it would be unconstitutional and harmful; the chair recommended no, no motion was made, and the bill was held. Finally, AB 897, a squatter-removal bill, was presented with the author arguing it would protect property owners through a faster due-process process; the transcript cuts off during early support testimony and does not show a final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• and county program aid, beginning with aids payable in 2026.
• aids payable in 2026. aids payable in 2026.
• Also, $15 program aid aid reduction.
• aid and to statewide local housing aid. aid and to statewide local housing aid.
• <00:38:36.800> goes<00:38:37.040> to aid, 66% of local government aid goes to aid,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Open Door Grant Program is a financial aid program operated by the Office of Student Financial Assistance
• Equally as important is your continued support along with the commitment of our districts, colleges and
• in teaching profession and that program, someone can work as a paraprofessional in a classroom as an aid
• It is there an opportunity and any kind of scholarship opportunity or financial aid opportunity for them
• local institutions to provide some of the best academic advising, as well as our student financial aid

Transcript Highlights:

• In my early years of undergraduate journey, I was a proud recipient of this aid.
• This aid is not a charity. It's an investment in the future of Texas.
• Back home, I was in aid with Julie Johnson's congressional campaign.
• more revenue to institutions than the state spends in aid or formula funding.
• We've got to remember that these students get no federal aid.

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:19:36.919> would<00:19:37.159> still<00:19:37.559> be<00:19:37.880> equal
• to or less again we would still be equal to or less than<00:19:39.360> all<00:19:39.520> the
• and if we're giving enough adequate Aid and if we're giving enough adequate Aid and<03:41:37.159
• I did go—when I saw the LBA, I did ask him, how do I get up to student aid being equal to $8,000?
• I did go—when I saw the LBA, I did ask him, how do I get up to student aid being equal to $8,000?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The public hearing focused on HB 290, which would raise cigarette and e-cigarette/vaping taxes and create a committee to study tobacco and nicotine tax policy. Representative Jerry Stringham introduced the bill as both a public health and revenue measure, arguing that nicotine use causes health harms and public costs, and that New Hampshire’s cigarette tax has been unchanged at $1.78 per pack since 2013. He said the bill would raise the cigarette tax by $1 per pack to $2.78, still below most New England states, and would also adjust vaping taxes, which he described as having been set as placeholder rates in 2019. He said the bill would also establish a study committee to review broader tobacco and nicotine taxation, including products such as premium cigars. In response to questions, Stringham said the proposed cigarette tax would be roughly equal in real dollars to the 2008 rate after inflation, and he suggested that a smaller annual increase could be considered, though he believed a larger increase would have a stronger public health effect. He explained that the vaping tax structure differs between closed and open systems because one taxes a fixed hardware product while the other taxes reusable liquid, and he said the proposal would move the rates toward a more uniform approach. He also said New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase, though members raised concerns about cross-border shopping, business impacts, and preserving the state’s competitive advantage. Several members questioned whether the bill’s main purpose was revenue or reducing smoking and vaping. Stringham said he viewed it primarily as a public health bill, but also as a revenue measure, and said he would consider it successful even if consumption fell enough to reduce revenue. Other members emphasized personal freedom and argued the committee should focus on taxation rather than cessation, while some supported the bill as a way to capture revenue from out-of-state buyers and keep New Hampshire’s rates below surrounding states. The hearing consisted of testimony and questions only; no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I know local funding of special education aid, as mandated by the federal government through IDEA,
• If I know local funding of special education aid, as mandated by the federal government through IDEA,
• trust fund targeted aid cap considered the<01:06:54.880> same<01:06:55.119> report<01:
• distribution of targeted education aid distribution of targeted education aid between<01:09:31.120
• affirm that every child deserves equal affirm that every child deserves equal respect.<01:24:19.360

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• civil and voting rights orchestrated by Bayard Rustin and leading the global fight against HIV and AIDS
• who have stood firm in their intersectional identities as they have led the charge to seek true equality
• It's about acknowledging the ongoing struggles for racial equality and social justice and committing
• She advocated for education self-sufficiency, and equal rights for black people.
• It is a living, breathing testament to the relentless pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• School Readiness Aid is for our school readiness programs; there's an aid component that comes to districts
• uh and then that Community Education Aid uh and then that Community Education Aid in<00:08:46.040
• <00:09:06.640> to visiting Levy and home visiting Aid to visiting Levy and home visiting Aid
• uh School Readiness Aid is for our<00:09:12.760> School<00:09:13.000> Readiness<00:09:
• Mental health was assessed and aided through our embedded therapist.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Along with equal protection under the law for all Minnesotans.
• The aim of the inclusive Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is to establish equality rights as an unassailable
• Last week, on Equal Rights Day and Equal Pay Day, in a bipartisan effort, the Congressional Chief Sponsors
• Those values of freedom, fairness, and equality.
• Law as being equal and to have equal opportunity.

Bills: HF1837, HF361, HF2725, HF2566, HF2744, HF1685, HF501, HF1889, HF1389

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• funding recommendations for FY 26-27 in these areas, as well as the proposal to increase Texas grant aid
• This will aid in modernizing the campus infrastructure backbone to support learning delivery and create
• These requests will aid in continuing to improve the preparedness and productivity of our great state
• These expenses are largely borne by the students. and this cost equals at least another year or more
• They would also be eligible for financial aid to offset those costs.

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:

• in that location that is geographically located, so as to also provide the voters in that county an equal
• We have an alternate but equally effective approach for vote-by-mail ballots and early voting.
• each one of your offices yesterday, and I had great conversations with each one of your legislative aides
• each one of your offices yesterday, and I had great conversations with each one of your legislative aids

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and took up Senate Bill 62 by Senator Errington, which would create an enforceable requirement that partisan candidates meet the 365-day party affiliation or no-party registration requirement before qualifying. The committee adopted an amendment changing the effective date to upon becoming law, heard no opposition, and then approved the bill. The committee also approved a slate of 15 gubernatorial nominees en bloc and recommended them to the floor. The Florida Supervisors of Elections presented their 2026 legislative priorities. Their requests included automatically updating voter records when DHSMV changes driver license numbers, treating verified petition signing by inactive voters as voter activity that restores active status, adding election equipment and ballots to the state’s critical infrastructure protections, clarifying public-records treatment of election worker names and addresses, allowing more flexibility for early voting sites when a supervisor’s office is not suitable, eliminating the need for provisional-ballot envelopes when polling hours are extended by emergency order, and allowing vote-by-mail voters to remain on the list for the next general election unless they opt out. Senators asked questions about inactive voter status, security implications, early voting site requirements, and vote-by-mail renewal, and several members expressed support or interest in the supervisors’ proposals. During public testimony, several speakers urged stronger election-integrity measures, including proof of citizenship, tighter chain-of-custody controls, more hand-counting or manual audits, quarterly list maintenance, and reduced reliance on vote-by-mail and voting machines. They also criticized current audit systems and cited outside reports and research they said showed vulnerabilities in Florida’s election process. No additional committee action was taken after public testimony, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• medication and if the health aid medication and if the health aid accompanies<00:21:24.960> the
• <00:21:58.600> is the Sha the school health aid is the Sha the school health aid is authorized
• school may send um the school health aid school may send um the school health aid um<00:22:23.919
• This is their Band-Aid. What's your solution? That's what I would ask you.
• This is their Band-Aid. What's your solution? That's what I would ask you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Committee on Education and Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard Senate Bill 422, which would authorize the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The Department of Education testified in support, noting a prior law that created the Kono diploma program before it sunset in 2020. Several members of the public also testified in support. Both committees later recommended passage of SB 422 without amendments, and the recommendation was adopted by voice votes. The committees then heard Senate Bill 530 on Braille literacy. The bill would establish Braille literacy as state policy, require Braille-related literacy assessments for eligible blind and low-vision students, authorize DOE rulemaking, create a Braille Literacy Resource Center, and appropriate funds. DOE and the Department of Human Services supported the measure, as did the National Federation of the Blind, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and a blind testifier who described the importance of early Braille instruction. The Attorney General’s office raised concerns about statutory language requiring yearly assessments and suggested revisions so annual decisions remain with IEP teams. The committees voted to pass SB 530 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested changes, and adopted the recommendation. The next measure was Senate Bill 532, which would allow school staff and agents trained by a licensed clinician to volunteer to administer medication to students in public schools under certain conditions and clarify who may prescribe such medication. DOE and Department of Health testimony supported the bill. The Attorney General recommended replacing the term “licensed clinician” with the defined term “health care professional.” The Hawaii Academy of Physician Assistants supported the bill but asked that physician assistants be included among providers who may prescribe medications for school administration. After questions about current school health aide duties and field-trip medication procedures, the committees voted to pass SB 532 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s terminology change, and adopted the recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:41.280> allocated parties with time equally allocated parties with time equally allocated
• minority rights, and ensure equality minority rights, and ensure equality under<00:21:16.960>
• I suppose you could say this is a band-aid solution, but having cut my finger recently, I like band-aid
• <03:38:27.279> to band-aids are necessary sometimes to band-aids are necessary sometimes to
• million in gold, which equals million in gold, which equals approximately<05:49:37.680> $560<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, January 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:40:51.920> everyone<00:40:52.720> is where everyone is equal, everyone is where
• everyone is equal, everyone is empowered,<00:40:54.320> where<00:40:54.960> they<00:40
• I am with 603 Equality. Uh, I am here to testify in opposition to HB 132.
• I am with 603 equality. Uh I Teraveia. I am with 603 equality.
• A host of emergency responders, as part of mutual aid agreements from different towns, came to aid the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• education must work to strengthen tenure, fund minority serving institutions, and expand financial aid
• today came from the labor, organizing, and resilience of people of color who have long fought for equality
• We are working on proposals to ensure equal opportunity for all students, protect funding for student
• We thank Representative Vers for filing our Equal Opportunity bill, and we are counting on your support

Transcript Highlights:

• From an operator's standpoint, it's easy to put a Band-Aid on things.
• This is where the Band-Aid comes into play. Mr.
• a chemical for that just the same, you know, and there's a chemical to fix things, but it's a Band-Aid
• It is nothing more than a Band-Aid.
• But it's a band-aid. Guess what?

Summary: The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban. After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we direct our attention to the Ag Research Extension, you will see there is a 3% increase, equaling
• If we direct our attention to the Ag Research Extension, you will see there is a 3% increase, equaling
• If we direct our attention to the Ag Research Extension, you will see there is a 3% increase, equaling
• . >> Senate Bill 3060, appropriation, IAGL, student financial aid.
• aid training for<01:08:33.960> county<01:08:34.279> and<01:08:34.359> municipal

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery. The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference. The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their foundation differentiated aid.
• aid aid and<01:16:52.800> I<01:16:53.040> think<01:16:53.120> we<01:16:53.360><
• education aid package. education aid package. >> Correct.<01:37:29.360> Yeah.
• education aid so the special<01:54:09.199> education<01:54:09.679> aid<01:54:10.080>
• Um supplementary aids and things.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd rather rip the band-aid off, Mr. Chair.
• I'd rather rip the band-aid off, Mr. I'd rather rip the band-aid off, Mr. Chair. Chair. Chair.
• It was the original equal access 1984.
• 02:28:41.280> is<02:28:41.439> not equal access to broadband is not equal access to broadband
• File 2045, the Equal Access to Broadband<02:29:14.640> Act.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we have a very complex uh base adequacy, differentiated aid for three components, targeted aid
• for extraordinary needs, and fiscal capacity disparity aid.
• <00:12:56.480> for base adequacy differentiated aid for base adequacy differentiated aid for
• > for three components targeted aid for three components targeted aid for extraordinary<00:13:
• What what this bill aims disparity aid.

Keywords: 1189, house, all