Transcript Highlights:

• We've had a lot of conversations about the labs, about the testing, and we did give money for testing
• and um, we did give money for testing and um, we did give money for testing<03:10:14.640> and
• <03:10:45.279> my we do need more money for testing my we do need more money for testing my
• <03:25:34.479> Uh DNA test work needing to happen. Uh DNA test work needing to happen.
• have contracted with outside testing have contracted with outside testing agencies.<03:30:12.080

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 18, 2026 journal, and received several committee and House messages. Judiciary reported juvenile parole board appointments to the consent calendar for confirmation, and Transportation and Energy reported Senate Bills 28 and 25 along with other measures. The House transmitted multiple bills to the Reviser of Statutes, and the Senate later agreed to take up a large group of House bills on special order and consent calendar. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to personal-privilege remarks recognizing visiting groups, including the Mad Moms and Mad Dads advocating for people with serious mental illness, and the Colorado Gifted and Talented Association. Members spoke about stigma and the need for mental health legislation, and about supporting gifted students and their families. These remarks were welcomed by the chair and other senators. The Senate then considered a package of supplemental appropriation bills, including House Bills 1150 through 1179, covering agency budgets, school finance adjustments, education fund uses, and capital construction transfers. The committee of the whole adopted the package on second reading, and the full Senate later adopted the committee report by a vote of 33 ayes, with one excused and one vacant seat. The bills were ordered placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. House Bill 1151, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Corrections, drew extended debate. Supporters argued the bill was needed to cover existing obligations, avoid more costly jail backlogs, and prevent unsafe conditions, while critics said the department’s population management failures and broader sentencing policies were driving unnecessary costs and called for accountability and structural reform before more funding. Despite the debate, the bill was included in the adopted second-reading package.

Transcript Highlights:

• the House had a pretty vigorous debate about whether or not these credits should include an income test
• As far as I remember, we lost that debate, and this credit does not have an income test.
• Chair, Madam, the tax credit doesn't have an income test.
• There is no test for income.
• I wonder if it might be time to look closer at an income test.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, this I think was the first major test of our ability to work together under this power-sharing
• agreement, and I'm really pleased that we passed that test and delivered a budget resolution on time
• agreement, and I'm really pleased that we passed that test and delivered a budget resolution on time
• > You know, this I think was the first You know, this I think was the first major<00:09:25.200> test
• and delivered um a we passed that test and delivered um a uh<00:09:34.240> budget<00:09:34.680

Bills: HF601

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• talking about harmful content as already defined in the penal code, which has to pass a three-pronged test
• That three-part test is also a subjective test based on community standards. say that it is somewhat
• Let's walk through the three-part test and see how that fits. Can you read back test number one?
• But, you know. as defined in Supreme Court precedent, I don't believe that that would meet the test for
• We don't want our teachers to suddenly be subjected to lawsuits, subjective tests.

Bills: HB14, HB 106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HB 1127, HB1359, HB1393, HB1584, HB1640, HB1710, HB2152, HCR101, HJR8, HR51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to view the case test, and we're going to view the budget. Okay.
• We see they're passing all these tests. That's what we expect to see.
• We're going to view the case test, and we're going to view the budget. Okay.
• We see they're passing all these tests. That's what we expect to see.
• After the vendor is selected, what will the process for beta testing and testing include?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• How much does it cost to do this literally 10-second test? It's very cheap.
• of those tests and drugs.
• The lab running the tests will still be expecting their money.
• The test to the radiology is about a tenth of that.
• Get the test positive.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:17.120> this<00:10:17.360> test<00:10:17.760> to<00:10:18.079> all
• <00:10:19.120> uh<00:10:19.360> law able to provide this test to all uh law able to
• provide this test to all uh law enforcement<00:10:20.079> entities<00:10:21.040> in<00
• <00:10:36.959> Um, test. also standardized questions.
• Um, test. also standardized questions.

Bills: HB0032

Keywords: English proficiency, commercial drivers, vehicle operation, traffic safety, penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is now required for every athlete to be tested for sickle cell, whether it be basketball, football
• "Aren't all babies tested, right?" >> Aren't all babies tested, right?
• >> So, all babies are tested. That was started back in 1987. Actually, Alabama led the way.
• We're the very first state to start testing for sickle cell. >> So, why would athletes need to because
• have sickle cell trait and you see urine in your blood, you should be going to your doctor to be tested

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• tested positive for at least one drug.
• And 67% of the population tested positive for two or more substances.
• And then when you break that down a little more and you look at that, 7,455 that tested positive, 48%
• So can you tell me what percentage of the population is testing positive for substance use?
• percent of those of that number that was tested that tested positive for substance abuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• My biggest concern on the bill is testing.
• So I'm concerned about the testing.
• So I'm concerned about the testing. That is not...
• So this is my biggest concern: how the testing will include diversity, how much testing is already being
• After being in the classroom for 25 years, it was like more testing.

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Transcript Highlights:

• if you go in for a mammogram and the doctor says to you, we see something, you need supplemental testing
• , that you would not have to have a co-pay for that supplemental testing.
• if you go in for a mammogram and the doctor says to you, we see something, you need supplemental testing
• , that you would not have to have a co-pay for that supplemental testing.
• we're doing it is because people often can't afford the next step when you do need the supplemental testing

Summary: The committee first heard SB 932, which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging under state-regulated insurance policies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce delays in follow-up testing after abnormal mammograms and noted support from medical and cancer advocacy groups. Senators Arrington and Sharief spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 160 on CPA licensure. The sponsor said the bill adds additional pathways to licensure in Florida without lowering standards and is similar to measures being considered in other states. The Florida Institute of CPAs supported the bill, and it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up a water management district bill, described as a comprehensive measure to increase transparency in planning, funding, budgeting, reporting, and business practices while making historic investments in Everglades restoration. Senators asked about the role of the Legislative Budget Commission and whether the bill would affect the Lake Okeechobee system operating manual; the sponsor said those issues were still being worked through and that the bill was focused on accountability and transparency. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 50 on coastal resiliency and mangroves. The bill promotes nature-based solutions such as mangroves, living seawalls, and oyster reefs, and requires DEP to establish related rules and study effects on flood risk and insurance premiums. An amendment providing $250,000 from the Resilient Florida Trust Fund for a feasibility study was adopted without objection. The bill drew broad support from environmental and coastal groups and was reported favorably. SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification was temporarily postponed and not heard, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So testing really focused on the long-term care facilities, which makes up 62% of this population, and
• So testing really focused on the long-term care facilities, which makes up 62% of this population, and
• So testing really focused on the long-term care facilities, which makes up 62% of this population, and
• During our testing, we were not able to confirm balances for 20 of the 59 providers that we tested.
• During our testing, we were not able to confirm balances for 20 of the 59 providers that we tested.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the January 16, 2024 minutes without objection. Members then heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its December 2024 performance audit of the Department of Human Services’ outstanding provider debt in Minnesota’s Medicaid fee-for-service program. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall said the audit was launched after the office noticed a large accounts receivable balance during the state financial statement audit and became concerned that DHS did not understand the extent of the overpayments, had poor data, and planned to forgo recovery of some recoverable balances. Deputy Legislative Auditor Lori Lyson explained that DHS had reported $51.7 million in provider debt across about 2,500 providers in fiscal year 2023, with testing focused on long-term care facilities and the largest balances. The audit concluded DHS did not comply with legal requirements and lacked adequate internal controls. Findings included that DHS had not attempted to recover more than $40 million since collection notices were last sent in 2015 and 2019; that the department planned to write off some balances under $1,000 and some older than six years despite the auditors’ view that at least some of that debt may still be recoverable; that DHS overstated accounts receivable in its financial reporting because it had not updated its allowance calculation since 2019; and that MMIS data were insufficient to verify balances, with 20 of 59 sampled providers not reconciling and many dates inaccurate. In response to member questions, the auditors said the overpayments appeared to be routine program adjustments rather than fraud, but the department could not explain many of them because detailed data are only retained for about three years. They also said they did not know which specific DHS leader approved not collecting the debt, and that responsibility for recovery appeared split between program and finance staff, with each pointing to the other. The auditors recommended DHS recover the debt where possible, improve internal controls, retain better documentation, ensure accurate financial reporting, and work with the legislature if needed to clarify recovery authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• sites. ...and criminalize the possession of safe consumption and testing sites.
• Right now, and it is illegal for somebody to possess a test kit to test for that.
• Yes, thank you for a test money. Great job.
• In Florida, coroners have been required to test for kratom in every autopsy since 2020.
• The sale of a new drug without FDA approval and the rigorous safety testing required for such approval

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an advocate for competency-based testing.
• Um, I think sanitation and a law test.
• um competency based testing. um competency based testing.
• , as testing, as testing, if<00:53:49.520> they<00:53:49.760> have<00:53:50.000>
• like they can test and pass. Why not? like they can test and pass. Why not?

Keywords: Public Health - Room 216, 27 January, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 3, a Medicaid and certificate-of-need measure described as a revised version of a bill vetoed by the governor the previous year. The bill would remove a prohibition on a psychiatric residential treatment facility in one county from Medicaid participation, add 20 beds for a Madison County facility, allow crossover status for a Harrison County hospital, require MC to obtain a certificate of need for facilities outside the original Jackson campus area, increase capital expenditure limits, and remove the provision the governor had objected to. Members discussed whether the bill was really a study item or a substantive new requirement, especially a provision tied to acute adult psychiatric units treating uninsured patients or paying a fee. The chair explained the policy concern as preventing “cherry-picking” of insured patients and shifting more uncompensated care to public facilities. The committee voted that the title was sufficient and the ayes appeared to have it, then voted to rise and report. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2453, a clarifying bill on window tinting/glazing exemptions. The sponsor explained that current law requires a physician’s affidavit for an exception, and the bill would clarify that licensed optometrists, along with physicians, may sign the affidavit for people whose eyes are sensitive to light. After brief questions, the committee again voted that the title was sufficient and the ayes appeared to have it. The chair said the two bills were being moved quickly to the docket room for processing and that the committee would reconvene immediately afterward. The final portion of the meeting was a hearing on Senate Bill 2566 involving the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. The chair explained that the hearing was prompted by complaints from last session about inspectors being overly aggressive, fines for technical violations, and delays or problems with licensing. Board representatives said the newly appointed board had met for the first time, elected officers, and intended to focus on workforce development, easing burdens on the industry, and protecting public health and safety. They said the board had already restored prior passing scores for exams, adjusted work-permit timing to help students, reviewed contracts and staffing, and planned further meetings. Members and the chair discussed possible legislative changes, including mobile barber establishments, reducing fines, and extending license terms from two years to three years, with the chair asking the board to work with Senator Johnson on amendments before the deadline.

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re currently in Phase One and testing Phase Two. We paused. We did pause.”
• We had various rounds of testing.
• We had an entire year of hybrid testing where we ran it in parallel.
• And that has still to date never occurred, not in testing, not last year.
• You know, so, never occurred, not in testing, not last year.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a two-prong test.
• And so this is a two-pronged test.
• Okay, so your bill lays out those tests or refers to them, correct?
• Members, SB 2166 strengthens testing requirements to ensure that all election equipment is tested properly
• The bill enhances the testing protocols for Texas elections by adding additional testing for equipment

Bills: SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB6, SB7, SB36, SB38, SB815, SB1856, SB379, SB1171, SB1121, SB1061, SB1036, SB1019, SB890, SB11, SB868, SB1188, SB1120, SB1254, SB2778, SB2543, SB2443, SB1333, SB1259, SB1401, SB1404, SB2139, SB2165, SB2237, SB2268, SB1202, SB1198, SB1212, SB1451, SB1470, SB1498, SB965, SB1547, SB1667, SB1818, SB1902, SB2129, SB2078, SB2069, SB1737, SB1589, SB1318, SB387, SB1150, SB1574, SB2127, SB3034, SB860, SB1278, SB263, SB370, SB663, SB924, SB1939, SB1937, SB1598, SB2798, SB2801, SB2580, SB2569, SB2514, SB2064, SB1940, SB1621, SB2601, SB1379, SB1376, SB1372, SB1353, SB2216, SB552, SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB2166, SB2148, SB535, SB777, SB827, SB1141, SB1330, SB1352, SB1664, SB1612, SB1862, SB1936, SB1453, SB1448, SB1398, SB2137, SB2111, SB53, SB226, SB1677, SB1723, SB1839, SB6, SB7, SB36, SB38, SB815, SB1856, SCR5, SCR32, SCR8, HCR88, HCR91, HCR129, HCR130, HCR131, HCR133, HCR137, HCR138, HCR139, HCR140, HCR143, HCR145, HCR147, HCR150, HCR152, HR6, HR105, HR112, HR124, HR146, HR151, HR158, HR221, HR222, HR237, HR469, HR543, HR571, HR605, HR702, HR703, HR704, HR705, HR706, HR707, HR708, HR709, HR710, HR713, HR714, HR715, HR716, HR717, HR718, HR719, HR720, HR721, HR722, HR723, HR724, HR725, HR726, HR727, HR728, HR729, HR730, HR731, HR732, HR733, HR734, HR735, HR736, HR737, HR738, HR739, HR740, HR741, HR742, HR743, HR744, HR745, HR746, HR747, HR748, HR749, HR750, HR751, HR752, HR782, HR787, HR789, HR796, HR798, HR799, HR800, HR801, HR802, HR804, HR807, HR812, HR813, HR814, HR817, HR819, HR820, HR821, HR822, HR824, HR827, HR828, HR830, HR831, HR832, HR833, HR837, HR839, HR840, HR841, HR842, HR843, HR844, HR847, HR849, HR850, HR851, HR852, HR853, HR854, HR855, HR856, HR858, HR859, HR861, HR865, HR871, HR873, HR874, HR875, HR876, HR880, HR881, HR884, HR886, HR887, HR890, HR892, HR894, HR895, HR898, HR900, HR901, HR903, HR904, HR905, HR908, HR910, HR912, HR913, HR915, HR916, HR917, HR918, HR919, HR920, HR921, HR922, HR923, HR924, HR925, HR926, HR927, HR928, HR930, HR931, HR932, HR936, HR937, HR938, HR939, HR940, HR941, HR942, HR943, HR946, HR947, HR948, HR949, HR952, HR953, HR954, HR955, HR956, HR960, HR964, HR965, HR967, HR968, HR969, HR970, HR972, HR973, HR974, HR975, HR976, HR977, HR978, HR979, HR980, HR981, HR982, HR983, HR984, HR985, HR987, HR988, HR989, HR990, HR991, HR992, HR993, HR994, HR995, HR996, HR997, HR998, HR999, HR1000, HR1002, HR1003, HR1004, HR1005, HR1006, HR1007, HR1008, HR1009, HR1010, HR1011, HR1012, HR1013, HR1014, HR1015, HR1016, HR1017, HR1018, HR1019, HR1020, HR1024, HR1025, HR1026, HR1027, HR1028, HR1029, HR1030, HR1032, HR1034, HR1035, HR1036, HR1038, HR1040, HR1041, HR1042, HR1043, HR1044, HR1046, HR1047, HR1048, HR1049, HR1050, HR1051, HR1052, HR1053, HR1055, HR1056, HR1057, HR1059, HR1064, HR1067, HR1068, HR1069, HR1070, HR1071, HR1073, HR1074, HR1075, HR1077, HR1078, HR1079, HR1080, HR1081, HR1083, HR1086, HR1087, HR1088, HR1089, HR1090, HR1091, HR1092, HR1093, HR1094, HR1095, HR1096, HR1098, HR1099, HR1100, HR1101, HR1103, HR1104, HR1105, HR1106, HR1109, HR1111, HR1112, HR1115, HR1116, HR1117, HR1118, HR1119, HR1121, HR1123, HR1125, HR1128, HR1130, HR1131, HR1132, HR1139, HR1140, HR1143, HR1144, HR1146, HR1147, HR1148, HR1149, HR1151, HR1153, HR1154, HR1155, HR1156, HR1157, HR1158, HR1159, HR1160, HR1161, HR1162, HR1163, HR1164, HR1165, HR1166, HR1167, HR1168, HR1169, HR1170, HR1171, HR1172, HR1173, HR1174, HR1175, HR1176, HR1177, HR1178, HR1179, HR1180, HR1181, HR1182, HR1183, HR1184, HR1185, HR1186, HR1187, HR1188, HR1189, HR1190, HR1191, HR1192, HR1193, HR1194, HR1195, HR1196, HR1197, HR1198, HR1199, HR1200, HR1201, HR1202, HR1203, HR1204, HR1205, HR1206, HR1207, HR1208, HR1209, HR1210, HR1211, HR1212, HR1213, HR1214, HR1215, HR1216, HR1217, HR1218, HR1219, HR1220, HR1221, HR1222, HR1223, HR1224, HR1225, HR1226, HR1227, HR1228, HR1229, HR1230, HR1231, HR1232, HR1233, HR1234, HR1235, HR1236, HR1237, HR1238, HR1241, HR1243, HR1244, HR1245, HR1246, HR1247, HR1248, HR1249, HR1252, HR1253, HR1255, HR1256, HR1257, HR1260, HR1261, HR1262, HR1263, HR1264, HR1266, HR1267, HR1268, HR1269, HR1270, HR1271, HR1272, HR1273, HR1274, HR1275, HR1278, HR1280, HR1281, HR1282, HR1283, HR1284, HR1285, HR1286, HR1287, HR1288, HR1289, HR1290, HR1291, HR1293, HR1294, HR1295, HR1299, HR1300, HR1301, HR1302, SCR49, HCR134, HCR136, HR18, HR247, HR428, HR494, HR538, HR540, HR786, HR791, HR803, HR805, HR808, HR809, HR811, HR816, HR825, HR826, HR836, HR838, HR845, HR846, HR862, HR869, HR870, HR878, HR879, HR896, HR899, HR902, HR911, HR914, HR933, HR934, HR935, HR951, HR958, HR959, HR986, HR1021, HR1022, HR1039, HR1054, HR1058, HR1061, HR1062, HR1065, HR1072, HR1107, HR1108, HR1110, HR1114, HR1120, HR1122, HR1129, HR1142, HR1145, HR1239, HR1242, HR1250, HR1251, HR1254, HR1258, HR1259, SCR21, HB3228, HB2802, HB45, HB1318, HB5560, HB2894, HB4344, HB4238, HB 130, HB2775, HB34, HB33, HB 12, HB148, HB4273, HB4850, HB2733, HB4783, HB4187, HB39, SB2155

Keywords: criminal justice, parole, medical supervision, rehabilitation programs, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, offenders with medical impairments, Windham School District, Sabine River Authority, board of directors, term limits, removal grounds, government oversight, training requirements, Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, Lower Neches Valley Authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, public participation, complaints resolution, electric power

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 5179 by Davis, relating to health benefit plan coverage of biomarker testing, is referred to the Committee
• HB 5179 by Davis, relating to health benefit plan coverage of biomarker testing, is referred to the Committee
• HB 5179 by Davis, relating to health benefit plan coverage of biomarker testing, is referred to the Committee
• HB 5179 by Davis, relating to health benefit plan coverage of biomarker testing, is referred to the Committee
• HB 5179 by Davis, relating to health benefit plan coverage of biomarker testing, is referred to the Committee

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, same as a breath test. All right.
• Unless it's a felony, we don't have the blood test scenario.
• We don't have the blood tests. And we don't have blood tests.
• We don't have the blood tests. And we don't have blood tests.
• I don't know that I could pass a field sobriety test, okay?

Keywords: 977, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We in education are slammed with data: what are your test scores? What are your test scores?
• So the test scores are usually in the spring.
• So it's early test scores provided to the districts, parents are informed.
• It sounds great, and we've all said we're still waiting on our test scores.
• They may not have the business skills, but if they can pass the test, and we can get them to pass a test

Transcript Highlights:

• So you did your homework, you test, you, you completed the witness affirmation form.
• second skills test.
• They instead of pivoted to reimagine the current test as it currently is. We'll see what comes out.
• Like, and we can actually design a test. Um, that fits the needs of, you know, the next 50 years.
• This test is, was, was conceived in the 1960s. There's never been another one.