Transcript Highlights:

• by a vote of 10 ayes and 0 nays.
• Her early involvement in the...
• It's still early in the session.
• I vote we can use the previous vote for the adoption of the special order calendar.
• from those that we just voted on.

Bills: SJR 5, SJR 36, SJR 5, SJR 5, SR 105, SR 121, SB 17, SB 19, SB 25, SB 28, SB 17, SB 19, SB 25, SB 28

Keywords: bail, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, public safety, constitutional amendment, school safety, mental health, emergency response, education policy, law enforcement, SR 121, Senate Resolution 121, Pete Alfaro, Pedro Cuellar Alfaro, Pedro Alfaro, Baytown, Texas Senate tribute, in memory, memorial resolution, condolence resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• voting and mail-in ballot applications.
• Generally, the committee, The bill would improve the readability of early voting mail-in ballot materials
• assistance to seven or more individuals during the early voting period and on Election Day.
• inside the voting area.
• for people who need to vote curbside.

Bills: HB223

Keywords: municipal budget, county budget, local government finance, spending cap, expenditure limit, inflation plus population growth, taxpayer impact statement, budget transparency, property tax, fees, Legislative Budget Board, voter approval, disaster spending, fiscal restraint, Texas Local Government Code, city budget, county expenditures, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask for your aye vote.
• Not voting. Rubio? Aaron? Not voting. Tangipa? Aye. The bill's on call. Elhawari not voting. Rubio?
• The current vote is 2 to 1. Calderon? Not voting. Calderon not voting. Rubio. Final vote: 2 to 1.
• Current vote is 5 to 0. Calderon? Aye. Final vote: 7 to 0. File item 6, AB 1608.
• Current vote is 4 to 0. El-Huari. Aye. Final vote: 5 to 0. Aye. El-Huari, aye. Final vote: 5 to 0.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard a long agenda focused largely on child welfare, child support, homelessness, and child care. Early items included AB 2083, which would authorize a regional child care special district for Marina Valley and Paris; AB 1579, which would expand the Children’s Crisis Continuum Pilot Program to allow additional CDSS-approved residential models; and AB 1628, which would extend California’s safe surrender window for infants from 72 hours to 30 days. AB 1579 drew strong support from county human services agencies and providers who said the current crisis residential model has been financially and operationally unworkable, and opposition from youth advocates who argued the bill would move away from the original small, community-based crisis model. AB 1628 was supported by fire chiefs and child abuse prevention advocates as a way to give parents more time to make safe decisions after childbirth. The committee also took up AB 1634 on the “Have a Heart, Be a Star, Help Our Kids” specialty license plate program, AB 1643 on automatic enrollment into child support services after a support order is finalized unless a parent opts out, and AB 1708 on the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program. AB 1634 sought to raise specialty plate fees and change the distribution formula to generate more funding for child safety and injury prevention; the chair raised concerns about reallocating money away from CDSS, and the bill received a no recommendation from the chair but still advanced on a 5-0 vote with some members not voting. AB 1643 was backed by child support agencies and anti-poverty advocates as a way to reduce barriers and increase participation, while opponents argued it could undermine parental choice and raise concerns for families with domestic violence or informal arrangements; it passed 6-0 as amended. AB 1708, supported by many cities, would require more meaningful engagement with smaller jurisdictions in HHAP planning and funding decisions; the committee emphasized that it does not guarantee funding but creates a process for smaller cities to be considered, and it passed 5-0. Later, the committee heard AB 2395, which would standardize and expand access to the state child support debt reduction program for low-income parents with government-owed arrears. Supporters said the current program is inconsistent across counties and leaves eligible parents unaware of relief options, while opponents, including receiving parents and child support officials, warned that reducing arrears could harm families who are owed support and that the program should remain case-by-case. Members discussed the tension between relieving uncollectible debt and protecting custodial parents; the bill advanced 4-0. The final item shown was AB 1914, which would require local governments to include child care in planning efforts, including general plans or separate child care plans. The author and witnesses argued that child care is essential infrastructure tied to workforce participation, economic development, and disaster planning, and the bill drew support from child care and planning advocates as the committee continued its hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know separated by a single vote.
• The and we did get done early that year.
• We didn't expect We'll vote on this.
• No early releases was an important piece of that too.
• So, thank got to get a majority vote.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Education. 2508 elections. 2508 elections. 2506 voting elections. 2507 elections. 2511 early ballot,
• HCR 2016, voting centers, precinct voting; F.M.A.E.
• HCR 2016, voting centers, precinct voting; F.M.A.E.
• All those in favor vote aye. Aye. Those opposed vote nay. The ayes have it. The motion carries.
• All those in favor vote aye. Aye. Those opposed vote name. Here's the ayes of Peter have it.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and took attendance. Members then recognized several guest groups and individuals, including the West Valley Regional Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Arizona, Vitalant for National Blood Donor Month, and veterans and military family representatives in advance of a Veterans Caucus meeting. A proclamation was read recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Arizona and honoring Vitalant’s role in supplying blood to Arizona patients. The chamber also heard a declaration naming January 22, 2026, West Valley Regional Chamber Day, and members made personal remarks, including a memorial tribute to Jennifer Marie Walker Skaggs and announcements about committee meetings and caucus events. The House recorded attendance, entered committee reports, and processed a large number of bills through first and second reading, covering elections, education, veterans, health, housing, taxation, artificial intelligence, public safety, and other topics. Several bills were also withdrawn and reassigned to different committees, including referrals to Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, Government, and Public Safety and Law Enforcement. No substantive floor debate or final votes on legislation occurred in the transcript beyond procedural motions. The House later recessed and reconvened, continued first-reading referrals for additional bills and resolutions, and then adjourned on a motion approved by voice vote until 1:15 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for seeing me, counting me, and voting favorably on H. 2413. Thank you.
• Non-ionizing radiation and early to higher education.
• So they non-ionizing radiation and early to higher education.
• Please vote these bills out of committee favorably.
• Amputations are preventable through early screening and ongoing care.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs. Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers. The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill has 6-0 votes, and we'll leave the roll open for votes. Thank you.
• The bill has 6-0 votes, and we'll leave the roll open for votes. Thank you.
• The bill has 6-0 votes. And we'll leave the roll open for votes. Thank you.
• Voting? Arreguín aye. Bonta. Castillo. Castillo not voting. Garcia. Lowenthal. Lowenthal aye.
• The vote is 8-0; the bill is out. File item 5, SB 965.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several Senate bills focused on student health, access, equity, and career preparation. SB 608 by Sen. Menjivar would expand access to condoms and related sexual health resources for students in grades 7–12 and direct the Department of Education to align with the California Healthy Youth Act. Supporters argued the bill would help address high STI rates among youth and remove barriers to access, while opponents raised concerns about parental authority, local control, and encouraging early sexual activity. The bill was approved on a 6-1 vote and sent to the Health Committee. SB 965 by Sen. Blakespear would prohibit libraries from requiring a parent to be physically present for a 16- or 17-year-old to obtain a library card, while still allowing libraries to require parental consent or signature. Supporters said the current rule creates unnecessary barriers for teens and school research projects, and the California Library Association said it was now neutral after amendments. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 998 by Sen. Gonzalez would define and expand the duties of discrimination prevention coordinators in the state’s Office of Civil Rights, including adding a disability coordinator and deputy coordinators focused on anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Latino, and anti-Native American discrimination. Testimony emphasized the need to address rising hate incidents and discrimination in schools, especially for Black, LGBTQ+, AAPI, and other marginalized students. The bill was approved and sent to Judiciary with amendments to be processed there. SB 845 by Sen. Perez, which expands work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities, also received broad support from education, workforce, and industry groups and passed unanimously to Labor and Employment. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills and adjourned after all items were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Balden votes no. >> Senator Bowden votes no. >> Senator Her votes no. >> Senator Rest votes no
• Senator Balden votes aye. Senator Bowden votes aye. Senator Her votes aye. Senator Her votes aye.
• Senator Carlson votes I. Senator Carlson votes I. Senator Balden votes I. Senator Balden votes I.
• Senator Carlson votes I. Senator Balden votes I. Senator Bowden votes I. Senator Her votes I.
• Senator Her votes I. Senator Rest votes I. Senator Rest votes I. And Senator Fateh votes I.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first received a House message reappointing a conference committee on Senate File 2077, the environment and natural resources appropriations bill, and took no further action on that message. The chamber then moved through motions and resolutions, including a failed attempt to suspend the rules to make House File 4102 a special order for immediate consideration. Senator Howe argued the bill was urgent because it would extend a study on state law enforcement pay and help address State Patrol recruitment and retention, while Senator Friends opposed suspending the rules; the motion failed on a roll call vote, 35 ayes to 32 nays. The Senate then took House File 3629 from the table, made it a special order, and adopted the A5 amendment. The bill, relating to grants management and the Department of Administration, was described as refining agency authority over exemptions, adding reporting requirements, expanding whistleblower protections, and broadening fraud-prevention tools. The A5 amendment added stronger payment-withholding authority for agencies based on credible allegations of fraud, removed the 60-day withholding limit, allowed cross-agency withholding in some cases, replaced court appeal with agency reconsideration, made the authority permanent, and added a reporting requirement for DHS and DCYF inspector general activity. Supporters said it would improve transparency and protect taxpayers; the bill then passed final roll call 67-0. Finally, the Senate took up House File 4492, which was amended with the A4 delete-everything amendment. The new version combined three articles: READ Act provisions, a veterans diploma provision, and early literacy field-experience changes. Senators described the veterans section as requiring school districts to award diplomas to veterans who left high school to serve in the Korean or Vietnam Wars, and the READ Act and literacy provisions as aligning teacher preparation and early literacy instruction with state standards. Members also discussed school discipline and classroom safety issues in the course of debate. The bill was then read for final passage, with senators speaking in support of the combined package and its education and veterans provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• During her early childhood, her adopted parents, Q.P. and Maryanne Calvin, lived in the rural community
• <00:24:16.960> During<00:24:17.279> her<00:24:17.440> early eight sisters.
• During her early eight sisters.
• <00:26:06.880> The<00:26:07.120> National<00:26:07.520> Voting<00:26:07.840>
• The National Voting Rights her in 1991.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask the committee to vote yes on Chairwoman Bliss's House Bill 2202 because early detection and timely
• So if we get the votes and things turn around, we'll proceed with a vote.
• I think we should proceed with the vote. I think... I think the vote...
• not have the votes.
• And I vote aye. Representative Hernandez, may I extend my vote? Please.

Bills: HB2190, HB2202, HB2233, HB2251, HB2252, HB2396, HB2437, HB2689, HB2796

Keywords: physician assistants, licensure compact, medical services, multistate practice, patient care access, healthcare workforce, military families, adverse actions, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, HB 2233, rural health transformation, rural health transformation program, AHCCCS, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Joint Legislative Budget Committee, JLBC

Summary: The committee began with a presentation from the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter and Dr. Anna Burke of Barrow Neurological Institute on the scope of Alzheimer’s disease, the shortage of specialists, low rates of timely diagnosis, and the need for caregiver support and early intervention. Speakers emphasized that Arizona is a leader in Alzheimer’s research and that lifestyle changes, new therapies, and research funding offer hope, but only if patients are diagnosed earlier and providers are better trained. The committee then heard House Bill 2202, which would appropriate $300,000 over three years for a dementia care telemonitoring/telementoring grant program through the Department of Health Services to help providers statewide learn best practices in dementia care. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Dr. Danny Cabral, and a patient advocate, said the bill would address major gaps in provider training and improve early diagnosis and treatment. There was no opposition, and the committee voted 11-0 to give HB 2202 a do pass recommendation. The committee next took up House Bill 2251, the “Jordan and MacTerry Act,” which would expand licensed midwives’ authority to administer certain medications, require liability insurance disclosure and reporting, and create an Arizona Midwifery Advisory Committee. Supporters said the bill would improve safety, oversight, and access to emergency medications in home births, while opponents from ACOG and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association raised concerns about the adequacy of oversight, the medication list, and whether eight hours of pharmacology training is sufficient. After testimony from midwives, physicians, and stakeholders, the bill was held for further stakeholder work and anticipated floor amendments. House Bill 2252, which would allow certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, or licensed midwives to accompany a patient in a ground ambulance during transport if approved by medical direction, also drew support and opposition. Supporters argued it would preserve continuity of care in emergencies, while firefighters and EMS representatives objected to ambiguity and scene control concerns. That bill was likewise held for further stakeholder meetings. The committee then recessed and reconvened for later presentations on federal budget and health-related topics.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so I'm voting I today.
• Uh, I vote I, um, uh, uh, Mr.
• >> I vote I. Motion carries. Um >> I vote I. Motion carries.
• >> Explain my vote, Mr. Chair. >> Explain my vote, Mr. Chair. >> Proceed.
• And these votes aren't personal votes.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved a motion and then deferred a large batch of 246 contracts totaling about $187.8 million until the April 2026 meeting. It then moved through the agenda and reviewed several pulled items, beginning with four Attorney General contingent-fee contracts. Committee members questioned why the contracts were new, what the $20 million maximums meant, and how the fees would work; the AG’s office explained they were new awards from a September RFP, that the $20 million was an outside estimate tied to a full recovery, and that one contract would require a $380 million recovery to pay out the maximum. The committee voted to consider those contracts reviewed without objection. The Department of Highways then explained an “alternative delivery support” contract, describing it as a procurement method different from the usual design-bid-build model and noting it can help with innovation, speed, timeliness, or cost reduction. After that explanation, the committee again voted to consider the contract reviewed without objection. The Kentucky Horse Park/Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation presented eight legal services contracts; members focused on differing hourly rates and retroactive approval. The corporation said it had selected four firms through an RFP to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts, would use in-house counsel first, and did not expect to use the maximum rates. Senator Thomas argued the committee’s statutory hourly rate cap is outdated and should be revisited. The committee then approved the contracts. One Transportation Office of the Secretary contract was deferred to the April meeting, consistent with the agency’s prior request. The committee then reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services items from the Department of Community Based Services: three contract amendments and one memorandum of agreement. Members asked about funding sources, service outcomes, and whether the programs reduce future need; the agency said one amendment was a $55,000 increase offset by reductions elsewhere, that the total contract amount with the agency did not change, and that follow-up data show over 90% of children remain in the home after services. The committee approved those items. Finally, the committee reviewed a LIHEAP contract amendment from the Division of Family Support, which the agency said used federal funds, not state general funds, to add newly appropriated federal money for low-income home energy assistance and crisis heating support. Members asked about future funding and were told that continuation depends on Congress. The committee approved that item. It then began reviewing Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities memoranda of agreement tied to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center staffing; members asked for a count of personnel, and the agency said it would provide that information, after which the discussion continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roll call is open for your vote. >> Have all members voted?
• members voting I, no members voting n. members voting I, no members voting n.
• Ninety-five members voting aye, no members voting no.
• /c><00:15:34.800> nay<00:15:35.120> house voting I no members voting nay house voting I
• Sixty-nine members voting aye, 24 members voting nay.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:18 Report of Committees 05:09 Orders of the Day 06:40 HB 169 06:50 HB 393 13:08 HB 194 15:43 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 24:38 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 35:23 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 38:09 ConC/Rules Report 40:57 Floor Amendments 42:04 Adjournment 42:20, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded 95 members present, approved the prior journal, and received notice from the Senate that Senate Bills 1 and 3 had passed and were sent over for concurrence. Committee reports advanced a number of bills on housing, local purchasing, health care credentials, postsecondary education, school bus safety, special license plates, milk transportation, veteran PTSD treatment, and the Kentucky Fire Commission, with several reported with committee substitutes. The chamber then considered House Bill 169 on coverage for feeding or eating disorders. The sponsor explained that the bill addresses insurance coverage decisions tied to body mass index by requiring BMI to be considered alongside another factor, such as depression, anxiety, or family circumstances, and said the committee substitute clarified that one factor alone could not control the decision. The substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 95-0. House Bill 393, which updates the Alzheimer’s and related dementias council, adds a caregiver seat, and requires an annual action project including an early detection toolkit, also passed unanimously, 95-0. House Bill 194, relating to cigar bars, drew the most discussion. The sponsor said the bill does not repeal existing smoke-free ordinances, but creates a narrow exemption for tightly defined cigar bars, with a 25% gross revenue threshold from cigar-related sales, age restrictions, local permitting options, smoke containment requirements, and signage. Members asked about local authority, other tobacco products, and whether the bill could affect smoking bans; supporters emphasized the narrow scope and personal choice, while opponents said their districts’ smoking bans and constituent concerns led them to vote no. The bill passed 69-24. The House then applied the clincher and moved to announcements, including committee schedule notices, a Small Business Day event, receptions, and citations recognizing National School Counseling Week, the KBLC Black History Celebration, and memorializing Brandy Engles.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:44.680> We've early learning opportunities. We've early learning opportunities.
• Supreme Court takes aim at the Voting Rights Act.
• <00:48:19.440> But takes aim at the Voting Rights Act.
• But takes aim at the Voting Rights Act.
• here in Minnesota, you passed a Voting here in Minnesota, you passed a Voting Rights<00:48:22.120

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The joint convention opened with the House and Senate assembling, a prayer by Reverend Mariah Furness-Tollgard, and roll call establishing a quorum. The chamber then welcomed the Minnesota Supreme Court, constitutional officers, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Governor Tim Walz before the governor delivered his final State of the State address. The convention later adjourned by motion. In his address, Governor Walz reflected on recent tragedies and political violence, including the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the Annunciation Church shooting, and the federal immigration operation he described as causing fear and disruption. He said Minnesota remained strong because of its people and highlighted accomplishments over the past seven years, especially in education, child care, free school meals, workforce development, housing, infrastructure, clean energy, climate initiatives, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ protections, voting rights, workers’ rights, paid family leave, and public safety measures. Walz also proposed new actions for the current session, including a significant expansion of the dependent care tax credit, a $907 million bonding bill, support for sustainable aviation fuel, a social media tax on big tech companies, a governor’s council on the future of the AI economy, additional gun violence prevention measures, and a stronger anti-fraud and human services oversight system. He urged legislators to pass the fraud and oversight bills and said he would sign them immediately. The House then voted to adjourn until April 30, 2026, after the joint convention ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Sorry.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a large daily file of bills and resolutions. Early procedural motions were adopted, including re-referrals and a motion to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice SB 73, which passed 46-15. Members also introduced several guests, including young legislators, schoolchildren, a championship girls’ basketball team, realtors, and CASA advocates. On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1389, a tribal gaming compact urgency bill for the Yurok Tribe, which passed 55-0 on the urgency and measure. The body then passed a series of bills on topics including trespass enforcement (AB 1632), pest control fees (AB 2380), county investment authority (AB 2080), pupil achievement gap reporting (AB 2149), transit board stipends (AB 1625), e-filing for workplace violence restraining orders (AB 2179), election eligibility restrictions for registered sex offenders (AB 2753), juvenile firearm possession and deferred entry of judgment (AB 2636), court access and First Amendment issues (AB 1544), physician medical record integrity (AB 1637), forced marriage protections (AB 2534), and local authority to restrict under-12 e-bike use in San Mateo County (AB 2595). Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, with votes ranging from 53-0 to 63-0. The Assembly also adopted ACR 173, reaffirming California’s sister-state relationship with Jalisco, Mexico, after adding 50 coauthors. Later, it adopted ACR 163 designating May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month after extensive testimony from the author and multiple caucus members emphasizing the crisis, data gaps, tribal sovereignty, and the need for more resources and action; 64 coauthors were added before the resolution passed by voice vote. The chamber likewise adopted ACR 180 designating Compost Awareness Week and ACR 182 establishing Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, both after coauthor roll calls and voice votes. The day concluded with urgent action on AB 108, which provides up to $25 million in one-time emergency bridge funding for distressed hospitals facing imminent closure. Members from both parties spoke in support, citing rural access, prior hospital closures, and the need to protect community health care; the bill passed 59-0 and was sent to the Governor immediately. The Assembly then handled consent calendar items, heard an adjournment in memory for labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr., and adjourned until Monday, May 11 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Was it contemplated if somebody goes in to, is reincarcerated, let's say, during an early voting period
• ...is reincarcerated, let's say, during an early voting period after they have already cast a vote, what
• If an individual during an early voting period is on a level three, they cast a vote, then they go...
• During an early voting period is on a level three, they cast a vote.
• From no to voting yes. Senator Buckson, from voting no to voting yes.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I vote aye. Chairman Livingston: Aye. By vote, 11 yes, 6 voting no, 1 not voting.
• Members, vote 11 yes, 5 no, 1 present, 1 not voting.
• Members, vote 11, yes, is 5-n-n-0s. One voting, present, one-n-9-voting. Thank you.
• Members, very vote 11 yes is five nils, one voting, president, one not voting.
• And for that reason, I'm voting aye. Members, vote tally: 11 yeses, 6 noes, and 1 not voting.

Bills: HB2056, HB2202, HB2207, HB2224, HB2303, HB2344, HB2532, HB2759, HB2798

Keywords: brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with member and staff introductions and a reminder about amendment deadlines. HB 2056 would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites; the sponsor said Arizona should explore potential water supplies amid Colorado River concerns. A witness opposed the bill, and members debated whether brackish groundwater should be treated as a resource or a threat to aquifers. The committee approved HB 2056 on an 11-6 vote, with one member not voting. The committee then considered HB 2798, as amended, which would provide $100,000 to the University of Arizona/Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials related to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. The sponsor framed the bill as an economic development and national security effort, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has enough of the material to justify public spending. The University of Arizona supported the work as within the Geological Survey’s mission. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 11-5, with one member present and one not voting. HB 2303 would codify investment rules for the State Treasurer, requiring safety and principal preservation ahead of return and prohibiting speculative investments and insider-benefit conduct. The Treasurer’s Office said the bill reflects current policy and ethics rules already in place, and members asked about how “speculative” would be defined and whether the bill would affect other investment-related statutes. The committee passed the bill 15-0, with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344 would require the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool and allow a third-party backup only in emergencies; the Treasurer’s Office argued this preserves a low-cost, high-liquidity service for local governments, while some members questioned whether it limited future Treasurers’ discretion. The committee passed HB 2344 12-2, with three present and one not voting. Later, the committee heard HB 2759, which would appropriate $500,000 to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veteran programs. A retired Navy SEAL and campus veterans coordinator described emergency housing, equipment, and professional-development needs for student veterans at Embry-Riddle, while several members supported the effort and others objected to using state funds for a private institution or a county-specific program. The bill passed 11-6, with one not voting. The committee also passed HB 2207, appropriating $300,000 for the prison Braille transcription program, after testimony that the program trains inmates in a skilled trade and has had no recidivism among released participants; it passed 17-0, with one not voting. Finally, HB 2224, as amended to reduce the appropriation from $2 million to $1 million, would fund the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP. Supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies and can improve health outcomes, while members discussed budget constraints; the committee approved the amended bill after testimony from program advocates and farmers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we're going to do a of housekeeping with voting, and we have a fairly full agenda, in particular
• So it is a more controlled, I think, early stage system to... advance nuclear development.
• The other bill speaks to grants for permitting in early stage as well as for construction.
• I appreciate the early engagement from stakeholders.
• A similar bill passed out of the house with 93 votes last session. Thank you, Senator.

Bills: SB1468, SB1612, SB1789, SB2530, SB2571, SB2717, SB2967

Keywords: utility systems, Texas A&M, regents authority, construction, improvement, construction contracts, trust funds, property rights, mechanics lien, contractors, trustee liability, mechanic's lien, liability, attorney's fees, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, insurance regulation, administrative penalties, coastal counties, catastrophe year

Transcript Highlights:

• King movement and the Voting Rights Act.
• All right, we are voting on Senate Bill 29. All right, we are voting on Senate Bill 29, as amended.
• If you wish to vote no, please raise your hand.
• If we think you had bad hearing, then we vote no.
• Senator Woods votes no.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• them in a block vote.
• And by your vote, Mr.
• And by your vote, Mr.
• And by your vote, Mr.
• And by your vote, Mr.

Bills: S1570, S1376

Keywords: missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance

Summary: The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably. The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee. A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Society of Sisters in the early 1920s, the U.S.
• Society of Sisters* in the early 1920s, the U.S.
• And there was work done by Jay Greene in Florida early on.
• I ask you to vote against. Thank you very much, Ms. Liva. Thank you. I have to vote against.
• Members, we do plan on voting Senate Bill 2.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Several senators emphasized support for public education, teacher pay and safety, parental choice, and the combined K-16 jurisdiction of the committee. The chair also reviewed hearing procedures, including public testimony registration and time limits. The main item was Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, laid out by Chairman Creighton. He described the bill as an education savings account program intended to expand school choice, with a $200 million universal eligibility pool and an additional $800 million targeted to students with disabilities and lower-income families. He said the bill includes anti-fraud safeguards, criminal background checks for vendors, reporting requirements, data protections, and annual testing for participating students, while not imposing STAAR on private schools or homeschoolers. He also said the bill removes a prior hold-harmless provision for public schools and is separate from public school funding and teacher pay legislation. Members questioned the bill’s income threshold, lottery and priority structure, treatment of homeschoolers, microschools, charter schools, religious freedom protections, citizenship/lawful presence language, cybersecurity, open records, and disability-related issues, including whether 504 students and foster children should be included. Creighton said the bill is designed to prioritize former public school students with disabilities or lower incomes, while also allowing universal eligibility within the program’s first funding tier, and that the Comptroller would oversee vendor screening and cybersecurity rules. He said the bill does not direct curriculum or interfere with religious beliefs and that amendments may be offered later on citizenship and other issues. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, starting with EdChoice representative Robert Inlow, who testified in support of SB 2 and cited national growth in school choice programs and studies he said show positive effects for students and public schools.