Transcript Highlights:

• In learning more about this issue, I think there's more work that we can do on the floor.
• , drugs on the floor.
• There may be changes in a floor amendment; it just depends on where the budget lands.
• Thank you all to the Office of Program Research, and we'll see you all on the floor tomorrow.
• Thank you all to Office of Program Research, and we'll see you all on the floor tomorrow.

Summary: The committee first received staff briefings on amendments for a series of bills, including measures on child care workforce standards, homelessness programs, community preservation authorities, domestic violence survivor relief, public defense funding, student behavioral health supports, water system ownership changes, nonprofit health carrier surplus assessments, 340B drug pricing reporting, Secretary of State filing fees, step housing, campaign security reimbursements, digital equity programs, a Boys and Men’s Commission, a waste-to-energy facility’s Climate Commitment Act obligations, 6PPD tire substitutes, and an early education scholarship. Staff described the policy changes and, where available, the expected fiscal effects of each proposed substitute or line amendment. The committee then went into caucus before returning for executive session. In executive session, the committee voted out House Bill 1073, then adopted a Couture line amendment to House Bill 1128 exempting private K-12 schools with licensed child care programs from the child care employer definition before reporting the bill out as Second Substitute House Bill 1128. House Bill 1316, 1408, 1591, 1592, 1634, 1906, 1960, 2073, 2145, 2248, 2266, 2301, 2333, and 2365 were also reported from committee, with several amendments adopted along the way. Notable actions included adopting an emergency clause for House Bill 1408, rejecting proposed amendments to House Bill 1591 that would have narrowed relief for survivors and removed retroactivity, adopting a narrower amendment to House Bill 1592’s public defense funding formula, and adopting a substitute to House Bill 2145 that limited 340B reporting to hospitals. The committee also debated and rejected several amendments to the step housing bill, House Bill 2266, including proposals for larger school/daycare buffers, more local oversight, and broader local government authority; the bill still advanced on a 16-13 vote. House Bill 2073, which requires nonprofit health carriers to contribute surplus funds to Cascade Care Savings, advanced over concerns about using one-time money for an ongoing program. House Bill 2248 advanced after an amendment redirected annual license fee deposits to the state treasury rather than the Secretary of State’s revolving fund. House Bill 2333 was narrowed to allow use of campaign funds for personal security reimbursements, and House Bill 2365 advanced with some amendments adopted and others rejected as the committee began discussing additional digital equity oversight provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll be going down to the floor.
• It takes a majority of those present and voting to, this is a procedural vote.
• Assembly Bill 690 by Assemblymember Schultz, an act relating to criminal procedure.
• Assembly Bill 1036 by Assemblymember Schultz. and appellating to criminal procedure.
• Assembly Bill 528 by Assemblymember Alanis, an act relating to criminal procedure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just because I'm a DPM, I may be restricted from performing procedures despite having trained multiple
• The teacher should not be unable to perform those procedures solely based on their title.
• Delineation of privileges is what the standard is to be able to do a procedure.
• Specialized, trained, and they're able to do surgical procedures as well, and are board certified.
• We'll be coming back after we go to the floor anyway, so if we need to go longer, we can.

Bills: SB1117 , SB1373 , SB672 , SB1986 , SB1098 , SB626 , SB1784 , SB2480 , SB2487 , SB437 , SB660

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: dentistry, botulinum toxin, aesthetic treatments, dental regulation, training, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges, SB 672, Texas hospital emergency operations plan, hospital diversion, emergency department, cyberattack, cyber security, power outage, electrical outage, patient diversion, hospital preparedness

Transcript Highlights:

• leave for Suzanne Hulton with the National Conference of State Legislatures so she can join us on the floor
• And ma'am, I'd like to ask leave to have New Corps personnel come on the floor. Leave.
• I could call him off the floor.
• So it's been many years since I've been on this floor, but it's an honor to be here.
• Members, I just want to walk through the procedures real quick.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is similar to the civil procedure of summary judgment.
• I move to send HCR 24 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
• So with that, we do have a motion for the Senate floor with the due pass recommendation.
• I move to send Senate Bill 1258 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
• I move to send Senate Bill 1258 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• This was an amendment that came on the floor that was negotiated between Republicans and Democrats on
• And then the last piece of this bill that was added on the floor was from Senator McCreery on nonprofit
• This was an amendment that came on the floor that was negotiated between Republicans and Democrats on
• And then the last piece of this bill that was added on the floor was from Senator McCreary on nonprofit
• pharmacy, bill that was added on the floor was from Senator McCreery on nonprofit pharmacy emergency

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Mental Health heard testimony on several measures. HCR 42, sponsored by Representative Perkins, urged Congress to support programs aimed at reducing prescription drug costs for Medicaid and Medicare patients. The sponsor said it would help elderly and low-income residents, while Representative Dahl argued the referenced program could cost more than other pharmacy options and criticized the resolution. No one testified in support or opposition, and the hearing on HCR 42 was closed. The committee then heard SB 878, a pharmacist practice act bill sponsored by Senator Fitzwater. The bill would make permanent several pandemic-era pharmacy practices, including pharmacist administration of certain vaccines, medication therapy plan authority, dispensing of some medical devices and supplies, over-the-counter availability of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine with warning labels and standardized procedures, and nonprofit pharmacy emergency waivers. Supporters said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, reduce delays in treatment, and help pharmacies remain open. Opponents raised concerns about vaccine authority shifting away from the governor, the safety of over-the-counter hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, and whether pharmacists should be treated as equivalent to physicians. The Missouri Pharmacy Association, Walmart, and Walgreens testified in support, and the hearing was closed without a vote. The committee also heard two resolutions. HCR 538, by Representative Hruza, would designate May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and encourage support for research and advocacy. Members generally supported the resolution, with comments about the severity of ALS and the importance of early communication supports; no opposition was presented. HCR 4661, also presented by Representative Hruza, would encourage awareness and screening for chronic kidney disease, especially among high-risk patients, and promote public-private education efforts around urine albumin-to-creatinine testing. Testimony emphasized the prevalence and cost of kidney disease and the value of early detection. The committee took no votes on these measures and adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I reserve my vote for when we get on the floor. But I know we can get to a good place.
• And I reserve my vote for when we get on the floor. But I know we can get to a good place.
• There are existing procedural tools that give courts the ability to strike a meritless claim...
• As he mentioned, I floor-jockeyed the prior version of this bill...
• Procedural note: This is the earliest we've ever had a meeting here? No? No. It's new. It's new.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Our final items before we turn to governor's appointees are Items 5 through 14, floor acknowledgments
• With that said, I'd like to move the conferee to the Senate floor for a full vote. Thank you.
• We're going to continue to work through those procedures and processes, obviously.
• And I'd be honored to move the nominee to the floor. Thank you. Thank you.
• And I'd be honored to move the nominee to the floor. Thank you. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, members' guests will be granted privileges of the floor.
• Members, please return to the floor. Division has been called. Members, please return to the floor.
• Thank you, sir, and please move your floor amendment.
• Thank you, sir, and please move your floor amendment.
• In fact, I bought the whole first-floor lunch today.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the doctor of the day. Members also introduced numerous guests and groups in the gallery, including the Dandy Project, Arizona Right to Life, Red State Reform, Reproductive Freedom for All, Somerton elected officials, Apache County Supervisor Alton Joe Shepard, and the family of the late Brad Brower. The chamber then adopted House Concurrent Resolution 2053 honoring Brower’s life and service, followed by a moment of respectful silence and remarks from members about his community leadership. The House considered several Senate bills in Committee of the Whole. SB 1020, relating to the Arizona Space Commission and a specialty license plate, drew debate over a proposed Villegas floor amendment to add a community college access and success plate; the amendment failed on a recorded division vote, and SB 1020 was then approved. SB 1127 and SB 1181 also received do-pass recommendations without controversy. The House later held an additional Committee of the Whole on SB 1426, adopted a floor amendment, and reported the bill as amended with a do-pass recommendation. On third reading, the House passed SB 1125 on child safety by a vote of 43-4 and SB 1415 on insurance adjusters by a vote of 46-1. The House also adopted the Committee of the Whole report, with a separate motion to include the defeated Villegas amendment in SB 1020 failing 19-28. The chamber announced upcoming committee meetings, made several brief personal and ceremonial announcements, and adjourned until Monday, March 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to extend floor privileges to the former Senator and welcome him to the Senate.
• nicotine products regulation HB 4018 sheriff exclusive authority auxiliary HB 4109 safety school procedures
• such an interesting selection of bills that seem to have a fixation on controlling the medical procedures
• we have Senate Bill 1177 that's particularly dangerous because there are any number of medical procedures
• March 19th: the Health and Human Services Committee will meet at 11 a.m., or upon adjournment of the floor

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, electronic roll call, and several guest introductions, including recognition of Health Workforce Wellbeing Day of Awareness, the Doctor of the Day, educators visiting the Capitol, and student guests. The President also made temporary committee appointments for the day and announced the day’s calendar of bills and committee referrals. The chamber then took up third-reading votes on several measures. Senate Bill 1014, relating to health insurance, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1016, on employment practices and religious exemptions, also passed 17-9 after debate about workplace safety and public health. Senate Bill 1050, concerning state parks and veteran access, passed 19-9, with supporters citing benefits for disabled and retired veterans and opponents warning about impacts on park fees. Senate Bill 1054, relating to referendum power and emergency measures, passed 16-10 amid debate over local emergency authority. Senate Bill 1177, relating to public monies and health care services, passed 17-9 after sharp partisan debate over transgender-related medical restrictions. Senate Bill 1194, also on health care services and vaccination-related medical decisions, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1398, relating to AHCCCS, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1751, relating to capital punishment, passed 16-9. The Senate also passed SCR 1049, a concurrent resolution proposing a constitutional amendment on capital punishment, by a 16-9 vote. Throughout the floor debate, members offered explanations of vote focused on public health, religious liberty, veterans’ benefits, emergency powers, transgender rights, vaccination policy, and the death penalty. The Senate then announced a Health and Human Services Committee meeting for the following day and adjourned until Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It leads to years of litigation around what procedural rules to apply.
• So I bring all that up to say that this bill is about procedural fairness.
• Wade got over... ...medical procedures from disclosures. After Roe v.
• Motion is do pass as amended to the floor. AB 1647.
• To the floor. Current vote is 5 to 0. Caballero? Aye. Caballero, aye.

Summary: The committee began without a quorum and heard several bills in subcommittee format. AB 1546, which would increase penalties for repeat DUI offenders by allowing a third DUI within 10 years to be charged as a wobbler, requiring a fifth DUI to be a felony, and lengthening ignition interlock and license revocation periods, drew strong support from law enforcement and district attorney groups and opposition from public defenders and reform advocates who argued the bill would further criminalize substance use and mental health issues. No vote was taken because there was no quorum at the time. AB 1595, aimed at standardizing post-conviction procedures for wrongful conviction claims and clarifying courts’ authority to consider new evidence, was supported by innocence and public defender organizations and opposed by district attorneys, who said existing habeas law is already clear and that the bill would add complexity and burden courts. AB 292, which would impose mandatory jail time for repeat felony domestic violence offenders within seven years, was supported by sheriffs, prosecutors, probation officers, and local governments, but opposed by domestic violence survivor advocates and public defender groups who warned it would not deter abuse and could criminalize survivors and divert resources from services. AB 1816, allowing courts to extend probation up to one additional year for sex offenders who have not completed required treatment, drew support from probation and law enforcement groups and opposition from public defenders and civil liberties advocates concerned about longer supervision, technical violations, and barriers such as poverty and treatment access; the committee later took a roll call and passed the bill 3-1, with one member not voting, sending it to Appropriations. After quorum was established, the committee also passed AB 1627, which would bar people with misconduct in immigration enforcement from becoming California peace officers, and AB 1927, which would create a misdemeanor for falsely impersonating a bail agent to solicit bail, both on due pass motions to Judiciary/Appropriations as amended. AB 1854, a shield-law measure expanding protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care providers, patients, and related businesses from out-of-state legal process, was supported by the Attorney General’s office and reproductive rights groups and opposed by anti-abortion and family policy organizations; it was moved on a due pass motion to Judiciary. The committee then heard AB 1872, which would make repeat adult swatting offenses a felony/wobbler and require restitution for property damage, with support from law enforcement, prosecutors, and civil liberties advocates and opposition from public defenders and justice reform groups who argued the bill would not deter conduct and could disproportionately affect people with mental illness or undocumented status. A motion to advance AB 1872 was made, but the transcript cuts off before any final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we'll read the Gowan floor amendment.
• Please read the floor amendment.
• I move that the Petersen floor amendment be adopted, please. Mr.
• Please read the floor amendment.
• Senator Bolick, I move the Bolick floor amendment be adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• talk to you this morning about the first bill that we're going to have up for a vote on the House floor
• We will see how that actually transpires on the floor today, but I think it's important again for the
• </c><00:03:13.799><c> today</c> actually transpires on the floor today actually transpires on the floor
• So, we are bringing bills to the floor as they are able to get through committee.
• as they are able to get the floor as they are able to get through<00:11:42.519><c> committee</c><00:

Summary: House Majority Leader Harry Niska discussed House File 20, a bill he said would amend Minnesota’s Data Practices Act by adding the words “on individuals” to clarify that the private-data exemption applies only to information actually tied to an individual person. He argued the bill would overturn a 2022 Minnesota Supreme Court decision in Energy Policy Advocates v. Allison that, in his view, allowed the Attorney General’s office to withhold policymaking and closed investigative data even when no individual privacy interest was involved. Niska framed the measure as a transparency and democracy issue, saying the Attorney General’s office should not have a special secrecy privilege that other state agencies and prosecutors do not have. In response to questions, Niska said the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing concerns about the cost and burden of data practices requests and raising a broader question about whether some businesses might have privacy interests similar to individuals. Niska said the bill is not meant to eliminate legitimate privacy protections for actual individuals, including sensitive investigative information, but to prevent the office from using the private-data category to shield non-personal information. He also said the issue arose in part from information about outside influence on the Attorney General’s office, including funding for positions through NYU and the Bloomberg Foundation. Niska said the bill had been introduced by Republicans two years earlier but did not receive a hearing, and he expected it to come to the House floor because Republicans now control committees. He said Democrats were expected to vote as a bloc against it, and he suggested the vote would show where members stand on transparency. He also said other GOP priorities may move through committees and to the floor as they are ready, mentioning permitting reform, repeal of the nuclear moratorium, and an OIG-related bill, but he did not provide a detailed schedule. No vote on the bill was taken during the exchange.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm certainly sure we'll do that on the floor today.
• And I'm certainly sure we'll do that on the floor today.
• And I'm certainly sure we'll do that on the floor today.
• And I'm certainly sure we'll do that on the floor today.
• And I'm certainly sure we'll do that on the floor today.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5828, which would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award levels for students attending private, not-for-profit four-year institutions. Staff explained the bill would set the awards at 90 percent of the regional and state college rate rather than 50 percent of the research rate, with an estimated fiscal impact of $3.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and $18.6 million over four years. Testimony was largely in support from private college presidents, students, and school counselors, who said the bill would help low-income and first-generation students and preserve access and enrollment choices; some public college student representatives said they did not oppose the bill but argued that cuts to public-school aid should be restored first. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5911, which would prohibit DCYF from using benefits or funds of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for their cost of care beginning in 2027, while requiring support for benefit management and payee arrangements and allowing protected accounts such as ABLE accounts. Staff estimated a net fiscal impact of $608,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $2.2 million per biennium thereafter. Testimony in support said the bill would end the practice of withholding SSI and other benefits from youth in care and better support disabled youth transitioning to adulthood. Members asked questions about fiduciary responsibility and representative payee arrangements. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and advanced several bills. It adopted Amendment Clark 350 to House Bill 2689, raising the required provider response rate for the child care market rate survey to 65 percent, and then reported the bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 18-11, with two excused. It adopted Amendment H-3743.1 to Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5395 on retrospective prior authorization denials and reported that bill out unanimously. It also adopted Amendment Pool 272 to Senate Bill 5420 and reported that bill out unanimously. For Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5496, the committee adopted several amendments clarifying scope and penalties but rejected amendments that would have delayed the bill or replaced it with a study; the bill was then reported out with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard amendment briefings on other bills, including 5981, 6026, 6160, 6184, and 6211, but deferred action on some items heard that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:48:54.240><c> because</c> report and speak on the floor because report and speak on the floor
• There are a couple of different administrative procedure act models out there.
• So internal practices and procedures, right, we have this column over here.
• </c><01:18:39.080><c> rules</c> organizational and procedural rules organizational and procedural rules
• Be a floor of $1,000, so you'll expect just to narrow down that fee pretty precisely.

Summary: The committee held an orientation for new and returning members of the House committee on agencies and administration, with introductions from members and staff. Chair Carol Maguire outlined her expectations for hearings: keep questions focused on the bill, be respectful to witnesses, and use the committee’s orientation opportunities to learn about the jail staff, retirement system, and Office of Professional Licensure. Members also discussed related assignments on other bodies, including the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules and the Joint Committee on Employee Classification, and noted that some members already serve on those panels. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Building Code and the committee’s upcoming workload. Members explained how the state code is intended to provide a common baseline while allowing limited local options, and why municipalities must formally adopt and publish any local amendments. They reviewed several anticipated bills: a consolidation bill to gather building-code enforcement materials in one place, a bill to update the state energy code, a bill to restrict municipal adoption of building-code changes, and a bill to update the electrical code. Members also discussed how building codes apply to older homes and commercial buildings, and why code updates are important for safety and clarity. The chair said the committee had 36 bills currently scheduled, including many early bills that must move by March 6 because they will be heard by two committees. She said the committee would use subcommittees for harder bills, with three subcommittees this year: pensions, licensing, and likely state building code. She also outlined the hearing schedule, including lighter bills on February 12 and the expectation of executive sessions later in the month. No votes were taken during the orientation, but members were told that public hearings do not require a quorum and that hard copies of bills would be distributed by committee staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• At floor today. That objection, so ordered.
• The President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh. Mr.
• The President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh. Mr.
• The President recognizes the Majority Floor Leader. Mr.
• Majority Floor Leader Singh: Mr.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, excused several members, and heard a memorial statement from Majority Floor Leader Singh honoring Thomas James Cleary, a longtime Michigan public servant, lobbyist, and civic volunteer. The chamber also recognized a departing staff member from Senator Geis’s office and later welcomed guests from Cleary’s family. No substantive debate occurred during these tributes, and remarks were ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then handled a large number of introductions and referrals, including Senate Joint Resolution K to prohibit autopen use by certain executive officials, Senate bills on Treasury revenue collection and liquor control, and numerous House bills covering housing, health, insurance, natural resources, education, consumer finance, child care licensing, public employment contracts, and other topics. Several housing and finance-related House bills were sent directly to the Committee of the Whole by unanimous consent. In Committee of the Whole, bills including House Bill 4072, House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 792, 793, 947, 1013, and 885 were considered; substitutes were adopted for House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 1013, 947, and 885, and the committee recommended all of those bills, plus House Bill 4072, Senate Bills 792 and 793, for third reading. On final passage, House Bill 4042 and House Bill 5630 each passed 34-0, with four members excused. The Senate also concurred in the House substitute to Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, approving an extension of the state energy emergency, by a 33-1 vote. By contrast, concurrence in the House substitute to Senate Bill 878 failed 2-32, sending that appropriations bill to conference committee. The House then named conferees on Senate Bill 878, and the Senate named conferees for both SB 878 and HB 5630 after the chambers disagreed on those measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• That law expanded detention authority, strengthened removal procedures, and made detention...
• They need help, and they needed it before this bill was rushed to the floor.
• But it does make for a lot of opportunities for fiery speeches on this floor. Thank you.
• Madam Clerk, but before I say this, we're going to do the floor amendments.
• Can I finish the floor amendment, please? Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:08:03.200><c> didn't</c> what was brought up on the floor didn't what was brought up on the floor
• </c><01:09:47.440><c> to</c> looked at it and the Senate floor to looked at it and the Senate floor to
• </c> floor days ago. floor days ago.
• </c> an even greater violation of procedural an even greater violation of procedural uh<01:26:30.800>
• We'll come after floor session adjourns.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk, we will follow that procedure.
• Hearing none, we'll follow that procedure, gentleman. ...procedure, gentleman.
• Hearing none, we'll follow that procedure.
• Gentleman yields the floor. All right. Thank you, gentlemen.
• Hearing none, we'll follow that procedure, gentlemen.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we're all aware that we're going to have a long calendar on the floor today.
• So, I'm going to attempt to get us all done with our business before the floor, but you are in control
• SB 108 would ensure a sharing of the political power by creating a procedure where both the judge and
• The current testing procedures are woefully inadequate.
• The third point would be on page nine, item c, where it lines out all the procedures for testing.

Bills: HB3097 , HB3691 , SB108 , SB827 , SB1541 , SB1862 , SB2166 , SB2216

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: Texas elections, Election Code, uniform election date, November election, local elections, political subdivisions, general election date, election administration, municipal utility district, county elections, local government, ballot scheduling, candidate filing, voter turnout, election calendar, HB 3097, early voting, electronic application, mail-in ballot, voting accessibility