Transcript Highlights:

• From the Manhattan Project to cutting-edge AI research.
• universities, need to understand that they could be involved in the areas of high-performance computing, AI
• It's also the AI and many of the other areas.
• It's AI, it's biotech, it's the new materials in manufacturing.

Keywords: national security, Department of Energy, foreign espionage, security protocols, Chinese Communist Party, national laboratories, research security

Summary: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened to address pressing issues related to research security risks at the Department of Energy, focusing specifically on foreign nationals' access to sensitive information. The meeting highlighted the increasing threats posed by espionage from the Chinese Communist Party, which has sought to infiltrate U.S. national laboratories and exploit American research for military purposes. Discussions included the importance of tightening security protocols to safeguard national interests and maintain technological advantages. Witnesses provided insight into historical contexts and current vulnerabilities, emphasizing that without proper measures, the gaps could jeopardize national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in this particular situation, I think that we are in a situation where we have what they call AI,
• Call it AI, and we have a situation where we have the internet and all these other places to communicate
• Imagine that, but of course, now as Senator Smitherman said, with AI they can put it out there anyway
• A professional person and it was AI-generated stuff, and they were in fear of losing their job and losing

Bills: SB76, SB35, SB116, SB119, SB118, SB129, SB32, SB31, SB115, SB75, HB27, HB40

Keywords: jury duty, nursing mothers, exemption, legal rights, parental responsibilities, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, SB116, machine gun conversion devices, switches, pistol conversion device, auto sear, firearm accessories, machine gun, automatic weapon, semiautomatic pistol, gun control

Transcript Highlights:

• you might recall, one of the five concerns that I identified last week was whether this applied to AI
• you might recall, one of the five concerns that I identified last week was whether this applied to AI
• And if so, that would seemingly run afoul of the president's executive order on state regulation of AI
• And it goes on to say, and I quote, 'AI tools are meant to be captured and in fact are captured.'
• So that, from my perspective, answers that question, that this very clearly does apply to AI.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you might recall, one of the five concerns that I identified last week was whether this applied to AI
• you might recall, one of the five concerns that I identified last week was whether this applied to AI
• And if so, that would seemingly run afoul of the president's executive order on state regulation of AI
• And it goes on to say, and I quote, 'AI tools are meant to be captured and in fact are captured.'
• So that, from my perspective, answers that question: this very clearly does apply to AI.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary A Committee met on May 5, 2026, with five members present and adopted the April 28 minutes. The committee then heard and favorably reported several measures, including HCR 31, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to study replacing or clarifying the term “foreign” in state law; HB 263, allowing the 14th JDC magistrate judge to handle certain specialty court felony matters; HB 299, clarifying paper filing rules for jury bonds and related payment issues; HB 535, simplifying hospital-based acknowledgments of paternity by removing the two-witness requirement while keeping notarization; HB 571, codifying the 19th JDC’s complex litigation section program; and HB 538, increasing the East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court fee cap from $15 to $75 to help offset court costs. The committee also reported HB 215, raising the small succession affidavit threshold from $125,000 to $200,000, and HB 226, adding a 10.1 conference requirement before requests for admissions are deemed admitted, with discussion about discovery fairness and default judgment exceptions. The committee also took up HB 324, which makes judicial stipend increases permanent and adds a 2.7% salary increase for judges effective July 1, 2027; an amendment restoring the second year of the COLA was adopted, and the bill was reported with amendments. HB 1043, raising the jurisdictional amount in Jefferson Parish first and second parish courts, was amended to increase the amount from $35,000 to $50,000 and then reported with amendments. HCR 6, directing the Law Institute to study forced heirship and disinherison issues, was amended to add reporting language and related Civil Code references and then reported with amendments. HB 1006, changing summary judgment deadlines to give opponents more time to respond, was amended and reported by a 3-2 vote after roll call. Two more substantive bills drew extended debate. HB 1239 would strengthen the presumption that parents share physical custody equally unless a court finds that arrangement infeasible or not in the child’s best interest; supporters framed it as a parental-rights measure, while an attorney in opposition warned it would increase litigation, reduce stability for children, and be used as leverage in child support disputes. Despite the opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 190, as amended, would create a duty of reasonable care for certain software/app providers toward minors and require expert testimony, while excluding manufacturers; supporters said it was aimed at protecting children from harmful platform design, but opponents argued the proposal was unnecessary because existing tort law already covers negligence and warned it could create new causes of action and uncertainty over whether software is a “product.” The committee heard testimony from the Louisiana State Law Institute, the sponsor, and outside witnesses, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 190 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• program manager at the Social Security Administration, responsible for the overall monitoring of the AYS
• And today, if we could all recognize my friend, Master Sergeant Jim Ays, veteran of the United States
• 32.960> Jim recognize my friend, Master Sergeant Jim recognize my friend, Master Sergeant Jim Ays
• 34.559> the<00:25:34.720> United<00:25:35.120> States<00:25:35.600> Air Ays
• , veteran of the United States Air Ays, veteran of the United States Air Force,<00:25:36.320> who<

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 132 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and adopted a House resolution honoring United Communities Against Poverty for 60 years of service in Prince George’s County fighting poverty. The organization’s board members were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then handled introductory business, including first-reading referral of House Bills 1587-1596, two introductory House bond initiatives referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 25 and other Senate bills received in the House and referred to committees. The House also took up committee reports and special orders. The Economic Matters Committee reported favorably on several bills, including House Bills 236, 241, 242, 259, and 308, all of which were adopted and ordered printed for third reading. On House Bill 146 regarding on-site wastewater systems, a friendly amendment was adopted to allow repair or replacement of failed drain field components needed to meet the bill’s requirements. On House Bill 220 concerning individual water meters/submetering, a substitute amendment was adopted to strike a provision related to eviction proceedings and keep the bill aligned with existing law; the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. Members also made several announcements recognizing visiting groups and observances, including the ALS Association, Career and Technology Education Month, Economic Development Day, Developmental Disabilities Day, Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, the start of Ramadan, and Easter season. The House heard a Black History Month-style recognition of Ethel Beh Hill and welcomed multiple delegations and student groups. Committee and subcommittee meeting announcements followed, and with 134 members present, the House remained in session before the majority leader moved adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have enhanced business planning and financial forecasting through AI, and they also have some monthly
• We have some great thought leadership around AI and emerging technologies, as well as a track on startups
• Right now, AI is all the rage in Silicon Valley, with billions in seed funding.
• New Mexico does not have any AI companies, but we do have some really good companies that were created
• by AI.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're now in the age of AI. Texas is going to clean up.
• The administration's AI action plan is tailor-made for Texas, where we're the leader in semiconductors
• This body passed an AI bill that already meets some of the requirements, including the sandbox.
• So if you also think about just government operations and the age of AI, take a look at what's happening
• It's a virtuous cycle, and we are winning right now in the AI race.

Bills: SB9

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear Senate Bill 9, which would lower the voter-approval tax rate for certain local taxing units from 3.5% to 2.5%. Sen. Bettencourt, the bill author, argued the change would continue the state’s property tax reforms begun in 2019, slow local levy growth, and give voters more say over larger tax increases. He and supporters cited data showing property tax levies have grown faster than population plus inflation, and said the bill would help protect taxpayers while preserving the state’s broader investments in school tax relief, water, rural law enforcement, and ambulance funding. Supporters included the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers. They said the bill would improve transparency, encourage more disciplined budgeting, and create certainty for homeowners and businesses. They argued that lower tax-rate growth would help attract and retain employers and investment, and that voters would still be able to approve higher rates when needed. Local officials and other opponents said the bill would constrain cities and counties facing rapid growth, inflation, infrastructure needs, and public safety costs. Testimony from county judges, city finance officials, firefighters, and urban county representatives emphasized pressures from jail operations, roads, water, EMS, police and fire staffing, and unfunded mandates. Several witnesses asked for carve-outs or exemptions for public safety and disaster-related costs, warning that a one-size-fits-all cap could force service cuts or shift costs elsewhere. The committee heard extensive questioning but no final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• China's determined pursuit of emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, biotechnology Xi Jinping
• Hyde, I'm very concerned about reports that the China-controlled AI company DeepSeek accessed advanced
• Which aims to regulate global diffusion of advanced AI chips and models.
• Technology companies in these affected countries could be motivated to create their own AI technology
• what the administration previously was trying to do to limit China's ability to compete with us in AI

Keywords: legislation, housing affordability, financial regulation, public testimony, accountability, oversight

Summary: The meeting involved significant discussions around key legislative proposals, primarily focusing on various bills such as HB2 and SB5. The committee examined the implications of these bills on issues like housing affordability and financial regulation. Notable members engaged in debates, providing differing perspectives on the potential economic impacts of the proposed bills. The meeting witnessed public testimony, which included a call for accountability in government actions and oversight of current financial policies. Members echoed concerns about following through on commitments to address critical issues affecting everyday Americans.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to present Senate Bill 1146, which will protect Californians from deceptive AI-generated health
• As we know, the rapid advancement of AI and generative AI has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish
• or synthetic performer depicted as a health care provider to clearly disclose that the content was AI-generated
• This bill provides a common-sense safeguard by requiring clear disclosure when AI-generated or digitally
• And with the rise in AI tools, these images are now used often for sexual exploitation of minors.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I'm here to present Senate Bill 1146, which will protect Californians from deceptive AI-generated
• As we know, the rapid advancement of AI and generative AI has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish
• or synthetic performer depicted as a health care provider to clearly disclose that the content was AI-generated
• This bill provides a common-sense safeguard by requiring clear disclosure when AI-generated or digitally
• And with the rise in AI tools, these images are now used often for sexual exploitation of minors.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on civil rights, housing, public safety, and administrative process. Early items included SB 46, which would authorize the Secretary of State to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential and vice presidential candidates from California ballots; SB 1078, requiring notice to the Civil Rights Department when court filings involve civil rights violations; SB 989, expanding access to Care Court by letting first responders refer cases through county behavioral health agencies; SB 998, clarifying and expanding discrimination prevention coordinators in the new Office of Civil Rights; SB 1146, requiring disclosure for AI-generated health advertisements and giving physicians a limited private right of action; SB 1164, a California Voting Rights Act expansion responding to federal voting-rights rulings; SB 1256, a housing bill aimed at limiting repeated litigation over the Harmony Grove Village South project; SB 1267, addressing HOA liability and indemnification for EV charger installations; and SB 1425, authorizing an encroachment permit program for high-speed rail right-of-way management. The committee also later heard SB 873, restricting ICE arrests near courthouses, and SB 1160, requiring eviction data reporting by zip code. Most bills drew support from sponsors, advocacy groups, labor organizations, or local officials, while opposition centered on concerns about county workload, due process, fire safety, civil liberties, or the scope of the policy changes. Members generally expressed support for the bills while noting unresolved issues and the need for amendments or further stakeholder work, especially on SB 1164, SB 1256, SB 1267, SB 1425, and SB 1160. The Judicial Council opposed SB 1160 because of the burden of adding zip-code reporting to court systems, while the author and supporters argued the data would help target eviction-prevention efforts. SB 873 drew strong support from public defenders, immigrant-rights groups, and court-related stakeholders, with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department opposing. SB 989 drew support from firefighters and family advocates, while Disability Rights California opposed, arguing Care Court is too costly and diverts resources from community-based services. SB 1164 received broad civil-rights and voting-rights support, with cities opposing unless amended over definitions, cure periods, and litigation risk. SB 1256 drew support from housing and labor interests and opposition from local residents and environmental groups concerned about fire safety and evacuation. SB 1267 was supported by the HOA and utility stakeholders after amendments addressing liability concerns. After quorum was established, the committee voted to pass a consent calendar and then approved the listed bills, sending them to the appropriate committees or to Appropriations, including SB 46, SB 873, SB 989, SB 998, SB 1078, SB 1146, SB 1164, SB 1256, SB 1267, and SB 1425. The transcript ends with SB 1160 still under discussion, with members indicating support for the bill’s goals but acknowledging the Judicial Council’s implementation concerns and the need for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many Americans are also concerned that energy demand from AI data centers could unfairly drive up their
• 21:57.840> from also concerned that energy demand from also concerned that energy demand from AI
• Over the past year, she has had an incredible impact championing AI legislation, advancing a landmark
• And students and educators in every state have joined the first lady's efforts in the presidential AI
• 01:44:35.040> in<01:44:35.280> the<01:44:35.920> presidential<01:44:36.880> AI

Keywords: Presidential address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then of course with the advent of, uh, AI, uh, I think that it's going to have a great impact on
• . uh, one of the things that we hear now from business and industry, uh, partners going back to the AI
• To expanded digital infrastructure, investments in AI-driven academic advising and immersive learning
• We've implemented AI chatbot chatbots, uh, for ease, uh, and frequently asked questions for students
• Strategic scheduling, uh, using, um, AI and, uh, some, um, uh, software, um, that we have purchased to

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll give you an example I think the other thing, stepping back again, is they're also going to be AI
• The AI Again, the cameras with weather stations, we also have software integrated into this so we can
• And then we're using satellite technology that pairs with AI to be able to analyze vegetation in and
• Are you also looking or using AI, and this is for everybody, and the AI tools for the heat waves, storms
• If AI gets better, microgrid controls get better.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it modernizes Texas law by creating civil and criminal remedies specifically for AI enabled financial
• Um, so what happened is pre-AI statutes that we have do not address synthetic media scams and so what

Transcript Highlights:

• So it modernizes Texas law by creating civil and criminal remedies specifically for AI-enabled financial
• So what happened is that pre-AI statutes, at the that we have do not address synthetic media scams.

Bills: SB1540, SB2610, SB2373

Keywords: election officials, confidentiality, personal information, government transparency, public safety, cybersecurity, data breach, breach of system security, exemplary damages, punitive damages, liability shield, safe harbor, small business, mid-sized business, Texas Business & Commerce Code, sensitive personal information, personal identifying information, identity theft, fraud prevention, NIST

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, that's a pretty legitimate concern aside from just certain AI technologies or the problematic in
• have a large amount of compute for AI have a large amount of compute for AI purposes<02:04:00.239
• <02:05:20.360> ai<02:05:20.719> Technologies<02:05:21.400> or certain ai ai
• Technologies or certain ai ai Technologies or the<02:05:22.679> problematic<02:05:23.280> in
• ...concerned about AI not being green enough, even though, you know, it's very interesting.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, which would allow classification by biological sex in limited circumstances such as multi-use bathrooms, certain athletic events, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for women and girls, and said it was consistent with recent federal actions and prior legislation. Opponents said the bill lacked a clear definition of biological sex, could create confusion and discrimination, and was unnecessary because existing law and sports rules already address the issues raised. After debate, the committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass on HB 148. The chair asked for a majority report and noted that a minority report would likely be filed. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill related to end-of-life medical decision-making. Supporters framed it as a matter of liberty and relief from suffering for terminally ill patients, while opponents raised moral objections, concerns about suicide being normalized, and worries about deceptive wording and death-certificate reporting. HB 254 was approved on an 11-7 vote for ought to pass, with the chair indicating he would write the majority report and Representative Perez the minority report. The committee then moved to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment restoring prior law on recoupment of appointed-counsel costs from indigent criminal defendants and juveniles. The chair explained the amendment as reversing 2020 changes that had limited cost recovery, and the discussion focused on financial affidavits and the Office of Cost Containment’s ability to review indigency claims. The transcript cuts off before the committee vote on HB 611.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are not fully utilizing AI to the extent that we can.
• We have deployed statewide an AI assistant that helps them.
• We work with each of the counties, and our AI platform cut the processing time by 75%.
• Yeah, it's to build proactive use AI, >> That's the goal.
• Yeah, it's to build proactive use AI, AI you couldn't use in state government. >> And what. >> Use AI

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• , we're right in the thick of with AI, we're right in the thick of with AI, data<00:29:19.800>
• and AI generalization and data centers, we need to dramatically change our focus on what the amount
• :30:55.160> international<00:30:56.640> race<00:30:57.320> to<00:30:57.520> AI
• <00:30:57.880> and<00:30:58.040> AI the international race to AI and AI the international
• race to AI and AI generalization<00:30:58.960> and<00:30:59.080> data<00:30:59.320>

Bills: HF4308, HF4153, HF4703, HF4711

Keywords: HF4308, Monticello nuclear plant, Prairie Island, renewable development account, RDA, nuclear waste, spent fuel, dry cask storage, utility tax, commercial-industrial property tax, state general levy, property tax exemption, residential heating fuels, natural gas tax exemption, electricity sales tax exemption, year-round sales tax exemption, distributed solar energy standard, solar mandate, community solar, grid modernization

Transcript Highlights:

• When you do the comparison like an AI instrument would do, it's going to pull in our state governor's
• When you do the comparison like an AI instrument would do, it's going to pull in our state governor's
• When you do the comparison like an AI instrument would do, it's going to pull in our state governor's
• When you do the comparison like an AI instrument would do, it's going to pull in our state governor's
• When you do the comparison like an AI instrument would do, it's going to pull in our state governor's

Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, our next request is enterprise application and AI inventory system.
• Um, but that is one of the base necessary aspects of having AI systems throughout your enterprise.
• for programs and systems that have an AI for programs and systems that have an AI element.<01:01
• But on the enterprise<01:12:01.040> application<01:12:01.679> and<01:12:01.920> AI
• c><01:12:02.400> inventory enterprise application and AI inventory enterprise application and

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:05 Approval of Minutes 00:01:48 Welcome New Members 00:02:03 Information Items 00:02:35 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:03:33 A. Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:04:00 B. Kentucky Department of Education 00:17:03 C. Education and Labor Cabinet 00:29:33 D. Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:42:38 E. Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:53:30 F. Justice and Public Safety Cabinet 01:13:28 G. Personnel Cabinet 01:31:04 H. School Facilities Construction Commission 01:41:39, 958, all

Summary: The meeting was the first of the year for the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Members were called, a quorum was confirmed, new co-chairs and members were welcomed, and the board approved the prior year’s meeting minutes. The chair also reviewed the capital planning timeline, packet organization, and the list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, protecting existing infrastructure, preventive maintenance, and improving service delivery. Its major requests included a $21 million maintenance pool for 14 campuses and 175 buildings, phase 2 construction funding for a new public health laboratory, an 18-bed psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents with severe mental health needs, and several projects at Western State Hospital, Western State Nursing Facility, Hazlewood, and Oakwood. Members asked about the youth facility’s relationship to a separate DJJ project, vacant buildings, the high per-bed cost of the children’s hospital, and how the cabinet determined the need for the youth facility. CHFS said the youth project would be a separate facility serving high-acuity youth, the cost reflected the specialized nature of the unit and an 18-bed cap, and the broader youth plan also includes prevention, in-home services, and coordination across agencies. The Kentucky Department of Education then described projects for its three state-operated facilities: the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. It requested additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building after bids came in higher than expected, plus funding for a new education finance application system to support SEEK budgeting. Other priorities included a maintenance pool, FFA pool renovation, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, lighting improvements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size of the FFA pool, and construction cost assumptions; the department said it tracks students through the schools and short-course programs, the pool size figure may have been a typo, and current construction estimates are being adjusted upward because of inflation and supply-chain pressures. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system to connect job seekers and employers, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would help match workers with employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility has safety and code concerns. The adult education system was described as outdated and lacking adequate case-management and tracking capabilities.