Transcript Highlights:

• Texas law has allowed mayors alone to appoint commissioners to municipal housing authorities since the
• According to Section 392 of the Local Government Code, this appointment structure hasn't changed.
• House Bill 4840 seeks to align municipal housing authority appointment practices with this more democratic
• Existing tenant appointment provisions remain unchanged.
• When Governor Bush became President Bush, he appointed me to the same position.

Bills: HB164, HB164, HB411, HB627, HB 1226, HB1677, HB1865, HB1997, HB2985, HB3462, HB4188, HB4685, HB4840, HB5370, HB5424, HB5466, HB5509, HB5660, HB5673

Keywords: HB 164, HB164, Texas Flood Recovery, Reimbursement, and Reconstruction Program, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, Hill Country floods, July 2025 floods, flood recovery, disaster relief, flood reimbursement, reconstruction grants, resiliency standards, floodplain, base flood elevation, FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency, insurance denial, property damage, tenant assistance, rental property

Transcript Highlights:

• by both a majority and appointed by both a majority and minority<00:30:07.399> will<00:30:07.640
• > Representative Garcia: Having a truly bipartisan Elections Commission means both parties get to appoint
• If this bill passes, you're all telling us, the minority, that our appointments have to be approved by
• Representative Garcia: Having a truly bipartisan Elections Commission means both parties get to appoint
• If this bill passes, you're all telling us, the minority, that our appointments have to be approved by

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But he says, as chair of a committee, I can appoint a subcommittee, and I could appoint a subcommittee
• But he says, as chair of a committee, I can appoint a subcommittee, and I could appoint a subcommittee
• We've had 13 new judges appointed in 2024 and five appointed in 2023, so we have a huge stable of newer
• > we 2024 and five appointed in 2023 so we 2024 and five appointed in 2023 so we have<01:53:08.480
• <04:10:19.399> by parent or parents may be appointed by parent or parents may be appointed

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1. The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families. Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It recommends that the appointments be placed in the Consent Calendar and confirmed.
• It recommends following appointments.
• Tiffany Hanson of Littleton, appointed.
• It was to be overseen by an Ombuds that would be appointed by a kind of board with different appointing
• It was to be overseen by an Ombuds that would be appointed by a kind of board with different appointing

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports. The Finance Committee reported Senate Bills 155, 49, and 116 with amendments and favorable referral to Appropriations, and House Bill 1188 favorably to Appropriations. The Business, Labor, and Technology Committee reported House Bill 1110 with amendments and a favorable recommendation to the Committee of the Whole, placed on the Consent Calendar, and also recommended confirmation of several appointments, including members of the State Plumbing Board, State Electrical Board, and Workers’ Compensation Cost Containment Board. The chamber then proceeded out of order for personal privileges and a resolution honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., including recognition of visiting members and students participating in its Capitol Day. The Senate next took up House Joint Resolution 1027 concerning remembrance of the Holocaust. The resolution emphasized the history of the Holocaust, rising anti-Semitic incidents, the importance of Holocaust and genocide education, and the need to confront hate and otherization. Senators Weissman and Ball spoke in support, stressing the dangers of hateful rhetoric, the need for vigilance and compassion, and the importance of learning from history. HJR 1027 passed unanimously by roll call, 35-0, and the roll call was listed as co-sponsors. Announcements followed recognizing the Sikh community’s Vaisakhi observance and a langar lunch at the Capitol, along with a proclamation for Sikh Awareness Appreciation Month. There were also notices about a Republican caucus, a Legal Services Committee meeting on Senate Bill 2683 and a litigation update, and a brief personal privilege remark about tax day and agriculture. The Senate then recessed until 10:30 a.m., later raised the call, and moved into special orders for second reading of a large group of House bills on the Consent Calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Order that a joint committee to consist of members of the Senate and House of Representatives be appointed
• The Senate members appointed are as follows. Mr. Eldridge of Middlesex.
• The Senate members appointed are as follows: Mr. Eldridge of Middlesex and Worcester, Mr.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and began the session with a moment of silence requested by Sen. Fattman for victims of the New Orleans attack, with remarks expressing sympathy for the families and those injured. The chamber then adopted organizational orders, including notifying the House of the Senate’s organization, informing the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Governor’s Councilors of their election, and receiving the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s certified election returns for executive councilors. The Senate also adopted an order to appoint a joint committee to count the votes for executive councilors, and the Senate members named were Sen. Eldridge, Sen. Driscoll, and Sen. Durant. Sen. Brady then offered a memorial tribute for Brockton firefighter Jeffrey W. Albanese, who died after suffering a cardiac arrest while responding to an incident. The memorial highlighted his 24 years with the Brockton Fire Department, his family, and his service to the community. The Senate approved a moment of silence in his honor. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. Sen. Driscoll moved to adjourn, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Jeffrey W. Albanese.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1992, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton as the New England Director for the United States
• He was appointed by President Bill Clinton as the New England Director for the United States Department
• also served on the board of directors of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and in 2002 was appointed

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two resolutions offered by Senator Brownsberger honoring the Armenian American community, the Armenian Heritage Foundation, Friends of the Armenian Heritage Park, and former State Representative Rachel Caprillion and Peter Kutuzian on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide commemoration. The chamber then acted on committee reports and petitions, including a bill to extend MBTA service of the ride to Foxborough, which was referred to the Committee on Transportation after suspension of the relevant rules, and a House petition to establish a sick leave bank for Dana Johnson of the Department of Children and Families, which was referred to the Committee on Public Service. The Senate also adopted an order setting the January meeting for the following Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. and directing that the Senate adjourn that day in memory of Philip W. Johnston. Members then offered remarks honoring Johnston’s life and public service, including his work in the House of Representatives, the Dukakis administration, the Clinton administration, and as chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, as well as his advocacy for health care, social justice, and vulnerable residents. After a moment of silence, the Senate adjourned in his memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hereby appoint the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore on this day.
• Appointment, United States Holocaust Memorial Council. Signed sincerely, Kevin F. McCumber, Clerk.
• <00:07:39.120> Appointment<00:07:39.919> United Pursuant to clause 4 of Rule One, the

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, February 13, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, are there going to be new appointments to the DSB board? I would expect that to occur, yes.
• In one of these appointments, because it's my understanding that these people have been serving for years
• I mean, he's not been appointed by the board. Is there a current...
• I mean, he's not been appointed by the board. Is there a current director?
• that if he would sign the letter that acknowledges Nathan Winters being the interim director as appointed

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These provisions do not apply to appointments made by the governor.
• These provisions do not apply to appointments made by the governor. the departments are These provisions
• do not apply to appointments made by the governor.
• The provisions do not apply to appointments made by the governor.
• to the director of the Division include prescribing and providing training and consultation to appointing

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee considered and advanced several bills. House Bill 4995, concerning video cameras in special education classrooms, was explained as requiring parents to be notified of recording interruptions, providing written notice of the law to parents and school employees, shortening the required random review of recordings from every 90 days to every 30 days, and clarifying that school boards must still conduct independent investigations even if DHS or prosecutors do not act. The committee adopted the motion to report the bill to the full Senate. House Bill 5214, dealing with drug testing in child abuse and neglect cases, would allow courts to order testing of parents in certain cases, require laboratory confirmation of positives, and require DHS to notify the court and other parties; the committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, then reported the bill as amended and adopted a title amendment. The committee also advanced House Bill 4025 and House Bill 5441, both restructuring state personnel systems. HB 4025 would exempt employees of the Department of Health, health facilities, and human services from classified civil service and grievance procedures beginning July 1, 2026, while preserving status for some current employees and allowing exemptions to comply with federal requirements; the committee adopted a piecemeal amendment and reported it as amended. HB 5441 would eliminate separate civil service systems for Transportation, Revenue, and the Bureau for Social Services and move classifications and compensation structures to the Division of Personnel, with testimony from the governor’s counsel emphasizing faster hiring and more flexibility; the committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment and reported the bill as amended. House Bill 4602, a child welfare pilot program creating a private community-based system for post-removal services, drew testimony from DHS about concerns over costs, continuity, oversight, and child well-being outcomes, while supporters argued it could reduce caseloads and improve flexibility. The chair amended the bill to remove one of the two pilot regions, leaving only the Berkeley/Jefferson County pilot, and the committee then reported the bill as amended despite opposition from the senator from Marion. House Bill 4106, removing the provisional concealed handgun license requirement for ages 18 to 21, heard testimony from a pediatrician opposing the change and from a gun rights advocate supporting it; an amendment requiring firearms training for under-21 carriers failed by a 1-14 roll call, and the committee then reported the bill as amended. Finally, House Bill 4198, after a subcommittee rewrite, was advanced with a strike-and-insert amendment that refined E-Verify requirements for public and private employers, added exemptions for certain small or new employers and sole proprietors, clarified recordkeeping and notice requirements, and adjusted penalties and enforcement procedures. After a motion for the previous question, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 4198 as amended. House Bill 5319 was removed from the agenda, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the bill permits the board to appoint a temporary director until the next regular election to
• Finally, the bill permits the board to appoint a temporary director until the next regular election to
• The multi-county configuration does not correspond with the current single-county appointment process
• To address this, this bill adds an optional method for board member appointments by petitioning the TCEQ
• The multi-county configuration does not correspond with the current single-county appointment process

Bills: HB103

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard a series of local and special-purpose bills, mostly with brief sponsor explanations and little or no public opposition. Topics included fireworks sales near the Texas-Mexico border for Cinco de Mayo (HB 1629), allowing larger counties to use their own inspectors for county buildings (HB 3234), updating governance and financial rules for the Wood County Central Hospital District (HB 5664), clarifying firefighter collective bargaining and impasse procedures (HB 3171), and exempting certain Fort Worth ETJ properties from release rules to protect infrastructure investments (HB 2512). The committee also heard bills on border subdivision rules in Cameron County (HB 3680), extending a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of certain veterans affected by the PACT Act (HB 2508/HJR 133), drainage district election timing and procedures (HB 5693, HB 2694), utility transparency for municipally owned systems (HB 1991), and management district and hospital district election or appointment changes (HB 5698, HB 2293). Another major bill, HB 1449, would expand a food truck permitting pilot program to counties over one million population; witnesses supported the concept but asked the committee to coordinate it with related fee and standards bills, and the bill was left pending for further work. The committee also heard HB 3732, which would let fire departments obtain extensions to comply with new NFPA protective equipment standards, and HB 5431, which would clarify that mayors and at-large council members do not need new elections after reapportionment; both were left pending after questions about their scope. Several transparency and tax-related bills were also discussed, including HB 103, creating a statewide database of local bond and tax election information, and HB 851, requiring reporting on homestead tax ceiling properties; both drew support and were later voted out. After testimony, the committee reported multiple bills favorably, often unanimously, and recommended many for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also used procedural swaps to substitute House companions for Senate bills on several measures, then recessed with plans to return later to process additional bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes minority representation requirements for F-CORR appointments and vendors.
• Senator, I think in the main bill, it allows the governor and the cabinet to directly appoint members
• Currently, the governor appoints but the Senate confirms the members of the commission, is that right
• changing that method to give the governor more direct control without confirmation of the Senate in appointing
• Currently, the governor appoints but the Senate confirms the members of the commission, is that right

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice considered and reported favorably a series of criminal justice, corrections, and public safety bills. Among the measures approved were SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and allowing impoundment of involved vehicles; SB 1136, tightening age-related criminal offense provisions and clarifying that ignorance or misrepresentation of a victim’s age is not a defense in covered cases; SB 144, which was described as a broad public safety measure addressing law enforcement tools, AI/body camera use, concealed carry licensing exemptions for law enforcement, blood testing after exposure incidents, and related matters; and SB 1782, creating a dangerous excessive speeding offense for extreme speeding conduct. The committee also approved SB 964 on objective parole guidelines, SB 1450 giving law enforcement discretion on immediate arrest of individuals with significant medical conditions in nursing home or assisted living settings, SB 612 closing a loophole related to charging minors in drug-distribution deaths, SB 1838 protecting court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, SB 776 adding an aggravating factor for assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, and SB 716 imposing mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators. Several bills drew notable testimony and debate. SB 1804, which would make sex trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person a capital offense, received strong support from the sponsor and some members who argued it was needed to address the most heinous trafficking cases, but it also drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and others who argued the death penalty should not be expanded to non-homicide crimes and would be unconstitutional, costly, and retraumatizing to victims. SB 1604 on corrections, which included provisions on inmate litigation, limitations periods, tracking devices, and involuntary mental health treatment, prompted questions about inmate rights, accountability, and possible abuse; the sponsor said the bill was intended to balance access to claims with institutional safety and to continue refining the language. SB 1838 also drew concerns from criminal defense lawyers about possible unintended effects on attorneys, and the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee adopted amendments on several bills, including a substitute amendment to SB 144 that removed some provisions for further work, added first responder-related provisions, and adjusted motor vehicle kill-switch language; an amendment to SB 1136 changing the age threshold and refining luring/enticement language; a strike-all amendment to SB 964 limiting retroactivity and focusing on presumptive parolees; and a delete-all amendment to SB 1604 that revised multiple provisions, including tracking devices and consecutive sentencing under 10-20 Life. Most bills were reported favorably by roll call, with SB 776 and SB 1804 passing despite recorded no votes from some members. The chair closed by noting it was the committee’s final meeting of the session and thanked members before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So imagine having, um, not being able to go to medical appointments, not being able to, uh, go grocery
• some independent living skills and then uh once I finished that training, I of course had left my appointment
• Attend doctor's appointments and simply just use public transportation is simply unsafe.
• Uh, the GCPD is a 12-member advisory committee appointed by Governor Greg Abbott.
• So, CASA, of course, and hopefully you all know, we're the court appointed special advocates, so we recruit

Bills: HB 451, HB 645, HB 1041, HB 1151, HB 1155, HB 1536, HCR 12

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I don't know the exact process of how a counsel is appointed, but the proceeding could not go forward
• an AOT petition, the person that is potentially going to be subject to involuntary treatment, AOC appoints
• have to be served on the client, the client's guardian, if any, treatment guardian if one has been appointed
• This also allows the court to appoint a guardian ad litem to help make decisions when the individual
• If the client is incapable of informed consent, the court shall appoint a treatment guardian for the

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker appoints the following conferees to House Bill 953 by Representative Fontenot: Representative
• Speaker appoints the following conferees to House Bill 1220 by Representative LeCompte: Representative
• And the Speaker appoints the following conferees to Senate Bill 208.
• We put an amendment on it that the chair can appoint other people. Then, 6-0? 7-0? 60? 16-0? Okay.
• We put an amendment on it that the chair can appoint other people. 6-0. 7-0. 60. Other people.

Bills: HB410, HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HR275, HR276, HR279, HR282, HR286, HR289, HR292, HR295, HR302, HR319, HR307, HR273, SCR59, SCR61, SCR62, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR54, SCR55, SCR64, SCR75, HCR32, HB776, HB42, HB119, HB159, HB302, HB1017, HB1028, SB217, SB283, HB953, SB208, HR74, HB998, HB901, HR20, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB123, SB237, HB36, HB74, HB75, HB258, HB259, HB414, HB459, HB784, HB848, HB956, HB1095, HB1220, HB1252, SB469, SB479

Keywords: recording, privacy, notification, direct conversation, law enforcement, first responder, penalties, oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• It would require the court to appoint a court representative and look into allegations of a petition,
• It clearly establishes the requirements to appoint a temporary or emergency guardian or conservator,
• and that’s a real big part of this bill. the court to the court to appoint<00:24:27.840> a<00:
• a temporary or emergency to appoint a temporary or emergency guardian<00:24:57.520> or<00:24:
• Permit the court to appoint a temporary guardian or conservator or grant other temporary relief for a

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've heard the exception mental health professional is an appointment with a health care professional
• Under SB 207, students will be granted excused absences for attending mental health-related appointments
• Regular appointments can help prevent crises from becoming worse or support long-term well-being.
• Some school districts have interpreted that to mean mental health appointments, and some have not.
• Also, for clarification, the Board of Trustees may also appoint a classroom teacher, a librarian, or

Bills: SB 13, SB 27, SB 57, HB1325, HB1655, HB3312, HB5526, SB13, SB57, SB207, HB441, HB591, HB5019, SB27, SB843

Keywords: lobbying, public funds, political subdivision, local government, county association, municipal lobbying, registered lobbyist, Texas Legislature, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, government finance, county dues, state association of counties, sheriffs association, law enforcement officers, legislative advocacy, bill tracking, legislative alerts, Government Code Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• You're substituting your judgment over the overall benefit of any of these books to publicly appointed
• by the city council of Fair appointed by the city council of Fair Hope.
• So, what is it about appointing a position that we can't do?
• <01:44:30.639> a So, what is it about appointing a So, what is it about appointing a position
• I've got another appointment. Thank you.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um and they make appointments um and they make recommendations<00:05:09.000> to<00:05:09.720>
• by uh the would still be appointed by uh the governor<00:10:44.399> and<00:10:44.519> the<
• appointments uh five appointments<00:14:25.959> from<00:14:26.240> The<00:14:26.959>
• > Association<00:14:27.440> of appointments from The Association of appointments from The
• from the association of appointments from the association of Minnesota<00:14:40.519> counties

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Susan Wallace has been appointed to serve on the Arizona State Liquor Board as a member with financial
• My name is Susan Wallace, and I'm honored to be considered for the appointment to the Arizona State Liquor
• Board. ...for the appointment to the Arizona State Liquor Board.

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency met to approve the March 25, 2026 minutes and consider the nomination of Susan Wallace to the Arizona State Liquor Board. Committee members reviewed the board’s role and Wallace described her background in public education, small business, hospitality, retail, and alcohol-related operations in Tombstone, along with her service on the Tombstone Restoration Commission and as president of the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce. She said her experience would help her balance public safety, compliance, and support for responsible businesses if confirmed. During questioning, a member asked how she would approach situations involving the purchase of liquor licenses to block competitors; Wallace said such matters would need to be evaluated case by case based on the full facts. Don Isaacson, speaking for the Arizona Licensed Beverage Association, testified in support of the nomination, citing Wallace’s long experience in the industry and her understanding of tourism and hospitality issues. Committee members also thanked Wallace for volunteering for public service and emphasized the importance of board and commission work. A motion was made to recommend Wallace’s confirmation to the full Senate. The committee voted 7-0 to advance the nomination, with all members present voting aye. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Speaker announces the appointment of the following members of the House to a conference committee
• The speaker announces the appointment of the following members of the House to a conference committee
• This is an unelected board that has been appointed, and they have great power over how nursing homes
• is an unelected board that has been This is an unelected board that has been um<01:17:32.600> appointed
• um and they have great um appointed um and they have great power<01:17:36.400> over<01:17:36.640

Keywords: 1183, house