Transcript Highlights:

• We have Pam Olson, a proponent of the bill. Pam Olson, a proponent of the bill, you're recognized.
• Captain James Cunningham, waving in support. Thank you, sir, for being here.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard a long agenda of bills covering education, public safety, local government, labor relations, and foreign policy. Early measures included HB 1055, which would support Florida State University’s Election Law Center; CS/HB 4073, a Leon County local bill updating career service rules for sheriff’s office employees; CS/HB 253, creating penalties for license plate obscuring devices and misuse of emergency-style lights; and HB 293, codifying the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s Office and creating a liaison and advisory council. Members raised questions on academic freedom in HB 1055 and on church-state concerns and oversight in HB 293, but both bills advanced after supportive testimony from university, faith-based, and law enforcement representatives. The committee also approved HB 4029, a local bill for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, and HB 889, requiring classroom driver education for minors before licensure, with supporters emphasizing roadway safety and teen crash reduction. The committee then took up PCS/HB 731, which would require standardized testing for admission to health-related degree programs at state universities. The sponsor argued the bill would ensure qualified applicants and objective admissions standards, while several members and public witnesses raised concerns that it would duplicate existing requirements like the MCAT and create unnecessary barriers; the bill still passed, though with several no votes. HB 1519, expanding Florida’s anti-BDS law to cover academic boycotts, nonprofits, local governments, and certain grants, drew strong support from Jewish organizations and strong opposition from speakers who argued it chilled free speech and punished criticism of Israel. After an amendment narrowing and clarifying parts of the bill, it passed favorably as a committee substitute. The most contentious debate came on HB 1387, a major overhaul of Public Employees Relations Commission procedures and public-sector union rules. Supporters said the bill would streamline PERC processes, improve fairness, and address cases where unions were certified with very low participation; opponents, including teachers and labor advocates, said it weakened collective bargaining and public employee rights. After a strike-all amendment and extensive testimony, the bill passed as a committee substitute. The committee also approved HB 351, which adds extreme speeding to reckless driving and increases penalties, after removing impoundment language in an amendment, and PCB GOS 25-07, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking judicial waiver of parental notice/consent for abortion. The meeting adjourned after all measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Mayor Eric Olson, City Manager Sal Mendez, Assistant City Manager Sarah Gallagher...
• James Missionary Baptist Church.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Olson? Aye. Senator Gallagwood? Aye. Senator Gallaud? Aye. Senator Sears? Aye.
• Senator Olson. Aye. Senator Galveston? Hi. Senator Gallaud? Aye. Senator Sears? Aye. Senator Scho?
• Chair, Senator Olson, I also do not have access to that information. Guess we'll try to find out.
• Yeah, James. Is there anybody here who wants to talk to this bill?
• Senator Olson? No. Senator Farnsworth? Aye. Senator Fane? Aye.

Bills: SB1046, SB1317, SB1376, SB1416, SB1448, SB1471, SB1493, SB1498, SB1502, SB1504, SB1538, SB1544, SB1550, SB1579, SB1581, SB1584, SB1624, SB1673

Keywords: telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got Brooks Ballard, Wyatt Rey, Wyatt Johnson, Henry Lautenschlager, Jack Leon James Neeson, Blake
• Representative Olson, you're recognized for a question on the bill. Thank you, Mr.

Bills: HR1055, SB2170, SB1833, SB1198, HR1056, SB1730, SB563, SB1379, SB1645, SB2155, SB1280, SB1455, SB1456, SB1461, SB1457, SB1463, SB1465, SB1466, SB1344, SB1309, HR1054, SB2159, SB1948, HB1371, SB1365, SB1976, SB1975, SB2026, SB1565, SB1621, SB237, SB933, SB1427, SB1642, SB171, SB1873, SB2067, SB1623, SB1771, SB1805, SB1826, SB2072, SB444, SB2184, SB1966, SB1812, SB2117, SB2135, SB330, SB1239, SB1428, SB1531, SB1484, SB1405, SB3

Keywords: Oklahoma Agriculture Day, agriculture, farmers, ranchers, agribusiness, food production, wheat, cattle, beef, dairy, soybeans, cotton, poultry, pork, rye, rural economy, urban-rural, trade, commodity production, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Mayor Eric Olson, City Manager Sal Mendez, Assistant City Manager Sarah Gallagher, and Assistant
• James Missionary Baptist Church.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then dispensed with reading the journal and moved through a large number of procedural items, including deeming 102 second-reading items read and amendments adopted. The body also approved several floor motions, including suspending rules for guest access and committee noticing, moving AB 2595 to second reading, and sending ACR 110 to the inactive file. Numerous local officials and community representatives were introduced from cities including South Pasadena, Isparia, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Palmdale, Holtville, and Lindsay. On the floor file, several measures were taken up and passed. AB 1673 by Hadwick, allowing county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain funds for wildlife conflict prevention, passed 62-0. ACR 143 by Pacheco, proclaiming April 19-25 as California Cities Week, was adopted with 65 co-authors added. AB 1982 by Lowenthal, removing sunsets from existing anti-drink-spiking requirements for certain establishments, passed 68-0. ACR 158 by Solache, recognizing April 2026 as Donate Life Month, was adopted with 74 co-authors added after testimony about organ donation and transplant needs. AB 1908 by McKinnor, authorizing counties to establish victim compensation funds for survivors of abuse involving public agencies, passed 71-0. AB 2052 by Stephanie, aimed at ensuring continuity for vulnerable victims in criminal cases by allowing the same prosecutor to remain on a case, passed 62-0. ACR 178 by Flora, recognizing April 21 as National Rendering Day, was also adopted with 69 co-authors added. The second-day consent calendar and remaining listed items were then approved, with all votes recorded at 69-0 and no items removed. The Assembly also heard an adjournment in memory from Assembly Member Haney for Mary Dallas Armstrong of San Francisco, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session. The House adjourned until Monday, April 27, at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Maeve Olson. I hope I said that right. Maeve Olson. I hope I said that right.
• Olson from the Brain Injury Alliance, I'm going to go to Kathy Messerly first.
• Olson from the Brain Injury Alliance, I'm going to go to Kathy Messerly first.
• Olson from the Brain Injury Ms.
• Olson from the Brain Injury Alliance.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is Patricia Olson. Hi, Patricia. Hi, good afternoon.
• My name is Patricia Olson, and I'm currently incarcerated at NCI Framingham.
• Next is Andrea James. Good morning. Good morning. How are you? I'm welcome, how are you?
• My name is Andrea James and I'm the founder of Families for Justice's Healing and founder and current

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on S. 7 and H. 63, proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to people incarcerated for felony convictions. Sponsors Rep. Erica Iderhoven and Sen. Liz Miranda argued that Massachusetts should reverse the 2000 disenfranchisement change, describing it as a recent and racially discriminatory policy that excludes thousands of residents—disproportionately Black and Latino—from civic participation. They said the amendment would put the question before voters, likely in 2028, and noted that implementation details such as domicile and where incarcerated people would register to vote would be handled separately through legislation and existing jail-based voting work. A large number of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people testified in support, many speaking remotely from MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, and MCI Framingham. They said voting would affirm dignity, accountability, rehabilitation, and connection to community, and several described civic education programs inside the facilities that had helped them engage with public policy. Witnesses repeatedly characterized disenfranchisement as “civil death,” linked it to racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, and urged the committee to advance the bills favorably. A few speakers also addressed practical questions about voting location and domicile, with sponsors saying those issues are not specified in the constitutional amendment and would be worked out later. Committee members asked several questions, including whether incarcerated people would vote in the community where they were incarcerated or where they previously lived, and whether future legislation could include carve-outs based on offense type or time served. Testifiers and sponsors generally said the amendment itself does not decide those implementation questions, and some said they would oppose carve-outs. One member raised a broader moral objection about allowing people convicted of serious crimes to vote; supporters responded that punishment should not erase democratic rights and that voting can support rehabilitation and reentry. No vote or final committee action was taken during the transcript provided. The hearing also briefly included testimony on a separate matter, S. 521, a proposed ratification of the federal Child Labor Amendment. Witnesses supporting that measure warned against renewed child labor rollbacks in other states and argued Massachusetts should reaffirm protections for children and education. That portion of the hearing was separate from the voting-rights discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Whereas Terry Anderson, who legally changed his name from James to honor his Swedish heritage, was
• <00:03:21.800><c> to</c><00:03:21.920><c> honor</c><00:03:22.120><c> his</c> changed his name from James
• to honor his changed his name from James to honor his Swedish<00:03:22.680><c> heritage,</c><00:03:23.600
• James of Manchester. Kitzmiller of Burke. Keeser of Rutland City. Yes. Kibbe of Woodstock.
• Olson of Starksboro. Paige of Newport City. Parsons of Newbury. Parsons of Newbury.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• James Christian B.
• Will Representative Olson yield to a question? Representative Olson, do you yield? Yes, Mr.
• Would Representative Olson yield for a question?” “Representative Olson? Yield.” “He yields.
• Olson and Mr. Mesnard, our ways and means and our finance chairs.
• Representative Olson votes aye. Representative Lydia Hernandez. Point of correction.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and interns from both parties, along with former lawmakers and a newly seated member, Representative Sylvia Allen. The chamber then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2065 honoring the late Alfredo Gutierrez. Members from both parties gave extended remarks about his life as a civil rights advocate, student activist, legislator, and mentor, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Senate. Family members of Gutierrez were recognized in the gallery during the memorial tribute. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole on the first budget-related measures. On House Bill 4138, the “feed bill”/budget operations measure, Democrats argued the budget favored corporations and data centers over seniors, health care, housing, universities, and vulnerable families, while Republicans defended it as a continuation of prior policy and said it preserved tax conformity and modest agency cuts. After debate and questions, the committee recommended the bill do pass and the House adopted that report, sending HB 4138 to engrossing. The chamber next considered House Bill 4139, the amusement/gaming-related budget bill. Members debated whether it was essentially unchanged from last year’s budget language, with Republicans saying it was a continuation bill and that gaming-related provisions would support rural economies and tourism, while Democrats questioned the broader budget context and its effects on working families. The committee recommended HB 4139 do pass, and the House adopted that recommendation. The House then began debate on House Bill 4140, the state budget implementation bill, focusing on the budget stabilization fund and a proposed government efficiency initiative; discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• James Stannick with Napa Fire, Local 3124, in strong support.
• Hayden Olson, with Alameda Firefighters Local 689, and I'm in full support. Good morning.
• James Corn Weibel, Roseville Firefighters Local 1592, and I strongly support this bill. Thank you.
• James Vincent, Roseville Fire, Local 1592, I strongly support this bill. Thank you. Alex.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public employment, retirement, and recognition of cultural and public service issues. AB 569 would allow local governments and unions to negotiate supplemental pension contributions for certain employees; AB 989 would make California Native American Day an official paid state holiday; AB 268 would recognize Diwali as an official state holiday; AJR 3 would urge protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal from federal cuts; AB 1067 would require misconduct investigations to continue even if an employee retires during the process; AB 1510 made technical and conforming changes to state employee pay and benefits laws and to Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority labor law; and AB 1233 would create a statewide database of classified school employee employment history and serious misconduct records. The committee also took up AB 1383, which would lower the retirement age for certain first responders and restore some bargaining rights over retirement benefits, drawing extensive testimony for and against. Supporters of the holiday bills emphasized long-overdue recognition of Native American and South Asian communities and the importance of honoring California’s diversity. Supporters of AJR 3 described the reliance of seniors, people with disabilities, and families on federal and state health and retirement programs, warning that cuts would cause serious harm. AB 1067 was presented as a way to prevent employees from retiring to avoid accountability, while AB 1233 was framed as a student-safety measure to help schools identify applicants with prior egregious misconduct. Opposition to AB 1233 focused on due process and the breadth of the misconduct records, and opposition to AB 1383 argued it would reverse PEPRA reforms, raise pension costs, and strain local budgets, while supporters said firefighters and other first responders face unique health and safety risks and deserve earlier retirement. Most bills were reported out of committee on unanimous or near-unanimous votes and placed on hold for add-ons or referral to Appropriations or another committee. AB 912 was taken up on the consent calendar and held; AB 569, AB 989, AB 268, AJR 3, AB 1067, and AB 1510 all advanced with do-pass recommendations and were placed on hold. AB 1233 was moved to the Committee on Education. AB 1383 drew the most extensive debate, with many witnesses in support and opposition, and committee members largely expressing support for first responders while also noting concerns about cost and pension policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• could please have these folks come up to testify: Jane Melhance, Kim Anderson, or Anderson Kim, Lisa Olson
• My name is Lisa Olson. I'm a lifelong resident of Washington, and I strongly oppose 2521.
• My name is James Teakin.
• James Hovey.
• I'm James Hovi with Climate Solutions, testifying in strong support of this bill for a number of reasons

Summary: The committee first suspended the five-day notice rule and then heard House Bill 2521 on firearm background check fees. Staff explained that the bill would remove the $18 fee cap and allow Washington State Patrol to set fees based on actual program costs, which could be about $33 to $35 per check. Supporters said the change was needed to keep the background check system operating and avoid delays and layoffs; opponents argued it would burden lawful gun owners and amount to an unconstitutional tax or barrier to a constitutional right. No vote was taken in the hearing. Members then heard Substitute House Bill 2475 on language-accessible public programs, which would direct the Office of Equity to develop uniform language-access guidelines, address interpreter and translator shortages, and require agency implementation reporting. Testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the need for consistent access for limited-English-proficient residents and the benefits for schools, families, and state services. The committee also heard Second Substitute House Bill 2479 on wage recovery, which would create a wage recovery fund to provide partial advance payments to low-wage workers with meritorious unpaid wage claims and adjust wage penalty provisions. Employers, labor advocates, and legal services representatives largely supported the bill as a bipartisan, worker-protection measure funded by penalties rather than the general fund. The committee next took up Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 on renewable energy tax incentives, which would replace existing property tax and excise tax provisions with a new state and local renewable energy excise tax structure and related grant programs for local governments and tribes. Counties, utilities, developers, and tribal representatives generally supported the bill’s goal of stabilizing tax treatment for renewable projects, though several witnesses said they wanted amendments to address rates, timing, and late-stage project impacts. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5932 on alternative jet fuel incentives, which would change the timing and duration of existing tax preferences; supporters said it would provide certainty for emerging sustainable aviation fuel projects, while one refinery sought clarification and a broader county threshold. Later, the committee heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2238 on statewide food security, directing the Department of Agriculture to monitor food system performance and develop a statewide food security strategy. Agricultural groups, grocers, anti-hunger advocates, and farmers supported the bill as a coordination effort to improve food access, affordability, and supply chain resilience. The committee then heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1903, which would create a statewide low-income energy assistance program through the Department of Commerce; supporters said it would address growing unmet need and complement existing utility programs, while opponents said it did not address the root causes of rising energy costs. Finally, the committee heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2416 on waste-to-energy facilities under the Climate Commitment Act and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2515 on large energy-use facilities (data centers), both of which drew mixed testimony centered on balancing emissions, ratepayer impacts, reliability, and environmental or tribal concerns. No final votes were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Olson, Moms Demand Action, wave in opposition. Laura Standard, Moms Demand Action. Opposition.
• Kent Olson, Moms Demand Action, wave in opposition.
• me just say this: one of the reasons for the bill, in my mind, was—can you imagine being at Raymond James
• me just say this: one of the reasons for the bill, in my mind, was—can you imagine being at Raymond James

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard a series of bills, beginning with HB 759, which would lower Florida’s minimum age to purchase or transfer firearms from 21 to 18. The bill drew strong opposition from gun-violence prevention groups, Parkland survivors and families, and several members who argued the current law was enacted after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting and should not be reversed. Supporters, including gun-rights advocates and some members, argued 18-year-olds are legal adults who serve in the military, vote, and should have full Second Amendment rights. After debate, the committee voted 13-5 to report HB 759 favorably. The committee then unanimously approved HB 431, extending Level 2 background screening requirements for youth athletic coaches through July 1, 2026, and HB 231, which keeps certain medical examiner information confidential, both with little opposition. It also approved HB 663, increasing penalties for unlawfully using tracking devices or apps in furtherance of dangerous crimes, after adopting a technical amendment, and HB 845, which clarifies the intake process for Veterans Treatment Court and removes Veterans Hall of Fame language from the bill. Each of those measures passed without recorded opposition. Members also approved PCS for HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, which creates a sentencing multiplier for aggravated animal cruelty cases. The bill was presented as a response to a high-profile dog abuse case and was supported by animal welfare and law enforcement groups; members cited animal cruelty as a predictor of broader violence. The committee then approved HB 1021, allowing active law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons at sporting events, after debate over identification, venue procedures, and whether the bill should extend more broadly; it passed 16-1. Finally, HB 653, adding aggravating factors for capital felonies involving the assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, was reported favorably after brief discussion about federal penalties and deterrence. The transcript ends as the committee begins hearing HB 6025, a repeal bill related to emergency restrictions on firearms during local states of emergency, but the discussion is cut off before action is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• James Christian B.
• Will Representative Olson yield to a question? Representative Olson, do you yield? Yes, Mr.
• Would Representative Olson yield for a question? Representative Olson? Yield. He yields. Proceed.
• Olson and Mr. Mesnard, our ways and means and our finance chairs.
• Representative Olson votes aye. Representative Lydia Hernandez. Point of correction.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Courtney Olson. Is it okay if I begin?
• Courtney Olson, a speech-language pathologist from Minot, said she is currently serving as president
• My name is James Schmidt. I'm an executive director for the State Electrical Board.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Kristen Olson-Kate, and I'm here on behalf of Global Discoveries, a company that helps businesses
• Olson said, over half of our clients would have never heard of the money.
• And also asked to register our position on behalf of Downey Brand, LLP, James Law Group, Dyer Law Firm

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills dealing with tax policy, local revenue authority, consumer protections, and incentives for development. AB 1726 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the General Fund and Prop. 98 impact. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve local transaction and use taxes to offset projected federal funding cuts affecting health care and safety-net services; it received broad support from health providers and county representatives, opposition from one member and a resident, and passed the committee 5-2 to the Assembly Local Government Committee. The committee also considered AB 1790, which would repeal the Waters Edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations. The author and supporters argued it would close a loophole, raise several billion dollars annually, and help fund schools, Medi-Cal, and other programs; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After extensive testimony and member debate, the bill was referred to suspense. AB 2020 would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069 would create a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects at fairgrounds; both measures had support from sponsors and related organizations, no opposition, and were referred to suspense. Finally, AB 2705 would regulate third-party “asset finders” who help claim excess proceeds from tax sales by requiring written agreements, disclosure that claims can be filed free with the county, and a cap on fees at 10%. County officials and local government groups supported the bill as a consumer protection measure, while recovery companies and related firms opposed it, arguing the work is complex and the cap would reduce access to services. The committee moved AB 2705 to the Assembly floor on a 4-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, James Zockley and Bradley Close.
• Senator Olson? Aye. Senator Galvin? Aye. Senator Gavin? Aye. Senator Hughes? Mr.
• Senator Olson? Aye. Senator Galvin? No. Senator Gallaud? Aye. Senator Sears? Pass. Mr.
• Senator Olson? Aye. Senator Galvin? No. Senator Gallaud? Aye. Senator Sears? Pass. Mr.

Summary: The Public Safety Committee first considered SB 1071, which would repeal statutory protections for the Arizona Rangers. The sponsor argued the change was needed for accountability and transparency, while Rangers and several supporters said the organization provides substantial volunteer service and that the bill would undermine their work. Sheriffs from Yavapai and Navajo counties supported the bill, citing lack of access to background and training records and saying they could not fully trust or use the Rangers without clearer standards. The committee adopted a do pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote, with members noting they expected further amendment work. The committee then heard SB 1315 on interoperable communications for schools and law enforcement, followed by SB 1317 on reentry planning grants for counties. SB 1315 was supported by school safety officials and law enforcement representatives who described the need for common communication platforms during emergencies; concerns were raised about cost and information security, but the bill passed unanimously. SB 1317 would appropriate opioid settlement funds for county reentry programs; sheriffs and the Arizona Sheriffs Association supported it, citing reduced recidivism and improved jail outcomes, and it also passed unanimously. Members next took up SB 1416 and SB 1740, both related to missing and endangered children and the Turquoise Alert system. SB 1416, as amended, would strengthen reporting, photo-sharing, training, and public notification requirements for missing children cases; advocates, family members, and law enforcement all supported the compromise language, and it passed 7-0. SB 1740 would require training on the Turquoise Alert system and was discussed alongside concerns about statewide versus geographically targeted alerts; the sponsor said an amendment was being worked on, and the bill also received a do pass recommendation. Later, the committee considered SB 1493, which would require employers to pay fees and costs when a law enforcement officer wins a termination appeal and the employer refuses reinstatement. Police and sheriffs’ representatives supported the measure as a fairness issue, while chiefs’ representatives opposed it; the bill passed as amended on a 5-2 vote. The committee also passed SB 1537, renaming the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund as the Public Safety De-escalation and Life Safety Fund, and SB 1542, which would conditionally authorize MDMA-based PTSD treatment for first responders and create related research and reimbursement provisions, after testimony about its potential therapeutic value.

Transcript Highlights:

• James<00:40:50.520><c> of</c><00:40:50.600><c> Manchester.</c> James of Manchester.
• Olson of Craftsbury. Page of Newport City. Parsons of Newbury. Pezzulo of Colchester.
• James of Manchester. James of Manchester. Kacenka of Burke. Kacenka of Burke.
• James<01:00:11.600><c> of</c><01:00:11.640><c> Manchester.</c> James of Manchester.
• Olson of Starksboro. Paige of Newport City. Parsons of Newbury. Pezzo of Colchester.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with, Lorie Cousin, Ben Fest, and James with, Lorie Cousin, Ben Fest, and James Cook.<00:25:21.679
• Olson. Senate File 1. Olson votes yes. Olson votes aye. The clerk will close the roll.
• Olson. House File 16. Olson votes yes. Olson votes aye. The clerk will close the roll.
• Olson Olsson.
• Olson. House File 9. Olson votes yes. It's really hard to hear in here.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls; we'll call up the panel as a group of three: Jonas Titus, Dwayne Crocker, James Hallmark
• I'm James Hallmark with the Texas A&M University System. That works great for me. Very good.
• As I indicated, I'm James Hallmark with the Texas A&M University System.
• team at UH System and the accreditation liaisons at UH Victoria, including Interim Provost Joanne Olson

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met with a large agenda and repeatedly recessed for floor activity and other committee conflicts. The committee heard and left pending several higher education bills, including SB 2361 to transfer University of Houston-Victoria from the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M System and rename it Texas A&M University Victoria; testimony from university officials, local leaders, and industry representatives strongly supported the move as a way to better align degree programs with regional workforce needs in engineering, agriculture, and STEM. SB 530, which would align Texas accreditation statutes with federal rules allowing institutions to choose among nationally recognized accreditors, also received supportive testimony and was left pending. SB 1085, allowing Sul Ross satellite campuses to offer lower-division coursework toward bachelor’s degrees, was laid out and left pending as well. The committee also took up a series of education policy bills. SB 1241 would expand the standardized tests Texas public universities may accept for admission beyond the SAT and ACT, with supporters from the Classic Learning Test, homeschool advocates, and student-choice groups arguing it would increase access and competition; it was left pending. SB 769 would require a TEA/Higher Education Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education, and testimony from The Arc of Texas and others emphasized the need for better data and accessibility; the bill was left pending. SB 2231 would designate the second week of October as Free College Application Week, and SB 1878 would modernize terminology and support workforce-oriented programs at the Josie School; both were laid out and left pending. The committee reported several bills favorably after adopting committee substitutes. SB 605, concerning charter school expansion applications while under conservatorship or a management team, passed on a 9-0 vote. SB 1871, SB 1873, and SB 1874, all related to school discipline and teacher immunity/placement review provisions, were adopted and reported favorably, with members noting the need for further discussion on some language. SB 762, dealing with flag displays in public schools, passed on a 7-1 vote. SB 1962, relating to public school accountability and challenges to school system operations, passed 7-1 after a corrected vote. SB 1750, replacing a $60 million statewide charter facilities cap with an attendance-growth-based allotment, passed 7-1 with one member voting present not voting. SB 2252, supporting kindergarten readiness and early literacy/numeracy, SB 2253, concerning educator preparation and certification, SB 2365, on student use of wireless devices during instructional time, and SB 1924, restoring local peace officer citation authority for school offenses and adding reporting and parent-notification requirements, were also reported favorably. The committee additionally heard SB 37 on higher education governance and compliance oversight, which passed 7-1 after a substitute that refined curriculum review, governing board authority, faculty senate rules, and a new compliance office within the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next speaker: Amy Olson.
• Chair Bliss, Vice Chair Heap, and members of the committee, my name is Amy Olson, and I am testifying
• Noah James Markham. Hello, James Markham. Aloha, Chair, and members of the rest of the committee.

Bills: HB2049, HB2050, HB2051, HB2072, HB2082, HB2085, HB2177, HB2178, HB2179, HB2183, HB2195

Keywords: radiation therapy, particle accelerator, critical access hospitals, patient care, rural healthcare, radiologic technologist, radiologist assistant, radiology, imaging, x-ray, diagnostic x-ray, fluoroscopy, mammography, computed tomography, CT technologist, nuclear medicine technologist, bone densitometry, radiation safety, radiation licensing, scope of practice