Transcript Highlights:

• Volunteerism is a hard sell. The board positions are filled with volunteers and are unpaid.
• Volunteerism is a hard sell. The board positions are filled with volunteers and are unpaid.
• Volunteerism is a hard sell. The board positions are filled with volunteers and are unpaid.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I really thank you guys for your volunteerism at this state.
• And I really thank you guys for your volunteerism at this state.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on strategic resource management in public education. LESC staff and PED officials argued that New Mexico has increased school funding, but local budgeting and planning remain fragmented and overly compliance-driven. They described long-term pressures including declining enrollment, rising special education costs, falling cash balances, changes in federal funding, and leadership turnover, and said schools need more intentional multi-year planning tied to student outcomes. They also outlined the many disconnected planning requirements schools must complete, compared New Mexico’s current approach with Ohio’s three-year budget forecasting model, and recommended continuing multi-year appropriations, adding $2.5 million for state grants in the unified application, and directing LESC, LFC, and PED to develop a long-term financial planning proposal. PED said it is working to reduce administrative burden through school accreditation, a unified application for federal and state funds, and internal alignment of guidance and coaching, with pilot schools reporting time savings and better alignment. Members raised concerns about four-day school weeks, the burden on small districts, the need for outcomes and return on investment, and whether the state should move toward a two-year or three-year planning cycle; staff clarified that the proposal was to streamline or eliminate redundant requirements, not add another layer. The committee then received an update on the Educator Fellows program. PED described it as a Grow Your Own pipeline that employs candidates as supplemental educational assistants while they work toward licensure, providing salary, benefits, paid leave, mentoring, and coursework support. Officials said the program helps address teacher shortages, improves student-to-teacher ratios, increases workforce diversity, and supports the Martinez-Yazzie action plan. They reported 370 current fellows across 86 LEAs and about 180 schools, with many fellows being people of color, first-generation college students, or second-career educators; roughly 85 are expected to become certified this year. A local HR director from Belen testified that the program has been especially valuable in small communities, where fellows are already rooted in the community and several have moved into teaching roles. Members asked about high school recruitment, tuition, retirement and benefits, the relationship to the Higher Education Department’s Grow Your Own scholarship, and the role of university partners. PED said fellows choose among accredited higher education partners, the program is separate from the scholarship but complementary, and the state is also building an apprenticeship model and seeking to expand the program to more LEAs, though some districts are on a waiting list because of funding and local match requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• On some of the main issues you talked about on volunteerism, allow us locally to put some of that in
• Allow the volunteerism... here, but allow TDEM to write the rules that say if you're there, if you just

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• he distinguished himself with one pet cause, which is to vociferously fight against mandatory volunteerism
• vociferously fight<01:48:11.560><c> against</c><01:48:12.200><c> mandatory</c><01:48:13.120><c> volunteerism
• </c><01:48:14.480><c> Um</c> fight against mandatory volunteerism.
• Um fight against mandatory volunteerism.
• > [Applause] He will be 90 later this year. >> [Applause] He told me that he opposed mandatory volunteerism

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your testimony today, and I appreciate all your volunteerism that you're doing on behalf

Bills: HB370 , HB738 , HB2935 , HB3227 , HB4103 , HB5259 , SB519 , SB1350 , SB1247 , SB1248 , SB2112 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR59 , HCR109 , HCR111 , HCR135 , SCR6

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Her dedication to the principles of nonviolence, volunteerism, and public action have brought instrumental

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for Marysville Police Officer Osmar Rodarte. Members then handled several procedural motions, including re-referring bills and moving items on the file, with AB 567 re-referred by a recorded vote of 42-17 and the remaining referral requests approved without objection. The chamber also heard a brief personal statement from Assembly Member Macedo thanking colleagues and staff for support during a health episode. On the floor, members presented and passed several measures. AB 310 by Assembly Member Alanis, requiring youth sports organizations to have AED access, emergency response plans, and coach training, passed 56-0. AB 437 by Assembly Member Lackey, expanding CIF reporting to include sports-related injuries and medical problems, passed 59-0. ACR 55 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, commemorating the 40th anniversary of ARC v. DDS and the Lanterman Act, received 62 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly also adopted HR 28 recognizing Major League Baseball Opening Day 2025, with extended lighthearted remarks about the Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics, and HR 23 honoring Cesar Chavez Day, which drew broad support from caucus leaders and members speaking to Chavez’s labor and civil rights legacy. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote after adding co-authors. The chamber then approved the second-day consent calendar, including ACR 39 on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month and ACR 53 on Women’s Equal Pay Day, and later adjourned in memory of Ralph Miller after tributes from Assembly Members Hart and Gibson. The House adjourned until Tuesday, April 1 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are such a state of volunteerism and giving back to our communities, and just embracing that and sharing

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call that established a quorum, allowing the group to proceed officially. Co-chair remarks highlighted recent successful Henry Knox Trail commemorations in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, with praise for the organizers and participants. The meeting then focused on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 planning, including statewide events tied to the Revolution’s 250th anniversary. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism outlined several America 250 initiatives: selecting an item for the national time capsule, organizing a July 8 nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence, encouraging a July 5 “America’s potluck,” and considering a “heritage tractor” tribute from Kansas as a model for Massachusetts participation. Members discussed who should decide the time capsule contents, with suggestions that Secretary Galvin and the commission help set criteria, and there was interest in creating a separate Massachusetts-only time capsule as a backup. The commission also discussed whether Governor Healey should formally endorse the potluck effort, and members expressed support for distributing a graphic for the Declaration reading. Revolution 250 and related organizers gave updates on upcoming commemorations: Worcester was moved to a larger venue due to strong attendance, Framingham will include living history portrayals of Patriots of Color, Cambridge and Roxbury programs are being planned, and Dorchester Heights/Evacuation Day events will include a Boston Public Library evening commemoration and a March 17 procession and ceremony. Sail Boston was also previewed as a major international event with dozens of ships and extensive public safety coordination. A final presentation pitched “Rebel Town,” a Boston Tea Party musical, as a potential America 250 attraction; the presenter described the show’s development, audience appeal, and need for a Boston venue and funding. No votes were taken beyond the motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are such a state of volunteerism and giving back to our communities, and just embracing that and sharing

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call, establishing a quorum after some initial confusion about attendance. Chair Paul Mark and Co-Chair Sean Garballey offered remarks praising recent Henry Knox Trail commemorations, including events in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, and noting the upcoming Worcester event. The group also discussed the role of the National Park Service and changes in park leadership related to Boston National Historical Park. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism gave a detailed update on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 programming. Topics included the Henry Knox Trail commemorations, grant funding for 250th-related events, the proposed America 250 time capsule, a nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, an “America’s potluck” idea for July 5, educational programming, volunteer service initiatives, and a Kansas-inspired tractor tribute. Members discussed how to handle the time capsule, with suggestions for a Massachusetts-only backup capsule and for Secretary of State Bill Galvin to help determine criteria. They also said they would seek the governor’s input on the potluck idea and distribute a graphic for the Declaration reading. Representatives from Revolution 250 then updated the commission on upcoming commemorations tied to Henry Knox and Evacuation Day, including Worcester, Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights. They described crowd sizes, procession plans, living history participants, a Washington Medal unveiling at the Boston Public Library, and coordination with local and state partners. They also gave an extensive update on Sail Boston, including ship recruitment, public safety planning, expected international participation, and the event’s overlap with other major Boston activities. The meeting ended with a presentation on “Rebel Town,” a proposed musical about the Boston Tea Party, which its creator said was developed in western Massachusetts and sought support to bring to Boston for the 250th anniversary. The commission took no substantive votes beyond approving adjournment at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The spirit of volunteerism is strong in Wichita Falls. The city hosts events like the world famous.

Bills: SJR3 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB703 , SB764 , SB790 , SJR36 , SJR3 , SJR34 , SJR18 , SCR9 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB790 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066 , SB929 , SB765 , SB523 , SB62 , SB19 , SB18 , SB666 , SB688 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB869 , SB890 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB494 , SB290 , SB766 , SB11 , SB10 , SB13 , SB263 , SJR3 , SB5 , SR172 , SR176 , SR177 , SR190 , SR193 , SR194 , SR202 , SR203 , SR208

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, cryptocurrency, bitcoin, investment reserve, economic resilience, financial security, vehicle rental, damage waiver

Transcript Highlights:

• King's legacy on the federal holiday by emphasizing community togetherness and volunteerism through service
• 02.880><c> and</c> emphasizing community togetherness and emphasizing community togetherness and volunteerism
• <00:35:03.760><c> through</c><00:35:04.000><c> service</c><00:35:04.320><c> projects</c> volunteerism
• through service projects volunteerism through service projects like<00:35:04.960><c> tutoring,</c><00

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rooted in service, volunteerism, community care, Rose convened and rallied over a hundred volunteers.
• 21:04.480><c> Rooted</c><00:21:04.880><c> in</c><00:21:05.039><c> service,</c><00:21:05.600><c> volunteerism
• Rooted in service, volunteerism, 2015.
• Rooted in service, volunteerism, comm<00:21:06.880><c> community</c><00:21:07.360><c> care,</c><00:21

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Foraging is proven to increase volunteerism, promote nature ethics, and build self-efficacy in Minnesotans
• c> and nature foraging is proven to and nature foraging is proven to increase<01:06:22.359><c> volunteerism
• </c><01:06:23.359><c> promote</c><01:06:23.720><c> nature</c> increase volunteerism promote nature increase
• volunteerism promote nature ethics<01:06:24.920><c> and</c><01:06:25.079><c> build</c><01:06:25.799>

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• wouldn't prohibit it, but we don't require it, and it seems precarious to rely on that kind of volunteerism
• wouldn't prohibit it, but we don't require it, and it seems precarious to rely on that kind of volunteerism
• wouldn't prohibit it, but we don't require it, and it seems precarious to rely on that kind of volunteerism
• </c><04:42:20.958><c> to</c><04:42:21.280><c> enable</c> that kind of volunteerism to enable that kind
• of volunteerism to enable people<04:42:21.840><c> to</c><04:42:22.080><c> exercise</c><04:42:22.400>

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So your volunteerism is a real testimony to you, and I thank you for being here. Thank you, sir.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2808 on a 9-4 vote with one present. The hearing then focused on House Bill 1808 and its companion House Bill 3435, both titled Grace’s Law, which would create a narrow social host liability cause of action for knowingly providing alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person age 21 or older when that conduct leads to injury, death, or property damage. Sponsors said the bill is intended to fill a gap in Missouri law, align the state with other states that recognize social host liability, and promote accountability without punishing responsible hosts. Members raised questions about how the visible-intoxication standard would apply in private settings, whether the bill could reach casual gatherings, and whether it should also address other substances; sponsors said the measure is intentionally limited and still being refined. Supporters of Grace’s Law included the mother of Grace, the crash victim for whom the bill is named, a relative of another drunk-driving victim, and representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. They described the bill as a response to preventable tragedies and argued that liability would encourage hosts to stop serving intoxicated guests, take away keys, or arrange safe rides. Testimony emphasized that the bill is about reckless conduct rather than ordinary hospitality, and several members expressed sympathy and support for stronger accountability in drunk-driving cases. No opposition testimony was presented before the hearing on those bills concluded. The committee then heard House Bills 3439 and 3480, which would extend the Public Safety Protection and Recruitment Act to volunteer firefighters by allowing them to qualify for tuition assistance and related benefits under the program. Sponsors said volunteer firefighters in rural areas perform essential and often dangerous work, but are currently excluded from the statute, and that the change would help recruit and retain volunteers. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether volunteers should receive the same benefit as full-time personnel, and whether the program should be structured as a tuition waiver rather than a scholarship to reduce costs. Fire chiefs and other supporters testified that volunteer departments are critical in rural Missouri, that volunteers often receive extensive training and respond to fires, EMS calls, and disasters, and that the benefit would help departments recruit and keep members. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce also supported the bill, citing public safety and workforce benefits. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing was concluded after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So your volunteerism is a real testimony to you, and I thank you for being here. Thank you, sir.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By encouraging work, education, and volunteerism, these policies provide better health, greater financial

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America while also actively serving her community through volunteerism

Bills: SB1238 , SB1277 , SB1304 , SB1378 , SB1423 , SB1484 , SB1501 , SR32 , SB1502 , SB1721 , SB1735 , SB1832 , SB1847 , SB1859 , SB1876 , SB2170 , SB2182

Keywords: domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation, intimate partner violence, family or household member, repeat offender, felony enhancement, Class B5 felony, stalking, batterers intervention program, court-ordered treatment, protective order, presence of a child, pregnant victim, great bodily injury, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, sex offender registration

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and a series of guest introductions recognizing doctors, nurses, psychologists, interns, students, civic groups, and special honorees, including a tribute to Senator Paul Rosino’s military service and a citation for 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Melissa Yvonne. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 32 recognizing March 9 as Bob Wills Day at the Capitol, with remarks from Carolyn Wills and musical guests from the Texas Playboys. The Senate then took up and passed a long list of bills. SB 1238 made domestic assault and battery in the presence of a minor a felony on the first offense and passed 42-3 after questions about sentencing impacts and equity concerns. SB 1277 codified weekly work-search actions and passed 46-0. SB 1304 clarified alcohol sample serving sizes and passed 30-15, with one senator recorded as not voting. SB 1378 created the Olympics and Oklahoma revolving fund and passed 46-0 as an emergency measure. SB 1423 repealed the Hospital Advisory Council and passed 39-7. SB 1484 expanded sudden unexplained infant death investigations and passed 46-0. Later measures included SB 1501, which clarified medical marijuana grow remediation and notice requirements, passing 41-5 amid concerns about pending renewals and law-enforcement notification; SB 1502, repealing the Alzheimer’s Disclosure Act Advisory Council, passing 46-0; SB 1721, extending the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education and passing 40-6 as an emergency; SB 1735, a CareerTech/SDE accreditation cleanup bill, passing 46-0 as an emergency; SB 1832, reauthorizing veterans’ tax checkoffs, passing 46-0 as an emergency; SB 1847, allowing certain Medicaid waiver recipients in assisted living to age in place, passing 34-10 as an emergency; SB 1859, creating an OSBI cybercrime and financial fraud division, passing 37-8 despite concerns about duplication with another agency; SB 1876, modernizing service of process for foreign insurers, passing 45-0; SB 2170, requiring supervised visitation after DHS findings of child sexual abuse, passing 45-0; and SB 2182, creating civil remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, passing 44-0. The Senate concluded with announcements about the Bible Reading Marathon and an upcoming Ireland-related economic development event, then adjourned until Tuesday, March 10 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It lived off the largess of the county and volunteerism for several years.

Bills: HB5208 , SB863 , SB1243 , SB1624 , SB1965 , SB2660 , SB2702 , SB2885

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow

Transcript Highlights:

• But instead, the bill statutorily requires checks for nearly every category of employment and volunteerism
• But instead, the bill statutorily requires checks for nearly every category of employment and volunteerism
• listed in the education. checks for nearly every category of employment and volunteerism listed in the

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with housekeeping items and the adoption of a four-bill consent calendar. Bills on the consent calendar included AB 476 on metal theft, AB 619 on California Conservation Corps training for formerly incarcerated people, AB 1192 on child abuse or neglect reporting, and AB 1239 on human trafficking data. Several bills were pulled by the authors before hearing, and the committee also announced that AB 379 would be heard with a file notice waiver and AB 63 would be for testimony only. The most extensive discussion was on AB 366, which would require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of DUI. The author, Senator Archuleta, and a MADD representative gave emotional testimony about family members killed by drunk drivers and argued the bill would save lives. Support came from law enforcement, fire, medical, auto club, and safety groups. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates focused on loss of judicial discretion, costs for low-income drivers, and concerns about vendor oversight and effectiveness. The committee voted to pass AB 366 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway into firefighting careers for formerly incarcerated people who served on Cal Fire hand crews. The author and supporters said the bill would recognize service, improve reentry, and reduce recidivism; a fire labor group withdrew its opposition after amendments were discussed. The measure passed to Appropriations, though it remained on call pending one additional vote. AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for parents of truant K-8 students and replace them with supportive responses, drew broad support from education and justice advocates but no opposition testimony; it was also passed to Appropriations and left on call pending one more vote. ACR 60, recognizing the Downey Police Department’s special-needs communication program for interactions with people with disabilities or sensory challenges, was adopted unanimously. The committee then heard AB 746 on creating an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve for incarcerated workers. Supporters said it would build job skills, dignity, and reentry success; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed to Appropriations and was left on call pending votes. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking drew strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials for creating a survivor services fund and targeting buyers, but also strong opposition from survivors and civil liberties groups who warned it would criminalize vulnerable people and revive harmful loitering enforcement. The committee discussion continued with members weighing survivor support, public safety tools, and concerns about the bill’s amendments and scope.

Bills: HR34 , HR36 , HR38 , HR39 , HR41 , HR42 , HR43 , HR67 , HR68 , HR73 , HR77 , HR81 , HR104 , HR166 , HR201 , HR202 , HR223 , HR226 , HR233 , HR234 , HR246 , HR264 , HR266 , HR268 , HR271 , HR280 , HR282 , HR286 , HR291 , HR292 , HR296 , HR298 , HR319 , HR326 , HR329 , HR348 , HR354 , HR373 , HR376 , HR381 , HR385 , HR386 , HR387 , HR391 , HR394 , HR395 , HR396 , HR399 , HR400 , HR402 , HR403 , HR404 , HR408 , HR409 , HR410 , HR413 , HR414 , HR417 , HR418 , HR419 , HR422 , HR424 , HR429 , HR435 , HR439 , HR440 , HR22 , HR88 , HR94 , HR136 , HR194 , HR231 , HR302 , HR397 , HR416 , HR420 , HR421 , HR423 , HR430 , HR431

Keywords: Ramadan, Islam, Muslim community, spiritual observance, cultural recognition, Eid al-Fitr, celebration, Texas legislation, Mother's Day, family, women, honor, Father's Day, gratefulness, recognition, Diwali, festival of lights, Hinduism, unity, Veterans Day