Transcript Highlights:

• Evaluators can tell, or should be able to tell right away by looking at test results.
• And a lot of times, the schools themselves have done IQ tests; they've done other tests with the kids
• This kid never went to school, but as you know, how can he function on a performance IQ test when...
• test for alcohol or drugs if it is indicated?
• You would get that kind of breath test.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know what the troponin blood test is for? Thank you for asking the questions.
• Troponin is a blood test that we use to see if heart tissue is dying in real time, which myocarditis
• Troponin is the test that if it's elevated, you're not going home.
• Scientists have been researching and testing this platform for more than 30 years, as you heard earlier
• They were told they were thoroughly tested. They were told they were absolutely necessary.

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB116, HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• allows scientists to focus their work knowing that they will have the support they need to pursue and test
• studies financed by the National Institute on Aging, researchers now have an array of bio-… marker tests
• for dementia, including a new blood test allowing for earlier diagnosis of this devastating disease.
• The NIH and NCI also provide support for clinical trials. designed to test the safety and efficacy of
• But researchers are now developing a groundbreaking test using mRNA to detect relapse early through a

Transcript Highlights:

• is that it amends Section 403 to exclude electric generation facilities from the compelling factor test
• an important technical correction to the JEDI Act, exempting generation from the compelling factor test
• So it makes kind of a catch-22 where it's hard to ever meet the qualifying factor test.
• The other thing we dealt with very few minutes ago was this kind of but-for test.
• And there's a test in place that says but for this tax incentive you wouldn't build, or because of this

Bills: SB913, SB1086, SB1087, SB1143, SB1534, SB1553, SB1718, SB1754, SB2004, SB2322, SB2448

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee met to hear a series of bills and informational primers, with several resource witnesses from the Governor’s Office, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The chair opened by noting the death of Senator King’s son and asking members to keep the family in their prayers. Most bills were laid out and left pending subject to the call of the chair after brief author presentations and public testimony. The committee heard several local hotel occupancy tax bills: SB 1553 for Kerr County, SB 1086 for Childress County, SB 1087 for Mason County, and SB 913 for Alpine. Supporters, including the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and local officials, said the measures would allow counties or the city to use hotel tax revenue for tourism-related projects and local development. The committee also heard SB 1534, which would direct a study on health physics education and workforce needs in Texas; resource witnesses from TWC and THECB testified on the bill. All of these measures were left pending. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 1754, which would prohibit local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power at wholesale, with an exception for certain battery storage tied to dispatchable generation. The bill drew strong support from witnesses who argued counties should not subsidize wind and solar projects that can harm neighboring landowners and that renewables already receive substantial federal support. Opponents from the solar and storage industry argued the bill would remove a voluntary local economic development tool, raise power prices, and discourage investment. Senators also debated landowner impacts, grid reliability, and whether the bill was the right policy tool; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2322, a committee substitute related to the Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, which would exempt electric generation facilities from the program’s compelling-factor test so they can qualify for school tax limitation agreements. Supporters said the change would correct an unintended barrier for dispatchable generation, while Senator Johnson argued it would weaken the program’s purpose by subsidizing projects that would locate in Texas anyway. SB 1718 would add the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program; the NRA supported it, while gun violence prevention advocates opposed using state incentives for the organization. SB 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events program, and SB 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard SB 1143, a substitute bill aimed at improving transparency and coordination in programs serving opportunity youth ages 14 to 24, with witnesses supporting better reporting and workforce alignment. At the end of the meeting, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I did, um, decide to go for my master's test, I found out that what I needed to do to pass the test
• I had to learn outside to be able to pass the test.
• When I took my journeyman test 25 years ago, you know, the requirement was to hold the journeyman for
• The, the master test is a very difficult test to pass.
• Um, you still have to meet all the requirements, you still have to pass the test, the practical exam.

Transcript Highlights:

• **Testing mic 11.** Administrative procedures come to order. The clerk will call the roll.
• When I decided to go for my master's test, I found out that what I needed to do to pass the test, I didn't
• The master test is a very difficult test to pass.
• All the testing requirements, everything's the same, correct? Yes, sir. Thank you.
• Given the disparity of educational and test.

Bills: HB589, HB705, HB1842, HB1874, HB2349, HB2614, HB2827, HB3012, HB3214, HB3308, HB3385, HB3529

Keywords: cosmetology, licensure, interstate compact, state regulations, public safety, workforce mobility, charitable raffles, nonprofit, wildlife conservation, ticket sales, fundraising, master electrician, electrical work, occupational licensing, work scope, Texas law, Texas Real Estate Commission, TREC, real estate broker, sales agent

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a way we can be offering, well, here's a home test kit, so before you drink the raw milk, just
• run it through a quick home test kit?
• <00:02:38.519> around<00:02:38.879> various do where we do testing around various do
• where we do testing around various different<00:02:39.519> things<00:02:40.319> uh<00:
• kits for opportunities like that testing kits for opportunities like that I<00:03:05.040> know

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard extended testimony from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and several senators about using agriculture economic development funds to make Kentucky farms more profitable and attract related businesses. Discussion focused on expanding markets for corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, and other products through biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, feedlots, processing plants, transportation, and other infrastructure that would keep more value in-state. Members also discussed the profitability pressures on farmers, high land prices, and the need for small-farm support and aggregation programs such as Kentucky Proud, BCAL, KOAP, CAP, food-is-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. Senators raised specific ideas and concerns, including raw milk and food-freedom innovation, support for 5-acre and other small farms, and the possibility of a beef processing plant in Kentucky. Shell said raw milk testing is not currently a department function but could be explored with legislative direction, and he emphasized that Kentucky must first prove it can feed cattle at scale before a processor is likely to locate here. He also argued that changing conditions in the West and Midwest, including water limits, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressure, could make Kentucky increasingly competitive for beef processing and feedlot operations. Several senators shared personal farming experiences to underscore the difficulty of making a living in agriculture and the need for off-farm income or value-added businesses. They cited examples such as grain storage, dairy products, chicken and hog operations, and restaurant or rental income supporting farm operations. Commissioner Shell said the fund is intended to fill gaps and attract businesses that need Kentucky agricultural products, creating premium markets and more local jobs. After questions concluded, the committee took up the bill, with a motion by Senator Richardson and a second by Senator Nunn. The roll call was taken, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• PERSONS WITH ALCOHOL RELATED INCIDENTS ARE TESTED TWICE DAILY AND THOSE WITH DRUG INCIDENTS ARE TWO TIMES
• A WEEK RANDOMLY TESTED.
• AND THAT IS SB 1070 DO EXPEDITED DNA TESTING GRANT PROGRAM.
• MANY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES DO NOT HAVE DEDICATED DNA TESTING FUNDING AND THEIR BUDGET.
• PROGRAM WHERE THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO CONTRACT WITH A PRIVATE PROVIDER IF YOU WILL TO DO THE ACTUAL TEST

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• important knowledge from English to their chosen language, AB 667 can help to create more equitable testing
• However, my classmates and I encountered many difficulties with the class materials and testing, despite
• However, my classmates and I encountered many difficulties with the class materials and testing, despite
• understanding what a specific word might mean on a ballot, for example, there may be instances where test
• Because I'm just wondering, you know, I think it takes more time when you're taking a test that needs

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of licensing, health care, and workforce bills. Measures discussed included AB 957, which would prohibit tobacco sales in licensed pharmacies; AB 447, which would allow patients to take home certain unopened medications started in emergency rooms; AB 427, joining the Social Work Licensure Compact; AB 667, allowing interpreters for certain licensing exams; AB 742, prioritizing descendants of slaves in licensing review; AB 873, changing infection-control training timing for dental assistants; AB 360, requiring a report on menopause education for physicians; and AB 1175, modernizing CPA licensure requirements and mobility. Testimony generally emphasized public health, access to care, workforce shortages, language access, and economic opportunity, while opposition or concerns focused on implementation, worker protections, compact authority, and constitutional issues in AB 742. Several bills drew broad support from sponsors, professional associations, and advocacy groups. AB 957 was backed by cancer and pharmacy advocates and pharmacists who said pharmacies should not sell tobacco; AB 447 was supported by emergency medicine and hospital representatives as a way to reduce waste and help patients leave with needed medication; AB 427 drew support from social work and mental health groups but concerns from AFSCME about standards and displacement; AB 667 was supported by immigrant-rights and community groups, with questions about whether translated exams would be preferable to interpreters; AB 360 received extensive support from women’s health advocates and medical groups, and opposition from CMA and ACOG was removed after amendments; and AB 1175 was supported by the Board of Accountancy and CPA groups as a way to expand the pipeline and improve mobility. The committee took votes after quorum was established. AB 360, AB 427, AB 447, AB 667, AB 873, AB 1175, and AB 742 were all approved and sent to their next committees, with AB 742 going to Judiciary and AB 1175 to Appropriations. AB 957 was initially held on call, then later passed after additional votes were recorded. The consent calendar bills AB 375, AB 1107, and AB 1496 were also approved. Most measures passed on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with some members not voting on certain items during the roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or there could be a limit, or it could be a balancing test of what kind of post it is.
• One is that we continue to leave it up to the ethics advisors to do this sort of balancing test about
• The other ones, we could kind of do the balancing tests and all of that, but this is so big.
• Well, and I guess that's where that's where I guess I'm coming... ...balancing tests and all of that.
• I think what it is violative of the way we've looked at before, right, with the balancing test.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The meeting focused on ethics guidance for legislators’ official newsletters and social media posts about a major tax bill that has since become a ballot measure. Members and staff debated whether existing board guidance, which allowed comments on legislation previously before the legislature, should also apply to social media and to the current biennium rather than only the immediately preceding session. Several members argued that legislators should be able to state how they voted on the bill and discuss it as part of their legislative record, while others stressed that using state resources to advocate for or against a ballot measure is prohibited and that posts could become an indirect appeal to voters. The discussion also covered whether there should be a bright-line cutoff tied to the primary election date, after which official communications should stop discussing the bill if it is now a ballot measure. Staff and members raised concerns about tone, tenor, and proximity to the election, and whether official social media, caucus communications, and newsletters should be treated differently. One motion to extend the prior rule to the full biennium and apply it to social media failed. A second motion then passed establishing the primary date as a date certain for monitoring these discussions, with the understanding that official communications should be more limited after that point. Members noted that personal social media and campaign resources remain separate from official legislative resources. The meeting then moved toward adjournment of the public portion, with no public testimony offered, before a brief break and executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or there could be a limit, or it could be a balancing test of what kind of post it is.
• One is that we continue to leave it up to the ethics advisors to do this sort of balancing test about
• The other ones, we could kind of do the balancing tests and all of that, but this is so big.
• Well, and I guess that's where that's where I guess I'm coming... ...balancing tests and all of that.
• I think what it is violative of is the way we've looked at it before, right, with the balancing test.

Summary: The meeting focused on whether legislators and legislative staff may use official resources, including newsletters and social media, to comment on a bill that has since become a ballot measure. Members discussed older ethics guidance allowing comments on legislation previously before the legislature, but questioned whether that rule still applies to modern social media posts and to ballot measures, especially when the language is strong or could be seen as an indirect appeal to voters. Several members argued that once a bill becomes a ballot measure, using state resources to advocate for or against it is prohibited, while others emphasized the importance of allowing officials to explain their votes and speak to their legislative record. The group debated possible guardrails, including whether comments should be limited to the bill itself, whether tone and timing should matter, and whether the rule should apply only to members not subject to election-year restrictions. One motion proposed extending the prior ethics guidance from the immediately preceding legislative session to the full biennium and applying it to social media, but that motion failed. Members then shifted toward a brighter-line approach tied to the primary election date, with discussion that after the primary officials should not use state resources to talk about a bill that became a ballot measure or is subject to ballot challenge. A second motion to use the primary date as the cutoff for monitoring these discussions was made, seconded, and passed. The chair then noted that officials are still free to speak on personal or campaign accounts, and to respond to questions, but the board’s guidance would help distinguish permissible official communications from campaign-like advocacy. The meeting then moved toward adjournment of the public portion, with no public testimony offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• We began expanding the use of the sun tracks, testing facility to conduct research and development of
• transportation solutions, including testing environments for surface transportation.
• Florida will create the nation's first am real test bed to further test and develop a in technology in
• And so that includes testing and development of rules and regs.
• We also have to consider cybersecurity and other technology, including ground brown, whether test ground

Transcript Highlights:

• The clearest test of whether we are serious about discipline and growth is how effectively government
• Also, last session, we supported wastewater testing in schools and communities as part of our efforts
• Louis, putting Missouri's first responders to the test once again.
• They remind us of this: when Missouri is tested, Missourians answer the call.
• They remind us of this: when Missouri is tested, Missourians answer the call.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have testing labs that actually plug in and end up creating a report that says what a machine does
• And we have screening tests to catch this cancer early, but many folks aren't really getting screened
• It allows Medicaid to cover the colorectal screening that's a blood-based screening test.
• It allows Medicaid to cover the colorectal screening that's a blood-based screening test.
• That's just another panel added to a blood test.

Summary: The Budget Committee met with a quorum and considered eight bills. The first major item, House Bill 1467 on gambling, drew extensive debate and strong opposition from veterans organizations and related groups, who warned the bill’s language could unintentionally criminalize raffles and gaming machines used by American Legion and VFW posts for charitable fundraising. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen gambling penalties, authorize fantasy sports contests, preempt local enforcement, and require more reporting on illegal gambling, and he said he was open to amendments later. Despite concerns from several members about unintended consequences and local preemption, the committee passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard and passed House Bill 711, creating a statewide “spectrum alert” for missing autistic children and requiring FDLE training for law enforcement; House Bill 1335, allowing Medicaid coverage for blood-based colorectal cancer screening; House Bill 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds; House Bill 1371, strengthening protections for law enforcement and first responders, including penalties for attacks on officers and measures related to false reports and blood-borne pathogen exposure; House Bill 1405, revising youth prevention services for status offenders; House Bill 1053, updating FDLE-related statutes and adding support for retired police dogs; and House Bill 751, expanding health insurance protections for law enforcement and their families after catastrophic injury or death and clarifying fraud penalties. Several bills were amended before passage, including HB 1371, which adopted an amendment removing a section to avoid fiscal impact, and HB 1053, which removed proposed changes to the capital complex definition. Most measures received supportive testimony from law enforcement, health, or advocacy groups and passed with little opposition. The committee concluded by reporting all of the listed bills favorably and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• practical testing requirements. practical testing requirements.
• proprietary and monopolistic testing proprietary and monopolistic testing mandates<04:13:13.439>
• . >> Um, it's different tests.
• Like you opportunities for test taking.
• So with that, is there any testing.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on Senate Bill 401, which DHHS described as a cleanup bill. Testimony from the department explained that the bill would repeal obsolete reporting requirements tied to a repealed municipal reimbursement program and to the now-repealed commission on demographic trends. No one testified in opposition, and the committee voted 12-0 ought to pass, placing the bill on the consent calendar. The committee then heard Senate Bill 402, which would eliminate certain non-compete agreements for physician associates going forward. Senator Gray introduced the bill, and a representative of the New Hampshire Society of Physician Associates said it would improve workforce recruitment and access to care without changing scope of practice or affecting existing agreements. Committee members asked about the length of current restrictions and whether the change would make New Hampshire more attractive to PAs. The committee voted 12-0 ought to pass and sent the bill to the consent calendar. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 426, which would repeal the permissible fireworks committee. Senator Uler and the deputy state fire marshal said the committee’s original purpose had been overtaken by later changes adopting federal fireworks standards, and that the fire marshal now has the necessary authority. The committee voted 12-0 ought to pass and placed the bill on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 469, a DMV modernization bill allowing electronic signatures in place of wet signatures for certain motor vehicle title and registration processes. Senator Lang, Carvana, the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association, Copart, and DMV staff all supported the measure, saying it would reduce delays, errors, and paperwork burdens. Members asked about AI, consumer protections, costs, and how electronic signatures would work in practice, including in cases involving deceased owners. The transcript cuts off during that hearing before any committee action on SB 469.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they want to make it an out-of-state test.
• So they, some of the tests, require a setup.
• . >> Um, it's different tests.
• . >> Um, it's different tests.
• So with that, is there any testing.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• understand, but if we can manage these flocks, these smaller produced flocks don't go through the same testing
• All of our flocks have to be salmonella tested. They have to be avian influenza tested.
• chickens is because now you don't have to follow under the Food and Drug Administration salmonella testing
• have, you know, small producers that In a sense, want to skirt the federal aspects of the disease testing
• so that they don't have to test their flocks for salmonella enters.

Transcript Highlights:

• ONE SCHOOL DISTRICT WE TESTED 30 INDIVIDUALS AND FOUND 11 INDIVIDUALS HAD NOT RECEIVED A BACKGROUND SCREENING
• AFTER THEIR TEST.
• DURING OUR TESTING WE NOTED WHERE SOME OF THE ITEMS WERE NOT PLACED ON THE WEBSITE, TYPICALLY ONCE WE
• DURING OUR TESTING THEY WERE NOT COMPLETING THEM EVERY 4 TO 5 DAYS.
• WE COMPLETE TESTING TO ENSURE THE INFORMATION FDOE RECEIVES IS ACCURATE AND SUPPORTED AS THEY ARE TRYING

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, at last, EPA's test. EPA's test. >> Okay, I'll get to the next paragraph here.
• Um, EPA's test. >> Go ahead. >> Okay. Um, EPA's test does not represent real-life conditions.
• only tests what considered non-hazardous only tests what leeches<01:25:36.960> out<01:25:37.199
• Um at last EPA's<01:25:58.560> test. EPA's test. EPA's test.
• Um EPA's test. here. Um EPA's test. >> Go<01:26:04.880> ahead. >> Go ahead.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on February 3, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing a two-minute limit and noting that bills would die if the hearing ran past noon. For HB 1848, the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development both supported the measure with technical, non-substantive amendments. Testimony focused on requiring early consultation about water availability in district boundary amendment petitions, with water officials explaining that the petitioner should submit a written statement reflecting consultation and that the goal was to identify water constraints earlier in the development process. The Land Use Commission’s representative opposed the bill, arguing that water availability is already addressed through existing environmental review and agency consultation, that the issue had been raised and rejected before, and that the proposal could create unnecessary delay or litigation. The committee then heard HB 1728 on rainwater catchment systems. The Commission on Water Resource Management said it acknowledged the bill’s intent but deferred to counties and other regulatory agencies, including the Department of Health, on regulatory implications. Hawaii Realtors testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing shown. For HB 1652 on storm water management systems, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken protections created by Act 281 (“Sharkey’s Law”) and increase drowning risk for children by exempting certain water features from safety requirements. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii supported the bill, saying the language clarifies and better balances child safety with practical green stormwater infrastructure, including depth-based limits and exemptions for certain agricultural ponds. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the agricultural pond exemption, saying such ponds are used for irrigation, livestock, and fire control and are generally away from the public. A private testifier, Allison Schaers, opposed the bill and described her daughter’s drowning in a detention basin, arguing that poor maintenance can turn stormwater features into dangerous hazards. The hearing ended without any recorded committee action or vote in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, this is our national test, the national comparator test. And it's very interesting.
• <00:08:49.760> And test, the national comparator test.
• And test, the national comparator test.
• Testing. Testing. Um, and, you know, I've got one of mine right now is in third grade.
• It's it's a test of our education system, it's not a test of you.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee heard from Superintendent Megan Degenfelder on several interim topics centered on student-centered learning. She highlighted work-based learning and dual/concurrent enrollment, saying the state is updating accountability measures and should examine whether these programs are helping students progress, avoid duplicative costs, and reduce the need for remedial college coursework. She also discussed broader life-skills education, including financial literacy and soft skills, and said districts vary widely in what they offer. On gifted and talented programs, she noted that districts are statutorily required to provide them but the state does not have a clear picture of how consistently they are implemented, and she suggested the committee may want to study that area further. Members asked follow-up questions about whether dual enrollment should be evaluated only by time-to-degree, and Degenfelder said the analysis should also consider additional credentials and remedial coursework. Senator Schuler and others raised the idea of making financial literacy or other life-skills content more common, though Degenfelder said she did not favor a statewide mandate and instead preferred incentives and district-level implementation. The committee also discussed artificial intelligence in schools as an information-sharing topic, with Degenfelder saying the department is beginning a landscape analysis with districts and teachers. She then reviewed NAEP results, noting Wyoming performs strongly in fourth grade but drops sharply by eighth grade, and said the state wants to understand where students are falling off. Members also raised concerns about international comparisons and the need to improve literacy and math outcomes. The committee then moved to member-submitted topics. Representative Strock proposed reviewing the governance structure of state education, arguing that the current split among the Department of Education, State Board of Education, and other boards creates inefficiency and confusion, especially for licensure and programs like CTE. Senator Scott noted that turnover in the superintendent’s office could be a practical issue in any restructuring, and Strock responded that administrative staff could handle day-to-day operations. Representative Williams then introduced a discussion of common core standards and literacy, arguing that standards may be too broad and not specific enough, especially in early grades, and that Wyoming should emphasize phonics, basic reading, math, and civics more directly. Representative Guggenmos agreed that narrowing early-grade focus to math and literacy could improve outcomes. Finally, Representative Williams raised virtual education, saying it is growing quickly and the committee should study funding, accountability, and student support more closely; the chair opened that topic for further discussion.