Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, they are appointed by the governor and they are very agency-specific.
• <00:05:06.400> by<00:05:07.120> the agencies uh they are appointed by the agencies
• uh they are appointed by the governor<00:05:07.800> and<00:05:07.919> they<00:05:08.039
• The legislative auditor and deputy legislative auditor are unclassified and appointed to a term.
• <01:09:59.880> to unclassified um and are not appointed to unclassified um and are not appointed

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's only dealing with the actual appointment process, but not the actual appointment process.
• It's only dealing with the actual appointment process, but not the actual appointment process.
• It's only dealing with the actual appointment process, but not the actual appointment process.
• You couldn't<03:36:52.479> appoint<03:36:52.880> yourself couldn't appoint yourself couldn't
• serving, you know, trying to appoint serving, you know, trying to appoint themselves<03:39:43.040

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, principals were mobilized in mass by the complex area superintendent who appoints them.
• 52.240> area<00:06:52.720> superintendent<00:06:53.600> who<00:06:53.840> appoints
• complex area superintendent who appoints complex area superintendent who appoints them.<00:06:54.960

Bills: SB2347, SB2911, SB2033, SB2158, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB3144, SB3096, SB3097, SB2968, SB2363, SB3154, SB2400, SB3313, SB2896, SB3279, SB2614, SB2687, SB2754, SB2549, SB3325, SB2658, SB2659, SB2602, SB2611, SB2877, SB3063, SB2615, SB3232, SB2875, SB3272, SB2854, SB3203, SB2803, SB2804, SB3302, SB3229, SB2969, SB2412, SB2657, SB2880, SB2540, SB2414, SB3142, SB3202, SB2281, SB2852, SB2272, SB2479, SB2589, SB2936, SB2720, SB2730, SB2749, SB2688, SB2798, SB3040, SB3107, SB3010, SB3109, SB3140, SB3187, SB2057, SB2377, SB3048, SB3083, SB3182

Keywords: tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, veterinary workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• Many city-owned hospitals are appointed by the mayor, county hospitals are usually appointed by the commissioners
• Many city-owned hospitals are appointed by the mayor, county hospitals are usually appointed by the commissioners

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the substitute before you changes the makeup of the commission to be 13 total members, 6 appointed
• by the Texas Supreme Court with the advice and consent of the Senate, and 7 appointed by the governor
• Further, it adds a requirement that an appointed master that hears and takes evidence on the matters
• Appoint new ones that would start on January 1st of 2026. This might cause some continuity issues.

Bills: SB 53

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• The substitute before you changes the makeup of the commission to be a total of 13 members, six appointed
• by the Texas Supreme Court with the advice and consent of the Senate, and seven appointed by the governor
• Further, it adds a requirement that an appointed master who hears and takes evidence on the matters must
• It would have the governor's office and the Texas Supreme Court appoint new ones that would start on

Bills: SJR27, SB53, SB311, SB1164, SB2807, SB1574, SB 53

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, Texas Supreme Court, writ power, mandamus, quo warranto, certiorari, procedendo, extraordinary writs, Government Code Section 22.002, separation of powers, judicial authority

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, at being the appointed hour of nine o'clock, we'll go ahead and open the JLCAR meeting.
• Who do we have that needs to be appointed? Um, I'm guessing—who do we have?
• Yeah, so we'll go ahead and appoint... So we have the point.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) met briefly, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the prior meeting minutes and the consent calendar. Members were seated to fill attendance, including Representative Potenza for Senator Innis. The committee noted two items still pending on the regular calendar: manufactured housing installer standards, for which a response to a preliminary objection is still due next month, and the Dental Examiners Board matter, for which the committee agreed to waive the deadline and allow the board until April to return with a resolution on the sedation issue. No additional substantive business was taken up. Members discussed an informational training session on how JLCAR works, including what motions are allowed and the committee process, and agreed to proceed with that session after adjournment. To do so, the committee voted to cancel the contingent meeting for the month. The meeting then adjourned, with members noting that all items had been handled on consent and that the session was unusually short.

Transcript Highlights:

• They could appoint a legislator bodies.
• Sometimes it's the behavior of someone that accompanies her to the appointment.
• <01:41:05.760> And to Cheyenne just for my appointment.
• And to Cheyenne just for my appointment.
• <01:46:43.199> with and I went in for my appointment with and I went in for my appointment

Bills: HB0003, HB0117, HB0041

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, informed consent, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, law enforcement, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> For another question. >> Yes. >> The sponsor yields. >> You said the Governor unilaterally appoints
• Through you, Madam President, the Governor makes the appointments, and they most certainly come through
• You can't keep appointing Public Service Commissioners, faceless bureaucrats.
• YOU CAN'T KEEP APPOINTING PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER, FACELESS BUREAUCRATS.
• The Governor appoints them, and you confirm the Public Service Commission commissioners.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we will take up those appointments individually.
• We have lawyers from the Attorney General that are appointed by the Attorney General for the state of
• I am concerned about this appointment. I feel that Ms. Hatch did not answer our questions.
• And now we will take up Ila Shapiro, appointed to the Board of Trustees of Florida Polytech on TAB 24
• Ila Shapiro, appointed to the Board of Trustees of Florida Polytech on TAB 24.

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Florida Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views on abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, hormonal birth control, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board should apply Florida statutes, described himself as strongly pro-life and skeptical of some federal health guidance, and said he would be sympathetic when judging fellow physicians because of his own experience in practice. Supporters praised his medical background, military service, and family medicine experience, while opponents argued his stated views could affect his ability to fairly discipline other doctors. The committee voted 5-2 to recommend confirmation, with Senators Polsky and Rouson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined her background at DCF and APD and described department priorities including streamlining services, improving child welfare and behavioral health systems, expanding peer support, and reducing SNAP error rates. Members asked detailed questions about Hope Florida, the number and role of Hope Navigators, agency responsiveness on bill analyses, and accountability for community-based care contractors. Hatch said Hope Florida is a partnership-based navigation effort aimed at self-sufficiency, that 143 Hope Navigators are in place, and that the department is working to improve transparency and oversight through contracts, audits, and a proposed funding model. Senators also pressed Hatch on the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance history and on forensic audits of community-based care agencies, especially Northwest Florida Health Network. Hatch said the foundation is now in compliance and under audit, and that the contractor had completed corrective actions and was operating within current accountability limits. She said DCF had not yet conducted new forensic audits under her tenure but was preparing another round and was considering using contracted-services dollars to support that work. The discussion ended with continued questioning on oversight, staffing, and whether the agency could provide more formal bill analyses going forward.

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.