Transcript Highlights:

• emerging prime destination for business development and reflecting the community's attractive living conditions
• not pay back debt that has already been paid, but moving forward, if the measure is placed on the ballot
• Instead, moving forward, if the measure is placed on the ballot and approved by the voters, the city

Summary: The committee heard a long series of bills, most of them expanding or adjusting hotel occupancy tax or qualified hotel project authority for specific local governments. Measures discussed included HB 2404 for Childress County; HB 3066 for Allen’s Kalahari resort project; HB 4682 for Plano; HB 4683 for Anna; HB 3076 creating a project finance zone in Frisco; HB 3567 for Wichita County; HB 3715 for McAllen; HB 1039 for Alpine; HB 3182 for Burleson; HB 4926 for Grimes County; HB 4222 for Victoria County; HB 3377 for Katy; HB 4659 for Addison; HB 3241 for Georgetown; HB 4098 for Taylor; HB 3178 for Kerr County; HB 3179 for Mason County; HB 2289 for New Braunfels; HB 4412 for Kermit; HB 5165 for Monahans; HB 3500 for Bastrop; and HB 3169 for Carrollton. In each case, authors and local officials described tourism, convention, hotel, airport, or mixed-use development needs and argued the bills would help attract visitors, investment, and jobs. One non-hotel-tax bill, HB 4226, would exempt Texas food banks from sales tax on vehicle purchases and rentals, with testimony emphasizing the scale of food bank operations and the savings’ impact on meal delivery and disaster response. Testimony was generally supportive from city officials, economic development representatives, and industry groups such as the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association. Several witnesses described major private projects, including Kalahari in Allen, a proposed hotel and conference center in Addison, a mixed-use project in Georgetown, and a large development tied to Samsung growth in Taylor. For HB 4226, food bank representatives said the bill would help them purchase refrigerated trucks and other delivery vehicles, while an opponent questioned the fiscal note and the scope of the exemption. HB 4926 drew opposition from Camp Allen, whose representative argued a new county hotel tax would raise costs for guests and could hurt the retreat center’s operations. HB 3178 also drew an objection from a Kerr County resident who argued the tax would grow county government and pointed to event center losses, though the author said the revenue would support tourism-related county uses. The committee took no final votes on the bills in this transcript. After each bill was laid out and testimony concluded, the chair repeatedly asked whether there was objection to leaving the bill pending; in each instance, no objection was heard, and the bills were left pending. Several committee substitutes were offered and then withdrawn or noted as conforming drafts, but no bill was reported out or otherwise acted on beyond being left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2885 gives our local to decide on the sale of mixed beverage permits Should the ballot measure pass
• In order to get the election on... the ballot, we have to present petitions that have been... signed
• this has left our industry operating. with outdated fees and that do not reflect current economic conditions

Bills: HB679, HB1764, HB1788, HB2186, HB2204, HB2418, HB2885, HB2983, HB2996, HB3250, HB3352, HB3756, HB3816, HB3913, HB3928, HB4077

Keywords: environment, regulation, land use, public health, community development, alcohol, Sunday sales, local option election, Texas, business hours, alcohol sales, liquor, off-premise consumption, alcoholic beverages, CPA, Certified Public Accountant, licensing, accountancy, state regulation, continuing education

Transcript Highlights:

• misleading voters, yes, even threatening voters, impersonating government officials, and engaging in ballot
• harvesting—illegal felony ballot harvesting.
• The witness is asked, "Did you mark the ballot?" And the witness says, I'm quoting again, "No."
• That same freedom that our constituents have when they go into the ballot box to elect us or to elect

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB5, SB11, SB12

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• in favor of making the bill effective on passage so that cities could place this question on their ballot
• <00:05:37.639> this<00:05:38.639> coming question on their ballot this coming question
• on their ballot this coming fall?
• She noted it was a very busy commission, covering equipment efficiency, facility conditions, licensing
• ,<00:25:25.400> licensing,<00:25:26.400> complex<00:25:26.960> formulas conditions

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• no longer capable of serving effectively, voters have the power to make that determination at the ballot
• power to make that determination<00:59:43.200> at<00:59:43.440> the<00:59:43.599> ballot
• determination at the ballot box. determination at the ballot box.
• that<02:03:12.080> someone<02:03:12.320> with<02:03:12.560> a kinds of conditions
• that someone with a kinds of conditions that someone with a disability<02:03:13.280> might<02

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This will ensure teachers have the same essential rights and equitable working conditions, allowing these
• We know that teaching conditions are also our student learning conditions, and when teachers are not
• provided the conditions they need to succeed, our students suffer as well.
• Union educators advocate for the conditions for students to succeed again, and, for example, ensure that
• voters spoke loud and clear with a resounding 24-point margin against Question 2 on the statewide ballot

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a lengthy hearing on a large slate of bills focused primarily on charter school policy and vocational technical education. Committee members opened with ground rules for testimony, including a two-minute limit, written testimony acceptance, and a live-streamed format. The committee then heard testimony on bills to expand collective bargaining rights in Horace Mann and Innovation Schools, reform charter school funding and reimbursement, allow enrollment preferences for high-need students in charter lotteries, and require BESE to consider district impacts when approving new or expanded charters. Several witnesses, including union leaders, parents, educators, and legislators, argued that charter growth has strained district budgets and that funding formulas should be reworked to better protect public schools; charter advocates and alumni countered that charter schools serve high-need students well and should not be penalized for their success. A major portion of the hearing focused on vocational technical education bills, including proposals to expand access and capacity, create a large grant program, and increase MSBA reimbursement rates for vocational school construction. Supporters described long waitlists, strong labor-market demand, and the higher cost of building and maintaining vocational schools, while municipal officials emphasized the tax burden on local communities. The committee also heard testimony on charter school reimbursement bills that would extend the state’s reimbursement schedule, with witnesses from districts such as Boston, Worcester, Fall River, and New Bedford describing large net losses to charter tuition and arguing for longer reimbursement periods and structural reform. The committee took no final votes during the hearing. In one instance, the chair said a bill would be held open until a missing senator could testify. Members asked several detailed questions about charter admissions lotteries, special education placements, funding formulas, and the practical effects of proposed charter caps and reimbursement changes. The hearing remained informational, with witnesses and committee members presenting sharply different views on whether the bills would improve equity and opportunity or harm existing public school systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what it does is it just puts some guard rails around who can have access and under what conditions
• 25.600> what um who can have access and under what um who can have access and under what conditions
• 26.880> the<00:09:27.200> process<00:09:27.680> is<00:09:28.560> for conditions
• and what the process is for conditions and what the process is for getting<00:09:29.519> access
• My name will not appear on any ballot, and of course that means I will not be a candidate for President

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, the caucus can't mention the member or a ballot measure.
• are not subject to subsection 2C2 of this section, but may not directly or indirectly reference a ballot
• It would also mean, like, for example, if a bill became a ballot measure, you just can't have anything

Summary: The committee approved the minutes as corrected and noted there were no employment disclosure forms. It then discussed a draft advisory opinion on legislative stickers, pens, business cards, and similar items. Members agreed the opinion should identify historically provided items as presumptively within normal legislative conduct, but add clearer language that such items still cannot be used in a campaign-related way or otherwise conflict with ethics rules on use of public resources. Staff said Legislative Support Services and administration would be the main points of review for questionable requests, and the draft would be revised for board review. The committee also reviewed a second advisory opinion request about legislative and caucus staff interacting with caucus social media posts. The discussion focused on whether staff may like or engage with posts about legislation or policy positions. Members generally agreed that liking or otherwise engaging with caucus posts could be viewed as support and could create ethics problems, especially because social media content remains online and could later be tied to legislation. The draft was to be revised to draw clearer lines for compliance. Members then discussed a long-running project to review and either retain or retire older advisory opinions, and agreed to continue and complete that review process. They also discussed the recently passed ethics bill and supported issuing an ethics alert summarizing major changes, including concerns about a House amendment affecting social media and website references during the election year activity period. Finally, the committee approved spending about $19,171 to digitize archived case files into searchable format, with members expressing support for moving away from paper records. After public business ended, the committee adjourned the public session and planned to reconvene in executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's exactly what most Arizonans, if we put this on the ballot... ...common sense.
• It's exactly what most Arizonans, if we put this on the ballot, this would pass overwhelmingly.
• The simple fact is that this ballot referral is not about sports.
• And to the ballot from last session, we're expecting about 14.
• Abeytia mentioned, we have a ton of referrals that are being considered to go to the ballot.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard Superintendent Tom Horn’s State of Education address, which focused on school safety, academic outcomes, teacher pay, school choice, and opposition to DEI/CRT in schools. Horn argued that students cannot learn unless schools are safe, cited increased funding for school police officers and a recent Tucson charter school incident as evidence for more officers, and said the department’s academic efforts have centered on Project Momentum, tutoring, cell phone restrictions, career and technical education partnerships, and support for Native American districts. He also urged direct teacher pay increases through Proposition 123 and said the state board should revise teaching standards and school grading practices. Members questioned him about DEI compliance, cell phone enforcement, ESA accountability, teacher preparation programs, school safety funding, and literacy outcomes; Horn said the department’s role is largely advisory in a local-control state, that it tracks school practices on a website, and that it lacks academic outcome data for ESA students because private schools are not tested by the state. The committee then took up House Bill 2008, which would prohibit public school libraries from using public funds to pay dues or memberships to professional library associations that advocate for libraries and information services. Representative Cooper, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to keep school libraries politically neutral and prevent taxpayer money from supporting ideological advocacy, while arguing that membership could still be paid privately and that free professional development options exist. Opponents, including former librarian Judy Schweber, Marana board member Hunter Holt, and the ACLU of Arizona, argued the bill would undermine professional development, local control, and constitutional rights of association and petition, and that there was little evidence public funds were actually being used this way. Supporters, including Adrienne Johnson, said some library materials and associations promote political viewpoints and should not be funded with public dollars. After public comment and debate, the committee voted 7-5 to give HB 2008 a do pass recommendation. Members who explained no votes said the bill targeted a non-issue, lacked data showing a problem, and would divert attention from funding and literacy needs. Members supporting the bill said it was a reasonable restriction on public spending and a way to keep school libraries ideologically neutral. The committee then announced it would move on to House Bill 2249, the Parents’ Bill of Rights and Remedies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I know of a particular Senate, or a political party, put out a sample ballot.
• Uh, however, in the very same district, a false counterfeit sample ballot was printed and mailed out,
• put<00:18:42.000> out<00:18:42.200> a<00:18:42.280> sample<00:18:42.840> ballot
• put out a sample ballot. put out a sample ballot.
• <00:19:00.520> was false counterfeit sample ballot was false counterfeit sample ballot was

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it would be on our ballot in November, but hopefully we would have a study that would actually tell
• So, it would be on our ballot amendment.
• So, it would be on our ballot in<00:22:32.240> November,<00:22:33.200> but<00:22:33.520
• But if it goes before those counties in that special ballot, and the majority of those counties approve
• is more possible. before those counties in that a special before those counties in that a special ballot

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill proposes an amendment for the 2026 general election ballot to create an additional ad valorem
• So when we have to go back to the ballot every eight years, we can't plan past that. Thank you.
• So when we have to go back to the ballot every eight years, we can't plan past that eight-year planning
• What concerns me about the bill is that we're going to be trying to put this back on the ballot every
• I mean, they ask us to be reelected and we go on the ballot. Why not the same?

Summary: The committee took up several claims bills first and reported both favorably without debate. SB 20, relating to relief of J.N., a minor, would pay the remaining $400,000 of a $600,000 settlement after an 11-year-old was injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk with a known defect; SB 14, relating to the estate of Pineal Januier, would authorize payment of the remaining $1.7 million of a $2 million settlement after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. Both bills were supported by the sponsors and the Senate Special Master’s favorable recommendations, and both passed on roll call votes. The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, both by Senator Avila, which would create a new property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead residential property for more than six months in order to encourage more affordable rental housing. Local governments, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, impacts on public safety and services, and uncertainty for local budgets; several senators also questioned whether landlords would pass savings on to renters and whether the measure would worsen density and parking issues. Despite the opposition, both measures were reported favorably after the sponsor said the bills would be refined and revised. SB 674, by Senator Wright, was reported favorably with support from property appraisers who said it would let them budget and pay hiring or retention bonuses, similar to authority already given to tax collectors, to help compete for specialized staff. CS for CS SB 268, by Senator Jones, also passed after an amendment adding congressional members; the bill would create a public-records exemption for certain home-address information for elected officials, and debate centered on balancing transparency with safety after members described death threats and harassment. The committee then approved SB 100, by Senator Fine, which would bar government buildings from displaying flags representing political viewpoints and allow active or retired military or National Guard members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag; the bill drew extensive opposition from transparency, civil rights, and LGBTQ advocates who argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride flags, while supporters said government should not endorse political messages. Finally, CS for SB 1664, by Senator Trumbull, was reported favorably after a strike-all amendment. The bill would require voter reapproval every eight years for certain local discretionary taxes, including tourist development taxes and some local option taxes, unless pledged to revenue bonds. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the lodging industry opposed it, saying the measure would create uncertainty, threaten tourism marketing and beach restoration funding, and make long-term infrastructure and debt planning difficult. Senator Trumbull argued the proposal simply gives voters a recurring chance to decide whether they still support the taxes and the projects they fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• think that one thing I very much appreciated about the extension of time that voters have with their ballots
• think that one thing I very much appreciated about the extension of time that voters have with their ballots
• think that one thing I very much appreciated about the extension of time that voters have with their ballots
• think that one thing I very much appreciated about the extension of time that voters have with their ballots
• The extension of time that voters have with their ballots with our mail-in voting process is because

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 46 members present and five excused, deferred reading of the journal, and noted there were no messages from the governor or Senate communications. Members then offered several introductions recognizing guests in the gallery, including LifeSmarts awardees, DCCA and LifeSmarts program officials, former Representative Pono Chong and his children, an intern from District 39, a landback advocate, and staff from the Education Committee office. The chamber also marked the close of Education Week 2025 with applause and recognition of the visiting students and supporters. The main floor presentation was House Resolution 211, which congratulated the first- and second-place teams at the 2025 Havi LifeSmarts State Competition and the 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program delegate. Representative Tam presented the resolution, praising the Eolani Raiders for winning first place and wishing them well at the upcoming Chicago competition. Representative Hashimoto recognized Kalanianaole High School’s second-place team, and Representative Woodson honored Wilson Chow of Maui High School for his leadership and service. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the House recessed briefly to allow members to congratulate the honorees. After recess, the House took up a large block of standing committee reports, moving reports 1406 through 1504 with a series of member notations including no votes, reservations, and a few brief explanations. Several members raised concerns about specific measures involving emergency readiness centers, immigration-related legal access, blank votes on ballot questions, electricity costs and Hawaiian Electric, and gambling. Some members spoke in support of measures while noting reservations about cost, process, or policy effects. The full package of reports was ultimately adopted by voice vote. During announcements, Representative Garcia read a statement from Representative Jean Ward announcing her resignation effective at the end of the month due to ongoing health issues, including anemia, sciatica, and pneumonia, after nearly 27 years of service. The House then adjourned by voice vote until 12:00 noon on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• 100 sworn law enforcement officers and over 100 firefighters die while on duty or from hazardous conditions
• We will continue fighting for access to the ballot, fair representation, and our fundamental freedoms
• Our history, Black history, is WE WILL CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR ACCESS TO THE BALLOT, FAIR REPRESENTATION
• And we can be proud that, despite the conditions under which they lived for 250 years in this country
• AND WE CAN BE PROUD THAT DESPITE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THEY LIVED FOR 250 YEARS IN THIS COUNTRY,

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll remind you, too, when it was placed on the ballot in front of the voters, it was that it would be
• I'll remind you, too, when it was placed on the ballot in front of the voters, it was that it would be
• Now, in the 17 years since this was passed and placed on the ballot in front of the voters, and it won
• in front of the voters was is ballot in front of the voters was is that<01:09:48.640> it<01:09
• in front of the voters, and it ballot in front of the voters, and it won<01:10:18.960> by<01:

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mary Kunesh wants to modernize the funding formula, but she can't do it without your help at the ballot
• your<00:18:30.440> help<00:18:30.920> at<00:18:31.040> the<00:18:31.120> ballot
• But what I really want them to know is that we need you to vote in November on your ballot, and we...
• <00:26:59.280> November<00:27:00.560> on<00:27:01.000> your<00:27:01.240> ballot
• ,<00:27:02.240> and<00:27:02.360> we Vote in November on your ballot, and we need you

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• particular bill is a resolution that will, if you all see fit to allow it to move forward, be on the ballot
• particular bill is a resolution that will, if you all see fit to allow it to move forward, be on the ballot
• It requires placement of the proposed amendment on a statewide ballot for voter consideration.
• My concern and why I'm going to be a no today is because I think putting this on the ballot further heightens
• My concern and why I'm going to be a no today is because I think putting this on the ballot further heightens

Bills: S0824, S1170, S1620, S1738, S7036

Keywords: school district, real property, inventory, land use, education, video monitoring, safety, special education, parental rights, public education, school board rights, transparency, employment conditions, nondisclosure agreements, educational facilities, student safety, teacher accountability, physical plant, school design, construction standards

Summary: The Education Pre-K-12 Committee considered several K-12 bills and resolutions. SJR 1104, by Senator Massullo, would place on the ballot a proposed constitutional amendment protecting voluntary religious expression in public schools; supporters said it simply codifies existing law and protects student and employee rights, while opponents warned it could entrench religious pressure and exclusion. The resolution was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1738, by Senator Yarborough, on educational facilities; an amendment removed crime-prevention-through-environmental-design language and adjusted transparency/safe-space provisions, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. SB 824, by Senator Truenow, was amended into a transparency measure requiring districts to submit annual reports on unimproved land holdings to DOE, and it was reported favorably. Appointments in tabs 7 and 8 were recommended for confirmation. The committee then took up SPB 7036, a comprehensive education package by Chair Simon. The bill would expand educational emergency triggers, adjust Title I withholding uses, align charter school rules with school improvement processes, update safety and early learning provisions, expand literacy and math interventions, and revise educator pipeline policies. Members raised concerns about a provision that could allow the state to develop instructional materials; Simon said that section was still being considered and would need guardrails. The committee adopted a motion to submit the bill as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably. SB 1620, by Senator Leak, proposed a “school board members’ bill of rights” giving board members direct access to district documents and staff, limiting district attorneys’ dual representation, strengthening nepotism rules, and prohibiting nondisclosure agreements. Volusia County school board members and others testified both for and against the bill, with supporters citing transparency and accountability and opponents warning about confidentiality, staff pressure, and undermining the superintendent’s authority. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1170, by Senator Calatayud, as amended, would allow parents of students in self-contained ESE classrooms to request cameras, with district policies governing review, notice, timelines, and appeals. Parents, advocates, and educators testified strongly in support, while one witness opposed it as an unfunded mandate. The committee reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• transparent way possible by allowing the electorate to determine if they want this or not. to go to the ballot
• right to propose and pass a transportation transactions and use tax measure by means of a citizen's ballot
• state elections code with Proposition 218 and other authorizing statutes in regards to how these ballot
• several instances where the courts were asked to interpret if local special taxes proposed as citizens ballot
• Due to the inconsistencies of existing law, any transportation tax measure passed by Citizens Ballot

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that voters overwhelmingly approved Prop 35 at the ballot box to increase payments to doctors
• We know that there are significant medical conditions that stack with obesity, such as musculoskeletal
• If we can help people reduce weight, then a lot of these conditions have some level of resolution.
• I think Assemblymember Patel, you asked about GLP-1s as they relate to certain types of medical conditions
• My grandson has autism and also a condition that gives him very few teeth and very few sweat glands.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This will keep workers in unsafe conditions and most importantly silenced.
• I will be discussing why I think this is necessary to improve the working conditions of staff.
• Unfortunately, under current conditions, seasoned staff can be hard to find.
• Fabricators run specialized machinery and permanent indoor facilities under control conditions.
• The shops offer stable hours, competitive pay, and safer, more comfortable working conditions.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several labor-related bills, especially proposals to give legislative employees the right to organize and collectively bargain, close a prevailing wage loophole for off-site prefabrication work, and strengthen enforcement against wage theft. Committee chairs opened the hearing by explaining the hybrid format and asking witnesses to keep testimony brief. Multiple legislators testified in support of the legislative staff union bill, saying staff deserve the same bargaining rights as other public employees and that unionization would improve pay, benefits, retention, and workplace dignity. Witnesses also discussed how the bill would likely be structured, with separate House and Senate bargaining arrangements or locals, and emphasized that it would only create the option to unionize, not require it. A second major topic was the prevailing wage bill addressing off-site fabrication and prefabrication in construction. Union leaders, contractors, and workers described how more work is being shifted from job sites into shops, especially in sheet metal, HVAC, electrical, and pipefitting work, and argued that the law should treat that work the same as on-site construction when it is part of a public project. They said the current loophole lets some contractors underbid by paying lower wages off-site, while responsible contractors already pay prevailing wages in their shops. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers, preserve apprenticeship and training standards, improve safety and quality, and make enforcement easier through certified payroll and clearer definitions. The committee also heard testimony on wage theft legislation. Representative Dan Donahue, the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division, AFL-CIO representatives, and carpenters’ union witnesses described wage theft, misclassification, labor brokers, and tax fraud as widespread problems that hurt workers, honest contractors, and public revenues. They supported giving the Attorney General stronger enforcement tools, adding contractor accountability up the subcontracting chain, and protecting workers from retaliation and from delays that can cause claims to expire. A separate witness supported a bill to extend the statute of limitations for Wage Act cases while AG investigations are pending, and another supported changes to help hospital workers enforce timely payment rights. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports on the bills.