Transcript Highlights:

• Item number three, messages from the governor. Mr. Clerk, are there any messages from the governor?
• 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
• mayor city council and the like Governor mayor city council and the like I<00:33:23.720><c> believe<

Transcript Highlights:

• It politicizes appointments and allows persons with political connections to...
• I mean, if Barack Obama or Joe Biden were the governor of Texas and were responsible for appointing the
• ...appointing the political appointees who would... I'm really just out of curiosity.
• What would you feel if Joe Biden was responsible for appointing the Board of Regents?
• and lieutenant governor.

Bills: SB 37

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: fetal development, education, public health curriculum, middle school, age-appropriate instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's actually 3 parts to it dealing with elections or appointments.
• Appointments in general from the legislature or the governor And then the last one deals with contracts
• The only portion of it that we're concerned with is the top part about elections or appointments for
• Even though the legislator had resigned his office prior to appointment, the Oklahoma Supreme Court said
• , lieutenant governor, and so on, including the superintendent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, communications from the Governor is listed on the calendar will not be read in the
• I'm glad that we have a governor who appreciates decisions being based on data and evidence.
• Conference Committee Appointments? All right, Mr. Majority Leader.
• I'll appoint Senators Rogers, Finchem, and Ortiz as members of the committee.
• I'll appoint Senators Bolick, Carroll, and Epstein as members of the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The board consists of seven members, and up to two pro tem members may be appointed.
• Yeah, so it does help us then and allows the governor to have the opportunity to appoint a board member
• And residents of Washington state for five years immediately preceding that appointment.
• Membership on the board is specified in the bill, and members must be appointed by the governor by September
• Membership on the board is specified in the bill, and members must be appointed by the governor by September

Bills: HB1347 , HB2091 , HB2264

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: education, funding, student loans, affordability, higher education, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation, unemployment insurance, benefits, employment, layoffs, workforce reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• They're appointed by the governor. They're nominated by the governor and approved by the Senate.
• And so there was a board appointed in 2018, '19, I won't say they were appointed, but they were individuals
• and lieutenant governor.
• Certainly, Governor Abbott issued an executive order having— Certainly, Governor Abbott issued an executive
• In this position, I was appointed in 2024. Okay. All right.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met to hear interim charges on higher education transparency and on preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. The chair emphasized accountability for taxpayer dollars and asked witnesses to address financial reporting, audit practices, and whether more frequent or comprehensive audits would improve oversight. Legislative Budget Board staff described how public university systems and most community colleges respond to requests about internal audit practices, noting that university systems generally follow a similar annual audit timeline and that community colleges use a more varied mix of internal and external audit arrangements. Members focused on gaps in reporting, especially Texas Southern University’s missing submissions for several years and Collin County Community College’s nonresponse to the LBB survey. The State Auditor’s Office then outlined its higher education audit work, including mandatory statewide single audits, DEI compliance audits, HUB and State Use Program audits, benefits proportional audits, and discretionary audits based on risk. The auditor said the office has released 43 higher-ed audit reports since fiscal year 2021 and has two audits in progress, and explained that internal audit reports from institutions help guide future audit selection. Senators pressed the office on the lack of enforcement authority, the value of internal auditors at each institution, and whether community colleges should have more standardized reporting and audit requirements. The auditor and general counsel said the SAO can refer suspected fraud to law enforcement but cannot itself enforce findings, while several senators suggested stronger clawback authority and more robust internal audit structures. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board explained that it collects annual financial reports, sources-and-uses data, and community college finance reports, and uses them for funding formulas and other reporting. It also trains governing board members and said it has limited regulatory authority, though community colleges must certify compliance annually and can lose eligibility for state funds if they do not. Members questioned the reliability of self-attested data, the adequacy of board training, and whether a single reporting structure would be more efficient. During public testimony, a ScholarShot representative argued for clearer, student-facing financial transparency so students can see total cost of attendance and the gap they must cover before enrolling.

Transcript Highlights:

• That happened with Governor Lynch when he was here.
• When a governor comes in, we stand up, and as a matter of respect to the position, the chief justice
• Lynch when he was here the with Governor Lynch when he was here the his<00:19:21.320><c> wife</c><00
• comes in we stand up and and governor comes in we stand up and and and<00:19:29.760><c> a</c><00:19:
• </c> a bill if a no-show chairman May appoint a bill if a no-show chairman May appoint a<00:19:48.840

Summary: The meeting was the first session of a newly created House Education Funding Committee, which also handles career technical education and higher education legislation. The chair explained that the committee was split off from the larger education committee because of the high volume of bills in the prior biennium, and said its focus would be on education funding policy and related fiscal issues. He noted that the committee had already reviewed major topics with the Department of Education, including the foundation formula, building aid, career technical education, special education aid, catastrophic aid, and higher education funding, and that chancellors from the university and community college systems were scheduled to appear later that morning. The bulk of the meeting was an orientation on committee procedures and decorum. The chair reviewed attendance and replacement rules, hearing procedures, time limits for testimony, and how the committee would handle crowded hearings, early bills, and fiscal notes. He emphasized that hearings are not debates, that sponsors and co-sponsors may present but should not use their position to dominate questioning, and that the chair controls whether additional technical questions are asked of witnesses. He also stressed neutrality, saying members should not display buttons or placards or engage in running debates with testifiers, and that the committee should treat all testimony respectfully regardless of party or viewpoint. Additional housekeeping guidance covered security procedures, use of cell phones and computers during hearings, breaks and hydration in the dry hearing rooms, and courtesy toward the clerk and other staff. The chair also asked members to notify leadership in advance of absences and explained that some bills may require larger rooms or overflow arrangements. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for our governor. We pray for his wife, his family, his children.
• In 1988, Governor Buddy Roemer appointed Kay as Assistant Executive Counsel to the governor, where her
• In 1992, Attorney Richard Ieyoub appointed her as Deputy Attorney General in charge of the Civil Division
• Her sharp intellect and commanding presence led her to cover the gubernatorial campaign of former Governor
• it adds an alternative energy industry representative and a consumer advocate to the panel, both appointed

Bills: SCR12 , HB221 , HB509 , HCR58 , HB75 , HB1222 , SB121 , SB312 , SB348 , SB485 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB65 , SB215 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR54 , HCR79 , HCR87 , HCR94 , HCR104 , HCR32 , HB944 , HB17 , HB41 , HB73 , HB223 , HB244 , HB410 , HB750 , HB759 , HB906 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1086 , HB1107 , HB1112 , HB1215 , HB1242 , SB208 , SB217 , SB283 , SB387 , SB389 , SB401 , SB408 , SB469 , HB74 , HB119 , HB368 , HB414 , HB552 , HB732 , HB776 , HB848 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1236 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB78 , SB149 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449 , HB134 , HB210 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB784 , HB1117

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Transcript Highlights:

• You're going to spend what little you get in gas to make those appointments.
• You're going to spend what little you get in gas to make those appointments.
• I'm reminded, and here I am quoting Governor Ron DeSantis, when he said during COVID that this system
• Governor Ron DeSantis said that. Unnecessary roadblocks. Governor Ron DeSantis said that.
• Missing an interview could be because of a multiplicity of medical appointments.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met with a quorum present and took up a full agenda of bills, beginning with agency and records measures from Senator Massullo. SB 488, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles agency package, would update reporting thresholds for crashes, expand DHSMV’s use of email for certain transactions, and align tank vehicle definitions with federal rules; it was reported favorably. Its companion, SB 490, creates a public records exemption for certain email records and also passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 892, revising enhanced sentencing procedures for repeat offenders, and SB 124, which cleans up outdated Florida Virtual School language without changing day-to-day operations. Later, SB 584 on commercial driving schools, SB 656 codifying the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and related grant program, and SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute all passed favorably as well. The most extensive debate centered on SB 216, which would tighten reemployment assistance eligibility by adding job-search requirements, interview attendance rules, identity and immigration verification every two weeks, and fraud-reporting duties for the Department of Commerce. Senator McLean argued the bill targets fraud and improves program integrity, while opponents and several members raised concerns about fiscal impact, administrative burden, and reduced access for unemployed workers, especially seniors and rural residents. Dr. Rich Templin of the Florida AFL-CIO testified against the bill, warning it could sharply reduce recipiency and worsen an already restrictive system. Despite opposition, the bill was reported favorably on a divided roll call. The committee also approved CS/SB 382 on electric bicycles, which requires riders to yield to pedestrians on shared pathways, sound an audible signal before passing, and limits speed near pedestrians; it also creates a task force to study further regulation. Michelle Lynch, whose son was killed in an e-scooter crash, testified in support of broader safety rules and urged the committee to add e-scooters back into the bill. Several members echoed concerns about e-scooter safety and asked for further work, but the bill advanced favorably. At the end of the meeting, members requested to be recorded on specific tabs, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which will be submitted to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and relevant
• For over 10 years, I was appointed to Governor Huckabee's cabinet. was reappointed by Governor Mike Beebe
• The council reports to the three governor. appointed TCEQ commissioners and OPIC is independent from
• This means that the Public Interest Council reports directly to the three governor-appointed. commissioners
• by the commissioners, just like the commissioners are appointed by the governor.

Bills: HB512 , HB2248 , HB2679 , HB2832 , HB3112 , HB3368 , HB3490 , HB3512 , HB3623 , HB3666 , HB3700 , HB3711 , HB3770 , HB3963

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: grievance procedures, state agency, employee rights, workplace regulations, employment law, employees, employment actions, appeal, state employees, workplace rights, disciplinary actions, employment conditions, employment disputes, job protections, public information, transparency, government accountability, information access, notification requirements, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• and our lieutenant governor and our lieutenant governor make up those ones that make up not only in
• </c> Senate confirmation number 65 appointing Senate confirmation number 65 appointing Kathy<00:20:30.240
• </c> appointed for them. appointed for them. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• senator</c> You all appointed me senator You all appointed me senator to<00:59:20.480><c> the</c><00:
• now had to be representatives appointed now had to be appointed<00:59:46.799><c> Now</c><00:59:47.359

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber received several House messages referring local bills to the Committee on Local Legislation, including measures affecting Lawrence, Clayurn, Limestone, Shelby, and Alabaster. The Senate also recognized guests in the gallery, including local leaders, law enforcement officials, and a Jackson County Junior Leadership group. During personal privilege remarks, Senator Figures offered a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., highlighting his civil rights legacy, political influence, and impact on Black voter participation and representation; the Senate observed a moment of silence. Senator Smitherman also thanked her for the remarks. The Senate then adopted Senate Joint Resolution 47, mourning the death and celebrating the life of John J. Guthrie Jr., and Senate Joint Resolution 48, commending Tommy Jax for emergency actions to help a sick child. The Senate considered numerous confirmations from the Committee on Confirmations, all receiving favorable reports and being confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls, including Walter Bracie and Eric Bone to the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, Morgan Garner and Susie Beal to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Joe Brown, Brian Williams, James Spears, Charles Hedrickk, and Kathy Pierce to the Alabama Board of Polygraph Examiners. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including local legislation and county/municipal government measures. On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar and passed or adopted several bills: SB 239 on child custody jurisdiction enforcement, SB 190 on a sales tax exemption for an ocular eye service company, SB 252 on Governor’s Mansion Authority employees and leave benefits, SB 170 on health savings account regulatory coordination, SB 210 on the chiropractic board, SB 242 on commercial driver’s licenses, and SB 70 on crimes and offenses. SB 247 on insurance was carried over at the sponsor’s request for further work, and SB 83 on guardianships and conservatorships was taken up with discussion of a committee amendment to clarify removal of proceedings from probate to circuit court and notice requirements; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:29:03.039><c> to</c> dog organizers can get the governor to dog organizers can get the governor
• </c> proclamation from the governor herself. proclamation from the governor herself.
• </c><00:35:18.680><c> Okay,</c><00:35:19.680><c> I</c> get the governor to proclaim it.
• Okay, I get the governor to proclaim it.
• <00:41:07.200><c> is</c><00:41:07.520><c> problematic</c> appointed is problematic appointed is problematic

Summary: The committee first took up several Senate messages on House bills. It recommended non-concurrence and a committee conference on HB 428 after Representative Pearson raised a constitutional concern about a retroactive provision in the building code bill. It also recommended non-concurrence on HB 156, which had been rewritten by the Senate to create a permanent subcommittee related to food/procurement; members said they did not want to create a permanent subcommittee and preferred to let the issue return next year if needed. On HB 85, concerning temporary student licenses for respiratory therapists, the committee concurred with a Senate rewrite that added restrictions but preserved the bill’s main purpose. On HB 82, a cleanup bill for occupational licensing, the committee concurred with a Senate amendment explicitly allowing the electricians board to create subcommittees, with members noting they did not think the authority was necessary but that it would not do harm. The committee then considered SB 178 on laboratory water testing. Representative Leyon offered amendment 2025-1743H to clarify how fees would be deposited and to direct a portion of certain fees and grants into a non-lapsing lab equipment and replacement fund rather than the general fund. Members said the amendment made the bill’s fiscal flow easier to understand. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended on SB 178, also unanimously, and placed it on consent. For SB 180, dealing with Coos County distressed-area designation, the committee adopted amendment 1748H to remove a provision requiring commissioners to give extra consideration to Coos County and to add a 20-year sunset on the designation. The amendment passed 14-2, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended 15-1; Representative Schmidt said he would file a minority report because he viewed the provision as unenforceable rather than objectionable. The committee also voted to retain SB 185, which concerned OPLC-related issues, so the agency could continue working on a policy and report back later; that motion passed 16-0. Finally, the committee voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 198, establishing New Hampshire Service Dog Week, after debate over whether the recognition should be statutory or left to a gubernatorial proclamation. Supporters argued the bill would raise awareness and help promote service dogs, while opponents said the effort could continue without a statute and that special-day statutes often lose attention once enacted. The committee also voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 182 after extensive discussion of proposed changes to the maternal mortality review process. Opponents argued the bill would broaden access to personally identifiable information, change panel structure, and affect data comparability; supporters said it was a housekeeping update requested by DHS that would add DCYF and Corrections and improve review of maternal deaths. The ITL motion passed 10-6, and Representative Long said he would file a minority report and explain the committee’s reasoning to the bill’s sponsor.

Transcript Highlights:

• poll workers are advanced in age and for reasons that a lot of them cannot fulfill a four-year appointment
• For reasons that a lot of them cannot fulfill a four-year appointment.
• And from that, since we go on not just the governor cycle but also on the presidential cycle, that's
• why you see the changes for the governor or president in the same... ...the changes for the governor

Committee: House Elections and Ethics

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe six are governor and council representatives.
• I believe six are governor and council representatives.
• I believe six are governor and council representatives.
• I'm reading the makeup of this, and again, it's Governor and Council that are appointing these.
• </c> governor and Council that are appointing governor and Council that are appointing these<01:15:58.120

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• And Governor Healey signed this into law last year, really excited about the possibility of building
• Votes taken, we motioned to appoint yourself, appoint Senator Viriatu Vinny DiMasidu, who not only is
• We sent appointment letters.
• Thank you to the commissioners for being here, those that are newly appointed.
• Thank you for the commissioners for being here, those that are newly appointed.

Summary: The commission met to continue work on planning a Cape Verdean Cultural Center in Massachusetts, with a focus on finalizing membership and preparing for a feasibility study. After roll call and introductions, members reviewed and unanimously approved the November 25 minutes. The chair described the commission’s mandate, including monthly meetings, cultural institution visits, listening sessions, and hiring a consultant to conduct the feasibility study. Members also discussed the historical importance of the project in light of Cape Verde’s 50th anniversary of independence and the 250th anniversary of the United States. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a draft nomination criteria document for expanding the commission. The criteria emphasized geographic, generational, gender, and sector diversity, along with needed expertise in areas such as arts and cultural programming, history, museum work, architecture, fundraising, nonprofit governance, higher education, language preservation, community organizing, economic development, legal issues, and communications. Members highlighted several organizations and institutions as important designees, including Bridgewater State’s Pedro Pires Institute, Mili Mila, the Schooner Ernestina Morrissey Advisory Board, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The criteria document was amended to explicitly include Cape Cod, and then approved unanimously. The commission then reviewed a slate of 16 additional nominees to fill the remaining seats, discussing gaps in legal expertise, Taunton representation, and other regional needs. Members noted that some nominees could also support a separate Cape Verdean associations body rather than serve on the commission itself. After discussion, the body approved forming a three-member nominating committee consisting of the chair, Commissioner Monica Vega, and Commissioner Manny Lopes to narrow the list and report back. Commissioners also agreed to schedule another meeting later in the month to vote on final appointments, and the meeting adjourned after those action steps were set.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the governor moved $300,000 of that fund over to us to contract with private counsel.
• Uh, the governor moved $300,000 of that fund over to us to contract with private counsel.
• </c> review and whatnot and have the governor review and whatnot and have the governor approve<00:20:
• Uh, and then we provide finally a recommendation to the governor for his approval or denial.
• And for the governor to do big things.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, authorizing the appointment of police officers in the town of Plainville, Senate No. 1898, its
• The House has appointed Representatives Donahue, Gonzalez, and Soter.
• Senator Tarr moves that the Senate insist upon its amendment and appoint a committee of conference.
• Without objection, the Senate insists upon its amendment and appoints a committee of conference.
• They will be signed by the President and laid before the Governor for her approbation.

Summary: The Senate took up several local bills on third reading and passed them to be engrossed, including measures authorizing police officers in Plainville, amending the charter of Acushnet, and authorizing conveyance of a parcel of land in Wellesley. It also considered House No. 4206, the bill modernizing the cannabis laws of the Commonwealth; the House nonconcurred in the Senate amendment and appointed a conference committee, and the Senate voted to insist on its amendment and appoint its own conferees, naming Senators Gómez, Comerford, and Durant. The Senate then suspended the rules to take up House No. 4007, concerning the composition of the Licensing Board for the City of Salem, and ordered it to a third reading. Later, two bills were passed to be enacted: House No. 4030, establishing a select board-town administrator form of government in Rochester, and House No. 4381, further regulating the term of the town moderator in Norwood. Both were ordered signed by the President and laid before the Governor. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m., then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> sitting governor sitting governor for<00:43:39.680><c> allegations</c><00:43:40.400><c> of</c><00
• It makes a few appointment adjustments to the public pension oversight board.
• appoint, and it allows for them to appoint a former elected official with relevant experience in retirement
• who they could House and the Governor who they could appoint<01:09:43.040><c> and</c><01:09:43.279><
• and it it allows for them to appoint and it it allows for them to appoint<01:09:46.159><c> a</c><01:

Transcript Highlights:

• The President appoints the following senators: Senate Bill 2004, Senators Dever, Cleary, and Davison.
• Madam President, continuing on the 12th order, I would move that the President appoint a committee of
• The President appoints the following senators: House Bill 1018, Senators Meyer, Conley, and Thomas.
• The President appoints the following senators: House Bill 1018, Senators Meyer, Conley, and Thomas.
• As you well know, Madam President, the governor said in his speech when he became governor that we needed

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge, a quorum call, and approval of journal corrections. It then handled several House messages, appointing conference committees on Senate Bills 2004 and 2006 and House Bills 1018, 1019, and 1363, and re-referring House Bill 1216 to Appropriations. The chamber also adopted amendments to House Bill 1601, which would have expanded special assistant attorney general authority for certain offices, but the bill failed on final passage after strong opposition centered on preserving the Attorney General’s control and avoiding a solution in search of a problem. A major portion of the day focused on education funding. House Bill 1369 was amended to raise per-pupil aid from 2% and 2% to 3% and 3% and to increase the school construction loan transfer from $75 million to $100 million; supporters said this would help local schools and military base projects, while opponents raised questions about special education placement language and state coordination. The bill passed 44-3. House Bill 1013, the DPI budget, was also amended extensively to adjust staffing, funding sources, grants, meal assistance, teacher training, and other education programs; it passed 45-2. House Bill 2234, dealing with Choice Ready grants, was amended to shift funding away from general funds and toward federal or other sources, but then failed on final passage after the sponsor urged a red vote. The Senate also approved House Bill 1482, restricting bond and indebtedness elections for counties, cities, school districts, and park districts to primary or general election days, and House Bill 1332, creating a value-added agriculture facility incentive program with an emergency clause. House Bill 1010, the Insurance Department budget, passed unanimously after amendments reflecting the merger of the Securities Department into Insurance and adding staff and fee changes, while House Bill 1011, the separate Securities Department budget, failed because its funding was already included in HB 1010. House Bill 1584, a major pharmacy benefit manager reform bill, passed with an enforcement fund and new licensing/enforcement structure despite debate over ERISA and market transparency. In other action, the Senate concurred in House amendments and passed Senate Bills 2226, 2230, 2069, 2082, 2387, 2385, and 2186, with SB 2186 on parenting time interference and a child custody task force passing 27-20 after debate over whether the issue should be left to the courts. Senate Bill 2234, on Choice Ready grants, and Senate Bill 2243, on driver’s license points and traffic penalties, both failed after concurrence motions were adopted but final passage votes were overwhelmingly negative. The chamber also advanced Senate Bill 2291 to conference committee consideration near the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number three, messages from the governor. Mr. Clerk, are there any messages from the governor?
• Finally, we are in receipt of communications informing the House the Senate has appointed conferees to
• Clerk, are there any governor. Mr.
• </c><00:14:40.720><c> Madam</c> messages from the governor? Madam messages from the governor?
• > Furthermore, Governor Green's direction Furthermore, Governor Green's direction to to to HSO<00:34: