Transcript Highlights:

• For each measure being presented today, we'll be allowing primary witnesses here in the room to speak
• for up to two minutes each, with up to two primary witnesses per side.
• Do we have any primary witnesses in opposition to the bill? If so, come on up.
• Do we have any primary witnesses in opposition to the bill? Come on up.
• Do we have any primary witnesses in opposition to the bill? Come on up.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several measures, including SB 402 by Senator Valadares, which would move existing qualification requirements for qualified autism service providers and related professionals from the Health and Safety Code and Insurance Code into the Business and Professions Code without changing the standards. Supporters said it was a technical cleanup that would improve consistency and legislative oversight, while an opponent argued the bill was unnecessary and could create access issues; another witness urged inclusion of the QABA credentialing board. The committee approved SB 402 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health. The committee also heard SB 378 by Senator Wiener, aimed at online platforms that facilitate sales of illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp products. Supporters, including labor, local government, and cannabis industry representatives, said the bill would help protect consumers, minors, legal businesses, and tax revenue by creating accountability for online marketplaces. Opponents from the hemp industry and TechNet argued the bill was overly broad, could sweep in legitimate platforms and payment services, and should better distinguish bad actors from compliant hemp businesses; members discussed implementation, enforcement through a private right of action, and coordination with AB 8. The committee passed SB 378 to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. Senator Arreguín presented SB 779, which would establish minimum enforcement fines for Contractors State License Board citations where minimums are currently very low or absent, and would raise the board’s reserve cap from six months to 12 months. The sponsor said the changes would better match penalties to violations and help support consumer protection and board operations during economic downturns. There was no opposition, and the committee approved SB 779 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, which included SB 344 and AB 652, both sent to Appropriations. SB 508 was not heard because it had been pulled by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was on a tour with Governor Richardson for the re-grand opening of RMS Foods.
• I've been a nurse for about 17 years and a primary care provider for about 11.
• With you on HDAA, primary care payment reform, health care quality surcharge.
• It's hard to get a primary care doctor, hard to see one, especially a new one.
• November 1st when those open enrollments begin.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 17 is rider highlights for the agency on a modification existing riders, the changes primary,
• So I'd like to open just by saying that while for me it was a difficult decision to leave. my role as
• It's a national leader in primary care. care and rural health education.
• As I know you've heard during the session, Texas has a shortage of primary care doctors.
• Our general academic institutions have two... primary revenue sources, the state and the student.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we have three primary metrics in the post-secondary CTE audit.
• And there are two ways that we assess this: we have a primary target and an alternative target, and you
• We're looking in the primary target for at least 50% using the most recent reporting data, that those
• And so we have three primary metrics in the post-secondary CTE audit.
• We opened up the Academy of Science and Technology.

Summary: The Education Postsecondary Committee met to hear an overview of Florida career and technical education (CTE) from Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell and presentations from Big Bend Technical College and Santa Fe College. O’Farrell described Florida’s CTE structure, including career clusters, postsecondary program types, enrollment and completion growth, apprenticeship expansion, and the state’s credentials review process. He said postsecondary CTE enrollment is near 480,000 students and completions reached a record 76,806, with strong growth in nursing, law enforcement, EMT, and other public-safety credentials. He also discussed the CTE audit, which uses retention/success, employment or continued education, and labor-market demand metrics; programs not meeting thresholds would eventually require phase-out plans beginning in 2026. He highlighted the workforce development capitalization grant as a major driver of program expansion and facility renovation, and answered questions about business outreach, construction trades, apprenticeships, and space-industry training. Shelby McCall of Big Bend Technical College described how the college responded to hurricanes, mill closures, and regional economic disruption by expanding rural workforce training. She highlighted aluminum welding, millwright, welding technology, health sciences, and a new advanced manufacturing facility funded by state grants and local partnerships, along with a new LPN-to-RN bridge program. She said the college has strong placement and certification results and is working with employers such as Lippert, NAMO, and others to align training with local demand. Senator Simon praised the college’s role in Taylor County’s recovery and workforce development. Dr. Paul Brody of Santa Fe College said state workforce grants have helped the college expand nursing, skilled trades, apprenticeship, automotive, diesel, and manufacturing programs, including partnerships with Bradford County Technical College, UF Health, Habitat for Humanity, and local employers. He reported growth in CTE enrollment, nursing credentials, apprenticeship enrollment, and job placement rates, and described new efforts in semiconductor training, CDL training, and a charter school model that combines high school, an AS degree, and industry credentials. The committee took no formal action beyond hearing the presentations and adjourned after Senator Berman moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate leadership discusses the details of the budget bills, what it took to keep the government open
• Senate leadership discusses the details of the budget bills, what it took to keep the government open
• care with our f federally primary care with our f federally qualified<00:04:31.759><c> health</c><00
• </c> the majority, that's our primary job. the majority, that's our primary job.
• </c><00:23:19.120><c> But</c> going to have this open process. But going to have this open process.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has to be three nautical miles off of the shore and an open body of water, minimum.
• And these... an open body of water minimum.
• And so that's the reason why we have that second bill in addition to the primary.
• And then we're going to open up for public testimony on Senate Bills 1406 and 2721.
• One of our primary concerns is the absence of health care professionals on the commission.

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2480, which would clarify that the Texas Medical Board may collect license renewal surcharge fees from all licensees to fund the Texas Physician Health Program and related administrative costs. The bill author explained the funding fix was needed after prior language was found to allow surcharges only for physicians and physician assistants. Witnesses from the Texas Physician Health Program supported the measure and described the program’s confidential monitoring and treatment services; members asked about the fee amount, which was described as capped at $15 per two-year registration cycle. The bill was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bills 1406 and 2721, both authored by Senator Parker, addressing the handling of human remains by non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, willed body programs, and related facilities. Senator Parker and several witnesses described alleged abuses involving unclaimed bodies, consent problems, body leasing, hotel-based dissections, and mishandling of cremains, and argued for strict licensing, inspections, transparency, and criminal penalties. Supporters included families of deceased veterans and other relatives, a biomedical ethicist, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, and some public safety and hotel industry representatives who said legitimate training should continue but bad actors should be shut down. Opponents or cautious witnesses from accredited donation organizations and bioskills labs said they support stronger oversight but warned the bills could unintentionally disrupt legitimate medical education and urged clearer language and implementation of existing law. Both bills were left pending. Senate Bill 1681, by Senator Menendez, would require counties and municipalities that regulate boarding homes to report facility standards and related information to the Health and Human Services Commission. The author said the bill is intended to improve state oversight of boarding homes that serve elderly and disabled residents and to address abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The bill was left pending after brief discussion. After the testimony portion, the committee returned to voting on pending business and unanimously reported Senate Bills 527, 912, 1580, 1952, and 2032 to the Senate with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and each was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 407 and reported the substitute favorably, with six ayes and three nays. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 500 as pending business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not a primary residence.
• It's not a primary residence.
• That would be the primary focus.
• The Lake of the Ozarks stayed open pretty much.
• And then Lake of the Ozarks was wide open. By Memorial Day, we were wide open.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Ab, Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association, in support. Primary Care Association and support.
• JC Eric Obby, Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association, in support.
• JC Eric Obby, Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association, in support.
• JC Eric Obby, Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association, in support.
• </c><01:04:58.480><c> Care</c> comments Eric ab Hawaii Primary Care comments Eric ab Hawaii Primary Care

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have passed Senate Bill 1145, signed in open session.
• Signed in open session.
• You have passed Senate Bill 1564 in open session.
• You have passed House Bill 2557 in open session.
• House Bill 2749 in open session.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, I'm open for questions. Members, any questions?
• And with that, I'm open for questions. Thank you. Whip Cruz? Madam Chair, I have a comment.
• House Bill 2022 elections primary, and I put my glasses on, July primary, curing observers.
• It changes the primary election date. This is a measure you probably heard a bit about, members.
• It changes the primary election date to be a week earlier for this election cycle, so it would follow

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus began with introductions from pages and interns, followed by a procedural reminder on consent calendars and how bills can be pulled for floor debate or amendment. Members were told that third-read consent bills bypass caucus debate, while caucus consent bills may have committee amendments adopted together unless pulled. The meeting then moved into Minority Caucus Calendar No. 2. A large number of bills were briefly presented, with several members pulling measures from consent or voicing opposition. Topics included appropriations and federal monies accounting (HB 2148), a Buffalo Soldiers memorial (HB 2062), school library funding restrictions (HB 2008), prayer at school governing body meetings (HB 2110), school safety center administration (HB 2142), parental rights and social transitioning disclosures (HB 2249), insurer assessments (HB 2091), agricultural property classification and inspection rules (HB 2104 and HB 2105), firefighter workers’ compensation definitions (HB 2138), truth-in-taxation bond notices (HB 2289), late tax filing penalties (HB 2016), engineering and professional licensing reciprocity (HB 2122), felony murder involving an unborn child (HB 2043), body concealment and mutilation penalties (HB 2044), domestic violence order-of-protection service rules (HB 2048), mandatory reporting of partial-birth abortions (HB 2074), unlawful flight sentencing enhancements (HB 2108), weapons trafficking and fentanyl sentencing changes (HB 2131 and HB 2132), drive-by shooting forfeiture rules (HB 2045), probation review notice changes (HB 2046), venue changes for cases involving court employees (HB 2126), and child support for pre-born children (HB 2144). Members repeatedly criticized several abortion-related bills, the library bill, and the tax and agriculture measures as harmful, unnecessary, or unfunded mandates. The latter part of the meeting focused on water and election legislation. Water bills included snowpack augmentation funding (HB 2024), water conservation grant disclosures (HB 2029), removal of education/research as an eligible water grant use (HB 2030), stormwater recharge mapping with an appropriation (HB 253), cesspool remediation assistance (HB 2096), groundwater pumping limits in INAs (HB 2097), Colorado River litigation funding (HB 2116), and natural resource conservation board changes (HB 2117). Election-related items included moving the primary date earlier and changing signature cure timelines and observer rules (HB 2022), a memorial urging designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization (HCM 2001), a memorial urging review of CAIR for terrorist designation (HCM 2002), and a constitutional amendment on citizenship, voter ID, foreign contributions, and early voting limits (HCR 2001). Members raised concerns about voter access, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and the practical effects of the election changes. The caucus concluded with birthday acknowledgments and an announcement for Muslim Day at the Capitol before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a reminder, primary witnesses in support are those designated by the author.
• We’ll keep the roll open for, we have an absent member. Yes.
• We'll keep the roll open for, we have an absent member. Yes. And we'll now go Go ahead.
• We'll keep the roll open for an absent member, yes.
• Is there anybody in the room who's opposed to the bill as a primary witness?

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on September 12, 2025, with a quorum present and heard two bills. AB 1392 by Assemblymember Sharp-Collins would make candidates’ residence addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses confidential in county election records for the duration of the election cycle or term, with access provisions for journalists and government offices after amendments removed prior opposition. The author and a representative from the Secretary of State argued the bill was needed in response to rising political threats and violence, and several members from both parties spoke in support, citing personal experiences with harassment and concern for family safety. No opposition was heard. The committee then heard SB 851 by Senator Cervantes, a measure described as responding to federal threats to California’s election administration. The bill would require notice to the Secretary of State and Attorney General for certain federal election-related court actions and settlements, extend the prohibition on unauthorized law enforcement presence at voting locations to federal agents, reaffirm California’s voting system standards, and make county registrar certification duties ministerial and non-discretionary. The author and Secretary of State’s representative said the bill was needed to defend election integrity and protect against federal interference, while some members criticized it as fearmongering and argued California should focus on cleaning voter rolls and preventing fraud. Other members defended the bill, saying isolated fraud cases do not undermine the overall security of California elections. AB 1392 was approved on a 6-0 vote with a recommendation that Senate amendments be concurred in, and SB 851 passed on a 5-2 vote. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• participate remotely in meetings governed by the open meeting laws from a location that is not open
• </c><01:09:52.560><c> for</c> the polling place will be open for the polling place will be open for voting
• primary for that year.
• </c><01:25:46.239><c> uh</c> the presidential nomination primary. uh the presidential nomination primary
• to participate in the primary allowed to participate in the primary for<01:25:52.400><c> that</c><01

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Primary witnesses and support must be those accompanying the author or who otherwise have registered
• Primary witnesses in opposition must have their opposition registered with the committee.
• Each primary witness will have two minutes to speak.
• Instead, it hands control over to the primary industry responsible for the contamination.
• We will leave it open for missing members. No, that's good. Yeah, as we wait, Senator Dr.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and to the two of you is on the Open Books.
• In the Open Books, is there any differentiation that talks about salaries for the principals?
• So is there any differentiation in Open Books? Mr.
• In terms of open enrollment, the primary entities involved are students and families, districts and schools
• provisions, and 45 states have established interdistrict open enrollment provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll open it up for additional testimony and support.
• And the primary driver is massive increases in spending.
• Opening it up for additional testimony in support.
• We'll leave that open for absent members to add on.
• All right, we are going to hold the roll open for—oh, never mind. Hold the roll open for...

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on clean energy, electrification, and grid planning. AB 1813 (Ward) would revise California’s community renewable energy program to better support community solar and storage, especially for renters and low-income customers, by tying credits to avoided costs and requiring at least 51% low-income participation. Supporters said the current CPUC program is unworkable and has stalled development; utilities raised concerns about cost shifts, CCA impacts, and the bill’s late substantive amendments. The bill was discussed but no vote was recorded in the excerpt. AB 2313 (Berman) would create a gas service line replacement alternative program allowing customers facing planned gas line replacement to instead choose electrification and receive an incentive. Supporters argued it would reduce long-term gas infrastructure costs and give customers more choice, while opponents warned it could divert money from safety-related gas replacement work, create affordability issues, and conflict with the recently approved SB 1221 pilot. Committee members pressed the author on safety, funding sources, and renter impacts; the author said the bill includes emergency replacement exemptions and is intended to lower costs for remaining ratepayers. AB 1975 (Schultz) would require the CPUC to develop a grid utilization metric and consider expanded grid management programs to better use existing distribution infrastructure and reduce the need for costly upgrades. Supporters said better utilization could save ratepayers billions and help integrate batteries and flexible load; utilities generally opposed rigid utilization targets but were open to further discussion. The committee passed AB 1975 on a 7-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 2612, on plug-in photovoltaic systems, passed 9-0 to Appropriations after supporters said it would expand access to low-cost solar and utilities requested clarification that they would participate in the standards process. AB 1849 (Pappin) would direct CARB to study the need for decarbonized gaseous fuels in hard-to-electrify sectors and for grid reliability. Supporters framed it as a technology-neutral assessment for sectors like industrial heat and backup power; opponents argued it was biased toward a preferred fuel pathway and duplicated existing state studies. After a lengthy exchange over the lack of a statutory definition for “decarbonized gaseous fuels,” the bill passed 10-0 to Appropriations. AB 2088 (Pappin) would authorize investor-owned utilities to own and operate thermal energy networks, with safeguards for safety, workforce, and ratepayers. Supporters described TENs as efficient, low-emission heating and cooling systems that can use geothermal energy or waste heat; the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Egan, I totally agree with you, and yes, I am definitely open to that and am open to accept any language
• So primary diagnosis of substance use disorder, and that can be in...
• So primary diagnosis of substance use disorder, and that can be in, So primary diagnosis of substance
• I’m open to that. Rep. Cruz, for questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• I'm more than open and willing to include that. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Rep.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1076, which would repeal the sunset date for the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board. The bill was presented as a simple continuation measure, and Rep. Stagney moved to report it favorably; the motion passed without objection. The committee then took up HB 475 on artificial intelligence in health care. The author explained that the bill was intended to require disclosure when AI or recording software is used to transcribe patient encounters, and an amendment changed the proposal from patient consent/opt-out to disclosure only. The amendment was adopted, and HB 475 was reported favorably with amendments. HB 740, dealing with Medicaid managed care, was amended with technical changes and then presented as a way to let providers in the coordinated system of care appeal claim denials through the same independent review process used by Medicaid managed care plans. The Louisiana Hospital Association supported the bill, and it was reported favorably with amendments. HB 926, which would have barred public facilities from restricting access based on vaccination status and related medical decisions, drew testimony from supporters who framed it as a medical autonomy and informed-consent measure. After questions about public versus private facilities and whether the bill could affect hospitals or disease-based restrictions, Rep. Cruz moved to voluntarily defer the bill, and it was deferred without objection. The committee then considered HB 457 on housing standards for organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about unsafe and unsanitary group homes and would direct LDH and the Fire Marshal to establish minimum standards for safety, sanitation, privacy, and habitability. Supporters said the bill would protect vulnerable residents, while opponents, including Oxford House and the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, warned it could conflict with federal fair housing protections and impose burdens that could reduce recovery housing and other services. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably with amendments by a recorded vote. Finally, HB 616, which would give the legislative auditor oversight of publicly funded homeless service providers, was heard with testimony from homeless service organizations that argued the bill was duplicative, costly, and could expose sensitive HMIS data; the bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> in</c> be open have open government in be open have open government in providing<01:15:38.239><c
• The primary petitioner may designate any other of the petitioners as a primary petitioner.
• </c> chairman uh shall give the primary chairman uh shall give the primary petitioner<02:17:58.240><c
• </c> introduction um and the the primary introduction um and the the primary petitioner<02:18:14.880>
• </c> the uh petitioners as a primary the uh petitioners as a primary petitioner<02:18:25.880><c> um</

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our primary role is coordination.
• Our primary role is coordination.
• is</c> primary role.
• Our primary role is primary role. Our primary role is coordination. coordination. coordination.
• </c> But you'll see here the two primary But you'll see here the two primary elements<00:13:23.279><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> actually using pharmacists as primary actually using pharmacists as primary care<00:18:36.160><c
• Um, and then I'll open it up to the committee.
• Uh the open it up to the committee.
• And with that, we're going to open up the hearing.
• Keep it uh does that just still open it?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal aid primary systems, as it existed, 91 or the highways?
• English happens to be one of them, maybe not your primary language.
• But, I mean, you see food trucks, you see stores open.
• But, I mean, you see food trucks, you see stores opening businesses.
• Shoot, as one member pointed out earlier, it’s not my primary language either.

Keywords: 959, house, all