Transcript Highlights:

• The Property Code Chapter 51 governs liens on real property and authorizes trustees and subtrustees to
• was a Texas Attorney General's opinion that found a corporate entity qualifies as a person under Chapter
• So HB 576 clarifies property, the Property Code chapter 51 by leveraging the definition of person from
• Texas Property Code chapter 51 relates to liens created against real property as enforcement of a deed
• Representative Shaheen's bill would therefore codify this definition of person into Property Code chapter

Bills: HB74, HB175

Keywords: environmental project, public money, political subdivision, greenhouse gas emissions, federal law compliance, renewable energy, water conservation, retroactive child support, child conception, paternity, family law, health care expenses

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd like to also add chapter 103D so we have flexibility. >> Okay. Thank you.
• diagnosis services pursuant to chapter diagnosis services pursuant to chapter 103F.<01:05:00.000
• We'd like to also add and chapter 103F.
• We'd like to also add and chapter 103D 103D 103D so<01:05:03.520> we<01:05:03.680> have
• Terry Lum, Hawaii State Chapter of Children's Justice Center in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS and LBT meeting opened with accessibility concerns, as several blind attendees arrived after the general public had already been seated. The chair apologized and said future hearings would try to seat blind members earlier. The committee also announced the hearing was being streamed on YouTube, testimony would be limited to one minute, and written testimony was available online. The first bill heard was SB 2281, relating to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Department of Health supported transparency for patients but preferred disclosure through provider websites and office signage rather than a new regulatory program. The Hawaii Medical Association and Healthcare Association of Hawaii generally supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about administrative burden and suggested a working group or model policies. Hawaii Pacific Health said it already uses AI for note-taking and patient portal functions and worried that written notice requirements could create too much consumer information. In response, the chair emphasized that patients should be informed when AI is used, especially if it affects diagnosis or consequential decisions, and said AI should not be making medical decisions. The committee later voted to recommend SB 2281 pass with amendments, including narrowing the definition of consequential decisions, removing certain language requested by DOH, adding a two-year implementation period, and setting a far-future defective date for further discussion; both committees adopted the recommendation, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting with reservations. The second major bill was SB 2852, a civil rights measure focused on digital access for people with disabilities. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii all supported the bill, arguing that existing law clearly protects physical access but should also make digital access explicit. Blind testifiers described how accessible technology, such as VoiceOver on iPhones, allows them to participate independently in public processes and warned that inaccessible digital systems can create barriers for thousands of blind residents. One testifier, an attorney with disability-law experience, supported the bill’s intent but said the draft had flaws, including no exceptions for archived materials, no distinction between small and large businesses, and concerns about the timing and choice of accessibility standards; he suggested delegating regulatory authority to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. The bill’s sponsor said he supported DAB’s proposed amendments, and the committee indicated those amendments would address many of the concerns raised. No final vote on SB 2852 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 2751, which defines compounded prescription drugs for workers’ compensation purposes. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested clarifying amendments to keep pharmacists as the primary professionals authorized to compound in licensed pharmacies and to limit any physician compounding authority to the physician’s own patient. Supporters included the Work Injury Medical Association of Hawaii, while Solera Integrated Medical Solutions opposed the measure, arguing the current definition was already broad enough and warning about cost inflation, especially with 503B bulk compounding facilities and physician dispensing. In questioning, members asked about rural access, reimbursement for 503B products, and late testimony suggesting definitions for 503A and 503B facilities, limits on physician dispensing to 30 days post-injury, and pre-approval for non-FDA-approved drugs. DLIR said not every rural community has licensed pharmacists available, that products with a national drug code are reimbursed at 140%, and that 503B facilities raise concerns because they are bulk manufacturers rather than patient-specific compounding operations. The meeting then moved into decision-making on SB 2281; the chair’s pass-with-amendments recommendation was adopted by both committees, with the vice chair voting with reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's allowing them to file Chapter 9.
• we're pushing this through and rushing this through is that they needed to have be able to file uh Chapter
• we're pushing this through and rushing this through is that they needed to have be able to file uh Chapter

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 4 March, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 3230, which would authorize the board of trustees of Greenwood Laflur Hospital to petition for relief from debt and financial obligations, including filing Chapter 9 bankruptcy. The sponsor explained that the measure was being moved quickly because the hospital needed Chapter 9 authority so another hospital could take over operations, and described the bill as largely a formality. No additional questions or testimony were recorded. A motion was made for a do pass recommendation, and the committee voted in favor without opposition. The motion carried, and the committee rose and reported the bill onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also proposes changes to several sections of Chapter 943 to clarify the duties and responsibilities
• It amends various sections of Chapter 943 to clarify that curriculum is approved by the Criminal Justice
• It also proposes changes to several sections of Chapter 943 to clarify the duties and responsibilities
• It amends various sections of Chapter 943 to clarify that curriculum is approved by the Criminal Justice

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice heard and approved several bills. SB 504 and its related public records bill SB 506, both by Sen. Burgess, would allow local governments to authorize code enforcement officers to use body cameras under standardized policies and create a public records exemption for certain recordings; members raised questions about disclosure and when cameras may be used, and both bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 32 and SB 210 by Sen. Sharif, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and extending public records protections to petitions under that injunction category. Supporters included law enforcement, women’s advocacy groups, and justice organizations. The committee then favorably reported SB 676 by Sen. Arrington, which creates a graduated penalty structure for adults who involve minors in certain animal cruelty offenses and increases penalties related to fighting or baiting animals. SB 432 by Sen. Yarbrough was also approved; it adds certain concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I, exempts FDA-approved veterinary xylazine products, creates penalties for candy-like xylazine products, and establishes trafficking penalties for xylazine. Sen. Osgood spoke in support of the bill, emphasizing the dangers of adulterated street drugs for people with substance use disorder. Finally, the committee approved SB 524 by Sen. Simon, which makes a series of technical and administrative changes affecting the Medical Examiners Commission, district medical examiner appointments, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, and notice procedures for administrative complaints. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement appeared in support. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roads have Chapter 90 funding; water and sewer have nothing. Brewster's cover...
• So roads have Chapter 90 funding, water and sewer have nothing.
• The simple bill starts that process by reducing Chapter 91 burdens.
• From 1996 in section 54 of chapter 365 of something. Do you really know that?
• My name is Artis Loges, and I represent the Massachusetts chapter of the Sierra Club.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered a broad set of environmental and water-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on blue economy and circular economy proposals, drought management, drinking water safety, flood resilience, and water infrastructure funding. Supporters of bills such as H. 987 and H. 988 described grant programs for blue economy workforce development, research, small businesses, and public education about a circular economy. Other speakers backed measures on coastal erosion research, recreational boating dredging, cranberry water-right transfers, sand mining oversight, and a voucher program for home water filtration in PFAS-impacted communities. Several elected officials and advocates also urged passage of bills to require private well testing, improve school drinking water safety, and address sand mining pollution and PFAS contamination. Water supply and drought issues drew extensive testimony. Senator Eldridge and others supported legislation to let the state, through DEP and the drought management task force, impose regional water-use restrictions during droughts and make the task force permanent in statute. Advocates from watershed groups, farms, and environmental organizations said the current town-by-town approach is inconsistent and ineffective, and they described drought impacts on rivers, farms, private wells, and wildfire risk. A related bill on private wells was supported as a way to help homeowners test and remediate contaminated wells, especially in rural areas without public water. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to allow the Lynnfield Water District to join the MWRA, with local officials saying the move would help address PFAS and other contamination and improve supply reliability. Another major panel supported a water infrastructure funding bill, arguing that aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need major new investment, including support for PFAS treatment, sewer rate relief, biosolids research, and regional interconnections. Members asked about costs, funding sources, and the relationship to existing revolving loan funds; witnesses said the bill would need to be paired with future bond funding and new revenue ideas. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly invited written testimony and noted the large number of speakers.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:18:35.440> and<01:18:35.679> quote<01:18:36.520> uh purpose of this chapter
• and quote uh purpose of this chapter and quote uh removing<01:18:37.080> this<01:18:37.400>
• so you don't want the parties to chapter so you don't want the parties to agree<01:20:05.760> um<
• parties for the purpose of this chapter parties for the purpose of this chapter is<01:21:26.719>
• <01:30:10.960> members for the purposes of this chapter members for the purposes of this chapter

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senator, most of the bill references the public improvement chapter of the general law.
• The public improvement chapter of the general law, Title 19, Chapter 31, and it just incorporates the

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 30 March, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The discussion focused on a bill concerning a district or body politic’s authority to own property, enter into contracts, and incorporate a district under existing public improvement law. A senator questioned the bill’s references to DMV and the general law, and staff explained that most of the bill simply incorporates authority already found in Title 19, Chapter 31, with the main new element being a 1% assessment for local and private authority purposes. Members noted the bill had just been received that morning and was unfamiliar to some of them. An amendment was offered to strike lines 161 through 170, which staff said was a conforming change to make a repealer work properly. The committee adopted the amendment, then voted that the title was sufficient to pass as amended. The bill was reported out of committee, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is a thoughtful, necessary update to Chapter 140, Section 157, which governs how municipalities
• Many times these calls do not fall under Chapter 272 for felony charges.
• The living conditions were less than desirable but didn't meet Chapter 272.
• Because we cannot charge under Chapter 272, one of the challenges that we encounter, having no police
• Fast in all of the different new topics that we might have not been able to imagine when this chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a lengthy hybrid hearing of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, with testimony spanning local board training, animal welfare and enforcement, municipal charters, water district dissolution, and other home rule matters. Chairs Rausch and Lewis set strict time limits because of the large number of speakers and explained that written testimony would also be accepted. Members heard from local officials, advocates, municipal employees, and residents, with many bills receiving broad support from municipal and advocacy witnesses. Several speakers supported bills requiring or expanding training for local boards and commissions, including pre-service training for planning, zoning, and other land use boards. Supporters said training would help volunteers understand complex laws, improve consistency, reduce legal challenges, and speed up housing and development decisions. Related testimony also backed a bill to modernize historic district commissions and another to allow associate planning board members to serve more broadly when needed to maintain quorums. A major portion of the hearing focused on animal legislation. Witnesses supported bills to expand citations for cruel conditions beyond dogs, update dangerous dog procedures, improve animal health inspections and breeder oversight, strengthen tethering rules, and protect pet consumers. Animal control officers, humane organizations, and some victims of dog attacks described enforcement gaps and the need for clearer standards, while several dog trainers and the American Kennel Club opposed parts of the dangerous dog bill and tethering restrictions, arguing they would limit humane training tools and professional discretion. The committee also heard strong support for a bill to create a statewide pet shop and consumer protection framework. The committee also heard testimony on several local home rule petitions. Medford officials and residents strongly supported a new city charter that would replace the current at-large council with ward-based representation and periodic charter review. Wayland representatives supported a bill to preserve the library’s Millennium Fund as intended, Cambridge officials backed creation of an employment and job training trust, and Carver officials supported dissolving the North Carver Water District due to compliance and financial problems. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and there, so the relationship between that provision in chapter 278 and the general requirements
• under chapter 13 that when a party in the litigation context seeks from a government entity data that
• > and<00:32:53.120> the<00:32:53.440> general<00:32:53.919> requirements chapter
• 278 and the general requirements chapter 278 and the general requirements under<00:32:55.440> chapter
• 13 that when a party in under chapter 13 that when a party in the<00:32:58.159> litigation<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1172, amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, relating to Section 41-1971 and
• Senate Bill 1172, amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, by Section 41-1971, relating to
• Senate Bill 1214, amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 2.1, relating
• Senate Bill 1400, amending Title 38, Chapter 8, Article 1.
• Senate Bill 1400, amending Title 38, Chapter 8, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to public

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day. Members also read a proclamation honoring the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and introduced several guests, including Alzheimer’s Association advocates and family members visiting the chamber. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider Senate bills. In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced SB 1037, SB 1233, SB 1290, SB 1445, and SB 1814 was retained. SB 1037, SB 1290, and SB 1445 each received committee amendments before being recommended do pass; SB 1445 also received a subfloor amendment. SB 1233 was described as part of a broader set of HHS-related cleanup measures and was said to allow 72 hours to cure deficiencies and reduce red tape. After the committee report was adopted, the House later took up additional bills in Committee of the Whole, including SB 1015, SB 1055, SB 1274, SB 1502, and SB 1573, all of which were recommended do pass, with SB 1274 amended. Debate on SB 1015 focused on liability for providers involved in gender transition procedures on minors, SB 1055 on reporting unlawfully present individuals arrested for crimes to federal authorities, and SB 1573 on prohibiting state courts from applying foreign or religious sectarian law; all three drew partisan disagreement but were approved in committee. On third reading, the House passed SB 1168, SB 1172, SB 1290, SB 1221, and SB 1400. SB 1214 failed on the first vote, with supporters describing it as a stem cell therapy regulatory framework and opponents saying they were not comfortable with the bill; the House then reconsidered and placed it back on third reading. SB 1221 was supported as a transparency measure requiring public hearings before the Department of Revenue changes its application of tax law. SB 1400, relating to public safety employees, passed after concerns were raised about peer support and counseling protections. The House also granted Senate consent to adjourn after completing its labors, and the session ended with announcements and adjournment until April 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• support to follow the child with an authorization agreement for non-parent adult caregivers under Chapter
• Who are caring for a child through that Chapter 34 temporary authorization agreement, um, which allows
• And, and also let me just, to specify, normally, um, so let's say a chapter 34 agreement is not in place
• But what this is doing is adding those chapter 34, um, agreements.
• In keeping with this principle, Texas Family Code Chapter 153 requires courts to prioritize the best

Transcript Highlights:

• support to follow the child with an authorization agreement for non-parent adult caregivers under Chapter
• would help these informal kinship caregivers. caregivers who are caring for a child through that chapter
• And also let me just... to specify, normally, so let's say a Chapter 34 agreement is not in place, they
• But what What this is doing is adding those Chapter 34 agreements, so they would have to show proof that
• In keeping with this principle, Texas Family Code Chapter 153 requires courts to prioritize the best

Bills: SB387, SB1335, HB1671, SB1760, SB1839, SB1923, HB1928, HB4942, HB5628, HB5642, HB1980

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, retroactive child support, parentage, genetic testing, family code, child's conception, incapacitated persons, court proceedings, guardianship fees, estate management, probate

Transcript Highlights:

• technically, the agency should already be doing this, and they should already be reviewing under Chapter
• So what we've examined and what we've seen, this particular chapter has not been updated in a multitude
• of years, Chapter 120, which is where we're focused.
• With that lack of focus on this particular chapter, various provisions have not necessarily either been
• This particular updating of Chapter 120 will accomplish that by rolling out over the next five years.

Summary: The Budget Committee took up six bills. HB 313 passed unanimously and was reported favorably; it exempts vehicles or motorcycles displaying the Purple Heart specialty license plate from paying tolls on Florida facilities. HB 749 also passed and was reported favorably; it extends benefits to firefighters injured during training exercises. CS/HB 1103 passed and was reported favorably; it addresses APD’s developmental disability waitlist by increasing transparency, creating statewide family care councils, expanding the existing pilot program statewide on a phased timeline, and improving coordination for young adults transitioning out of foster care. Testimony on HB 1103 focused on the long waitlist, the need for more provider capacity and support coordinators, and concerns from Disability Rights Florida about moving too quickly without enough data, while supporters argued the current system is not working and families need access to services now. HB 1097 passed after a unanimous amendment removing an appropriation; it creates a premier academic insurance research center at Florida State University to conduct applied insurance and catastrophic risk research, with members discussing the transition from FIU and noting continued collaboration. HB 1309 passed and was reported favorably; it requires evidence-based reading interventions for K-2 students with reading deficiencies and creates a reading coaches program for grades 4-12. Supporters from education and business groups appeared in favor. CS/HB 433 also passed and was reported favorably, though it drew the most debate. The bill requires agencies to review existing rules and guidance documents for consistency with legislative intent, repromulgate rules over time, and report licensing metrics. Members raised concerns about possible duplication of work, staffing needs, and cost, while the sponsor and supporters argued agencies should already be doing this and that the bill would reduce unnecessary regulation and improve accountability. The committee then adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• mandatory and voluntary reporting is subject to open records disclosure as outlined in Government Code Chapter
• I'm Matt Wagner, Executive Director of the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society.
• We are the nation's largest chapter in the nation, an international organization.
• Formed in 1937, the Texas chapter supports Senate Bill 1248.
• would like to thank Chairman Perry. for being proactive in proposing this legislation and the Texas chapter

Bills: SCR13, SB1248

Keywords: water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals

Transcript Highlights:

• extend my heartfelt congratulation to the president of the Delta Pi Omega, which is the Annapolis chapter
• ,<00:17:56.799> Miss<00:17:57.039> Joan is the Annapolis chapter, Miss Joan is the
• Annapolis chapter, Miss Joan Scott.<00:17:58.797> [applause] Their<00:18:01.520> leadership
• She joined in the fall of 25 Lambda Upsilon chapter, and so I celebrate her as well.
• and so I celebrate her oopsilon chapter and so I celebrate her as<00:20:34.000> well.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Dorene Robinson of Weman Memorial AM Church in Baltimore, followed by a quorum call showing 41 members present. The chamber then spent much of the session recognizing guests and visitors, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Morgan State Choir, the Winston Churchill High School varsity golf team, the Elijah Cummings Youth Program, students from several schools, faith leaders, and other community guests. Several senators also introduced personal guests and offered birthday recognitions, including Mrs. Eliza May Robinson and the Secretary of the Senate. On the legislative side, Senate Bill 988 on judicial facilities, stops, detention, and arrest limitation rules was introduced and referred to the Rules Committee. Bond initiatives were also read and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The chamber took up Senate Bill 108 on wetlands enforcement, but the minority leader said members still had questions, and the bill was special ordered until Friday without objection. The Senate also adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring the Winston Churchill High School varsity golf team for winning the 2025 4A/3A Maryland State Golf Championship, including recognition of senior captain Zoe Kusak’s individual title. Another resolution congratulated Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, North Atlantic Region, for its advocacy and community service. The session ended after committee schedule announcements and a motion to adjourn until the next day, with the Senate agreeing to adjourn until Thursday, February 26 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• we'll hear the administration's spending plan for the climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters
• Overall, we find that the spending plan is reasonable for this chapter of Proposition 4.
• Overall, we find that the spending plan is reasonable for this chapter of Proposition 4.
• And so I do wonder within the ag chapter how what is the approach given that quite a bit of it relates
• And just want to first support the administration's proposal for Prop 4 spending in the ag chapter.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Chapter 4, which I have the entire DCS policy of Chapter 4 here...
• Chapter 4, which I have the entire DCS policy of Chapter 4 here, and I want to highlight verbatim some
• of the chapter.
• There's a reference to every one of these portions in the chapter to a statute, but Chapter 4 is out-of-home
• Chairman, I'll ask you, Chapter 4, Section 6.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee met for a presentation-only hearing on the Arizona Department of Child Safety, with no bills on the agenda. Chair Blackman opened by emphasizing that the hearing was intended to be data-focused and respectful, and that personal attacks or false accusations would not be tolerated. Director Catherine Patak then presented DCS data on hotline volume, investigations, reunifications, adoptions, guardianships, foster care entries and exits, kinship placement, congregate care, missing youth, and extended foster care. She said the department investigated more than 43,000 cases in 2025, kept the out-of-home care population relatively steady, and had reunified about 3,000 children with parents, while also noting that older youth and behavioral-health-driven removals are creating a mismatch with available foster homes. She also described kinship supports, foster parent recruitment, and the impact of Family First on funding, saying DCS lost federal drawdown for congregate care while waiting on approval for prevention programs. Members questioned the director about kinship caregivers, behavioral health access, reunification services, parental rights terminations, notice and documentation practices, and the effect of increased reimbursement rates. Patak said unlicensed kin can receive support through the kinship supports contract, that behavioral health assessments are done quickly at the welcome center or within 24 hours for kin placements, and that provider capacity remains a major constraint outside DCS control. She explained reunification conditions and services, said the department is working on documentation and notice issues flagged by the Auditor General, and noted that kinship reimbursement increases have helped some families step forward. She also said DCS procurement for group homes is handled internally through an RFP process and that about 10% of kinship caregivers become licensed. Representative Gillette then delivered a lengthy presentation arguing that the child welfare, Medicaid, and disability systems are structurally intertwined and that procurement and funding rules create incentives for volume and congregate care use. He criticized DCS, DES, and AHCCCS/Access oversight structures, argued that the system diffuses accountability, and said the committee’s work and related materials would be referred to special counsel. He also raised concerns about documentation, placement decisions, and the cost of congregate care, while asserting that the system over-relies on large providers and that reforms should focus on structural and financial incentives. Vice Chair Fink followed with a brief slide noting that congregate care costs far more per child than foster or kinship care, reinforcing the committee’s concern about placement costs and the need to shift children toward family-based care when possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look in that Statute, it's Business and Commerce Code, Chapter 17.
• I represent the Surfrider Foundation Texas chapters.
• For the record, Cyrus Reid, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.
• You are the chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, and that you are against the bill.
• Green Building Council, Texas chapter, and we are opposed to this bill.

Bills: HB45, HB755, HB 1232, HB1555, HB2460, HB2702, HB2973, HB3120, HB3225, HB3314, HB3356, HB3371, HB3634, HB3638, HB4247, HB4283, HB4290, HB4302, HB4503, HB4511, HB4565, HB4581, HB4627, HB4632, HB4660, HB4668, HB4960, HB5042, HB45

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't use the permanent word that does in the same chapter of law just above it.
• It doesn't use the permanent word that does in the same chapter of law just above it.
• It doesn't use the permanent word that does in the same chapter of law just above it.
• It doesn't use the permanent word that does in the same chapter of law just above it.
• <00:52:42.480> I same chapter of law just above it. I same chapter of law just above it.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 35.02 relates to the initial incorporation.
• Chapter 35.02 relates to the initial incorporation of a city, so it's independent of annexation, and
• Chapter 3... or town into another city.
• Chapter 35.16 and 35A.16, those relate to reducing city boundaries. Some call that de-annexation.
• Finally, Chapter 36.93 RCW relates to the boundary review boards.

Keywords: 904, all