Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Paige could not attend this hearing today due to a child care conflict.
• He apologizes for child care conflict.
• They gave me a safe space to be a child.
• They gave me a safe space to be<02:41:07.840> a<02:41:08.160> child.
• be a child. be a child.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you believe that a parent should be involved and have responsibility over what products their child
• It's scary to have, use a cryotherapy gun for a child.
• Require these products be sold in child resistant packaging.
• I, like most law enforcement officers, strongly support the three child safety regulations in this bill
• So where the author and us line up is exactly on. child safety.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every month for a child is a lot. It's a lot longer for a child than it is for an adult.
• met with that child.
• child is removed.
• over that child.
• Custody of his child.

Bills: HCR 10

Keywords: balanced budget amendment, federal budget, deficit reduction, deficit spending, fiscal restraint, constitutional amendment, U.S. Constitution, Congress, PAYGO, Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, national debt, budget deficit, taxpayer dollars, balanced budget resolution, memorial resolution, Texas Legislature, federal spending, budget reform, fiscal conservatism

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:35:39.399> was<02:35:39.720> in 15 and uh this concept was in 15 and uh this concept
• fund that amount is following the child fund that amount is following the child and<04:19:26.399
• The town pays for that child.
• Okay, um, there are clearly divided... particular child needs and therefore particular child needs and
• <04:23:15.239> at away and fund every child at away and fund every child at $7,500<04:23:17.600

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The executive session focused primarily on HB 563, which revises the school funding formula, especially the adequate education grant amounts for special education students and the treatment of fiscal capacity disparity aid. Representative Ladd moved OTPA on Amendment 06508, explaining that FY 26 would largely hold the current formula steady, while FY 27 would increase several per-pupil amounts, including base cost, free and reduced-price meals, English language learner aid, and special education differentiated aid. He said the special education change was based on estimated case loads across disability categories and that the amendment also reinstates fiscal capacity disparity aid, using a formula intended to better assist property-poor communities. Several members supported the amendment as a step in the right direction, saying it better recognizes special education costs and separates property wealth from low-income student counts. Others raised concerns about the lack of time and the absence of a printed spreadsheet showing how the fiscal capacity disparity aid would affect each town. In response, sponsors said the spreadsheet existed, that the LBA had copies, and that the amendment would help about 40 target towns, while Manchester would be the main community receiving less under the new formula because of prior shifts in the extraordinary needs grant. Discussion also covered the broader impact of the bill, with members noting that about 200 of the state’s 245 cities and towns would see an increase and 45 a decrease under the proposed FY 27 changes. Supporters argued the bill was a compromise given limited revenues and that it should move forward so it can be considered by the full House and then Finance. No final vote on the amendment or bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee was still deciding whether it had enough information to proceed.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:01.319> by think that a child child is at risk by think that a child child is at risk
• <00:05:04.880> and trusts the school with their child and trusts the school with their child
• Massachusetts child abuse hotline have Massachusetts child abuse hotline have educated<00:33:13.480><
• Having journals of each child.
• That's really the concept.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota Nice Homeshare Pilot Program, and that's been called a sensible idea and a very interesting concept
• Minnesota Nice Homeshare Pilot Program, and that's been called a sensible idea and a very interesting concept
• I know this sounds little, but it's big if it can save one child.
• big if it can sounds little, but it's big if it can save<00:10:38.079> one<00:10:38.320> child
• Increases the penalty if save one child.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's almost like a proof of concept. So, ma'am, that's the bill.
• Look, I think as populations get bigger and cities get more dense, we're looking at child safety in a
• It's almost like a proof of concept. So, ma'am, that's the bill. Seeing no amendments.
• Look, I think as populations get bigger and cities get more dense, we're looking at child safety in a
• What I want to say is let's maintain the importance of child safety that we're going to bring through

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee heard and advanced three bills. CS/HB 1267, by Rep. Boussada, would require school districts to allow Schools of Hope to use vacant or surplus facilities or co-locate in schools with capacity, with non-instructional services handled through a pro rata agreement and a performance-based agreement requiring Schools of Hope to meet expectations within five years. Supporters argued it would better use underfilled public schools and help students in the bottom 10% of schools statewide; opponents raised concerns about local control, funding, and the effect on public schools. The bill passed 13-2. The committee also heard CS/HB 1115, by Rep. Valdes, which would require sharing certain discretionary sales surtax revenues with eligible charter schools based on enrollment, create a standardized charter school monitoring tool, and align Schools of Hope sponsoring-entity rules with charter school processes. Supporters said it would improve consistency and accountability; critics questioned fiscal impacts and district flexibility. That bill passed 13-2. The final bill, CS/HB 1213, by Rep. Alvarez, would create a K-12 School Route Optimization Pilot Program using five counties to test AI-assisted analysis of school bus routes and walking conditions, with the goal of improving child safety for students who currently walk long distances. Members discussed hazardous conditions, possible use of safe-school transportation funds, and the bill’s lack of fiscal impact. Public testimony included support from education and parent groups. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's an interesting concept.
• But it's an interesting concept.
• But it's an interesting concept.
• But it's an interesting concept.
• But it's an interesting concept.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the November 12 minutes by voice vote, and then heard a presentation from former Governor Ernie Fletcher and Dave Johnson on Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Fletcher argued that addiction should be treated as a chronic disease requiring a longer continuum of care, not just short residential stays, and said recovery should combine clinical treatment with social supports such as housing, transportation, employment, peer coaching, and recovery housing. He cited data on overdose trends, low treatment rates, and high costs for people with SUD, and said current reimbursement models create poor incentives and do not adequately support long-term recovery or measure outcomes well. Fletcher proposed a “carve through” model administered at the MCO level with standardized metrics, data sharing, and an independent recovery coordinator that would assess patients, coordinate care, and connect them to clinical and social recovery services. He suggested using bundled payments, shared savings, and partial risk arrangements, with recovery housing reimbursed on a PMPM or weekly basis and funded in part through existing Medicaid spending and other sources such as opioid abatement funds. He also emphasized peer support, telemedicine, criminal justice coordination, workforce and education supports, and the use of technology, including text messaging and possibly AI, to maintain long-term follow-up and identify relapse risk. Members questioned how the model would work in practice, especially the education and staffing requirements for recovery coordinators, reimbursement levels, and how many patients each coordinator or peer would serve. Fletcher said peers could be certified and would need additional training in assessments such as ASAM and recovery residence standards, but he did not give a precise salary figure, saying the market and bundled rates would determine that. He also said follow-up should continue for years, noting relapse risk over the first 18 to 24 months and that meaningful employment and ongoing peer contact help sustain recovery. No formal vote or action was taken on the substance use presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• My child was disregarded. And my, and I was almost killed and my daughter.
• And I just feel helpless to help my child in this situation. I live with that every day.
• Just help keep my, my mentally ill child safe. Thank you. Thank you, members' questions.
• of a 15 or 16-year-old child or someone's 19-year-old child, for that matter.
• The concept of deprivation of life. In what you just described Is zero due process.

Transcript Highlights:

• The statute does define child. Chair. The statute does define child.
• before the child was born. And Mr. before the child was born. And Mr.
• So the child, correct? Say the child instead of a child or children. Yes. Um, Mr.
• So the child or birth of that person's child or children. the child, correct?
• Say the child the child, correct?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill makes several modifications to the Office of the Child Advocate; however, it included language
• <00:54:15.599> the<00:54:15.720> office<00:54:15.960> of<00:54:16.200> child
• <00:54:16.559> advocate relative to the office of child advocate relative to the office of
• child advocate having<00:54:17.680> considered<00:54:18.119> the<00:54:18.240> same
• the office of the child advocate however it<00:54:36.520> included<00:54:37.079> language<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill addresses the enforcement of child support and procedures.
• Senate Bill 1404 by Senator West addresses certain orders and judgments in a suit affecting the parent-child
• This is Senator Hughes' bill relating to court orders for retroactive child support, including retroactive
• child support beginning on the day of the child's conception.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we all agree to that concept or this wouldn't be in your bill.
• And I think we all agree to that concept or this wouldn't be in your bill.
• this wouldn't be in your concept or this wouldn't be in your bill. bill. bill.
• The child then said, “I’m sorry for not spelling right,” and Senator Maye Quade said she had actually
• The child then said, “I’m sorry for not spelling right,” and Senator Maye Quade said she had actually

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I'm curious, and this is a reason ...child.
• Correct me again, Senator Kennedy, for child care, yes.
• So the top three: child care—we did the child care report back in 2020.
• The child care and Head Start is very important.
• And we see that New Mexico just passed a universal child care act.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Massachusetts; no bills were heard or voted on. Chairs Bud Williams and Liz Miranda opened by framing the hearing as a response to recent federal actions they said threatened DEI efforts, funding, and civil rights protections in education and other sectors. They said the committee would hear from experts, agencies, advocates, and businesses about the legality and benefits of DEI and the impact of federal actions on the Commonwealth. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler testified virtually that Massachusetts is pushing back against federal efforts to restrict DEI, including guidance and certification demands directed at schools. He highlighted state investments in early education, child care, early college, career and technical education, and educator diversity, arguing these efforts help close opportunity gaps for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, English learners, and other underserved groups. In response to member questions, he said federal education dollars are core to services for students and that the state is prepared to fight funding cuts while monitoring impacts across K-12, early education, and higher education. Elizabeth Matos of the Attorney General’s Office said DEIA programs remain legal under state and federal law and described AG guidance issued to help institutions navigate federal confusion. She reviewed litigation the office has joined or won, including efforts involving withheld school funds, museums and libraries, the Minority Business Development Agency, Head Start, AmeriCorps, and other federal actions. Members asked about immigration-related fear and profiling, and Matos pointed to existing Know Your Rights guidance, said complaints to the Civil Rights Division have increased, and noted the office is seeing issues involving housing discrimination, employment, public accommodations, and threats to call ICE. She also said the office is open to further legislative ideas but did not discuss specifics. Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, testified that diversity, equity, and inclusion are often misunderstood and defined the terms plainly, emphasizing that diversity is a group characteristic, equity addresses unequal starting points, and inclusion is about belonging and access. She argued that DEI matters because it creates guardrails against bias, helps make environments accessible, and addresses ongoing inequities. In response to questions, she suggested practical strategies such as using clear criteria and written records in decision-making, broadening who is considered part of one’s in-group, and pairing bias awareness with concrete behavior-change tools. The hearing also included testimony from Meredith Tewitt of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, who spoke about the importance of DEI for women, veterans, and people who rely on federal institutions, and urged lawmakers to continue supporting inclusion and access.

Transcript Highlights:

• These tools look at the whole child.
• And I understand that concept, which is why I'm trying to, for the record, try to bring...
• Addison Peterson with the California Alliance of Child and Families... Support.
• Addison Peterson, with the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, in strong support.
• We went to the sheriff's department, and this child at nine years old was like a zombie.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The previous version also included or interview a child. So the problem was interviewing the child.
• If the child is in harm or they feel the child is in danger, this is the term that the legal.
• We're talking about the child.
• The current policy is to take the child away from the parents or anyone and to take the child to the
• child abuse.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the death of the unborn child or a healthcare provider for the death of an unborn child.
• Maybe it was an only child. Maybe it was a child, one of 8, maybe.
• And so when we talk about unborn child and I go back to last year and unborn child could be child.
• We don't know if that child is going to live. We don't know if that child is going to be born.
• You want the best for your child, but sometimes what's best for your child is for your child to have

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Changing the word from child pornography to child sexual abuse material, which is what it is.
• Child pornography has changed to child sexual abuse material.
• child sexual abuse material.
• Child sexual, commercial sexual CSEC is child trafficking. They're the same thing.
• It was harder for the child... ...component of child sexual abuse.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and local licensing agencies to make publicly available the inspection reports and annual data on child
• deaths, injuries, and substantiated abuse that occurs in child care facilities.
• It removes statutory provisions that require family and large child care homes to provide parents with
• It requires certain exempt child care facilities to include a statement on their website, promotional
• It amends family care home to family child care home.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Other Affairs considered four bills. SB 1690 on early childhood education was amended with a delete-all amendment that would require DCF and local licensing agencies to publicly post inspection reports and annual data on child deaths, injuries, and substantiated abuse in child care facilities, revise notice requirements for certain child care homes, add website disclosure requirements for exempt facilities, address insurance coverage for family and large family child care homes, and create the Florida Endowment for Early Learning. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably, with support noted from United Way of Florida. The committee then heard SB 1022 on children’s initiatives, which would create two new children’s initiatives in Bay County and Pompano in Broward County. The sponsor said the bill would expand local service networks for children in disadvantaged communities with no state fiscal impact. The bill was reported favorably after support was noted from representatives of Florida Children’s Initiative and others. SB 996 on dependent children drew extensive testimony from Florida Youth SHINE members and other foster youth advocates, who supported the bill’s focus on lived experience, regular consultation with youth-serving organizations, public reporting on implementation, and normalcy in foster care, including allowance to help youth learn budgeting. The bill sponsor said it would help make the system more responsive to youth needs. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 1642 on temporary cash assistance eligibility, narrowing a SNAP-related eligibility carve-out to people who were victims of human trafficking at the time of a drug conviction. The sponsor said the change would remove barriers for trafficking survivors while keeping existing program requirements in place. Both SB 996 and the amended SB 1642 were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, every child is unique.
• What if your child is raped and then you decide to take your child to get an abortion?
• Whether I believe it was a child at conception and you do is irrelevant in this instance.
• the death of their child.
• You cannot recover for the death of an unborn child, no matter whether you think that child is viable

Bills: HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, SB 14, HB 12, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912, HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, HCR 123, HCR 124, HR 57, HR 87, HR 111, HR 228, HR 230, HR 322, HR 624, HR 625, HR 626, HR 627, HR 628, HR 630, HR 631, HR 634, HR 635, HR 636, HR 637, HR 638, HR 639, HR 640, HR 645, HR 646, HR 648, HR 649, HR 651, HR 652, HR 653, HR 654, HR 664, HR 665, HR 668, HR 675, HR 676, HR 678, HR 679, HR 680, HR 683, HR 686, HR 688, HR 689, HR 694, HR 695, HR 697, HR 698, HR 699, HR 472, HR 622, HR 632, HR 633, HR 643, HR 655, HR 657, HR 660, HR 661, HR 662, HR 663, HR 667, HR 670, HR 674, HR 681, HR 682, HR 696

Keywords: animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, constitutional amendment, retail sale, tangible personal property, Texas tax code, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption, regulation, deceased transportation, HB 365