Transcript Highlights:

• set of protections that are in chapter set of protections that are in chapter 13.<00:30:50.160><
• <00:31:28.120> 13, are already covered under chapter 13, are already covered under chapter
• <00:31:54.600> So chapter 13 isn't covered under this.
• So chapter 13 isn't covered under this.
• I >> chapter 13 isn't covered under this.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections five and eight contain technical changes to certain filing provisions in chapter 176.
• The amendment amends chapters 176 and chapter 79 and relates to workers compensation premium fraud prevention
• filing provisions in chapter filing provisions in chapter 176.<00:04:04.319> Section<00:04
• um amends chapters 176 and chapter<00:04:37.199> 79<00:04:38.000> and<00:04:38.320>
• relates<00:04:38.639> to<00:04:38.880> workers chapter 79 and relates to workers chapter

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• regarding privacy data under chapter 13. regarding privacy data under chapter 13.
• They may possibly be subject chapter 13.
• > something<01:03:41.840> something that chapter 13 something something that chapter 13
• >> In one regard, we do recognize chapter >> In one regard, we do recognize chapter
• >> a different chapter. >> a different chapter.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that cabbie, I'm going to focus on 4 main statutory chapters here, right time Chapter one 19,
• statutes, chapter 2.87, our public procurement statutes and then finally chapter one 20, which are administrative
• is chapter one. 28 administrative proceedings, right?
• That's kind of a really high-level overview of a few of the different chapters we take in mind.
• As you heard a little bit of the discussion around Chapter one, 19 for us.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent at this time, 9 Navajo chapters and half of the city of Gallup. It's a fun committee.
• , well, 13 chapters 15 with land base is there.
• So, um, with the Representative Lunchon I share one chapter that's Rock Springs.
• And uh perhaps maybe one chapter meeting.
• I'm, I'd like to request maybe Pinedale chapter since we've been to Sheep Springs last year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now you and your colleagues have the opportunity to write the next chapter in the bills that you advance
• Act Financing Long-Term Improvements in Municipal Roads and Bridges, commonly referred to as the Chapter
• Thank you to the gentleman from Quincy, Referred to as the Chapter 90 bill.
• Then, for the Chapter 90 program, similarly to last year, the bill proposes a one-year authorization
• Of this funding, $200 million will be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House received a Governor’s message on fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee on Rules reported several resolutions, including honors for Abby Goodman, a resolution reaffirming Massachusetts-Taiwan friendship, recognition of the Cambodian-American community’s Khmer New Year celebration, and Elks National Youth Week; the House suspended the rules and approved them. The House also concurred with Senate petitions on assisted living residences and medication administration in rest homes, sending them to the Committee on Aging and Independence. The main legislative business was House Bill 5279/5375, the transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. Ways and Means recommended a substitute bill, House 5375, with a $2.737 billion general obligation bond authorization, and the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading. Later, the House took up House 5375 directly, heard support from members emphasizing Chapter 90 road funding, municipal flexibility, rural road mileage distribution, and broader transportation investments, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by roll call vote, 155-0. The House also passed House Bill 5371, authorizing grants of easements or takings of certain parcels of land to the city of Boston, to be engrossed. In addition, the chamber received and filed the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s report on the March 31, 2026 special election for the 5th Essex District, adopted an order to escort the Governor and Executive Council into the chamber, and administered the oaths of office to Representative-elect Andrew Tarr. The session ended with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 10 new chapters of FFA in New York City.
• We have 10 new chapters in New York City over the past three years.
• 298 chapters in our rural areas of our state.
• We chapter 10 new chapters in New York City over the past three years.
• 298 chapters in our rural areas of our state.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee met and first took up five bills. It reported S.593 (land used in agricultural production), S.879A (the Garden Protection Act), S.3277 (transfer-on-death beneficiaries for farming implements), and S.4754 (creating an Office of Urban Agriculture). S.1529A, the Carbon Farming Act, was moved to the Finance Committee. The committee briefly discussed S.4754, with Senator Borrello asking about its status and members noting strong support for urban agriculture and food-system resilience; the bill was then reported to Finance by voice vote. The committee then heard from Julie Suarez, Associate Dean for Land Grant Affairs at Cornell CALS, who described Cornell’s role in research, extension, and public service across New York agriculture. She highlighted Cornell’s economic impact, growth in FFA participation including new urban chapters, dairy investment, and the potential of the maple industry, while emphasizing the need for continued agricultural science funding to address climate change, invasive species, and market challenges. She also pointed members to Cornell programs supporting food entrepreneurs, soil health, small farms, veterans entering agriculture, and community integrated pest management. Members asked questions about tick increases, with Suarez attributing them to deer, rodents, climate change, and invasive species, and said Cornell’s community IPM program offers landscaping and prevention guidance. She also explained Cornell’s land-grant and contract-college structure, including its statutory mission and state support. The meeting ended after members expressed interest in further outreach and informational sessions, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 9 already has grant standards, so you wouldn't need to add any grant standards in there.
• Chapter 9 already has grant standards, so you wouldn't need to add any grant standards in there.
• 9 um which would create the chapter 9 um which would create the special<00:06:33.680> fund<00
• :06:34.560> um<00:06:34.759> chapter<00:06:35.039> 9<00:06:35.400> already
• ><00:06:35.880> has special fund um chapter 9 already has special fund um chapter 9 already has

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Culture and Arts met on February 7 and heard testimony on two measures. HB 1025, relating to the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, received support from the East-West Center, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and Friends of Civil Rights, with the Department of the Attorney General submitting comments. No opposition was noted, and the committee later voted to pass HB 1025 with amendments. The chair said the amendments would incorporate the Attorney General’s comments, add a preamble clarifying legislative intent, and change the effective date to July 1, 3000; the vote was unanimous among members present, with two members excused. The committee also heard HB 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts grant program under the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The SFCA supported the bill but asked that section 5 be deleted, saying the Works of Art Special Fund is not the right vehicle for performing arts and that the agency’s positions are currently federally funded and should be shifted to general funds. The Attorney General likewise recommended deleting section 5, warning that expanding the Works of Art Special Fund could jeopardize the state’s tax-exempt GO bond status, and suggested creating a separate special fund in chapter 9 instead. DBEDT stood on its written testimony, and several arts organizations and individuals testified in support, with the chair noting about 23 supporters overall. During questioning on HB 1378, members asked about possible federal funding losses. The SFCA director said the agency is in discussions with other state arts agencies about potential reductions from the National Endowment for the Arts and related White House requests, and that the immediate goal is to protect federally funded positions by moving them into the general fund. The committee did not take final action on HB 1378 and deferred decision-making until Wednesday, February 12.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rider can be found on line 140 on the Chapter 41 spreadsheet in your packet.
• <00:16:00.360> 41 online 14 3 on the chapter 41 online 14 3 on the chapter 41 spreadsheet<
• received um in chapter received um in chapter 41<01:10:35.560> um<01:10:35.760> the
• <01:33:20.440> 41 Appropriations were added in chapter 41 Appropriations were added in chapter
• According to the language in chapter 41 According to the language in chapter 41 on<01:33:49.480> the

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities presented an overview of the system and several budget riders. Board Chair George Soul described the system’s structure, noting 26 colleges and seven universities governed by a 15-member board, and emphasized that Minnesota State serves about 270,000 students annually, including many students of color, adult learners, Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, and veterans. He highlighted the system’s workforce role, saying it offers more than 4,000 programs, extensive employer partnerships, and that 86% of graduates find jobs in their field or a related field. He then turned the presentation over to system staff to discuss specific funding requests. Associate Vice Chancellor Kim Lynch focused on the Z-degree textbook program, which supports zero-textbook-cost courses and degrees. She said prior legislative support has produced about $3.1 million in savings in academic year 2024 and more than $12.6 million in aggregate savings, with 10 colleges now offering Z degrees and 12 more on track or exploring implementation. She described the program’s use of open educational resources, instructional design support, and library resources to fill gaps where free materials are not available, and said students save roughly $7 to $10 for every $1 invested. Members praised the program and asked about its expansion. Associate Vice Chancellor Paul Shepard discussed student support funding, including a centralized basic needs resource hub, the Mantra Health mental health platform, and the emergency grant program. He said student surveys showed significant food, housing, and homelessness insecurity, and that the basic needs hub has served over 2,400 students with a 97% positive response rate. He said Mantra provides telecounseling, peer support, self-paced courses, and crisis support, and clarified in response to questions that it is not AI-driven and does not sell student data; general usage data is collected, and follow-up with campus counselors occurs only at the student’s request. He also said the emergency grant program has distributed over $3 million to more than 4,800 students, with grants averaging just under $700, and that campuses use application review and recordkeeping to manage repeat requests. Members asked about counselor staffing, data privacy, and grant safeguards. The final item addressed sexual assault reporting and prevention funding. System staff said the appropriation supports technology infrastructure for statutory reporting, case management for investigations, campus prevention training, and professional development for Title IX coordinators and related staff. They noted that the statutory student training requirement is funded by individual colleges and universities, not by this appropriation. No formal votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Tribal Collaboration Act is Chapter 11, Article 18 of the NMSA.
• Chapter 11 covers intergovernmental agreements and authorities.
• If it goes to the chapter, the chapter, by the regulations of the funds coming in, has to adhere to building
• We have the different statuses of the chapters, even with the 528.
• I'm lucky with Nosh Chitty Chapter.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1627, an act amending Title 13, Chapter 29, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to unmanned aircraft
• Senate Bill 1400, an act amending title 38, chapter 8, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
• section 38-1121; amending title 41, chapter 4, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section
• We will move to the second bill on the calendar, 1214, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 13, Arizona
• Revised Statutes, by adding Article 7 and amending Title 32, Chapter 17, Arizona Revised Statutes, by

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, journal approval, and numerous guest introductions, including several judges shadowing senators, Chief Justice Ann Timmer, mining industry representatives, a doctor of the day, and student and youth visitors. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider a calendar of bills, with several measures receiving committee amendments and do-pass recommendations, including SB 1272 on Douglas port of entry funding, SB 1327 on Arizona Board of Regents restrictions involving foreign countries, SB 1400 on public safety employee information, SB 1519 on off-highway vehicles, SB 1627 on unmanned aircraft, SB 1630 on AHCCCS home- and community-based services and mental illness, HB 1720 on parenting time, SB 1763 on school district finances, SB 1826 on rural wayfinding signs, and SB 1827 on vertiports. Members offered brief explanations on some bills, especially SB 1519 and SB 1720, which addressed off-road vehicle use and equal parenting time standards, respectively. On third reading, the Senate passed SB 1272, SB 1327, SB 1400, SB 1519, SB 1627, SB 1630, SB 1720, SB 1763, and SB 1826. SB 1827 failed on third reading by a 15-15 vote. Senators gave explanations on several measures, including concerns about confidentiality in SB 1400, environmental and trail impacts in SB 1519, and the parenting-time standards in SB 1720. SB 1763 passed overwhelmingly, while SB 1630 passed 28-2. The chamber then moved to a second Committee of the Whole for additional bills. In the second COW, SB 1111 on automatic license plate readers drew the most extensive debate. Senator Payne described guardrails such as case-number access, training, and penalties for misuse, while Senator Hoffman offered a sweeping hostile amendment to sharply limit use and impose civil penalties and a private right of action, arguing the bill enabled mass surveillance. The Hoffman amendment failed 13-17, and the Payne-backed amendment was adopted; the bill was then advanced as amended. Senators also considered SB 1214 on stem-cell/regenerative therapy, SB 1683 on foreign land ownership advisory prohibitions, SB 1686 on a memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza, and SB 1745 on local excise tax rate limits, all of which received do-pass recommendations after amendments where applicable. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, with further floor debate continuing on SB 1111 over privacy, public records access, and surveillance concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• to easily add new infractions to the chapter in the future.
• to easily add new infractions to the chapter in the future.
• to easily add new infractions to the chapter in the future.
• to easily add new infractions to the chapter in the future.
• to easily add new infractions to the chapter in the future.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as well as Chapter 411 of the Government Code and the new T-Code.
• The language from Chapter 143 was not written with that in mind.
• Because Chapter 143 is the gold standard for law enforcement. That's a no-brainer.
• Chapter 143 specifically with regards to due process that came up right before you.
• They should have the entire Chapter 143. Some of that involves due process.

Bills: HB1583, HB1775, HB1832, HB1836, HB1837, HB1866, HB1983, HB2029, HB2217, HB2318, HB2363, HB2486

Keywords: mental health, emergency detention, peace officer, mental illness, prevention of harm, border security, private landowners, study and report, General Land Office, participation, controlled substances, opioid antagonists, law enforcement training, substance abuse prevention, Texas-Mexico border, criminal justice, public safety, law enforcement, National Park Service, arrest powers

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 9: The edict commanded by the king was to be carried out.
• Next bill: Senate Bill 1678, an act omitting title 36, chapter 4, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes
• , by ending section 36-406 and submitting title 36, chapter 5.1, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes,
• Let's do the next bill on the calendar: Senate Bill 1507, an act amending Title 15, Chapter 1, Article
• Next bill, please: Senate Bill 1629, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, guest introductions, and approval of the journal before moving through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars. Early action included approval of several bills and resolutions, with amendments adopted on measures such as SB 1515, SB 1678, and SCR 1023. SCR 1023, which would change Independent Redistricting Commission membership and require a two-thirds vote for map approval, drew extended debate over nonpartisanship, geographic diversity, and population deviation; the amendment and the resolution both advanced on voice votes. The body also approved SB 1399, SB 1507, SB 1564, SB 1621, SB 1629, and SB 1811, generally after committee amendments and brief explanations from sponsors. The Senate then considered another calendar featuring SB 1365, SB 1416, and SCR 1049. SB 1365, relating to the Williams Citrus, Fruit, and Vegetable Trust Fund, was amended and advanced. SB 1416, dealing with missing and kidnapped children reporting requirements and the Seek and Find Alert system, was amended to shift training from biannual to every two years and to require documentation of media/social media disclosure decisions; the bill passed as amended. SCR 1049, a constitutional referral on capital punishment, would add a firing-squad option; supporters said it would provide another execution method amid drug shortages, while opponents objected to expanding the death penalty. It also passed as amended. On later calendars, the Senate approved SB 1134, SB 1489, SB 1725, SCR 1048, SB 1012, SB 1573, SB 1661, SB 1662, SB 1569, SB 1634, SB 1647, SCR 1005, SCR 1027, SB 1065, SB 1156, SB 1157, and SB 1213, with several amendments adopted. Topics included political signs, ballot-measure circulator disclosures, marijuana smoke as a nuisance, concealed weapons notice and appeal, paternity, probation conditions, voter registration and signature handling, foreign contributions, election dates, veterans’ hyperbaric therapy funding, border-related appropriations, and immigration enforcement notification. SB 1213 prompted notable debate over a Miranda amendment requiring law enforcement officers to visibly display identification and prohibiting facial coverings during duties, with supporters citing community safety and opponents arguing it would constrain enforcement; the transcript cuts off during that discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• requirements in chapter 245C. requirements in chapter 245C.
• <00:06:26.960> 13A proposal would amend um chapter 13A proposal would amend um chapter 13A
• <00:10:12.560> 13 is there any reference to chapter 13 is there any reference to chapter 13
• <00:21:36.320> 13A.03 council, but under chapter 13A.03 council, but under chapter 13A.03
• assistance chapter.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:39.880> 13A which is tearing underneath chapter 13A which is tearing underneath chapter
• to comply with KS chapter to comply with KS chapter 13A<00:31:00.960> would<00:31:01.080>
• KRS chapter KRS chapter 13A<00:58:47.920> would<00:58:48.039> you<00:58:48.160>
• formatting requirements of KS chapter formatting requirements of KS chapter 13A<01:02:16.760>
• The staff-suggested amendment amends various sections to comply with KRS Chapter 13A.

Keywords: 0:01– Meeting start/roll call 0:34 – Approval of minutes 0:48 – Welcome of new committee members 1:34 – Council on Postsecondary Education 25:17 – Teachers’ Retirement System 27:00 – Kentucky Public Pension Authority 29:04 – Board of Veterinary Examiners 31:40 – Board of Nursing 34:01 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 36:15 – Fish & Wildlife Resources 40:34 – Department of Corrections 56:00 – Department of State Police 58:05 – Department of Criminal Justice Training 59:22 – Transportation Cabinet 1:00:18 – Department of Education 1:01:23 – Department of Employment Services 1:04:17 – Department of Workplace Standards 1:05:25 – Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction 1:06:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Sanitation) 1:13:50 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Trauma System) 1:17:46 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (Radon) 1:18:30 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. for Medicaid Services 1:19:15 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Dept. of Aging Services 1:20:36 – Other Business/Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and welcomed new members before taking up Council on Postsecondary Education regulations 13 KAR 2:120 and 13 KAR 2:130. The regulations, as amended by staff and agency amendments, update public university and KCTCS performance funding models to conform to 2024 Senate Bill 191 and the performance funding work group’s recommendations. Changes discussed included replacing the underrepresented minority metric with an underrepresented students metric defined as first-generation students, adding an adult learner metric, increasing the low-income degree premium, adjusting small-school and nonresident credit-hour weights, revising data aging and progression metrics, and adding STEM+H criteria in 13 KAR 2:120. Travis Pal of the Council on Postsecondary Education explained that the changes reflect the work group’s three-year review process and that the work group ultimately voted to define underrepresented students as first-generation students and to apply half-weighting between research and comprehensive universities for the new metric. Michael Frasier of the Kentucky Student Rights Coalition and Eastern Kentucky University student government opposed 13 KAR 2:120, arguing that the regulation improperly applies weights where the statute does not clearly authorize them and that the funding changes disadvantage comprehensive universities and vulnerable students. He asked the committee to find the regulation deficient or, alternatively, recommend legislative clarification and a revised fiscal analysis. Pal responded that weighting has been part of the model since 2017, that CPE was following the statute and work group recommendations, and that the model could be changed by future legislation. Members asked about the timing of the broader performance funding review, and Pal said the full model is reviewed every three years, with the next work group cycle beginning in 2026. No motion to find the regulation deficient was made, and the committee allowed the regulations to proceed to the committee of jurisdiction. The committee then approved a staff amendment to Teachers’ Retirement System regulations 102 KAR 1:195 and 102 KAR 1:340, which require annual reporting of accumulated sick leave, leave policies, and salary schedules to TRS and make technical changes to the final average salary calculation and related definitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2192, enacting Title 23, Chapter 2, relating to employment.
• House Bill 2192, enacting Title 23, Chapter 2. Go ahead and read the first bill on the calendar.
• House bill 2192, enact amending 10.0.23, Chapter 2, 2, relating to employment.
• Household 2592 enactment in title 18, Chapter 1, Article 1, and Vice Statue, Binding, Section 18105,
• Amending Title 41, Chapter 21, Article 1, Section 41-105, relating to state...

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars. On Calendar 1, HB 2192 (employment/video content matters of public concern) was amended and given a do pass recommendation. HB 2592 (government information technology) was amended to remove legislative approval of certain emergency or temporary AI-related rules and received a do pass recommendation. HB 2752 (Commerce Authority trade office) received a do pass recommendation after a Mesnard amendment and an Epstein amendment was debated; the Epstein amendment failed on division, and the bill was retained on the calendar. HB 2916 (traffic schools and instructors fingerprint clearance) was amended to allow work to begin while fingerprint clearance is pending and received a do pass recommendation. HB 2946 (development fees) was amended to address municipal distinctions based on dwelling size/bedrooms and received a do pass recommendation. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 2, HB 2918, HB 2999, HB 1418, and HCR 2059 were considered. HB 2999 (special taxing districts/infrastructure finance districts) drew the most discussion; a Mesnard floor amendment made several changes to tax-rate, bond, and infrastructure provisions, and the bill was ultimately amended and given a do pass recommendation. HB 1418 (sheriff auxiliary authority) and HCR 2059 (county services) also received do pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 3, HB 2035 (DCS kinship care placement requirements) was amended to change a reporting deadline and received a do pass recommendation. HB 241 (child neglect financial resources exception), HB 2594 (child confidentiality), and HB 2932 (groundwater transportation fee/withdrawal-related provisions) were also considered; HB 2594 and HB 2932 were amended and received do pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 4, HB 2109 (portable wireless communication devices/distracted driving penalties for motorcycles), HB 2118 (mobile food vendors’ licenses), HB 2244 (eviction satisfaction of judgment), and HB 4011 (HOA duties) were all advanced, with committee or floor amendments adopted where offered, and the report was adopted. The Senate also took up an additional Committee of the Whole for HB 2440 (transition program), adopted a technical floor amendment, and advanced the bill. Later, the chamber adopted a proclamation recognizing Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on its centennial and welcomed guests from the university. The Senate received a House request to return SB 1113 for further amendment and appointed free conference committees for HB 2133 and HB 2010. On third reading, HB 2592 passed 16-9-1, HB 2916 passed 26-1-3, HB 2946 passed 27-0-3, and HB 2999 passed 21-6-3, with Senator Epstein explaining her no vote on HB 2999 due to concerns about homeowner cost uncertainty. The Senate then adjourned until April 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is also the advocacy chairperson for the Arizona chapter of the American College of Surgeons.
• We'll move on to SB 1236, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes,
• SB 1236, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding sections
• SB 1238, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 25, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 5 relating
• Senate Bill 1056, an act amending section 41708, Arizona Vice Statute, submitting Title 41, Chapter 4

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 29 present, and approval of the prior journal. Members then recognized several guests, including Scouting America Cub Scout troops and Dr. Sarah Lee Davidson as Doctor of the Day, and Senator Kavanaugh presented a proclamation recognizing Valley Fever Awareness and the work of the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence. The chamber then considered several bills in Committee of the Whole. SB 1036, dealing with unemployment insurance requirements, disqualifications, and determinations, drew the most debate; supporters said it was aimed at preventing fraud and improving compliance, while opponents argued it would add red tape and harm struggling workers. The committee adopted a Government Committee amendment and recommended the bill do pass. SB 1056, on reporting vacant budget positions, also received a do-pass recommendation, and SB 1236, concerning AHCCCS enrollment verification and presumptive eligibility, was amended with a Kavanaugh floor amendment and recommended do pass despite concerns from some members that it would restrict access for vulnerable populations. SB 1238, relating to the physician assistant licensure compact, was amended with a conforming Shamp amendment and recommended do pass. On third reading, the Senate passed SB 1036 by 17-12, SB 1056 by 17-12, SB 1126 unanimously, SB 1189 by 27-2, and SB 1211 unanimously. The chamber also substituted and passed House bills identical to earlier Senate measures, including HB 2206 and HB 2396, both on SNAP-related issues, with debate focused on food access, administrative burdens, and federal error-rate penalties. HB 2190, the physician assistant compact bill, and HB 2796, the AHCCCS-related bill, were also substituted and passed. The Senate adopted HCR 255, a death resolution for Victor E. Hardy, observed a moment of silence, and then adjourned until February 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• under current statute because of chapter under current statute because of chapter 13<00:09:33.640
• <00:09:37.360> 13<00:09:38.279> so<00:09:38.480> someone protected under chapter
• 13 so someone protected under chapter 13 so someone can<00:09:39.000> report<00:09:39.360>
• <00:09:57.800> 13 someone who can receive the chapter 13 someone who can receive the chapter
• 13 and so is still protected by chapter 13 and so what<00:10:09.880> the<00:10:10.399> what

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: State Representative Jim Nash and Representative Kristin Robbins discussed a package of fraud-prevention bills, centered on House File 3 and a separate whistleblower-protection measure. HF 3 would require annual reports based on Office of the Auditor (OA/OLA) findings to be sent to ranking members of relevant committees, with the goal of giving appropriators more information about internal controls and follow-up on audit recommendations. Nash said the bill is intended to help reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, cited the Feeding Our Future case as an example of weak controls, and noted that the OA helped draft the proposal and supports it. He also said the bill’s language is modeled in part on Colorado and on earlier recommendations for more information to be shared with decision-makers. Robbins said her bill would expand whistleblower protections for state employees, including unclassified employees, and add new protected reporting channels and definitions. She said employees are often afraid to come forward because of job and career concerns, and that the bill would better protect reports made to legislators, the OA, governmental bodies, and law enforcement. She and Nash said they were working with DFL members and committee chairs on bipartisan amendments to define “fraud” and “misuse,” and to align the language with the Inspector General bill and prior law. In questions, Robbins explained that current law protects only certain employees and that her bill would broaden coverage and make it easier for employees to report concerns without fear. She said the OA supports the effort and that the added reporting pathways would help with follow-up on agency recommendations. Nash and Robbins both emphasized that the measures are part of a broader fraud-fighting package and expressed hope for bipartisan support, though Nash criticized DFL leadership for not backing the bills more openly. No votes or final actions were taken in the exchange shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, to establish a pretty broad rulemaking with regard to Chapter 4, stemming from the previous cha uh
• , Rule 8 under Chapter 3, of the Texas Administrative Code, uh, TA 16, chapter 3.
• Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 both begin with the premise that an operator shall not pollute.
• I am the Texas chapter president of the National Association of Royalty Owners, NARO for short.
• I represent the National Association of Royalty Owners Texas chapter. Yes, it was on me, sir.