Transcript Highlights:

• She is a member of Parents for Safe Online Spaces, which advocates for online safety for kids. Mrs.
• We have been playing defense.
• Sheriff Barnes, you've been involved in this space for quite a while, right?
• and, quite honestly, a collaborative, coordinated effort to be on the offense rather than playing defense
• We've been on the defense too long and responding to cartels. They're going to pivot around us.

Transcript Highlights:

• included, without limitation, ordered liberty, equality, natural rights, including without limitation defense
• Whereas from 1967 through 1972, the Apollo Space Program took a total of 1,029 Bibles to the moon, of

Summary: The House convened at noon with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then postponed approval of the prior day’s journal. The main business was remarks by Representative Borowitz on House Resolution 579, marking America’s 250th anniversary and celebrating the nation’s founding principles. Her remarks emphasized the Declaration of Independence, natural rights, religious faith in American history, and a long list of historical examples she said reflected divine providence and the role of religion in public life. No debate or vote on the resolution itself is shown in the transcript. After the remarks, the chair reminded members of the five-minute rule for speeches under House Rule 17. Representative Dockery then moved that the House adjourn until Monday, June 29, 2026, at 12 noon unless recalled sooner by the Speaker. The motion to adjourn was put to a voice vote and adopted, and the House adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Women and children deserve safety, dignity, and privacy in spaces that are meant for them.
• In other words, you're allowing access of a man into a women's private space.
• In other words, you're allowing access of a man into a women's private space.
• It is truly anyone in those private, intimate spaces. Is that correct? Yeah, that's right.
• In Texas, males do not belong in female safe spaces. Thank you, Mr. President.

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and then handled several procedural matters, including a failed motion to excuse Senator Johnson’s absence after a roll-call vote. The chamber also postponed the reading and referral of bills until later in the calendar and adopted motions allowing the Education K-16 Committee to meet while the Senate was in session. The Senate then recessed until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6. The main floor action centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 9, which lowers the voter-approval tax rate for certain cities and counties from 3.5% to 2.5% for maintenance and operations. Senator Bettencourt argued the bill would slow local property tax growth and align city and county limits more closely with school district limits, while Senators Hinojosa and Menendez raised concerns about reduced local revenue, public safety funding, and the short time for cities to assess the impact. The Senate suspended the regular order, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the constitutional three-day rule, and finally passed SB 9, with a clarification later entered that the final passage vote was 18-3. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 7, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, which sets state policy for the use of certain spaces and facilities according to biological sex and creates enforcement mechanisms for state agencies and political subdivisions. Supporters said the bill was needed to protect women and children in restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and schools, while opponents questioned the scope, enforcement, civil penalties, and possible conflicts with federal law and local control. After extensive questioning, the chamber adopted a clarifying amendment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed SB 7 by a vote of 19-2. Finally, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 15, which addresses deed fraud and real property theft by tightening recording requirements for certain property documents and creating new criminal offenses for real property theft and fraud. Senator Hinojosa explained that the bill combined civil and criminal provisions, added photo ID requirements for in-person filings, and included restitution and enhanced penalties for certain victims and properties; a floor amendment made cleanup changes, removed a training mandate, and clarified that electronic and mail filings were not affected. The Senate adopted the amendment, suspended the three-day rule, and passed SB 15 unanimously, 21-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have found nobody else in this space. We've got a great product.
• Members, how I see this, and Representative Gillette, you're in this space, is that this is basically
• So really quickly, that space, how many minutes does it take to do a space like you, I think you told
• What states are already using the software, and specifically in the child safety space? So, Mr.
• We found none in this space. It's an interesting... that's why we looked at this problem set.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that counts for transmission lines; that counts for everything that we do in this space.
• c><00:41:38.480> legal<00:41:39.240> legal<00:41:39.800> um<00:41:40.000> defense
• we have a sound legal legal um defense we have a sound legal legal um defense here<00:41:41.480>
• and<00:55:50.599> this<00:55:50.720> meeting<00:55:51.000> is 2002 not a space
• AUD and this meeting is 2002 not a space AUD and this meeting is adjourned adjourned adjourned [Music

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• above and around the fault, but the rock itself is made of both grains of sediment and tiny open spaces
• that we call pore spaces, which are often full of fluid.
• It's the spacing between them. So the closer they are, the smaller the earthquake. The U.S.
• So operating in that space was alarming.
• Cyber defense is a rapidly expanding mission set, and safeguarding our infrastructure is paramount.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster. Laura Sori of the Department of Conservation and Energy said the agency has inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the earthquakes, found no permit violations, and is requiring monthly reporting of daily injection data. LSU and Tulane researchers explained that the swarm includes about 50 earthquakes detected by USGS since December 2025, including a 4.9 magnitude event on March 5, and that better monitoring is needed because Louisiana has very limited seismic station coverage. Dr. Cynthia Ebinger said her temporary array has detected more small quakes than USGS, that the pattern looks more like a swarm than normal aftershocks, and that the data suggest pressure changes in the subsurface, though no definitive cause was identified. Keith Hall of LSU described how other states responded to suspected induced seismicity with more monitoring, more frequent reporting, injection limits or moratoria, and “traffic light” systems that escalate regulatory responses as seismicity increases. Members asked about depths, fault locations, possible links to injection or fracking, and whether more monitoring and data-sharing should be pursued; several speakers said Louisiana likely needs a denser monitoring network and more structured data collection. A Texas geoscientist, William Berger, also testified that Texas uses large-scale data analysis and AI to study injection-related seismicity and argued for secure sharing of operator data to improve forecasting and risk management. The committee then took testimony on UAV and drone incursions over Barksdale Air Force Base. GOSEP said the incident was logged in WebEOC and the common operating picture, but that Barksdale did not request direct GOSEP resources and that the matter was handled through law enforcement channels. Louisiana State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose, but confirmed multiple drone sightings on the morning and evening of March 9 and continued monitoring for several days. State Police said they have created a task force with the Police Chiefs Association, Sheriffs Association, GOSEP, and LSP, and that officers are receiving FBI-related training to help detect and, where authorized, mitigate drones. Members discussed whether the activity was nefarious, what counts as an incursion, and the need for better public education about drone restrictions near military and critical infrastructure sites. No formal action was taken, but members said the issue will continue to be tracked alongside pending legislation. Finally, the committee received a one-year update on the merger of GOSEP with the Louisiana National Guard and Military Department. Major General Thomas Freelieu and Brigadier General Jason Maffus said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, shifted administrative functions to the Military Department, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance. They said the agency has modernized its common operating picture, returned staff to in-person work, and continued statewide preparedness exercises. Freelieu highlighted Guard missions including cyber expansion, the new Air National Guard cyber squadron at Jackson Barracks, modernization of the 159th Fighter Wing, and ongoing support for homeland security missions in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. Maffus said GOSEP’s core mission remains emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, and that the merger is intended to make state support to parishes faster and more efficient.

Transcript Highlights:

• The insanity defense, on the other hand, concerns the defendant's mental health status at the time the
• If a person is found not guilty by reason of insanity at trial, it is a complete defense to the criminal
• competency or restorability, the defense competency or restorability, the defense is<01:06:08.000
• They stayed in the state hospital using beds and space there.
• state hospital using beds and space state hospital using beds and space there. there. there.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first returned to Senate Bill 71, a consumer data privacy and online surveillance bill. Members debated a proposed amendment that would have removed language allowing companies to rely on consumer consent to sell certain sensitive data. Supporters argued consent pop-ups and terms-of-service notices are not meaningful consent and that sensitive data should be categorically protected, citing Maryland and other states. Opponents, including the committee presenter, said the bill was a carefully negotiated compromise needed to establish Vermont’s first data privacy framework and warned that adopting the amendment could jeopardize passage in the Senate or with the governor. The committee reported the amendment unfavorable on a 9-0 straw poll, the House rejected the amendment, and then approved the committee’s recommended proposal of amendment by roll call vote, 129-3. During questioning on S. 71, members discussed the bill’s applicability thresholds, with the presenter explaining that the 35,000-consumer threshold was modeled on Connecticut, while lower 3,000 thresholds for sensitive data and data sales were based on business testimony and intended to capture smaller entities such as accountants, lawyers, nonprofits, and trade associations that share or sell lists. Members also asked about the bill’s many exemptions, which were described as covering entities already regulated by state or federal law, including health care entities under HIPAA and banking and insurance sectors. The presenter and supporters emphasized that the bill still requires clear privacy notices, limits data collection to what is reasonable and disclosed, and gives consumers rights to opt out, correct, and delete data. After the roll call vote, the House ordered third reading, suspended rules to place S. 71 in all remaining stages, passed it in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith. The House then moved to Senate Bill 193, relating to establishing a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons. The committee presenter from South Burlington previewed that the bill would create a permanent forensic facility, with a separate amendment expected to address interim arrangements while the facility is being developed. The transcript ends as the House begins second reading of S. 193 and the committee reports are introduced, with further debate not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• there is not a lot of data statewide around the accessibility of providers: who is working in this space
• With youth my entire life, I've always come to find spaces where these decisions are being made, and
• And just very briefly, the Department of Defense was the one that developed this idea.
• So the Department of Defense said, "Why isn't this like getting a driver's license where you're licensed
• I have been a defense lawyer, and if I had been a trial lawyer, I'd be proud of it because the trial

Transcript Highlights:

• c> traffic come in and make a decision, traffic come in and make a decision, more<00:41:18.760> space
• so it doesn't clog up the more space so it doesn't clog up the baggage<00:41:20.480> claim.
• exciting that we have these opportunities to potentially leverage a partnership with Ohio in this space
• > and<00:54:15.000> that<00:54:15.160> was<00:54:15.480> one Ohio in this space
• and that was one Ohio in this space and that was one thing<00:54:15.960> that<00:54:16.120>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force was called to order with a quorum present, and Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation gave the first presentation. He outlined the state’s airport system, noting 58 public-use airports, the department’s small staff, and its funding structure through a jet fuel tax that generates about $23 million annually, leaving roughly $15 million for airport investment after required deductions. Carter highlighted recent projects at airports including Bardstown, Madisonville, Central Kentucky Regional, Paducah, Sparta, Danville, and Henderson, and said the department has also expanded data collection on airport activity, hangars, schools, and training programs. He emphasized that the department recently completed the first statewide economic impact study of general aviation airports and is developing a five-year airport needs plan. Carter said several things are working well, including stronger communication with airports, the public, the legislature, and especially the FAA’s Memphis district office, which now involves the state more in project selection. He said the department is reasonably staffed overall, but identified workforce development and advanced air mobility as major gaps. In response to questions from Senator Nunn and Representative York, he said he did not have specific workforce shortage numbers on hand, but cited Boeing reports showing large national and global shortages of pilots and mechanics, and explained that instructor shortages and low wages limit training capacity. He also said air traffic control is an FAA function, though EKU has shown interest in developing a training program. Carter identified several needs for improvement: more workforce investment, more aviation education in high schools, more scholarships for pilot and mechanic training, more attention to advanced air mobility, and more frequent, institutionalized data collection. He also pointed to major pending capital needs at airports such as Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Harlan, Leitchfield-Grayson County, and Whitesburg-Letcher County, all of which would require FAA and state support. He urged airports to do a better job marketing their economic value and said the state should continue updating aviation studies so lawmakers have current information for policy decisions. The task force then heard from Lexington Blue Grass Airport Director Eric Frankl, who welcomed the new CVG director and thanked the legislature for creating the task force and supporting aviation infrastructure. Frankl said Blue Grass Airport has rebounded from the pandemic and now exceeds pre-pandemic passenger levels, while serving a mix of private aviation, pilot training, corporate aviation, and commercial airline activity. He described ongoing terminal-area planning, parking technology upgrades, and a major parking lot expansion expected to finish by early spring 2026, and said the airport is planning for future technologies such as vertiports and electric aerial vehicles. Frankl estimated that a broader terminal modernization program will cost roughly $500 million to $700 million over the next 5 to 10 years and said the airport needs continued state support to close funding gaps and remain competitive with other states investing in aviation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of the companies in the space are not public yet.
• So AFC represents about 20 providers in the EWA space.
• We represent a number of companies in the fintech space.
• We represent a number of companies in the fintech space.
• Okay, that's not what you said when you were up here about the Department of Defense.

Bills: HB2118, HB2181, HB2308, HB2309, HB2402, HB2476, HB2682, HB2698, HB2875, HB2877, HB2903, HB2910

Keywords: mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, HB2181, death certificate, death certificates, vital records, funeral establishment, funeral home, human remains, medical certification of death, death registration, state registrar, local registrar, county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner

Transcript Highlights:

• It increased defense spending by six billion dollars while decreasing domestic discretionary spending
• committees to implement the House Passive Budget Resolution that combines tax cuts with additional defense
• seems to be the theme of our time now, but you know, one of my biggest concerns in the k-12 education space
• I think those are all things that we are considering, not just in the K-12 space but across all of the

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They want to make it commercial space now.
• We just want to make sure the spacing is right, and if they have hydrants, are those checked?
• We should show you on behalf of of the Environmental Defense Fund and that you will be testifying for
• I lead the Water Program for the Environmental Defense Fund here in Texas. and we are here today supporting

Bills: HB24, HB2015, HB2149, HB2559, HB2701, HB2797, HB3172, HB24

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, municipal moratorium, development moratorium, property development, subdivision, site plan

Transcript Highlights:

• At the end of last year, we launched Archer Defense and entered into a strategic partnership with Anduril
• Industries to jointly develop a next generation hybrid electric propulsion aircraft for defense applications
• Well, this is well beyond space access.
• I am an attorney in the area, and I've practiced in the child welfare space for more than 20 years.

Bills: HB32, HB15, HB171, HB421, HB581, HB644, HB745, HB349, HB917, HB204, HB923, HB15, HB171, HB204

Keywords: eviction, landlord rights, tenant rights, justice court, property law, court procedures, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, deep fake, digital impersonation, age verification, private cause of action, explicit content, consumer protection, HB 581

Transcript Highlights:

• to the way in which Washington allocates dollars to state… states, particularly in the healthcare space
• This includes mainly contracts to private companies for both defense and non-defense.
• need to recover through just efficiency cuts I don't see a way to efficiency way our our solution space

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• not only a celebration, but also a call to action to confront hate, reject bigotry, and unite in defense
• proud Jewish LGBTQ+ civic entrepreneur, advocate, community leader, and founder of Manny's, a unique space
• And a special welcome to former NFL defensive tackle T.Y. McGill and NFL linebacker J.J. Russell.
• but people, our communities, our families, and for some of us, our own lived experiences navigating spaces
• today upon adjournment: Budget Subcommittee 1 in Capitol Room 126; Budget Subcommittee 2 in Swing Space

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and opened with a prayer and pledge, then held a ceremonial observance for Jewish American Heritage Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel was presented with extensive remarks from members of multiple caucuses highlighting Jewish Californians’ contributions, the importance of solidarity amid rising antisemitism, and themes of tikkun olam and tzedakah. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the chamber then recognized 14 honorees for their service in public life, philanthropy, media, faith leadership, education, and civic engagement. The floor also featured guest introductions and a procedural vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Borrero, which would add affordability as a required consideration in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the commission’s portfolio, create an office of broadband, and expand legislative appointments. The amendment was adopted. The Assembly then moved through a long third-reading file, passing measures including AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 employment law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on hearing-illness education, AB 2274 closing a loophole involving secrecy in trafficking cases, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a land exemption, AB 1956 prioritizing young men and boys in suicide prevention, and AB 2273 addressing prosecutorial handling of a local sexual abuse case. Additional bills passed included AB 1809 extending job order contracting for school and community college districts, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding practice authority for advanced practice clinicians, AB 2055 updating vessel law, and AB 2059 narrowing CEQA vehicle-mile-traveled mitigation for certain rural highway projects. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 11 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after a lengthy debate that included support from several caucuses and some disagreement over the resolution’s framing of current threats to LGBTQ+ communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• not only a celebration, but also a call to action to confront hate, reject bigotry, and unite in defense
• proud Jewish LGBTQ+ civic entrepreneur, advocate, community leader, and founder of Manny's, a unique space
• And a special welcome to former NFL defensive tackle T.Y. McGill and NFL linebacker J.J. Russell.
• but people, our communities, our families, and for some of us, our own lived experiences navigating spaces
• today upon adjournment: Budget Subcommittee 1 in Capitol Room 126; Budget Subcommittee 2 in Swing Space

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've served as chief revenue officer for an education data and technology company focused in the K-12 space
• wanted to serve again, so I sought out opportunities or vacancies in the K-12 or higher education space
• Obviously, given my background, I have a lot of connection into that space.
• things from our near-peer threats, whether they're attacking grids in Guam, trying to bring down the defenses
• I led the defense team, so we protected the free speech and academic freedom of faculty members and students

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider a large slate of gubernatorial appointees, with 127 nominees on the agenda. The committee first approved the grouped nominees in Tabs 1 through 54 by unanimous roll call vote after brief public testimony in support of several appointees. The committee then took up individual University of West Florida and Pensacola State College-related nominations, including noting that Dr. Joel Rudman had resigned from the Pensacola State College board before appearing, leaving no action to take on that tab. Several UWF trustees were confirmed after testimony focused on their qualifications and priorities for the university. Paul Bailey emphasized his local ties, legal background, and interest in UWF’s military connections and pre-law program; Rebecca Matthews highlighted her education and public service background, current role as UWF board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Rachel Moyah discussed her education leadership experience, finance role, and positive enrollment and fundraising trends; Ashley Ross described her fundraising and higher education background and stressed workforce, advancement, cyber, and military partnerships; and Christopher Young spoke about his Panhandle roots, business experience, audit and compliance work, and support for military and student opportunity. Each of these nominees was confirmed by roll call and forwarded to the full Senate. The most contentious nomination was Adam Kissel for the UWF Board of Trustees. Kissel described his background in higher education policy, free speech, philanthropy, and federal education work, and said he would focus on free speech, accreditation, military/veteran support, honors programming, and graduation rates. Committee members questioned him closely about prior writings on privatizing public higher education, his views on free speech versus Senate Bill 266, Project 2025, AI in administration, and his fit for UWF. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials and reform views, while opponents, including former UWF leaders, warned he was too ideological and not sufficiently grounded in the university community. After debate, the committee voted 5-4 not to confirm Kissel, so his name will not be forwarded to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Requiring victims, survivors, workers, and their attorneys to provide defense counsel with copies of
• Stephanie Harris, of the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Are you with somebody else?
• I'm a senior legislative affairs manager for the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
• I would have a defense in court against debt collectors.
• They would pace and cling to the empty space where their child once was.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy public hearing on a wide range of civil actions, labor, consumer protection, and animal welfare bills. Chair Lydia Edwards and Representative Michael Day opened with strict testimony rules and time limits, then heard from legislators and advocates on measures including animal-abuser pet ownership bans (S. 1207/H. 1914), a name-change privacy bill (S. 1045/H. 1973), tort claims reform (H. 1724), law enforcement council coverage under the Tort Claims Act (S. 1199), civil rights and qualified immunity-related proposals (H. 1641), employee free speech/captive audience restrictions (S. 1078/H. 1653), consumer protection and civil rights jurisdiction expansion (S. 1041), private right of action for wage theft (H. 1916), gun-owner liability insurance (H. 1836), pseudoephedrine sales tracking (S. 1243/H. 1581), prepaid legal services plans (H. 1612), structured settlement protections (H. 1863), third-party litigation financing disclosure (H. 1861), antitrust reform for small businesses and workers (S. 1038/H. 1982), legal notices in online-only newspapers (S. 1279/H. 1632), and several animal cruelty and protection bills including H. 1938, H. 1949, S. 1277/H. 1934, and H. 1764. Testimony was largely supportive from bill sponsors and advocacy groups, with repeated themes of protecting vulnerable people and animals, improving access to justice, and updating outdated laws. Supporters of the animal bills argued for stronger possession bans, broader cruelty citations, and civil removal tools to prevent repeat abuse; opponents or conditional supporters raised due process and enforcement concerns, especially around warrantless seizures and requiring retail or shelter staff to check registries. On the labor and consumer side, supporters said the antitrust bill would curb monopoly power and help small businesses and workers, while opponents warned it could destabilize competition and burden successful firms. The employee free speech bill was backed as a response to captive audience meetings, and the wage-theft bill was presented as a way to let workers or organizations pursue claims when individual employees are afraid to come forward. Several public officials and association representatives testified on the law enforcement and civil rights bills. Chiefs of police supported adding law enforcement councils to the Tort Claims Act, saying it would close a liability gap for regional mutual-aid collaborations. But police representatives opposed changes to the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act and qualified immunity-related provisions, arguing the federal system already provides a workable forum and that expanding liability could increase costs, reduce morale, and worsen recruitment and retention. On the consumer/civil rights bill, Senator Collins and a veteran described an out-of-state assault case that they said showed the need for Massachusetts to let residents seek redress at home when rights are violated elsewhere. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself; the committee mainly received testimony and questions. Several witnesses indicated they had submitted written testimony or proposed amendments, and some bills drew requests for favorable reports while others were explicitly opposed unless amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when I'm in the first line of defense to get things going.
• Up next, John Landry wishing to appear, followed by Adrian Defense, the Mitchell.
• So I think you could see how somebody like myself, who's involved in the water quality advocacy space
• We shift the burden to the person in defense having to prove the truth of what they were saying.

Transcript Highlights:

• question is whether or not this could also include the... immigration lawyers who work for indigent defense
• Defense attorneys and the local bars, they're not chomping at the bit to take these jobs either because
• Well, I was the defense attorney in both cases, and that turnover was already high enough.
• The second reason that we're going to be talking about in House Bill 2856 is the lack of clinical space

Bills: HB173, HB184, HB484, HB678, HB 1211, HB1507, HB1705, HB1868, HB2290, HB2851, HB2856, HB3041, HB3204, HB173, HB184

Keywords: foreign donations, higher education, public institutions, national security, funding, prohibition, Texas law, healthcare, insurance, affordability, access, public health, foreign influence, education policy, student loan repayment, prosecuting attorneys, border prosecution unit, financial assistance, tobacco, cigarettes