Video & Transcript Research : 'STARS program'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight REVISED: SB1304 - Added Apr 15th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Health and Human Services Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- insurance companies may just be using some swarm of automated computer systems that they may have programmed
- things are we have Taskoma with educating bud tenders, and they have until January 1st to Get that program
- They are not going to have the program up and running by that point.
- Members, this is cleanup language defining what an accredited chiropractic program is.
Bills:
SB1983, SB444, SB1503, SB1561, SB592, SB1501, SB1946, SB1567, SB1833, SB2026, SB904, SB2178, SB1651, SB1558, SB1565, SB1553, SB1257, SB65, SB1749, SB1242, SB1642, SB640, SB667, SB1436, SB1484, SB1562, SB1794, SB1644, SB1533, SB933, SB1555
Keywords:
SB1983, foster care, resource family partner, resource family partners, Department of Human Services, DHS, child welfare, foster homes, foster children, placement data, data sharing, de-identified data, aggregated data, sibling groups, placement disruptions, foster parent recruitment, foster parent retention, private child-placing agency, Title 10A, Oklahoma
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Society Student Visionaries Program is a philanthropic leadership development program for high school
- Please join me in welcoming the distinguished members of the student visionaries program including my
- this noteworthy region, and they have played a significant role in the development of our of the Lone Star
- to recognize some of the folks that are here from Senate District 8, some of the brightest shining. stars
Keywords:
SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- of those types of programs. of those types of programs.
- would decide on the health and safety of the programs and on quality of the programs.
- The third type of program is recognized early care and education programs.
- We are NAEYC accredited in a four-star Parent Aware rated program, and I'm also here on behalf of Minnesota
- We are NAEYC accredited in a four-star Parent Aware rated program, and I'm also here on behalf of Minnesota
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee (10-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- The stars on the map represent where the RTCs are housed.
- <00:03:25.120>
efficiency accountability, and program efficiency accountability, and program - fiscal and had program impact. fiscal and had program impact.
- So the next few slides will discuss some overall program issues we found.
- fiscal accountability, and program fiscal accountability, and program effectiveness. effectiveness
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:22
Office of Education Accountability Report: Early Childhood Regional Training Centers (RTCs): 01:22
Approval of July 14, 2025 Minutes 31:21
Office of Education Accountability: 2025 Study Agenda 32:35
Adjournment: 39:12, 958, all
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an Office of Education Accountability report on Kentucky’s early childhood regional training centers (RTCs). OEA said the centers provide valuable training, consultation, technical assistance, and materials for preschool personnel, especially for children with disabilities and at-risk students, and that the services align with state and federal requirements. However, the report found uneven student and teacher populations across regions, wide variation in per-student funding, some staffing data inaccuracies, and several fiscal oversight concerns, including inconsistent indirect cost rates, a building rental charge that may have been duplicative, and host districts recording RTC expenditures in a way that could blur them with district finances. OEA also said some documentation of progress toward goals was incomplete and that the technology lending library appeared underused. The report recommended stronger KDE oversight, uniform coding and accounting practices, review of budgets and expenditures, and an evaluation of whether the current five-center model remains the most efficient structure; OEA also suggested the General Assembly may wish to revisit KRS 157.318. Members asked about KDE’s response, whether the centers are required by federal law, how the centers operate, and whether changing the model would affect federal funding. OEA said KDE had only discussed the findings informally and had not issued a formal response, the centers are required by state law but not federal law, and changing the model would not jeopardize IDEA preschool funds. The committee accepted the report by motion.
The subcommittee then approved the minutes from its July 14, 2025 meeting after initially delaying action because quorum was not yet present. After that, members turned to the Office of Education Accountability’s proposed 2026 study agenda. OEA said the three proposed topics are the annual district data profiles, facilities funding, and implementation of early literacy statutes. The district profiles would add an appendix showing the number and percentage of students moving to private school or homeschool by district and another appendix noting data-quality issues that affect comparability. OEA explained that district staffing data can undercount contract staff because those employees are not always entered into the system, and members expressed interest in tracking whether prior recommendations were implemented. One senator also raised a separate interest in reviewing whether KDE created and implemented regulations related to KFIX. The discussion remained informational, with no final vote on the study agenda shown in the transcript excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The registration, the regulation of charitable bail organizations, pretrial intervention programs, and
- Charlton offers 130 degree programs spanning an array of disciplines.
- hope you will join me in recognizing Tarleton State University for their contributions to the Lone Star
- Over the past decade, more than 5000 students have participated in Teen PAC's programs in Texas.
- Contributing to the democratic principles we hold dear, Team PAC's innovative programs empower young
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Military Affairs Apr 16th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Veterans and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- His service earned him the Bronze Star medal and the Purple Heart, reflecting both his leadership and
- Go stars.
- His commitment to mentoring and public safety programs further demonstrates his dedication to serving
Bills:
HB3257
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We had a young lady who was a bright, shining star named Jada Bright.
- This bill would help expand that to one year, giving time to get into programs.
- This bill would help expand that to one year, given time to get into programs.
- Certainly, the... ...to be able to get into those programs.
- And I think that this certainly makes sure that we are getting the programs.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 137, which would strengthen penalties for knowingly making threats against schools, school activities, students, or school employees. The author said the bill responds to repeated false threats that disrupt schools, frighten families, and divert law enforcement, and it adds education and parental acknowledgment requirements. Members discussed possible juvenile consequences such as public service or physical work at schools, and the bill drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, and Catholic bishops. It was reported favorably without objection.
House Bill 321 followed, addressing Louisiana’s Safe Harbor law by expressly exempting minors from prostitution offenses and treating them as trafficking victims rather than offenders. The author, clergy, trafficking advocates, and a survivor testified that children involved in commercial sex are typically coerced, groomed, or controlled by traffickers, often family members or caregivers, and should receive protection and services instead of arrest. Witnesses described statewide advocacy and crisis-response services created in 2022, and committee members asked about prosecution of perpetrators and the prevalence of trafficking in rural areas. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then approved House Bill 1246, a response to a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Jada Bright, which would allow law enforcement to keep intoxicated offenders in jail if they are not safe to release. An amendment was adopted to clean up the language, and the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 1104, creating a misdemeanor for possession of motor vehicle key-programming or emulating devices used to steal cars, also passed favorably with support from prosecutors and police. House Bill 552, a cleanup measure replacing references to intoxication with impairment in prior drug-related statutes, was reported favorably as well.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 310, which would require random reassignment when a defendant waives a jury trial in districts with more than two judges, unless the prosecutor agrees otherwise. Supporters said it would prevent judge shopping and address concerns about unusually high acquittal rates before particular judges, while opponents argued it raises due process concerns and effectively lets prosecutors choose the judge. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The last major item was House Bill 1107, dealing with post-conviction death penalty cases involving claims of intellectual disability; the bill would set a 75 IQ threshold and create procedures for Atkins claims. Supporters said it would bring finality to long-pending capital cases and follow U.S. Supreme Court guidance, while opponents argued it would be unconstitutional under Atkins, Moore, and Hall because intellectual disability cannot be reduced to a single number. After extensive testimony and debate over amendments, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We may hear today from, from folks who have gone through teacher preparation programs or colleges of
- Page 2, line 14 through 15, page 2, line 22 through 25, no treatment programs at schools.
- grow, but it certainly has been a program that's.
- It's just a marvelous program.
- Rehabilitation Act or a similar program or plan.
Keywords:
hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- That program is growing, and over 130,000 people per year are coming to our Free to Explore program and
- reach<00:08:50.080>
underserved We have programs that reach underserved We have programs - coming uh to our free to explore program coming uh to our free to explore program and<00:09:04.480
- our animal uh health programs, Dr. our animal uh health programs, Dr. Rivas. Rivas. Rivas.
- . programs. programs.
Summary:
The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes by voice vote. It then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Zoo on its aging facilities and bonding needs. Zoo staff highlighted the zoo’s economic and educational role, its 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, and its Free to Explore program, while stressing that many of its 50-year-old buildings are in poor condition, with more than $78 million in backlog and safety concerns for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said the governor recommended $4 million for critical life-support systems and asked for an additional $6 million in asset preservation to renovate the original animal hospital building so a new hospital wing can function properly. Testimony emphasized that the renovation is necessary for staff space, storage, code compliance, asbestos removal, and safe animal care, and described recent injuries and close calls tied to outdated facilities.
Members asked questions about porcupine quills, natural predators, and the meaning of the zoo’s incident rate. Zoo staff explained that quills are not poisonous but are barbed and can be difficult to remove, and that predators include larger cats, owls, and fishers. On incidents, staff said they include close calls and injuries linked to aging infrastructure, such as a tiger reaching farther through a wall after fencing shifted over time, and staff injuries during animal procedures in older spaces. Members also confirmed that the hospital project has shifted from a standalone building to a wing attached to the existing hospital because of rising construction costs.
The committee then heard from Perpich Center for Arts Education. Perpich described its statewide role as both a public high school and an arts education resource center, serving students and educators across Minnesota. It said it hosted 313 events last year for nearly 2,000 educators and administrators and worked with 275 school districts across all 67 Senate districts. Perpich emphasized that nearly seven in 10 students rely on its residential programs because there are no comparable arts high school options in greater Minnesota, and noted strong student outcomes including a 100% graduation rate and national recognition as an exemplary school. For capital needs, Perpich said it received $1.26 million last year for HVAC and building automation work, is grateful for the governor’s recommended $1.3 million this year, and requested $6 million to create a secure, accessible main entrance and upgrade outdated restrooms to ADA compliance.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave ♪ Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave ♪ ♪
- She has been in Hidalgo County for six years overseeing the program.
- That's a program I think most of us love.
- She has been a part of the 4-H program for 10 years.
- Speaker, do you know what the largest youth development program in the world? 4-H. Mr.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill continues the Arizona Competes program indefinitely.
- I want to be all around the world and want the copper star everywhere.
- I want to be all around the world and want the copper star everywhere.
- I want to be all around the world and want the copper star everywhere.
Keywords:
trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona competes fund, economic development, fund repeal, state finances, state appropriations, Arizona Commerce Authority, job creation, business incentives, commerce authority, public-private partnership, business regulation, Arizona governance, 1182, all
Summary:
The Committee on International Trade heard a presentation from Alan Renteria of the Puerto Peñasco Chamber of Commerce, who promoted Rocky Point as a major tourism and investment destination for Arizonans. He highlighted tourism growth, cross-border ties, safety coordination, the importance of fishing and shrimp to the local economy, and potential commercial opportunities such as improved border infrastructure and a possible cargo or cruise port. Members responded with personal comments about travel, geology, medical volunteer work, and the city’s appeal, and Renteria said he wanted to serve as a liaison to improve communication between Arizona offices and Puerto Peñasco.
The committee then considered three bills related to the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). HB 2751 would continue the Arizona Competes fund indefinitely and subject use of the fund to legislative appropriations; HB 2752 would shift oversight of trade offices from the ACA board to legislative appropriation and require annual reporting to JLBC; and HB 2753 would add legislative ex-officio members to the ACA board, including committee chairs and, under an amendment, minority party ranking members. Supporters argued the bills would give the legislature more oversight and a seat at the table, while Greg Blackie of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club opposed HB 2751, calling for repeal or stronger guardrails and citing past audit concerns.
All three bills advanced on due pass recommendations. HB 2751 passed 7-1 with one member present and one absent; HB 2752 passed 9-0 with one absent; and HB 2753 passed 9-0 after the Austin amendment was adopted, adding minority party representation. The committee also removed HB 2746 from the agenda before taking up the ACA measures.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we've both worked on the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act.
- , cash back programs, and other similar card benefits.
- And also, those programs are... ...being discontinued.
- The same rewards programs are not offered in those jurisdictions.
- The reasoning for that is the rewards programs.
Bills:
SB231, SB584, SB600, SB668, SB841, SB986, SB1003, SB1244, SB1625, SB1960, SB1963, SB1964, SB2026, SB2056, SB2368
Keywords:
temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 17th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So the issue here We have a lot of really good programs in Texas.
- So, our goal here is not to create any new programs, but rather simply educate and inform. our veterans
- about the many programs that already exist and that are very successful and that's what this bill would
- suicide prevention. program is that is our that is my number one priority to reduce veteran suicide
- I believe we're getting a lot of that funding right now in reference to our Operation Lone Star program
Keywords:
highway designation, veteran recognition, commemorative, transportation, Brazoria County, Texas National Guard, combat duty, military activation, state requirements, emergency response, active combat duty, military service, Congressional action, Governor responsibilities, Congressional declaration, state law, conflict, armed forces, congressional approval, war declaration
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/11/2026 - Senate Director Nominations
Transcript Highlights:
- , how many stars you get, and that's sort of how they get rated.
- We haven't, years ago I believe DHS sort of linked into the CMS system and did those stars.
- , and those programs are...
- You know, we would be either eliminating the programs, and if those programs are also grounded in statute
- And then I said that in my opening statement: they're the North Star.
Summary:
The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote.
Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations.
Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- can affect you when you want to get a job, how that'll affect you when you want to get into some program
- can affect you when you want to get a job, how that will affect you when you want to get into some program
- We have an all-star cast here, so welcome today. We have an all-star cast here, so welcome today.
- in hand, she was instructed to go to the Truckee's supermarket on Tremont Street and use the coin star
- And so I would say that the community college network, the state college network, there are programs
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several financial services bills, with the main focus on cryptocurrency kiosk regulation, financial literacy, and earned wage access. Legislators and witnesses described widespread crypto-related scams targeting older adults, often involving impersonation, urgency, spoofed phone numbers, and rapid transfers through kiosks that are difficult to trace or recover. Supporters of the kiosk bills said Massachusetts needs licensing, registration, transaction limits, warning notices, receipts, refund protections, and other safeguards; some also urged a “pause” or hold on transactions to give victims time to reconsider and allow law enforcement to intervene. The Attorney General’s office, AARP, local law enforcement, and several prosecutors and sheriffs backed the consumer-protection approach, while Bitcoin Depot supported a narrower regulatory framework but opposed low fee caps and strict daily limits, arguing they would function like a ban and reduce legitimate use.
Witnesses from Waltham police, Middlesex and Essex County law enforcement, and the AG’s office said crypto scams are growing quickly, losses are often unrecoverable once funds move, and current tools are limited. They described cases involving elderly victims losing thousands of dollars, and said warnings alone are not enough because scammers keep victims on the phone and guide them through the process. Some witnesses said a temporary hold or refund mechanism has worked in at least one case, while others emphasized that transaction limits and visible disclosures could reduce harm even if they do not stop fraud entirely. The AG’s office also said it would submit written opposition to separate earned wage advance legislation, while DailyPay testified in support of that bill, saying earned wage access helps workers bridge short-term gaps without debt or credit reporting.
The committee also heard support for mandatory financial literacy education from Representative Jim Hawkins, who said high school students need instruction on credit, debt, and inflation before they enter adulthood. In addition, the committee took testimony on litigation financing bills from insurance industry representatives, who argued for disclosure and regulation of predatory litigation lending and warned about foreign interference and reduced plaintiff recoveries. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; members asked questions throughout, and the chair noted the need to move testimony along because of time constraints.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/18/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There are many things advocacy programs.
- When we all come here with our shining stars, mine is the work of human and civil rights.
- When we all come here with our shining stars, mine is the work of human and civil rights.
- When we all come here with our shining stars, mine is the work of human and civil rights.
- When we all come here with our shining stars, mine is the work of human and civil rights.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, July 21, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , in other battles, earning a Silver Star, in other battles, earning a Silver Star, Silver<03:35:
- 54.720>
Star. - After receiving another Silver Star.
- veteran readiness and employment program veteran readiness and employment program to<03:49:26.880
- bankroll their illegal weapons programs bankroll their illegal weapons programs and<05:49:03.520
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Robertson, Ross, Sellers, Sells, Shaver, Shaw, Shirey, Simpson, Smith, Sorrells, Stahle, Sanders, Star
- Winona has been a great school; it's the bright star on the hill.
- <00:24:57.160>
I <00:24:57.200>have it's the bright star on the hill. - I have it's the bright star on the hill.
- We haven't had a building program for residential property in years.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 2:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that a degree program or is that a certificate program? >> Yes.
- Is that a degree program or is that a certificate program? >> Yes.
- Is that a degree program or is that a certificate program? >> Yes.
- These funds allow us to enhance our programs, to expand our programs, and be innovative in the programs
- That's just the 4-H program in the AD program in our farm and food safety program.
Summary:
Mississippi State University officials testified in support of the university’s separately funded agricultural, forestry, and veterinary units, emphasizing their economic impact, research output, and need for continued state support. Keith Cobalt, vice president for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, said the division generates a $1.7 billion impact on Mississippi, but warned that state and local funding has not kept pace with federal dollars or inflation. He argued that global competition, especially from China and Brazil, is hurting row crop and forestry producers, and highlighted a Vision 2030 study finding about $10 billion in agricultural and forestry value leaves the state through value-added processing. He also raised concerns about rural depopulation and proposed rural innovation hubs to help retain population and jobs.
Nick Frank, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, said state appropriations make up about 25% of the college’s operating budget and are needed to support salaries, staffing, and service capacity. He described the college’s education, diagnostic, and clinical missions, including disease surveillance and responses to threats such as avian influenza, screwworm, and equine herpes virus. Frank said the college is expanding facilities with $18 million in 2024 state funding for a new farm animal hospital and cattle handling facility, but still needs additional support for equine and small animal renovations. He also requested support for rural veterinary scholarships and said inflation and salary competition from other schools and private practice are making retention difficult.
In response to committee questions, Frank said the college enrolls about 118 to 119 students per class, with roughly 54 to 55 in-state students and tuition of about $29,900 for in-state and $53,000 for out-of-state students. He clarified that the “vet assistants” program is a four-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary medical technology, not a certificate. He also explained that staffing growth has largely been in the hospitals to address clinical shortages and improve care.
Dr. Westberger, dean of the College of Forest Resources and director of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, said Mississippi’s forests support a $19 billion economic impact, 84,000 jobs, and a $4.5 billion payroll, while also providing environmental benefits. He said the college and research center are nationally recognized, including an NSF ranking placing Mississippi State 10th in natural resource conservation research expenditures for a small university. Westberger highlighted research on forest management, pest detection, mass timber, wildlife disease surveillance, and value-added bioproducts, including efforts to attract mills and manufacturing. He said Mississippi has added 10 mills or mill expansions in five years with more than $1.5 billion in investment and over 1,000 high-paying jobs, and noted the college is planning a new mass-timber annex to address capacity and showcase the material. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, please welcome future IRS agents and current students from La Vega High School, and program
- But the reality is that those parents who have a child or student under the ESA program because they
- The Lone Star Card in Texas is the ID card for financial assistance programs across the state, such as
- Currently, the Lone Star Card is not required to display...” “Families, TANF.
- Currently, the Lone Star Card is not required to display the recipient’s name or photo.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation, messages from the House, and several recognitions, including county day delegations from Fayette, LaSalle, Jim Hogg, Austin, and others, as well as a recognition of Rob Keppel for his career with the Texas District and County Attorneys Association. The chamber also adopted several resolutions, including SR 429 designating October 2025 as RET Syndrome Awareness Month and SR 432 honoring Rob Keppel. A doctor-of-the-day introduction and a public announcement about free skin checks were also made.
The Senate then took up and passed several bills. SB 1152, creating the offense of continuous manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, passed after suspension of the rules. SB 1868, regulating kratom and related substances, was amended to prohibit smokeable kratom products and kratom pills and to clarify THC variants such as Delta-8 and Delta-10, then passed. SB 1349, creating offenses for transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law, drew debate over a failed amendment that would have added election misinformation and foreign meddling; the bill ultimately passed unanimously. SB 2037, expediting review of LNG environmental permits, passed after amendments clarifying fees and deadlines, with opposition focused on its energy-policy implications. SB 1164, addressing emergency detention and court-ordered inpatient mental health treatment, passed after a drafting-error correction and discussion of the bill’s basis in recommendations from the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health.
The Senate also advanced SB 2743 on prosecution of certain election offenses, which would allow a court process to disqualify a local prosecutor who repeatedly refuses to prosecute election cases and appoint the Attorney General; it passed to engrossment amid questions about evidence and local discretion. SB 1299, protecting nonprofit members, supporters, volunteers, and donors from disclosure by public agencies, passed unanimously. SB 2349, exempting certain short-term leases and temporary tenancies from floodplain notice requirements, passed unanimously. SB 2788, adding PSAT and pre-ACT scores for Texas Success Initiative exemptions and clarifying dual-credit eligibility, passed unanimously after amendment. SB 843, creating a TEA database of school district bonds, taxes, and bond-related projects and adding charter schools, passed after amendments on funding and scope.
Finally, SB 1832, allowing parents to transfer a student who was victimized by a public school employee to another campus, passed to engrossment after extended debate over whether the bill should also cover private schools and how it would interact with school choice and ESA policy. SB 39, revising the admission rule in commercial motor vehicle collision cases, was laid out and debated over its effect on negligent entrustment and related evidence, with the author emphasizing that the bill preserves the bifurcated trial structure and does not alter other admissibility rules.