Transcript Highlights:

• ANOTHER OPTION FOR REIMBURSEMENT IS TRANSPORTING UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS FOR ICE.
• REIMBURSEMENT COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSPORT TRANSPORTING UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS ON BEHALF OF ICE.
• [NAME] IDENTIFIED AN ISSUE WITH THE UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS NOT BEING PICKED UP.
• DO THE GRANT CRITERIA REQUIRE A BED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THE ILLEGAL UNDOCUMENTED ALIEN?

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't need Kentucky tax dollars paid by Kentucky citizens going to people illegal aliens in the United
• We don't need Kentucky tax dollars paid by Kentucky citizens going to people illegal aliens in the United
• investigating these state job sites and places where tax dollars are being spent to make sure that illegal aliens
• ><00:10:37.120><c> that</c><00:10:38.120><c> uh</c><00:10:38.240><c> illegal</c><00:10:38.639><c> aliens
• </c><00:10:39.000><c> are</c> to make sure that uh illegal aliens are to make sure that uh illegal aliens

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met and first took up SB 129, with a committee substitute adopted before testimony. The bill would allow certain qualified third-party entities in Louisville Metro, including public bodies and long-standing nonprofits, to purchase certificates of delinquency on vacant and abandoned residential properties after 90 days, with the goal of returning blighted property to productive use and back on the tax rolls. Several members supported the measure as a tool for housing and economic development, while Senator Boswell and Chair Willer noted concerns about protecting vulnerable property owners, such as widows, the elderly, and people with disabilities. SB 129 was approved by the committee with favorable expression. The committee then heard SB 178, which updates statutes related to the Education and Labor Cabinet by moving the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Division of Program Policy into statute, renaming Business and Apprenticeship to Industry and Apprenticeship, and making related organizational changes. Testimony from cabinet staff said the changes reflect work already being done and that a floor amendment would be needed for one additional correction. The bill was advanced unanimously with favorable expression. Next, the committee considered SB 151, which would bar state tax dollars from being used to pay persons not legally present in the United States. The sponsor argued the bill was needed to prevent Kentucky funds from going to undocumented workers on state job sites, while Senator Wheeler questioned what the bill would change beyond existing law and how such payments would occur through contracts or appropriations. Senator Yates said he was not opposed to the premise but wanted more time to review the bill’s mechanics, and Senator Thomas voted no for the same reason. Despite those concerns, SB 151 passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard SB 2011, a workers’ compensation bill that would delay newly appointed administrative law judges from taking office until Senate confirmation, extend current ALJ terms through June 1 of next year, and allow retention votes for board members to improve stability and attract more applicants. The sponsor said the bill addresses a loophole that can discourage qualified candidates from applying because they may have to leave private practice before confirmation. After a question about whether the bill would affect salaries, the sponsor explained compensation is set by statute and caseload need is separately reviewed. The bill received favorable expression and the meeting concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• or whether somebody is an illegal alien or whether somebody is an illegal alien or not how do we get
• alien instead of calling him an alien alien instead of calling him an alien alien they're calling him
• is determination of whether an alien is determination of whether an alien is lawfully present in the
• is convicted of a whose an illegal alien is convicted of a whose an illegal alien is convicted of a
• who is convicted of a misdemeanor alien who is convicted of a misdemeanor alien who is convicted of

Bills: HCR 21 , HCR 22 , HCR 23 , HCR 24 , HCR 25 , HCR 26 , HCR 27 , HCR 31 , HCR 41 , HCR 42 , HCR 43 , HCR 44 , HCR 45 , HCR 52 , HCR 53 , HCR 66 , HCR 67 , HCR 73 , HR 8 , HR 10 , HR 13 , HR 20 , HR 21 , HR 50 , HR 59 , HR 61 , HR 71 , HR 74 , HR 79 , HR 84 , HR 86 , HR 90 , HR 91 , HR 102 , HR 103 , HR 107 , HR 113 , HR 125 , HR 126 , HR 132 , HR 142 , HR 145 , HR 149 , HR 150 , HR 152 , HR 167 , HR 179 , HR 181 , HR 183 , HR 186 , HR 192 , HR 196 , HR 199 , HR 207 , HR 211 , HR 212 , HR 213 , HR 216 , HR 249 , HR 256 , HR 259 , HR 261 , HR 263 , HR 272 , HR 281 , HR 285 , HR 294 , HR 295 , HR 300 , HR 305 , HR 311 , HR 313 , HR 315 , HR 316 , HR 323 , HR 331 , HR 339 , HR 340 , HR 346 , HR 349 , HR 352 , HR 357 , HR 358 , HR 360 , HR 363 , HR 374 , HR 377 , HCR 20 , HCR 28 , HCR 30 , HCR 32 , HCR 49 , HR 14 , HR 15 , HR 19 , HR 23 , HR 24 , HR 25 , HR 26 , HR 27 , HR 29 , HR 47 , HR 48 , HR 55 , HR 56 , HR 66 , HR 85 , HR 92 , HR 93 , HR 95 , HR 96 , HR 140 , HR 155 , HR 164 , HR 204 , HR 241 , HR 242 , HR 250 , HR 253 , HR 260 , HR 262 , HR 265 , HR 279 , HR 310 , HR 312 , HR 328 , HR 332 , HR 359 , HR 362 , HR 367

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, how does a DMV employee interpret the exception for non-resident aliens Non-resident aliens living
• They search for aliens in removal, aliens in detention, and excluded aliens.
• They search for aliens in module.
• They search for aliens in removal,<03:14:32.399><c> aliens</c><03:14:32.800><c> in</c><03:14:32.960><
• c> detention</c><03:14:33.760><c> and</c> removal, aliens in detention and removal, aliens in detention

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• especially those that are unaligned with my administration's policy of removing violent criminal illegal aliens
• 55.440><c> criminal</c><00:13:56.240><c> criminal</c><00:13:56.720><c> illegal</c><00:13:57.040><c> aliens
• </c> violent criminal criminal illegal aliens violent criminal criminal illegal aliens from<00:13:57.839

Bills: HR504 , HR131

Keywords: committee removal, federal indictment, ethics, congressional conduct, representative McIver, Committee on Ethics, expenses, Congress, funding, government oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> can't allow illegal aliens on Medicaid. can't allow illegal aliens on Medicaid.
• </c><04:34:32.160><c> criminals</c> end of the day, illegal alien criminals end of the day, illegal alien
• </c> resolve the criminal, illegal, alien resolve the criminal, illegal, alien crisis<05:12:25.840><c
• I encourage each of my aliens.
• They went on million illegal aliens.

Bills: HR492 , HR499 , HB2056 , SB331

Keywords: immigration, sanctuary jurisdiction, federal compliance, District of Columbia, law enforcement, fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Duval, and Jim Wells County, which is located within a corridor that remains the heaviest area of alien
• Many illegal aliens now reside in the U.S.
• lie within a corridor. that experiences, as was previously stated, some of the highest volumes of alien
• This creates a natural funnel where these criminals use the back roads to smuggle aliens and drugs into
• Without these upgrades, we can't effectively patrol or intercept this continuous flow of illegal aliens

Bills: HB1589 , HB2208 , HB2297 , HB2560 , HB2725 , HB3080 , HB4417 , HB4473 , HB4520 , HB4662 , HB4888 , HB4905 , HB4906

Committee: House S/C on Transportation Funding

Keywords: HB 1589, toll road, toll project, toll project entity, voter approval, local control, county election, commissioners court, Transportation Code, Chapter 372, road construction, highway funding, infrastructure, public referendum, ballot measure, transportation policy, Texas toll roads, regional mobility, toll collection, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• ask somebody, you know, some random person, have you seen someone who may or may not be an illegal alien
• ask somebody, you know, some random person, have you seen someone who may or may not be an illegal alien
• A no vote is a vote against common-sense local law enforcement helping to deport criminal illegal aliens
• A no vote is a vote against common-sense local law enforcement helping to deport criminal illegal aliens
• </c><00:26:24.400><c> Vote</c> illegal aliens. It's that simple. Vote illegal aliens.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this means is that certain groups of aliens that are currently eligible for for enrollment.
• The qualified alien piece that we spoke about mentioned earlier at the federal level.
• to what portion of that or a dollar amount of that that would be strictly contributed to illegal aliens
• So the state of Florida does not provide benefits for services to illegal aliens outside of emergency
• Medicaid for aliens, which is preserved.

Transcript Highlights:

• This SAVE is the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Database, which is the way to verify
• <00:21:09.040><c> is</c><00:21:09.160><c> the</c><00:21:09.280><c> Systematic</c><00:21:10.000><c> Alien
• </c> SAVE is the Systematic Alien SAVE is the Systematic Alien Verification<00:21:11.120><c> for</c><
• This is so the federal government could verify aliens and immigrants for entitlements.
• </c><00:22:58.560><c> and</c><00:22:58.720><c> immigrants</c><00:22:59.200><c> for</c> verify aliens

Transcript Highlights:

• Without this legislation, we risk alienating one of our strongest partners in the Indo-Pacific region
• Illegal aliens are robbing, sexually assaulting, and murdering American citizens.
• </c> violence against women by a legal aliens violence against women by a legal aliens act<07:33:27.478
• So tomorrow, hopefully, we will take up the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, introduced
• His priorities are illegal aliens and all sorts of benefits for them.

Bills: HR44 , HR43 , HR42 , HR33 , HR144 , HR164

Keywords: committee appointments, House of Representatives, agriculture committee, foreign affairs committee, natural resources committee, science and technology committee, member elections, legislative process, inauguration, Congress, House attendance, ceremony, legislative session, inaugural ceremony, President, Vice President, adjournment, committees, membership, election

Transcript Highlights:

• Alien. I did not get an answer.
• The federal government defines criminal aliens as two types: felonies and misdemeanors.
• Likely, those people are considered criminal aliens. That number is high.
• Those criminal aliens are doing great damage to all communities, all races in our state.

Bills: SJR12 , SJR37 , SB7 , SB8 , SB16 , SB27 , SB108 , SB125 , SB207 , SB251 , SB318 , SB371 , SB379 , SB396 , SB406 , SB472 , SB503 , SB533 , SB578 , SB599 , SB608 , SB617 , SB621 , SB689 , SB707 , SB763 , SB836 , SB854 , SB856 , SB857 , SB875 , SB878 , SB906 , SB922 , SB942 , SB965 , SB985 , SB988 , SB1021 , SB1059 , SB1084 , SB1098 , SB1185 , SB1188 , SB1202 , SB1207 , SB1307 , SB1321 , SB1330 , SB1366 , SB1388 , SB1396 , SB1453 , SB1484 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB1535 , SB1563 , SB1596 , SB1610 , SB1619 , SB1737 , SB1738 , SB1741 , SB1816 , SB1822 , SB1841 , SB1939 , SB2188 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR37 , SJR81 , SJR50 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB875 , SB318 , SB707 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB608 , SB955 , SB957 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB541 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SB16 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB1029 , SB1185 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB878 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB1535 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB207 , SB1207 , SB1619 , SB1396 , SB920 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB1741 , SB7 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1366 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1816 , SB1841 , SB2188 , SB1147 , SB879 , SB1008 , SB1536 , SB2016 , SB1453 , SB1173 , SB1163 , SB996 , SB27 , SB568 , SB1370 , SB1321 , SB1101 , SB906 , SB860 , SB1563 , SB993 , SB693 , SB1610 , SB1537 , SB836 , SB1332 , SB1307 , SB963 , SB493 , SB922 , SB984 , SB1084 , SB619 , SB1098 , SB1122 , SB455 , SB522 , SB1057 , SB1239 , SB1254 , SB1255 , SB1259 , SB1341 , SB1664 , SB1877 , SB464 , SB1277 , SB32 , SB732 , SB660 , SB731 , SB921 , SB268 , SB1822 , SB1188 , SB1939 , SB1589 , SB397 , SB1388 , SB2230 , SB1058 , SB1036 , SB1267 , SB2112 , SB1930 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB2155 , SB508 , SB29 , SB292 , SB291 , SB901 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB964 , SB779 , SB1378 , SB2312 , SB1719 , SB1386 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB1245 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB1948 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB1882 , SB1197 , SB1814 , SB618 , SB38

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Stephanie Easley with the coordinating group on alien pest species.
• coordinating Stephanie Easley with the coordinating group<00:19:28.799><c> on</c><00:19:28.960><c> alien
• </c><00:19:30.000><c> I</c><00:19:30.160><c> apologize</c> group on alien pest species.
• I apologize group on alien pest species.
• converted and we would like to implement the one suggested amendment from CAPS, the Coordinating Group on Alien

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions focused on agriculture, invasive species, biodiversity, and clean energy finance. STR 34/SR 20 asked Hawaii’s congressional delegation to urge USDA to address unequal treatment of Hawaii in exporting agricultural goods; the Department of Agriculture supported the measure. STR 41/SR 25 encouraged each county to develop its own biosecurity plan, with testimony from the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, and the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supporting county-level planning and coordination. Testifiers emphasized the importance of local response capacity for invasive species, while also noting that quarantine authority should remain at the state level; one witness requested an amendment to include possible legislative changes needed at the state and county levels. STR 110/SR 91 requested a study on the feasibility of a state green bond program, with support testimony submitted by Coalition Earth and no oral testimony from the energy office. Members asked questions about how county biosecurity plans would interface with existing state efforts, and witnesses described current interagency work and county response plans already being developed for species such as little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and coqui frogs. The discussion also referenced a recent Oahu coqui detection on Sand Island and the need for flexible treatment options. For the green bond measure, members described it as a potential tool for renewable energy goals. No opposition testimony was presented on the measures discussed. On decision-making, the committees recommended passage of STR 34/SR 20 with technical non-substantive amendments, STR 41/SR 25 with the suggested amendment from CAPS, STR 56/SR 40 without amendment, and STR 110/SR 91 with technical non-substantive amendments. The recommendations were adopted by the committees, and the agenda concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The only reason they knew those illegal aliens voted is because they had self-identified.
• because they were illegal aliens.
• We could actually have illegal aliens on juries convicting American citizens of crimes.
• Is how many illegal aliens<00:45:48.160><c> have</c><00:45:48.319><c> sat</c><00:45:48.560><c> on</c>
• </c><00:46:12.160><c> on</c> could actually have illegal aliens on could actually have illegal aliens

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, aggressively threw illegal aliens out of the state. That's correct. Okay. Good point.
• ... ...of whom are dangerous criminal illegal aliens, the same people that Senator Annalise Ortiz has
• That is exactly what illegal aliens are, and they need to be deported en masse and removed from this
• They are illegal aliens. That is the federal term in federal law, and that is what they are.
• They are illegal aliens. That is the federal term in federal law, and that is what they are.

Committee: Senate Senate Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1036, which would tighten unemployment insurance eligibility by requiring five weekly work-search actions, weekly reporting, cross-checks against data sources for fraud or ineligibility, and employer reporting of refusals to return to work or accept suitable work. The sponsor argued the bill would reduce fraud and improve program integrity, while DES said it was neutral but warned of system-update costs, added workload, and more appeals; some members raised concerns about apprenticeship programs and administrative burden. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then recommended the bill do pass as amended on a 4-3 vote. Next, the committee considered SB 1054, a strike-everything amendment to make city and town emergency measures subject to referendum. Supporters, including Payson’s mayor, former mayor, and council members, said local governments had abused emergency clauses to push through tax increases and bond measures without voter input. The League of Arizona Cities and Towns opposed the measure, arguing it would undermine true emergency powers and slow city responses. The committee adopted the amendment and then recommended the bill do pass as amended on a 4-2 vote. The committee then heard SCR 1022, which would increase the House from 60 to 90 members beginning in 2033, with a later amendment delaying implementation to 2043. Senator Mesnard said the change would improve representation by reducing the number of constituents per member and nesting three House districts within each Senate district; some members and a public witness supported the idea, while others questioned cost, feasibility, and the effect on legislative power. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the resolution do pass as amended on a 5-2 vote. Finally, the committee quickly passed SB 1271, barring municipalities from penalizing businesses based on the number of emergency calls or the value of stolen/damaged property, with exceptions for malicious or false calls, and SB 1437, requiring public records to be provided in the least expensive electronic format with fees limited to material costs. Both measures received unanimous or near-unanimous support after brief testimony, and the committee also began hearing SB 1439, a strike-everything amendment creating a Conservative Grassroots Network specialty plate, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It sounds like you're openly advocating for illegal aliens to be paid to influence our government.
• Even if they're an illegal alien.
• I don't believe that you can be an illegal alien or you have to attest that you are a citizen of the
• a fine-based system, civil penalties, monetary fines, that if they find someone is using illegal aliens
• If they're bad actors and if they're hiring illegal aliens or citizens from another country, they will

Committees: House Elections , House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Transcript Highlights:

• It sounds like you're openly advocating for illegal aliens to be paid to influence our government.
• Even if they're an illegal alien.
• I don't believe that you can be an illegal alien or you have to attest that you are a citizen of the
• find, ...based system, civil penalties, monetary fines, that if they find someone is using illegal aliens
• If they're bad actors and if they're hiring illegal aliens or citizens from another country, they will

Committee: House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Summary: The committee first took up executive-session votes on prior bills, adopting a House committee substitute for House Bill 2605 and then passing it 9-1, and passing House Bill 2301 by a 10-0 vote. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2124, which would standardize initiative petition forms, require circulator residency or Missouri presence, prohibit per-signature pay, limit who may challenge ballot titles to Missouri registered voters, and adjust timing for constitutional verification. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve clarity, reduce fraud, and keep control of the petition process in Missouri hands, while opponents argued it would add burdens, restrict speech and access to the courts, and likely face constitutional challenges. No vote was taken on HB 2124 in the transcript. The committee then heard House Bill 3383, which would require nonprofits involved in signature-gathering or political management to use E-Verify to confirm workers are U.S. citizens, with the sponsor saying it responded to Attorney General investigations into alleged use of non-citizens by signature-gathering organizations. Supporters framed it as a simple election-integrity measure, while opponents called it unnecessary, overreaching, and unsupported by evidence, arguing nonprofits should not be burdened based on unproven allegations. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 23rd ask is $899,000 and 9 FTE to support criminal alien detection and organized crime suppression
• I wanted to ask you a question with regards to the funding for criminal alien detection.
• I wanted to ask you a question with regards to the funding for criminal alien detection.
• alien detection? Is this for maintenance or is this for additional resources?
• That includes 9 FTE to support the detection of criminal alien and also for organized crime suppression

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems. DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support. The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• jobs every year because companies seek cheap labor and choose to fill these positions with illegal aliens
• Unscrupulous employers regularly exploit illegal alien labor to cut costs and increase profits.
• A universal E-Verify requirement would deter the hiring of illegal aliens and... ...that companies compete
• Given that the employment unauthorized aliens with respect to work eligibility is expressly prohibited
• disregarding potential American citizen and lawful immigrant applicants in favor of unauthorized aliens

Bills: SB324 , SB1978 , SB2139 , SB2401 , SB2587 , SB2610 , SB2858 , SB3016

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• This was an ill-advised, even at the time, policy, but today the number of illegal aliens enrolled in
• Texas has the second highest number of illegal aliens in the state.
• Giving illegal aliens financial aid and grants provides them with a financial incentive to enroll in
• Texas has the second highest number of illegal aliens in the state.
• Giving illegal aliens financial aid and grants provides them with a financial incentive to enroll in

Bills: SB1798 , SB1835 , SB1319 , SB2942 , SB2928 , SB784 , SB1049

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.