Transcript Highlights:

• What impact, if any, does this war have on your industry? Any ripple effects that you see?
• Thompson: And are you anticipating on somewhat of a long range plan in the event that we may be in this war
• where they're running all out and the load is getting tight because it may be really hot or really cold
• We're a veteran owned company based here in Austin that delivers end to end— Kurt Phelan: —solutions
• We're also a proud employer of a lot of veterans.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests. The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers. Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.

Transcript Highlights:

• What impact, if any, does this war have on your industry? Any ripple effects that you see?
• Thompson: And are you anticipating on somewhat of a long range plan in the event that we may be in this war
• where they're running all out and the load is getting tight because it may be really hot or really cold
• We're a veteran-owned company based here in Austin that delivers end-to-end— Kirk Phelan: Solutions across
• We're also a proud employer of a lot of veterans.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Tammy Perrault, and I am here on behalf of the Department of War and the over 7,000 K-12 military
• districts, especially Mountain Home, which recently received a $26 million grant from the Department of War
• I'm a third-generation veteran currently serving as an active-duty airman in the United States Air Force
• My name is Steve Lambert, and I'm a retired Air Force veteran of over 24 years living in Idaho.
• I'm a mother, a veteran, and an active-duty military spouse living on Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard two bills. Senate Bill 1358, presented by Sen. Harris, would amend Idaho’s career ladder rules so superintendents and principals who return to classroom teaching can count qualifying administrative experience toward career ladder advancement, rather than restarting at their prior teacher-ladder placement. Testimony from a remote superintendent and the Idaho Association of School Administrators supported the bill as a fairness and retention measure, noting that administrators can face large pay cuts when returning to teaching and that the bill still requires proficient-or-higher evaluations. After brief discussion, the committee voted to send SB 1358 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 762, presented by Sen. Woodward, which would give charter schools the option to prioritize enrollment for children of active-duty or active-reserve military members and for foster children who already have a sibling in the school. A long line of testimony from military spouses, veterans, charter school leaders, and military children described frequent relocations, waitlists, and the difficulty of finding stable school placements, arguing the bill would improve access and support military readiness without creating new schools or changing accountability. One witness also noted the bill’s flexibility for charter schools and its limited, targeted nature. The committee voted to send HB 762 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• First on our agenda is SB 603, relating to veterans.
• First on our agenda is SB 603, relating to veterans.
• </c> the National Association for veteran the National Association for veteran rights<00:02:51.840><c
• c> LLC Connie Jones for United veteran LLC Connie Jones for United veteran benefits<00:04:01.439><c>
• </c><00:05:19.280><c> benefits</c> Smith testifying for veteran benefits Smith testifying for veteran

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs met on January 29, 2025, and first took up deferred SB 259 on record keeping. The chair said Honu Police Department had submitted support, and the committee recommended passage with amendments, including a technical change to the effective date on page 4, line 6 to July 1, 2077. Vice Chair Elefante voted yes; Senators Fevella and Rhoads were excused; the recommendation was adopted. The committee then heard SB 603 and SB 608, both relating to veterans benefits consulting and compensation. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to address First Amendment, Contracts Clause, and savings-clause issues, and testimony was mixed, with several supporters from veterans-related organizations and several opponents, including some testifiers from the public and industry groups. The committee later adopted chair recommendations to pass both bills with amendments, including preambles about protecting veteran consumers from misleading or unfair practices, savings clauses, and effective-date changes to July 1, 2077. SB 601, relating to law enforcement search notices and securing entrances, drew support from the Office of the Public Defender and a private citizen who described the bill as a response to warrantless searches and a transparency measure; there was also opposition from Maui County police and one other testifier. The committee then moved to SB 871 on arson, where the Department of the Attorney General raised drafting and constitutional concerns and the Public Defender opposed the measure as vague, overbroad, and creating problematic sentencing provisions, while HPD supported it as a public-safety tool. The chair ultimately recommended SB 871 pass with amendments softening mandatory language, adding parole language, and changing the effective date to July 1, 2077; the recommendation was adopted. The final measures were SB 1130, exempting certain construction rebuilding materials from general excise tax in federally declared disaster areas, and SB 104, restricting solitary confinement in correctional facilities. The Department of Taxation requested third-party certification and a later effective date, and the committee adopted amendments reflecting those requests and moving the effective date to January 1, 2026. On SB 104, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed the bill, citing staff assaults and existing policy updates, while the Oversight Commission, Public Defender, and multiple advocates supported it as a safeguard with oversight and due process protections. The committee passed SB 104 with amendments, including adopting the commission’s definition language, changing terminology to “restrictive housing,” and setting the effective date to July 1, 2077.

Transcript Highlights:

• I told you about my dream, and I'll share it here quickly: as the only veteran in the state Assembly,
• But if we could find that solution, imagine what we could do for our veterans, for our seniors, for all
• I told you about my dream, and I'll share it here quickly, is as the only veteran in the state assembly
• , my dream has always been, I don't know. only veteran in the state assembly.
• It's kind of a Goldilocks: not porridge too hot, not porridge too cold.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a disabled veteran.
• </c> earlier so the providers that veterans earlier so the providers that veterans can<01:55:19.840><
• </c> the concept of supporting our veterans the concept of supporting our veterans and<02:04:05.679><
• that would be familiar to you: the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
• we</c><02:17:27.719><c> even</c> the Veterans of Foreign Wars we even the Veterans of Foreign Wars we

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to the veterans cemetery. to the veterans cemetery.
• the veteran cemetery.
• the veteran cemetery.
• Uh, I have not seen a county deny transportation costs for a veteran, indigent veteran, to the veteran
• the veteran deserves.

Bills: HB0032

Committee: Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs

Keywords: English proficiency, commercial drivers, vehicle operation, traffic safety, penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have now a war in Iran and we have all kinds of things happening.
• We have now a war in Iran and we have all kinds of things happening.
• </c><01:14:01.120><c> And</c> got too cold to stay in the closet.
• And got too cold to stay in the closet.
• So we have a war in Iran and so on. We have to fix this hole somehow.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4252 and first heard a walkthrough of a DE2 amendment that largely incorporated Office of Higher Education technical and statutory cleanup items, including reporting consolidations, updates to postsecondary registration and licensing statutes, and an anti-fraud provision. New provisions in the DE2 would require public postsecondary institutions to explain developmental courses before enrollment and obtain a written acknowledgement, revise the state grant tuition cap, add a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation in FY 2027 for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and provide $5,000 one-time funding for reforestation at Bemidji State University. Fiscal staff also noted additional special revenue fund revenue and expenditures tied to licensing and registration litigation response. The main debate centered on the A8 amendment offered by Representative Rarick, which would require the governor to appoint University of Minnesota regents only from candidates recommended by the joint legislative committee if the legislature fails to elect regents. Rarick argued the amendment was needed to address what he described as conflicts of interest and pay-to-play concerns in recent gubernatorial appointments. Several members questioned whether the language was constitutional, whether it actually addressed conflicts of interest, and whether it should instead refer to ARCAC-screened or ARCAC-recommended candidates. Nonpartisan staff said the governor’s appointment power is addressed in the university charter, not directly in the constitution, but could not definitively assess constitutionality if challenged. Members were divided: some supported the goal of cleaner governance but said the amendment was not ready or did not match the problem being described; others argued the legislature had failed to complete its own regent appointments and that the amendment was a response to that failure. No vote on the A8 amendment or the bill was reached in the portion provided, though a roll call was requested on the amendment and the chair indicated the bill would continue through amendment consideration before final discussion and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We must ensure our veterans are cared for and have the resources they need to thrive so no veteran is
• Army and served in the Vietnam War and earned a Bronze Star.
• ARMY AND SERVED IN THE VIETNAM WAR AND EARNED A BRONZE STAR.
• to veterans.
• $23 TO VETERANS.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 10, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Title 33 relative to the fire and police civil service, to provide relative to points awarded to veterans
• Under current law, veterans only receive five additional points on entry-level fire and police civil
• service exams if they have served during a formally declared war.
• However, the United States has not officially declared war since 1942.
• As a result, many veterans who served honorably in recent military operations do not qualify under the

Bills: SB525 , SR112 , SR109 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR12 , HB175 , HB276 , HB437 , HB456 , HB457 , HB459 , HB488 , HB579 , HB656 , HB804 , HB818 , HB841 , HB981 , HB1052 , HB1089 , HB1101 , HB1154 , HB1166 , HB1193 , HB1194 , HB1203 , HB1209 , HB1244 , HB1249 , HB221 , HCR69 , HCR58 , SB57 , SB405 , SB414 , HB62 , HB193 , HB203 , HB205 , HB210 , HB220 , HB222 , HB228 , HB246 , HB420 , HB475 , HB486 , HB574 , HB584 , HB750 , HB799 , HB813 , HB815 , HB826 , HB870 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1045 , HB1092 , HB1151 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1177 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1236 , HB1241 , SB106 , SB206 , SB248 , SB441 , SR86 , SCR30 , SB83 , SB135 , SB143 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB237 , SB276 , SB295 , SB388 , SB450 , SB465 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB484 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB501 , SB513 , HCR31 , HB301 , HB358 , HB359 , HB384 , HB413 , HB428 , HB450 , HB462 , HB547 , HB613 , HB631 , HB657 , HB669 , HB675 , HB680 , HB691 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB727 , HB728 , HB735 , HB747 , HB759 , HB825 , HB845 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB907 , HB923 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB965 , HB1036 , HB287 , HB370 , HB515 , HB521 , HB570 , HB1200 , HB29 , HB39 , HB58 , HB67 , HB73 , HB76 , HB77 , HB82 , HB112 , HB121 , HB125 , HB132 , HB134 , HB151 , HB154 , HB155 , HB161 , HB166 , HB187 , HB191 , HB207 , HB211 , HB224 , HB238 , HB241 , HB242 , HB250 , HB260 , HB265 , HB275 , HB300 , HB320 , HB338 , HB339 , HB349 , HB379 , HB399 , HB427 , HB463 , HB464 , HB468 , HB545 , HB550 , HB551 , HB565 , HB588 , HB639 , HB725 , HB782 , HB805 , HB808 , HB834 , HB847 , HB853 , HB858 , HB861 , HB883 , HB916 , HB937 , HB977 , HB1012 , HB1027 , HB1044 , HB1054 , HB1091 , HB1117 , HB90 , HB127 , HB138 , HB150 , HB201 , HB268 , HB273 , HB285 , HB315 , HB354 , HB355 , HB360 , HB376 , HB445 , HB506 , HB606 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB972 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , HB23 , HB136 , HB36 , HB119 , HB126 , HB129 , HB245 , HB271 , HB280 , HB337 , HB351 , HB677 , HB726 , HB789 , HB850 , HB956 , HB966 , SB149 , SB382

Keywords: unclaimed property, abandoned property, escheat, state treasurer, administrator, claimant, purchase agreement, assignment, property recovery, owner verification, documentation requirements, fraud prevention, bankruptcy, bankruptcy court, court order, Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S. 9:167.1, Chennault International Airport, 40th anniversary

Transcript Highlights:

• and right now they doing for the veteran and right now they doing for the veteran and right now veteran
• the cost has got work with our veterans the cost has got work with our veterans the cost has got to
• for a lot and and if you charge Veterans for a lot and and if you charge Veterans for a lot and and
• a certain amount of of charged veterans a certain amount of of charged veterans a certain amount of
• I know World War 104 year old veterans I know World War 104 year old veterans I know World War II we

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Orange during the war.
• I'm a disabled veteran.
• </c><05:24:08.440><c> in</c> threatens every disabled veteran in threatens every disabled veteran in
• We’ve got over 71,000 veterans and 163,000 people living with disabilities.
• We’ve got over 71,000 veterans and 163,000 people living with disabilities.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 199, which would extend the statute of limitations for civil actions seeking damages from PFAS contamination from six years to 20 years. The prime sponsor and other supporters argued that PFAS contamination in southern New Hampshire has long-term and often delayed health and property impacts, making the current six-year period too short for victims to discover harm, connect it to exposure, and seek relief. Supporters described contamination in places such as Merrimack and surrounding communities, cited health concerns including cancer, developmental issues, and other illnesses, and said a longer period would better preserve legal rights while still requiring proof of causation. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but acknowledged the contamination and ongoing work to address it. The Business and Industry Association opposed the bill, arguing that evidence becomes stale over time, memories and documents fade, and a longer window would make it harder to determine causation when other exposures or intervening factors may be involved. Committee members questioned both sides about causation, the difficulty of proving PFAS-related illness, and whether a 20-year period was necessary if a plaintiff already knows of the injury and its source. Supporters responded that PFAS effects can emerge slowly, that scientific understanding continues to develop, and that current knowledge is still incomplete. Opponents said the existing discovery rule already starts the clock when harm and causal connection are known, and that extending the period would reduce clarity and fairness in litigation. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the hearing on HB 199. The committee then opened House Bill 268 FN, which was described as a technical measure to confirm that the Board of Tax and Land Appeals may hold hearings in its Concord hearing rooms. The sponsor indicated the bill reflects current practice and does not require additional facilities. With only one witness listed and no apparent opposition, the discussion was brief and focused on why the authorization should be placed in statute rather than left to practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, when I was a kid I remember Part of the old DC-3s that were being used, they were from World War
• It did move north every summer, and then when the cold weather comes in, it falls back. Health.
• So it is a tropical fly that doesn't do well in cold weather.
• gathered over the last week, week and a half, is that Navy Chase has been around, I guess, since World War
• I or World War II.

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1861, that was the start of the Civil War.
• In 1865, the end of the Civil War, six Confederate Army veterans got together and created the KKK, and
• But that said, I don't think this bill is about the Civil War.
• , and we do veteran events all the time.
• Veteran events all the time, we celebrate our veterans, and we're known as the Soldier City for that.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a large slate of bills, beginning with HB 1405, which would reestablish a pilot program at four state universities to screen people with special needs who are at risk of elopement and provide families with tracking devices. Members spoke in support, citing real-life incidents involving missing children and adults, and the bill passed 18-0. HB 4037, a Pasco County mosquito control cleanup bill, also passed unanimously, as did PCS for HB 639, which expands eligibility for an existing Fraternal Order of Police specialty license plate to all Floridians and adds nonprofit and financial reporting requirements for specialty plate organizations. HB 667, brought by Rep. Valdés with Freedom High School students through the Ought to Be a Law program, would raise the helmet requirement for electric personal assisted mobility devices from under 16 to under 18; the students testified about e-bike and e-scooter injuries and fatalities, and the bill passed 18-0. The committee also approved PCS for HB 975, which clarifies management and security authority for the Capitol Center and Complex, and HB 695, a public records exemption tied to a health care interstate compact, by a 17-1 vote. HB 181, expanding a pawnbroker transaction records exemption to FDLE, and HB 1087, making Florida Retirement System pension-plan member and payee information confidential, both passed unanimously. HB 1515, a public records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database, also passed unanimously after the sponsor explained the Department of Health had been unable to implement the database because of data-identification problems. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1283, which would allow anonymous complaints against law enforcement officers only when accompanied by corroborating evidence and would bar non-disciplinary investigative outcomes from being used in promotions and other personnel decisions. Police chiefs and sheriffs opposed the bill as amended, arguing the corroboration standard should include evidence developed by agencies and warning about personnel-management consequences, while law enforcement supporters said the bill protects officers from malicious complaints. Civil rights and advocacy groups opposed it, warning it would chill reporting and harm victims, especially in sexual misconduct cases. After extensive debate, the committee adopted an amendment to align the bill with the Senate companion and then passed HB 1283 18-0. The committee also passed HB 139, expanding whistleblower protections to adverse actions by individuals and placing investigations with the Florida Commission on Human Relations, and HB 953, which gives county tax collectors authority to partner with DHSMV in overseeing commercial driving schools and combating fraud; both passed unanimously. The meeting also included HB 627, which directs officers in the field to refer public records requesters to the proper custodian rather than processing requests during active incidents; despite opposition from protest and civil liberties advocates, it passed 18-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 1473, a public records exemption for portions of domestic-terrorism designation materials. Supporters said it was needed to protect sensitive security information, while opponents argued it was vague and could be used to hide executive decision-making and target protesters or Muslim communities. After an amendment and lengthy debate, the bill passed 13-4.

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't fair for veterans like me.
• We know the cost of neglect for veterans. We know that 22 veterans a day take their own lives.
• That's the reality—22 veterans take their own lives each day.
• Veterans answered the call when our nation needed us.
• This is about dignity and ensuring that no veteran or person is left out in the cold because of broken

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

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

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:

• </c> those killed in action or veterans. those killed in action or veterans.
• He was drafted into the Vietnam War at age 20.
• </c> the Vietnam War at age 20. the Vietnam War at age 20.
• We always want to try to honor our veterans any way we can.
• </c> Marion County Veterans Memorial Bridge. Marion County Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we're all aware of what's now commonly called redistricting wars, including actions by many states
• And now Frank Smith of the Veterans Caucus. Good morning, Madam Chair and members of the committee.
• 1. ...of the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus, and we are supportive of Senate Memorial
• Veterans have fought around the world to protect the concept of one person, one vote.
• This is war on both sides. And then you’ve got the issue of This is war on both sides.

Bills: SR1 , SM1 , SM6

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Keywords: alcohol consumption, Senate rules, legislative conduct, ethics, New Mexico Senate, redistricting, gerrymandering, election integrity, Congress, voter rights, political polarization, Nancy Lopez, Roswell bypass, US Highway 285, U.S. Highway 285, Highway 285 bypass, road naming, highway naming, memorial, transportation department

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this amendment is to basically add the veterans of the secret war in Laos to the list for them to
• </c> line 1.28 for state veteran cemeteries. line 1.28 for state veteran cemeteries.
• to go to any county allow any veteran to go to any county veteran<01:32:13.679><c> service</c> veteran
• veteran because the veteran to a Vietnam veteran because the veteran service<01:33:17.679><c> officer
• to veteran service other veterans to veteran service officers<01:33:38.480><c> that</c><01:33:38.800

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:17:49.040><c> blood</c> a man we saw murdered in cold blood a man we saw murdered in cold blood
• HB 1792 FN micromanages classroom speech from the State House and locks partisan culture war language
• We should ask war language into statute.
• If I know that we need to get the culture wars out of the classroom.
• </c> the culture wars out of the classroom. the culture wars out of the classroom.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the issue of veterans, as a veteran, I'm particularly offended and aghast at using veterans as a
• I want to say one thing on the veterans.
• and not just our veterans.
• And as a veteran, this is my question: What uses do veterans seek?
• I've worked with a variety of individuals and issues: car accident victims, veterans of war, natural

Bills: SB 5 , SB 11 , SB 12

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.