Transcript Highlights:

• And so it doesn't allow for that full breadth of accountability.
• Thank you for allowing it to get this far without caps. That is imperative.
• Claims in excess of $20 million have increased by over 400%.
• Litigation does not have to increase.
• We are going to have an increase in medical malpractice.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. SB 398, by Senator Burgess, would create a statewide Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs, focused on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. Supporters said Florida has a large and growing Alzheimer’s population and that the campaign would help families and vulnerable communities; the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 714, by Senator Burton, which would create non-opioid advanced directives and add liability protections for providers in medical emergencies involving opioids. Supporters framed it as a patient-choice measure, while opponents argued it was vague and could interfere with appropriate pain treatment; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 756, which removes the current age-eight diagnosis requirement for autism-related insurance coverage and extends coverage beyond age 18 for those diagnosed with autism. Senator Burton said the bill would help families whose children are diagnosed later or whose needs continue into adulthood. There was brief discussion about existing lifetime benefit caps, but the sponsor said the bill did not change those limits. The committee then took up SB 734, a proposal by Senator Yarbrough to repeal Florida’s wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The sponsor and supporters described the current law as discriminatory and unjust, especially for families of older adults and disabled individuals, while opponents warned it would raise malpractice costs, increase premiums, and worsen provider shortages. The bill drew extensive public testimony from both grieving family members and health care/insurance representatives, and members debated whether caps or other safeguards should be added. No final action on SB 734 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The increase kicks in July 1st, 2026, or has the increase already happened?
• Allow me to come back.
• The second tranche of increased revenue comes from a 35% increase to the weight distance tax, or about
• Instead of increasing the two funds, perhaps just increasing one.
• And I'm wondering, as the state's allowing them to do cameras, are they allowed to go beyond...

Transcript Highlights:

• accuracy<00:03:09.360> and Uh increase SNAP payment accuracy and Uh increase SNAP payment
• AI search functionality to increase AI search functionality to increase payment<00:05:02.840>
• increase application processing times. increase application processing times.
• which is a long-standing allowance. which is a long-standing allowance.
• . increase from 100 to 300.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• MUDs allow growth to pay for itself.
• That same time period, Increased by about 46%.
• They allow while protecting existing taxpayers.
• They allow while protecting existing taxpayers.
• It increases debt, and the city can do it.

Summary: The committee heard testimony first from the Texas General Land Office and School Land Board. GLO officials described the agency’s role in managing more than 13 million acres of state lands and mineral interests for the Permanent School Fund, overseeing the Alamo, coastal programs, veterans’ services, and federal disaster recovery. They said the agency has generated about $6 billion for the Permanent School Fund since Commissioner Buckingham took office, and that its disaster recovery portfolio is about $14 billion across multiple events, with more than 22,000 housing units rebuilt or reconstructed since Hurricane Harvey. Members asked about land purchases such as Brewster Ranch, rare earth mineral leasing, SpaceX-related beach access, and whether the lands are public access lands; GLO staff said the holdings are managed to maximize revenue for education, that most land is leased rather than open to public access, and that they are coordinating on coastal access and compliance. On the School Land Board, members sought clarification on the difference between GLO-managed lands and the Permanent School Fund Corporation’s investment role, and staff explained that GLO generates the revenue while the separate corporation invests it. No votes or formal actions were taken. The Board for Lease of University Lands then testified. University Lands officials explained that they steward 2.1 million acres of surface and mineral interests in West Texas for the Permanent University Fund, which supports UT and Texas A&M institutions. They said a 2025 lease sale produced about $50 million in bonus revenue from 28,000 acres, and described the Board for Lease’s role in approving lease forms, lease sales, and development agreements. Members asked about the size and use of the PUF, how distributions work through UTIMCO, whether PUF money can be used for athletics, and how the land is managed; the witness said the fund is a constitutional endowment, the land is largely leased rather than sold, and distributions are generally used for buildings, labs, and other permanent structures, with some institutions also using a portion for operations. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then took up municipal utility districts. Testimony from a law firm, the Texas Municipal League, Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales, and Johnson Development largely supported MUDs as a financing tool for infrastructure tied to growth. Witnesses said MUDs help fund water, sewer, drainage, roads, parks, and related infrastructure, allowing development to proceed without shifting costs to existing taxpayers and helping keep housing affordable. They emphasized that MUDs are created with disclosure to homebuyers, are subject to the Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act, and are overseen by TCEQ for bond issuance and related financial stress tests. Members questioned whether MUDs are taxing entities, whether they can be created inside city limits or ETJs, how much control cities and counties retain, and whether MUDs are becoming permanent local governments; witnesses acknowledged they levy taxes and debt, can exist within city limits with city consent, and often function as long-term local entities. The committee did not take any formal action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this allows them to do that.
• So this allows them to do that.
• the increased 1 million2 million um cap. the increased 1 million2 million um cap.
• account for an increase in claims filed. account for an increase in claims filed.
• increases our exposure to lawsuits. increases our exposure to lawsuits.

Bills: HB0068, HB0062, HB0127, HB0109

Keywords: veterans, property tax exemption, disabled, service-connected disability, Wyoming, governmental claims, liability limits, inflation adjustment, public safety, local government insurance, HB0127, recreation mill levy, recreational facilities, public recreation, mill levy, property tax, local tax, county commissioners, school district levy, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, the other increase you saw is our $30 million revolving fund, which by statute, allows us to
• Our training increased by 92% over this past year.
• And I know I reported an increase last year, but even Over that, we increased by 92%.
• We've seen about a 48% increase in that.
• This will allow that area to be covered. It's a great program.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They would statute to allow for that.
• are outdated obsolete rate increases are outdated obsolete rate increases that<00:26:55.840>
• > for<00:29:29.279> annual legislation that allows for annual legislation that allows for
• system for rate change or rate increase system for rate change or rate increase to<00:31:51.360>
• So this increase that we're talking about doesn't even pay one of our areas of cost increase.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• More paperwork does not strengthen families; it increases hunger.
• As well as allow dental hygienists to diagnose and treatment plan.
• And the reason for that—and the reason Congress allowed that to be done—was that you could allow children
• This bill would purposely increase the number Of uninsured children in our state.
• Three is a maybe, and that's the increasing the work requirements to 80. 65.

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you for allowing me the opportunity.
• This would allow vehicle owners to locate their vehicles through this change. allowing to also for the
• Allowing for a local community to choose for the option.
• This bill would simply allow Texans to vote on whether they want to allow packaged stores in their communities
• But it's allowed.

Bills: HB679, HB1764, HB1788, HB2186, HB2204, HB2418, HB2885, HB2983, HB2996, HB3250, HB3352, HB3756, HB3816, HB3913, HB3928, HB4077

Keywords: environment, regulation, land use, public health, community development, alcohol, Sunday sales, local option election, Texas, business hours, alcohol sales, liquor, off-premise consumption, alcoholic beverages, CPA, Certified Public Accountant, licensing, accountancy, state regulation, continuing education

Transcript Highlights:

• is about a 7% increase from last year.
• increase from last year. increase from last year.
• 1/2% increase on property taxes. 1/2% increase on property taxes.
• That number hasn't increased in like 10 or 15 years, so we need to get that number increased.
• And so, when these property taxes increase 10 or 15%, their take-home pay is certainly not increasing

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The segment focused heavily on affordability and fraud prevention in the Minnesota Senate. Senator Michael Kreun discussed his proposal to cap city and county property tax growth at the rate of inflation, with a small allowance for population growth, and to require voter approval by referendum for increases above the cap. He said property taxes rose by nearly $1 billion statewide last year, blamed part of the increase on unfunded state mandates, and said the bill would curb surprise double-digit hikes. Kreun said the proposal has been well received by constituents and homeowners, while cities and counties are concerned about losing revenue; he also said relief could begin as soon as the next property tax statement if the bill passes this year. He noted related affordability ideas, including increasing disabled-veteran exemptions and deferring property taxes for seniors, and said he is open to bipartisan work on other measures such as ending taxes on tips and overtime and reducing tab fees. The program also highlighted climate and infrastructure funding. Senator Ann Johnson Stewart argued that worsening weather is driving costly infrastructure damage and said a proposed climate superfund would shift some of those costs from taxpayers to major polluters. She said the fund could support storm sewer upgrades, pavement reinforcement, and erosion prevention, and noted that Senate File 4126 is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee. On fraud prevention, Senator Julia Coleman’s bipartisan bill would require at least one unannounced, on-site inspection for state grants over $10,000, with recurring check-ins for grants lasting more than a year. The bill is pending in the Senate State and Local Government Committee. Senator Heather Gustafson then discussed her push for an independent Office of Inspector General, saying it would provide oversight over any public or private entity receiving public dollars. She said the Senate previously backed the idea with 60 votes, that the governor’s coordinated council is only an interim step, and that she has not yet seen a Republican fraud package to review. The segment also noted that the Senate unanimously passed Senator Johnson Stewart’s school bus safety bill, Senate File 3623, by a 67-0 vote, clarifying that drivers must stop when school bus lights flash even if the stop arm is only partially extended; the bill now awaits House action.

Transcript Highlights:

• transparency, increased competition, and frankly, hopefully increased quality that the student is ultimately
• attendance, and then increased scores.
• increased 3.88%.
• at the same rate the base pay is increasing.
• Those types of things aren't increasing at the same rate the base pay is increasing.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 480 increases the impact of low income housing tax credits by allowing developers to switch from allocated
• In 2024, active cannabis licenses increased by 18%, and simply put, this tax increase would be an extinction
• It also specifically allows courts to use, allows court users to use their own equipment, generally a
• awareness and help increase life-saving donors.
• This rate has not been increased since 1999.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look at the amendments, that doesn't allow that.
• In 2024, the city adopted a general plan amendment to increase allowable densities in targeted locations
• That is one story above the current allowed limit.
• would direct the Building Standards Commission to increase the code to allow up to six stories in height
• Cherigan, for allowing me to present the bill today.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that continuing to allow businesses to grow and expand will overall have an increase in revenue
• I think that continuing to allow businesses to grow and expand will overall have an increase in revenue
• I think that continuing to allow businesses to grow and expand will overall have an increase in revenue
• I think that continuing to allow businesses to grow and expand will overall have an increase in revenue
• I think that continuing to allow businesses to grow and expand will overall have an increase in revenue

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• increase the risk of pedestrians being struck by motor vehicles.
• increase the risk of pedestrians being struck by motor vehicles.
• <00:32:30.559> the that also helps it increase the that also helps it increase the accessibility
• <01:30:50.560> by that are not currently Allowed by that are not currently Allowed by current
• <01:36:31.320> even of whether or not this is allowed even of whether or not this is allowed

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair Bradley and committee members for allowing me to speak on this issue.
• So I... ...think that Chairman Bradley has structured this in the way that it allows access, it allows
• We allow PAs to treat our grandparents, to treat our kids.
• It just allows it in the field of veterinary medicine.
• This will allow vets... This will allow vets in smaller areas to have longer hours.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, it considered SB 754 on heated tobacco products. The sponsor said the bill would define heated tobacco products and exempt them from the cigarette tax, arguing they are a less harmful alternative for nicotine users. Senators asked about youth access and regulation, and the sponsor said he would research those issues further. A representative of the Florida Retail Federation appeared in support, and the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 796 on veterinary medicine, after adopting a delete-everything amendment. The amended bill would create a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role, allowing individuals with a master’s degree and national competency exam to perform certain delegated veterinary tasks under a licensed veterinarian’s responsible supervision. It also expanded the allowable period for telehealth prescriptions for flea and tick products and other medications. Supporters said the bill would expand access to care, reduce costs, and help address veterinary shortages, while opponents from the Florida Veterinary Medical Association argued the proposal was unnecessary, could create safety and federal-law concerns, and that existing veterinary technicians and other workforce measures were a better solution. After testimony and debate, the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. During final debate, several senators said the VPA proposal was more limited and better balanced than earlier versions, with the veterinarian retaining liability and control over delegated duties. The sponsor closed by emphasizing rising veterinary costs, shortages of care, and the need for more affordable access for pet owners. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unlike other funding sources, the Texas Constitution only allows the legislature to increase the HEAF
• The last time the funding level was increased was in 2015.
• The last time the funding level was increased was in 2015.
• We're allowed to do that. There's a case from the U.S.
• We did increase the fiscal note.

Bills: HB42

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• homes, and increasing property taxes. homes, and increasing property taxes.
• allowed us a head start in this work. allowed us a head start in this work.
• Those were not rate increases. years. Those were not rate increases.
• <01:39:57.440> get increases or wage increases, they get increases or wage increases, they
• It's still an increase, but you have the least of the large ridiculous increases.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All this bill does is allow University it's an optional, allows them to go for five to ten years. years
• Who will decide where each of these plants is allowed to be located.
• It sets clear guardrails to prevent misuse while allowing innovation to thrive.
• Alamo complex officers and TEA peace officers allowing school and also allowing school districts a good
• ... increase long-term health benefits for Texans.

Bills: HB14, HJR31, HB43, HB18, HB 106, HB36, HB26, HB149, HB 121, HB206, HB136, HB3114, HB2733, HB1732, HB3700, HB467, HB 1130, HB1846, HB1442, HB 1147, HB2176, HB2701, HB805, HB2890, HB 1154, HB1644, HB2118, HB1718, HB2488, HB2596, HB1971, HB2468, HB484, HB2578, HB3204, HB 1041, HB307, HB685, HB1710, HB538, HB2525, HB3125, HB2027, HB2894, HB3077, HB3684, HJR99, HB1399, HJR5, HB1330, HB2110, HJR2, HJR6, HB1587, HB14, HJR31, HB43, HB18, HB 106, HB36, HB26, HB149, HB 121, HB206, HB136, HB3114, HB2733, HB1732, HB3700, HB467, HB 1130, HB1846, HB1442, HB 1147, HB2176, HB2701, HB805, HB2890, HB 1154, HB1644, HB2118, HB1718, HB2488, HB2596, HB1971, HB2468, HB484, HB2578, HB3204, HB 1041, HB307, HB685, HB1710, HB538, HB2525, HB3125, HB2027, HB2894, HB3077, HB3684

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, farm products, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, agriculture, Texas Constitution, livestock, producer, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to increase the efficiency of the legislative process.
• We need to increase the efficiency of the legislative process.
• It's not enough to increase supply. We have to increase affordability.
• We have to increase affordability.
• We cannot allow that to happen.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened for the opening day of the 194th General Court, with ceremonial remarks, an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal canvass of election returns. A special committee reported that all senators had been duly elected, and a committee was then appointed to notify the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor’s Council that a quorum of senators-elect was assembled and ready to be sworn in. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the chamber, praised public service, and administered the oaths of office to the senators. The main business of the day was the election of the Senate President. Senator Karen Spilka was nominated by Senator DiDomenico and seconded by Senator Edwards, while Senator Bruce Tarr was nominated by Senator Durant and seconded by Senator Dooner. After nominations were closed, the roll call resulted in 34 votes for Spilka and 5 for Tarr, and the Senate declared Spilka elected president. Senator Tarr then moved that the vote be considered unanimous, and the Senate agreed. President Spilka delivered an inaugural address focused on the chamber’s recent legislative record and priorities for the new session. In her remarks, Spilka highlighted prior accomplishments including education funding, free community college, early education reforms, mental health care reform, prescription drug cost reductions, tax relief, housing, transportation, climate, and veterans’ legislation. She also outlined priorities for the new session, including a statewide listening tour, more transparency in committee and joint committee proceedings, housing and transportation affordability, health care reform, career and technical education, early education, and juvenile justice reform. She emphasized continued bipartisan work and public engagement. The Senate also adopted temporary joint rules and temporary Senate rules, authorized printing of the daily journal, and scheduled the next meeting for the following day at 11:30 a.m. Michael D. Hurley was elected clerk of the Senate and sworn in, and James DiTulio was sworn in as Senate counsel. The chamber also adopted a memorial adjournment in memory of Mary J. Hurley of South Boston before adjourning.