Transcript Highlights:

• You should have all received a copy of the proposed rules.
• We probably have at least a $3 billion proposal for more homestead.
• Now, there's proposed legislation for additional property tax relief, correct?
• That is that as you develop your proposal, please go back to the very beginning of the source of your
• And this session, we can propose to amend the Constitution. Leave it up to the people of Texas.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held its first hearing of the 89th regular session, adopted nearly identical committee rules from the previous legislature by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the budget framework, emphasizing conservative spending, a $332.9 billion all-funds budget, and major priorities including property tax relief, public education, border security, health and human services, transportation, energy, and water infrastructure. She also introduced committee and leadership staff and described the hearing schedule and public testimony procedures. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending, including a $23.8 billion ending balance, but warned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid using temporary spikes for ongoing commitments. Senators questioned him extensively about the Economic Stabilization Fund cap, sales tax trends, inflation, and whether the state should consider raising the cap or using severance-tax revenues differently. Hager said the Rainy Day Fund is expected to hit its cap, which would leave more severance-tax revenue in general revenue, and he stressed that infrastructure needs remain significant. The Legislative Budget Board then gave a detailed overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major components. LBB staff explained that the bill includes continued funding for the Foundation School Program, $850 million for the Texas State Technical College endowment, $1.3 billion for the Texas University Fund, $6.5 billion for border security, salary increases for correctional officers and state troopers, $3 billion for dementia research, higher community attendant wages, expanded community-based care, $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, and funding to clear volunteer fire department grant backlogs. They also outlined supplemental priorities such as water infrastructure, retirement legacy payments, rail grade separations, wildfire aircraft, and emergency facilities, and said the current controlling budget limit is the tax spending limit. A major portion of the hearing focused on property tax relief. LBB explained that prior-session relief grew from an expected $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher-than-anticipated property values and interactions among hold-harmless provisions, and that SB 1 continues and expands relief with $51 billion in total property tax relief, including $3 billion more for compression, $3 billion to raise the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, and a $500 million placeholder for business tax relief. Senators discussed the automatic nature of some of these costs, the effect of the non-homestead circuit breaker, the role of federal COVID funds, and the need to maintain school finance commitments if the state continues to compress school tax rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• To be depicted against this wall is the restored USS Ward gun, the gun that announced the American entry
• against this wall is the restored<00:09:09.360><c> uh</c><00:09:09.600><c> USS</c><00:09:10.160><c> Ward
• </c><00:09:11.279><c> Uh</c><00:09:11.519><c> the</c><00:09:11.760><c> gun</c> restored uh USS Ward gun
• Uh the gun restored uh USS Ward gun.
• </c> proposes that they like fraud. proposes that they like fraud.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm just trying to make sure I'm tracking what you're proposing.
• .<01:26:01.520><c> Basically,</c><01:26:02.320><c> and</c><01:26:02.880><c> looking</c> proposing.
• Basically, and looking proposing.
• Every town ward has to have a moderator, three selectmen, a supervisor of the checklist, and a clerk.
• Every every town ward has to have there.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She has a can of pepper spray in her purse and brandishes it to ward off just such an aggression.
• > just</c><00:25:06.120><c> such</c><00:25:06.360><c> an</c><00:25:06.760><c> aggression</c> it to ward
• off just such an aggression it to ward off just such an aggression in<00:25:07.919><c> the</c><00:25
• I'm here to strongly oppose HF 3, the proposed shoot-first legislation before you today.
• shoot first legislation hf3 the proposed shoot first legislation before<00:36:06.920><c> you</c><00:

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know what the ward is going to be. But on the 17th, they'll be there.
• What does it, what money does it take to do the election you're proposing?
• Thank you, and I'm not going to propose something that's unfriendly.
• That motion has precedence over any other motions that have been proposed now.
• There was no amendment proposed by anyone that was not taken. So, Mr.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, opened with an invocation, pledges, and a series of announcements recognizing West Side Day, School Board Appreciation Day, Sierra Club Climate Solutions Day, Gallup-McKinley County Day, and New Mexico Athlete Trainer Day. Members also agreed to allow cameras on the floor and a relaxed dress code for guests. Numerous student and community groups were introduced, including West Side Day students, ABC Prep basketball students, Bernalillo High School AP students, MANA del Norte Hermanitas, honorary lieutenant governors, Taos Municipal Schools leaders, Classical Conversations homeschool students, Bloomfield school board members, and others. A major portion of the session was devoted to honoring Bueno Foods with a Senate certificate recognizing February 5, 2026, as Bueno Foods Day in the Senate and celebrating the company’s 75th anniversary. Senators praised the Baca family’s multigenerational business, its role in New Mexico’s chile industry, its jobs and community support, and its national reach. Several members spoke in support, sharing personal stories about Bueno products and the company’s help during COVID and over decades of family and community life. The Senate also adopted a condolence certificate for Kayla Reagan Van Landingham, a 19-year-old bicyclist killed in Albuquerque, with remarks emphasizing her life, advocacy, and the need for stronger pedestrian and bicycle safety. Her mother and family were recognized, and members observed a moment of silence. Senators spoke about the importance of traffic safety reforms and the local ordinance changes already pursued in her memory. On legislation, the chamber received House and governor messages and adopted several committee reports. The main floor debate was on Senate Bill 38, concerning the spay and neuter program funding stream. Senator Block offered a floor substitute to restore a sunset clause for review and transparency; supporters argued the program should be periodically evaluated and that the funding functions like a tax rather than a fee. Opponents argued the program is important and should continue without a sunset. The floor substitute failed by roll call, 15 in favor and 22 against, and the Senate returned to the underlying bill for further debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just have about 45 minutes of prepared comments because this is a highly controversial proposal.
• No, just very briefly, this is a needed proposal.
• The proposal before us, excuse me, this morning, on the surface is very simple, imminently supportable
• Yeah, you know, we weren't involved in the development of this proposal. What about you, ma'am?
• We are in support of a proposal submitted by members of the Senate and the Assembly for $300 million

Summary: The committee heard AB 108, a budget bill junior that would amend the 2025 Budget Act to create a one-time $25 million General Fund grant program at HCAI for hospitals in immediate and significant financial distress, along with a technical change related to property tax deferments for eligible low-income seniors. Finance explained that eligible hospitals would need to show less than 10 days cash on hand, best efforts to exhaust other financing options, a payer mix of more than 50% government payers and uninsured patients, and nonprofit status, with expedited contracting and rulemaking exemptions so funds could be distributed quickly. Members repeatedly questioned whether $25 million was enough, how many hospitals would qualify, and whether the 10-day threshold was too narrow, while also raising broader concerns about hospital reimbursement rates, seismic compliance costs, federal policy changes, and the need for more up-to-date data and a longer-term solution. Several members and the LAO noted that the bill was intended as a short-term bridge to keep a very small number of hospitals open until July 1, while the larger distressed-hospital discussion would continue in the May Revision and next year’s budget. Some members argued the state should consider grants rather than loans more broadly, and others emphasized that hospitals serving Medi-Cal and uninsured patients, including safety-net facilities like MLK Community Hospital and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, face structural pressures. Public comment was uniformly supportive of the bill, with the California Hospital Association, district hospital representatives, counties, and CHLA all backing the proposal and urging additional funding for distressed hospitals in the coming budget. The committee approved AB 108 on a roll call vote of 18-0 and held the roll open briefly to secure remaining votes before formally reporting the bill out.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just have about 45 minutes of prepared comments because this is a highly controversial proposal.
• So, no, just very briefly, this is a needed proposal.
• The proposal before us, excuse me, this morning, on the surface is very simple, imminently supportable
• Yeah, you know, we weren't involved in the development of this proposal. What about you, ma'am?
• We are in support of a proposal submitted by members of the Senate and the Assembly for $300 million

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a new criminal charge, they do have to be revoked under the current statute, according to Director Ward
• the current statute according to um the current statute according to um director<00:52:33.760><c> Ward
• and</c><00:52:34.240><c> we</c><00:52:34.400><c> appreciate</c><00:52:35.280><c> his</c> director Ward
• and we appreciate his director Ward and we appreciate his input<00:52:35.920><c> on</c><00:52:36.160

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, statute still calls them wards, so I will be talking about individuals.
• Unfortunately, statute still calls<00:27:03.039><c> them</c><00:27:03.279><c> wards.
• c> I</c><00:27:04.159><c> will</c><00:27:04.400><c> be</c><00:27:04.880><c> talking</c> calls them wards
• So, I will be talking calls them wards. So, I will be talking about<00:27:05.520><c> individuals.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:24 Discussion of The Center for Courageous Kids – 00:02:46 Discussion of Adult Protective Services and State Guardianship Programs – 00:25:22 Discussion of Annual Report of the External Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel – 01:00:34 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 01:33:41 Adjournment – 01:42:07, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children opened its first meeting with roll call and a reminder about the number of children in out-of-home care with active placements, which the chair said was 8,641 as of June 1, 2025. The committee then heard a presentation from the Center for Courageous Kids, a donor-funded camp in Scottville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medically safe and inclusive model, and examples of campers gaining confidence and independence. They said the camp has served more than 43,000 campers from Kentucky, other states, and other countries, and that it is seeking legislative support for two capital projects: a new art barn and a medical lodge, with a combined request of $3.2 million. Members praised the program and asked about awareness, staffing, volunteer recruitment, accreditation, and how the projects would expand capacity; the camp said the medical lodge would help increase volunteer housing and allow future growth beyond its current summer cap of 128 campers per session. The committee then moved to adult protective services and state guardianship programs. Jessica Wayne, director of the Division of Guardianship, and Cliff Bryant of DCBS explained the legal framework for guardianship and conservatorship, including state guardianship as a last-resort option when no family member or private entity is available or appropriate. They outlined the court petition process, emergency appointments, and the distinction between full and limited guardianship or conservatorship. They emphasized that guardianship is based on legal incapacity to make decisions, not simply on a medical disability diagnosis, and noted that state guardianship can be arranged for some 17-year-olds aging out of youth services. The presenters said the state currently serves 4,645 individuals under guardianship, with most cases involving developmental intellectual disabilities, supported community living waiver participants, and people in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. They also described the division’s three branches: field services, which handles visits and day-to-day decisions in all 120 counties; a benefits branch that applies for public benefits; and a fiduciary branch that manages funds and pays bills. They reported 89 field workers statewide, an average caseload of 52, and said the agency is hiring to reduce that load. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward-Engelking? Wintrow. Woodward? Zito? Zuiderveld. Blaylock. Ricks. Ruchti. Semmelroth. Taves.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward Engelking, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And Cooper, where in Europe were you before?

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met with a quorum and held a brief organizational session. The main items were introductions of two new pages: Amanda Olson of Rathdrum, a Lakeland High School student involved in student council, FCLA, and National Honor Society who said she is interested in government and politics; and Cooper Smith of Nampa, who enjoys weight training, recently moved from Europe, and plans to study global management and international business in France. Committee members welcomed both students and asked Cooper a few questions about his time in Spain and plans to study in Toulouse or Paris. Vice Chairman Lenny then discussed the committee rules, noting that the rules packet had to be distributed on paper because of a website/system glitch affecting the electronic version. He explained that the rules would not be assigned out individually and asked all committee members to review them. No substantive legislation was heard, and no votes were taken. The chair then asked for any further committee or public comments. None were offered, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward-Engelking. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And Cooper, where in Europe were you before?

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
• Sanchez, Chiavo, Schultz, Sharp Collins, Solace, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and handled a number of procedural motions, including suspending rules for adjournments in memory and guest introductions, rescinding prior action on SB 493, and re-referring several Senate bills to different committees. Members also recognized guests on the floor, including family members, interns, firefighters from the Corona Fire Department, and the Quartz Hill High girls’ soccer team, which was honored for its historic championship season. The main floor action was on AB 1795 by Assembly Member Gibson, the Smoke Damage Recovery Act, which would create statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating wildfire smoke damage and set clearer insurance claim practices. Supporters said the bill would help wildfire survivors return home safely and urged science-based standards and a rebuttable presumption that contamination after a wildfire was caused by the fire; opponents warned the bill could raise costs and should better address government failures in fire recovery. The bill passed on a 54-6 vote, including the urgency clause. Members also adopted SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, with remarks praising her role in advancing gender equality and equal rights. The resolution was adopted after 65 co-authors were added and then approved by voice vote. The consent calendar, including SJR 11, was adopted 71-0. A large portion of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory, including tributes to Larry Vane, Dr. William A. Burke, Colonel Alfred P. Glover, and Rita Semmel. The Assembly also honored departing Member James Gallagher, who gave extended farewell remarks before leaving for Congress. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Ward Tisdale, National Association. ...in mutual insurance companies testifying against HB
• Chairman, my name is Ward Tisdale.

Bills: HB813 , HB1680 , HB3569 , HB4074 , HB4635 , HB5178 , SB527 , SB1307 , SB1822

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: autism, health insurance, coverage, medical treatment, health benefit plan, HIV prevention, prescription drug, prior authorization, health benefits, insurance coverage, insurance, contract termination, property and casualty, insurance agents, discrimination, appraiser, umpire, licensing requirements, continuing education, admin penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• Two weeks ago, Senate Bill 513 was heard in committee proposing the establishment of a rural community-based
• I like the bill; it’s similar to one that was proposed previously.
• testify in September, who had a mold problem but was diagnosed as psychotic and ended up in a psych ward
• She was taken back to the psych ward, got out, and discovered that it was mold problems, that it was
• We still don't have full disclosure of the effects of this proposed vaccine.

Bills: SB95 , SB268 , SB493 , SB619 , SB660 , SB922 , SB984 , SB1098 , SB1188 , SB1307 , SB1332 , SB1822

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: immunization, written informed consent, civil liability, health care provider, vaccine compensation, administrative penalty, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, gag clause, prescription drug pricing, out-of-pocket cost, cash price, pharmacist, pharmacy, prescription drug benefit

Transcript Highlights:

• community, and resolutions filed by Representatives Sousa of Framingham, Lewis of Framingham, Greg Ward

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine committee reports and local matters. It adopted resolutions honoring A Path in the Woods Foundation and the Latino Health Insurance Program, Inc., and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee: one on creating a Great Brook State Park Trust Fund and another on designating a regional lockup as part of the Dukes County Jail and House of Correction. The House also advanced and approved several local bills. House Bill 5417, authorizing the town of Linfield to impose a local sales tax on restaurant meals, was ordered to a third reading. Senate Bills 2628 and 2895, concerning liquor licensing in Bolton and a conservation restriction amendment in Hanson, were passed to be enacted. Senate Bill 2577 on parking fines in Situate, House Bill 4585 on expanded senior property tax abatements in Auburn, and House Bill 5463 on a conservation restriction in Middleton were each passed to be engrossed. Later, the House concurred in a further amendment to Senate Bill 2903 honoring Blue Star Families and then passed that bill to be enacted. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Fitchburg Deputy Chief Patrick James “P.J.” Roy. Before adjourning, the House adopted an order to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m., with a Democratic caucus scheduled for noon and a formal session with roll calls at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Ward. Just a quick question.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Committee of Conference met on Senate Bill 429, which concerns a non-germane amendment related to the Parents’ Bill of Rights recording statute. Senate staff explained that the bill already exempted public events from the recording restriction, but a drafting issue in the underlying statute could be read to allow recording anywhere in a school whenever a public event was occurring. The proposed fix was a one-word change, replacing “during” with “of,” to make clear the exemption applies at a public event rather than merely during one. A House member asked whether the clarification affected the House amendment, and the Senate responded that it did not; the change was in the underlying statute and was being corrected now to avoid returning next year. The committee then recessed briefly for caucus. After returning, the Senate receded to the House position with the suggested word change in amendment 2026-1997S. The committee took a voice vote, with all members present voting in favor and none opposed. The members then agreed to place the report on the consent calendar, and both the Senate and House indicated they were willing to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward-Engelking? Here. Wintrow? Here. Woodward? Here. Zito? Here. Zuiderveld? Here. Blaylock. Ricks.

Summary: The Senate convened with 29 members present and six excused absences, establishing a quorum. After the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, the chamber approved the January 15 journal and received communications, including a Secretary of State notice listing registered lobbyists and a Governor’s report on the Emergency Fund. The report noted fund balances and expenditures related to a University of Idaho investigation and Operation Esto Perpetua, along with committed assistance for ICE operations. In committee reports, the Judiciary and Rules Committee said Senate Bills 1221, 1222, and 1223 were correctly printed. SB 1221 was referred to Commerce and Human Resources, while SB 1222 and SB 1223 were referred to Resources and Environment. The Senate also advanced through the order of business to miscellaneous announcements. During introductions and announcements, Senator Van Orden welcomed Cheryl Lambert, a constituent and vice chair of the Public Charter School Commission, and thanked the chaplain for incorporating the Idaho and America 250 program into Friday prayers. A capital security training session was announced for immediately after adjournment. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward-Engelking? Wintrow? Woodward? Cedo? President. Cider Belt?

Summary: The Senate convened with all 35 members present, approved the prior day’s journal as corrected, and then moved through prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The prayer reflected on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and asked for guidance for the Senate and the nation. The body then received gubernatorial messages announcing several appointments and reappointments, including to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, the Commission on Human Rights, the Board of Environmental Quality, the Commission of Pardons and Parole, the Department of Finance, and the Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Board. These appointments were referred to the appropriate committees for confirmation review: Commerce and Human Resources, State Affairs, Health and Welfare, and Judiciary and Rules. During miscellaneous business, senators made announcements about the Boise Metro Chamber lunch and introduced a constituent guest. The Senate also noted plans to swear in attachés the following day. No legislation was debated or voted on, and the chamber adjourned by motion until 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward of Westport moves suspension of the rules. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay.

Summary: The House convened, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and formally notified the Senate that it was ready to proceed to business. Members also welcomed special guests from Representative Mark Sylvia’s district, including the 2025 MIAA Division 6 Super Bowl champion Fairhaven High School Blue Devil football team, its coach Derek Admeida, school officials, and other guests, recognizing the team’s repeated championship appearances and recent title. The chamber adopted routine organizational orders, including publication and binding of the House journal, and appointed a joint committee to inform the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Council that the General Court was assembled and ready for business. The House also adopted a Rules Committee report honoring Joseph Rink for achieving Eagle Scout, extended the reporting deadline for the Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses on certain House documents, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition by Alice Hanlon Pais concerning the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code to proceed to the Committee on Financial Services. On legislation, the House concurred in Senate amendments to House No. 4233, amending the charter of the City of Malden, and passed Senate No. 2799 to be engrossed, establishing a sick leave bank for Jeffrey Yantanthin, an employee of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The House also adopted an order to adjourn until the next day and recessed several times during the proceedings.