Video & Transcript Research : 'mail voting'
Page 83 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- We could create a permanent vote-by-mail list and provide prepaid postage, making it easier, not harder
- Senators will proceed to vote. If all senators voted.
- Have all senators voted? All senators voted.
- Will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored retiring Senate staffer Susan Miller and recognized a veteran injured in combat. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to returning messages from the House and began taking up bills and amendments.
The Senate concurred in House amendments and passed SB 118 on RV park assessments and SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, both by 38-0 votes. It then took up the elections bill, CS/CS/HB 991, which drew extensive debate. Supporters said it would strengthen election integrity by tightening citizenship verification and ID rules; opponents argued it would burden eligible voters, especially students, seniors, disabled voters, and others without the newly required documents. The bill passed 27-12. The chamber also passed the education package SB 182 after adopting a Senate amendment to the House amendment, and approved SB 474 on military affairs, SB 425 on historic cemeteries, HB 929 on local regulation of chickees, and HB 35/SB 1370 on habitual traffic offender designation, all with unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The Senate then considered SB 902/ HB 733, the Department of Health package. Members adopted an amendment and amendment-to-amendment that preserved most Senate provisions while modifying or removing several House additions, including some early steps and medical marijuana-related changes, and the bill passed 37-0. The chamber also began work on HB 905, the foreign influence bill, with a strike-all amendment offered to expand restrictions on foreign influence, sister-city agreements, linkage institutes, and related activities, but the debate on that measure was still underway when the transcript ended. Several other returning messages and bills were temporarily postponed, and the Senate recessed briefly before resuming business.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 3/23/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- On March 13th, 2017 I mailed redacted my concerns about the daycare fraud.
- On March 13th, 2017 I mailed redacted my concerns about the daycare fraud.
- redacted my concerns about the I mailed redacted my concerns about the daycare<00:15:14.240>
fraud - In January 2020, DHS mailed me copies of the emails related to the lawsuit.
- In that mailing was a letter from DHS saying I was prevented from disclosing the contents of the emails
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- by the legislature, then it can be placed on the ballot to be ratified by a majority of the popular vote
- p.m. on Wednesday, April 23rd, via email at jointcommittee.revenue@malegislature.gov or physically mailed
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held its first hearing of the session, led by House Chair Adrian Madaro and Senate Chair James Eldridge. The committee explained the constitutional amendment process and the hearing procedures, then took testimony on four bills concerning proposed amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, with the main focus on S. 11 and H. 71, which would amend Article 99 relating to agricultural and horticultural land taxation.
Senator Jo Comerford, Rebecca Miller of the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, and Representative Natalie Blay all testified in support of the bills. They argued that the current five-acre minimum for farmland tax treatment is outdated and harms farmers, especially new, urban, and smaller-scale farmers, by forcing some land to be taxed at higher commercial rates. Supporters said the change would help preserve farmland, strengthen the local food system, and address economic pressures on farms, including high land values, climate impacts, and an aging farm workforce. In response to a question about abuse or false claims, Comerford and Miller said existing certification processes under Chapter 61A and municipal review help verify active farming, and Miller noted the bill requires land to be in production for two years before receiving the rate.
Committee members asked about the status of the 21st Century Farm Commission, and Comerford said a report was expected in the spring. After testimony concluded, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then entertained a motion to adjourn, which was made and accepted.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 3/26/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:15:59.360>
the you know they get their check in the you know they get their check in the mail - 00:16:00.800>
me <00:16:01.040>and <00:16:01.600>tell <00:16:01.839>me mail - and they laugh at me and tell me mail and they laugh at me and tell me that<00:16:02.160>
I <00 - Uh, when I turn 60 years old, then there'll be a check in the mail for my service every month.
- Uh, when I turn 60 years old, then there'll be a check in the mail for my service every month.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSG/TRN Joint Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 8:59 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:14:53.800>
sd2 <00:14:54.720>the vote voting on sb1 1669 sd2 the vote voting on sb1 - I share for the vote, voting on SB 1669 SD2. The Chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments.
- chair for the vote voting on yeah vot chair for the vote voting on yeah vot sorry<01:19:49.600><
- c> sd1<01:19:52.159>
chair's sorry voting on SB 321 sd1 chair's sorry voting on SB 321 sd1 - SB<01:26:18.360>
108 for the vote please voting on SB 108 for the vote please voting on SB
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation heard several bills on March 11, including measures on harbor vessel requirements, transportation funding, clean fuels, water carriers, parking enforcement, and electric mobility. For SB 1402 SD1 on vessels in state commercial harbors, testimony was split: the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Longline Association supported it, while Hol Holo Charters and one individual opposed it, saying the bill should be more specific about tourboat operators. For SB 1473 on central services assessments, SB 321 on privately owned roads, and SB 419 on insurance coverage for child passenger restraint systems, the committee heard brief testimony with no noted objections or actions beyond moving through the agenda.
For SB 1009 SD2 on parking, the bill would create fines for misuse of disability and EV parking spaces and direct the revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund. Support came from Ulupono Initiative, Climate Protectors Hawaii, the Disability Communication Access Board, and others, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported the bill’s intent but questioned using the fines for Safe Routes to School, and Hawaiian Electric suggested directing EV-related fines to the EV charging system subaccount instead. Hawaii Appleseed supported the measure but raised concerns about the size of the fines and possible impacts on low-income residents. The committee asked questions about enforcement when EV chargers are inoperable; DAGS indicated the stalls could be used and would not be enforced in that situation.
For SB 1120 on a clean fuel standard, the Department of Transportation supported the measure but asked for the implementation date to be delayed by one year and requested an independent Hawaii-specific economic impact study due before the next session. Support also came from several transportation, airline, and industry groups, while Tim Rhymer and Frank Schultz opposed it. The committee then heard SB 21 on water carriers, which would authorize a PUC inflationary cost index adjustment mechanism and exemptions; DOT, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbors Users Group supported it, while Frank Schultz opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 117 on electric mobility, which would expand and rename the rebate program, set age limits and operating rules for e-bikes and electric motorcycles, require insurance for electric motorcycle operators, and make conforming changes. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DOT, the Hawaii Bicycling League, the Queen’s pediatric trauma center, and Ulupono Initiative, though one testifier warned that the bill’s wattage definition could unintentionally capture some pedal-assist e-bikes. No votes were taken on the individual bills in the portions shown, and the transcript ended with the committee continuing its hearing agenda.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Apr 21, 2025, 11:30AM HST - Day 54
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- No vote. Representative Muraoka: No vote. Okay, members, we will be taking a voice vote.
- Beginning with HSCR 2140. voice vote. All those in favor say I. voice vote.
- No vote. So 2143. Representative Moroka. No vote.
- No vote. So 2146. Representative Garcia. No vote.
- I urge my colleagues to vote Speaker. I urge my colleagues to vote no.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, this was a warrant that was intercepted in the mail.
- I mean, this was, this was a, you know, a warrant that was intercepted in the mail.
Summary:
The committee opened with prayer and approved the January minutes, then heard a series of audit reports with findings. The Department of Human Services report described theft and fraud involving false benefit claims, including about $8,000 in Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, about $5,800 in Medicaid benefits, and an altered state warrant for nearly $610,000 that was cashed by an auto body shop in California; it also noted asset-control problems and an error in sales tax paid on exempt vehicle purchases. Members asked whether the fraudulent business had been flagged or notified to other agencies, and DHS said the matter had been referred to law enforcement but no broader notification to California officials was known. The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism report cited missing museum receipts of nearly $3,500 and issues with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium, including a missing $100 drawer fund and an $80 overage; officials said they were considering cashless operations at War Memorial Stadium and provided an update that the museum theft investigation was still ongoing, with misdemeanor time limits expired but felony investigation still possible. The Department of Corrections report found unauthorized fuel-card purchases totaling about $4,500 and a delayed disaster-recovery test for offender management software; Corrections said staffing had been increased for fuel-card oversight and that a full production disaster-recovery test was now scheduled after DIS upgrades were completed. The Department of Veterans Affairs report found four Fayetteville Veterans Home employees were paid for hours not worked, with additional unapproved overtime totaling more than $6,600, a duplicate vendor payment of nearly $1,000 that was refunded, and many overtime instances lacking proper approval; the department said it had tightened overtime approval policies statewide.
The committee also received a special report on law enforcement agencies’ compliance with Arkansas’s racial profiling policy requirement. Legislative Audit said it had received responses from 203 of 383 agencies and forwarded updated policies to the Attorney General, while identifying 180 agencies that had not responded and were deemed out of compliance. Members asked what happens if agencies still fail to respond and requested a list of nonresponding agencies; staff said their role is limited to collecting and forwarding policies, and the committee agreed to receive the list. All reports were filed or reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after announcing the next meeting date and a possible room change due to building work.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Banking and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- If we are forced to close our doors, please vote... ...forced to close our doors.
- Vote yes today to... ...to be affected.
- Vote yes today to build 252 as is so that practitioners like myself will thank you.
- Well, I'm going to vote for it because I'm going to respect the agreement and the negotiation.
- I'm happy to vote for it. Thank you, Senator Smith.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- time frame when we'll have the votes time frame when we'll have the votes here.<01:59:35.599>
- I believe we will have the votes here.
- I believe we will have the votes to make this and bring it into fruition.
- <04:11:36.800>
Each <04:11:36.960>deferred subdivision one is mailed. - Each deferred subdivision one is mailed.
Summary:
The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years.
After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education.
The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JT Business, Trade & Economic Development w/State Government & Tribal Relations Jul 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The RCW and the Gambling Act does authorize our ex officio to vote on proposed tribal-state compact amendment
- But at that time, the commissioners and ex officios will take public comment and vote then on whether
- We leverage our direct mail program, promotional advertising, really to ensure that responsible gaming
- When our commission will vote on whether this matter should be forwarded to Governor Ferguson or returned
- When our commission will vote on whether this matter should be forwarded to Governor Ferguson or returned
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee and the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee focused on proposed amendments to the tribal-state gaming compacts for the Tulalip Tribes and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact approval process under IGRA and said the parties had reached tentative agreement; the commission and ex officio members will take public comment and vote at an August 28 special meeting on whether to forward the compacts to the governor or return them for further negotiation.
Tulalip Chairman Hazen Chappell described the tribe’s long history of gaming in Washington and emphasized that gaming revenues support governmental services, jobs, charitable giving, and community support. Commission advisor Johnny Bray said the Tulalip restated compact consolidates 12 prior amendments, reorganizes and updates appendices, removes some outdated provisions, and includes higher wager limits, jackpot sharing, and the option to increase player terminal allocation in stages. Chappell also noted the tribe’s ongoing responsible gaming efforts and community support, including aid for wildfire-affected families.
For the Cowlitz Tribe, Chairman William Ayala and Ilani Casino President Kara Fox LaRose described the tribe’s history, community programs, and the resort’s growth. The proposed sixth amendment would raise gaming station wager limits up to $1,000, create a special higher-limit player process with financial suitability and anti-money-laundering checks, strengthen responsible gaming signage and marketing requirements, allow temporary gaming areas, and adjust TLS ticket pricing through the most favored nation process. Committee members asked about self-exclusion and credit practices; Cowlitz gaming officials said hundreds of people have used the self-exclusion program and that higher-limit play is tied to substantial credit/front-money requirements. No votes were taken at the hearing, and the meeting ended with closing remarks and adjournment.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote, Senate Bill 152 is reported favorably.
- So I respectfully ask you to please vote yes on SB 264.
- By your vote, Senate Bill 264 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, Senate Bill 342 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, Senate Bill 294 is reported favorably.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health Policy met with a quorum and heard five bills. SB 126, on prescription hearing aids, would remove Florida’s prohibition on mailing hearing aids when required tele-audiology testing and procedures are completed before sale. The sponsor said the bill would improve access, especially for people with travel or geographic barriers. The Florida Academy of Audiologists expressed support in concept but said it was still working with the sponsor on an amendment for consumer safety. The committee voted the bill favorably.
SB 152 would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during certain surgical procedures. Supporters, including the Florida Nurses Association and several nurses, described surgical smoke as a workplace and patient safety hazard containing harmful chemicals, viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants, and said evacuation technology is available and already required in some settings. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 264 would expand step-therapy exemptions for severe mental illness, including certain postpartum and pregnancy-related mental health conditions, so physicians would not have to require patients to fail preferred drugs in specified circumstances. Support came from Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, NAMI Florida, and several medical and pharmacy groups, who argued that delays in effective treatment can worsen crises and increase hospital and crisis-care costs. The committee voted the bill favorably.
SB 342 would create a public-records exemption for current and former AHCA employees and certain family information, citing threats and harassment directed at inspectors and regulators. President Gaetz said he generally opposes such exemptions but supported this one because the employees are not elected officials and face real safety risks. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 294 would limit the Board of Pharmacy’s ability to add heart failure, coronary heart disease, and cardiac rhythm disorders to the list of chronic conditions eligible for collaborative pharmacy practice, keeping those conditions under direct physician management. The Florida Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, Florida Medical Association, and the Florida chapter of the American College of Cardiology supported the bill, while the Florida Society of Health System Pharmacists opposed it. The committee voted the bill favorably. Senator Trumbull asked to be recorded in support of SB 126 and SB 152, and the meeting adjourned without further business.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- to present Senate File 3988, which is the omnibus transportation bill, um, which we finalized and voted
- And we might want to put forth a vote and have them available for negotiations.
- And so, I encourage members to vote no. Let's get that stakeholder input.
- And so, I encourage members to vote no. Let's get that stakeholder input.
- We did not vote on that yet. Yes. Is there further amendments to A34 amendment?
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 19th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It's pretty hard to argue that voters shouldn't actually know what they're voting on.
- it down voted it down.
- In the 2025 bond elections, what you see is about $41.3 billion put up for a vote.
- And then it was... ...voted down, so that's not a very good example.
- There being eight votes in favor. Ayes and zero nays, the motion prevails.
Keywords:
bond election, ballot proposition, debt obligation, municipal bonds, local government finance, property tax, ad valorem tax, school district bonds, county bonds, special taxing district, voter information document, public debt, municipal finance, tax-supported debt, election ballot language, bond transparency, homestead tax impact, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, public bank
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Feb 26th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Saying no debate, please open the cue for a vote. Chairman, votes are aye.
- Seeing no debate, please open the cue for a vote. Iye votes.
- Seeing no debate, please open the queue for a vote. Votes are aye.
- Seeing no debate, please open the queue for a vote. I'll take the votes.
- Seeing no debate, please open the queue for a vote. Iy drivers votes.
Bills:
HB1322, HB2015, HB2933, HB2941, HB2959, HB2977, HB2981, HB3040, HB3055, HB3062, HB3087, HB3115, HB3134, HB3244, HB3297, HB3298, HB3299, HB3304, HB3319, HB3321, HB3322, HB3323, HB3345, HB3407, HB3471, HB3497, HB3500, HB3505, HB3544, HB3581, HB3648, HB3755, HB3764, HB3765, HB3767, HB3906, HB3974, HB3982, HB4104, HB4105, HB4106, HB4107, HB4108, HB4126, HB4130, HB4139, HB4144, HB4170, HB4202, HB4226, HB4227, HB4236, HB4260, HB4343
Keywords:
domestic violence, offenders registry, public safety, law enforcement, victim protection, conviction records, landlord, tenant rights, rental agreement, housing safety, tenant protections, insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 14th, 2025
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- with mistakes in voting.
- Apa voting. Aye, right.
- And AB 735 is out with Republicans not voting with Ms. Sanchez voting no.
- You can begin when you're ready Thank You madam chair members 8930 is before you to ensure that all vote-by-mail
- That's out with Republicans not voting, with Ms. Dixon not voting.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 1 Feb 2nd, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members wish to vote. Change the vote. It's praying to close. ha re ra s ite urbs.
- Members of Gann, care to vote? Representative Dollens votes.
- Declare the vote: 860 nay, having received a majority vote of the members elected to and constituting
- When Oklahomans voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2018, we were sold a bill of goods.
- Send the marijuana issue back to a vote of the people and let's shut it down.
Bills:
HB3725, HB3260, HB3660, HB3369, HB3370, HB2937, HB3419, HB3264, HB3266, HB3267, HB3268, HB3310, HB4311, HB3841, HB3024, HB3075
Keywords:
labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 23rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It takes 54 votes. Clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Feb 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- FELT FITTING TO MAKE THE SUNSET THE SAME AS OUR TERM ON IT SO EVERY LEGISLATION HAS THE CHANCE TO VOTE
- I ASSUME WE ARE GOING TO BE VOTING ON THIS PROPOSAL SHORTLY.
- I NOTICED THAT WE AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE NOT GIVEN NOTIFICATION WE WOULD BE VOTING ON THESE
- SOME SORT OF STAFF ANALYSIS WITH THE PROPOSALS THAT MIGHT HELP US BETTER DIGEST WHAT WE ARE VOTING ON
- BEFORE WE ARE PASSING THE VOTE ON THEIR PROPOSALS?
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Health Care Committee Feb 12th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- spicy, whatever adjective you'd like to use, because there are options like Amazon Meds Your Way or mail
- Eight in ten voters say access to affordable comprehensive health coverage is a vote-determining factor
- And unfortunately, we did miss the passage of that legislation by two votes in the Senate passing in
- And then you can see electronic, non-electronic there is fax, mail, and phone.
- At times, it could be hard-copy mail, but that doesn't happen too often.
Summary:
The committee met to review the history and current treatment of North Dakota health insurance mandates, with presentations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Sanford Health Plan, the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and the Insurance Department. The discussion focused on how mandates apply differently to fully insured, self-funded, ACA, Medicaid, and PERS plans; how the state’s benchmark plan and federal essential health benefits affect coverage; and how the existing process requires cost-benefit analysis and, for certain measures, a PERS pilot period before broader application. Presenters also reviewed the long list of existing state mandates, including provider, beneficiary, and coverage requirements, and noted that many were enacted decades ago and have not been revisited despite changes in medical evidence and treatment options.
Witnesses from the carriers argued that mandates should be reviewed periodically because some are outdated, can create unintended costs, and may not align with current medical guidance. Examples cited included PSA screening, off-label drug coverage, prior authorization rules, step therapy, and cost-sharing provisions for mental health and substance use treatment. They emphasized that carriers often cover services without a mandate when supported by clinical evidence, and that mandates can shift costs to employers and employees, especially in the fully insured small-group market. They also suggested possible policy improvements such as clearer mandate definitions, better transparency around cost-benefit analyses, a regular 10-year review of mandates, and more timely submission of proposals through the interim process.
PERS and the Insurance Department highlighted a recurring tension over what counts as a mandate and when a measure triggers the state’s defrayal obligation under federal law. PERS described its interim committee process, the April 1 deadline for fiscal-impact proposals, and the limited pilot program used for certain measures, noting that only a few bills have gone through the full pilot process. The Insurance Department explained that it views new benefit mandates through the lens of the ACA benchmark plan and essential health benefits, distinguishing true new benefits, such as infertility coverage, from changes to existing benefits, such as telehealth or insulin cost-sharing caps. No votes were taken on policy changes; the meeting was informational, with members asking questions about costs, applicability, transparency, and whether a periodic mandate review should be established.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I had two other committees meeting, and one of them was voting, and had to go there and vote.
- I had two other committees meeting, and one of them was voting, and I had to go there and vote.
- Let's back that vote count up. Members, the clerk will show Senator Middleton voting aye.
- During the months leading up to the ballot vote, During the months leading up to the ballot vote, we
- And not only do you not get to see that baby, you’re mailed two pills in the mail; you’re by yourself
Summary:
The Committee on Education K-16 heard several bills focused largely on special education transparency, school safety, and student support services. Senate Bill 1908, by Senator Zaffirini, would direct the Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the feasibility of a statewide system for coordinating clinical training placements, including regional portals for healthcare clinical slots, with a report due by December 1, 2026. A representative of the Texas Nurses Association and the Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition testified in support. The bill was left pending subject to the call of the chair.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 111, by Senator Hall, which in its committee substitute was narrowed to a reporting bill requiring school districts to disclose legal proceedings involving special education due process complaints when legal fees exceed $10,000, rather than capping spending. Several parents and advocates testified that districts spend large sums on litigation against families of children with disabilities and that greater transparency is needed; some senators raised concerns about unintended consequences, including possible pressure to settle cases. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1551 on automated external defibrillators in public schools, Senate Bill 865 on CPR instruction requirements for certain volunteers, Senate Bill 1032 on the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and Senate Bill 571 on school employee misconduct reporting and access to the Do Not Hire Registry; each was reported favorably after committee substitute adoption and roll-call votes.
Additional bills discussed included Senate Bill 1884, which would formalize and expand dedicated staff support for the State Board of Education and give the board chair hiring authority over that staff; members questioned whether it duplicated TEA functions, while a witness argued the workload increase justified the change, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 625 would replace the current half-credit economics requirement with a half-credit in personal financial literacy; educators and advocates strongly supported making the course required, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 582 would make TEA settlement agreements in special investigations publicly available when sanctions are imposed, and Senate Bill 2600 would bar transportation fees for students living within two miles of campus unless districts do not receive state transportation funding; both were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2751, which would require TEA inspections of non-public special education programs to consider medical standards of care and crisis-prevention training; testimony from a program operator described severe student behaviors and the need for more flexibility, and the bill was left pending after the substitute was adopted.