Transcript Highlights:

• If I want to send a message or if the department wants to send a message to the incarcerated individuals
• I've been texting a little bit with my co-chair. This was a great presentation.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met with a new member from Prisoners’ Legal Services and approved the July 11 minutes. The main presentation came from Department of Correction Commissioner Sean Jenkins and Deputy Commissioner Mitzie Peterson, who gave an overview of DOC facilities, population trends, and the department’s broad mission, including sentenced prisoners, pretrial detainees, civil commitments, Bridgewater State Hospital, and the Section 35 program. They noted the custody population has fallen from about 10,000 in 2016 to roughly 6,000–6,600, while the share serving first- or second-degree sentences has increased. They also reviewed the department’s facility footprint, including Souza-Baranowski, MCI Norfolk, MCI Framingham, Bridgewater, and the planned transfer of the Section 35 program to Health and Human Services by the end of 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on programming, education, health care, and reentry. DOC described tablet access for all incarcerated people, free phone calls, email, and more than 330,000 hours of educational, vocational, and reentry use. They highlighted partnerships with colleges and universities such as Tufts, Boston College, Emerson, and others, along with HiSET completion, vocational training, and programs like The Last Mile and Persevere. Health care spending was discussed in detail, including a total annual health-related contract cost of about $300 million, with separate contracts for prison health care, Bridgewater State Hospital, MassAQC, and MAT services. DOC said it has nearly eradicated Hep C and MRSA and now offers all three FDA-approved MAT medications, including long-acting injectables when clinically indicated. Commissioners also asked about specialized programming, language and disability access on tablets, and how programming is distributed across facilities. DOC explained that nothing is mandatory, but program participation is encouraged and can affect parole consideration. Staff described assessments using COMPAS, criminal thinking interventions, trauma-related treatment, and specialized units for emerging adults, mental health, and substance use. The department said programming costs were about $101 million in fiscal year 2025, or roughly 12% of the operating budget, excluding health care. Members praised the elimination of restrictive housing and the rollout of body-worn cameras, while DOC said the cameras required new policy and union negotiations but are now used for training, accountability, and de-escalation. The meeting ended with a plan for DOC to return in September with more detailed information on SAUs, programming statistics, and facility structure, and the commission voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just—my concern is going back: what message does this give to the federal government that...
• ><01:05:46.319> going<01:05:46.720> back<01:05:47.240> what<01:05:47.440> message
• <01:05:47.839> does concern is going back what message does concern is going back what message
• Unfortunately, I don’t have anything for Jefferson Starship today, but the volume of text and emails.
• Begoli said that the volume of text and emails he has received relating to Jefferson Starship, and that

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And we see a lot of it, so I hope the message, this message, your message. gets through to the DC elected
• We chose revival, that's what Charlie would have wanted, and that was his message.
• What about items that have messages that aren't necessarily somebody saying something?
• And that message will as an Aggie saying bite you in the rear end.
• So I hope you take that message to the next person. Thank you.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so really the text of 15, 16, 17, and 18, that language would supersede any zoning regulations that
• Um so, really<00:39:18.720> the<00:39:18.880> text<00:39:19.320> of<00:39:19.520
• > 16,<00:39:20.680> 17,<00:39:21.240> and<00:39:21.440> 18, really the text
• I would argue that messaging from adults that gets in the way of teams and individuals fully engaging
• .<03:50:46.040> So, "Texts.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, a very disingenuous title for a bill that doesn't mention law enforcement through the text of the
• So my message to my Senate colleagues is this: bring this bill to the floor today.
• So my message bipartisan. It is humane.
• But let's go further in the text here.
• But let's go uh further in the text But let's go uh further in the text here.<03:43:15.120> It

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> So do we have text of what you guys wanted to write?
• So then you get a text message to your phone to start a process where it's like if you've done Airbnb
• So then you, you know, you get a text<01:39:58.880> message<01:39:59.199> to<01:39:59.360
• message to your phone to start a text message to your phone to start a process<01:40:00.880> where
• text of the bill? Is that what you mean? text of the bill? Is that what you mean?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee focused primarily on a bill concerning long-term care insurance rate increases and consumer notice. Members and staff discussed replacing or supplementing a proposed public hearing requirement with annual reporting, website updates, and consumer-facing disclosures about approved rate increases, carriers writing the products, and how the products work. Several participants emphasized that long-term care policies are long-term products, that rate increases can be spread over many years for actuarial reasons, and that consumers need better information about trends and the impact of increases. A major point of disagreement was whether the bill should try to cap premium increases. One member argued the real problem is unexpected increases of 15% to 20% and urged a statutory cap to protect consumers. Insurance department representatives and others responded that hard caps had been struck down in prior case law, that the department’s core responsibility is solvency, and that carriers need sufficient premium to pay future claims. They also said the market is struggling because many carriers stopped selling the product, leaving in-force policies to bear the cost, and that overly restrictive caps could cause insurers to withdraw from the state. The discussion then shifted toward a compromise requiring carriers to notify policyholders before a rate increase is approved and allowing a 60-day comment period. Participants debated whether the notice should come from the carrier, how confidentiality rules would apply before approval, and what the department should do with public comments. The department said it already reviews filings carefully and that submitted rates are often adjusted before approval; lawmakers noted that prior commissioners had pushed back on increases in some cases, including a seven-year moratorium. No final vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly tried to move the subcommittee along to other bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• They talk about what bills are going to do before bill text has been released.
• The chair will receive a message. Mr. Speaker, a message from the President of the United States.
• I trust that this will become the message that the president will receive.
• I think that it the message as intended.
• table to table will be sending a message table to table will be sending a message to<04:48:01.520

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the messaging and the work that needs to be done is what can you do to help manage the risk of
• and I think getting all and messaging and I think getting all that<01:17:54.400> out<01:17:54.640
• :38:14.480> and<01:38:15.679> fourdigit<01:38:16.480> number<01:38:16.960> text
• <01:38:17.280> me<01:38:17.600> your codes and fourdigit number text me your codes
• and fourdigit number text me your picture<01:38:18.239> video<01:38:18.639> sounds.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species. The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination. Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• this video about how to present information in a concise and appropriate way, and one that gets the message
• video about how to present information in a concise and appropriate manner, and one that gets the message
• These contain the text originally associated. ...with the 24-25 old rider that talked about the Create
• So there are new riders, but it's old text.
• **Chair Huffman**: So you don’t let me do ask you, we have text out that has not been maintaining the

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't know that until I received your message. I get the message. Thank you, sir.
• You've got to make certain that the messaging is the same and coordinated.
• a bank would send email messages through a secure portal.
• It's really similar message as with LACOS.
• It's really similar message as with LACOS.

Bills: SB 1

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

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Legislative Budget Board and agency officials on several agencies, starting with the Texas Historical Commission. LBB described a large biennial reduction driven mainly by the removal of one-time funding and discussed capital projects, rider changes, and exceptional items including Presidio La Bahia and the National Museum of the Pacific War. Senators asked about heritage trails, courthouse grants, unexpended balance authority, and the status of historical-site funding. Historical Commission leadership emphasized preservation, courthouse restoration, heritage tourism, coordination with the Alamo and other Texas Revolution sites, and requested additional IT, staffing, and vehicle funding. No votes were taken. The committee then reviewed the Pension Review Board and the Employees Retirement System. The Pension Review Board’s budget was largely unchanged aside from IT maintenance and salary adjustments, with an exceptional item for additional IT enhancements. Members discussed the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System’s funding dispute and the need for a workable restoration plan. ERS presented a much larger budget, including funding for the retirement system, the group benefits plan, and the legacy payment intended to reduce unfunded liability. Senators focused heavily on pension investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health-care costs, especially pharmacy spending driven by GLP-1 drugs; ERS said the plan covers about 540,000 lives and that premiums would rise 8% while benefits remain unchanged. ERS also said it had no exceptional items, and committee members requested more detailed benchmark information. The committee also heard from the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. TESSORS reported an unfunded liability, an infinite amortization period, and requested additional state support, staffing, and IT funding, including a statutory change to allow a higher contribution level; the agency warned that without more funding it may have to cut benefits. CEPRIT’s presentation covered its bond-funded cancer research and prevention portfolio, revenue-sharing from funded projects, and a request to increase salary limits for its CEO and chief scientific officer. Senators questioned CEPRIT’s accomplishments and return on investment, while CEPRIT cited screening, prevention, and research outcomes, including tens of thousands of detected cancers and precursors and hundreds of thousands of first-time screenings. The meeting ended after these presentations and questions, with no recorded committee action or vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It sends a strong, unmistakable message that the state upholds its integrity and keeps its promises.
• <00:26:24.640> that sends a strong unmistakable message that sends a strong unmistakable message
• is simple the constituents our message is simple the state<01:41:52.920> is<01:41:53.400>
• Have you given us the text?
• you have you given us the text you have you given us the text Matt<03:10:09.880> no<03:10

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee opened a public hearing on House Bills 1 and 2, which concern the governor’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee must fit the budget to House Ways and Means revenue, which is about $800 million below the governor’s estimate in an almost $16 billion budget. He also noted a projected current-budget overspend, the impact of recently passed legislation, possible fee updates, no new tax proposals at that time, and the importance of federal funding and Medicaid stability. Testimony was limited to three minutes, with the chair asking speakers to avoid duplication. Much of the testimony focused on Medicaid, disability services, and home- and community-based care. Speakers urged the committee to restore or protect funding for transportation, Medicaid, day programs, in-home supports, and behavioral health services. Several individuals and providers described how cuts would affect people with disabilities, medically fragile children, and families who rely on services to remain employed and avoid institutional care. A home care provider argued that a proposed 3% Medicaid cut would increase hospitalizations and costs, while a behavioral health representative asked for sustainable Medicaid rates, uncompensated care support, housing resources, and continued funding for community behavioral health clinics. Another major topic was the Group II retirement provisions in HB 2 for public safety workers. Representatives from police, fire, corrections, probation/parole, and related associations testified in support, saying prior pension changes hurt recruitment and retention, pushed experienced workers to neighboring states, and should be reversed to restore promised benefits. They argued the provisions would help keep public safety careers viable and honor commitments made to first responders. An executive counselor also warned that when the state shifts costs away from itself, local property taxpayers bear the burden, and she opposed cost shifts such as Medicaid premiums and universal vouchers. A separate speaker urged funding public schools rather than universal vouchers, arguing vouchers can leave other students behind as resources are diverted.

Transcript Highlights:

• that rape is never acceptable ever Thank you. because I need to send the message that rape is never
• It is never acceptable, and we need to send that message very loud and very clear.
• California law sends a troubling message.
• But we are sending a message to our teenage girls. directly, but we are sending a message to our teenage
• To quote the indictment, they sent text messages explicitly saying, 'We all have a mutual agreement that

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• But if not, please text it to me along the way. Restrooms are outside to the left of the door.
• In practical terms, when the Commonwealth communicates, MCDH ensures the message is accessible, timely
• In practical terms, when the Commonwealth communicates, MCDH ensures the message is accessible, timely
• Someone, I text you first. Who was that? I apologize. Mm-hmm. All right. I apologize. I got it.
• Did you text me? I'm sorry. Oh, I thought that was Karen's. I apologize. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The new underlined text.
• the bill does not make any of changes to 15.051 of the election code other than the new underlined text
• Constitutional amendments should serve clear and urgent purposes, not to be used as political messaging
• By passing this bill, the Texas legislature will eliminate all doubt and send a very clear message.
• Thank you. text for that SOS advisory that was released.

Bills: SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• My message then was similar to the message today.
• Text her and just say, 'Did she get that?'"
• Do you have to text Cassidy listening? Do you have to text Cassidy or<05:17:06.718> something?
• Text her and just say, "Did she >> Yeah.
• Text her and just say, "Did she get<05:17:14.638> that?"

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, sit, sit on the text. I'm sorry. I don't know. I'm sorry, Senator Wolfson. Thanks, Chairman.
• Well, sorry, I'll certainly message on the motions. And second, any no votes? Any without practice?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications considered a large agenda focused mainly on energy affordability, the CLCPA, utility rates, and renewable energy siting. Senator Mattera and other Republican members argued that the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has driven up utility bills, harmed reliability, and imposed costs on ratepayers, while Democratic members pushed back that rising costs are also driven by natural gas markets, infrastructure costs, and broader economic factors. Several bills sought to repeal or pause CLCPA-related policies, create a CLCPA task force, impose studies or moratoriums on new energy taxes and fees, and increase transparency around utility surcharges and state energy spending. Supporters framed these measures as ratepayer relief and accountability; opponents said some proposals would undermine clean-energy policy and existing consumer-benefit programs. The committee defeated S.1167, which would have repealed the All Electric Building Act, and S.1173, which would have created a CLCPA task force. It also failed S.5250, a bill to study CLCPA costs and impose a moratorium on new energy taxes, fees, or regulations, and S.7075, which would have prohibited the system benefits charge on utility bills. Several other bills advanced, including S.1236A on virtual access and electronic filing for Public Service Commission proceedings, S.1552 establishing reduced residential rates for low-income electric and natural gas customers, S.2484 directing a study of replacement timeframes for battery storage and renewable facilities, S.2638 on carbon allowance auction proceeds, S.3247 on electric vehicle charging stations, S.3553 requiring utilities to post promotional and educational materials on their websites, S.4571A creating a floating solar incentive education program, S.5518 shifting Public Service Commission funding to legislative appropriation, and S.6412A requiring itemized ratepayer disclosure of surcharges. S.9251, on labor-related legal costs, was referred to the Labor Committee. S.7710, which would have restricted energy storage systems near schools and homes in New York City, failed after concerns and support were debated. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• She texted her fiancé at 11 o'clock that she was on her way home.
• A social host law sends a clear message: If you allow underage drinking or drinking dangerously in your

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2808 do pass by a roll call vote of 9 yes, 4 no, and 1 present. The hearing then moved to House Bills 1808 and 3435, companion measures dubbed Grace’s Law, which would create a narrow social host liability cause of action for knowingly providing alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person age 21 or older when that conduct leads to injury, death, or property damage. The sponsors said the bills are intended to close a gap in Missouri law and encourage safer decisions at private gatherings, while supporters, including the mother of the crash victim Grace and a MADD representative, described the fatal drunk-driving crash that prompted the legislation and argued that similar laws in other states reduce impaired driving. Committee members raised questions about scope, personal responsibility, and whether the bill could reach casual gatherings or other substances; no vote was taken on the bills in the transcript. The committee then heard House Bills 3439 and 3480, which would amend the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act to include volunteer firefighters in the tuition assistance program for public safety personnel and their dependents. The sponsors said volunteer firefighters in rural communities do the same dangerous work as career responders and need recruitment and retention incentives, while opponents’ concerns focused on fiscal cost, fairness, and whether volunteers should receive the same benefit as full-time employees. Supporters from the Hardin Fire Protection District, Boone County Fire Protection District, the Fire Service Alliance, and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce said volunteer departments are essential in rural Missouri, that the benefit would help recruit and retain personnel, and that the program is subject to appropriation and prioritization. Members also discussed possible alternatives such as tuition waivers at public institutions and the practical challenges of defining and tracking volunteer service. No committee action was reported on these bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bills and other business from the Senate: Without objection, the following messages from the Senate,
• co-founded the first national 24-hour toll-free child abuse hotline, later expanding it to include text

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions recognizing Disability Day at the Capitol, the Arizona Cattle Association, Nurse-Family Partnership nurses, Navajo Nation visitors, and others. Members also made personal privilege remarks on topics including a strike by ASU Aramark food service workers, Lent and Ramadan, and Black History Month. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 2006, a death resolution honoring Yvonne Glee Lyme Federson and her work with Childhelp, with a moment of respectful silence. The House resolved into Committee of the Whole and then Additional Committee of the Whole to consider several bills. HB 2089, HB 2177, HB 2258, HB 2322, HB 2786, and HB 2825 were all recommended do pass, with HB 2177, HB 2322, and HB 2825 amended. HB 2074, dealing with abortion-related language, drew extensive debate over a floor amendment that removed a life-of-the-mother exception; the amendment was adopted and the bill was then recommended do pass as amended. HB 2104 and HB 2105, both relating to county property tax assessment procedures and inspections, were amended to address assessor concerns and then recommended do pass as amended. After the committee reports were adopted, the House considered and passed several third-reading bills. HB 2173, HB 2203, HB 2223, and HB 2501 all passed 57-0. HB 2307, an emergency measure concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and out-of-state treatment options, passed 37-20 but did not receive the required two-thirds vote to enact the emergency clause. The House then received announcements about upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I texted you. It's the same, but it's not a happy birthday. I'll close on the bill.
• involving child sexual abuse material, that can mean tens of thousands of images, videos, and encrypted messages

Transcript Highlights:

• So they reported in the motion of Senator King since the local and text calendar.
• HCR sends a clear message, and that is that Texas is ready to lead. Ready to lead.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up a long list of pending House bills, most of them on motions by Senator King or Senator Campbell. The committee adopted committee substitutes and favorably reported numerous bills, including HB 252, HB 700, HB 1500, HB 1545, HB 1562, HB 1732, HB 267, HB 2213, HB 2221, HB 2520, HB 2818, HB 3016, HB 3214, HB 3250, HB 3512, HB 3623, HB 3689, HB 3833, HB 4063, HB 4395, HB 4690, HB 4751, HB 5331, HB 3824, HB 4464, HB 4468, and HB 5247. Most of these were sent to the local and uncontested calendar, while some, including sunset and other significant measures, were reported to the full Senate. HB 146 was the only bill reported out on a divided vote, passing 6 ayes to 4 nays. Several bills received brief explanation of committee substitute changes. HB 3016, dealing with rental car collision damage waivers and stolen vehicles, was amended to change a cooperation standard from “fully cooperate” to simply “cooperate.” HB 3689, a major ESF/TWA financing bill, was described as making technical changes to align terminology with the Comptroller’s authority and to avoid creating state debt or new liability. HB 5247, a capital cost recovery bill for transmission in the Permian Basin, was revised to clarify how the new mechanism fits with existing Utilities Code provisions and to add a 2035 expiration date. HB 3824, the battery fire safety bill, also received technical changes to align terminology with industry usage. The committee heard public testimony on several pending measures. HB 3069, which would direct the PUC to develop supplemental multi-decade planning criteria for transmission certificates in ERCOT, drew support from industry, environmental, and manufacturing witnesses who said it would help address congestion costs while balancing consumer protections; the bill was left pending. HB 5196, requiring state agencies to adopt and post telework policies and use written telework agreements, received both support and concern: supporters said it would preserve productivity and retention, while a senator raised concerns about notice and family logistics; it was left pending after testimony. HB 3112, allowing closed deliberations on cybersecurity policy details, was laid out and left pending after brief discussion. HCR 102, supporting federal nuclear tax credits, drew testimony from nuclear industry and energy advocates, who argued the credits are essential for existing plants, new nuclear development, grid reliability, and U.S. competitiveness; the resolution was left pending, with discussion about whether the language should focus more exclusively on nuclear. HB 705, creating a cosmetology licensure compact, was supported by industry, employers, and compact experts as a mobility tool that preserves state authority; HB 3516, expanding a public information exemption for Railroad Commission administrative law judges and technical examiners, and HB 3388, authorizing group property and casualty coverage for personal lines, were also heard and left pending. At the end of the meeting, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.