Video & Transcript Research : 'Senator Tim Scott'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Artificial intelligence in psychotherapy services 3/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Scott, welcome to our committee.
- Representative Scott. >> Thank you.
- Representative Scott, labeled as A2.
- I'm a thank you, Representative Scott.
- 00:22:01.919>
before Representative Scott, final words before Representative Scott, final words
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator.
- All right, thank you, Senator. you to support Senator Murphy's Bill SP you to support Senator Murphy's
- <00:58:13.480>
Murphy Senate Bill 173 and thank Senator Murphy Senate Bill 173 and thank Senator - Senate Bill 284 “Twenty minutes,” Senator Aart?
- /c><02:18:04.960>
draft <02:18:05.280>the Senate and Senator Reon to draft the Senate and
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Pre-K - 12 Mar 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- MEMBERS, LET'S TAKE UP TAB 2, SENATE BILL 296 ON MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL START TIMES BY SENATOR
- AND THANK YOU SENATOR BRADLEY.
- MEMBERS, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE UP TAB THREE, SENATE BILL 356 ON HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY BY SENATOR BERMAN
- AND THANK YOU SENATOR SIMON.
- AND THANK YOU SENATOR SIMON.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, my name is Scott Goings. For the record, my name is Scott Goings.
- Representative<01:39:29.120>
Scott. - Um thank you um Representative Scott.
- Representative<01:40:27.240>
Scott. - Representative Scott. answered. Representative Scott. >> you,<01:41:48.880>
Mr.
Summary:
The committee adopted the minutes from its February 24, 2026 meeting after a motion by Vice Chair Coulter. The hearing then focused on the impact of federal immigration enforcement, referred to throughout as Operation Metro Surge, on Minnesota college campuses. The chair said the purpose was to document alleged abuses, campus fear, and racial discrimination, and to hear from testifiers about effects on students, faculty, and staff. Representative Novotny briefly objected to the framing, saying the committee should be finding facts rather than making a predetermined presentation, and the chair responded that members should remain respectful and that questions would be held until after all presenters testified.
Augsburg University President Paul Pribbenow described what he called relentless and unprecedented disruption, including student stops and interrogations, family separations, and an ICE operation on campus in which armed masked agents allegedly detained a student without a warrant and pointed weapons at students and staff. He said the campus received bomb threats afterward, increased virtual learning options, and saw spikes in student support needs, housing assistance, and leaves of absence. Jenna Chernega of the Inter Faculty Organization said faculty across Minnesota State universities reported widespread student and colleague stress, increased workload, disappearing students, and a need for clearer sensitive-location protections and academic freedom guidance. Mark Grant of Minnesota State College Faculty said community conditions inevitably affect classrooms, that campuses have not yet had an ICE incident but are bracing for one, and that faculty want to support students and may need financial help if enrollment declines.
Jennifer Irwin of AFSCME said fear from ICE activity extends beyond campus boundaries and is affecting attendance, work, and daily life for staff and students; she cited a member detained in St. Paul while trying to prove legal status. Student testifiers Brendan Frazier of Concordia University, St. Paul, Jonathan Fitzgerald of Minnesota State Mankato, Sudi Adow of Lead MN, and Will Luther of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities described panic, reduced attendance, food insecurity, disrupted classes, and fear of leaving home or commuting to campus. They urged stronger student privacy protections, support for international and immigrant students, emergency aid, and policies to keep campuses safe. No further committee action or votes were taken after the minutes approval.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Feb 26th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- I need to get bannny and tim and then we'll get fat Purpose of Banning, you're ready to present your
- Senator Reporterubel due past 130. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, members.
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
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Mar 28, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 41
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Item number four, Senate communications. Mr. Clerk, are there any Senate communications?
- adopted in the Senate.
- adopted in the Senate.
- Any discussion on Senate Bill 112? Discussion on Senate Bill 289.
- On STR number 1655, Senate Bill 100, Senate Draft 2, Representatives Garcia, Matsumoto, Alos, Shimizu
Summary:
The House met with 47 members present and 4 excused, approved deferral of the journal reading, and received no messages from the governor. In Senate communications, the chamber received a Senate concurrent resolution and several House bills returned from the Senate with amendments; Representative Todd moved to disagree with the Senate amendments, and that motion carried by voice vote.
The main business was adoption of large groups of standing committee reports. The House adopted reports 1662 through 1696, then 1697 through 1714, and later report 1715, with several members noting “no vote” or “with reservations” on specific measures. One extended floor exchange centered on a measure concerning emergency access in West Oahu, where Representative Souza argued for a second access point for Makakilo residents and referenced wildfire evacuation concerns; other members raised points of order under Rule 287, and the Speaker ruled on the debate. The House also suspended the rules to consider certain Senate bills on third reading by consent calendar.
On third reading, the House passed Senate bills listed on page 18, including SB 100 and SB 112, with recorded no votes from several members and support with reservations from Representative Iwamoto, who said SB 100 was a home rule issue better handled at the county level. The chamber then heard announcements, including Representative Takayama’s request for donations of new or gently used women’s business attire for the YWCA Dress for Success program. The House adjourned until 12:00 noon Monday.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And then my chief of staff, Scott, is, I think, in the hallway.
- Senate colleagues.
- Yes, we have one member of the Senate.
- Co-chairs, Senators, Representatives, and staff.
- Good afternoon, Representative Chair Lewis and Representative Sabadosa, Senate Chair Rauch, and Senator
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held its first hearing of the year and took testimony on a large slate of home rule petitions and related local bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2314 for the Dukes County Regional Lockup Fund, with supporters from Martha’s Vineyard saying the island’s lockup is essential to local policing and that the fund would be supported by town assessments rather than state money. The committee also heard support for S. 21, a Nantucket bill to amend the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, and for several local governance measures including Akushnet’s charter change to remove a two-year waiting period for former officials taking appointed paid positions, Rochester’s governance reform bill defining the town administrator’s role, Berkeley’s proposal to convert the treasurer-collector position to an appointed office, Hanson’s permitting enforcement bill, and a Wellfleet bill authorizing a lease for the food pantry.
A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 21 for Nantucket, with witnesses sharply divided. Supporters argued the commission needs broader representation, more transparency, and a structure that better reflects town meeting votes, citing repeated town meeting approvals and frustration with delays in bringing reforms forward. Opponents, including current commission members and staff, said the existing commission is already working on its own reform proposal, that the bill was advanced without sufficient collaboration, and that elected seats and term limits would narrow participation and complicate the commission’s advisory role. Committee members questioned both sides about the town meeting process, the commission’s responsibilities, and the timing of competing proposals.
The committee also heard testimony in favor of a bill allowing the Cotuit Fire District to pursue source-water protection projects on private property with owner consent, citing concerns about aquifer contamination and rising treatment needs, and in support of legislation requiring AEDs, with a Norfolk County register of deeds describing the low cost and life-saving value of the devices. Another witness spoke in favor of a regional commission proposal for Middlesex County, arguing that local communities need stronger regional planning tools to address development and environmental pressures. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing; the chair later read many additional bills into the record and then adjourned the meeting.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 47 - 1 Apr 27th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She had problems with a Senate bill about wind.
- Or His Honor Tim Downing, who during the push for.
- And speaking of the Senate House members.
- Senator Pugugh, Senator Thompson, Senator Seyfried, Senator Gillespie, thank you for your.
- Joint Committee Report to Senate Bill 1130 by Caldwell of the House and Hall of the Senate, an act relating
Keywords:
light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- On the Senate side, I'm going to need to ask them to... Scott, can you?
- On the Senate side, we have our vice chair, Senator John Keenan, and our members are Senators Ed Kennedy
- Senator Gomez.
- After this panel, we'll go online to Senator Edwards, Senator Duna, Senator Jalen, if you're with us,
- Thank you, Senator. See, no questions. Senator Jalen?
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a long public hearing focused mainly on two sets of issues: proposals to amend or repeal the MBTA Communities Act, and bills to allow local rent stabilization. Committee chairs opened by explaining the hearing would be tightly managed because of the very large number of speakers, with testimony limited to two minutes per person and written testimony still accepted by email. Members and witnesses were called in a mix of in-person and virtual order throughout the hearing.
On the MBTA Communities Act, several legislators and local officials argued the law is too rigid and should be revised to account for local conditions. Speakers from small, rural, or infrastructure-limited communities such as Hanson, Halifax, Marshfield, Winthrop, Dracut, Carver, Rehoboth, and others said the law’s one-size-fits-all approach does not fit towns with limited water, sewer, transit access, or buildable land. Some filed bills would repeal the law, exempt certain communities, or create appeals processes based on infrastructure, environmental, or historical constraints. Supporters of the law’s changes emphasized local control and the need to avoid forcing development where communities believe it is impractical or inconsistent with town character.
A large portion of the hearing was devoted to rent stabilization legislation, especially S. 1447 and related House bills. Supporters included legislators, city councilors, tenant advocates, labor leaders, housing nonprofits, public health organizations, and residents who described sharp rent increases, displacement, homelessness risk, and the strain on working families, seniors, students, and people with disabilities. They argued local-option rent stabilization would let municipalities cap excessive increases and prevent no-fault evictions while preserving flexibility for local conditions. Opponents, including small landlords and property owners, said rent control would discourage investment, worsen housing quality, burden responsible owners, and drive small landlords out of the market. Some witnesses also supported a Cape Cod/Island transfer fee bill and a suburban infrastructure fund, arguing those would provide local revenue for housing or roads. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 6, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, in January when House Republicans, Senate Republicans as well, punted once again on passing
- Um, the Senate moved to rectify that mistake and has passed a bill to fix it, and the president has said
- And first, I would like to introduce Congressman Tim Moore, my fellow North Carolinian and a fierce border
- And first, I would like to introduce Congressman Tim Moore, my fellow North Carolinian and a fierce border
- And first, I would like to introduce Congressman Tim Moore, my fellow North Carolinian and a fierce border
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Tim Fleming with the Rules Attorney Office.
Summary:
The Rules Committee met to consider several bills for constitutional and proper-form review. House Bill 2171, which would bar certain hostile governments and associated persons from owning or possessing Arizona real property and create enforcement penalties, was found to raise possible conflict with federal foreign-relations law, but was still recommended as constitutional and in proper form by a 5-2 vote. House Bill 2446, dealing with English proficiency requirements for commercial truckers and out-of-service orders, was also recommended 5-2, with staff noting a needed floor amendment to carve out the federal border commercial zone to avoid Supremacy Clause concerns. House Bill 2331, which would require electric utilities to obtain 85% of electricity from “reliable” sources by 2030 and assign enforcement to the Corporation Commission, drew concerns about the Commission’s exclusive constitutional authority over utility regulation and rate-making, but was likewise recommended 5-2.
The committee then considered House Bill 2589, which would make it a felony to allow minors to attend or view drag shows. Staff said the bill raised First Amendment and parental-rights concerns and could face strict scrutiny, and recommended an amendment to narrow it; the sponsor’s office was reportedly working on changes. Despite objections from members who called it overly broad and unconstitutional, the bill was recommended 5-2. House Bill 2592, concerning state agency use of artificial intelligence and legislative ratification of temporary rules, was flagged for legislative entrenchment issues because it attempted to bind future legislatures and set a simple-majority ratification requirement, but it too was recommended in proper form with a suggested amendment to remove the problematic mechanism.
At the end of the meeting, the committee took up a large mass motion covering many additional bills, memorials, resolutions, and one concurrent memorial, all of which staff said were constitutional and in proper form. During that discussion, staff specifically noted House Bill 2976, relating to justice court administration, as needing amendment to avoid tension with the Arizona Supreme Court’s constitutional authority over court administration. The mass motion passed 7-0 with one member absent, and the meeting adjourned.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House HB340 Working Group Apr 15th, 2025
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate has done similar is right.
- <01:49:41.360>
It it did not pass through the Senate. - It it did not pass through the Senate.
- They introduced Senate Bill 222 to fund it.
- So, one last time. 14:15. we could fix it in the Senate or we we could fix it in the Senate or we could
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Connie Scott. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members for, uh, we are absolutely for this bill. Very good.
- Um, you are Connie Scott. You are here on behalf of Nueces County and yourself.
- Carol Scott also served on the commission representing over 400 trustees serving on that commission for
- When the other 49 colleges were moving ahead, Delmar College, I mean, Chair Scott, our, not, not, not
- Judge Scott, but Chairwoman Scott of the Delmar College Board of Regents, and I had to explain to the
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 02:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I am a partner at Cole, Scott and Kissane, and I have been an insurance defense attorney and attorney
- I am a partner at Cole Scott and Cassane, and I have been an insurance defense attorney and attorney
- Scott Jenkins, Florida Financial Services Association, you're recognized. Hey, Scott Jenkins.
- We are working it through the committee process and working with the Senate counterpart as well on this
- Scott Jenkins, The Doctor's Company, waiving in opposition.
Summary:
The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0.
The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0.
HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences Oct 21st, 2025
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott Edwards. Dr. Sharon Keoko?: Present. James Orr?: Present. Representative Jerry Paulette.
- And again, Commissioner Scott Edwards: Present. Thank you.
- Scott Edwards. Aye. Hi. Dr. Sharon Kyoko?
- Scott Edwards? Aye. Dr. Sheridan, Joko? Aye. James Gore? Aye.
- Scott Edwards, aye. Dr. Sharon Kyoko, aye. James Orr, aye.
Summary:
The Citizens Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on October 22, 2025. Members approved the September 22, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously and reviewed a draft 2026 meeting schedule, tentatively setting meetings for May 6, August 4, September 15, and October 20, 2026, without taking a formal vote. The commission then worked through its commissioner comments on tax preference reviews, with Commissioner Forsyth recusing himself from the natural gas for transportation and energy sales to silicon smelters items.
The discussion focused on reconciling endorse/endorse with comment/does not endorse positions into final recommendations. The commission adopted comments for the liquefied natural gas preference, the natural gas for transportation preference, the energy sales to silicon smelters preference, several low-income housing and veterans-related preferences, and other reviewed tax preferences. Several comments emphasized reporting burdens, the need for clearer legislative guidance, and in the veterans’ item, the possibility that low use may reflect limited visibility of the preference. Staff also clarified the reporting requirements for the natural gas transportation preference and the rationale for continuing the LNG preference while asking the legislature to consider a Department of Revenue workgroup report.
All commissioner comment packages were ultimately adopted by roll call votes, with the relevant recusals noted. No members of the public testified in person. The chair invited written testimony by email or mail and thanked staff and members for their work. The next commission meeting was announced for May 6, 2026, at 10 a.m.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill by Senator Kitchen.
- Senator House does the work and the senator just comes down and presents the bill.
- I see the representatives doing work again for the senator senators.
- doing work again for the senator doing work again for the senator senators.<00:12:07.600>
But - But, uh, this is the same bill senators.
Keywords:
elder abuse, financial exploitation, inheritance, joint tenancy, conviction effects, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, HB255, Employees' Retirement System of Alabama, ERSA, State Police Tier II Plan, annual leave
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSG/TRN Joint Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 8:59 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Tim Rhymer, individual, is in opposition. Frank Schultz, individual, is in opposition.
- Tim Rhymer, individual, is in opposition. Frank Schultz, individual, is in opposition.
- Tim Rhymer, individual, is in opposition. Frank Schultz, individual, is in opposition.
- Some of the testimony has come out in the Senate, so I just want the public to understand we are not
- Some of the testimony has come out in the Senate, so I just want the public to understand we are not
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.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/21/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative<00:40:54.480>
Scott. Representative Scott. Uh, thank you, Madam Chair. - base appropriation to match the Senate base appropriation to match the Senate higher<01:08:12.400
- Thank you, Madam Chair, Representative Scott. It's a good question.
- <01:13:49.760>
Representative <01:13:50.239>Scott. - Representative Scott. Uh Madam Chair. Representative Scott.
Bills:
HF2312
Keywords:
higher education, college finance, student aid, financial aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, tuition relief, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, work-study, child care grants, Indian scholarships, tribal colleges, Hunger-Free Campus, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott? Let's pray.
- State Senator State Senator District 17, Joan Huffman. State Senator District 20, Juan Hinojosa.
- I see Senator Kolkhorst. I see Senator Perry. I see Senator Hall.
- Senator Middleton; and Senator Perry.
- And some of you, Senator West, Senator Hinojosa, Senator Zaffirini, Senator Nichols, about the same or
Summary:
The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators by the Secretary of State. Senators-elect were then administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, formally seating the new members. Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, congratulating members and emphasizing priorities such as border security, education, energy, foster care, and school choice, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick highlighted the Senate’s bipartisan culture and the work ahead.
The chamber then held its organizational business, including the election of Senator Brandon Creighton as President Pro Tempore. Senator Parker nominated Creighton and Senator Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising his background, legislative record, and leadership. The Senate voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the dais and sworn in. In his remarks, Creighton reflected on his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including Texas sovereignty, economic opportunity, education, and conservative policy goals.
The only formal legislative action taken was adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during the specified period. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus meeting earlier that morning.