Transcript Highlights:

• So you know how it works when you're scrolling on social media?
• We know that social media algorithms...
• And social media can be used for good.
• There's national stories, there's a number of them.
• I'm here to support this bill for a number of reasons.

Bills: SB1361, SB2105, SB2690, SB2713, SCR38, SB2637, SB2881

Keywords: SB 1361, Texas disaster recovery loan, small business loan, micro-business loan, community development financial institution, CDFI, economic disaster assistance, post-disaster financing, business recovery fund, Texas Economic Development Bank, zero-interest loan, working capital, payroll support, health benefits, job retention, declared disaster, small business relief, microenterprise, franchise exclusion, private equity-backed business

Bills: SCR 13, SCR 24, SB 1, SB 12, SB 15, SB 17, SB 24, SB 57, SB 65, SB 213, SB 371, SB 372, SB 378, SB 379, SB 388, SB 400, SB 402, SB 427, SB 495, SB 499, SB 502, SB 509, SB 535, SB 583, SB 610, SB 621, SB 650, SB 706, SB 740, SB 840, SB 854, SB 856, SB 875, SB 893, SB 918, SB 925, SB 974, SB 995, SB 1006, SB 1018, SB 1025, SB 1061, SB 1073, SB 1106, SB 1121, SB 1194, SB 1252, SB 1253, SB 1268, SB 1300, SB 1343, SB 1362, SB 1447

Keywords: water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas, Israel, trade, investment, partnership, economic ties, technological innovation, bilateral relations, appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare

Bills: SB893

Keywords: foreign land ownership, military protection, critical infrastructure, whistleblower rewards, state security

Summary: The Chair opened the CCR Committee for Health and Human Services and took up Senate Bill 893. Representative Colwell explained that the bill is intended to protect military institutions and installations from foreign ownership in surrounding areas and offered to answer questions. No questions or objections were raised. The Chair then asked members to sign the bill out of committee. With no further objections, the committee adjourned.

Bills: HCR144

Keywords: food security, Hawaii, agriculture, community organizations, nutritional access, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Government Operations and Agriculture and Environment hearing on April 16, 2020 considered only HCR 144, House Draft 2, which asks the Department of Agriculture to work with state and county agencies and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive statewide food strategy. Testimony was generally supportive: the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity supported the measure, as did Kanaloani Ohana Farm, the Farm Bureau, Ag Stewardship Hawaii, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. DBEDT submitted comments that were described as sounding more like opposition, citing existing efforts. No members of the public appeared to testify, and there were no questions from members. The Government Operations committee recommended the resolution pass as drafted, and members present voted aye. Because the Agriculture and Environment committee lacked quorum, its decision-making was rolled over to the next day, Friday, April 17, 2020 at 3:10 p.m. in CR 224. The chair noted that the measure had been adopted on the GVO side and, with the noticed time certain for the remaining committee action, the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :38.480><c> personnel</c> troopers and house security personnel troopers and house security personnel
• </c><00:03:19.519><c> that</c> security staff really appreciate that security staff really appreciate
• And we've match in those numbers.
• So we'll always see a higher number of cases than we will a number of defendants.
• So we'll always see a higher number of cases than we will a number of defendants.

Bills: HF2825

Keywords: expungement, criminal justice, background check, security industry, private detective, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I asked him to be number two with me, and I think he was a little surprised.
• You all will hear a number of issues that we didn't take up in the Senate, because as happens, people
• I asked him to be number two with me, and I think he was a little surprised.
• The watch list is defined as a list of license plate numbers.
• Neither of them constitute a list of license plate numbers. You should pass a bill.

Bills: SB6011

Keywords: court security, bailiffs, threat assessment, judicial safety, law enforcement, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They worry about the fact that when they go to the Social Security Administration, they can't make a
• Americans across the country predominantly seniors depend on the Social Security Administration services
• among our nation's seniors and others who depend on Social Security and creating opportunity for China
• And right now our seniors you're finding concerned about their Social Security benefits as a result of
• Someone answering the phone for hours if they call for help to social security.

Keywords: Chinese Communist Party, retirement security, investment risks, SEC enforcement, Bipartisan action

Summary: The meeting primarily addressed concerns regarding the impact of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on American investments and the financial security of retirees. The chair discussed legislation aimed at ensuring the protection of American investors against the risks posed by Chinese companies. There was a consensus among the members regarding the necessity to enforce existing policies that require compliance from foreign companies wishing to trade on American exchanges. The discussion included testimony from various stakeholders highlighting the urgent need to limit exposure to the CCP in retirement portfolios. Additionally, there were calls for increased accountability of regulatory bodies such as the SEC to better shield American investors from potential loss.

Transcript Highlights:

• His number one priority. And what is done? Taken out by leadership from the Democrats.
• And three, the respect for our chair, who's number one priority.
• Also, I heard concerns about data being used to... that retention or security.
• Either way, locally is pretty secure, but not incredibly secure.
• A cloud service is very, very secure, and you're unlikely to lose the data.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• The House food security item is a total spend of one.
• The House bill takes those the same as the governor's numbers.
• cameras and related training. security cameras and related training.
• In a new space that may be needed to comply with the Social Security Administration requirements, the
• Children's safety is a child care provider's number one most important duty.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• Russia has core national security and economic interests in the Arctic.
• And if we can't just secure access to minerals, we need to break their grip on processing.
• arrangements, we must act now to secure the Arctic for ourselves and our allies.
• for identifying and addressing security risks that impact research.
• And there are a number of hurdles here, and they include labor and workforce challenges.

Keywords: Greenland, acquisition, national security, Arctic, geopolitical, China, Russia, icebreakers, trade routes

Summary: The meeting convened by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation focused on the potential acquisition of Greenland by the United States. This issue, first raised by President Trump in 2019, has gained renewed significance amidst shifting global dynamics and the strategic importance of Greenland in relation to transatlantic trade routes and national security. The members discussed the geopolitical implications of Greenland's position, especially given the increasing influence of China and Russia in the Arctic region. Notably, the urgency to address military presence and icebreaker capabilities in the Arctic was a major point of contention, with a call for a new fleet to counter foreign dominance in the area.

Bills: SCR39

Keywords: border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers, customs and border protection, CBP, Department of Homeland Security, reimbursement, state sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• Ambassador to the Netherlands critical to transatlantic security.
• Semiconductors are a national security issue.
• and economic security issues?
• Security Council Resolution 2231. I ask Secretary.
• Here was his response, quote, I believe it is in our national security interest for the U.N. and Security

Keywords: diplomatic nominations, foreign policy, ambassadors, U.S.-European relations, Bilateral relationships, security, trade

Summary: The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Defense for Intelligence and Security.
• I certainly acknowledge that economic security is national security, but relevant to my portfolio and
• National Security, the National Nuclear Security Administration, NNSA, designs, builds, stores and disposes
• by NNSA and our national security laboratories.
• There's a number of details, a number of classified details that I've not been briefed on in that, but

Keywords: national security, nuclear energy, Department of Defense, military readiness, public commentary, nominations

Summary: The meeting convened with a focus on the scrutiny of various nominations and their implications for national security. Mr. Brandon Williams was nominated as the Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, drawing attention to the pressing need to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal amid growing threats from other countries. This was echoed in discussions led by committee members who expressed concern over military readiness and the management of military installations, with emphasis on ensuring accountability within the Department of Defense. Public commentary was notably supportive of the nominations, although some concerns were raised regarding the administration's broader strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you know what a security clearance is. Yes, Senator. Go ahead.
• But the right number is more right? Right number.
• . security.
• We've dramatically expanded the number of commercial providers.
• It's a national security issue. issue for us.

Keywords: Air Force modernization, fighter aircraft, autonomous systems, air superiority, national security, recapitalization

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on military procurement and modernization, with significant discussions surrounding the Air Force's capabilities and strategic needs. Key topics included the urgent need for recapitalization of the Air Force's fighter squadrons, as well as the importance of integrating new technologies like autonomous systems to bolster military effectiveness. Several senators raised concerns about the current resources available to the Air National Guard and the potential loss of skilled service members if recapitalization plans are not swiftly developed. There were also discussions on the importance of maintaining air superiority in light of evolving threats, particularly from adversaries like China.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gubernatorial confirmation number 9036, the Secretary will read.
• Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9081.
• It's going to be a number of things. And it's also a number of bad things that can close them.
• And it's also a number of bad things that can close them.
• And honestly, at 4%, that is a negotiated number already.

Bills: SB5223, SB5993, SB5831, SB5928, SB6183, SB6071, SB5995, SB5966, SB5841, SB5840, SB6061, SB6058, SB5931, SB5944, SB5520, SB6011, SB6087, SB6076, SB5916, SB6016, SB5936, SB6137, SB5185, SB5956, SB6025, SB6009, SB5833, SB6161, SB6188, SB5890, SB5917, SB5820, SB5973, SJM8015, SB5816, SB6136, SB6091, SB6024, SB5223, SB6178, SB5892, SB5177, SB6039, SB5941, SB5993, SB5831, SB5928, SB5912, SB6183, SB6071, SB5995, SB5966, SB5841, SB5840, SB6061, SB6058, SB5931, SB5944, SB5520, SB6011, SB6087, SB6076, SB5916, SB6016, SB5936, SB6137, SB5185, SB5956, SB6025, SB6009, SB5833, SB6161, SB6188, SB5890, SB5917, SB5820, SB5973, SJM8015, SB5816, SB6136, SB6091, SB6024

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, medical debt, interest charges, consumer protection, healthcare, financial burden, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment

Summary: The Senate opened with routine business, including the roll call, approval of the previous day’s journal, committee and gubernatorial appointment referrals, and the removal of Senate Joint Memorial 8003 from the consent calendar for placement on the regular calendar. The chamber also received a report from the Complex Discharge Task Force and introduced Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1604, which was referred to the Committee on Human Services. A major floor item was Senate Resolution 8682 recognizing the YMCA’s 150th anniversary in Washington. Senators spoke at length about the organization’s role in child care, swim lessons, youth development, civic engagement, chronic disease prevention, and community building, including personal stories about family connections to the Y. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and YMCA leaders and participants from across the state were recognized in the chamber. The Senate then confirmed three gubernatorial appointments by roll call votes: Jeffrey P. Fairchild to the Whatcom Community College Board of Trustees, Randall V. Scott to the Lake Washington Institute of Technology Board of Trustees, and Anna M. Franklin to the Community Colleges of Spokane Board of Trustees. All three confirmations passed 48-0. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for the family of Representative Tom Dent after his wife suffered a stroke. On final passage, the Senate approved Substitute Senate Bill 5185, creating a pilot pathway to physician licensure for international medical graduates, after supporters emphasized expanding access to care and opponents acknowledged the negotiated safety framework; the bill passed 39-1. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5993, which lowers the interest rate on medical debt, after rejecting an amendment that would have created different rates for rural and larger hospitals and adopting a technical amendment; the bill passed 29-19. The Senate adjourned until Monday, February 9.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Committee on Border Security will come to order. Mr. Clerk, please call the roll.
• So the number, the number that I have actually Senators a little. Yeah.
• of this committee, we're talking about border security, but, but, but the function of homeland security
• People and drugs going north, it's small numbers.
• for the governor, the governor's homeland security adviser.

Bills: SB 36, SB 2202

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Border Security will come to order. Uh, Mr.
• Security, their state-level police, uh, but very little cooperation out of Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, or
• Number on that. They're just, they're just difficult cases to work.
• With that, members, without any other business coming before the Senate Committee on Border Security,
• So with that, members, without any other business come before the Senate Committee on Border Security

Bills: SB36, SB2202

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security heard Senator Birdwell present SB 2202, which would create a state offense for knowingly transferring a firearm for profit or other remuneration to a member of a foreign terrorist organization. Birdwell argued the bill responds to cartel violence and southbound gun trafficking, and he explained a committee substitute that removed an exemption for federally licensed gun dealers and removed a requirement that DPS coordinate with Mexican law enforcement. He said the goal was to give Texas a state-level tool if federal enforcement is lacking. Invited testimony came from DPS Colonel Freeman Martin and border prosecution unit chair Tanya Ash. Both said the bill could be useful in some organized-crime and cartel cases, but they emphasized that proving a defendant knowingly transferred a gun to a foreign terrorist organization would be difficult and would usually require strong direct or circumstantial evidence, such as recorded statements, informants, or coordinated investigations. They said the measure would be more workable in complex cartel cases than in routine patrol stops, and they noted existing state and federal tools already address straw purchases, firearms trafficking, and related offenses. Members also discussed tracing seized firearms, cooperation with ATF, and the limits of state jurisdiction over international issues. No public testimony was offered, and SB 2202 was left pending. The committee then took up SB 36 as pending business. A committee substitute was adopted without objection, and the substitute bill was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 4-0 vote, with Senators Birdwell, Flores, Hinojosa of Hidalgo, Eckhardt, and Hinojosa of Nueces participating. The committee also accepted a motion in writing and ordered the bill recommended for local and uncontested calendar placement. The chair then announced the committee would recess subject to call.

Bills: SB893

Keywords: foreign land ownership, military protection, critical infrastructure, whistleblower rewards, state security, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a massive cyber security expert.
• </c> committee is chairman chair west number committee is chairman chair west number one priority<01:
• Either way, locally is pretty secure, but not incredibly secure.
• is pretty secure but not like<01:41:26.639><c> incredibly</c><01:41:27.199><c> secure.
• Uh a cloud like incredibly secure.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• On the top of page three on numbers.
• </c> numbers. It's just these are positive. numbers. It's just these are positive.
• </c> which is critical given that the number which is critical given that the number of<00:30:45.679>
• <00:31:36.720><c> Security</c><00:31:37.200><c> Administration</c> Social Security Administration Social
• </c> director of Traverse County Social director of Traverse County Social Services.<01:14:40.960><c>

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house