Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 5203, a bill to be entitled an act relating to Capitol Center.
• This is the House conforming bill on the Capitol Center, and there is a delete-all amendment.
• House Bill 5203, a bill to be entitled an act relating to Capitol Center.
• House Bill 5203, a bill to be entitled an act relating to Capitol Center.
• year-old Yaron Lyszynski and 26-year-old Sarah Milgram, were tragically shot and murdered outside the Capitol

Transcript Highlights:

• I know it's trying to take these kind of complex regulatory concepts, right?
• <01:08:25.199> And complex regulatory concepts, right?
• And complex regulatory concepts, right?
• This has been the<01:16:14.560> single<01:16:15.199> most<01:16:15.760> complex
• the single most complex the single most complex proceeding<01:16:17.840> that<01:16:18.080>

Bills: HB1617

Keywords: carbon emissions, tax credit, fossil fuel, agriculture, food security, environmental tax, greenhouse gas, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh I am the energy manager here on the capital complex. Um, a quick note there.
• We have over 190 car chargers on this complex and we're looking to install more. >> Thank you.
• <00:04:16.160> Um, manager here on the capital complex.
• Um, manager here on the capital complex.
• <00:04:20.320> and<00:04:20.479> we're chargers on this complex and we're chargers

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Electricity as a Vehicle Fuel Working Group. Commissioner Nancy Doenberger opened with introductions from members representing state agencies, legislators, utilities, local governments, industry groups, advocacy organizations, and others. The group then elected its leadership: Senator Anne Johnson Stewart was nominated and unanimously elected chair, and Representative Steve Elkins was nominated and unanimously elected vice chair. Senator Johnson Stewart said she would ensure all viewpoints are heard and asked MnDOT to continue running the meeting for practical reasons. Austin Turman of the Legislative Coordinating Commission reviewed the authorizing legislation. He explained that the working group must analyze electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, develop a roadmap with policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding consistent with the Minnesota Constitution, and study other states’ approaches to equitable fuel assessment methods for electric vehicles. The group’s report is due February 13 and will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. Turman also briefly reviewed open meeting law requirements, noting the group must operate publicly when a quorum discusses official business, though public comment is not required. Members then discussed the purpose of the group and the need to find a fair replacement or supplement for declining gas tax revenue as EVs increase. Senator Johnson Stewart emphasized balancing system funding needs with user-based fairness, including differences in vehicle weight and road use. Representative Murphy stressed the need to consider rural Minnesota, taxpayer impacts, and current science, including climate and CO2 issues. Drive Electric Minnesota said EV drivers should pay their fair share and not be overburdened, while the Department of Revenue said it wants to administer the new EV charging-station tax fairly. A trucking representative highlighted that passenger vehicles and freight vehicles have very different operating and charging needs, suggesting the group consider those differences in any fee structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a 26-unit apartment complex, and it is co-located with our respite reentry and rehabilitative
• The intersection of housing instability and mental illness remains a complex cycle to break, as many
• To this day, I am still trying to pay off a $2,000 debt to that complex.
• Capitol, and currently has four full-time employees in its organization.
• As we've seen in recent years, the complexity and scale of wildfires in Texas continue to grow.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Speaker's reception is tonight from 4:30 to 5:30 in the Alabama State Capitol in the historic Speaker's
• Capitol in the historic Speaker's office. You need to listen to this for purposes of security.
• and escort your guests through the Avenue of the Flags entrance on Washington Avenue side of the Capitol
• The Governor's State of the State address is at 6:00 p.m. in the State Capitol in the Old House Chamber
• appreciate everybody being here today, and we want to personally invite you to the reception over in the Capitol

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will also have Native Hawaiian Charter students here visiting the Capitol.
• Additionally, I also want to note that we have picked a date for Art at the Capitol.
• So, Art at the Capitol this year will be on April 17th. So, keep your offices open.
• Um and then here visiting the capitol.
• So, Art at the Capitol this year will be on April 17th. So, keep your offices open.

Bills: HB2198, HB2021, HB1881, HB1964, HB1990, HB2151, HB2599, HB2414

Keywords: gambling, prediction markets, Hawaii gambling laws, financial contracts, ethical concerns, electric bicycles, micro-mobility devices, safety regulations, traffic laws, insurance exemption, high-speed electric devices, land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, building code, permitting process, training, state council

Transcript Highlights:

• Aniston, Olivia, Liam, and Laney, and their teacher, Christine Head, who have made the trip here to the Capitol
• Aniston, Olivia, Liam, and Laney, and their teacher, Christine Head, who have made the trip here to the Capitol
• here, I'd love for the body to make them feel welcome, and as always, you will see them around the Capitol
• We'll be in the Capitol today. In Room B-30 downstairs, we will have lunch from noon to one.
• We'll be in the Capitol today. In room B-30 downstairs, we will have lunch from noon to one.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We really appreciate that they took the time to come down to the Capitol to see how their state government
• We really appreciate that they took the time to come down to the Capitol to see how their state government
• <00:27:52.480> We<00:27:52.720> have District 6 day at the Capitol.
• We have District 6 day at the Capitol.
• So, please make them welcome at the Capitol.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with 55 members present and 10 excused, established a quorum, and approved the journal of Monday, January 26, 2026, as corrected. The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 5, designating Colorado 4-H Day. Representatives Johnson and McCormick spoke in support, noting the visit from 4-H members and reciting the 4-H pledge. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 59-0, with six excused. The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of announcements and recognitions. Members highlighted upcoming legislative receptions for the Colorado Airport Operators Association and livestock groups, committee meetings including SMART Act hearings, Judiciary Committee items, Transportation/Housing/Local Government business, and a House Finance Committee meeting. Several members also recognized visiting groups and constituents, including behavioral health providers, Aurora Mental Health and Recovery, Heritage Heights Academy students, and House District 6 community leaders. A significant portion of the floor time was devoted to a personal privilege statement by Minority Leader Caldwell, who responded to concerns about immigration enforcement, emphasized the rule of law and due process, and criticized rhetoric he said endangered law enforcement and others. The House then moved into recess later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, anyway, last week a plaque in the name of Satan was displayed at the Capitol.
• Members, today is Rochester Day at the Capitol.
• <00:16:07.440> I Satan was displayed at the Capitol.
• I Satan was displayed at the Capitol.
• Uh the social is today, this Capitol.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• does at home to be helpful, and he's here this week to join me and follow in what we do here in the Capitol
• Thank you for traveling to our state Capitol in recognition of Ginseng Day.
• to announcements: The following committees meet this afternoon—Natural Resources at 2:30 p.m. in Capitol
• Room 437; Transportation at 2:30 p.m. in Swing Space 1100; Revenue and Taxation at 3:30 p.m. in Capitol
• Room 126; and Banking and Finance at 3:30 p.m. in Capitol Room 444.

Summary: The Assembly convened without a quorum, completed the roll call, and then proceeded with the day’s business after a prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for victims of the Texas flooding. Procedural motions suspended several rules to allow committee notices, guest seating, and the withdrawal of AB 898 back to the Senate. Members also made several guest introductions, including family members, interns, and scouting troop visitors. On the floor, AB 1416 by Assembly Member Ta, a taxation bill, was concurred in with Senate technical amendments by a 60-0 vote. ACR 1, designating October 23 as Korean Ginseng Day, was adopted by voice vote after supportive remarks highlighting Korean culture and the health benefits of ginseng; 62 coauthors were added without objection. The Assembly also heard SB 119, the budget-related human services trailer bill, with extensive debate over CalWORKs, CalFresh, child welfare reporting, and housing/homelessness programs. Supporters framed it as a needed anti-poverty and safety-net measure, while opponents criticized it as expanding dependency and failing to address fraud and work requirements. SB 119 passed on a 54-11 vote. The second-day consent calendar, including AJR 16 on the Tijuana River, was adopted 71-0, and the remaining consent items AJR 15 and SB 765 were also adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, followed by announcements of upcoming committee hearings and the next floor session before adjournment until July 10 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board did an extensive outreach campaign to discuss with
• communities all over the state what should be done in the Capitol Mall.
• I think there's 188 trees that have already been planted in the Capitol Mall, and then the first part
• <00:01:40.520> mall already been planted in the capitol mall already been planted in the capitol
• the capitol the capitol mall<00:02:43.920> thank<00:02:44.120> you<00:02:44.280>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Stop the Bleed advocacy day where surgeons from all over the state will be joining us here in the Capitol
• Stop the Bleed advocacy day where surgeons from all over the state will be joining us here in the Capitol
• You guys are in my district, welcome to the Capitol.
• You guys are in my district, welcome to the Capitol.
• So welcome to the Capitol. Thank you. Welcome to the House. Representative Lydia Hernandez.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Sarah Lee Davison of Tucson. Members also introduced numerous guests and advocacy groups, including Aliento students for Education Day, gun violence prevention advocates, agricultural producers, military veterans, and representatives from the Kino Border Initiative and Nucor Steel. A proclamation honoring the life of Peter Andrew “Andy” Grosetta was read, recognizing his long service to Arizona ranching and the cattle industry. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered two bills. HB 2074, dealing with reporting related to partial-birth abortion, received an adopted Judiciary Committee amendment that changed the penalty to a class six felony and then was recommended do pass as amended. The bill drew sharp debate: supporters said it strengthens reporting and accountability for an already illegal procedure, while opponents argued it would criminalize health care workers and reflect punitive views toward women seeking abortion care. HB 2148, described as a transparency bill, also received an Appropriations Committee amendment and was recommended do pass as amended without significant debate. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and HB 2074 and HB 2148 were referred to engrossing. The House also announced several committee meetings for later that day and the next morning, including Appropriations, Federalism and Military Affairs, Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, and Rural Economic Development, before adjourning until Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, uh, today is a great day in Minnesota, or at the Capitol here.
• take a minute of their day to step outside between 2 and 4:00 p.m. to celebrate Latino Day at the Capitol
• Latino<00:14:28.560> day<00:14:28.800> at<00:14:29.120> the<00:14:29.279> Capitol
• c><00:14:30.000> hosted<00:14:30.480> by<00:14:30.800> the Latino day at the Capitol
• hosted by the Latino day at the Capitol hosted by the Minnesota<00:14:31.680> Council<00:14:31.920

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• training child welfare workers within the state on cultural competency, and ICWA is a very complicated, complex
• out that information until I actually left the North Dakota Indian Affairs meeting that was at the Capitol
• out that information until I actually left the North Dakota Indian Affairs meeting that was at the Capitol

Summary: The Tribal and State Relations Committee met at Standing Rock and heard extensive comments from tribal council members, state legislators, and tribal program leaders about ongoing state-tribal coordination issues. Early discussion focused on the committee’s purpose, the need for better communication, and frustration that the meeting agenda and time allotted did not include enough state department heads or program experts to address child welfare, ICWA, Medicaid, and other human services concerns. Tribal leaders emphasized that Standing Rock wants more direct, regular communication and more practical follow-through from prior meetings. A major theme was health and human services, including concerns that the state’s rural health transformation efforts and human service zone structure do not fit tribal needs, especially for a direct-service tribe that relies on federal funding and Indian Health Service. Members also raised foster care delays, housing shortages that force children off-reservation, substance abuse treatment capacity, and the need for cultural competency in child welfare and education. Other issues included missing and murdered Indigenous people, law enforcement cooperation, extradition and banishment ordinances, cross-deputization, roads, water and sewer infrastructure, census accuracy, and the need for updated lists of tribal liaisons and bills affecting tribes. Economic development and sovereignty issues were also discussed. Standing Rock leaders raised concerns about e-pull-tabs and charitable gaming, saying state regulation has reduced tribal gaming revenue and that e-tabs should be treated as Class III gaming. They also objected to county-issued fireworks and liquor permits that affect reservation communities, arguing that state and county authority often conflicts with tribal sovereignty. In response, legislators said e-tabs and charitable gaming were likely to return as legislative issues and suggested possible solutions such as restricting e-tabs near tribal lands. The committee also discussed the need for more information on tribal-related bills and for legislators to receive cultural and treaty training. Several tribal projects and programs were presented. Joseph McNeil described Sage Development Authority’s 235-megawatt wind project, which is paused because of federal permitting delays, and asked for state support to move it forward. Dave Arshambo described Wojou’s land regeneration, buffalo, food sovereignty, youth, and wellness programs. Later, Cheryl Carey of Sacred Pipe Resource Center introduced the needs of the urban Native population in Bismarck-Mandan and statewide, noting that many Native people live off-reservation and often fall through the cracks in state-tribal discussions. The committee adjourned for lunch and planned to continue with additional presentations afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is hosting its fourth annual Broadband Day at the Capitol
• In celebration of Broadband Day at the Capitol, the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group is providing gift
• Over time, prior statutory changes have introduced administrative complexity related to verification,

Bills: HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our Friday, February 6, 9:00 a.m. agenda, and we are in State Capitol Conference Room 325.
• We are at the State Capitol in Room 325.
• It is also a very complex kind of network of laws that lays together, you know, to protect animal cruelty

Bills: HB1621, HB1880, HB1831

Keywords: pesticides, environmental impact, agriculture, 1,3-dichloropropene, chlorpyrifos, land management, wastewater compliance, state funding, survey issues, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Agriculture and Food Systems and Energy and Environmental Protection heard three bills. HB 1621 would create a conservation, agriculture, and soil health incentive program under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, with annual reporting and funding. Testimony was broadly supportive from the Climate Commission, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Farmers Union, White Alliance for Progressive Action, and the Farm Bureau, and the bill was described as a way to advance soil health and support producers. HB 1880 would prohibit, beginning in 2027, the use of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene (such as Telone). The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered written comments, Hawaii Farmers Union supported the ban citing drift and health concerns, and the Farm Bureau opposed it, arguing growers need such tools; the bill also drew discussion about crop rotation and other pest-management practices. HB 1831 would authorize funding to address survey deficiencies and wastewater compliance issues on certain non-agricultural parklands; the Attorney General’s Office warned the bill as written may violate the U.S. Constitution’s contract clause and suggested revisions, while the department and Farm Bureau supported the measure’s intent. The committees later took up decision-making and voted to pass all three measures with amendments, with the effective dates changed to July 1, 3000 and HB 1831 amended to reflect the Attorney General’s suggested changes. The Agriculture and Food Systems committee then heard HB 1572, which would establish a four-year restorative aquaculture development program to streamline permitting, expand infrastructure and workforce capacity, create pilot sites, and convene an advisory council. The Attorney General noted a technical issue about whether council members would be compensated, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union all expressed support for streamlining aquaculture and promoting restorative aquaculture. Members asked about the bill’s focus on restorative aquaculture, and the department said the program would give the area dedicated resources and a framework. The committee also heard HB 219, which would temporarily reestablish the coffee berry borer pesticide subsidy program and manager position; the department, Waimea Coffee Association, Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union supported it. HB 2139 would fund University of Hawaiʻi research on treatment methods for the Queensland longhorn beetle. Testimony from DLNR, the invasive species council, university researchers, farmers, and the Farm Bureau emphasized the beetle’s spread and damage to trees and crops, and described nematode biocontrol as promising but labor-intensive and in need of more research and scaling. Members asked whether the funding was for research rather than a position, whether the current nematode approach is sufficient for large orchards, and whether other controls are being explored; the response was that the bill funds testing and that more work is needed, including local production of nematodes if the method proves effective.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Capitol. I told them they wouldn't get called on it. It was something I said.
• Citizenship status is complex.
• You're always welcome back to the Capitol.

Bills: HB1968, HB2279, HB2739, HB2803, HB3909, HB3918, HB4253, HB4475, HB5115, HB5430

Keywords: election services, contracting, political subdivisions, county elections, election code, voter registration, citizenship status, election law, cancellation, disqualification, Texas Election Code, voter identification, registration, election integrity, identification documents, election, watcher, polling place, removal, Texas Elections Code

Summary: The committee first voted out two previously heard Senate bills without amendment: SB 688, relating to the date of the meeting of presidential electors, and SB 914, relating to authorizing certain cities to change the date of their general election for officers. Both motions passed on 8-0 votes with one member absent. The committee then heard HB 3909, which would change the current prohibition on wireless device use from a 100-foot boundary around a voting station to only inside the room where voting is taking place, with a committee substitute also adding state-prescribed signage. The author and supporters said the change would reduce confusion and make enforcement easier for election workers, while opponents argued the existing 100-foot rule helps prevent electioneering, recording, and possible technical interference with election equipment. The bill was left pending. Members also heard HB 1968, which would repeal a provision that requires counties to provide election services to certain political subdivisions in odd-numbered years but not even-numbered years, making county-provided election services consistent across years. Supporters said it would improve consistency for smaller cities and school districts, while opponents warned it could strain county equipment and staffing during heavy election cycles. The bill was left pending. HB 2279 would require voter registrars to remove a person from the rolls if the person swears under oath during jury service that they are not a U.S. citizen; supporters said this would streamline removal of ineligible voters, while opponents raised concerns about mistaken identity and loss of due process. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 2803, which would require a presiding judge to give a poll watcher a signed statement explaining any removal from service. Supporters said this would improve documentation and accountability, and one witness asked for clarification that improper removal would remain a criminal offense; the author said he would consider a floor amendment and further discussion. The committee also heard HB 4253, which would create a more uniform voter-roll maintenance process based on inactivity, sending confirmation notices to voters who have not voted in the prior 25 months and eventually removing those who do not respond after multiple election cycles. Supporters said it would clean up outdated records and help keep voters registered where they actually live, while opponents argued it could wrongly remove eligible voters who simply do not vote regularly. HB 4253 was left pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• own personal experience, I know when I've had a car totaled, interesting story actually here on the Capitol
• described it, I don't know how many people are around for this, but in 2016, someone lit a car on the Capitol
• Um, on complex cases where there might be a pro rata, um, liability involved, um, uh, and of course,

Transcript Highlights:

• And they celebrate that today by visiting us here in the Capitol to learn more about our state government
• Celebrate that today by visiting us here in the Capitol to learn more about our state government.
• They've really had a great time in the State Capitol and learning a little bit more about what dad does
• hear AB 470, McKinner, at their hearing on Monday, June 23rd, upon adjournment of the session in the Capitol
• Of the session in the Capitol Room 444. Seconded by Assembly Member Ortega.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer focused on self-reflection and leadership, and observed the Pledge of Allegiance led by Assembly Member LaShae Sharp-Collins, who also marked the day as Juneteenth. The body approved the previous day’s journal and handled several procedural motions, including unanimous-consent actions to suspend rules for adjournment-in-memory remarks, guest seating, re-referrals of multiple Senate bills to different committees, and the removal of AJR 9 from the consent calendar. The Assembly also re-referred AB 470 to the Communications and Conveyance Committee and, by roll call, suspended Joint Rule 62A to allow that committee to hear the bill on June 23; the motion passed 46-8. On the daily file, the clerk read a series of Senate bills on second reading, and the Assembly passed and retained all items on both the Assembly and Senate third-reading files. The second-day consent calendar included ACR 93, recognizing Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency Awareness Day, and ACR 95, recognizing the 2025 International Day of Yoga. Sixty-one coauthors were added to the resolutions, and both items were adopted by unanimous 64-0 votes. The chamber then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes from Assembly Members Rubio and Michelle Rodriguez for Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros, who was killed in the line of duty. Both members praised his bravery, service, and dedication, and the Assembly observed a moment of silence. The session concluded with announcements that there would be no floor or check-in session on Friday, June 19, and that the Assembly would reconvene Monday, June 23, at 1 p.m., before adjourning on motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• From our school boards and the Texas Capitol Developing youth visibility in policymaking.
• From our school boards and the Texas Capitol to the halls of Congress and the White House, SEAT has made
• And today, that is the Texas Capitol.
• We're at the Capitol today to hold them to this vision that we hold for our Texas.
• So thank you so much for joining us today, and you're going to see us around the Capitol.

Keywords: student advocacy, SB12, SB13, public education policy, youth engagement, marginalized communities, legislative representation

Summary: Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) held an advocacy event at the Texas Capitol focused on youth participation in policymaking and opposition to recent education-related legislation. Speakers, including student organizers and SEAT leaders, argued that students should have a direct voice in decisions affecting public schools, curriculum, and school governance. Representative Donna Howard briefly attended to support the group, praised their advocacy, and referenced the idea that if young people are not given a seat at the table, they should “bring your own chair.” Several student speakers criticized the newly passed school vouchers bill as a threat to public education and said it would divert resources from public schools. Others opposed bills such as Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 13, describing them as harmful to LGBTQ+ students and inclusive education. One speaker also condemned book bans and library censorship, arguing that students need access to diverse books and truthful, inclusive curricula. The speakers framed these issues as matters of student rights, belonging, and free expression. SEAT executive director Cameron Samuels closed by describing the organization’s history of student-led activism against book bans and exclusion from school policymaking. Samuels said the group had distributed challenged books, pursued legal action over blocked internet resources, and delivered a Student Bill of Rights to superintendents and legislators. The event ended without any formal legislative vote or committee action, serving instead as a press conference and advocacy rally urging lawmakers to listen to students.