Video & Transcript : 'rules committee' :
Page 91 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 27th, 2026
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Referred to the Committee on Rules. Senator Ritchelli. Thank you so much, Mr. President.
- I move that the measure The committee on rules. Senator Ritchelli. Thank you so much, Mr.
- to the committees as designated.
- President, there will be a meeting of the Committee on Rules at the Bar of the Senate immediately upon
- In fact, there was an excellent bill from Senator Benke, which got all the way to the Rules Committee
Bills:
SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005, SB6003, SB6129, SB6225, SB6228, SB6231
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law
Summary:
The Senate convened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then moved to a resolution honoring piano teachers. Senate Resolution 8698 was adopted after remarks from Senator Conway and others describing the role of piano teachers in music education, family life, and community service. Members of the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery.
The chamber then took up the operating budget and considered a long series of amendments. Several amendments focused on housing costs and local planning, utility and energy policy, ballot measure costs, state spending growth, tort liability, and paid family and medical leave. Some amendments were adopted, including a study of utility cost impacts from climate laws, a grid-related funding amendment, a tort liability oversight/reporting amendment, and a workgroup on services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Others were rejected, including proposals to create a housing task force, cap state spending growth, fund ballot initiative costs, restore local planning grants, and change paid family and medical leave usage rules.
Debate on the budget amendments was often partisan and detailed, with supporters arguing for fiscal restraint, cost transparency, and relief for taxpayers and local governments, while opponents emphasized existing work, program solvency, and the need to preserve services. The Senate also heard amendments on zero-based budgeting, federal education tax credit opt-in language, reproductive health funding, food assistance work requirements, and support for the Pediatric Interim Care Center; some were defeated and some were adopted. Roll-call votes were taken on certain amendments, and the transcript ends during consideration of Amendment 0787, which would restore funding for the Pediatric Interim Care Center.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/24/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- But in this committee, I would suggest...
- I first served on committee.
- Chairperson, Senators, committee.
- But good morning, the Chair and committee. But good morning, the Chair and committee.
- Seeing no further business for the committee, this committee is adjourned.
Bills:
SB1041, SB1050, SB1131, SB1138, SB1249, SB1267, SB1272, SB1317, SB1461, SB1488, SB1504, SB1517, SB1523, SB1580, SB1582, SB1584, SB1585, SB1602, SB1630, SB1654, SB1672, SB1673, SB1718, SB1761, SB1819, SB1826, SB1827
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, veterans, lifetime pass, state parks, Arizona, access, disabled veterans, cardiac arrest, defibrillators, school safety, emergency response, CPR training, Arizona education funding, automated license plate readers
NH
Keywords:
NH House of Representatives Committee Streaming, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQHnyO93Vng, 2026-06-14T02:39:09+00:00, 2.2.23, Data collected via generic collector engine, http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/calendars_journals/
0:00 House Session – February 1, 2024
9:39 Call the House to Order
9:41 Adjourn from the Late Session
9:55 Prayer – Reverend Bob Stewart
12:51 Pledge of Allegiance
13:16 National Anthem by Tasha Lawson
15:01 Leaves of Absence
15:33 Introduction of Guests
16:20 Communication – Welcome Rep. Sean Durkin and Rep. Michael Murphy
17:17 Memorial Remarks for Hon. Suzanne Smith
23:25 Motion to place Memorial Remarks in Permanent Journal
23:38 Bill Removed from Consent Calendar: CACR 20, HR 20, HB 1447-FN
24:24 Adoption of Consent Calendar
25:26 Motion to Suspend House Rules
26:54 HB 1199-FN-A
27:11 Motion to Table (DIV)
30:46 HB 1588-FN
31:23 HB 1598-FN-A
32:57 HB 1237-FN
33:29 ITL (DIV)
42:21 FA 0345h
43:20 OTPA
44:06 Motion to Reconsider HB 396 (DIV)
49:26 HB 1372-FN (RC)
53:36 HB 1068
53:55 OTP (RC)
1:01:55 ITL
1:02:33 HB 1520-FN-A
1:02:48 OTP (DIV)
1:15:40 ITL
1:16:57 CACR 23
1:17:11 OTP (RC)
1:37:51 HB 1002 (RC)
2:15:09 Announcements
2:16:49 Lunch Recess until 1:30 pm
3:45:49 HB 1005-FN
3:47:08 HB 1248 -FN
3:47:26 Motion to Indefinitely Postpone (RC)
3:50:19 HB 1230 (DIV)
4:03:19 HB 1398
4:03:50 HB 1499
4:05:08 CACR 13
4:05:34 FA 0385h (RC)
4:18:50 OTP (RC)
4:21:06 Motion to place debate on CACR 13 in Permanent Journal
4:21:25 HB 1179-FN
4:22:27 HB 1338 (RC)
4:33:15 HR 21 (DIV)
4:41:46 HB 1391-FN (DIV)
5:02:35CACR 20
5:03:07 Motion to Indefinitely Postpone (DIV)
5:08:43 HR 20 (RC)
5:15:18 HB 1447-FN (DIV)
5:27:04 Third Reading
5:27:40 Announcements
5:30:36 Unanimous Consent – Rep. William Boyd
5:33:39 Motion to Print Remarks of Rep. Boyd in Permanent Journal
5:33:48 Recess to Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., 928, house, all, 2.2.40, 2.1.47
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 - March 27, 2020
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Keywords:
HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aYEehoj9WA, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Today's meeting is also being broadcast with closed captioning on ‘Olelo Community Media's channel 55 and on the online stream: http://olelo.granicus.com/player/event/5588?view_id=13 Just press the CC button when you hover your mouse over the video screen.
Meeting of the Special Committee
Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19
Friday, March 27, 2020
Agenda
The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to:
1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures;
2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures;
3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and
4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom.
The special committee will be meeting with the following:
11:00 a.m. Federal Stimulus Package
Senator Brian Schatz, U.S. Senate
11:30 a.m. Office of the Governor
Ms. Linda C. Takayama, Chief of Staff
12:00 p.m. Department of Transportation
Deputy Director Derek Chow, Harbors Division
Deputy Director Ross Higashi, Airports Division
12:45 p.m. Department of the Attorney General
Attorney General Clare E. Connors
Department of Public Safety
Director Nolan Espinda
2:00 p.m. Healthcare Industry
Dr. Jim Ireland, Medical Director for Department of Transportation
Dr. Elizabeth E. Char, Medical Physician
2:30 p.m. Department of Health
Dr. Bruce Anderson, Director
Dr. Sarah Park
Dr. Edward Desmond, State Laboratories Division Administrator
4:00 p.m. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
Adjutant General Kenneth Hara, Incident Commander, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/26/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Transcript Highlights:
- So just a statement for the committee. Mr.
- So since this committee essentially functions as an alternate appropriations committee at the beginning
- opposing chamber then gets held in rules.
- Vice Chair, members of the committee.
- Chairman, members of the committee, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, I'm Paul Parisi.
Keywords:
braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, HB 2225, Yavapai County, northern Arizona regional training academy, training academy, public safety training, law enforcement training, police academy, first responder training, capital appropriation, state general fund, state treasurer, lapsing appropriation, section 35-190, capital costs, regional training facility
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- To do so within 30 days and then plug or replug the well in accordance with Railroad Commission rules
- backed the committee substitute from.
- Um, the committee substitute will remove Section C2 that was added inadvertently when and would have
- So with that, is there any other business come before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources?
- Hearing and seeing none, the committee stands in recess subject to call to the chair.
Keywords:
concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 23rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's see, after testimony concludes, questions may be asked by the members of the committee; only committee
- this duly adopted home rule petition.
- The question before the committee is larger than Walpole.
- The question before committee is larger than the wall pole.
- Thank you for the committee that I'm addressing today.
Keywords:
North Attleborough, town charter, home rule charter, municipal government, local option, charter amendment, Parks and Recreation Commission, Park Commission, write-in candidate, sticker candidate, ballot access, town election, bylaw, ordinance, board membership, local approval, Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, planning board, associate members
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on several local bills and home rule petitions. The first major item was Senate Bill 3092, authorizing the city of Newton to issue pension obligation bonds or notes. Senator Cindy Cream and Mayor Mark Laredo’s chief of staff, Dana Hansen, testified in support, saying the measure would help Newton manage its unfunded pension liability, preserve its AAA bond rating, and create about $10 million in budget flexibility over five years. Senator John Keenan supported the bill but cautioned that pension obligation bonds depend heavily on market timing and assumptions about future funding and hiring.
The committee then heard testimony on a Boylston bill, Senate Bill 3088, allowing the town to contract for a newly created police lieutenant position. Boylston officials said the town’s growth and public safety needs justify a second-in-command role with supervisory, internal affairs, and emergency command duties, and that a contract is needed because of the position’s management-level responsibilities. Representative Wells asked why a lieutenant position required a home rule petition, and the chief explained that town counsel advised the arrangement functioned more like an employment contract than a standard personnel-plan position.
Next, the committee took up House Bill 5426 for North Attleboro, a charter amendment package. Town Manager Mike Borg said the bill makes limited local changes: correcting charter language, expanding the Board of Health from three to five members, and requiring write-in candidates to meet a minimum vote threshold comparable to ballot candidates. The committee then heard Senate Bill 3087 for Walpole, which would create a water and sewer advisory board and change the governance structure for the town’s water and sewer system. Town officials supported the bill as a way to improve planning and accountability, but several elected water and sewer commissioners and a town meeting member opposed it, arguing it would abolish an elected board, reduce voter representation, and concentrate power in appointed officials. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking a vote in the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 23rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- After testimony concludes, questions may be asked by the members of the committee; only committee members
- We had school committee members,” “Of our finance committee from the city council.
- Any other questions or comments from the committee?
- The question before the committee is larger than Walpole.
- Thank you for the committee that I'm addressing today.
Keywords:
North Attleborough, town charter, home rule charter, municipal government, local option, charter amendment, Parks and Recreation Commission, Park Commission, write-in candidate, sticker candidate, ballot access, town election, bylaw, ordinance, board membership, local approval, Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, planning board, associate members
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We will adhere to our committee rules and time limits: five minutes for the author's opening and closing
- Madam Chair, members of the committee.
- So committee members, Rep. Tarver offers up an amendment.
- I just want to say welcome to committee and to the Capitol.
- So committee members, last up is H.C.R. 81 by Rep. Freiberg.
Keywords:
TOPS, education funding, workforce development, postsecondary education, Louisiana Works, tech training, declining enrollment, public schools, school districts, Louisiana Department of Education, state superintendent, school closures, budget cuts, teacher layoffs, school consolidation, education policy, enrollment decline, birth rates, migration, private schools
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs Apr 29th, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It was amended in Senate committee.
- Chairman, members of the committee.
- In the Senate committee, it went to education.
- Chairman and members of the committee.
- I'm happy to review our rules and regulations.
Keywords:
tax credits, higher education, workforce development, brain drain, economic incentives, public meeting minutes, transparency, government accountability, publication deadlines, open meetings, SB49, Louisiana elections, party primary, primary elections, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, school board elections, election law, candidate qualification, ballot access
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses May 7th, 2026
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Transcript Highlights:
- We have questions from the committee? Questions from members?
- Thank you, Chair Vargas, and members of the committee.
- Chair and members of the committee for having us here today.
- Good afternoon to the chairs and the members of the committee.
- Good afternoon, Chairs and members of the committee.
Keywords:
ENOUGH Act, ENOUGH fund, anti-poverty, poverty reduction, community development, place-based grants, distressed neighborhoods, economic mobility, housing and livable communities, community schools, cradle-to-career, child poverty, intergenerational poverty, social services, workforce development, education equity, public health, behavioral health, mental health, affordable housing
TX
Keywords:
immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, public nuisance, civil actions, legal claims, abatement, Texas law, transnational repression, foreign law enforcement, criminal offenses, law enforcement training, first amendment rights, public safety, liquor, distiller, wholesaler
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
SCP Informational Briefing 08-04-2021 1:30pm
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Keywords:
HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYt3jrA4CRo, 2026-07-02T01:22:53+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, The Senate Special Committee on Procurement is charged with improving state procurement policies and processes. The purpose of this briefing is to meet with the Department of Accounting and General Services to discuss their procurement and bid protest procedures, challenges, and suggested recommendations for addressing them.
Agenda:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_SCP_08-04-21_INFO_.HTM, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 52 Afternoon Session May 5th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- it in the statute, making sure there's clarity of process and not that it's just in administrative rules
- Conference committee report to House Bill 2115 by Osborne of the House and Thompson of the Senate, an
- Now it's totally in rules, as Rector Jackson mentioned it doesn't remove their ability to rule on eligibility
- They still have the ability and will rule on transfers.
- They can't punt until the legislation just says, 'Well, the statute says this,' even though their rules
Bills:
HJR1101, SB1319, SB1264, HB4237, SB1277, SB2069, HB3066, HB2115, HB2153, HB2268, HB2961, SB1679, SB2018, HB4294, SB2095, HB4113, SB1894, SB1810, HB4268, HB1752, HB3413, SB625, HB3644, HB3940, HJR1096, HJR1100, HJR1099, HB2992, SB1636, HB4302, SB1613, SB1443, HB1409, HB1675, HB1225, HB1381, HB4359, SB1503
Keywords:
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, OMMA, medical marijuana, cannabis, marijuana regulation, administrative rules, permanent rules, rule approval, joint resolution, legislative oversight, Title 75 Section 308, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 442, patients, caregivers, licensees, dispensaries, growers, processors, SB1319
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 52 Morning Session May 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- reports, and, joint committee reports.
- Representative Ford, 9 rules of Senate Bill 1636 be banned for general order. Objection.
- We put it in to try to address concerns in committee.
- And yes, thank you for trying in committee to help make this a better bill.
- So, if we clear out the amendment that came from committee, that includes all of these.
Bills:
HJR1101, SB1319, SB1264, HB4237, SB1277, SB2069, HB3066, HB2115, HB2153, HB2268, HB2961, SB1679, SB2018, HB4294, SB2095, HB4113, SB1894, SB1810, HB4268, HB1752, HB3413, SB625, HB3644, HB3940, HJR1096, HJR1100, HJR1099, HB2992, SB1636, HB4302, SB1613, SB1443, HB1409, HB1675, HB1225, HB1381, HB4359, SB1503
Keywords:
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, OMMA, medical marijuana, cannabis, marijuana regulation, administrative rules, permanent rules, rule approval, joint resolution, legislative oversight, Title 75 Section 308, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 442, patients, caregivers, licensees, dispensaries, growers, processors, SB1319
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 52 Morning Session May 5th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- meeting, sign with the resolution, the bills, resolutions, public reports, the bills, comments, committee
- The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority proposed rules regarding prepackaging and several things along
- So we pull this out and present it as a separate rule. Move for adoption. Are there any questions?
- Speaker, I appreciate all of your patience with this process as we're working through this new rules
- Thank you for trying in committee to help make this a better bill.
Bills:
HJR1101, SB1319, SB1264, HB4237, SB1277, SB2069, HB3066, HB2115, HB2153, HB2268, HB2961, SB1679, SB2018, HB4294, SB2095, HB4113, SB1894, SB1810, HB4268, HB1752, HB3413, SB625, HB3644, HB3940, HJR1096, HJR1100, HJR1099, HB2992, SB1636, HB4302, SB1613, SB1443, HB1409, HB1675, HB1225, HB1381, HB4359, SB1503
Keywords:
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, OMMA, medical marijuana, cannabis, marijuana regulation, administrative rules, permanent rules, rule approval, joint resolution, legislative oversight, Title 75 Section 308, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 442, patients, caregivers, licensees, dispensaries, growers, processors, SB1319
Summary:
The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge, and then took up a series of Senate amendments, conference reports, and Senate bills. Early action included unanimous adoption and passage of House Bill 3940, which added a five-year Oklahoma National Guard service requirement for benefits. Members also passed H.J.R. 1096 on Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority rule changes, H.J.R. 1100 on Office of Management and Enterprise Services fleet-related rules, and H.J.R. 1099 on Oklahoma Health Care Authority rules, with little debate. The chamber also rejected Senate amendments to H.J.R. 1067 and held a special recognition for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People awareness, including a citation honoring MMIP advocates and Oklahoma’s response through Ida’s Law and related efforts.
Several other measures were considered and passed, including House Bill 2992 on Corporation Commission/data center ratepayer protections, Senate Bill 1636 establishing a procedure for cold-case review, House Bill 4302 on children-related disclosure language, Senate Bill 1613 on liquefied petroleum gas, Senate Bill 1443 on anesthesiologist payment in health benefit plans, House Bill 1409 on open meetings, House Bill 1675 on emergency management, House Bill 1225 on vital records, and House Bill 4359 on extending the school testing window from the last three weeks to the last four weeks. House Bill 1381 on alcoholic beverages failed on final passage after debate. Several bills also carried emergency clauses, including House Bill 2992, House Bill 1225, and House Bill 4359, and those emergency votes were adopted where applicable.
The longest and most contentious debate centered on Senate Bill 1503, the Choosing Childbirth Act. Supporters argued it would help pregnant women choose childbirth, connect them to resources, and save babies’ lives, while opponents raised concerns about women’s autonomy, maternal health, privacy of online data, out-of-state nonprofit involvement, and whether state funds should instead support Oklahoma-based services and broader health care needs. After extensive debate and multiple questions, the House passed the bill 73-18. The chamber also heard announcements recognizing the Doctor of the Day, Nurse of the Day, Beef Day at the Capitol, and a farewell acknowledgment for Representative Kevin West, who was noted as having presented his last bill on the House floor.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 52 Afternoon Session May 5th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Conference Committee report to House Bill 2115.
- Conference Committee report to House Bill 2115 by Osborne of the House and Thompson of the Senate, an
- Now it's totally in rules.
- As Director Jackson mentioned, it doesn't remove their ability to rule on eligibility.
- They still have the ability and will rule on transfers.
Bills:
HJR1101, SB1319, SB1264, HB4237, SB1277, SB2069, HB3066, HB2115, HB2153, HB2268, HB2961, SB1679, SB2018, HB4294, SB2095, HB4113, SB1894, SB1810, HB4268, HB1752, HB3413, SB625, HB3644, HB3940, HJR1096, HJR1100, HJR1099, HB2992, SB1636, HB4302, SB1613, SB1443, HB1409, HB1675, HB1225, HB1381, HB4359, SB1503
Keywords:
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, OMMA, medical marijuana, cannabis, marijuana regulation, administrative rules, permanent rules, rule approval, joint resolution, legislative oversight, Title 75 Section 308, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 442, patients, caregivers, licensees, dispensaries, growers, processors, SB1319
Summary:
The House considered and passed a series of Senate bills and Senate amendments, mostly on criminal justice, education, health, and administrative matters. Measures approved included SB 1319 creating a revolving fund for the Corporation Commission; SB 1264 expanding the definition of great bodily harm; HB 4237 streamlining court collection of fees, fines, and costs; SB 1277 codifying OESC employment-benefit procedures; SB 269 creating the Advanced Nuclear Office through a strike-everything amendment; HB 3066 renaming a health workforce revolving fund; HB 2153 removing statutory eligibility language and leaving OSSAA transfer rules to the association; HB 2268 adding $2.5 million for PACE; HB 2961 providing a tuition waiver for Gold Star recipients; SB 1679 reaffirming the Oklahoma and U.S. Constitutions as courtroom standards; SB 2018 addressing ad valorem tax cost basis for new construction; HB 4294 restoring title and enacting clause on a health insurance measure; SB 2095 protecting landowners in guiding-service situations; HB 4113 clarifying voting rights restoration for felons; SB 1894 allowing extra professional development hours for newer teachers; SB 1810 updating human trafficking victim and expert-testimony provisions; HB 4268 adjusting terms on the education commission; HB 1752 allowing certain prosecutorial agencies to buy vehicles directly; HB 3413 modifying contract-services dashboard reporting; SB 625 using a strike-everything amendment for domestic-violence/civil-procedure cleanup; and HB 3644 on venous thromboembolism, with title/enacting-clause restoration and other cleanup. Most bills passed with little or no debate, and several emergency clauses were adopted by the required two-thirds vote.
One notable bill that failed was HB 2115, which would have moved administration of the federal weatherization assistance program from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services. Representative Osborne explained the bill as a placement change for the program, but after questions about possible budget synergies, the House rejected it 39-41. Osborne later gave notice of intent to reconsider the vote. HB 2153 drew the main substantive debate: Representative Pogemiller opposed the measure, arguing it would weaken transfer-eligibility safeguards for student athletes, while Representative Hall said the bill simply removed duplicative statutory language and left eligibility decisions to OSSAA rules.
The chamber also handled several Senate amendments that were largely technical, such as restoring titles and enacting clauses or clarifying fund names and commission terms. Votes on the measures that passed were generally strong, including unanimous or near-unanimous support on several bills. The House later noted a main water break in the building, shifted to announcements and introductions, and adjourned with a motion to reconvene on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part I) Apr 1st, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the chair of the Business Organizations Code Drafting Committee. ...Committee of the State Bar of
- Chairman, members of the committee.
- There is a committee substitute.
- In 2003, they adopted rules and were never able to fully implement those rules.
- Thank you, Chair and committee.
Keywords:
electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part II) Apr 1st, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Committee on Business come to order.
- There is a committee substitute.
- you in the committee substitute.
- Vice Chair, committee members.
- Supreme Court's ruling in Janus v.
Keywords:
electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a committee substitute.
- you in the committee substitute.
- The difference between the committee substitute and the original is that the committee substitute looks
- you in the committee substitute.
- Vice Chair, committee members.
Keywords:
electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard Senate Bill 2021 by Senator Johnson, as substituted, on distributed energy resources (DERs). Johnson said the bill was intended to create a regulatory framework for DERs and virtual power plants, address interconnection and registration issues, and prevent regulatory capture as the industry grows. Testimony was split: Texas Electric Cooperatives asked for clarification so co-ops would not be unintentionally excluded from owning or operating DERs; AECT supported the bill as providing needed rules and customer protections; TABA, Texas Solar and Storage Association, Sierra Club, Texas Solar Energy Society, and several others opposed it or raised concerns that it was too utility-centric, imposed red tape, and could burden homeowners and small businesses with registration and interconnection requirements. Johnson repeatedly said the bill was not meant to stop rooftop solar or backup systems and that he was open to specific redlines and further changes. SB 2021 was left pending after testimony.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2330 by Senator Parker, which would end government payroll deduction for dues to certain public employee organizations, while exempting first responders under Chapters 143 and 147 and making other conforming changes in a committee substitute. Parker argued the bill was about government neutrality, transparency, and employee freedom from coercion, and said organizations can collect dues directly using modern payment methods. Supporters from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Business Coalition, Freedom Foundation, ABC Texas, and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility said taxpayer-funded payroll systems should not be used to collect dues for private organizations, especially ones involved in political activity. Opponents, including ATPE, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Public Employees Association, and correctional employees, said payroll deduction is a convenient, secure service that helps professional associations and employee groups, and argued the bill would burden teachers and other public employees.
Several witnesses and senators focused on the bill’s exemptions and whether it treated teachers differently from first responders. Senator Menendez questioned why some public employees were excluded while others were not, and a Houston police union representative said he moved from opposing to supporting the bill after being told the substitute would preserve meet-and-confer deductions under Chapters 143 and 147. Senator Parker closed by saying the bill was not meant to eliminate associations or payroll deduction entirely, only to remove the state as a middleman. SB 2330 was left pending, and the committee then recessed subject to call.