Transcript Highlights:

• It's also when it's sent electronically, it's time-stamped, and it's also with the read receipt on it
• five unexcused absences within the 30 calendar days through our SIS system so we can get the read receipt
• ... ...excused absences within the 30 calendar days through our SIS system so we can get the read receipt

Summary: The committee met to discuss student attendance and chronic absenteeism in Florida K-12 schools, with Chair Simon outlining the state’s attendance requirements and intervention process, including school contact after unexcused absences, child study team review, district superintendent referral, DJJ family services referral, truancy petitions, and possible parental prosecution and driver’s license consequences. Dr. Chris Curran of the University of Florida presented statewide data showing chronic absenteeism has risen sharply since the pandemic, with Florida at about 31.4% in 2023–24, and noted that absenteeism varies by district, school level, demographics, and urbanicity. He emphasized that causes are multifaceted—ranging from transportation, mental health, housing instability, safety concerns, and family circumstances—and said effective responses include early warning systems, text or phone outreach, multi-tiered interventions, mentoring programs like Check & Connect, and community partnerships. He also cautioned that punitive responses alone are often less effective than addressing root causes and keeping students engaged academically even when they miss school. Collier County Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli described her district’s attendance efforts as a priority supported by attendance specialists, social workers, mental health staff, home visits, attendance contracts, and extensive parent communication. She said Collier’s chronic absenteeism rate was about 9% in 2023–24 and attributed success to consistent monitoring, family outreach, and community support, while stressing that students must be physically present to learn. She also argued that many absences are tied to barriers such as clothing, transportation, childcare, or family mental health, and that districts need resources to address those issues. Dr. Rachel Dawes added that Collier uses multilingual brochures, attendance awareness campaigns, vacation-planning guidance, door tags, automated calls and letters, and a truancy flow chart, with truancy court used as a last resort. Volusia County Executive Director Mike McAuliffe described a districtwide overhaul that included an attendance matters campaign, automated notices sent early and often, same-day and period-by-period notifications, a data dashboard, and tiered supports through MTSS. He said Volusia reduced chronic absenteeism from 34% in 2023–24 to a projected 29% and reported a first-quarter rate of about 20% in the current year. He highlighted community partnerships, including AdventHealth support for washers and dryers, bikes for students with transportation barriers, and monetary recognition for schools that reduce absenteeism. In response to questions, both district leaders emphasized that funding, staffing, and consistent follow-through are essential, and that attendance work is most effective when paired with family engagement, data monitoring, and practical supports rather than punishment alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• Observation number four on page 11 notes that the commission has not properly designed its daily cash receipt
• for the NextG system, as the control did not include evidence of the reconciliation of daily cash receipts
• recommend the commission develop policies and procedures to effectively account for its daily cash receipts

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 20, 2025 minutes, with several members abstaining, and then adopted the consent calendar after removing items 223 and 224 under tab five, item 222 under tab six, and item 231 under tab seven. The committee also noted that an old business item related to YDC claims administration would be removed at a future meeting because the fiscal year had closed and no further committee action was needed. The main substantive discussion centered on Department of Health and Human Services requests. Item FIS-223 would fund a shared database between the Department of Education and HHS to identify children eligible for the summer EBT program; members asked whether it could also help with Medicaid or school reimbursement tracking, but the witness said the item was specifically for summer EBT and that broader integration questions would need follow-up with Education and Medicaid staff. The committee then adopted the item, with Representative Mooney voting no. Item FIS-224 concerned the phrase "high quality services" in child care-related funding; HHS said the standards come from the federal Office of Child Care, and the committee adopted the item. Item FIS-222 related to Money Follows the Person; HHS explained it is a 100% federally funded program that supports transitions from institutions to community living with services such as housing navigation, furnishings, and case management. Members questioned the scale and cost of the program, and HHS said the initial federal award was $5 million, with additional federal IT funding later approved; the committee adopted the item, again with Representative Mooney voting no. Under tab seven, the committee discussed item 231 involving ARPA funds and the YDC project. The Department of Administrative Services explained that recent Treasury guidance allows leftover ARPA dollars from approved projects to be repurposed only for additional work on already approved projects, not new projects. Members asked about whether the project was over budget and whether some items had been in the original plan; officials said the work reflected add alternates from the original bid and that the project was on track to meet the deadline. The committee adopted the item. The meeting then moved to the audit presentation on the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s fiscal year 2024 management letter, which identified 13 internal control comments, including two material weaknesses, largely tied to the new NextG system. Recommendations included strengthening controls, formal risk assessment, reconciliations to New Hampshire First, cash receipt controls, subsidiary ledgers, SOC reports for vendors, internal audit functions, lease accounting, gift card breakage reporting, and IT security and access controls. The Liquor Commission said it concurred with most findings, described the system transition as successful overall, and said remediation would continue; committee members asked for estimated completion dates for audit findings and discussed the need for more regular follow-up on audit issues and budget monitoring.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if I get my receipt, let's say I put in money or if I send 100 ounces of gold to the Comptroller.
• literally will just drive my car down there and somebody at the door—100 ounces of gold—and get a paper receipt
• or a digital receipt?

Bills: HB42

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sell 51% or more of your gross receipts for the on-site consumption of alcohol, that would make you a
• sells alcohol, or you're a restaurant in which someone is consuming alcohol on-site, but the gross receipts
• So once those gross receipts equal more than half of your business, meaning you're technically.

Bills: HB259

Keywords: redistricting, Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, Texas Legislature, elections, district boundaries, voter representation

Transcript Highlights:

• Because, as I understood it—and this is news to me—it comes from gross receipts tax, right?
• oversight of what that is like because as I understood it and this is used to me is it comes from gross receipts
• tax right that's is where this money is coming from you know. it comes from gross receipts tax right

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear an overview of State University System finances from the Board of Governors and detailed budget presentations from Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, and the University of North Florida. The witnesses explained how university budgets are organized into fund categories such as education and general, contracts and grants, auxiliaries, local/designated funds, capital projects, and component units such as direct support organizations. They also described carry forward funds, the statutory reserve and spending-plan requirements, the PICO/HECO capital outlay process, and how universities use investment accounts, audits, and board oversight to manage restricted and unspent funds. The universities emphasized that most operating dollars are restricted to specific uses and that state support helps keep tuition low. Members asked about differences in funding levels among institutions, especially why FSU receives more funding than UCF despite lower enrollment. Officials said preeminence funding, performance funding, and special legislative appropriations explain much of the difference, and the Board of Governors noted that Florida now has four preeminent universities, with UCF nearing that status. Questions also focused on what happens to unspent carry forward money, how it is invested, and whether the Board of Governors or Legislature can require funds to be returned; officials said the money is invested conservatively, subject to board and audit oversight, and can roll forward under a detailed spending plan, though the Legislature can change funding levels. The committee also discussed capital projects, with members asking about delays, inflation, and whether more projects should be phased or funded faster; witnesses said PICO funds remain with the state until needed and are reimbursed as construction proceeds. A substantial portion of the discussion covered athletics, research, student fees, and endowments. The universities said athletics is generally expected to be self-supporting, though limited use of auxiliary or carry forward funds may be allowed for projects benefiting the broader student body. They also described the financial pressures from name, image, and likeness changes and new NCAA-related costs, and said institutions are planning for those changes now. On research, the universities explained sponsored research funding, indirect cost recovery, compliance obligations, and tech transfer, but did not provide specific commercialization revenue figures and said they would follow up. Members also asked about student fee increases, student input, counseling and wellness funding, and how housing costs affect affordability; the universities said student committees and boards review fees, and aid packaging is intended to keep student debt low. Endowments were described as being held in separate foundations/DSOs with independent investment committees and used mainly for scholarships, faculty support, and research.

Transcript Highlights:

• You hold those amounts in trust, so when you have a receipt of a sale and you see the G tacked onto that
• Legislature and the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission effective on July 1, 2026. a receipt
• of a sale and you see the GT a receipt of a sale and you see the GT tacked<00:17:54.720> onto

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs met on January 29, 2025, and first took up deferred SB 259 on record keeping. The chair said Honu Police Department had submitted support, and the committee recommended passage with amendments, including a technical change to the effective date on page 4, line 6 to July 1, 2077. Vice Chair Elefante voted yes; Senators Fevella and Rhoads were excused; the recommendation was adopted. The committee then heard SB 603 and SB 608, both relating to veterans benefits consulting and compensation. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to address First Amendment, Contracts Clause, and savings-clause issues, and testimony was mixed, with several supporters from veterans-related organizations and several opponents, including some testifiers from the public and industry groups. The committee later adopted chair recommendations to pass both bills with amendments, including preambles about protecting veteran consumers from misleading or unfair practices, savings clauses, and effective-date changes to July 1, 2077. SB 601, relating to law enforcement search notices and securing entrances, drew support from the Office of the Public Defender and a private citizen who described the bill as a response to warrantless searches and a transparency measure; there was also opposition from Maui County police and one other testifier. The committee then moved to SB 871 on arson, where the Department of the Attorney General raised drafting and constitutional concerns and the Public Defender opposed the measure as vague, overbroad, and creating problematic sentencing provisions, while HPD supported it as a public-safety tool. The chair ultimately recommended SB 871 pass with amendments softening mandatory language, adding parole language, and changing the effective date to July 1, 2077; the recommendation was adopted. The final measures were SB 1130, exempting certain construction rebuilding materials from general excise tax in federally declared disaster areas, and SB 104, restricting solitary confinement in correctional facilities. The Department of Taxation requested third-party certification and a later effective date, and the committee adopted amendments reflecting those requests and moving the effective date to January 1, 2026. On SB 104, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed the bill, citing staff assaults and existing policy updates, while the Oversight Commission, Public Defender, and multiple advocates supported it as a safeguard with oversight and due process protections. The committee passed SB 104 with amendments, including adopting the commission’s definition language, changing terminology to “restrictive housing,” and setting the effective date to July 1, 2077.

Transcript Highlights:

• In our first item, we will present House Concurrent Resolution 148.
• Our first item we will present will be House Concurrent Resolution 148, presented by Representative Cam
• morning I stand before you to present something that is very near and dear to me, which is House Concurrent
• If you wish to comment on House Concurrent Resolution 148, please use the raise hand function in Zoom
• I will now call the roll on House Concurrent Resolution 148. Representative Chcocha, yes.

Bills: SB274, SB301, SB249

Keywords: healthcare, life-sustaining treatment, patient preferences, POLST, advance directive, medical orders, hospital discharge, pregnancy, patient care, discharge planning, healthcare policy, substance use, harm reduction, syringe services, needle exchange, overdose prevention, naloxone, opioid antagonist, drug paraphernalia, syringe

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks. The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released. Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.

Transcript Highlights:

• Question now comes on concurrence. All those in favor say aye; all those opposed, nay.
• House concurrence. Board of Committee.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. It adopted a resolution commending Bill Spain on his retirement from the Castle Island Association and his work preserving Fort Independence. The House also concurred in a Senate petition concerning improved public access and climate resiliency on the Mystic River and referred it to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. In addition, the House suspended Joint Rule 12 for two petitions: one establishing a sick leave bank for a Massachusetts Department of Transportation employee and another creating a Legion of Merit motor vehicle license plate. The chamber then advanced House Bill 4101, relative to the Dracut Water Supply District, suspending Rule 7A, taking a second reading, and ordering it to a third reading. On third reading, House Bill 5034, waiving the maximum age requirement for Boston police officers for Matthew Cummings, was passed to be engrossed. House Bill 1338, allowing fair compensation of Massachusetts credit union directors, was amended to add an emergency preamble and strike Section 2, then passed to be engrossed as amended. Later, the House recessed and then returned to final passage on House Bill 1646, concerning violations of regulations regarding the hot work process, and House Bill 5511, concerning teacher preparation and student literacy; both were passed to be enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The report of a committee of the two branches and acting concurrently, to whom was referred the petition
• Thank you. ...two branches and acting concurrently, to whom was referred the petition accompanied by

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted a resolution recognizing the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The resolution condemned antisemitism, noted the historical significance of Auschwitz and the Holocaust, and directed copies to be sent to the Consulate General of Israel, the New England Holocaust Memorial Committee, and the Holocaust Legacy Foundation. The chamber then took up several bills and committee reports. It passed to be enacted House No. 4663, authorizing the town of Milford Select Board to appoint a highway surveyor, and sent it to the Governor. The Senate also ordered to a third reading a bill establishing a sick leave bank for Shannon Manning, a Trial Court employee. In addition, the Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 on a report concerning legislation to protect access to justice and referred the matter to the Committee on Judiciary. It also ordered House No. 4805, amending the town charter of Plainville, to a third reading, and suspended Joint Rule 12 on several House petitions so they could be referred to the appropriate committees. The Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m. in formal session, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules and the committees on rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, report recommending
• Question: it was on concurrence. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted a resolution congratulating the town of Kingston on its 300th anniversary after suspending the rules. The chamber also recognized the 2025 cheerleading squad captains and coaches for winning the MSAA small co-ed division championship and being named grand champions, as well as the Franklin High School girls’ varsity volleyball team for winning the MIAA Division I championship. The House received a gubernatorial message submitting fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations requests, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition authorizing eminent domain in Norwood, referring that matter to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling then placed several local bills on the calendar, including measures for Plainville, Milford, Westboro, Revere, and Hopedale. Those local bills were taken up on second reading and ordered to a third reading. The House also considered Senate amendment House 4171, concerning vacancies among town meeting members in Milford; the amendment was reported correctly drawn, the House concurred, and the bill was passed to be enacted. The session ended with adoption of an order to adjourn and the House standing adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Concurrence, calendar number 13. Thank you so much.
• Concurrence,<00:07:30.840> calendar<00:07:31.200> number<00:07:31.440> 14.
• <00:07:32.080> The Concurrence, calendar number 14. The Concurrence, calendar number 14.
• 22.040> the Concurrence calendar number 16, the Concurrence calendar number 16, the clerk<00:49
• <00:56:51.720> The Concurrence calendar number 17. The Concurrence calendar number 17.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House met with 122 members present, heard the journal read, and proceeded through a long series of Senate messages, concurrence motions, and third-reading votes on a wide range of bills. Early business included conference committee appointments on Senate Bill 159 (Emergency Medical Services Vehicles and Ambulances, Required Supplies), Senate Bill 514 (Third Degree Assault), and Senate Bill 866 (Chain Restaurants, disclosure of sodium and added sugars), along with several other bills where the House declined to recede from its amendments and named conferees. The chamber also adopted concurrence on House Bill 1181 (children in out-of-home placement) and House Bill 1219 (climate change/homeowners insurance study), and adopted a favorable committee report on House Bill 1602 (no-cost cancer screening for volunteer firefighters), which was amended to add sponsors, make technical changes, and include retired volunteer firefighters before being ordered printed for third reading. The House then took up a Rules Committee consent calendar and moved a batch of bills to the appropriate committees. On third reading, it passed House Bill 1028 (Caroline County Board of Education compensation increase) and House Bill 1599 (Choptank River Enhancement Program and Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund) by constitutional majorities. It also rejected Senate amendments on House Bill 107 (Intelligent Speed Assistance System Pilot Program), House Bill 153 (residential rental apartments air conditioning requirement), House Bill 1063 (hunting management), and House Bill 1067 (lead and lead-based ammunition phase out), appointing conference committees in each case. House Bill 717 (Baltimore City raffles for organizations affiliated with professional baseball and football teams) and House Bill 892 (cemeteries, actions for sale/transfer/alternate use) also had Senate amendments rejected. The chamber then passed a series of Senate bills on third reading, including Senate Bill 309 (precious metal bullion or coins sales tax exemption), 523 (vernal pools identification), 742 (Maryland Protecting People with Disabilities Act), 141 (election misinformation/disinformation and deep fakes), 298 (Maryland Capital Police statewide jurisdiction), 515 (Health Services Cost Review Commission rate setting), 638 (Maryland Heritage Areas funding and grants), 28 (state employee arbitration reform), 72 (Baltimore County off-premises alcohol sales), 361 (Baltimore City alcoholic beverages license extension), 414 (Anne Arundel County nonprofit swim club license), 601 (cybersecurity standards), 305 (incarcerated individual training and reentry grant fund extension), 331 (retired law enforcement handgun permit renewal), 516 (protective body armor requirements and reporting), 651 (transfer-on-death deed establishment), 865 (private passenger automobile insurance work group), 933 (temporary appointment to the Commission on Judicial Disabilities), 261 (money transmission act definition changes), and 823 (Parole Commission selection committee changes). Most passed with little or no debate; Senate Bill 523 drew opposition from a delegate who warned that identifying vernal pools could lead to future regulation and land-use restrictions, while Senate Bill 823 prompted questions about victims’ rights and whether state’s attorneys remained opposed, with the floor leader saying the bill added a victims’ rights advocate to the selection committee and that opposition had been limited to written testimony. Several members later changed votes on Senate Bill 638 and Senate Bill 865 before the House moved on.

Transcript Highlights:

• ONCE A COMPLAINT IS FILED AGENCY STAFF REACH OUT THE BEGINNING TO THE COMPLAINT AND TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT
• THE HEALTH PLAN MAY DISPUTE THE ACTION BY FILING AN APPEAL WITHIN 21 DAYS OF RECEIPT OF A COMPLIANCE

Transcript Highlights:

• PROGRAM STUDENTS ELIGIBILITY TO PRODUCE THIS 30 DAYS BEFORE EACH PAYMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT UPON RECEIPT
• NOT UNTIL EARLIER THIS MONTH AFTER REISSUANCE OF THE CHECKS AND A RECEIPT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR

Transcript Highlights:

• asked to share data that we don't think the federal government can lawfully condition funding on receipt
• And as Shalia mentioned, there have been some challenges from the Attorney General's... ...receipt of

Summary: The Tribal Relations Committee held a work session on the Keep Washington Working Act, hearing first from the Office of the Attorney General, then the Office of the Governor, and finally advocates from the ACLU of Washington, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and One America. The Attorney General’s office described the 2019 bipartisan law as limiting state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, emphasizing minimal data collection, privacy protections, definitions in the statute, model policies for agencies, and the role of court orders and federal funding exceptions. Committee members asked about consistency in legal guidance, possible federal challenges, and whether the law has been litigated in Washington or elsewhere; the office said it has not been challenged in Washington and cited similar laws in other states that have been upheld or dismissed in litigation. The governor’s office said the administration is implementing the law across agencies through case-by-case review of data-sharing requests, coordination with the Attorney General and privacy officials, and a new executive order creating an immigration sub-cabinet to improve agency coordination and community input. Officials said the state will continue to protect immigrant communities, avoid using state resources for civil immigration enforcement, and comply with federal funding requirements where necessary, citing Medicaid and other programs as examples. They also discussed recent court rulings in Washington that blocked federal grant conditions tied to immigration enforcement and said agencies are being trained to review data privacy and sharing practices. Advocates argued that Keep Washington Working is grounded in anti-commandeering principles and is meant to ensure state resources are used for state purposes, not federal immigration enforcement. They said the law helps immigrant communities trust police, schools, and public services, but warned that data sharing and aggressive federal enforcement are eroding that trust and harming families. The panelists described cases involving alleged unlawful local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, family separation, detention, and due process concerns, and suggested possible improvements such as stronger enforcement mechanisms, a private right of action, and broader limits on data sharing. No votes or formal actions were taken; the committee closed the hearing after members thanked the presenters and invited follow-up on implementation issues and potential legislative changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, as an attorney, we would say, you go buy something at Whataburger; you've got your receipt, or
• But so far too... ...you've got your receipt, or you have a police report, right?

Bills: HB46, HB272

Keywords: local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard several House bills and took no final votes, leaving each bill pending after testimony. HB 272 would align venue and evidentiary rules for fraudulent use or possession of credit/debit card information with existing credit card abuse law; the sponsor said it would improve prosecutions, and the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center supported it. HB 1661 would increase penalties for certain election-related offenses, including failure to distribute election supplies and early release of election results; no substantive opposition was heard. HB 551 would protect the residential addresses of people who receive campaign expenditures on public Texas Ethics Commission reports, similar to donor privacy protections, and a witness from Texas Eagle Forum later indicated support for the privacy change. The committee also heard HB 2820, which would raise the amount charitable bingo organizations may keep in operating capital from $50,000 to $100,000. The sponsor and a Texans for Charitable Bingo representative said inflation and operating costs have made the current cap too low and that the bill would help charities maintain stable operations without expanding gaming. HB 3181 would impose stronger consequences for repeated denial of court-ordered child possession and access, including limiting probation and requiring attorney’s fees after multiple contempt findings; a family court judge and a parent testified in support, while another witness argued the bill should be paired with stronger criminal enforcement and that parents already face high costs. HB 4157 would update Texas law for commercial spaceflight by recognizing liability waivers and preserving workers’ compensation rights; no one testified against it. The committee also heard HB 4145, which would let health care providers satisfy a timely billing requirement by sending bills to a patient’s legal representative in a personal injury case, closing what supporters described as a loophole in letter-of-protection situations. Finally, HB 46, relating to the Texas Compassionate Use Program, drew the most extensive discussion: supporters said it should expand access for legitimate medical cannabis patients and add more delivery methods and conditions, while opponents warned against broader marijuana expansion and questioned adding chronic pain and other conditions. The sponsor said he still supports the program and wants a balanced, regulated expansion, but noted the bill is still being worked on. All bills were left pending at the close of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once we have all that data back from them, they submit their receipts, proof that the work is finished
• Once we have all that data back from them, they submit their receipts, proof that the work is finished

Summary: The committee heard three informational presentations. First, Lieutenant Rob Rowe of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed derelict vessel removal, explaining the legal definition of derelict and at-risk vessels, the causes of vessel abandonment, and the impact of recent hurricanes on the number of cases. He said FWC has nearly 1,000 active derelict vessel cases, with 576 ready for removal, and described the agency’s use of ARPA funds, grants to local governments, contractor lists, and the V-TIP vessel turn-in program to speed removals and prevent vessels from becoming derelict. Senators asked about how to expedite removals, insurance coverage, due process timelines, and storage challenges; Rowe said the 21-day process is constrained by constitutional due process and that more staffing and prevention funding would help. Next, Stephen Fielder of the Department of Financial Services presented on the My Safe Florida Home program, which provides grants for homeowners to harden homes before storms. He reviewed program eligibility, grant types, reimbursement averages, and performance data, and said the program has received $633 million in appropriations overall. He noted that the program is outsourced to private vendors, has low administrative overhead, and has processed large numbers of inspections and reimbursements. Senators questioned contractor requirements, permits, overhead costs, and whether the program should be brought in-house; Fielder said permits are required before reimbursement, contractor licensing is verified, and the department is considering several administrative clarifications, including townhome roof work, inspection expiration, and whether grants should be limited per person or per home. A retired educator also testified in support of more assistance for homeowners facing insurance problems. Finally, Tom Berger of the Department of Management Services outlined the Florida Facilities Pool and the state’s real estate development and management work. He described the bonded facility program, the state’s 112 managed facilities, lease administration, parking contracts, maintenance operations, and more than $1 billion in active construction projects. He highlighted major projects such as the Emergency Operations Center, Capitol complex upgrades, a new visitor screening center, and facilities for other agencies including veterans’ services, juvenile justice, and the courts. Senators asked about lease terms, appropriation language, vacancy in leased space, and whether the state uses a uniform lease form; Berger said the lease document is standardized and that agencies determine their space needs. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules and the committees on rules, that are two branches acting concurrently, report
• Question comes on concurrence. All those in favor say aye, opposed, no. The ayes have it.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters from the Committee on Rules. Members adopted resolutions reaffirming Massachusetts’ friendship with Taiwan and supporting stronger U.S.-Taiwan trade and Taiwan’s international participation, as well as a congratulatory resolution for Owen Michael Addessa on earning Eagle Scout. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow two petitions to proceed: one establishing a sick leave bank for a Middlesex Sheriff’s Office employee and another concerning taxes in the City of Boston. The chamber recognized visiting guests, including a Burlington Girl Scouts Brownie troop and the 2024 Lawn Meadow girls tennis team, which was honored for winning the Division II state championship with a 23-0 record. The House then considered House Bill 62, which extends certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency. The House concurred with a Senate amendment, adopted the emergency preamble by a 3-0 vote, and passed the bill to be enacted. Members also observed a moment of silent tribute for former Marlborough City Councilor Donald Landers, Sr., and later adopted a special adjournment in memory of former Representative John H. Stasick of Framingham. The House adopted an order to reconvene Monday at 11 a.m., then adjourned to meet again in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules of the two branches acting concurrently.
• The Committee on Rules of the two branches acting concurrently reports a petition accompanied by a bill

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters. It adopted an emergency preamble for H. 4182, a sick leave bank bill for Jato Charlotton of the Department of Transportation, and later passed that bill to be enacted and sent it to the Governor. The Senate also adopted resolutions honoring the 14th Dalai Lama and congratulating two Eagle Scouts, Jack Geyser and Windsor Sheppler. The chamber then considered H. 4103, establishing a sick leave bank for Stephen Forget of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. The bill was taken up out of the orders of the day, ordered to a third reading, and passed to be engrossed. A House bill, H. 4230, establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso of the Department of Transportation, was also advanced when the Senate suspended the rules and ordered it to a third reading. The Committee on Rules reported a petition and bill from Pavel Payano to expand access to the family self-sufficiency program in Massachusetts. The Senate suspended its rules and Joint Rule 12 so the matter could be referred to the committees on housing. At the close of session, the Senate adopted an order to reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House voted concurrence on Senate amendments to House Bill 1095, House Bill 107, House Bill 1120,
• The motion is to adjourn over the balance of today until Thursday, April 16th, 2026. concurrence Senate
• amendments to house concurrence Senate amendments to house bill <02:46:09.180>1095, <02:46:09.480

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the April 13, 2026 journal, and welcomed former Senator Bob Shafer as a special guest. Committee reports were read from Transportation and Energy, Education, and Judiciary, with several measures advanced to the Committee of the Whole or Appropriations and one item postponed. The chamber also recognized Liberty Common High School’s graduating class of 2026 with a personal privilege statement praising its academic and extracurricular achievements. On resolutions, SJR 24 (Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month), SR 7 (Second Chance Month), and SJR 23 were all laid over to later dates. On the consent calendar, House Bills 1228, 111, and 1213 were passed, with HB 1213 related to the biomass utilization grant program and its repeal under a sunset recommendation. The Senate then took up several third-reading bills: HB 1126 on firearm dealer requirements drew opposition over gun rights and dealer compliance concerns but passed 20-15; HB 1265 on law enforcement use of the federal eTrace system also drew criticism over data collection and local control but passed 23-12; HB 1302 passed 22-13; HB 1045 on housing protections for individuals with disabilities passed 23-12; and HB 135 on access to inpatient behavioral health services passed 35-0. The House transmitted a message noting concurrence on Senate amendments to multiple House bills and a House resolution. The Senate then agreed to adjourn over the balance of the day until Thursday, April 16, 2026, after correcting the date during the motion. Several announcements followed about upcoming meetings and events, including committee hearings and a Capitol “Seek Day,” and the Senate ultimately recessed until noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members, thank you for the opportunity to lay out House Concurrent Resolution 12.
• As such, House Concurrent Resolution 74 designates Carthage as the official Country Music Capital of
• I am Noah Jones, speaking on behalf of the Texas Counseling Association in favor of House Concurrent

Bills: SB2959, HB3096, HCR29, HCR56, HCR12, HCR55, HCR74, HCR78, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6, HCR50, HCR107, HCR80, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR75, HCR93

Keywords: firearm safety, awareness month, public safety, responsible ownership, storage, recreational use, profound autism, awareness day, caregiver, disabilities, support, counseling, mental health, awareness, support services, community health, necrotizing enterocolitis, premature infants, breastfeeding, health awareness

Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration met with a quorum and took up a series of pending resolutions, bills, and the local uncontested calendar. The committee first reported HCR 80 favorably and placed it on the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar. It then heard and approved several commemorative resolutions, including HCR 12 designating September as Deaf Awareness Month for 10 years, HCR 55 reaffirming Poteet as the Strawberry Capital of Texas, HCR 56 designating May as NEC and Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and HB 3096 creating Profound Autism Awareness Day on March 17. Each of these measures was reported favorably to the full Senate, with no opposition in testimony except HB 3096, which included supportive testimony from Tara Duval describing the needs of individuals with profound autism and their families. The committee also approved HCR 58 redesignating Dripping Springs as the Wedding Capital of Texas, SB 2959 designating August as Firearm Safety Month, HCR 74 naming Carthage the Country Music Capital of Texas, HCR 78 establishing Lone Star Santa’s Charities Day, HCR 116 redesignating Brownsville as the Bicycling Capital of the Rio Grande Valley, and HCR 117 designating Port Aransas as the Fishing Capital of Texas. SB 2959 drew supportive testimony from Stephen Price, who emphasized gun safety, suicide prevention, and public awareness, while other measures received no public testimony. All were reported favorably and recommended for the May 9 local and uncontested calendar. Later, the committee approved HCR 6 naming Galveston the Juneteenth Capital of Texas, HCR 50 naming Galveston the Mardi Gras Capital of Texas, HCR 107 making the Texas Almanac the official State Book of Texas, HCR 70 designating Jim Hogg County as the Vaquero Capital of Texas, HCR 71 recognizing LaSalle County for wild hog hunting and related traditions, and HCR 29 designating April as Counseling Awareness Month. HCR 6 received testimony from a Galveston city representative in support of the Juneteenth designation, and HCR 29 received testimony from the Texas Counseling Association supporting recognition of counselors. Finally, the committee certified the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar after removing 32 bills for reasons including penalties, fiscal notes, or opposition, specifically noting SB 317 was removed due to criminal and civil penalties, and then recessed.