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.

Bills: HB145, SB29, SB37, SB64, HB279, HB292, SB35, SB40, SB43, SB48, SB96, SB143, HB132, SB20, SB21, SB101, SJR1, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM30, HM52, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB2, SB264, SB241

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Bell, Association of Electric Companies, please come up.
• county.
• And Aransas and parts of another county.
• Harris County, I work with the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
• I’m the chief medical examiner for Travis County.

Bills: HB 106, HB144, HB145, HB252, HB1732, HB2221, HB2467, HB2468, HB2517, HB2518, HB2963, HB3016, HB3689, HB3960, HB4386, HB4490, HB4751, HB5247, HJR175, HB2213

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering a failed vote on SB 715 and then reporting several measures favorably. SB 1978 was reported from committee on a committee substitute, and a series of House bills — including HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 — were moved out of committee, most to the local and uncontested calendar. The votes on these items were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. The committee then heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. The author said the bill would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and documentation on fair and reasonable terms while preserving trade secrets and excluding certain categories such as medical devices, motor vehicles covered by an MOU, critical infrastructure, and commercial-only transactions. Supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Environment Texas argued it would strengthen property rights, help small businesses, and reduce e-waste. Opponents, including representatives of SafeLight Auto Glass and LKQ, said they supported right-to-repair in principle but objected to the bill’s automotive MOU exemption and broader scope, warning it could create uncertainty and leave some manufacturers and repair shops outside the framework. The bill was left pending after testimony. Members also heard HB 2467 on salary parity for State Fire Marshal investigators, HB 252 on allowing some state agencies to pay certain employees twice monthly, HB 2468 on public improvement district notice and a buyer’s right to terminate, HB 4386 on annuity contract exchanges and surrender timelines, HB 4751 creating a Texas Quantum Initiative and related fund, and HJR 175 proposing a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ ability to use mutually agreed-upon mediums of exchange, including cash, bullion, and digital currency. Testimony on HB 4751 was largely supportive but included questions about whether the state needs a new coordinating structure and funding mechanism for quantum research and commercialization. HJR 175 drew discussion about barter, taxes, and concerns over central bank digital currency. Each of these items was left pending after hearing testimony. The committee also heard HB 2221, which would update insurance anti-rebating laws to allow more wellness and value-added services in life and health insurance, with supporters saying it would encourage healthier behavior without requiring data monitoring. Finally, the committee took up a package of utility and wildfire-related bills from Chairman King’s portfolio: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain overhead electrical lines; HB 144, requiring utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing utilities to self-insure under certain conditions. Utility, co-op, and insurance representatives generally supported the safety and resiliency goals of HB 144, while asking for clarifications and less frequent reporting; HB 145 was introduced as a broader wildfire-risk and liability measure. These bills were also left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lopez of Bexar County because of important business in the district on motion of Ms.
• Members, if the Harris County delegation, everyone in Harris County, if y'all can meet at my desk in
• I abolished County Affairs. I abolished Defense and Veterans.
• Clerk will ring the bell.
• The clerk will ring the bell. Show Mr. Hunter voting aye.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis County. Thank you.
• The chair now recognizes the rules chairwoman from Buchanan County.
• The chair now recognizes the rules chairwoman from Buchanan County.
• Charles County and to O'Fallon as well as some things in Jefferson County.
• Charles County and to O'Fallon, as well as some things in Jefferson County.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They run very efficiently, small counties and large counties alike.
• She files it in Hays County. I'm the judge in Hays County.
• District One County to another County. One County could enter a protective order.
• and many of the counties surrounding Harris County.
• Our next witness is going to be Kristen Bell. Have Kristen Bell.

Bills: HCR16, HB782, HB2159, HB2288, HB3281, HB3819, HB4656, HB4696, HB5494, HCR16

Keywords: fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education

Transcript Highlights:

• Many counties across the state, three of the counties I believe that you...
• They run very efficiently, in small counties and large counties alike.
• She files it in Hays County. I'm the judge in Hays County.
• , say to my county?
• District One: one county to another county.

Bills: HCR 16, HB 782, HB 2159, HB 2288, HB 3281, HB 3819, HB 4656, HB 4696, HB 5494

Keywords: fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education

Transcript Highlights:

• We follow all state regulations, including the recent bell-to-bell no-cell act.
• We follow all state regulations, including the recent bell-de-bell no-cell act.
• Delinquent taxes, excess commissions, and all of these funds are collected by the counties, and then
• they are transmitted to the state treasurer, counted, certified, and then returned to the counties to
• And then the next district that we'll go over is the Pulaski County Special School District.

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then took up an interim study proposal on adult education and the Excel Center model. Representatives from Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, the Excel Center network, and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities testified that roughly 300,000 Arkansans over age 19 lack a high school diploma or GED, and argued that the Excel Center provides a supported diploma pathway for adults who struggle with GED testing. Witnesses highlighted wraparound services such as free child care, transportation assistance, tutoring, life coaching, and career services, and cited outcomes including high retention, growing enrollment, and research showing higher employment and earnings and lower criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members raised questions about the state’s role, existing adult education programs, and how the study would be structured; the motion to adopt the ISP passed, though there was some procedural disagreement about when questions should have been taken. The committee then heard a detailed adequacy funding overview from BLR staff Katie Walden and Adrian Beck on Arkansas K-12 education finance. They reviewed national funding principles and explained Arkansas’s system, including state and local revenue sources, the Public School Fund, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, and the Facilities Partnership Program. Staff said K-12 state and local revenues totaled $6.6 billion in 2025, with foundation funding making up the largest share of district and charter funding, followed by additional, categorical, and supplemental funds. They also explained the matrix-based foundation formula, the role of the uniform rate of tax, and how categorical and supplemental funds support areas such as alternative learning, English learners, special education high-cost cases, teacher salary equalization, declining enrollment, and student growth. Members asked several follow-up questions about how specific funding categories are defined and used, including student support staff, instructional aides, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the inclusion of Excel Center amounts in state-local funding totals. Staff said some of those details would be addressed in a later presentation and offered to provide additional records, including district lists and historical information. The meeting ended after the funding overview, with no additional votes or actions beyond the ISP adoption and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ladies and gentlemen, my final announcement is that this weekend we experienced in Baltimore County a
• weekend uh we experienced<00:11:38.560> in<00:11:38.800> Baltimore<00:11:39.200> County
• a bit of experienced in Baltimore County a bit of tragic<00:11:40.480> news<00:11:40.800>
• Bell. All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• <00:18:46.400> Bell. Gentleman from Hines, Mr. Bell. Gentleman from Hines, Mr. Bell.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 3 March, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then dispensed with the reading of the journal and introductions. The session included many gallery introductions recognizing Jackson State University Day and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Day, along with visiting university officials, alumni, students, community leaders, and other guests. Members also offered remarks honoring JSU achievements and several individuals, including a doctor of the day, a mayor, military personnel, and a legislative intern. One member asked for adjournment in memory of two West Bolivar students who died in a house fire, and the chamber observed that request. On the calendar, the House took up several House resolutions in blocks. Items 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 were adopted without objection, and House Resolution 72 and House Resolution 75 were each adopted by voice vote. The chamber then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 526, described as congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels; it was adopted by a recorded vote of 121 yeas and 0 nays. A request was made for immediate release on that resolution, and there was no objection. Members also discussed adding the full House membership as co-authors on House Resolution 78, which was noted as honoring an outstanding Jackson State baseball player. Several announcements were made about committee meetings and events, including Medicaid, Judiciary, State Affairs, and Accountability, Efficiency, and Transparency meetings, though State Affairs was later announced not to meet that afternoon. Members also announced a legislative reception hosted by the Mississippi Tourism Association and Game and Hospitality Association, and a 100-year anniversary event for the Mississippi Forester Commission. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will ring the bell and open the board. Vote yes, all those opposed, no.
• Louis County. Thank you.
• Louis County District 74. Gentleman from Green. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• The chair now recognizes the rules chairwoman from Buchanan County.
• Charles County and to O'Fallon, as well as some things in Jefferson County.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 61st day by roll call vote, 137-1. During points of personal privilege, one member announced the death of her father, Rev. Leslie Sims, and another recognized Sherry DeVoe for becoming the first woman trainer to win the Kentucky Derby. The chamber also welcomed several special guests, including a member’s son and his fiancée after a Capitol proposal, a child with osteogenesis imperfecta and his family, the family of the Pledge leader, and a former social work practicum student from Washington University. In committee and conference-related business, the House received a report recommending passage of a deferred Senate substitute for Senate Bill 1000. Members then took up several motions to refuse to recede from House positions and request conference committees. On Senate Bill 975, members discussed ambulance district consolidation and community paramedics, and the House approved conference with Senate. On Senate Bill 973, members said the remaining issue was a drafting error involving land bank board appointments, and the House likewise approved conference. On House Bill 2818, members said the Senate substitute contained additional language affecting St. Charles County, O’Fallon, and Jefferson County, and the House voted to request the Senate recede and, failing that, go to conference. Before adjournment, members were told to be prepared to consider Senate Bill 1629, Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 959, Senate Bill 1119, and Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1421 upon return. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman from Greene County has moved for the approval of the House Journal for the fifth day, Wednesday
• The gentleman from Greene County has moved for the approval of the House Journal for the 5th day, Wednesday
• Clerk, please ring the bell and open the board. Thank you. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted?
• I'm happy to report that after four rounds of chemo, two days before session began, she rang the bell
• Louis County, to speak.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Attendance roll call has been taken, and do not register until you hear the bell.
• Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics, Pharmacy Association, School Nurses Association, Maricopa County
• Do not vote until you hear the bell. The House will now proceed to vote. One minute.
• Do not vote until you hear the bell. The House will now proceed to vote. Have you all voted?
• The Pima County Community College women's basketball team captured its first national championship Saturday

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and a series of guest and doctor introductions. Members recognized visitors for a range of advocacy and community events, including Children’s Health Advocacy Day, Jewish Advocacy Day, housing affordability advocates, environmental advocates for Lobo Week, and several constituent and youth groups. The chamber also heard a personal privilege statement honoring Dr. Leah Hillier as Doctor of the Day and several remarks about community organizations and guests in the gallery. The House then received Senate messages and committee referrals, including multiple Senate bills and a concurrent resolution being assigned or withdrawn from committees. In Committee of the Whole, SB 1415 was recommended do pass, and SB 1430 was recommended do pass as amended after a Ways and Means amendment was adopted to remove a controversial provision so the measure would remain limited to tax code corrections. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the bills were deferred for engrossing; SB 1193 was retained on the calendar. On third reading, the House passed HB 2680, relating to workers’ compensation, by a vote of 55-1 with four not voting, and passed SB 1029, relating to campaign contributions and expenses, by a vote of 57-0 with three not voting. Later, the chamber heard extended personal privilege remarks on federal issues, including the government shutdown, TSA and ICE at airports, immigration enforcement, and state budget negotiations. The House also recognized Lobo Week and received announcements about upcoming committee meetings and a CAP update, then adjourned until Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bell, Mr. Butler, Mr. Bell, Mr.
• Clair County is amendment regarding St.
• Tuscaloosa County Civil Service Board. Tuscaloosa County Civil Service Board.
• Stewart regarding county subdivisions. Stewart regarding county subdivisions.
• county subdivisions. B pending. county subdivisions. B pending.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 29 senators present. The chamber adopted the previous day’s journal, allowed bill introductions throughout the day, and received multiple House messages referring local bills and proposed constitutional amendments to the Committee on Local Legislation, along with a lieutenant governor’s confirmation referral to the Committee on Confirmations. Committee reports were then received from several standing committees. The Senate confirmed a series of gubernatorial and other appointments, including Michael Kulovitz and Barbara Maul to the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Board of Trustees, Logan Glass to the Educational Television Commission, Ed Croll and James Harris to the Alabama Committee on Monument Protection, Matt Barnes to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, Scott Moes and Jeffrey Wilson to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Jeffrey L. Cameman to the Tuscaloosa County Civil Service Board. The Senate also received favorable committee reports on numerous bills from Judiciary, State Governmental Affairs, Education Policy, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Health Care, Veterans and Military Affairs, and Local Legislation, with several bills amended or substituted and placed on the next day’s calendar. On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar from the Rules Committee and passed several bills. Senate Bill 101 extended the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors to October 1, 2028. Senate Bill 93, as amended, allowed certain municipalities with populations of 12,000 or more and even-numbered councils to authorize a mayoral tie-breaking vote by council resolution. Senate Bill 115 created a competitive-bidding exemption for certain expenditures of $15,000 or less involving rolling stock, with quote and approval requirements. Senate Bill 131 on county subdivisions was amended and passed. Senate Bill 30, known as “Trey’s Law,” would make certain nondisclosure provisions unenforceable in cases involving sexual abuse victims; the sponsor described it as protecting survivors from being silenced, while Senator Albritton cautioned about the broader effects on settlements and institutions. The Senate also adopted two resolutions: Senate Joint Resolution 19 honoring the life and legacy of Anna Smith Bedsole Holmes, and Senate Joint Resolution 20 commending the Alabama Birth Equity Initiative. The Rules Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and the listed bills were taken up and passed or advanced by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Floresville residents, for example, in Wilson County, since 2021, have complained about ongoing secondary
• But if you catch it just right down in Slaster County, it’s in yours now. It’s like your county.
• rates established by municipalities for water or service for certain entities, by Representative Cecil Bell
• House Bill 685 by Representative Bell.
• Representative Bell. Senator Hancock moves that House Bill 685 do pass and be printed.

Bills: HB630, HB685, HB1318, HB2692

Keywords: outboard motors, certificate of title, vessel regulation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, marine documentation, HB 685, municipal utility rates, water rates, sewer rates, local government code, rate discrimination, tax-exempt entities, sales tax exemption, ad valorem tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, charitable organizations, municipal water service, municipal sewer service, utility billing, public utilities

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met with no quorum at the start, but later reached quorum and took up several bills. House Bill 2692, codifying the San Antonio River Authority’s enabling legislation and making non-substantive modernization changes, received brief supportive testimony from the River Authority and was left pending before later being voted out favorably. House Bill 685, which would prevent municipalities from charging higher water or sewer rates to tax-exempt entities than comparable customers, also drew support and was reported favorably. House Bill 1318, clarifying compensation issues when a municipality decertifies part of a retail water utility’s service area, was heard without opposition and passed out of committee. House Bill 630, exempting certain older outboard motors from title requirements, likewise passed and was placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee spent the most time on Senate Bill 2497, relating to filtration systems for certain public drinking water systems. Senator Zaffirini described the bill as a response to ongoing secondary water quality complaints, while TCEQ testified that such contaminants are aesthetic rather than health-based and that the water remains safe to drink if primary standards are met. The Texas Rural Water Association opposed the bill as written, arguing filtration may not solve most water quality problems and could be costly for small systems, while a consumer witness from Floresville supported it and described repeated rate increases and brown water after a filtration system was removed. Members discussed narrowing the bill through a committee substitute and emphasized the need for flexibility and technical expertise; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, with Senator Kolkhorst later asking to be recorded as voting no. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2850, which would create a pollinator task force to study habitat loss, public education, and best practices for protecting bees and other pollinators. Senator Menendez and invited witness Erica Thompson of Texas BeeWorks highlighted major colony losses and the economic importance of pollinators to Texas agriculture, and Environment Texas and the Texas Beekeepers Association supported the measure. Members discussed monarch butterflies, native grasses, milkweed, and conservation efforts, and the bill was reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. After testimony, the committee also voted out several pending items, including House Bill 5560 with a committee substitute addressing water-loss penalties and infrastructure improvements, and then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a matter of note, I've been in several county courthouses where the county judge is contemplating
• and Hemphill County Fire Departments because that's where my ranch lies in those two counties.
• Yeah, so we at the meeting, we talked about a, a Bell 412, which a Bell 412 is a great platform.
• That's La Salle County. Now right under that. It's the 5th biggest county in the state.
• One county, Medina County in particular, we did receive a bid for that, that we were pursuing and had

Transcript Highlights:

• regarding Madison County, BR pending. regarding Madison County, BR pending.
• regarding Talapusa County. B pending. regarding Talapusa County. B pending.
• regarding Talapusa County. regarding Talapusa County.
• Beasley, Mr.<01:00:23.119> Bell, Mr. Bell, Mr. Bell, Mr.<01:00:25.040> Butler, Mr.
• The same thing with the counties.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then approved the prior journal and allowed bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber received multiple committee reports, including favorable reports on several finance and taxation bills, confirmations, local bills, and a series of resolutions. The Senate also confirmed several appointments to higher education and university boards, including Nicholas J. Balden, Jennifer Wit, Ronnie Stalworth, and Rex Reynolds, using long or previous roll calls as applicable. The Senate adopted a special order calendar that set up floor consideration of several bills, including measures on physician assistants, seafood/aquaculture, motor vehicles, campaign practices, property insurance and energy reduction, child custody, and school bus drivers. During debate on the special order calendar, Senator Smitherman raised concern that no bills on the calendar were sponsored by minority members, noting a prior understanding that minority-sponsored bills should be represented; Senator Wagner responded that the calendar was prepared based on legislation rather than sponsor party, and the exchange ended with an agreement to continue moving forward. The Senate then adopted the special order calendar and began taking up the listed bills. On the special order calendar, the Senate advanced House Bill 156 on physician assistant compacts, House Bill 277 on seafood/aquaculture tastings, and House Bill 42 on motor vehicles, with supporters describing each as consumer-friendly or supportive of industry. The chamber also considered local legislation, including bills for Madison, Tallapoosa, and Shelby counties; House Bill 337 for Madison County was amended and carried over, while House Bills 490, 491, and 493 passed after roll-call votes. Throughout the meeting, the Senate also adopted several commendatory and memorial resolutions, including measures honoring individuals, recognizing organizations and events, and naming a highway, with most adopted by voice vote and no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can a city or a county apply? The city arts council can apply or a county arts council can apply.
• After three minutes, please ring the bell.
• Randall County and Armstrong County, working with their county judges, have recently signed the contract
• You raised the cap for county grants from 6 million to 10 million. 31 counties responded by collectively
• Joseph Bell, Executive Director.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do not register until you hear the bell. The House will now proceed to register.
• Do not vote until you hear the bell. The House will now proceed to vote.
• Do not vote until you hear the bell. The House will now proceed to vote. Thank you.
• HCR 259, County Sheriff's expressing support. Public Safety, Law Enforcement.
• H.C.R. 259 County Sheriff's expressing support. Public safety law enforcement.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and several proclamations and recognitions, including International Mother Language Day, Nurses Day at the Capitol, Environmental Day, Arizona Aerospace Day, Childhelp, Teamsters Local 104, and African American Legislative Day. Attendance was recorded at 57 present, zero absent, and three excused. The chamber also handled routine business such as committee reports, bill referrals, first and second readings, and announcements of upcoming committee meetings. The main floor action centered on House Bill 2785, a tax conformity measure. Members debated it at length, with supporters arguing it would make tax forms legal, align Arizona with federal tax changes, and provide tax relief to taxpayers and small businesses, while opponents said it was an unpaid tax cut for wealthy individuals and corporations that would force cuts to health care, education, SNAP, and other services. The House passed HB 2785 on a 32-26 vote with two not voting and sent it to the Senate. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole and considered several Health and Human Services and Commerce bills. HB 2190, HB 2206, HB 2396, HB 2442, HB 2448, HB 2688, HB 2689, HB 2690, HB 2796, and HB 2797 were debated, with most receiving do-pass recommendations after amendments. Testimony focused heavily on SNAP policy, including payment error rates, work and training requirements, food restrictions, and waiver authority, with Democrats warning of added burdens and reduced access for eligible families and Republicans arguing the bills would improve accountability, nutrition, and compliance with federal law. HB 2689, which would collect hospital patients’ immigration status on a voluntary basis, drew strong opposition over concerns it would deter people from seeking care; it was still reported out of committee, though a later motion to amend the committee report to show HB 2689 failed was rejected 24-32. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report, and several bills were referred to engrossing before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• gallery will please rise for the invocation which will be offered by the Honorable Ken King of Hemphill County
• of allegiance to the US, uh, and Texas flag will be led by the Honorable John McQueeney of Tarrant County
• The clerk will ring the bell. Show Representative Garin voting aye. You ready?
• Committee to notify the governor Buckley, Chair, Bell of Montgomery, Bowers, Fairley, Flores Martinez

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Bell. Representative Bhojani. Here. Mr. Bhojani. Mr. Bhojani. Representative Bell.
• A chair recognizes Vice Chair Bhojani and Chairman Bell.
• I'm a mechanical contractor from the Young County, Palo Pinto County area. We need this bill.
• You know, that's cost the cities and counties... ...back to work.
• You know, that's cost the cities and counties a lot of money.

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.