Transcript Highlights:

• planning for the Literacy Center, really meet with stakeholders around the state, including our higher-ed
• them as well to help us with a whole lot of our programs, whether it could be tutoring, it could be Ed
• There were discussions going on between whether this position should be housed at Higher Ed or at PED
• institutions, and so that's why that funding and process has gone through the higher ed department.
• institutions, and so that's why that funding and process has gone through the higher ed department.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair calls Ed Johnson with Harris County Ballot Security. Thank you. Thank you.
• Chair calls Ed Johnson with Harris County ballots security.
• I assure you, you are registered as Ed Johnson.
• The Chair calls Ed Johnson.
• Ed Johnson with Harris County Ballot Security, and yourself. Thank you.

Bills: HB569, HB766, HB1638, HB2316, HB2773, HB2785, HB3113, HB3709, HB3775, HB4275

Keywords: early voting, ballot correction, voting rights, election integrity, mail-in voting, voter notification, HB 766, precinct chair, precinct chair candidate, ballot application, Texas Election Code, Section 172.021, election administration, candidate filing, party precinct chair, county party, political party office, email address, telephone number, confidential candidate information

Transcript Highlights:

• My late husband, Ed Pastor, dedicated his life to serving the people of Arizona, whether he was working
• the loop in his honor, recognizing his impact on local infrastructure, commemorating the Congressman Ed
• just to make it abundantly clear: the Red Mountain Freeway, the Santan Freeway, ...the Congressman Ed
• So we would have the Ed Pastor's Highway would stay there... ...highway.
• So we would have the Ed Pastor's Highway would stay there and align with the principles that we both

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then heard several points of personal privilege introducing guests, including visitors for Disability Day at the Capitol and the pastor who delivered the prayer. The chamber then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider two bills: SB 1010, relating to historic names and the renaming of Loop 202, and SB 1439, relating to special plates and recycling-related provisions. SB 1010 received a floor amendment clarifying that the underlying freeway segments would retain their existing names, and SB 1439 received a Government Committee amendment before both bills were recommended do pass. On third reading, SB 1010 passed 16-9 with two not voting. Debate centered on whether renaming the entire Loop 202 to honor Charlie Kirk would erase or overshadow existing memorials, especially the Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway segment, and whether the bill bypassed the usual geographic naming process. Supporters said the amendment preserved existing segment names and clarified legislative intent; opponents argued the measure politicized highway naming and ignored established procedures. Several senators explained their votes on both sides. SB 1439 then passed 16-12 with two not voting. The bill’s sponsor described it as a tribute to Charlie Kirk, and one senator asked whether the sponsor or affiliated companies had received compensation from a beneficiary organization; the sponsor said no. After both measures were sent to the House, the Senate announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair calls Charlie Flatten, Marvin Jones, Ed McCarthy, and William Davis.
• My name is Ed McCarthy.
• Ed makes a great argument for raising TCEQ's penalty authority to a higher amount.
• The Chair calls Brian Sledge, Charlie Flattin, Jeff Kirshbaum, and Ed McCarthy. ...light readers.
• My name is Ed McCarthy. I am neutral on this bill. I'm here testifying on behalf of myself.

Bills: SB1169, SB1285, SB1583, SB1611, SB1898, SB1976, SB2160, SB2161, SB2658, SB2661, SB2662, SB2692, SB1055, SB1359, SB2660

Keywords: water service, sewer service, public utility, joint operation, infrastructure, municipality, compliance, SB 1285, bats, bat protection, wildlife protection, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Parks and Wildlife Code Section 63.101, hunting bats, bat possession, bat sales, bat trade, pest control, licensed pest control professional, animal control officer

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a special ed paraprofessional in Bloomington, Minnesota.
• schools good after Good afternoon Ed schools good after Good afternoon Ed finance<00:46:50.680><
• So, you know, then what happens to the community ed program where people paid fees for?
• This is from Ed Allies, and I got a chance to really go to this.
• allies and Ed I got a chance to from Ed allies and Ed I got a chance to um<01:42:31.360> really

Bills: HF957, HF877

Keywords: education, mandate relief, school funding, local control, state laws, fund transfers, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a constant back and forth between us and the Department of Ed and, of course, all the public
• And before each of those, we give the report to the Department of Ed.
• I say report to the Department of Ed; I say give—we're using the statewide database.
• And before each of those, we give the report to the Department of Ed.
• Department of Ed in Vermont, then we can add them as an approved education provider.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call. The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work. Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• The senators, my name is Stevie Martin.

Bills: HB3767, HB3934, HB4199, HB4336, HB2947, HB3834, HB4302, HB4095, HB3287, HB3649, HB4430, HB4431, HB2059, HB3647, HB3986, HB3548, HB3661, HB4346, HB3075, HB4273, HB3391, HB4128, HB3557, HB3239, HB3982, HB2123, HB2979, HB2997, HB3148, HB4108, HB4143, HB4266, HB2053, HB4058, SR30

Keywords: dentistry, licensing, dental hygiene, foreign-trained dentists, temporary license, public health, emergency response, child care, workforce, pilot program, affordable care, income eligibility, interventional pain management, pain management clinic, chronic pain, acute pain, spinal injections, epidural steroid injection, peripheral nerve block, nerve ablation

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Senator Martin.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Codes met in a different room due to scheduling conflicts and considered a series of bills, mostly criminal procedure, penal law, civil rights, and executive law measures. Several bills had previously passed the Senate unanimously and were quickly moved through committee, including measures sponsored by Senators Harkham, Scootis, Bernardis, Scarsella Spanton, Conrad, Ryan, Jimenez, and others. The committee also considered Senate Print 1004A by Senator Brisport, which would amend the Criminal Procedure Law and Mental Hygiene Law to address prolonged detention of incapacitated individuals; Senator Palumbo supported the bill’s intent but objected to the mechanism, and the bill was reported to finance with Palumbo in the negative and Gallivan without recommendation. Senator Bailey’s Senate Print 4525, focused on language access in criminal procedure, drew supportive comments about ensuring non-English speakers are not denied justice, but it was reported with Senator Kavanagh without recommendation and Senators Murray and Palumbo in the negative. The committee also advanced Senate Print 5110A by Senator Scarcella Spanton, which would increase protections for HPD inspectors by making assaults on them a low-level felony; members expressed concern about increasing penalties but agreed the bill had merit, and it was reported with Kavanagh without recommendation and Brisport and Sepúlveda in the negative. The most extended discussion centered on Senate Print 3021C by Senator Hinchy, which would require a uniform tattoo policy for state and local law enforcement. Members debated First Amendment concerns, subjectivity in determining what is “offensive,” and whether the bill should set clearer guardrails or simply require agencies to adopt a policy. Supporters said the bill aimed to create statewide consistency and reflect changing norms around tattoos, while critics worried about subjective enforcement and potential constitutional issues. The bill was moved by Senator Myrie and reported, with Senators Sepúlveda and Brisport without recommendation. The meeting then adjourned after the chair thanked members for the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives that the Senate has taken up and adopted Senate Resolution 527, respectfully, Christina Martin

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Martins. Senator Mattera. Senator May.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and briefly closed out the 2025 legislative session by adopting a concurrent resolution on adjournment. The chamber then reopened for the 2026 session with a quorum present, a prayer by Bishop Mark O’Connell, and opening remarks from the Lieutenant Governor, Minority Leader Rob Ortt, and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. The remarks focused on the responsibilities of the new session, the need to listen to constituents, and broad priorities such as affordability, public safety, rights protections, and working across party lines. Governor Kathy Hochul’s message requesting the Senate’s presence for the 2026 State of the State address was read and filed. In their remarks, Ortt emphasized affordability, keeping more money in New Yorkers’ pockets, energy choices, and public safety, while Stewart-Cousins highlighted rising costs for housing, groceries, utilities, health care, and child care, along with defending voting rights, equal rights, and immigrant communities. Both leaders said their conferences were prepared to work with each other and with the Governor. The Senate then adopted two organizational resolutions: one appointing Senators Bynoe and Chan to inform the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready to proceed, and another appointing Senators Ryan and Wildcat to inform the Assembly that the Senate was assembled and ready to proceed. No substantive legislation was debated, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, January 12, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• unanimously by the Jefferson delegation in September, and is similar to local bills passed for Leon, Martin

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee considered four bills and reported all of them favorably. HB 373, by Rep. Duggins, tolls the statute of limitations for the offense of knowingly and willfully failing to report suspected child abuse until law enforcement or another outside agency learns of the violation. Members raised concerns about fairness if the underlying abuse is time-barred while the reporter still faces prosecution, and the sponsor said he would discuss possible changes with his state attorney, but the bill was not amended and passed 13-0. HB 359, by Rep. Anderson, extends the deadline for forensic examination of seized computers and electronic devices from 45 days to 365 days. Supporters from the Florida Prosecutors Association and state attorneys said modern devices are difficult and time-consuming to unlock and analyze, creating repeated requests to extend search deadlines and slowing investigations in cases involving child exploitation, homicide, and other crimes. The bill passed 13-0. HB 703, by Rep. Gentry, preserves a public records exemption for information generated by a state attorney’s conviction integrity unit during reinvestigation of a claim of innocence, with supporters saying disclosure could reveal sensitive information such as alternate suspects, witnesses, or evidence and compromise the review. It passed 12-0. HB 4001, by Rep. Tant, caps inmate health care compensation in Jefferson County at 110% of the Medicare reimbursement rate to encourage preexisting provider contracts and prevent overbilling; it also passed 13-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, I'm Mary Martin Mitchell at the Department of Revenue.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is home to such major companies as American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and General Motors.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's home to such major companies as American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and General Motors. several

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And higher ed has to be a key player in that.
• Higher ed, who's going to start off?
• Recommendation was taken for higher-ed institutions.
• What is the percentage of new students coming into higher ed?
• We do have the higher ed universities next year.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then if you take that into account, and I should say with the pending higher ed bond bill, which
• I believe, after having sat on the Debt Affordability Commission and the Higher-Ed Bond Study Commission
• service would be and the portion that would be carved out from Fair Share for debt service for higher ed
• talking about, you know, whether or not leveraging, like through the CTF and also through the higher ed
• You could convince me tomorrow that... ...higher ed bond that's pending with Chair Rogers right now,

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Bonding, State Assets, and Capital Expenditures held its first public hearing on House Bill 4257, a transportation bonding bill. The administration testified in support, describing the bill as a $1.185 billion authorization: $300 million for Chapter 90 municipal road funding and $885 million for statewide transportation capital programs. Officials said the bill would increase municipal aid by 50%, with $200 million distributed under the traditional Chapter 90 formula and $100 million based solely on road mileage to better help rural communities. They also highlighted $500 million for bridge and pavement lifecycle asset management, $200 million for culverts and small bridges, and $185 million for congestion, safety, ADA, sidewalk, and multimodal improvements. Committee members asked about how municipalities would apply, how the road-mile formula would affect rural towns, and how the bill would interact with federal funding uncertainty and debt financing. Administration witnesses explained that projects would be administered through MassDOT district offices and Grant Central, that the bill would not backfill rescinded federal funds, and that the proposal would likely use special obligation bonds backed by Fair Share revenues to reduce pressure on the Commonwealth’s general obligation debt limit. Members also pressed the administration on the shift from general obligation to special obligation financing and on whether the Chapter 90 increase keeps pace with inflation. Administration officials said the special obligation structure would be credit-rated separately and was intended to expand available capital without affecting the GO bond cap, while acknowledging that the Commonwealth’s debt portfolio would grow. They said the Chapter 90 increase would roughly restore purchasing power lost since 2012, though construction inflation has outpaced general inflation. Several members and witnesses emphasized the importance of the road-mile formula for rural communities and the need for technical assistance for small towns. The Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in strong support of the bill, calling Chapter 90 and the new infrastructure authorizations critical for cities and towns facing federal uncertainty and rising costs. The Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported the bill, citing the importance of the funding for road and bridge work, the construction season, and the industry’s economic impact. A committee member asked about asphalt price inflation, and the witness said liquid asphalt costs rose sharply after COVID, including increases of around 20% in some years. At the end of the hearing, the chair said members would receive a poll by email to move the bill out quickly, and the committee then voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• in 15, and the Senate did 12, and we were able to find 12, and it's not all coming out of the higher ed
• We're taking 2 million from the higher ed trust fund and 10 million from the... ...ed trust fund and
• The 2 million uh is an allowable use of unclaimed property of the higher ed trust fund.
• The Vermont Higher Ed Endowment Trust Fund can be used for two purposes.
• And then the FY27 ed spending per long-term weighted is really dividing the education spending by the

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• when we talk about ending the department when we talk about ending the department of<00:09:34.839> Ed
• 35.480> we<00:09:35.600> know<00:09:35.760> that<00:09:35.880> that's of Ed
• federally we know that that's of Ed federally we know that that's getting<00:09:36.240> moved
• <00:09:36.560> HHS<00:09:37.040> So<00:09:37.200> Special<00:09:37.519> Ed
• <00:09:37.720> is getting moved to HHS So Special Ed is getting moved to HHS So Special Ed

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And for higher ed, I know that there's a big, you know, as far as this, but can you just very briefly
• universities, just some very high-level stuff, 2 or 3 kind of big picture, big ticket items for higher ed
• Chairman, um, higher ed largely left intact.
• So I, I appreciate the support, Madam Chair and Senator, for our public schools, K-12, our higher ed.
• then it kept, it was a moving goalpost every time and so I, I know one of the big ones was the higher ed

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:10:39.400> the<00:10:39.600> department<00:10:40.000> of<00:10:40.120> Ed
• So, the department of Ed would eight.
• So, the department of Ed would would<00:10:40.800> come<00:10:40.960> back<00:10:41.240
• conversations about funding special ed conversations about funding special ed costs<00:44:06.520
• <00:44:34.720> uh in the charter school special ed uh in the charter school special ed uh

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 751 reviewed amendment 2026-1904H page by page, focusing on open enrollment rules, capacity definitions, statewide enrollment limits, denial criteria, transportation, and funding. Members discussed clarifying that districts may set capacity at zero if they truly have no room, creating a statewide enrollment cap of 500 that can increase by 25% if it reaches 90% utilization, and exempting seats already used by open enrollment students before October 1, 2026. They also discussed how the Department of Education would allocate seats through rulemaking, while local districts would still set capacity, with grandfathered seats preserved where districts already allow open enrollment. A substantial portion of the meeting centered on when districts may deny open enrollment applications. The amendment would allow denials for reasons such as chronic absenteeism or disciplinary history, while requiring districts to consider whether those issues are tied to disability, McKinney-Vento status, foster care, or bullying. Members emphasized that such factors are to be considered, not used as the sole basis for rejection, and noted that the bill separately prohibits receiving schools from accepting or rejecting applicants based on pupil needs, special education needs, disability, aptitude, or athletic achievement. There was also discussion of whether interdistrict transfers should count toward open enrollment capacity, with a suggestion that a carve-out may be needed. The committee also reviewed provisions on program-specific capacity, continuous enrollment, and transportation. It was explained that capacity can apply to a school, grade, program, or class, including CTE programs, and that students may be denied if a specific program is full or if they do not meet prerequisites. The group clarified that open enrollment pupils would maintain continuous enrollment without reapplying, though there was concern about how that would work if district capacity changes over time. Transportation would generally be the parent’s responsibility unless required by an IEP or 504 plan, though students may use an existing bus route if seats are available and the receiving district allows it. On funding, the committee noted that the amendment changes the earlier HB 751 approach and instead ties open enrollment funding to base adequacy, differentiated aid, and an additional grant modeled on charter school funding, with dates removed at the department’s request. Members also raised concerns about how open enrollment would interact with existing tuition agreements and whether districts could use the new pathway to alter or pressure those arrangements. Department staff said districts would still be required to maintain a school of record and provide an adequate education free of charge outside the open enrollment program, and that if open enrollment enrollment became unusually large relative to district adequacy enrollment, the issue could be brought to the state board. No votes were taken in the portion provided.