Transcript Highlights:

• You gave us the opportunity to bring this bill back and make amendments and make changes to it to make
• And that we need an opportunity to be able to see if there are any other changes or adjustments that
• Is that you took a chance on us two weeks ago and gave us the opportunity to bring forward something.
• I'm a member from San Diego, as this bill moves through the process, we see that we have opportunities
• Affordable childcare is essential to family stability. and community opportunities.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• digital digital currency<01:13:15.639><c> Central</c><01:13:16.080><c> Bank</c><01:13:16.440><c> digital
• </c><01:13:17.000><c> currency</c> currency Central Bank digital currency currency Central Bank digital
• Well, the European Union just created a digital wallet. What do you put in a digital wallet?
• digital digital currency<01:21:31.840><c> only</c><01:21:32.280><c> 15%</c><01:21:33.280><c> went</c
• </c> a digital a digital wallet<01:21:57.679><c> what</c><01:21:57.800><c> do</c><01:21:57.920><c> you

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 167, a PFAS-related measure to add ski, snowboard, and boat wax to the state’s list of banned consumer products containing PFAS. The sponsor said the product is already banned in many other places, alternatives exist, and the concern is that these products go directly into water rather than landfills. She cited high PFAS levels in several New Hampshire lakes and argued the bill would help stop further contamination. A member of the public also described personal experience with ski wax products disappearing from the market, suggesting PFAS may have been the reason. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 167. The committee next opened a hearing on House Bill 312, dealing with college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Representative Moffett explained the bill was prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s NCAA v. Alston decision and was modeled on New Jersey law. He said the bill would prevent colleges from restricting NIL compensation, require athletes to use licensed attorneys or registered sports agents, and limit certain endorsements involving addictive drugs, adult entertainment, firearms, and weapons. He framed the measure as a proactive response to a changing college sports landscape and noted possible future conflicts involving schools, agents, and endorsements. Committee members raised several concerns and suggested changes. One member questioned the bill’s exclusion of two-year institutions, another objected to the weapons restriction, and others asked how the bill would affect scholarships. The sponsor said the intent was to protect scholarships, especially athletic scholarships, and clarified that need-based scholarships were not meant to be affected. He also acknowledged discomfort with the endorsement restrictions and said the committee might want to broaden or revise the language. The hearing remained open for further consideration, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they will also be promoted and distributed through digital channels.
• We appreciated the opportunity to participate.
• It's just missed opportunities, front, left, right, and center.
• It's just missed opportunities, front, left, right, and center. tell you.
• It's just missed opportunities, front, left, right, and center.

Summary: The special commission on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution met without a quorum, but proceeded with updates on upcoming commemoration activities. Co-chairs Representative Sean Garballey and Senator Paul Mark opened the meeting and welcomed Superintendent Armstrong from the National Parks of Boston. The main focus was the approaching slate of major events tied to the Revolution and July 4th, including Bunker Hill observances, Harborfest, Sail Boston, and the Boston Pops Spectacular. Dusty Rhodes gave a detailed overview of Sail Boston, describing the arrival and anchoring of tall ships, the parade of sail, public boarding opportunities, harbor fireworks, and the Sail Boston festival site. He noted the complexity of coordinating ships, pilots, tugboats, and public safety across multiple agencies, and said the event budget is over $5 million. Kate Fox and Sheila Green then reported on Massachusetts 250 programming: strong website and email engagement, merchandise sales, grant-funded exhibits and murals across the state, multicultural outreach, the I Civics “We Declare” student project, the America 250 time capsule contributions, the July 8 national reading of the Declaration of Independence, the flag sojourn, and a new schools-and-farms partnership with state agencies. Jonathan Lane of Revolution 250 updated the commission on Bunker Hill activities, the Gloucester Battle reenactment, Treaty Day in Watertown, and the Declaration of Independence project. He said funding had been secured to reprint the Ezekiel Russell Declaration of Independence for distribution to all 351 cities and towns, with printing underway and hopes to deliver copies by July 4. The commission also discussed creating a Massachusetts-specific time capsule and forming a working group to gather ideas and possible contributions from cities and towns. Members expressed support, offered to help, and the meeting ended with thanks, announcements of an upcoming documentary screening, and a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thirdly, that we disagree constructively so that we preserve our opportunity to find common ground going
• Thank you for the opportunity to be here. Chair Mena, ranking members, and... Good afternoon.
• Thank you for the opportunity to be here.
• Chair Mena, ranking members, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. Thank you so much for your testimony.

Bills: SCR8406, SB5892, SB5863

Keywords: civic health, community engagement, committee reestablishment, public participation, governance, voter registration database, election security, public records exemption, Secretary of State, county elections office, election infrastructure, cybersecurity, ballot signatures, ballot return envelopes, signature correction forms, voter privacy, personal identifying information, Social Security number, driver's license number, state ID number

Transcript Highlights:

• later shared without that person's permission; and what is often called revenge porn, as well as digitally
• Scammers obtained images through digitally altering or generating images or manipulating youth into thinking
• Scammers obtained images through digitally altering or generating images or manipulating youth into thinking
• </c><00:44:55.360><c> she</c><00:44:55.560><c> had</c><00:44:55.720><c> no</c><00:44:55.920><c> opportunity
• And she had no opportunity to a crime. And she had no opportunity to seek<00:44:56.880><c> justice.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Opportunities that you heard the Chief Justice talk about earlier and governmental entities outside of
• The challenge we have is that the digital revolution has reached the courtroom.
• Um, due largely to electronic discovery records, digital evidence, honestly, better lawyering, which
• Madam Chair, um, members on the dais, thank you for the opportunity to be before you to present, um,
• Um, thank you so much for the opportunity to speak with you today.

Transcript Highlights:

• there or opportunity there for fraudsters.
• Members, this bill is not about promoting digital assets.
• Many people promoting digital assets.
• This bill now and other digital assets.
• Uh, digital assets are not going away.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you very much for the opportunity to have this discussion here today.
• Chair and committee members, for the opportunity to present SB 1130.
• Thanks for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Catherine Crump.
• So there's still the opportunity for somebody to be heard. Thank you.
• That so there's still the opportunity for somebody to be heard.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1056 by Senator Grayson, which would require courts to issue protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases and limit copying or dissemination of that material. The author and survivors Aaron Quinn and Denise Haskins-Quinn testified that the bill is meant to prevent revictimization and protect privacy while preserving defendants’ access to discovery. Opposition from public defenders and criminal defense groups argued the bill was too vague, could interfere with defense preparation, and inappropriately modeled adult-material protections on child sexual abuse material. After committee amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and clarifying access, SB 1056 passed out of committee to Appropriations on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some members voting aye and the bill kept on call. The committee then took up SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, which would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the author, the mayor of Huntington Park, and advocacy groups, described injuries and fear caused by flashbangs and explosive breaching devices, especially in protests and immigration operations. Law enforcement organizations opposed the bill, saying the definitions were vague, the restrictions could hinder officers in fast-moving situations, and the immigration-enforcement language could conflict with existing task-force arrangements. Members discussed possible amendments to clarify definitions and exigent circumstances, but the bill was ultimately moved due pass to Appropriations and then failed on the roll call, with only one aye and several no votes. Next, SB 1070 by Senator Grove proposed making intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges for more serious conduct. The author and faith leaders said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions at houses of worship and protect religious freedom. Opponents, including the Friends Committee on Legislation, ACLU California Action, and public defender groups, argued the measure would criminalize speech, raise constitutional concerns, and impose excessive penalties for conduct that should be addressed through existing law or restorative justice. Several committee members also objected to elevating the offense to a felony, and the bill failed on a due-pass vote, though a motion to reconsider was granted. The committee also heard SB 1130 by Senator Reyes, which would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses by restricting covert recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and limiting devices or technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill responds to rapidly advancing wearable technology and surreptitious filming, while opponents from tech and business groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and be too broad. After committee amendments reduced penalties, removed manufacturer provisions from the criminal section, and shifted them to civil enforcement, SB 1130 passed out of committee to Rules on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some support and one no vote. Finally, Senator Troy presented SCA 2, a constitutional amendment to bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members; with no opposition testimony, members briefly discussed the proposal, and the transcript ends before any final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This creates new opportunities for small and mid-sized farmers, allowing them to diversify their income
• I'm grateful for the opportunity to address you today as an executive board member of the Texas Hemp
• And these individuals deserve the opportunity to pursue a healthy lifestyle. and our products play a
• Digital records reduce the. chances of errors and discrepancies compared to paper-based systems.
• House Bill number 147 will ensure industry keeps up with the speed of digital information.

Bills: HB147, HB 1113, HB 1203, HB 1269, HB 1276, HB 1277, HB1437, HB147

Keywords: livestock, brands, marks, earmarks, tattoos, electronic registry, Texas Animal Health Commission, county clerk, Agriculture Code, cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, horses, animal identification, brand registry, livestock traceability, electronic filing, rerecording, law enforcement access

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:47:40.319><c> possibly</c> opportunity for us, especially possibly opportunity for us, especially
• </c> double digits, so 15%. double digits, so 15%.
• So we're not talking about anything like pandemic, post-pandemic, high single-digit, low double-digit
• </c><01:44:45.119><c> like</c> probably looking at opportunities like probably looking at opportunities
• </c> ever goes away then that opportunity ever goes away then that opportunity goes<05:44:48.558><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:55.480><c> to</c> the committee for the opportunity to the committee for the opportunity to
• </c><00:28:20.360><c> World</c> state in an increasingly Digital World state in an increasingly Digital
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify this morning.
• </c><01:17:15.080><c> to</c> then grandma would have a opportunity to then grandma would have a opportunity
• </c><03:40:17.160><c> to</c> having this kind of opportunity to having this kind of opportunity to obtain

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard CACR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Keith Ammon to recognize a fundamental right to use computation resources. Ammon argued that computing is now essential to daily life, speech, education, and economic opportunity, and said the amendment was intended to push back against government or corporate restrictions, citing a 2023 federal executive order on AI registration and reporting as an example of the kind of precedent he wanted to oppose. He said the proposal should be simple and clear because it would go to voters, and he compared the right to compute to other constitutional rights that do not require the government to provide the underlying tools. Committee members raised concerns about the breadth of the language, including whether it could affect encryption, authentication, network security, energy use, and other regulatory issues. Representative McFarland questioned whether the amendment could interfere with security measures, while others asked whether it would prevent ordinary network management such as throttling or require the state to provide internet access or hardware. Ammon responded that the right would not entitle someone to other people’s resources and said encryption and similar issues would sort themselves out. Several members also raised concerns about child safety, public safety, and whether existing laws could still regulate misuse of computing; Ammon said reasonable limits would still apply, similar to other constitutional rights. Sarah Scott of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the amendment would protect innovation, individual autonomy, and economic competitiveness by preventing overregulation. After questions concluded, the chair closed the hearing on CACR 6. The committee then opened House Bill 615, sponsored by Representative Dan Maguire, which would substantially rewrite the state’s drug-forfeiture law. Maguire said the bill is intended to improve fairness and efficiency in cases where property such as cars or cash is seized in connection with drug offenses, noting that the criminal case and the civil forfeiture case are currently handled separately, with the property case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. He explained that the bill addresses courtroom procedure for these forfeiture actions and is meant to make the process more specific and orderly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, and thank you for the question and the opportunity.
• Okay Madam Chair and members thank you for the opportunity to present SB 81.
• We acquire properties where there is opportunity.
• It is respectfully adding another typed word to a digital menu.
• And so I hadn't had an opportunity. I just walked in. to share that with our witness.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This leads to a lot of innovation, a lot of opportunities to get creative and really take full advantage
• So all these new digital tools that can be on a phone or it can be on your wrist and a Fitbit, or we
• But I also see that... ...but I also see that we have a huge opportunity in Florida, which I'm excited
• We have the research opportunities through the state made available.
• We have the research opportunities through the state made available.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s cancer research and funding programs, including the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program, the Bankhead-Coley Research Program, and Live Like Bella. Dr. Ladapo and leaders from Moffitt, Sylvester/University of Miami, UF Health, and Mayo Clinic described how state funding has helped Florida’s four NCI-designated cancer centers expand research, recruit faculty, increase clinical trials, and build collaborations. They emphasized that the programs are intended to improve cancer care statewide, support innovation, and encourage more institutions to pursue NCI designation. The Governor’s budget recommendation was noted as including additional funding, and members asked about the cost and requirements of becoming NCI-designated and eventually comprehensive. Panelists said NCI designation requires major infrastructure, compliance, research, and training investments, with de novo development estimated at about $1 billion. They described Florida’s collaborative model as unusual nationally, with annual symposia, shared pilot funding, and joint projects across the four centers. Members also asked about rural access, home-based care, and recruitment/retention. Mayo described its “Cancer Care Beyond Walls” home-treatment model and said it could expand to rural counties within months; Moffitt and UF discussed mobile screening, satellite sites, and affiliations with local hospitals and practices. Several members raised concerns about workforce shortages, licensure delays, and the need to reach underserved areas. The discussion also covered outcomes, data reporting, and the broader economic impact of the cancer centers. Panelists cited growth in jobs, federal research funding, and clinical trial enrollment, and highlighted advances in immunotherapy, CAR-T, TIL therapy, carbon ion therapy, AI-driven screening, and the firefighter cancer initiative. They said the Florida Cancer Data System is being expanded to track recurrence and quality-of-life measures. Members also asked about philanthropy, medical tourism, and federal funding risks, including possible indirect cost reductions that could affect research budgets. The meeting ended with general support for continued investment, while some members noted an ongoing policy debate over whether future cancer research dollars should be concentrated in the four NCI centers or spread more broadly across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• On digital, this is a regular wallet.
• Thank you for the opportunity.
• Thank you for the opportunity.
• Thank you for the opportunity.
• Thank you for the opportunity.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions. The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• And from those opportunities, we went off and trained everyone we could.
• And from those opportunities, we went off and trained everyone we could.
• And from those opportunities, we went off and trained everyone we could.
• Thank you for this opportunity.
• </c><01:29:02.960><c> for</c> and um provide opportunities for and um provide opportunities for students

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The contractor manages our website and digital communications, and the current contract value is $3.5
• increase it so that we can prepare another request for proposals to do more website managing and digital
• All right, agenda item number six, review and approval of the health care employment reinvestment opportunity

Summary: The committee first heard a fiscal status statement from the Office of Planning and Budget showing that updated Revenue Estimating Conference forecasts reduced the FY26 general fund excess available from $292.6 million to $179.7 million, with lower revenues across the five-year baseline and larger out-year imbalances. With no questions, the statement was approved. Members then reviewed several Facility Planning and Control items, including approval of a new $3 million LSU Health Sciences Center project in New Orleans funded by self-generated revenues, a $343,600 increase for HVAC upgrades at the Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jackson, and a $700,000 increase for Southern University’s A.A. Leno Law Center addition. The committee also received informational change-order reports and approved Louisiana Economic Development contract extensions for Zender Communications and Graham Group, as well as a Department of Education contract amendment for the Louisiana Gator ESA program with Odyssey after questions about the contract’s up-to amount and procurement process. The Sabine River Authority sought approval for a $9.5 million increase to its operating budget and its 2026-2027 budget, explaining the increase was tied to taking over the Cypress Bend Resort hotel and related property; members asked about long-term self-sufficiency and local support, and the items were approved favorably. The Louisiana Department of Health received approval for 15 HERO Fund grant awards totaling about $4.6 million to support 541 new health care credentials statewide. The Water Sector Commission’s recommendations were also approved, including $619,850 more for St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 5 and emergency subfund support for the city of Tallulah, conditioned on a limited fiscal administration order. Finally, members reviewed an agreement between the LCTCS Board and its Facilities Corporation under Act 35, and the meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, California courts have consolidated, and with the emergence of new digital technology, very often
• And with the emergence of new digital technology, very often new evidence comes to light after a preliminary
• preparation for trial to the court as well, and that is why it's relevant to give all sides the opportunity

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through routine procedural business, including dispensing with the reading of the prior journal, re-referring several bills, and approving committee scheduling requests. There was also a point of order from Assemblymember DeMaio asking about a possible Governor’s message regarding Medi-Cal, but the chair said no formal message had been received at the desk. The main floor debate centered on AB 321 by Assemblymember Schultz, the Better Informed Decisions Act, which would allow courts to consider reducing certain “wobbler” offenses from felonies to misdemeanors later in the criminal process if new evidence emerges. Supporters argued it would improve fairness, transparency, and efficiency by letting judges make better-informed decisions; opponents said it would weaken felony accountability and conflict with voter intent on public safety. The bill passed on a 46-5 vote. The Assembly also adopted ACR 47 by Assemblymember Chen, declaring March 16–22 as National Surveyors Week, with 63 co-authors added and the resolution adopted by voice vote. AB 387 by Assemblymember Alanis, which expands jury duty exemptions to include probation officers, passed 64-0. On the consent calendar, ACR 46, HR 9, HR 22, and SCR 17 were adopted with unanimous votes, and the Assembly adjourned until Monday, March 17 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:51.600><c> to</c> always grateful for the opportunity to always grateful for the opportunity
• We appreciate the opportunity on short We appreciate the opportunity on short notice to come and share
• Using this as an opportunity to recruit students into STEM and STEM education fields, funded by opportunities
• </c><00:48:08.960><c> and</c> and teachers have more opportunity and and teachers have more opportunity
• </c><00:54:01.599><c> economy</c> uh, uh, as a part of a digital economy uh, uh, as a part of a digital

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met without a quorum and did not approve minutes, but heard testimony on budget line items for Data Seam and Teach for America. Andrew McNeel of Kentucky Free and representatives from the Commonwealth Policy Center argued that both programs rely heavily on recurring taxpayer support and should be re-evaluated. McNeel cited a 2020 Office of Policy and Audit examination of Data Seam, saying the program had received more than $30 million in state support since 2006, including $3.5 million in the current budget, and that the audit raised concerns about administrative overhead, alleged threats to districts, and the use of line-item language to justify sole-source contracting. He recommended suspending Data Seam funding this biennium, directing a new special audit, and requiring reimbursement of audit costs. The witnesses also urged the committee to withhold funding for Teach for America, saying the organization’s materials and history showed a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that they opposed. They pointed to past statements, leadership titles, and program language as evidence that DEI concepts remained embedded in the organization, and suggested any funding should be redirected directly to school districts instead. Mike Harmon and Richard Nelson echoed those concerns, while also saying long-running programs should be periodically reviewed for efficiency. Teach for America Appalachia representatives then testified in support of the program. Executive director C.D. Morton described the organization as a teacher-preparation and leadership-development program serving rural eastern Kentucky, saying it had recruited and supported more than 325 teachers since 2011, with about 30 current core members in several counties and roughly 2,800 students impacted daily. He said the program helps fill hard-to-staff vacancies, that about 80% of teachers stay for a third year, and that many alumni remain in education. In response to questions from Representative Bojanowski about retention and cost, Morton said more than 60% of alumni are still in education, but he could not give a precise classroom-teacher retention number beyond the program’s broader alumni data.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate the opportunity to be in front of you with House Bill 306 today.
• Representative Neimus is down at the table with his very distinguished guest that I had an opportunity
• And I appreciate the opportunity, and, uh, I, Representative Neimus, I would have talked to you sooner
• </c><00:25:45.840><c> I</c><00:25:46.080><c> I</c> opportunity and and uh I I opportunity and and uh
• Um do we not also digital uh format.

Keywords: 958, all

Bills: SB 2, SB 10, HB27, HB18, HB17, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB18, SR 1, SR 2, SR 5, HB18, HB17, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SR1, SR2, SR5, SB2, SB10, HB27

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance