Transcript Highlights:

• to be having those conversations to be having those conversations especially<00:19:20.320> if
• <00:21:09.840> around things like having conversations around things like having conversations
• <00:26:47.200> in<00:26:47.440> the having this conversation in the having this conversation
• <00:32:40.320> around when we had these conversations around when we had these conversations
• Um, you know, one of the conversation.

Bills: HF3653, HF2717, HF3451, HF3857

Keywords: education finance, safe schools revenue, school safety, charter schools, funding, safe schools, school security, school levy, pupil units, safe schools aid, cooperative units, intermediate school district, school resource officer, peace officer liaison, sheriff liaison, drug abuse prevention, gang resistance education, violence prevention, suicide prevention, mental health services

Summary: The committee first adopted the March 3rd minutes by voice vote after Representative Lee moved them and there was no discussion. Members then reviewed hearing rules on decorum, safety, and participation before taking testimony from Dr. James Densley and Dr. Jillian Peterson of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University. The presenters summarized research on mass shootings and K-12 school shootings, drawing on a database of homicides in school settings from 2000 to 2025 and a smaller set of 15 K-12 mass shooting cases. They said school shooters are usually insiders, most often current or former students, and typically young males. They described common patterns including a noticeable crisis before attacks, perpetrators viewing the shooting as a final act, studying prior shooters online, and “leakage” in which most tell someone in advance. They also emphasized that many perpetrators use unsecured firearms from family members and argued that prevention should combine reporting systems, behavioral threat assessment, counseling, mentoring, secure storage, and other layered interventions rather than rely on a single solution. The presenters also discussed broader violence trends in the Twin Cities, saying much school violence is spillover from community violence and that pandemic-era disruptions and weakened trust in institutions contributed to serious violence. They cited a national survey finding that exposure to gun violence is associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces, especially among young people. During member questions, Representative Wam asked for clarification on the data set and the rural/small-town share of the survey sample.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the conversion process is complex.
• > a<00:40:30.160> newer Worker co-op conversion is a newer Worker co-op conversion is a
• So, co-ops and worker co-op conversions.
• It takes conversion process is complex.
• Can you conversion and the time.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we had a couple of conversations, and I don't know if you've ever had a conversation with Senator
• There were so many other conversations, and I am grateful.
• There were so many other conversations. And I am grateful.
• And always, though, I knew that we could have a real conversation.
• Influences conversation, but truly how it's influenced policy.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several introductions and memorials, including a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with several bills substituted with House companions and adopted by voice vote or recorded vote. Early measures included a tax conformity bill tied to federal Internal Revenue Code changes, which passed 34-0, and a Medicaid/public assistance bill that drew extensive debate over work requirements, fraud reduction, behavioral health services, and SNAP/EBT reforms. Amendments offered by Senators Berman and Osgood to condition or soften the work and photo-ID provisions were rejected, and the underlying bill was placed on the third-reading calendar after lengthy questioning about implementation, exemptions, and eligibility effects. The Senate also passed bills on computer science education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry public-records exemption and registry update, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the legal-tender sunset for gold and silver, public-records protections for gold/silver custodians and stablecoin-related entities, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, and local government budget transparency/spending measures. Most of these measures were adopted after minor amendments or technical substitutions, with votes generally ranging from 31-3 to 34-0. The chamber also recognized the Florida Channel’s 30 years of legislative coverage. Later, the Senate approved a digital voyeurism bill expanding the reasonable-expectation-of-privacy definition to include private fenced yards, and an insurance customer representative licensing bill allowing high school students to complete insurance/personal finance coursework and later qualify for licensure. The final major item was a medical freedom bill that would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption to immunization mandates, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition; two amendments clarifying anti-kickback rules and requiring vaccine information to include risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy were adopted, while questions from Senators Smith and Massullo focused on public-health impacts and the content of the required materials. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• needs to continue going forward, and we are happy to be a part of that conversation.
• We recognize that that conversation needs to continue going forward.
• The conversation needs to continue going forward, and we are happy to be a part of that conversation.
• I know there's conversations at the legislature with the hospital program and other ways to bring in
• <01:19:10.560> at<01:19:10.760> the know there's conversations at the know there's

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My only conversation I had when I came to inspector there used to be within Department of a, I think
• And moving forward, we’re still going to have that dialogue and conversation.
• And moving forward, we’re still going to have that dialogue and conversation.
• And moving forward, we’re still going to have that dialogue and conversation.
• The conversion of the illegal market does not all happen at once.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Senator Fincham, we're happy to have that conversation.
• If that is a conversation that you would like to have, I'm happy to meet up with you and we can discuss
• If that is a conversation that you would like to have, I'm happy to meet up with you and we can discuss
• They're willing to engage in that conversation, give as much information as has been requested by JLBC
• So we've had this conversation for at least six months, I would say. It started in the fall.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Budget Committee approved the January 29, 2026 minutes and then took up a Secretary of State budget transfer tied to unused funds from the U.S. Congressional District 7 special election line item. JLBC staff explained that $2.49 million would be transferred to the operating budget, including $500,000 for 2026 primary and general election costs, $240,000 for Secretary of State physical security costs from March through June 2026, and $1.7 million for county-related expenses, including $1 million for the state’s voter registration database share. Staff said the request was smaller than the Secretary of State’s original $2.9 million request because it excluded $200,000 for future database replacement planning and $160,000 in already-incurred security costs. The Secretary of State’s representative said the security funding covered physical security measures and presence at public events, but declined to provide operational details in open session for safety reasons. Members questioned the size and purpose of the security request, the status of communications with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding voter rolls, and whether litigation costs related to that dispute were being tracked. The Secretary of State’s representative said the office had been in active communication with federal officials and had participated in virtual meetings, but could not discuss litigation details or confirm face-to-face DOJ meetings. One member asked for a written or verbal list of meetings and another requested ongoing litigation cost information, expressing concern about spending on legal disputes. The representative said none of the transferred special-election funds would be used for litigation and that the office would discuss budget questions further if needed. The vice chair said the issue had been discussed for months and noted dissatisfaction with the office’s response to DOJ and voter-roll issues, but said the transfer was still needed. He moved a favorable review of the item with provisions requiring monthly expenditure reports to JLBC staff beginning April 15, 2026, and prohibiting the transferred money from being used for contracts with individuals. The transcript cuts off before the full vote or any additional provisions were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I remember in the conversation we had about increasing the benefits and extending the dollar amounts
• That's the conversation we're happy to be part of.
• We talked a little bit about paid family leave earlier in the conversation.
• We talked a little bit about paid family leave earlier in the conversation, and in your presentation
• We talked a little bit about paid family leave earlier in the conversation.

Summary: The Commission on Unemployment Compensation met, established a quorum, and elected Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling as chair and Senator Mike Jones as vice chair. The commission also adopted its electronic meeting policy and heard introductions from new members, staff, and officials from the Secretary of Labor’s office and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Secretary Jessica Lumen outlined the administration’s workforce and labor priorities, including supporting workers, employers, and program transparency, while members raised concerns about business climate, job losses, labor participation, and the implementation of paid family and medical leave. Staff provided legislative updates on recent unemployment-related bills. These included increases to the weekly unemployment benefit amount enacted in 2025 and 2026, a bill on labor dispute disqualification that changed how lockouts are treated for benefit eligibility, and a budget item providing $75,000 for actuarial support to the commission. The commission also discussed the 2025 work group on annual adjustments to weekly benefit amounts; staff reported that the work group did not complete its charge, and members agreed to revisit whether to reconstitute it at a future meeting. Delegate Martinez expressed support for continuing the work, and the chair said the issue would be taken up at the next meeting. Deputy Commissioner Joanna Darkus gave a detailed presentation on Virginia’s unemployment insurance system, including current claims data, eligibility rules, employer tax structure, benefit levels, trust fund solvency, fraud prevention, and customer service operations. She reported that Virginia’s unemployment rate remains low, weekly claims are modest, the current weekly benefit range is $160 to $478, and the trust fund balance factor is projected at 50.9 percent, near the threshold for additional employer charges. Members asked about the taxable wage base, trust fund solvency, the effect of benefit increases, fraud controls, and the planned paid family and medical leave program. VEC said it is implementing that program through regulations, staffing, IT procurement, public listening sessions, and consultation with other states. A public commenter from the Virginia Poverty Law Center urged the commission to strengthen state investment in unemployment insurance and warned that federal support is uncertain. The commission then adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• After a couple of adult beverages, we got into a conversation, and I found out that this was the gentleman
• I think there was just some misunderstanding with folks in that conversation.
• Different conversation, what the pollutants they put out, what industry they're involved in.
• Could we keep our conversations to a whisper, please, while we're in this chamber? Thank you, Mr.
• Further conversation, the lady from St. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a comment on the bill.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But that will probably be a conversation for the Chair. >> Representative Gander, thank you, Mr.
• We had a little bit of a conversation in hearing yesterday about that.
• It's moment and to price wide and this conversation ongoing on that discussion.
• So, hence, I think this conversation about what is the temporary payment withhold, to the extent that
• So that we don't have this conversation again about what was included and what was not included.

Transcript Highlights:

• But this is a critical national security conversation that we should all be having, and how Oklahoma
• But as I understand it secondhand, there was a conversation that had been started probably 3 or 4 years
• I was excluded from conversations after we got back home as to how the deal was going to be done.
• We're excited about that opportunity, and we're having conversations with other folks about the west
• So, I'm happy to have those conversations both here in the light and if we need to get more detailed,

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just had a conversation this week with a student who is completing the master's program and is really
• I appreciate this conversation that we're having.
• And I just think that this is so expansive in this conversation.
• That's the conversation that we should be having.
• I got caught up in the conversation. The information, and I lost my page.

Transcript Highlights:

• I find that strange after the conversation we had on this floor last week about making available what
• Special session, having this massive conversation that reaches into so many different tenants.
• The private landowner conversations, it's the supply needs.
• So it's a big bill, big conversations. You're the tip of the spear.
• I think the members will have that conversation.

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB17, HB7, HB7, HB15, HB15, HB27, HB1, HB7, HB15, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB17, HB27, HB1, SB8, HCR13, SB2, SB5, SB10

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Transcript Highlights:

• In my conversations, the original amendment, which was number one, was not the correct language that
• . the<00:17:22.240> um<00:17:22.480> in<00:17:22.880> my<00:17:23.559> conversations
• <00:17:24.559> the<00:17:24.720> the the um in my conversations the the the um in my
• conversations the the original<00:17:25.679> amendment<00:17:26.160> which<00:17:26.400
• find me $7.5 million in savings somewhere else in the budget, I'd be happy to come back to this conversation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if we are changing existing law, we would have a different conversation.
• I also understand that we are... ...conversations, and so that's what I hope this will be.
• I'm thankful for y'all's respect to have this conversation.
• I'm thankful for y'all's respect to have this conversation.
• We're going to keep this conversation going.

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Summary: The House Committee on Elections met with a quorum present and heard several election-related bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The first measure, SB 447, would allow the City of Mission to move its municipal elections from May to November on a one-time, permanent basis. Supporters, including Mission’s mayor, said voters had already approved the change by a wide margin and argued it would improve turnout and reduce costs. The bill was left pending after no objection. The committee then heard SB 2217, which was described as a transparency measure to standardize election data reporting and reconciliation across counties. Testimony focused on a technical issue involving discrepancy thresholds for electronic voting system reconciliation, with one witness urging the bill be aligned with existing law’s “more than 3” standard rather than a 1% threshold, and another suggesting a definition fix. The bill was left pending. Members also heard SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period by combining early voting and election day into one uninterrupted period, with a committee substitute making it a pilot and permissive. Supporters said it could simplify administration and improve security, while opponents warned it would increase costs, require more staffing and equipment, delay results, and create logistical problems for counties. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 505 would let certain election stakeholders request explanations of irregularities from election officials and, if unresolved, escalate the matter to the Secretary of State for audit or possible conservatorship. Supporters framed it as a tool for accountability and transparency, while opponents called it overly broad and vulnerable to abuse. The bill was left pending. The committee also took up HB 311, which would expand online voter registration to first-time registrants and direct state agencies to develop a pathway for Texans without a driver’s license to register online. Supporters argued it would modernize the process, reduce errors, and save money, while opponents said first-time applicants still need a wet signature and raised concerns about signature verification and implementation. Due to the late hour and floor deadline, testimony was cut off, the names of remaining witnesses were read into the record, and the bill was left pending before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> FROM MY CONVERSATIONS WITH COUNSEL UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS CONNECTIVITY AND IN THE NETWORK OF
• >> THE INITIAL GRANT IN CONVERSATION WITH COUNSEL WE HAD A BOARD MEETING AND A VOTE WAS TAKEN ON THE
• Cassel: OBVIOUSLY, I KNOW YOU HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH GENERAL COUNSEL.
• WE WERE NOT A PARTY TO THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT NOR WAS I INVOLVED IN THOSE CONVERSATIONS. >> Rep.
• I AM JUST ASKING FOR A GOOD FAITH CONVERSATION HERE.

Transcript Highlights:

• Throughout their conversations, the task force members emphasized the importance of consistent curriculum
• And this law describes bullying. ...and it would require that it's not just a conversation.
• That's not just conversations. That's not even arguments. I mean, that goes beyond those.
• . conversations in schools.
• I was asked to leave the room by students and staff during these conversations as if my very presence

Bills: HB295, HB824, HB1579, HB1581, HB2189, HB295

Keywords: bullying, antisemitism, school policies, school discipline, education, education policy, Texas Education Code, hate speech, student rights, civics education, high school curriculum, government, voting process, elected officials, Texas Seal of Biliteracy, biliteracy, bilingual education, multilingual, language proficiency, high school diploma

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I appreciate the conversation and I'm, and I'm glad that you're, you're willing to be here today
• Are we willing to, you know, it's, it's a long conversation, it's gonna be a good conversation, and Madam
• Um, I, I think it is evident that there are, there are more conversations to have, even though you've
• So, um, that's the big piece of, there's a big piece of the conversation that we had, especially on the
• So I'll let that conversation, I just wanted to go ahead and make everybody aware of time.

Transcript Highlights:

• We continue the conversation. Thank you so much. Thank you very much.
• We'll continue the conversation. Great. Thank you, Scott.
• We'll continue having the conversation.
• We'll continue the conversation.
• I do want to have a real conversation. I don't want you to feel rushed.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're having a conversation with somebody and they're having thoughts of killing themselves, that's
• We look forward, all of us I'm sure, to continue conversations. Thank you so much for having me.
• I have had many conversations with my local CBC for kids, which is an outstanding CBC, I have to say,
• But one of the things that I do want to at least have some conversation with you about is making sure
• And, you know, in conversations with a variety of CBCs, I have a sense that they feel not listened to

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Dr. Kelly O’Dare on first responder behavioral health access, peer support, and suicide prevention. She described UCF Restores, the Second Alarm Project, and related partnerships that provide culturally competent treatment, peer training, clinician education, disaster response support, and behavioral health navigation. She cited survey and state data showing significant rates of sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide among Florida first responders, and said evidence-based treatment has helped many patients recover, including a reported 76% who no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria after treatment. Senators asked about measuring outcomes, peer support standards, and whether the state should create more consistent statewide requirements; O’Dare said peer support training must be specialized, linked to higher levels of care, and supported by sustainable funding and statewide coordination. The committee also heard from a public commenter who supported the work and emphasized the need for adequate resources and peer support infrastructure. The committee then received a Department of Children and Families presentation from Casey Penn on the proposed funding methodology for community-based care lead agencies under HB 7089. Penn explained that the new model is intended to be actuarially based, reimbursement-oriented, and more transparent than prior funding approaches, using historical expenditures, standardized reporting, and two main tiers: Tier 1 for largely fixed administrative and operational costs, and Tier 2 for direct child-serving costs based on per-child-per-month blended rates. He said the model includes a 2% risk corridor for Tier 2, hold-harmless funding in the first year, and optional Tier 3 performance incentives, with an estimated additional state appropriation need after offsets. Senators raised concerns about prevention, historical inequities, reasonableness of costs, administrative overhead, blended state and federal funds, adoption subsidies, high-acuity placements, and disaster-related disruptions. Penn said some of those issues could be addressed in future iterations as the child welfare information system is modernized, and he agreed to provide written responses to committee questions. Representatives of the Florida Coalition for Children and CBCs responded that the model is a major improvement but urged additional safeguards, including an administrative cap, clearer separation of direct and indirect costs, and better treatment of federal and pass-through funds. They argued that the system already has oversight and that deficits reflect insufficient appropriations rather than excess spending, while also noting that higher-acuity children and regional differences can drive costs. No votes were taken on either topic, and the meeting ended with committee staff introductions and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• rumors that were going around about the conversations that folks like Sam Altman were having with the
• Like many and most other salary and benefit conversations, those are determined locally.
• other salary and benefit conversations are determined locally.
• Yeah, and we'll want to have continued conversation. Okay.
• Yeah, and we'll want to have continued conversation, you know, around that.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard the Governor’s May Revision proposals for TK-12 education, beginning with a Proposition 98 overview from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Finance said the May Revision increases the Proposition 98 minimum guarantee by about $6.4 billion relative to the Governor’s January budget across the three-year window, with higher guarantees in each year, continued full payment of the outstanding settle-up obligation in 2024-25, and a reduced $3.9 billion settle-up amount in 2025-26. Finance also described larger mandatory and discretionary deposits into the Proposition 98 reserve, ending with an estimated $10.3 billion reserve balance. The LAO said the overall estimates were reasonable, but urged the state to fully fund the guarantee and use other budget tools, including reserves, to manage volatility rather than delay settle-up payments. Members questioned the remaining settle-up amount, the risk of revenue volatility, and possible alternatives such as advance payments or other reserve strategies. The second panel covered Department of Education proposals and trailer bill language. Finance outlined additional state operations funding and positions for CDE, along with trailer bill changes affecting community schools, preschool, literacy, special education, charter accountability, teacher-related programs, and other technical cleanups. The LAO supported the overall structure of the package but recommended changes to several items, including rejecting some additional one-time community schools, literacy, math, multilingual screener, and inclusive college proposals, while supporting the ongoing LCFF and special education increases and raising concerns about the paid pregnancy disability leave proposal’s cost and implementation complexity. CDE supported the special education increase, community schools, literacy and math investments, homelessness funding, and the paid pregnancy leave proposal, while asking for more funding for county office support, clearer homelessness definitions, and continued preschool parity. Members also asked about immigrant student supports, community schools reporting, and the rationale and cost estimate for the paid pregnancy leave proposal, which Finance estimated at $218 million annually. The final panel addressed the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Finance proposed additional legal staffing for SB 848 implementation and educator misconduct caseloads, a fee increase for clear credential renewals from $100 to $125, a $5 million one-time Proposition 98 investment to build a transcript review platform, $2 million ongoing for transcript review staffing, and $30 million one-time for the statewide residency technical assistance center. The LAO had no concerns about the legal staffing, supported the transcript review platform if the fee increase and ongoing staffing were adopted, and recommended rejecting the residency technical assistance center expansion because existing funding runs through 2029. The Commission explained that the misconduct workload has grown over several years, that AI would assist but not replace human review in transcript matching, and that the residency technical assistance center helps recruit and retain teachers and support rural districts. Public commenters largely supported special education, discretionary block grants, community schools, literacy investments, homelessness funding, and teacher credentialing alternatives, while some urged rejection of the settle-up proposal and preschool COLA reduction.