Transcript Highlights:

• I'll first start out with a piece of the bill that I do support or can support.
• I'll first start out with a piece of the bill that I do support or can support.
• And I urge your support. Thank you.
• The trouble is, first of all, I support this bill.
• I'm in support of this bill.

Bills: HB1795, HB1634, HB1662, HB1683

Keywords: restraint, isolation, public schools, educational programs, student rights, mental health, behavioral support, education, school districts, student assistance, education agencies, administrative independence, superintendent, education reform, agency authority, school boards, district adjustments, administrative boundaries, educational governance, 904

Summary: The House Education Committee met in executive session on several bills, beginning with House Bill 1795 on restraint and isolation in schools. Staff described a proposed substitute that would prohibit mechanical, chemical, and certain physical restraints, restrict isolation as a planned behavior intervention, and require medical documentation and written parental consent for planned restraint. Members adopted amendments clarifying that imminent serious harm can include harm to another person, barring construction or remodeling of rooms designed primarily for student isolation, and adding a null-and-void clause was rejected. The committee then reported the bill out as amended on a 10-7 vote. The committee next considered House Bill 1634, a proposed second substitute on student behavioral health supports. The bill would direct OSPI and ESDs to develop a technical assistance and training framework with community partners to help schools access behavioral health prevention, intervention, and crisis resources. A proposed null-and-void amendment failed, and members emphasized that the bill was intended to provide optional support rather than impose mandates. The committee then approved the bill and reported it out on a 12-5 vote. Staff also briefed House Bill 1662, which would require certain education-related agencies to transition to separate administrative services and operational independence, with the effective date and related deadlines delayed by one year in the proposed third substitute. Members noted the bill had previously passed the committee unanimously, but no action was taken on it during this session. House Bill 1683, concerning school director district elections and enrollment thresholds, was also briefed, but the committee ran out of time before taking action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:29:40.760><c> lady,</c> sent a cab, picked up the elderly lady, sent a cab, picked up the elderly
• So we would ask for your support on this bill.
• ask for your support on this bill. bill. bill.
• </c> Wyoming's business climate, we support Wyoming's business climate, we support this<01:09:52.240>
• But I want to support the purpose of this bill.

Bills: HB0098, HB0075, HB0041, HB0101

Keywords: gun control, Second Amendment, constitutional rights, misdemeanor, law enforcement, virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, guardianship, monitoring, ward protection, financial independence, case management

Transcript Highlights:

• There were over 9,000 volunteers reporting, excuse me, supporting the recovery efforts.
• There was over 9,000 volunteers reporting, excuse me, supporting the recovery efforts.
• And even the, even reporting, excuse me, supporting the recovery efforts.
• Through your generous support, we have taken the journey of hope to your distance.
• Taxpayers support disaster recovery.

Bills: HR1046, SB1733, SB1439

Keywords: Oklahoma City, terrorism, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, memorial, remembrance, first responders, community support, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, fossil fuels, liability protection, climate change, energy independence, oil and gas

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several special recognitions tied to the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber honored the 138th Fighter Wing Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department as Veterans of the Week, and also recognized Dr. Camissa Stewart as Doctor of the Day and Tammy Powell as Nurse of the Day for their roles in the 1995 bombing response. A lengthy floor presentation followed, featuring remarks from legislators, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, memorial museum leaders, Justice Stephen Taylor, and Pastor Ronnie Fields, all focused on remembrance, the Oklahoma standard, the victims and survivors, and the importance of hope, civility, and the rule of law. On legislation, Senate Bill 1733 was presented and debated. The bill requires school personnel who have reason to believe a student is a victim of child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct to report it to law enforcement within 24 hours. Supporters said it clarifies and strengthens reporting requirements to protect children, while opponents warned it could trigger harmful public accusations and undermine trust in educators and administrators. The House passed the bill 92-1, and the emergency clause also passed 92-1. The House also considered Senate Bill 1439, an oil and gas measure intended to bar speculative climate-related lawsuits and limit liability to actual violations and provable harm. Supporters argued it would prevent frivolous litigation, protect the state’s energy economy, and keep costs down for consumers; opponents said it would create a special legal carve-out for industry and shift costs to taxpayers and families. The bill passed 74-16. In addition, Senate Bill 2184 was assigned to Rules, and H.J.R. 1078 and H.J.R. 1079 were withdrawn from Rules and sent to appropriations and budget committees. The House adjourned after announcements and introductions.

Bills: HB 35, HB 138, HB 754, HB 1314, HB 1612, HB 2254, HB 2510, HB 2789, HB 3560, HB 3597, HB 4224, HB 4273, HB 4643, HB 4783

Keywords: peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, healthcare, price estimates, billing requirements, consumer protection, nonemergency services, assisted living, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• Green cards and support, not wishing to speak: Andre Bro, David Zoller, Keene Jones.
• So I understand your concern and I support your thing.
• I have some cards I want to read in here in support not wishing to speak.
• We have no cards in either way in support or in opposition.
• These self-generating fees will support the agency. The agency are not being adjusted.

Bills: HB214, HB217, HB514, HB593, HB618, HB732, HB908, HB961, HB1010

Keywords: property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, blighted property, derelict property, property tax exemption, local redevelopment plans, rehabilitation standards, ad valorem tax, community development, senior citizens, homestead exemption, Louisiana Constitution, motor vehicles, local fees, transaction fees, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Thank you. and<00:35:41.359><c> support.</c> and support. and support.
• Also in support, Ela Yamashita. Support, Anton Tr, the City and County of Honolulu support.
• support.
• </c> um supporting uh the wages. um supporting uh the wages.
• </c><02:01:51.599><c> That</c> in support. Amanda Shaw in support. That in support.

Bills: SB2024, SB896, SB2613, SB494, SB2391, SB2125, SB2614, SB2615, SB3262, SB3325, SB3118

Keywords: charter schools, public-private partnership, school facilities, education funding, community need, education, capital improvement, reporting, transparency, technical expertise, public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139

Transcript Highlights:

• Educate the public, support family, and save baby lives. That Mr.
• Stephen Price, is our only invited witness to testify in support of this bill.
• I am for the bill, and I support this 100% plus.
• I am for the bill, and I support this 100% plus.
• What I'm asking for today is to support the Senator. I was looking for one day.

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

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have anyone sign up in support or opposition on this bill.
• One, two, three, four, and support online.
• We didn't have anyone sign up in support or opposition on this bill.
• Did you have any public organized support, anyone you wanted to call on?
• I'll support. It's ridiculous. I could go off.

Bills: SB132, SM16, SM17

Keywords: SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement, technology funding, revolving fund, capital equipment, enterprise services, state IT budgeting, software budgeting, amortization, depreciation, State Treasurer, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico, information technology, IT infrastructure, fund accounting, legislative appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd appreciate your support on this bill. Thank you.
• Did you have any organized support?
• Anyone online support or opposition?
• One in support online. None in opposition. Anyone online? Support online? None in opposition.
• I'll support. It's ridiculous. I could go off.

Bills: SB132, SM16, SM17

Keywords: SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement, technology funding, revolving fund, capital equipment, enterprise services, state IT budgeting, software budgeting, amortization, depreciation, State Treasurer, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico, information technology, IT infrastructure, fund accounting, legislative appropriation

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 132, a Department of Information Technology modernization measure sponsored by Senator Padilla. The bill would update state IT statutes to explicitly include software and cloud-based services alongside hardware and equipment, with the goal of improving planning, procurement, security, and efficiency. Secretary Manny Budettas said the change would help modernize secure services, reduce emergency fixes, and better align state purchasing with current software-as-a-service models. Members asked about centralized integration across branches of government, cybersecurity protections, the revolving fund, and agency billing; the bill was reported out with a do pass on the committee substitute. The committee then considered Senate Memorial 16, which asks Higher Education to convene a task force on parenting students in New Mexico’s higher education system. Senator Harmeo and witnesses described barriers such as child care, transportation, flexible scheduling, and financial hardship, and said the memorial would gather data and recommendations rather than create a new program. Members discussed how the survey would be administered, whether it would include full-time and part-time students, and how online or out-of-state students would be handled; the memorial was approved with a do pass. Finally, the committee heard Senate Memorial 17, sponsored by Senator Lopez, directing DPS and the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs to study the current state of sexual assault examination kits. Witnesses reviewed the 2016 task force that addressed a backlog of more than 5,000 untested kits and said a new backlog of 1,419 kits is now beyond the 180-day testing target. Members expressed strong concern about the delays, asked about lab capacity, possible use of private or additional labs, and the lack of penalties for missing the deadline. The memorial passed with a do pass, and the committee then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one more bill, House Bill 2429, supporting children and youth behavioral health.
• they are nominated by the Governor's Indian Health Advisory Council, and that their participation supports
• I just want to support that through there to work this through all the way, so thank you.

Bills: HB2230, HB2364, HB2389, HB2429

Keywords: community oversight, residential services, regulation, service providers, monitoring, poverty, task force, legislative, executive, social programs, juvenile justice, youth sentencing, juvenile rehabilitation, DCYF, Department of Children Youth and Families, community supervision, community transition services, suspended disposition, less restrictive alternative, sentencing grid

Summary: The Early Learning and Human Services Committee met in executive session on four bills. House Bill 2230, which streamlines DHS monitoring and oversight of community residential service providers and limits duplicate routine reviews, was amended with Harrow 796 to clarify that Adult Protective Services investigations are not subject to the routine review limits. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the substitute bill out of committee unanimously, 11-0, with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2364, which renames and expands the Legislative Executive Workforce Poverty Reduction Oversight Task Force into the Legislative Executive Economic Justice and Well-Being Task Force, was reported out with a do pass recommendation on an 8-3 vote. Supporters said the bill updates language, broadens membership, and aligns duties; some members voted no or without recommendation due to concerns about the title change and other provisions. House Bill 2389, dealing with juvenile offender sentencing and juvenile rehabilitation capacity procedures, had no amendments to the proposed substitute and was passed out of committee 7-4. Members described it as a complex, balanced effort to modernize juvenile justice policy, address facility capacity, and preserve rehabilitation and public safety. House Bill 2429, supporting implementation of the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan for Children and Youth Behavioral Health, was amended with Wickham 846 to adjust leadership council membership and add two representatives of federally recognized Indian tribes, nominated by the Governor’s Indian Health Advisory Council, while preserving tribal consultation requirements. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the substitute bill unanimously, 11-0, with a do pass recommendation. At the end of the meeting, staff noted amendment requests for upcoming executive session bills were due by 10 a.m. Monday and to the EBB by 4 p.m. Monday, and the committee adjourned after announcing three bills would be up for possible executive session on Tuesday.

Bills: HB 101, HB1819, HB1875, HB1965, HB2193, HB2914, HB3248, HB3354, HB3531, HB101

Keywords: Texas State Guard, task force, professionalization, state missions, critical infrastructure, veterans, veterans' affairs, mental health, community mental health, behavioral health, grant program, matching grant, non-state match, community services, family support, county population, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC, public safety, homeland security

Transcript Highlights:

• If you want to support the bill, those green cards...
• If you want to support the bill, those green cards are available.
• it allows local enforcement agencies to contract with private service providers for administrative support
• Before we proceed, let me read the green cards on the last bill, 485: Chance McNally here, support, not

Bills: SB348, SB444, SB485

Keywords: motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• equipment processing out of the bombing site, serving in two teams with 12-hour duty shifts to provide support
• willingly answered the call to serve at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing, providing relief and support
• They saved lives, assisted the injured and wounded, comforted the bereaved, provided meals and support
• There were over 9,000 supporting the recovery efforts, and even the FBI agents assigned to the task force
• Through your generous support, we have taken the Journey of Hope to your districts in all 77 counties

Bills: HR1046, SB1733, SB1439

Keywords: Oklahoma City, terrorism, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, memorial, remembrance, first responders, community support, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, fossil fuels, liability protection, climate change, energy independence, oil and gas, 914

Transcript Highlights:

• We also provide home care services in the consumer-directed community support program.
• We also provide home care services in the consumer-directed community support program.
• We are here support for homeare workers.
• As you know, the idea and intentions were good for Community First Services and Supports, CFSS.
• It replaced Consumer Support Grant and personal care assistant, PCA, services.

Bills: HF3797, HF3780, HF4068, HF3935

Keywords: long-term care, insurance policy, healthcare, partnership policy, Minnesota, human services, wage increase, support workers, shared services, community first services, medical assistance, sanctions, healthcare services, monetary recovery, government accountability, assisted living, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• OMWBE supports this bill.
• I hope that you'll join me in supporting this. Thank you very much.
• I hope that you'll join me in supporting this. Thank you very much.
• We strongly support House Joint Memorial 4012.
• We honor our fallen by supporting the living veteran. Again, thank you for your support.

Bills: HB2523, HB2606, HB2684, HJM4012

Keywords: community reinvestment, housing, local funding, urban development, economic revitalization, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy, social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs

Summary: The House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee met on February 3 to take executive action on House Bill 2523, concerning the Community Reinvestment Program, and House Bill 2606, concerning performance measures and reporting for the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, and then held public hearings on House Bill 2684 and House Joint Memorial 4012. Staff briefed a proposed substitute for HB 2523 that would change how Community Reinvestment Account funds are distributed, expand Commerce’s reporting and tribal consultation duties, add Office of Equity and WSIPP responsibilities, and require more detailed plan updates and oversight. During executive session, the committee adopted Amendment 285 to require the community reinvestment plan to be updated every five years instead of every 10, but rejected amendments that would have barred recipients from other state down payment programs, restricted grants to officers and family members, required an independent third-party audit, or expanded the WSIPP study. The proposed substitute HB 2523 then passed out of committee on an 8-5 vote. HB 2606, which responds to a JLARC audit by streamlining overlapping duties among the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, the state broadband office, and the Office of Equity, was moved out of committee with a unanimous do pass recommendation. Members described it as a modest but useful efficiency measure, and the vote was 13-0. The committee then heard HB 2684, which would create rebuttable presumptions that people in 10 specified groups are socially disadvantaged for purposes of OMWBE certification. Supporters, including Middle Eastern and North African business owners, argued the bill would correct exclusion of MENA-owned firms from certification and contracting opportunities; opponents argued it would entrench identity-based classifications and raise constitutional concerns. OMWBE testified that the bill would be workable and that social disadvantage is only one factor in certification. The committee also heard HJM 4012, which asks Congress to bring the Major Richard Starr Act to a floor vote to allow combat-injured service members who retire before 20 years of service to receive both retirement pay and disability compensation. Veterans advocates strongly supported the memorial, and the committee closed the hearing without taking final action on either public-hearing item, noting both would be considered again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a supporter of students.
• How can ERDC support? How can ERDC include that context in our report? How can ERDC support?
• Supporting student parents is one of our main priorities, and I strongly support SB 6227.
• These supports exist.
• I'm here in support of Senate Bill 6209.

Bills: SB6209, SB6217, SB6227, SB6235

Keywords: financial aid, higher education, private institutions, student awards, affordability, Washington college grant, postsecondary education, nondegree programs, educational access, data collection, parenting students, education, support services, academic performance, college athletics, private equity, sovereign wealth funds, student athletes, financial agreements, 904

Summary: The committee began with a work session on dual credit, hearing an overview from the Council of Presidents and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, followed by ERDC. Presenters described Washington’s six dual credit programs, noted that about 90% of the class of 2024 took some dual credit, and said dual credit students have higher postsecondary enrollment and credential attainment rates. They also highlighted growth in Running Start, College in the High School, and CTE dual credit, while flagging challenges around funding, advising, access, and consistent statewide policy. ERDC described its annual report, dashboard, research briefs, and future work on school characteristics, special topics, and a planned causal-effects study of dual credit outcomes. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6227, by Sen. Wilson, would direct WASAC to work with public institutions to formalize data collection on parenting students and convene a work group to recommend implementation; the sponsor and multiple student advocates testified that better data is needed to identify and support student parents. SB 6235, by Sen. Hohley, would prohibit public colleges from entering certain private equity or sovereign wealth fund agreements involving intercollegiate athletics; the sponsor argued it would protect institutional control, while UW and WSU testified in opposition, warning it could limit future financing options and create competitive disadvantages. SB 6217, by Sen. Boehnke, would extend the Washington College Grant to eligible non-degree credential programs; supporters from the community and technical college system, workforce groups, and employers said it would help students access short-term training tied to family-wage jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on SB 6209, which would make students at private for-profit four-year institutions eligible for the Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship only if their programs meet a gainful-employment standard. Supporters from DigiPen and other private career schools said the bill would preserve access for low-income and underrepresented students in specialized programs, while some testifiers urged that certificate and two-year programs also be included. The hearing also included testimony from students and advocates supporting the bill’s focus on accountability and economic mobility.

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of background, employment and day programs include individual supported employment, group supported
• By way of background, employment and day programs include individual supported employment, group supported
• DVR can support her when she starts working, but those supports drop off well before she turns 21 and
• One side is the systems of support; the other is actually supporting the family and the whole family
• One side is the systems of support; the other is actually supporting the family and the whole family

Bills: SB5681, SB6024, SB6036, SB6063

Keywords: employment services, community inclusion, age limitations, disability services, home and community living, community residential services, oversight, monitoring, service providers, streamlining, foster care, licensure, adoption, child welfare, support services, terminology alignment, social services, Washington state code, department reorganization, legislative amendment

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard four bills. SB 6024, sponsored by Senator Gildon, would streamline DSHS oversight of community residential service providers by limiting routine reviews to no more than one annual review per subject area, combining reviews when possible, and requiring better document sharing within the department to reduce duplicate requests. The sponsor and provider witnesses said the bill would reduce redundant audits and paperwork so providers can spend more time on direct client care. SB 6063, a DSHS request bill sponsored by Senator Bateman, would update statutes to reflect DSHS’s recent reorganization and rename references to the new administrations; testimony described it as a technical, no-cost cleanup measure. The committee also heard a proposed substitute for SB 5681, sponsored by Senator Cortez, which would lower from 21 to 20 the age at which people with intellectual and developmental disabilities may access employment and community inclusion services, and would rename community access as community inclusion. Senator Cortez and multiple advocates, educators, and service providers testified that earlier access would help young adults avoid a service gap after school, support transition to work, and improve long-term independence; the substitute was explained as changing the original bill’s proposed age from 19 to 20. SB 6036, sponsored by Senator Kaufman and requested by DSHS, would create a narrow exemption from adult family home licensure for certain foster care or kinship caregivers who continue caring for former foster youth who are the only unrelated adults in the home. Senator Kaufman and DSHS said the bill would preserve stability and continuity of care for youth aging out of foster care while maintaining safeguards, and DSHS testified in support. No votes were taken; the chair closed each hearing after testimony, and announced upcoming executive sessions and future hearings.

Bills: HB 39, HB 114, HB 1875, HB 1894, HB 1965, HB 2513

Keywords: veterans, mental health, Texas Veterans Commission, peer support, suicide prevention, community mental health, grant program, cemetery, General Land Office, burial plot, remembrance, monthly designation, honoring military, Texas legislation, rural services, paid leave, fire protection personnel, military service, public employees, employment benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• Decades of research has shown that peer support services are highly effective.
• Decades of research has shown that peer support services are highly effective and can promote a sense
• Our rural communities are key here because the peer support coordinators are navigating a geographical
• Mitch Fuller, legislative director for the Texas VFW, and we enthusiastically support this.
• Mitch Fuller, legislative director for the Texas VFW, and we enthusiastically support this.

Bills: HB39, HB114, HB1875, HB1894, HB1965, HB2513

Keywords: veterans, mental health, Texas Veterans Commission, peer support, suicide prevention, community mental health, grant program, cemetery, General Land Office, burial plot, remembrance, monthly designation, honoring military, Texas legislation, rural services, paid leave, fire protection personnel, military service, public employees, employment benefits

Summary: The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several House bills related to veterans’ services, mental health, military leave, burial access, suicide data, and Veterans Month. House Bill 114 would transfer administration of certain veterans’ mental health initiatives from HHSC to the Texas Veterans Commission, create a TVC grant program for community-based mental health services, require a statewide veteran suicide prevention action plan, and mandate annual reporting. A committee substitute was mentioned, but members said they were not prepared to adopt it yet. No one testified for or against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 1965 would direct TVC to study ways to expand access to mental health services through the military veteran peer network, including increasing peer support coordinators, with emphasis on rural communities and broader use in veterans treatment courts. Support testimony came from the Texas VFW, which emphasized the value of peer-to-peer support and the network’s role in suicide prevention. The bill was left pending after testimony. House Bill 2513 would clarify military leave rules for state-employed firefighters by counting their 24-hour or 48-hour shifts appropriately so they do not have to use vacation time to fulfill military duty; a firefighters’ representative testified in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 1875, which would require the General Land Office and TVC to study veterans’ burial needs, access to cemeteries, and cemetery operational needs, and House Bill 39, which would require DSHS to provide TVC de-identified death certificate data when a veteran dies by suicide or homicide to improve understanding of veteran deaths. The Texas VFW supported HB 39. House Bill 1894 would designate November as Veterans Month in Texas. All of these bills were left pending, and members indicated they were waiting on committee substitutes before voting, with possible action later on the floor or in committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the mayor of Fayte, Texas, and we do support this bill, but we also have a recommendation.
• So I am in support of the bill. I'm for it because today we're speaking of just notice.
• As you said, my name is Megan Serks, and I'm here to testify in support of this bill.
• Every one of our projects has a MU or another type of special district, and we are in support of this
• Um, in the Houston area, and we support good government, we support good collaboration, and this bill

Bills: HB23

Keywords: property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest, county property tax, nonprofit-owned property