Bills: SCR120, SCR71, SCR164, SCR41

Keywords: rangelands, pastoralists, pastoralism, ranching, ranchers, paniolo, livestock, grazing, grasslands, land management, conservation, sustainable agriculture, agriculture, Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, Hawaii counties, International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists

Transcript Highlights:

• Council and the Texas Pastor Council.
• He launched the Houston Area Pastors Council in 2003. It has grown to now involve over 300 pastors.
• I delighted in helping him because his work with the Pastors Council and the Texas Pastors Council has
• And he was pastoring to us.
• Pastor Dave was an incredible man.

Bills: SB27, SB8, SB15, SB30, SB268, SB568, SB650, SB1405, SB1540, SB1610, SB1637, SB1660, SB2024, SB2217, SB2308, SB2753, SB2878, SB2900, SB2972, SB3059, HB4, HB40, HB46, HB119, HB145, HB493, HB705, HB1545, HB2017, HB2516, HB2885, HB2963, HB2974, HB3642, HB3909, HB5138, HB5246, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, HB748, HB3395, HB180, HB3171, HB146, HB5596, HB5694, HB1135, HB3225, HB186, HB1449, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB3336, HB3520, HB3320, HB5663, HB2399, HB111, HB3483, HB4580, HB3748, HB632, HB4730, HB5690, HB5689, HB3385, HB4359, HB5381, HB123, HB5606, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59

Keywords: immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks

Transcript Highlights:

• , the United States Pastor Council.
• He launched the Houston Area Pastors Council in 2003. It has grown to now involve over 300 pastors.
• And he was pastoring to us, and he would bring pastors of all faiths, of all ethnicities to my office
• Pastor Dave was an incredible man.
• Pastor Dave was an incredible man.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several recognitions and memorial resolutions, including honoring retiring Senate staffer Kelvin Bass and Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw and her staff. Members also adopted a series of local and honorary resolutions, including designating Rockport as the Redfish Capital of Texas, San Antonio as Military City, Texas, and Bridge City as the Corn Dog Capital of Texas, along with memorial and medal-of-honor resolutions for Texans and service members. The chamber also received messages from the House reporting passage of various measures and conference committee actions. The bulk of the meeting focused on conference committee reports and related procedural resolutions. The Senate adopted reports and/or out-of-bounds resolutions on SB 293, SB 1610, HB 46, HB 145, HB 1545, SB 650, SB 1660, HB 40, SB 2217, HB 119, HB 493, HB 3642, HB 2963, SB 2024, SB 2972, HB 2516, HB 2885, and SB 2753, among others. Topics included the Texas Civil Commitment Office, the T-Cup prescription program, wildfire mitigation and utility liability, sunset scheduling, alcohol ID swiping at retail and package stores, business court jurisdiction, election administration and data consistency, foreign adversary lobbying, poll watcher qualifications, road naming, right-to-repair, disguised vape pens, and campus expressive activity rules. Several measures passed with near-unanimous votes, while others drew more opposition, including SB 268 on medical board enforcement and SB 2753 on election procedures. There was extended debate on SB 268, which would shift enforcement authority for scope-of-practice complaints to specialty boards rather than the Texas Medical Board. Senators raised concerns about whether the bill would weaken the Medical Board’s ability to stop unlicensed practice of medicine, while supporters argued that specialty boards should police their own licensees and that criminal referrals remain available for unlicensed practice. The Senate also discussed SB 2972 on expressive activities at public universities, with questions about content-neutral restrictions, who counts as the university community, and whether the bill provides a mechanism to challenge campus time, place, and manner rules. Both bills ultimately passed their conference reports, and the Senate later adopted a large package of resolutions by voice vote before adjourning further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pastor Jesse is leading the way here.
• Pastor Jesse is leading the way here.
• I'm now Pastor Emeritus for the Elm Grove Baptist.
• And as Pastors on Patrol, we are just a presence there.
• I got to start following Pastor Turner on Facebook.

Summary: The meeting opened with a report on annual solvency certification for institutions of higher education, which required no action and was to be distributed later. The main presentation focused on artificial intelligence in K-12 and higher education, delivered by students from Arkansas State University, the University of Central Arkansas, and Valley View High School. They argued that AI is becoming central to education and the workforce, especially as Arkansas adds major data center investments, and said students should be taught to use AI responsibly so they can compete for jobs, improve internships, and keep talent in-state. They also emphasized concerns about academic integrity, cybercrime, and the need for ethics training and district-level guidance. The presenters shared survey findings from educators in several Arkansas districts, saying most teachers support teaching responsible AI use, believe students without access to AI will be disadvantaged, and want training and district-level management. They described existing AI uses at Arkansas colleges, including AI tutors, AI-generated practice exams, homework feedback tools, and classroom applications in business, climate science, and urban forestry. They also proposed an AI library built on the state’s Access Act infrastructure so K-12 and college students could access shared AI tools and resources across Arkansas. Committee members asked about student attitudes, classroom concerns, and whether AI could help standardize course materials and objectives across institutions. The presenters said reactions among students are mixed, with arts students especially worried about copyright and originality, but that many recognize AI’s real-world value. A UCA representative added that faculty training, ethics discussions, and academic dishonesty guidance are already underway there. The chair thanked the students, noted their work on related research projects, and then moved to a second presentation from Pine Bluff community leaders. The Pine Bluff group described community-based school support efforts, including the Pastors on Patrol program, mentoring, anti-bullying and nonviolence training, drug and vaping education, leadership clubs, and a youth diversion effort for students at risk of detention. They said their work is aimed at improving school climate, encouraging citizenship and scholarship, and reducing negative behavior. Members praised the group’s efforts and asked about expanding the programs to other districts; the presenters said their model and curriculum can be shared and adapted. The meeting ended after the chair thanked both groups and adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pastor Jesse is leading the way here.
• Again, my name is Jesse Turner, local pastor in Pine Bluff.
• Pastor Jesse is leading the way here.
• I'm now Pastor Emeritus for the Elm Grove Baptist.
• I got to start following Pastor Turner on Facebook.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today my pastor, Pastor Bertram— Today my pastor, Pastor Bircham, he did the prayer for us today.
• This addresses the concerns that were raised by the Pastor family.
• I was recently made aware Ed Pastor Freeway.
• In its current form, the Pastor family is opposed to this.
• In its current form, the Pastor family is opposed to this bill.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized several guests in the gallery, including a pastor, disability advocates visiting for Disability Day at the Capitol, and other constituents. The chamber also received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Psychologists Examiners and withdrew SB 1131 from the Education Committee. It then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider SB 1010 and SB 1439. SB 1010, relating to historic names and the renaming of Loop 202, was amended with a legislative intent clause clarifying that the underlying freeway segments would retain their existing names, including the Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway. The bill drew significant debate on the floor, with opponents arguing it politicized highway naming and could erase existing honors, while supporters said the amendment protected current segment names and was meant to honor Charlie Kirk. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report and passed SB 1010 on third reading by a vote of 16 ayes, 9 nays, 12 excused, and 2 not voting. SB 1439, relating to special plates, was also amended and advanced through the Committee of the Whole. During floor debate, Senator Sundareshan asked the sponsor whether he or affiliated companies had received compensation from the beneficiary organization, and the sponsor answered no. The bill then passed on third reading by a vote of 16 ayes, 12 nays, and 2 not voting. The Senate also announced upcoming committee meetings, heard a brief personal privilege statement about Ramadan and Lent, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today my pastor, Pastor Bertram, he...
• Today my pastor, Pastor Bircham, he did the prayer for us today.
• This addresses the concerns that were raised by the Pastor family.
• In its current form, the Pastor family is opposed to this bill.
• In solidarity with the Pastor family, Mr. President Pro Tem, I vote no.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First on the list we have Pastor Sergio Amazuka, followed by Pastor Miriam Samuelson Roberts.
• First on the list we have Pastor Sergio Amazuka, followed by Pastor Miriam Samuelson Roberts.
• First on the list we have Pastor Sergio Amazuka, followed by Pastor Miriam Samuelson Roberts.
• I'm a pastor uh in Minneapolis.
• I'm a pastor uh in Minneapolis.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Pastor Jesse is leading the way here.
• Again, my name is Jesse Turner, local pastor in Pine Bluff.
• I'm now Pastor Emeritus for the Elm Grove Baptist Bluff, and I'm now Pastor Emeritus for the Elm Grove
• We as pastors believe that every child—we don’t call them at risk.
• I got to start following Pastor Turner on Facebook.

Summary: The meeting began with a report on institutions of higher education for annual certification/solvency, which required no action and was noted as coming later in the week. The main presentation featured students from Arkansas State University, Valley View High School, and the University of Central Arkansas discussing artificial intelligence in education and the workforce. They argued that AI should be taught responsibly in K-12 and higher education to prepare students for jobs, support Arkansas’s growing tech sector, and reduce misuse such as cybercrime, scams, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty. They also cited survey results from teachers showing broad support for responsible AI instruction, district-level management, and teacher training, while noting concerns about critical thinking, ethics, and unequal access. Examples were given of AI already being used at UCA and the University of the Ozarks, and the group suggested a statewide AI library and related training built on the Access Act framework. Committee members asked about student reactions, and the presenters said responses are mixed, especially in the arts, but that AI is already being used in real-world careers and should be integrated with clear standards. The committee then heard from a Pine Bluff community coalition led by Pastor Jesse Turner about school-based outreach and youth support programs. The group described long-running work in Pine Bluff schools and Watson Chapel, including Pass on Patrol, mentoring, anti-bullying and nonviolence efforts, drug and vaping education, gun-violence prevention, and leadership clubs for students. They emphasized that their approach is nonreligious in the schools, focused on encouragement, citizenship, scholarship, and keeping students engaged in class. They also highlighted the use of free curriculum resources on African American history and said they help students see themselves as having promise rather than being “at risk.” Members asked about whether the programs could be shared elsewhere and about impacts on behavior; the group said some materials are trademarked but can be adapted with support, and cited reported reductions in negative behavior and referrals in participating schools. The meeting ended after members praised both the AI presenters and the Pine Bluff outreach group, and the committee adjourned with no votes taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today it is my honor to introduce Pastor Veronica Thomas, lovingly known as Pastor V.
• Pastor V. is that kind of servant.
• Pastor V. is a beautiful reflection of that truth.
• Gratitude for that, Pastor Veronica.
• Please join me in giving a warm House welcome to Pastor Veronica Thomas, aka Pastor V., and her amazing

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Special Session 1, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pastor Hudson is the pastor of Ames Memorial Church in Sandtown-Winchester and Metropolitan United Methodist
• I'm so honored that he's here tonight as Pastor is one of those pastors, Mr.
• And then second, please join me in bringing Pastor Hudson a warm Senate welcome.
• </c> Pastor is one of those pastors, uh Mr. Pastor is one of those pastors, uh Mr.
• Hudson a warm bringing giving Pastor Hudson a warm Senate<00:03:42.960><c> welcome.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 9, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a pastor myself and don't like upon saying what their intention was, the pastor looked at them and
• And you are a demonic pastor.
• I'm a pastor myself and don't like to see that.
• I'm a pastor. This is, I want to protect our congregants as much as the next pastor.
• But this bill is congregants as much as the next pastor.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized a doctor of the day, interns, and student groups in the galleries. The main item of business was House amendments to Senate Bill 743, a measure described by the author as a worship protection bill updating an old Oklahoma law. The bill was presented as protecting religious worship services from disruption and obstruction, especially in light of incidents the author said occurred in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Creek County, Oklahoma. Much of the floor discussion focused on whether the bill would affect protest and speech rights on public property, with the author repeatedly saying it would not restrict speech generally, but would create an eight-foot buffer around unwilling listeners and a 100-foot zone near entrances to prevent obstruction of people entering worship services. Several senators questioned the bill’s constitutional basis and practical effect, especially its reliance on Hill v. Colorado and whether the U.S. Supreme Court might overturn that precedent. Opponents argued the measure could chill peaceful protest, sidewalk counseling, and other First Amendment activity near churches or other religious gatherings, while supporters said it was narrowly aimed at preventing trespass, harassment, and disruption of worship. The author emphasized that the bill was intended to protect congregants, including elderly worshippers, and to preserve access to services without interference. Debate also touched on the distinction between public and private property and whether the bill could apply to religious gatherings at the Capitol or other public places. After questions concluded, the Senate adopted the House amendments to Senate Bill 743 and then passed the bill on final passage by a vote of 31-15. The emergency clause also passed, 36-9. The chamber then moved to announcements, including a notice that the Energy Committee would meet the next morning, and adjourned until Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was within that legacy of faith and service that his son, Pastor Blake, was raised and formed.
• For many years, he served as the young adult pastor at West Angeles, and he remained in that pastoral
• That pastoral role continued until 2023.
• In 2024, he was appointed senior pastor of Palm Lane Church of God in Christ in Watts.
• Through his work, Pastor Blake spoke openly about failure, reflection, and growth.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of floor introductions and recognitions. Senators honored Jesuit High School’s 2025 CIF Division 2 boys cross-country championship team, noting it was the school’s 11th title, and also welcomed YMCA Youth and Government delegates, including a large Culver City Palms YMCA delegation in the gallery. Members spoke about the educational and civic value of the Youth and Government program and congratulated the student delegates on their participation. The chamber then took up the special consent calendar, which included Senate Resolution 73 and Assembly Concurrent Resolutions 71, 115, and 117. The consent items were approved on a roll call vote, with the record showing 38 ayes and 0 noes. No other substantive legislative debate or bill action was described in the transcript beyond the consent calendar approval. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory. Senators honored Superintendent Pastor Lawrence Champion Blake Sr. of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, San Jose community leader Joseph Anthony De Maria, and Marine Corps Major Tyler R. Bracone, each highlighting their service, faith, and community impact. The Senate then announced that the next floor session would be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 2 p.m., and recessed until later that day for adjournment motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was within that legacy of faith and service that his son, Pastor Blake, was raised and formed.
• For many years, he served as the young adult pastor at West Angeles, and he remained in that pastoral
• That pastoral role until 2023.
• In 2024, he was appointed senior pastor of Palm Lane Church of God in Christ in Watts.
• Through his work, Pastor Blake spoke openly about failure, reflection, and growth.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was within that legacy of faith and service that his son, Pastor Blake, was raised and formed.
• For many years, he served as the young adult pastor at West Angeles, and he remained in that pastoral
• That pastoral role continued until 2023.
• In 2024, he was appointed senior pastor of Palm Lane Church of God in Christ in Watts.
• Through his work, Pastor Blake spoke openly about failure, reflection, and growth.

Summary: The Senate opened with a roll call showing a quorum present, followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The floor then moved to privileges of the floor, where members welcomed Jesuit High School’s 2025 CIF Division 2 boys cross-country champions, highlighting the team’s 11th state title, strong academic records, and college commitments, and also recognized YMCA Youth and Government delegates visiting the Capitol, including several student leaders from across California. The chamber then took up the special consent calendar, which included Senate Resolution 73 and Assembly Concurrent Resolutions 71, 115, and 117. The consent calendar was approved by roll call, with 38 ayes and no noes on the file item and the remaining items approved as well. The remainder of the session consisted of adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas honored Superintendent Pastor Lawrence Champion Blake, Sr. of West Angeles Church of God in Christ; Senator Cortese remembered Joseph Anthony D. Maria, a longtime San Jose community leader and businessman; and Senator Blakespear honored Major Tyler R. Bracone, a U.S. Marine Corps aviator who died in a training crash at Camp Pendleton. The Senate then announced its next floor session and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I now call on Pastor Ben Mayatt to offer a prayer, please. Pastor Ben Mayatt: Please rise.
• I now call on Pastor Ben Mayatt to offer a prayer, please. 31b<00:01:53.439><c> I</c><00:01:53.600><c
• > now</c><00:01:53.880><c> call</c><00:01:54.200><c> on</c><00:01:54.600><c> Pastor</c><00:01:55.079>
• <c> Ben</c><00:01:55.600><c> mayatt</c><00:01:56.439><c> to</c> 31b I now call on Pastor Ben mayatt to
• 31b I now call on Pastor Ben mayatt to offer<00:01:57.320><c> a</c><00:01:57.560><c> prayer</c> please

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The chaplain for today is my pastor, Pastor Matt Baker from Bethl Evangelical Free Church in Fairmont
• for</c><00:02:00.560><c> today</c><00:02:00.880><c> is</c><00:02:01.200><c> my</c><00:02:01.520><c> pastor
• ,</c> The chaplain for today is my pastor, The chaplain for today is my pastor, Pastor<00:02:03.040><
• > Baker</c><00:02:03.840><c> from</c><00:02:04.079><c> Bethl</c><00:02:04.479><c> Evangelical</c> Pastor
• Matt Baker from Bethl Evangelical Pastor Matt Baker from Bethl Evangelical Free<00:02:05.439><c> Church

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These women and their team members, except for you, Pastor—you’re not a woman—have shown that when it
• </c><00:21:29.720><c> Allan</c><00:21:30.640><c> your</c> evalani Le Lok and Pastor Allan your evalani
• </c> have an impact for years to come Pastor have an impact for years to come Pastor Allan<00:21:48.120
• It lies in people like Jodie Evalani, Le Lok, and Pastor Allan, who don't wait for others to act.
• It lies in people like Jodie Evalani, Le Lok, and Pastor Allan, who don't wait for others to act.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wade overturned, I provided pastoral care to many young women.
• I provided pastoral care to families who decided to leave.
• I'm Pastor Jessica Cain.
• Hi, I'm the Reverend Laura Walters, and I am a Presbyterian pastor. I'm a woman of faith.
• And so I stand here on behalf of our senior pastor, Reverend Dr.

Keywords: SB31, medical emergency, reproductive health, testimonials, abortion laws, Texas

Summary: This transcript is from a Faith Days at the Capitol press conference supporting Texas abortion-related legislation, especially Senate Bill 31 and House Bill 44, referred to as the “Life of the Mother Act.” Speakers said the bills would clarify the medical-emergency exception in Texas law so doctors can provide evidence-based care when a pregnancy threatens a patient’s life or health, and several noted concerns about delayed treatment, loss of fertility, and women leaving Texas because of uncertainty under current law. Faith leaders from Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Jewish, and other traditions described pastoral experiences with women and families affected by the abortion ban and said their religious beliefs support protecting the life of the mother. Multiple speakers emphasized that the current legal climate has created fear for pregnant Texans, especially those facing miscarriage or high-risk pregnancies, and argued that SB 31 would restore clarity, physician discretion, and religious freedom. Several also linked the issue to broader concerns about maternal mortality, including the higher risks faced by Black women, and framed the bill as a matter of bodily autonomy and family well-being. A Catholic attendee and clergy members shared personal stories about daughters, granddaughters, and congregants who could be harmed by delayed care. Representative Charlie Geren, the House author of HB 44, said the bill was the most important he had carried in his 24 years in the Legislature and pledged to work to get it passed. Representative Josie Garcia also spoke in support, saying existing medical ethics and malpractice rules already hold providers accountable and arguing that supporting mothers is consistent with being pro-life. The event concluded as a coordinated advocacy effort, including mention of a postcard campaign that had gathered more than 6,000 submissions since January 14.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pastor Riu serves at KCPC in Centerville, founded in 1973 by 20 pioneering Korean-American families.
• Pastor Ryu. Providing a welcoming place for recreation, fellowship, and restoration.
• Pastor Ryu has served as the pastor at KCPC since 2013.
• Thank you for blessing us with the prayer this morning, and welcome to the Capitol, Pastor Ryu.
• Thank you for blessing us with the prayer this morning, and welcome to the Capitol, Pastor Ryu.

Keywords: March 05, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all