Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much, and I will go ahead and start with our bills, and I see that we have President Gates
• And I appreciate that. I appreciate your commitment to your role, and I... And I appreciate that.
• And I'll just tell you, that's a tough act to follow. And I am. And you see all that.
• My wife and Kristen and I actually considered—” “I’m a Florida man in my heart and soul.
• with missions in search and rescue, navigation systems, emergency radio communications, and marine safety

Bills: S1570, S1376

Keywords: missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance

Summary: The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably. The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee. A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you for some of the history and context as to where we started and maybe where we're going,
• And I said, this is a great bill. And so let's go. And so he's really charging forward on this.
• And so let's go. And so he's really charging forward on this.
• and unfortunately died.
• And I too want to jump on and say how important this bill is.

Bills: S1376, S1570

Keywords: genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance, missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1376, which would create an education grant program to help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors by supporting students in genetics programs at state universities. Senator Burgess described genetic counselors’ roles in oncology, prenatal care, rare diseases, and other clinical settings, and noted Florida’s limited number of licensed counselors. The committee adopted an amendment requiring graduate programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and to show sufficient clinical training capacity. Members spoke in support, and CS/SB 1376 was reported favorably by roll call vote. After a brief recess, the committee took up SB 1570, which would revive Project Leo, a prior Florida program that helped locate missing persons with special needs who are at high risk of wandering or elopement. President Gates explained that the bill would allow participating CARD centers to work with local sheriff’s offices to provide voluntary tracking devices and included $1 million in nonrecurring funding. Senators Berman and Harrell supported the measure, citing the dangers of wandering, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities or autism, and the importance of preventing drownings and other tragedies. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. No other business was raised, no senators requested to be recorded on the bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Bills: SF0071, SF0088, SF0056

Keywords: homeland security, search and rescue, grants, emergency response, Wyoming, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, public safety, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, kratom, regulation, healthcare, age restrictions, manufacturing standards, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:51.200><c> said</c> think um the question and and as I said think um the question and and as I
• change office to department statutes and change office to department and and and Thank<00:24:43.440>
• And I did this by simply going out there and using a search engine in the morning of the Senate Judiciary
• I just did a quick Google Maps search just in the Cheyenne area, and I found over 14 stores that sold
• And that's, uh, and, um, and our agency head is with us today.

Bills: SF0071, SF0088, SF0056

Keywords: homeland security, search and rescue, grants, emergency response, Wyoming, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, public safety, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, kratom, regulation, healthcare, age restrictions, manufacturing standards, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the MPCA came in and said you're out of compliance and you need to make a new one 10 years,
• </c><00:31:04.440><c> and</c><00:31:04.679><c> all</c> advantage of every and and all advantage of every
• </c><00:31:45.360><c> that</c><00:31:45.639><c> because</c> and and get reimbursed for that because and
• </c><00:36:13.960><c> the</c> the city and one that myself and the the city and one that myself and the
• and we're back to 2023 and we fell short and we're back to try<00:45:02.040><c> again</c><00:45:03.040

Bills: HF201, HF217, HF314, HF315, HF406, HF408, HF425, HF426, HF730, HF731, HF652, HF761, HF1079, HF928, HF1017, HF1056, HF1081

Keywords: HF201, Minnesota income tax, tax subtraction, tax deduction, volunteer firefighter, volunteer fire and rescue, emergency responder, ambulance service personnel, EMR, EMS, search and rescue, canine search and rescue, underwater search and rescue, paid-on-call, part-time volunteer, tax relief, state tax law, section 290.0132, drivers license, identification card

Transcript Highlights:

• And so with that, let's go ahead and get briefed on the one bill with an amendment.
• , and there are no amendments.
• and rescue and supporting wildfires and things like that.
• The amendment has been moved and seconded, and so this is my amendment where we are... ...moved and seconded
• We agree; seems like a prudent idea and very fiscally minded. And very fiscally minded.

Bills: SB6046

Keywords: SB 6046, Civil Air Patrol, Washington Military Department, Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol, volunteer air patrol, search and rescue, disaster relief, cadet training, communications support, cyber security, emergency response, governor call-up, active state service, federally chartered Civil Air Patrol, Washington Wing, Title 38 RCW, military department, tribal cooperation, public safety aviation, aerospace cadets

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's go ahead and start with Danica Noble, then move on to Emma Chow, and then Anika Lai.
• And so we will move on to Jay, if you're ready, please go ahead and unmute and turn on your camera.
• Agnew and Dr.
• and rescue missions or assistance... ...relief, cybersecurity missions, search and rescue missions or
• emergencies such as search and rescue, post-damage assessments, PODs, shelter support, etc.

Bills: SB6046

Keywords: SB 6046, Civil Air Patrol, Washington Military Department, Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol, volunteer air patrol, search and rescue, disaster relief, cadet training, communications support, cyber security, emergency response, governor call-up, active state service, federally chartered Civil Air Patrol, Washington Wing, Title 38 RCW, military department, tribal cooperation, public safety aviation, aerospace cadets

Summary: The committee first heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5984, which would regulate AI companion chatbots. Staff explained that the bill requires clear disclosures that the chatbot is AI and not human, adds stronger protections when the user is known to be a minor or the product is directed to minors, limits sexually explicit or manipulative engagement techniques, requires periodic reminders, and mandates protocols for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation or self-harm. Staff also noted minor differences from the House companion, including the absence of an educational-use exemption and the removal of an exemption for general-purpose AI models. Testimony on the bill was broadly supportive. Researchers, mental health professionals, students, the PTA, the governor’s office, the Attorney General’s Office, and industry representatives all backed the measure, while several urged amendments to extend protections beyond minors to all users, add language addressing harm to others or sentience claims, and preserve narrow educational tools. Witnesses described documented harms from chatbot sycophancy, emotional dependence, and self-harm reinforcement, while supporters emphasized the need for transparency and guardrails. Committee members asked about age verification, privacy, the private right of action, and whether the bill could be broadened without requiring intrusive data collection. The hearing on ESSB 5984 was then closed. The committee then opened a hearing on Senate Bill 6046, which would create a state Civil Air Patrol under the Washington Military Department. Staff said the bill mirrors the House companion and would allow the governor to activate the state Civil Air Patrol for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions, while preserving the federal Civil Air Patrol structure. Testifiers from the Military Department, the Washington Civil Air Patrol, Emergency Management, and the Veterans Legislative Coalition strongly supported the bill, saying it would streamline coordination, improve disaster response, and leverage volunteer capabilities without creating a new program. Members asked about the fiscal note, which was described as indeterminate by one agency but not expected to create new state costs. The hearing ended with no opposition testimony, and the committee adjourned after noting upcoming deadlines.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's very exciting, but all of our teachers deserve a lift and support and respect and dignity and earnings
• And I'll finish up and we'll have some dialogue.
• And I do.
• and...
• And not every kid wants to play sports, and a lot of kids prefer music and band and the fine arts.

Bills: HB2

Keywords: disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license, volunteer management system, volunteer registration, criminal history check, background check, Texas Division of Emergency Management

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee met to consider HB 2, the major school finance bill, with the chair explaining that the committee substitute would provide about $8 billion in new public education funding. The bill was described as including permanent teacher compensation increases, expanded teacher incentive allotment funding, support for early literacy and numeracy, teacher certification and residency pathways, special education funding, career and technical education, school safety dollars, and facilities support for charter schools. The committee adopted the committee substitute without objection after roll was called and a quorum was present. Members questioned the bill’s structure, especially the balance between across-the-board teacher pay and the teacher incentive allotment, the treatment of uncertified teachers, and differences in requirements between traditional public schools and charter schools. Senator Menendez and Senator West raised concerns about equity, charter-school parity, facilities funding, inflation, and whether the bill should include more support for fine arts and extracurricular programs. The chair responded that the bill was designed to direct most new money to traditional public schools while also preserving flexibility and that charter-school and public-school alignment would need further work. Invited witnesses Dr. Imelda De La Rosa and Val Acri testified in support of the bill, emphasizing that the Teacher Incentive Allotment helps recruit and retain teachers in rural districts and supports mentorship and certification pathways. Public witnesses also supported the bill but urged more funding for fine arts, local flexibility, and full restoration of House-proposed funding levels. Dr. Josh Jones supported year-long teacher residencies, Dr. Philip Morgan asked for more local control and restoration of fine arts funding, Rich Saina supported the bill but warned about hold-harmless reductions, and Dr. Greg Poole supported the bill while asking for flexibility for high-performing districts that already pay high salaries. After the invited testimony and some public testimony, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair so members could attend the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the national anthem and the U.S. and Texas pledges.
• Griggs and Mr.
• to and hearing their concerns and preferences.
• and our schools and what we're doing today for HB 2.
• And so trying to balance and work that out is difficult.

Bills: HB2

Keywords: disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license, volunteer management system, volunteer registration, criminal history check, background check, Texas Division of Emergency Management

Summary: The committee continued public testimony on House Bill 2, which would make major changes to public school funding, teacher pay, special education, early learning, school safety, and related programs. Many superintendents and education advocates supported the bill’s overall direction but urged changes, especially a larger basic allotment and more flexible funding for rural and small districts. Witnesses from Paint Creek, West Hardin, Cushing, Blooming Grove, Mildred, Buffalo, Plano, and rural school groups said the bill’s targeted raises and new requirements would not fully cover inflation, TRS/Medicare costs, transportation, insurance, or support staff salaries, and several asked the committee to restore the House version’s higher basic allotment and small-school allotment. Charter school representatives supported the facilities funding changes and said charter schools need state help because they cannot levy taxes, while also noting the funding gap with ISDs. Fine arts advocates asked the committee to restore the fine arts allotment, arguing arts improve engagement, attendance, and academic outcomes, especially in rural and at-risk communities. Early learning and special education witnesses supported parts of the bill but raised concerns about pre-K restrictions, disability-related pre-K access, and the need to preserve or clarify special education provisions and mental health oversight language. Several witnesses praised the teacher pay raise, teacher incentive allotment expansion, and teacher preparation investments, saying they would help recruit and retain educators and improve student outcomes. Others, including counselors and support staff advocates, argued the bill should also include raises for counselors, nurses, librarians, bus drivers, custodians, aides, and other non-teaching employees who keep schools running. One witness from the Texas Counseling Association opposed the substitute because it removed a counselor pay provision, warning of counselor shortages and inequities. A parent and special education advocate said the bill’s structure creates too many strings attached and asked for a larger basic allotment instead of more targeted funding. Another witness from Mental Health America urged keeping the collaborative task force on public school mental health services through 2031, and a disability rights advocate said the committee substitute appears to omit some special education items that were in the House version. The committee also briefly took up House Bill 6, a school discipline bill. After questions about automatic mandatory expulsion for vape possession and concerns about younger students, the committee adopted the substitute and voted to report HB 6 favorably to the full Senate by a 9-1 vote, with Senator Menendez voting no and Senators West and Menendez expressing reservations but supporting further discussion. After that vote, testimony on HB 2 resumed. Senators used the hearing to ask about the bill’s cost, the difference between the basic allotment and the bill’s targeted funding buckets, and whether the permanent teacher pay increase shifts pressure off districts. The bill’s supporters emphasized that it represents an historic, roughly $8 billion investment and that many of the new funding streams are intended to be permanent or to address specific district needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• and rescue, emergency response, patrol support, and event control.
• come, medical rescue teams come, they look at that and honor that.
• to all of the rescue units, the fire department, who primarily does the rescue, and they are all in
• And you? And you? No, Lucas. No. And you? No, you. It's a lot. I was here earlier, so yeah.
• And you? And you? No, Lucas. No. And you? No, you. It's a lot. I was here earlier, so yeah.

Bills: HB2170, HB2417, HB2418, HB2771, HB2772, HB4018, HCR2059

Keywords: procurement, foreign adversary, China, state contracts, information technology, security, speeding, speed limit, traffic enforcement, driver safety, speed inhibiting device, appropriation, law enforcement, task forces, funding, criminal justice, community supervision, rehabilitation, supervision fee, victim compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• 460. 60, and these two tables, Table 5 and Table 6, walk you through in total. dollars, and then in
• Yes, LBB and I and us work together on that percentage and Avery has. that handy. Okay.
• And then the last one is all about being... and effective and reflective practitioner.
• And 25% go to support staff and we support that change and appreciate that. OK, good.
• And they want to meet me, and they want hugs because they are here. and so much pain.

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• And yes, we'll reach out to him and we can and and the LVB because my understanding is that we have to
• And we, the staff and students are paying. the price every day.
• But gosh, it's because my teachers sit there, and they. work and they work and they don't even question
• and LBB for for us to talk to about. that and and I appreciate you bringing it up because I think that's
• Thank you, and I'll show you registered as Stacy And you'll be testifying on behalf of yourself and you're

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• And I received it, and I'm very thankful and grateful.
• She's amazing and loves art and loves the school.
• She was hired and, basically, as she worked, had to go and get the pedagogy and...
• Now the students and the teachers... and the staff and the ISDs. Don't you agree? Yes, absolutely.
• And KDISD and yourself, and you'll be testifying on the bill, is that correct? Correct.

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• beyond to be successful in college, their career, and in life. and the military, and there is also a
• Bus drivers and custodians, and then when you came back you said. teachers, nurses, and counselors, and
• And so...
• And so.
• And then again you all updated and improved it and House Bill 146.

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, and invited, we'll have Emily Doyle and Dean McDaniel. Emily Doyle and Dean McDaniel.
• A bill and it was after Senate finance, and I think that 1973 you and I are working together.
• And at his suggestion and the commissioner's...
• And all we're asking, and...
• You train and you train and you train.

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, and invited. We'll have Emily Doyle and Dean McDaniel. Emily Doyle and Dean McDaniel.
• national news with that, I was sitting in Lubbock, Texas, and saw it, and when I talked to you, and
• And they make a lot of money on it. And we... Yes. And they make a lot of money on it.
• And I think that 1973, you and I are working together.
• And even in the aircraft crash test programs, testing airbags and seatbelts and restraints and things

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2480, which would clarify that the Texas Medical Board may collect license renewal surcharge fees from all licensees to fund the Texas Physician Health Program and related administrative costs. The bill author explained the funding fix was needed after prior language was found to allow surcharges only for physicians and physician assistants. Witnesses from the Texas Physician Health Program supported the measure and described the program’s confidential monitoring and treatment services; members asked about the fee amount, which was described as capped at $15 per two-year registration cycle. The bill was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bills 1406 and 2721, both authored by Senator Parker, addressing the handling of human remains by non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, willed body programs, and related facilities. Senator Parker and several witnesses described alleged abuses involving unclaimed bodies, consent problems, body leasing, hotel-based dissections, and mishandling of cremains, and argued for strict licensing, inspections, transparency, and criminal penalties. Supporters included families of deceased veterans and other relatives, a biomedical ethicist, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, and some public safety and hotel industry representatives who said legitimate training should continue but bad actors should be shut down. Opponents or cautious witnesses from accredited donation organizations and bioskills labs said they support stronger oversight but warned the bills could unintentionally disrupt legitimate medical education and urged clearer language and implementation of existing law. Both bills were left pending. Senate Bill 1681, by Senator Menendez, would require counties and municipalities that regulate boarding homes to report facility standards and related information to the Health and Human Services Commission. The author said the bill is intended to improve state oversight of boarding homes that serve elderly and disabled residents and to address abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The bill was left pending after brief discussion. After the testimony portion, the committee returned to voting on pending business and unanimously reported Senate Bills 527, 912, 1580, 1952, and 2032 to the Senate with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and each was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 407 and reported the substitute favorably, with six ayes and three nays. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 500 as pending business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, and it.
• But we'll go ahead and record the motion and the second on it. The motion and the second on it.
• You've already started, and I'll list those and let Senator Kelly, Representative Willcox, and Underwood
• I just, you know, and I'll just again, you and I haven't had an opportunity to work together, and it's
• And so again, nothing on you, no, because you and I haven't met.

Bills: HB191, HB35, HB29, HB123, HB35, HB29, HB191, HB123

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, sales and use tax, local tax exemption, county tax, municipal tax, county commission, municipality, Alabama Department of Revenue, tax exemption, ordinance, resolution, fiscal year, September 1 effective date, notice requirement, local government, tax administration, revenue law, state and local taxation, volunteer firefighters

Transcript Highlights:

• So if ... there for FAA and safety purposes. And there for FAA and safety purposes.
• </c> using it and going to the airports and using it and going to the airports and say<00:16:23.600><
• c><00:17:46.000><c> appeal</c> you and then you have to go and appeal you and then you have to go and
• And and so you know you have applicable.
• And so it it repetitive and non-stop.

Bills: SB223, SB271, SB223, SB271

Keywords: expungement, nonviolent felony, criminal record, restoration of rights, human trafficking, SB271, Alabama, municipalities, city fees, town fees, franchise fees, utility franchise, natural gas, manufactured gas, gas utility, public streets, public places, right-of-way, municipal consent, gross receipts tax

Transcript Highlights:

• by Representatives Canales, Cortez, Mary Gonzalez, Longoria, Martinez, Moody, Ati, Morales, Munoz, and
• You must register from your desk, and you may not register for any other member.
• we ask you to continue to be with them and bless them as they represent them and represent Texas.
• And Father, please be with those that are here today, and it's in Jesus' name that we pray, amen.
• Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Texas flag.

Bills: HB4, HB1, HB2, HB20, HB19, HB18

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner

Summary: The House convened with a strict roll-call enforcement request, but only 95 members were present, so a quorum was not present. The chamber heard an invocation from Furman Carpenter, DPS chaplain, followed by the pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags. A member raised a parliamentary inquiry asking whether members must be present to make a motion and whether all members who requested strict enforcement were present; the Speaker said he would need to check the journal. The Speaker then announced that the House was about to receive a motion to adjourn sine die and noted that the governor might call another special session soon. Representative Garin moved that the House of Representatives of the First Called Session of the Eighty-Ninth Legislature adjourn sine die. There was no objection, and the motion carried, ending the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• had to turn around and, you know, instead of 1 hour and 15 minutes, they were 2.5 hours and, and.
• And so all of a sudden you have. People trying to rescue people.
• We had the Border Patrol with their Bar attack and their search and rescue on their federal radio systems
• still can't communicate with the men and women that are on the ground doing the search.
• and certainly to the victims of the Kerrville flood and, and, and, um.

Bills: HB1, HB 2, HB18, HB19, HB20

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license