Transcript Highlights:

• Title of the bill will be the title of the act.
• I move adoption of Amendment 855. Senator McEwen moves adoption of Amendment No. 0855.
• It is bringing forth a clarification from the Department of Ecology and the Puget Sound pilots to comport
• The title of the bill will be the title of the act.
• It saves the Department of Commerce about the cost of a legislator's salary, and it saves even more money

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2353 , HB2431 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB2124 , HB2104 , HB2624 , HB2510 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2436 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several House bills. HB 2624, relating to consumer protections for unsolicited real estate transactions for public purposes, was amended with a striking amendment from the Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee and then passed 30-18, with Senator Dozier voting no and saying the bill still needed work. HB 2104, which makes permanent aviation assurance funding for wildfire response by removing a sunset clause, passed 47-0 with two excused after Senator Short urged support based on its wildfire-fighting value. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Substitute HB 2334, which addresses cash transactions and rounding to eliminate the need for pennies, adding language that customers with exact change must be able to pay exact change. The bill passed 45-2, with Senator Frame describing it as permissive guidance for businesses and Senator Dozier supporting it humorously; Senator Gainer voted no. HB 2436, concerning requirements for oil tankers operating in restricted waters and clarifying tugboat horsepower standards to match current practice, passed 46-1 after support from Senator Lovelett and Senator King. Finally, Engrossed HB 2575, reducing certain reporting obligations under environmental or energy laws, passed 47-0 with two excused. Senator Schumaker said it would save administrative costs for the Department of Commerce and utilities and free up money for low-income energy assistance. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• May everyone here reflect your heart of service and inspire trust among us.
• House resolution by Representative Freeman to urge and request the Department of Health and the State
• Department of Labor, and the U.S.
• Department of Homeland Security to authorize the state of Louisiana to establish a pilot program relative
• the Department of Health, and provide for funding.

Bills: HR192 , HR193 , HR194 , HCR80 , HCR81 , HCR82 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR85 , HR188 , HR189 , HR190 , HR191 , SB134 , SB140 , SB281 , SB331 , SB384 , SB389 , SB415 , SB451 , SB458 , SB479 , SB504 , SB523 , HR38 , HR96 , HR160 , HCR31 , HCR61 , SCR19 , HB316 , HB549 , HB578 , HB646 , HB748 , HB798 , HB824 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1032 , HB1081 , HB1108 , HB1129 , HB1140 , HB1157 , HB1186 , HB1192 , HB1195 , HB1198 , HB1222 , HB1244 , SB73 , SB89 , SB128 , SB149 , SB191 , SB196 , SB238 , SB318 , SB340 , HB225 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HCR32 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HB12 , HB42 , HB205 , HB222 , HB267 , HB324 , HB325 , HB350 , HB478 , HB610 , HB617 , HB745 , HB749 , HB752 , HB797 , HB807 , HB821 , HB896 , HB979 , HB992 , HB1000 , HB1024 , HB1050 , HB1166 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1207 , HB1218 , HB1223 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , SB256 , HB911 , HB306 , HB366 , HB1161 , HB1230 , HB59 , HB481 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1003 , HB1008 , HB1112 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB181 , HB1118 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB458 , HB459 , HB525 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB864 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1058 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234 , HB1240

Keywords: ACOG, maternal health, healthcare professionals, patient-physician relationship, obstetrics, gynecology, condolences, military service, veteran, community, memorial, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, property rights, carbon dioxide sequestration, expropriation, Landowner Bill of Rights

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened in prayer, and adopted the journal. Members received messages from the Senate on several House bills and Senate bills, and a number of House resolutions were introduced or laid over. The chamber also suspended rules to allow committees to continue meeting while the House was in session. Several local and ceremonial resolutions were taken up, including measures on public health data, carbon sequestration property rights, declining school enrollment, and commendations and condolences. The floor then considered a series of local bills and Senate bills, many of which passed with little or no opposition. Among the House bills approved were measures creating or adjusting local districts and utility-related authorities in Orleans and Jefferson parishes, including bills on the Regency Park Town Home Crime Prevention Security District, Sewage and Water Board procurement and lien authority, the Foulberg-New neighborhood improvement district, and temporary parish burn bans. The House also passed bills on broadband cable price notices, state finance limits, toll exemptions for school board-owned leased vehicles, prestige license plates, and a brain injury designation on driver’s licenses. Senate bills passed included measures on workers’ compensation evidence rules, recreation of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, a soybean grain research board name change, incumbent worker training, interdict estate planning, and recreational alligator hunting. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 256, which would consolidate Orleans Parish’s separate civil and criminal clerk of court offices into a single Orleans clerk. Supporters argued the change would align Orleans with the rest of the state, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, while preserving employees and services. Opponents raised concerns about the timing, the lack of broader legislative and public involvement, the impact on the recently elected criminal clerk, and possible disruption to court operations and constitutional rights. After lengthy questioning, the bill passed 89-8. The House also heard a personal privilege statement recognizing a school choir visiting the Capitol and later continued with additional Senate bills, including one on workers’ compensation medical review evidence and another on the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Labor, and U.S.
• Department of Homeland Security to authorize the state of Louisiana to establish a pilot program relative
• the Department of Health and provides for funding.
• Law, recreate the Department of Agriculture.
• The history of Louisiana after Reconstruction is a history of legislative ingenuity in the service of

Bills: HR192 , HR193 , HR194 , HCR80 , HCR81 , HCR82 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR85 , HR188 , HR189 , HR190 , HR191 , SB134 , SB140 , SB281 , SB331 , SB384 , SB389 , SB415 , SB451 , SB458 , SB479 , SB504 , SB523 , HR38 , HR96 , HR160 , HCR31 , HCR61 , SCR19 , HB316 , HB549 , HB578 , HB646 , HB748 , HB798 , HB824 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1032 , HB1081 , HB1108 , HB1129 , HB1140 , HB1157 , HB1186 , HB1192 , HB1195 , HB1198 , HB1222 , HB1244 , SB73 , SB89 , SB128 , SB149 , SB191 , SB196 , SB238 , SB318 , SB340 , HB225 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HCR32 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HB12 , HB42 , HB205 , HB222 , HB267 , HB324 , HB325 , HB350 , HB478 , HB610 , HB617 , HB745 , HB749 , HB752 , HB797 , HB807 , HB821 , HB896 , HB979 , HB992 , HB1000 , HB1024 , HB1050 , HB1166 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1207 , HB1218 , HB1223 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , SB256 , HB911 , HB306 , HB366 , HB1161 , HB1230 , HB59 , HB481 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1003 , HB1008 , HB1112 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB181 , HB1118 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB458 , HB459 , HB525 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB864 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1058 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234 , HB1240

Keywords: ACOG, maternal health, healthcare professionals, patient-physician relationship, obstetrics, gynecology, condolences, military service, veteran, community, memorial, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, property rights, carbon dioxide sequestration, expropriation, Landowner Bill of Rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Which is what both of those under the warrant service and the jail enforcement model promote.
• This will be contracted through the Health and Human Services Commission.
• The final schedule for the upcoming 2027 includes full reviews of the Health and Human Services Commission
• , the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. ...Services, the Department of Health, the
• Department of Commerce.

Bills: HCR158 , HCR159 , HCR160 , HCR161 , HCR162 , HCR163 , HCR164 , HR174 , HR427 , HR790 , HR810 , HR857 , HR866 , HR882 , HR883 , HR962 , HR966 , HR1001 , HR1045 , HR1085 , HR1097 , HR1127 , HR1138 , HR1141 , HR1150 , HR1152 , HR1292 , HR1296 , HR1304 , HR1305 , HR1306 , HR1308 , HR1309 , HR1310 , HR1311 , HR1312 , HR1313 , HR1315 , HR1317 , HR1318 , HR1320 , HR1321 , HR1322 , HR1323 , HR1324 , HR1325 , HR1327 , HR1328 , HR1329 , HR1330 , HR1331 , HR1332 , HR1333 , HR1334 , HR1335 , HR1338 , HR1340 , HR1341 , HR1342 , HR1343 , HR1344 , HR1345 , HR1346 , HR1347 , HR1348 , HR1349 , HR1352 , HR1353 , HR1354 , HR1355 , HR1358 , HR1359 , HR1360 , HR1361 , HR1362 , HR1363 , HR1364 , HR1365 , HR1366 , HR1368 , HR1369 , HR1370 , HR1380 , HR1383 , HR1384 , HR1385 , HR1386 , HR1387 , HR1388 , HR1389 , HR1390 , HR1392 , HR1393 , HR1396 , HR1397 , HR1398 , HR1399 , HR1400 , HR1402 , HR1403 , HR1404 , HR1405 , HR1406 , HR1407 , HR1408 , HR1409 , HR1410 , HR1411 , HR1412 , HR1413 , HR1414 , HR1415 , HR1417 , HR1418 , HR1419 , HR1420 , HR1421 , HR1422 , HR1424 , HR1425 , HR1426 , HR1427 , HR1428 , HR1429 , HR1430 , HR1431 , HR1432 , HR1433 , HR1434 , HR1435 , HR1436 , HR1437 , HR1438 , HR1440 , HR1441 , HR1442 , HR1443 , HR1444 , HR1445 , HR1447 , HR1448 , HR1449 , HR1450 , HR1452 , HR1453 , HR1454 , HR1455 , HR1456 , HR1458 , HR1459 , HR1460 , HR1461 , HR1462 , HR1463 , HR1464 , HR1465 , HR1466 , HR1467 , HR1469 , HR1470 , HR1471 , HR1472 , HR1473 , HR1475 , HR1477 , HCR132 , HCR154 , HR17 , HR49 , HR170 , HR275 , HR355 , HR356 , HR364 , HR369 , HR672 , HR690 , HR755 , HR756 , HR759 , HR762 , HR763 , HR781 , HR785 , HR848 , HR1240 , HR1265 , HR1303 , HR1307 , HR1314 , HR1316 , HR1319 , HR1326 , HR1336 , HR1337 , HR1350 , HR1351 , HR1367 , HR1371 , HR1372 , HR1373 , HR1374 , HR1375 , HR1376 , HR1377 , HR1378 , HR1379 , HR1382 , HR1391 , HR1395 , HR1451 , HR1457 , HR1468 , HR1474 , HR1476 , SB1637 , SB2878 , HB2885 , HB2017 , HB5246 , SB8 , SB2308 , SB1405 , HB 119 , SB3059 , SB15 , SB568 , SB2900 , HB3642 , HB3909 , SB268 , HB493 , SB2217 , HB2516 , SB650 , HB2963 , SB1610 , HB705 , SB2972 , SB1540 , HB40 , SB2753 , SB1660 , SB2024 , HB1545 , HB46

Keywords: World War II, V-J Day, Victory over Japan Day, Japan surrender, atomic bomb, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, USS Missouri, Douglas MacArthur, Harry S. Truman, Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, Potsdam Conference, Pacific Theater, Greatest Generation, veterans, military history, commemoration, concurrent resolution, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• This is kind of a pet peeve of mine, because some of y'all know me as an appellate attorney, which is
• trying to... criminalize pictures and videos of actual human being children engaged in sexual activity
• take care of most of those things.
• It's the same type of motive, it's the same type of intent, that sort of thing.
• And we have hundreds of years of precedent in this country, these United States of America.

Bills: HB207 , HB235 , HB324 , HB449 , HB463 , HB502 , HB 1121 , HB1445 , HB1465 , HB1778 , HB1977 , HB2000 , HB2066 , HB2596 , HB207 , HB235

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: child protection, sexual offenses, obscenity laws, visual material, anatomically correct dolls, mannequins, robots, criminal offenses, sexually explicit material, minors, artificial intelligence, sexually explicit, doll, mannequin, robot, law enforcement, healthcare, insurance, affordable care, access

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, we want to welcome everyone who's here today in support or opposition.
• We are convening, of course, this morning at 10:30. We also have a session beginning.
• So we will resume our hearing as soon as possible after we leave the floor, according to the terms of
• A couple of other things, members: we've got a bill that... Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. What bill?
• That we vote on are consistent and meet a pattern that is relative to the severity of the offense.

Bills: HB207 , HB235 , HB324 , HB449 , HB463 , HB502 , HB 1121 , HB1445 , HB1465 , HB1778 , HB1977 , HB2000 , HB2066 , HB2596 , HB207 , HB235

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: child protection, sexual offenses, obscenity laws, visual material, anatomically correct dolls, mannequins, robots, criminal offenses, sexually explicit material, minors, artificial intelligence, sexually explicit, doll, mannequin, robot, law enforcement, healthcare, insurance, affordable care, access

Transcript Highlights:

• 39 days out of service.
• of Health Services.
• Finally, the bill establishes the Midwifery Advisory Council and the Department of Health Services to
• Department of Health Services.
• We contract directly with the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and deal with almost

Bills: HB2072 , HB2251 , HB2279 , HB2308 , HB2323 , HB2342 , HB2400 , HB2408 , HB2456 , HB2660 , HB2697 , HB2868 , HB2873 , HB2877 , HB2910 , HB2946 , HB2955 , HB2991 , HB4001 , HB4010

Committee: Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Keywords: Cesar Chavez, public holiday, state law, holiday repeal, Arizona Revised Statutes, midwifery, medication administration, healthcare, patient safety, advisory committee, licensed midwives, river trips, liability, outfitter, Grand Canyon, negligence, risk management, contractual waiver, dental practice, business registration

Transcript Highlights:

• And at the beginning of the step of entering into universities, we trust the threshold of a placement
• Is there just kind of the checkpoints on both of those as a comparison?
• use of DEI practices.
• This bill simply asks the Department or the regents of higher education to show that they are doing their
• of bad actors.

Bills: HB2950 , HB2978 , HB3132 , HB3242 , HB3467 , HB3700 , HB3701 , HB4115 , HB4274

Committee: House Education Oversight

Keywords: postsecondary education, standardized test scores, educational equity, higher learning access, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, HB2978, school libraries, library media center, library media program, community standards, sexually explicit conduct, obscene material, age-appropriate materials, school curriculum, book challenges, book banning, censorship, public schools, school board, education committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And at the beginning of the step of entering into universities, we trust the threshold of a placement
• second page of that.
• of the library.
• This bill simply asks the department or the regents of higher education to show that they are doing their
• because of bad actors.

Bills: HB2950 , HB2978 , HB3132 , HB3242 , HB3467 , HB3700 , HB3701 , HB4115 , HB4274

Committee: House Education Oversight

Keywords: postsecondary education, standardized test scores, educational equity, higher learning access, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, HB2978, school libraries, library media center, library media program, community standards, sexually explicit conduct, obscene material, age-appropriate materials, school curriculum, book challenges, book banning, censorship, public schools, school board, education committee

Summary: The Education Oversight Committee heard several bills focused on higher education, school library materials, military student transfers, women’s privacy, academic grading standards, program review, and teacher professional development. HB 2950, by Rep. Woolley, would remove the ACT requirement for homeschool students seeking Oklahoma’s Promise and bar colleges from imposing extra homeschool-specific hurdles; supporters said it would treat homeschoolers the same as other students, while opponents raised concerns about oversight and taxpayer-funded aid. The committee also heard HB 3132, which would direct higher education institutions to seek accreditors that do not impose DEI mandates, and HB 3700, which would require colleges to grade students only on academic criteria rather than opinions or beliefs. HB 3701 would codify regents’ procedures for reviewing and acting on low-performing degree programs, and HB 4115 would cap required teacher professional development hours, with the sponsor emphasizing local control and that the bill is permissive rather than mandatory. The committee also considered HB 2978, which would prohibit public school library materials from including descriptions or depictions of sexually explicit conduct. Supporters framed it as protecting children and aligning library collections with community standards, while opponents worried the language could limit access to materials that help students understand abuse and safety. HB 4274, a cleanup bill on military student schooling and school choice, would restore omitted transfer language, clarify in-district enrollment timing, and align the six-month relocation requirement with the Open Transfer Act. HB 3242, dealing with privacy for women in schools, universities, and domestic violence shelters, drew questions about how gender would be verified and how the bill would affect transgender students and shelter access. Most bills advanced on motions for due pass after committee discussion. HB 2950, HB 2978, HB 3132, HB 4274, HB 3242, HB 3700, HB 3701, and HB 4115 all received due pass recommendations. HB 3467 was laid over until the next meeting, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is Department of agencies.
• is</c><00:04:55.080><c> 57.9</c> department of military affairs is 57.9 department of military affairs
• of Veterans department is the Department of Veterans Affairs<00:05:11.840><c> and</c><00:05:12.160><
• </c><00:10:26.000><c> who</c><00:10:26.480><c> are</c> service of the our residents who are service of
• And so human is part of the picture.

Bills: HF2446 , HF2563 , HF2444

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:05.519><c> of</c><00:12:05.839><c> $1.3</c> adjustment for the department of $1.3 adjustment
• But as you mentioned, Chair Pinto, this is on the radar of Department of Agriculture and milk processors
• Department of Ag and the Trump administration, I know you couldn't backfill all of it, but it really
• </c><00:37:00.560><c> of</c> promagated by the department of promagated by the department of administration
• :38:08.640><c> President</c> Department of Egg and the President Department of Egg and the President

Bills: HF2446 , HF2563 , HF2444

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> wraps up the Department of Agriculture. wraps up the Department of Agriculture.
• of of uh Department this is on the radar of of uh Department of<00:38:18.240><c> A</c><00:38:18.960>
• is</c><00:49:13.240><c> 57.9</c> Department of Military Affairs is 57.9 Department of Military Affairs
• of Veterans department is the Department of Veterans Affairs<00:49:30.000><c> and</c><00:49:30.240><
• to</c><00:52:57.520><c> the</c> department of veterans affairs to the department of veterans affairs

Bills: HF2446 , HF2563 , HF2444

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1919 would help the Texas Department of Transportation improve efficiency.
• Department of Motor Vehicles not showing anybody wishing to testify.
• We've got a number of people in health and human services, kind of what's going on.
• I'm the Aviation Director for the Texas Department of Transportation.
• of crashes that I investigated over those 26 years were caused by some form of human error.

Bills: SB 1493 , SB 1598 , SB 1895 , SB 1919 , SB 2039 , SB 2226 , SB 2243 , SB 2425

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident

Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills, SB1598 and SB1493. SB1598, introduced by Senator Hagen Booth, addresses the clarity of collision report information access for law enforcement, aiming to enhance the tools available to police agencies across Texas for solving crimes. The meeting featured strong support from police representatives, including Sheriff Brian Hawthorne of Chambers County, who emphasized the significance of the CARFAX program for police in facilitating access to vital vehicle information, free of charge. Public testimony reflected a consensus on the necessity of the bill for improved investigatory processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• from the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding the use of flashing stop lamps and vehicles.
• Are there other providers of that service in the market? Yes, sir. I'm one of many stakeholders.
• We have the Department of Motor Vehicles as a resource witness.
• We've got a number of people in Health and Human Services. Kind of what's going on?
• people in health and human services kind of what's going on you want to do your bills now yeah I guess

Bills: SB1493 , SB1598 , SB1895 , SB1919 , SB2039 , SB2226 , SB2243 , SB2425

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation-related bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1598 by Senator Hagenbuch was heard on allowing collision report information to be used and shared more clearly for law enforcement investigations, including through records-management partners and nonconfidential VIN data; the bill drew support from the Sheriff’s Association and Carfax for Police and was left pending before later being reported favorably. SB 1493 by Senator Parker, which would codify DPS’s position on flashing/pulsing stop lamps as compliant with federal standards, also received supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1895 by Senator Perry would designate Loop 88 in Lubbock as a First Responders Memorial Loop and was reported favorably, and SB 1919 and SB 2243 by Senator West, dealing with TxDOT liability claim settlements and TxDMV authority to require VIN inspections for certain trailers, were likewise heard without opposition and later reported favorably. SB 2039, concerning right-of-way and traffic rules for sidewalk users such as bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters, was heard and left pending before being reported favorably later in the meeting. SB 2226 by Senator Nichols, reducing the local match requirement for aviation grants in economically disadvantaged counties from 10% to 5%, was discussed with TxDOT testimony explaining how federal and state airport funding interact; it was reported favorably. SB 2499 by Senator Flores, involving memorial markers and an account for donations, and SB 1394 by Senator Hall, concerning concrete truck axle rules, were also reported favorably. The committee recessed after handling the pending items and leaving some additional matters for a later hearing. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2425 by Senator Nichols, a comprehensive bill on commercial autonomous vehicles. The author said the bill was developed through extensive stakeholder meetings with industry, agencies, insurers, and lawyers, and it would require AV companies to provide information to TxDMV, submit first-responder interaction plans to DPS, and allow DPS and DMV to suspend or revoke operations in certain circumstances. The committee substitute also updated definitions, addressed Level 3 systems, clarified commercial use and fleet penalties, and created an expedited process for reinstating operating authority after disputes. Supporters included the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Tesla, GM Cruise, Bot Auto, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, who said the bill balances innovation and safety and helps Texas remain a leader in AV deployment. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that it would improperly shield manufacturers from liability, but committee members and the industry witnesses said liability would continue to be governed by state law and that the bill was intended to clarify, not eliminate, responsibility. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and reported SB 2425 favorably on a 6-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members asked questions about practical effects and funding. On SB 2226, TxDOT’s aviation director explained that some airports already receive federal and state support and that the bill would mainly help state-only airports in disadvantaged counties that struggle to meet local match requirements. On SB 2425, members asked about reliability metrics, commercialization, and liability; industry witnesses said the technology is still being refined but that Texas’s framework has attracted investment and could improve road safety over time. Several bills were recommended to the local and uncontested calendar after favorable votes, and the committee also agreed to keep motions in writing open briefly for members who were absent, so long as doing so would not change any bill outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, yes, this is the Board of Equalization.
• Basically, a pay increase from $115 to $200, and the Board of Equalization is $200, and the Board of
• Equalization is the group that looks at any kind of appeals that the General Public has for their tax
• That was one of the questions that came up: is this budgeted?
• They have plenty of money in that. Well, it's calendar... Any other questions? Any members?

Bills: HB236 , HB236

Committee: House Baldwin County Legislation

Keywords: HB236, Baldwin County, Board of Equalization, per diem, supplemental compensation, county board, ad valorem tax, property tax appeal, tax assessment, mileage reimbursement, Consumer Price Index, CPI adjustment, local legislation, equalization board, taxpayer protests, property inspection, county revenue, education appropriations, supplemental appropriation, Education Trust Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• The hospital includes an emergency department, intensive care unit, and state-of-the-art surgery suites
• about a third of our departments.
• Here's just kind of a look at the prices of eggs.
• municipal services as long as the municipality had a population of 950,000 or more that year.
• It's an oversimplification of what it will do to our city and to our department to remove civil service

Bills: SB1331 , SB1375 , SB1443 , SB1578 , SB2251 , SB2519 , SB2553 , SB2655 , SB2764 , SB2907 , SB3030 , SB3033 , SB3035 , SB3036 , SB3037 , SB3043 , SB3047 , SB3050 , SB3051 , SB3056 , SB3057 , SB3063 , HB9 , HB467 , HB331 , HB1244 , HB1399 , HB2559 , HB2730 , HB3307 , HJR1 , HJR99 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SJR78 , HB1327 , HB2723 , HB9 , HJR1

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: civil service, firefighters, police officers, municipalities, local government, repeal, voter petition, health care, provider participation, continuation programs, population-based regulation, health care provider participation, Medicaid, hospital funding, voluntary compliance, mandatory payments, public health, healthcare program, county participation, nonpublic hospitals

Transcript Highlights:

• Those streams kind of defeat the whole purpose of this bifurcation of these funding methods.
• I appreciate your service to the state of Texas, and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
• Services Commission to direct... ...funds to the non-federal share of Medicaid payments.
• This is then distributed by Health and Human Services to health care providers to reimburse them for
• The expansion of the district is necessary to accommodate the annexation of five additional tracts of

Bills: HB9 , HJR1 , SB1331 , SB1375 , SB1443 , SB1578 , SB2251 , SB2519 , SB2553 , SB2655 , SB2764 , SB2907 , SB3030 , SB3033 , SB3035 , SB3036 , SB3037 , SB3043 , SB3047 , SB3050 , SB3051 , SB3056 , SB3057 , SB3063 , HB9 , HB467 , HB331 , HB1244 , HB1399 , HB2559 , HB2730 , HB3307 , HJR1 , HJR99 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SJR78 , HB1327 , HB2723

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: HB 9, Texas Tax Code, property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, truth in taxation, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, sales tax revenue, tax rate calculation, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, unused increment rate, disaster relief rate, taxing unit

Transcript Highlights:

• That concludes the explanation of the bill. Request to the author. Question.
• Would you please recognize Senator Hicks to explain the provisions of 1405?
• Senator Hicks, you are recognized to explain the provisions of Senate Bill 1405.
• That concludes the explanation of Senate Bill 1405. Will there be questions?
• A number of the members are receiving awards.

Bills: SB44 , SB546 , SB1213 , SB1256 , SB1287 , SB1443 , SB1644 , SB1653 , SB1716 , SB1209 , SB1826 , SB1919 , SB1930 , SB1976 , SB2028 , SB2067 , SB2072 , SB2117 , SB710 , SB1477 , SB1405

Keywords: sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1213 is a request bill from the Department of Corrections, and it allows incoming prisoners
• Member of Senate Bill 2117 is a bill that gives the Department of Agriculture the ability to ...promulgate
• the Department of Agriculture and DEQ on who has the authority.
• So if we give the authority to the Department of Agriculture, make it an emergency, these farmers can
• So if we give the authority to the Department of Agriculture, make it an emergency, these farmers can

Bills: SB44 , SB546 , SB1213 , SB1256 , SB1287 , SB1443 , SB1644 , SB1653 , SB1716 , SB1209 , SB1826 , SB1919 , SB1930 , SB1976 , SB2028 , SB2067 , SB2072 , SB2117 , SB710 , SB1477 , SB1405

Keywords: sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the daily prayer and pledges, introduced the Doctor of the Day, and welcomed several student and guest groups to the gallery. The chamber also laid over a few agenda items before moving through a long general order calendar of bills, most of them explained briefly by their authors and then advanced without objection to final passage. Measures passed included SB 44 on extending sales tax exemption treatment to contractors working for certain exempt entities; SB 546 on biometric data and controlled dangerous substance-related changes; SB 1213 on Department of Corrections inmate credit levels; SB 1256 requiring ignition interlock devices for repeat DUI bond situations; SB 1287 on abstractor licensing eligibility; SB 1443 on anesthetist physical status modifiers with an amendment excluding Medicaid plans; SB 1644 adding a reportable disease; SB 1653 joining the occupational therapy licensure compact; SB 1716 updating security breach notification rules and limiting class actions; SB 1826 removing a sunset from the local development and enterprise zone incentive leverage act; SB 1919 increasing the Tourism Development Act cap; SB 1930 on produced water handling and compensation; SB 1976 creating a tiered surety plan for small producers and then being adopted as an emergency; SB 2028 on raw milk advertising and labeling, also passed as an emergency; SB 2067 on financial institutions helping protect vulnerable adults from scams; SB 2072 on deed fraud and title theft; SB 2117 on contaminated grain authority and emergency treatment; SB 710 on teacher pathway pilot flexibility; SB 1477 restricting concurrent enrollment to traditional high school students and passed as an emergency; and SB 1405 reauthorizing the wildlife diversity income tax checkoff. The only bill to draw notable floor debate was SB 1209, which was reconsidered after initially failing, sent back to general order, and then passed 26-18. Supporters said it would reduce delays in eviction proceedings by excluding Sundays and holidays from summons timing, while opponents argued it would mainly help tenants who are already behind and burden small landlords. Senator Pugh later noted a personal-interest abstention on that vote. Several other bills passed with recorded votes ranging from narrow to unanimous, and some were designated emergency measures after final passage. The Senate concluded with announcements about upcoming events, including a reception, a visit from the Christian Employer Association, and the Bible reading marathon, and then adjourned until Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• County Human Services.
• Department of Social and Health Services in 2018.
• Department of Social and Health Services in 2018.
• One of those types of services are those provided by hospitals.
• That goes into the cost of goods and services that they sell, and the cost of goods and services goes

Bills: SB5872 , SB5879 , SB6047 , SB5988 , SB5923 , SB5832 , SB5970 , SB5994 , SB5949

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: preK promise account, early childhood education, child care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, state treasury, trust fund, investment earnings, gift grants donations, dedicated account, general fund, nonreverting balance, appropriation, treasurer, Washington early learning, school readiness, education assistance program, legislative audit