Transcript Highlights:

• I'm representing myself and I'm the vice president of and representing Texas Cure Criminal Justice Advocacy
• These staff members have a duty to protect, not a duty to abuse their authority and engage in organized
• As a state senator, I represent a lot of different people, but also represent a lot of pet owners, and
• I'm the Chambers County District Clerk, and I'm here representing. who you represent.
• So House Bill 2001 by Representative Chairman Myers, House Bill 2001, by Representative Chairman Myers

Bills: HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305, HB449, HB908, HB 1024, HB 1306, HB1443, HB1445, HB1741, HB1866, HB1902, HB2001, HB2282, HB2355, HB2492, HB2637, HB2697, HB3464, HB4263, HB4996, HB5667

Keywords: sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, pretrial hearings

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice met with a quorum and heard a long agenda of bills on criminal justice, public safety, mental health, victims’ rights, and related administrative issues. Early bills included HB 47, the omnibus sexual assault survivors bill, which would expand post-assault care, require courts to consider delays for adult survivors, bar sex offenders from rideshare driving, allow lease termination regardless of where an assault occurred, and require more reporting from sexual assault response teams. Testimony was generally supportive, though one witness raised concern that the bill’s reporting requirements could jeopardize county grant funding. HB 171, the Annel Borrego Act, would set a minimum period for court-ordered chemical dependency treatment; NAMI Texas supported it. HB 908 would require missing children reports to be sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children within two hours, and HB 1443 would criminalize possession and promotion of childlike sex dolls; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. HB 567, changing juvenile board chair selection in Parker County, and HB 4263, a TJJD workforce retention bill, were also heard and left pending after brief discussion and adoption of committee substitutes where applicable. The committee also heard several bills focused on jail and prison safety, court process, and victim protection. HB 2282 would raise the arrest warrant fee from $50 to $75; constables supported it as a cost-recovery measure, while the Texas Fair Defense Project opposed it as a regressive fee that burdens low-income defendants. HB 3464 would increase penalties for correctional employees who bring drugs or alcohol into prisons, with support from Harris County jail officials and a formerly incarcerated advocate who described the dangers of contraband and retaliation. HB 285, “Poncho’s Law,” would add criminal negligence to non-livestock animal cruelty offenses; animal welfare advocates said it would close a loophole that lets pet service businesses avoid accountability, and the bill was left pending. HB 2355 would keep certain Crime Victims Compensation records confidential when held by the Attorney General, and HB 2637 would standardize jury exemption ages and clean up jury disqualification reporting; both were left pending after limited testimony. Mental health and competency-related bills received significant attention. HB 305 would require a pretrial hearing within 14 days after a defendant is restored to competency, aimed at reducing repeated decompensation and the forensic waitlist; NAMI Texas supported it. HB 1741 would tighten procedures for not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity outpatient commitments by requiring a stronger nexus to the receiving county and clearer supervision authority; law enforcement and mental health witnesses said it would improve public safety and treatment success. HB 2492 would make the four-hour family-violence post-bond cooling-off period mandatory rather than discretionary, and HB 1445 would allow a managed assigned counsel director to designate someone to approve certain payments for indigent defense attorneys; both were left pending. HB 1024 would require prompt execution of warrants for parole violators on superintensive supervision, and HB 1306 would extend first-responder-style benefits to death investigation professionals; neither drew opposition in the hearing. The committee also heard a series of public integrity and technology bills. HB 449 would expand the deepfake sexual content statute to include sexually explicit images, with Public Citizen supporting the change as necessary to address a rapidly growing problem. HB 1902 would create a new offense for “jugging,” or following bank or ATM customers to rob them; the Texas Bankers Association supported it. HB 2697 would require sureties to notify prosecutors before surrendering a felony defendant’s bond, and HB 2001 would sharply increase penalties for misuse of public information for financial gain and related coercion, with prosecutors and Texas Rangers describing bid-rigging and public corruption investigations as difficult to prove under current law because of short limitations periods and limited penalties. HB 1866 would grant Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service rangers within Texas park boundaries, and HB 4996 would increase penalties for fraudulent liens filed against public servants. Throughout the hearing, most bills were left pending after testimony, and several committee substitutes were adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Representative Elward. Representative Rock. Thank you, Representative Elward.
• represent majority. represent majority.
• Representative Walker. Yes. Representative Stavis. No. Representative Gilman. No.
• Representative Walker: Yes. Representative Stavis: No. Representative Gilman: No.
• Representative Colby: No. Representative German: No. Representative Gerard: No.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I'm happy to do this for Senator Huffman as I represented Matagorda County for many, many years
• just relating to non-subsidized additions to your revisions of and corrections in enacted codes, representing
• the work produced by the Texas Legislative Council over the course of the interim as part of its duties
• just relating to non-subsidized additions to your revisions of and corrections in enacted codes, representing
• the work produced by the Texas Legislative Council over the course. of the interim as part of its duties

Bills: SCR3, SCR30, SB2375, HCR35

Keywords: cowboy culture, Bandera, cultural heritage, historical significance, Texas identity, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature, statutory revision, code corrections, laws omitted, legislative updates, spaceports, tax-exempt bonds, aerospace investment, Texas space economy, Federal legislation, 1185

Transcript Highlights:

• So first up is Representative Erika Udehaven. Representative Rob Conservo.
• Representative Rob Knoffo.
• State Representative Rob Consolvo, representing the 14th Suffolk District, Hyde Park, Roslindale, Readville
• and Representative James Arena-DeRosa.
• Representative Moran and Representative James Arena-DeRosa.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing focused first on teacher retirement legislation, especially H. 2932 and S. 1884, which would give long-serving educators a one-time opportunity to enroll in Retirement Plus after the program’s 2001 rollout was described as confusing and inconsistently communicated. Legislators, union leaders, and many teachers testified that some educators missed the opt-in window because of faulty notices, leave status, transfers, or misinformation about payroll deductions, and that many have had to work several extra years as a result. Supporters said the bills would correct an unfair administrative error, provide a buyback option with interest, and could also save local school districts money by allowing earlier retirements. Representative Mark Sylvia also testified for H. 4234, a Fairhaven-specific bill to raise the age limit for special police officers from 65 to 70 and clarify appointing authority, citing experience and budget needs. The committee then heard testimony on several pension investment and divestment bills. Supporters of H. 2811 and related climate-risk measures argued that PRIM should assess, disclose, and address climate-related financial risk in the state pension fund, warning that fossil fuel investments could threaten long-term returns and public finances. Environmental advocates and financial experts said climate risk is systemic and urged transparency, divestment planning, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s climate goals. Another set of speakers supported H. 2984, which would divest pension investments from companies selling weapons to Israel; they argued the state should not be complicit in violence in Gaza and cited humanitarian and human rights concerns. Additional testimony supported H. 2900 and S. 1869 to divest from the firearm industry, with speakers saying pension investments should not undermine Massachusetts gun laws. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs repeatedly thanked speakers, limited testimony time, and noted that written testimony could be submitted later. The hearing concluded with the committee moving through the sign-up list and hearing extensive public testimony on the teacher retirement and divestment proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Representative Isaac Schultz.
• representative representative Schultz<00:04:51.800> so<00:04:51.960> I<00:04:52.039>
• working off of Representative working off of Representative clor<00:05:06.720> thank<00:05
• Thank you, Representative Schultz.
• Thank you, Representative Clor.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentlelady from Bernalillo, Representative Hogman-Behil.
• Gentlelady from Bernalillo, Representative Borrego.
• Representative Block, where are you?
• House Bill 41, introduced by Representative Cates.
• Representative Cindy Cortez, if she can appear to represent me, I'm trying to wait until you come back

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:53.200> thank Madam Chair, Representative Scott, thank Madam Chair, Representative Scott, thank
• You are right, Representative you.
• you, Madam Chair, and Representative you, Madam Chair, and Representative Hicks.<00:04:13.760>
• We have a you, Representative Scott.
• Representative Hansen. Thank you, Chair. Representative Hansen. Thank you, Chair.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative<00:31:11.840> Bojanowski.
• Representative Bojanowski, excellent question.
• Representative<00:31:39.600> Bojanowski,<00:31:40.240> excellent Representative Bojanowski
• Representative Petrie, thank you.
• Thank you, Representative. Mr. Thank you, Representative. Mr.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Abbott? Here. Representative Antone? Here. Representative Bankson? Here.
• Representative Edmonds? Here. Representative Gros? Here. Representative Groh? Here.
• Representative Miller? Here. Representative O'an? Here. Representative Partington? Here.
• Representative Plakin? Here. Representative Robinson? Here. Representative Partington? Here.
• Representative Plakin? Here. Representative Robinson? Here. Representative Yarkoski?

Summary: The subcommittee met to review agency travel, budget reduction exercises, and member reports from agency meetings. Early discussion focused on the Department of Management Services (DMS), where members questioned the cost of travel for four out-of-state data/cyber staff and the secretary’s absence. DMS defended the hires as highly specialized enterprise cybersecurity and data personnel, said the positions were lawfully paid and posted, and explained that the staff work on statewide data cataloging and cyber risk reduction rather than agency-by-agency systems. Members also raised concerns about fleet inventory discrepancies and requested follow-up information on hiring, travel, and data inventory timelines. The chair said she would consider travel guardrails and possible reductions, and noted that DMS, the Lottery, and the Florida Commission on Human Relations did not meet the requested reduction target, while the Public Employee Relations Commission did not submit reductions. The committee then heard from the Florida Lottery about the secretary’s trip to Paris for the World Lottery Convention. Lottery staff said the trip was reimbursed through the multi-state lottery organization and was intended to share best practices and improve operations, though members questioned the value of the travel and requested reimbursement records and the trip agenda. The subcommittee also reviewed agency reduction exercises from several agencies. The Department of Revenue exceeded its target and was praised for frugality; DFS, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, the Office of Financial Regulation, the Office of Insurance Regulation, the Public Service Commission, the Division of Administrative Hearings, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation each described how they met or approached their reduction goals, often through vacancies, reversions, or expense cuts. OIR warned that further reductions could hurt insurance regulation capacity, while OFR and PSC said their reductions were based on historical reversions and lower post-COVID travel or vacancy levels. Members then reported back on agency meetings. DMS members raised fleet tracking, real property audits, salary studies, and health plan savings ideas, and asked for follow-up on the Florida PALM project, cybersecurity grants, and state IT modernization. DFS members said the agency was efficient and that its Palm-related work and insurance consumer programs were important. Lottery members emphasized the agency’s revenue generation for education and its low administrative overhead. Gaming Control members highlighted storage costs for seized gaming equipment and suggested technology-based alternatives. PERC members said a union-related law had doubled their workload and asked for more staffing and possible AI assistance. OIR members stressed the need for a Tampa satellite office and more resources to recruit and retain specialized staff. The chair closed by saying the committee would continue reviewing travel, staffing, and reductions with an eye toward taxpayer value and transparency.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Harrison. >> Second. Representative Harrison. Okay.
• <00:39:27.200> in<00:39:27.440> a represented the state legislature in a represented the
• Representative Representative Representative comments. comments. comments.
• Representative and I share the book. Representative and I share the same<00:44:17.680> concerns.
• >> I don't get an alternate to represent >> I don't get an alternate to represent house

Bills: HB433, HB443

Keywords: tax distribution, Talladega County, economic development, public safety, rural infrastructure, HB443, Underground Damage Prevention Program, One-Call Notification System, 811, utility locate, dig law, excavation safety, damage prevention, underground utilities, pipeline safety, public utilities, buried facilities, excavation notice, demolition notice, Alabama Public Service Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislative duties such as quorum breaking, then that should probably be equal across all.
• Thank you, Representative Plesa. No, no. I'm sorry. I'm going to wait. Ladies first.
• Yes, Representative Plesa. Thank you so much for coming and testifying today.
• That's Representative Wilson.
• Representative Wilson. Mr.

Bills: HB18

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on the discussions surrounding HB18, which aims to prevent legislators from financially benefiting when they break quorum. Chairman Shaheen emphasized that this bill addresses the integrity of the Texas legislature and responds to constituent concerns about lawmakers being absent and raising funds simultaneously. Throughout the meeting, members discussed the implications of enforcing penalties for breaking quorum and the balance between legislative strategy and financial transparency. Various representatives expressed their views, with some supporting the bill for enhancing accountability, while others argued that it imposes unfair restrictions on a constitutional tactic historically used by minority factions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Butler, present. Representative Chassion, Representative Cruz, present.
• Representative Fisher, Representative Jackson, Representative Mandie Landry, present.
• Representative McMahon, present. Representative Spell, Representative Stagney, present.
• Representative Cruz? Yes. Representative Dickerson? Representative Eccles? Representative Egan? No.
• Representative Fish. Representative Egan? No. Representative Fisher? Yes. Representative Jackson?

Bills: SB57, SB405, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB222, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB815, HB949, HB1092, HB1214

Keywords: SB 57, Act 735, Act 463, nutrition, public health, food additives, artificial colors, banned chemicals, ingredient labeling, food labeling, FDA, food and beverage regulation, consumer disclosure, school nutrition, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 40, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 17, food manufacturers, food retailers, compliance, effective date delay

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent all the way up to the mountain, and around me are Representative John Henry (member_22649
• I represent House District 63.
• I asked a representative.
• I have Senator Solis represented, Representative Hernandez, and Representative Roybal-Caballero.
• Thank you, Representative Little. Representative Zamora. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives Ball, business.
• Representative Erica Layon for the committee. Representative Erica Layon for the committee.
• We have a duty to prevent a unwise. We have a duty to prevent a Fouchy<00:45:45.599> Jr.
• Representative Weber is recognized. Representative Weber is recognized.
• checks to Representative Madiiori. checks to Representative Madiiori.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Connerley. Here. Representative Johnson. Representative Kendall.
• Representative Spencer. Here. Representative Tendrich. Here. Representative Weinberger.
• Representative Overdor. Here. Representative Weinberger and Representative Overdorf. Here.
• Representative Conerly. Yes. Representative Johnson. Yes. Representative Johnson?
• Representative Kendall? Representative Spencer? Yes. Representative Tendrich? Yes.

Summary: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee met for its first meeting of the year, with roll call and member introductions followed by an orientation on the committee’s role in reviewing agency rulemaking. Staff explained that JAPAC/JAPSI oversees whether agency rules stay within statutory authority, reviews proposed and existing rules under Chapter 120, and can recommend objections when rules enlarge, modify, or contravene enabling statutes. The committee also adopted its biennial rules of procedure by motion and roll-call vote. The main substantive item was staff’s recommended objections to 32 existing Agency for Health Care Administration rules. Staff said the common issue was a sunset provision added to rules, which they argued is not authorized by Chapter 120 because rules may be amended or repealed only through formal rulemaking, not allowed to expire automatically. Staff noted the sunset language could create confusion and affect interrelated rules, and recommended formal objections. The chair reported that he and the vice chair had met with the agency, which agreed to work on compliance and amend the language. No public testimony was offered. After brief committee discussion, including questions about timing, the chair said the agency would return with a compliance proposal at the next scheduled meeting, likely in February. The committee deferred further action on the 32 recommended objections until that meeting, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ichiyama, Representative Elefante, Representative Moriwaki, Representative Poepoe, Representative
• Representative Hashem, Representative Ichiyama, Representative Lee, Representative Moriwaki, Representative
• Poepoe, Representative Woodson is excused, Representative Shimizu, Representative Souza.
• > excused representative Woodson is excused representative Woodson is excused representative<01
• Shimizu hi representative representative Shimizu hi representative Souza Souza Souza hi<01:38:30.719

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing opened with committee procedures and then took up SB 1, relating to vegetation management near utility lines. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it would shift rights, responsibilities, and liability onto the state and private landowners. Hawaiian Electric supported the measure with amendments, describing it as a first step to address wildfire risk and improve public safety and system reliability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and Command Schools both raised concerns that the bill could impose significant costs, liability, and access burdens on farmers, ranchers, and other landowners, especially where easements are old or unclear. Life of the Land argued the issue belongs before the Public Utilities Commission, and PUC staff explained that the commission is already reviewing Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire mitigation plan and vegetation management in a docket, with a decision expected by September and public meetings scheduled for April 23 and 24. Committee members questioned the need for legislation versus negotiated solutions, and witnesses said private parties could potentially renegotiate easements without statute. The committee then heard HB 1296, relating to disaster recovery. DLNR and OPSD supported the bill, saying it would ease regulatory burdens in post-disaster rebuilding and help speed permit review. Testimony and member questions focused on the bill’s five-year rebuilding timeline, the role of the coastal zone/SMA process, and how long permit reviews typically take; OPSD said SMA major/use permits generally take about six months, while minor permits are faster. Members also discussed whether the bill would apply to existing structures damaged in disasters and whether the amendments from the Attorney General’s office and OPSD were acceptable; no objections were raised. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170, relating to the expeditious redevelopment and development of affordable rental housing. HHFDC supported the bill, and testimony from a Maui affordable housing project said the measure is needed to rebuild the Weinberg Court Apartments, a 63-unit affordable project in Lahaina, using insurance funds rather than government money. Members asked whether the bill would help existing affordable rental projects damaged before the enactment of related coastal rules, and the response was that the bill is aimed at existing structures damaged during events and intended to speed rebuilding of affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Valdez. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
• Chair, and Representative Melo.
• Representative Overdorf. Representative Melo, thank you for bringing this bill forward.
• Representative Gentry. Thank you.
• Representative Overdorf.

Transcript Highlights:

• Grant us the grace to accomplish our duties as perfectly as possible, the patience to be gentle and kind
• Grant us the grace to accomplish our duties as perfectly as possible, the patience to be gentle and kind
• to create a state that nurtures Mother Earth, our children, our families, our communities, because Duties
• But here's the great equalizer: The 17,000 people that each of you represent...
• The 17,000 people that each of you represent are on equal footing with the 17,000 people that I represent

Bills: SB2401, SB2402, SB2403, SB2404

Keywords: SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up second reading and final passage of several House bills related to the Rural Health Transformation Program and other matters. House Bill 1621, requiring the presidential fitness test in school physical education with exceptions and a delayed effective date, passed 43-3. House Bill 1623, appropriating federal rural health transformation grant funds and creating a related loan program and reporting structure, passed 46-0 after extensive debate about using the federal money for community health, infrastructure, and sustainability. House Bill 1622, joining the physician assistant licensure compact, also passed unanimously 46-0. House Bill 1625, authorizing the Ray Richards Golf Course land sale to support a Grand Forks transportation project and golf course improvements, passed 46-0. House Bill 1626, clarifying that the primary residence credit is applied after the early payment discount so taxpayers receive the full $1,600 benefit, passed 40-6.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair recognizes Representative Lauderback.
• The Chair recognizes Representative Holt.
• Chair representative uh recognizes Representative Lauder Beck.
• We represent.
• Um Representative Cortez, did you have questions? Chair recognizes Representative Cortez.

Transcript Highlights:

• I AM DULY QUALIFIED TO HOLD OFFICE IN THESE UNITED STATES AND I WILL WELL AND SAFELY PERFORM THE DUTIES
• SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1466 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROVIDING THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND
• CONCURRING THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE CONVENED IN JOINT SESSION OF THE CHAMBER
• OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT 11:00 A.M.
• THESE WRITINGS AND ANTIDOTES ARE A REMINDER THAT OUR DUTY AS SENATORS IS MUCH BIGGER THAN EACH OF US

Keywords: 998, house, all