Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we've got very similar differ diff, um, very similar definitions of the classes of person for whom
• Of a strategy which brought different Definition, the bill. Defense Agriculture.
• It definitely will hurt the technology leadership and the business of Texas.
• It refers to a section of the Immigration Act, which is the definitional section where there is no definition
• First, if I could just close, I, well, I definitely appreciate, uh, the testimony.

Bills: HB 256, HB 1308, HB 1554, HB 1743, HB 2308, HB 2351, HB 2858, HB 3676, HB 3784, HB 4312, HB 4552, HB 4823, HB 4852, HB 5007, HB 5010, HB 5520, HB 5524, HCR 19

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, illegal employment, state contracts, government entities, license suspension, immigration compliance, state grant funding, E-Verify, compliance, penalties, immigration, government contracts, employee status, state contractors, E-verify program, legally present, employment practices, legal services, public money

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got very similar differences. ...very similar definitions of the classes of persons for whom real
• And by definition, according to Texas law, for you to become a Texas... this resident, you must have
• It definitely will hurt our technology leadership. and the business landscape of Texas.
• Act, which is the definitional section where there is no definition of unlawful presence.
• I definitely appreciate the testimony. I feel like none of it had anything to do with this bill.

Bills: HB256, HCR19, HB256, HB1308, HB1554, HB1743, HB2308, HB2351, HB2858, HB3676, HB3784, HB4312, HB4552, HB4823, HB4852, HB5007, HB5010, HB5520, HB5524, HCR19

Keywords: severe weather, adaptation plan, vulnerability assessment, environmental protection, state agencies, federal agents, transparency, law enforcement, identification, public trust, immigration enforcement, HCR 19, Texas concurrent resolution, federal immigration enforcement, masked agents, facial coverings, visible identification, uniforms, badges, name tags

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1099 employs a fundamentally flawed definition that mirrors what we'll see later in SB 552, broadly
• Local magistrates and judges, especially when the definition includes people who may now have lawful
• of firearm because it uses a combustion and a primer in it. ...meets the definition of firearm because
• it uses a combustion and a primer in it, and that meets the definition of firearm.
• I felt I was safe in my own home with my family, and that was most definitely not true.

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Summary: The committee heard a series of criminal justice bills, beginning with SB 1870 and SB 1727, both of which were adopted as committee substitutes and reported favorably to the full Senate. SB 1870 would bar local governments from adopting policies that decriminalize controlled substances or direct officials not to enforce state drug laws, with civil penalties enforced by the Attorney General for violations. SB 1727 was described as a technical change to make the draft a formal Legislative Council version of a TDCJ-related assault bill; both bills were also sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up SB 2405, the major Sunset bill for TDCJ, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Windham School District, and the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee. Senator Parker explained that the bill continues and modernizes those agencies, requires a 10-year facilities and staffing plan, expands rehabilitation and reentry programming, improves parole-board consistency and training, and codifies various cleanup and inspector general recommendations. Sunset staff and agency witnesses discussed the bill’s data-sharing, program coordination, and projected savings from reducing delays in parole-voted programming; public witnesses generally supported the post-secondary education and reentry provisions, while some urged stronger statutory direction for Windham and more reform to medically recommended intensive supervision. The bill was left pending. SB 1804, SB 1099, SB 2569, and SB 2570 were also heard. SB 1804 would allow restitution for tattoo removal for human trafficking survivors and remove the age restriction so adult survivors can qualify; it was reported favorably and sent to the local calendar. SB 1099 would increase penalties for certain felony offenses when committed by a person determined to be unlawfully present in the country; immigration and civil rights witnesses opposed it as overbroad and difficult to administer, but it was reported favorably. SB 2569 would modernize unmanned aircraft reporting by requiring law enforcement agencies to post reports on public websites; it passed unanimously and was sent to the local calendar. SB 2570 would create a defense to prosecution for peace officers and correctional guards using less-lethal force weapons within the scope of their training; law enforcement witnesses supported it, civil rights and prosecutor witnesses raised concerns that it was too broad and could weaken existing use-of-force standards, and the bill was left pending for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'll go look at the definition to make sure it doesn't ban anything.
• I cannot remember all four categories. is, like, definition-wise right off the top of my head.
• Yes, I have my young sons, who we definitely have parameters on social media at our house.
• That's not my definition of efficiency.
• Definitely. Only that one would be. Yeah, we think. But the panhandle, I believe, is.

Bills: HB713, HB827, HB932, HB499, HB510, HB163, HB296, HB879, HB913, HB163, HB296

Keywords: healthcare, maternal health, reporting requirements, Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, health provider immunity, workplace violence, nurses, grant program, healthcare facilities, safety measures, safety, nursing, grants, healthcare safety, verbal abuse, physical abuse, nurse empowerment, occupational therapy, licensure, interstate practice

Transcript Highlights:

• That's something you definitely want to learn how what's in it and how to read it. good definition of
• what some of the good definition of what some of the terms<00:21:56.840> are<00:21:57.000>
• useful that's something you definitely useful that's something you definitely want<00:22:38.240>
• They have a great manual that will break down all these and a definition for every single code that's
• Definitely nine, not 10.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory Division One budget briefing led by Legislative Budget Assistant staff Melissa Rollins and Jack Mullen. They explained staff roles and agency assignments within Division One, noting that Jack is taking over the General Government category while Melissa handles Categories 2 and 3, and that members can contact either staffer with questions. They also reviewed the upcoming budget calendar, including the governor’s budget presentation expected in mid-February, agency hearings beginning around February 17–20, a Division One deadline around March 26, and House Finance reporting deadlines in early April. A major portion of the discussion focused on how to read fiscal notes and the difference between expenditures and appropriations. Staff used sample language to explain that a bill may show an expenditure estimate without actually authorizing funding or new positions, and that a zero appropriation means the agency is not authorized to spend the estimated amount unless the bill is amended. Members asked questions about why a bill could show costs but still not authorize spending or hiring, and staff clarified that new positions require specific legislative authorization and classification detail. They also noted that many bills will have expenditure lines without appropriations, and that amendments may be needed if the committee wants to fund or authorize the program. The rest of the meeting walked members through the HB 1 and HB 2 tracking documents used by the division. Staff explained that HB 1 tracking sheets record additional agency requests not included in the governor’s budget, including requests that may be zero-net transfers, corrections, or new spending items, and that grayed-out items indicate actions already taken. They said HB 2 will be handled through a similar tracking process, with amendments routed through LBA staff and the Office of Legislative Services. Members were told that the division will review agency budgets, class lines, and proposed changes over roughly six weeks, with the goal of preparing a detailed change report for full House Finance.

Transcript Highlights:

• So most definitely this means we need to manage our budget.
• So, most definitely this means we here.
• <01:00:58.720> Please you are definitely on it. Please you are definitely on it.
• Maybe not next year or the year after, but definitely down the road.
• And all but definitely down the road.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What was problematic about the definition of hemp in the federal law?
• As you can see here under the federal definition, you can have a 12-ounce can of a hemp-derived drink
• The the new definition go into effect.
• <00:50:46.240> than<00:50:46.480> our definition is more restrictive than our definition
• So that's until December 2027. changes in the definition uh for the changes in the definition uh for

Bills: HB1974, HB1853, HB1973, HB1574, HB2619, HB1966, HB1643, HB1671, HB2558, HB1854, HB2173, HB1575, HB2229, HB1535, HB1978, HB2508, HB1549, HB2187, HB1550, HB1977, HB2314, HB1871, HB2319, HB1591, HB1858, HB1898, HB2372, HB1765, HB2012, HB1706, HB1962, HB1963, HB1975, HB2009, HB2083, HB2224, HB1877, HB1959, HB1626, HB1665, HB2488, HB2456, HB2548, HB2207, HB1832, HB2079, HB1985, HB1618, HB2486, HB2242, HB2045, HB1703, HB2236, HB2480, HB1976, HB2287, HB2288, HB1777, HB276, HB1660, HB1676, HB1605, HB1751, HB1967, HB2383, HB2340, HB1946, HB2268, HB1950, HB2156, HB2118, HB1859, HB1863, HB1996, HB2114, HB2423, HB2429, HB2475, HB2534, HB2545, HB1813, HB1941, HB2474, HB2583, HB1576, HB1886, HB1939, HB2540, HB2590, HB2000, HB2163, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1692

Keywords: HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• A definition for that is included in the legislation.
• And it seems like you're pretty open to the, to, yes, definitely open to your findings to having you
• So, yeah, I'll definitely let you know when that meeting is going to be.
• I'll definitely let you know when that meeting is going to be.

Keywords: Public Body Procurement Workgroup, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we'll definitely thank you. Motion for a favorable report.
• Okay, we'll definitely<00:03:56.600> thank<00:03:56.880> you.
• <00:03:57.160> Motion<00:03:57.480> for<00:03:57.600> a definitely thank you
• Motion for a definitely thank you. Motion for a favorable<00:03:57.920> report.

Bills: SB216, SB229, SB216, SB229

Keywords: retired law enforcement, retirement benefits, employment, firemedics, salary cap, released time, religious instruction, elective credit, public schools, K-12 education, school board policy, church-state separation, parochial education, Bible class, faith-based instruction, student release, attendance credit, State Board of Education, local school board, parental consent

Transcript Highlights:

• So really, those definitions aren't wholly necessary.
• > aren't So really, those definitions aren't So really, those definitions aren't wholly<02:00:
• <02:07:04.800> want<02:07:05.040> to<02:07:05.760> um definitely want to um definitely
• > have<02:07:40.079> an we're definitely going to have an we're definitely going to have
• So as definitions of what's in there.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to cover it in the sort of definitions to cover it in the sort of definitions of<00:10:20.640>
• So there are definitions in interest.
• state here, except that your definition state here, except that your definition of<00:18:45.440>
• I don't want to speak definitively as a I don't want to speak definitively as a non-<00:57:51.040>
• There's a definition there.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do definition of a of a contingency.
• This turns the definitions that underpin the entire Consumer Protection Act.
• This turns the definitions that underpin the entire Consumer Protection Act.
• ,<03:03:48.640> and definitions of property, person, and definitions of property, person,
• they um enlarge the definition. they um enlarge the definition.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, took roll, and approved the journal of Wednesday, May 6, 2026, as corrected. Members then made several announcements, including committee meeting notices, a Colorado Farm Bureau burger bash, recognition of Nurses Week, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and a commendation honoring former legislator Dorothy Rupert for her public service and advocacy. The chamber also heard a report that Rep. Flynnel had helped save a life by calling 911 when she witnessed a medical emergency near the Capitol. Committee reports were received from Appropriations and Business Affairs and Labor, and the majority leader moved a slate of bills to special order for May 7. The House then proceeded to special orders and considered House Bill 1433, which would allow the firefighter behavioral health trust to receive gifts, grants, and donations to sustain services for firefighters dealing with trauma. Supporters described the program as essential for first responders, and the bill passed. The chamber next considered House Bill 1429 on consolidating administration of public assistance programs. Supporters said it would stabilize the safety net, reduce error rates, and create a transition plan involving counties, state departments, and frontline workers; the appropriations report and the bill both passed. House Bill 1416, which transfers money from the Universal High School Scholarship Cash Fund to support small businesses and the Colorado Small Business Development Center, also passed as amended after debate over the use of the scholarship fund and its prior implementation challenges. Opponents argued the money should remain with students, while supporters said the fund had already distributed most of its original allocation and the transfer would help small businesses without creating a new program.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee and 449 and another committee that dealt specifically with proxies, we need to align some definitions
• I don't believe the difference in the definitions is material, but when you are a pension system, and
• Do you feel like that changing these definitions is enough to overcome that hurdle that maybe I've thrown
• So does the pecuniary interest definition include future risk or risk assessment?
• And that is also pretty much the same definition in 4428, 449, but I need to make sure that those are

Bills: HB1170

Keywords: fiduciary responsibility, proxy voting, public finance, Oklahoma statutes, pension plans, pecuniary factors, nonpecuniary factors, financial risk, Attorney General

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Affairs met to consider two executive nominations and House Bill 1170. Mark Wood was introduced as nominee to lead OMES; he described his background in public accounting and tax administration, said his focus would be on stabilizing the agency, improving efficiency, and balancing accountability with service. Senators asked about OMES’s core mission and whether some duties should be returned to agencies; Wood said he would keep an open mind and work with legislators on possible changes. The committee advanced his nomination on a 9-0 vote. The committee then heard Dwayne Helmberger’s nomination to the State Fire Marshal Commission. Helmberger, currently Stillwater fire chief and formerly assistant chief in Midwest City, emphasized code administration, education, and coordination with other agencies. Senators questioned him about backlogs in fire marshal inspections for marijuana grow operations and certificates of occupancy; he said the backlog was driven by the volume of applications and could be addressed through better planning, coordination, and logistics. His nomination also advanced unanimously, 9-0. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1170, which would direct pension fiduciaries to focus on pecuniary interests and avoid non-financial ESG considerations. Senator Daniels explained that the bill was intended to clarify state policy and align definitions with related measures, and she requested a title strike while continuing to work on the language. Members raised concerns about due process, immunity provisions, and whether the bill would conflict with recent court rulings or still allow consideration of ESG factors when financially relevant. After debate, the committee passed the bill 6-2.

Transcript Highlights:

• the concerns that some people keep chickens in their backyard coops may unintentionally meet a definition
• But if we put one of those chickens in a coop, it would meet the definition of a feedlot.
• chickens in a coupe, it would<00:04:06.560> meet<00:04:06.720> the<00:04:06.959> definition
• would meet the definition of a feed lot. would meet the definition of a feed lot.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 4295, described by the author as the “Chicken Shift Bill,” which would address an unintended consequence of state feedlot regulations affecting backyard chicken coops. The bill would allow counties to adopt ordinances exempting small chicken coops, up to 24 chickens, from feedlot designation, while leaving counties free to set a lower limit or decline to act. The author and Wright County Administrator Greg Kryser testified in support, saying the measure would give local governments flexibility and resolve confusion for county feedlot officers. Kryser also explained the issue using animal-unit calculations to show how chickens in a coop could be treated differently from chickens at pasture. Representative Coulter raised a question about how a county ordinance would interact with a city ordinance on backyard chickens, and the chair said he did not know the answer but would look into it. Representative Grieman expressed support and noted the bill’s relevance to backyard chicken owners. The chair said the bill would be referred to the Environment Committee and suggested the jurisdictional question be clarified before further hearing. The author closed by reiterating the purpose of the bill and the phrase “the chickens come home to roost.” The committee then voted unanimously in favor of re-referring House File 4295 to the Environment Committee, and the motion passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh I know on the definition of vessels it also covers rafts too in any type of kayaks and I'm up at Smith
• Well, I'm I'm I'm my understanding on that is because that's the current definition of a vessel in rafting
• on that is because that's<00:07:20.240> the<00:07:20.479> current<00:07:20.720> definition
• <00:07:21.360> of<00:07:22.319> a that's the current definition of a that's the current
• definition of a vessel<00:07:23.199> in<00:07:23.520> rafting.

Bills: SB326, SB326

Keywords: sheriff, credit card, debit card, financial procedures, Jackson County, purchasing authority, boating regulations, anchoring, rafting, enforcement mechanism, environmental protection, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I definitely see your point. They have some, it's a legitimate argument that they're making.
• It is definitely a complicated issue.
• That would definitely help. So thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. All right. Thank you.
• It is definitely a complicated issue.
• That would definitely help. So thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. All right. Thank you.

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a monthly revenue report from the Bureau of Legislative Research. The report showed gross general revenue collections up year to date and net general revenue above forecast, with the increase attributed in part to income tax growth, a fiscal-year shift, and lottery-related collections. Members asked no questions, and no action was required on the revenue report. Several subcommittee reports were then presented and adopted, including executive, administrative rules, game and fish/state police, hospital/Medicaid/developmental disability, occupational licensing, PEER, revenue, state insurance programs, and personnel. The executive report noted a waiver request for Jackson County School District construction services and an audit with no findings. The administrative rules report covered agency directives, rulemaking updates, and a few rules pulled for later consideration. The revenue subcommittee held one District 4 tire removal contract until its next meeting, while the state insurance subcommittee reviewed the EBD contract with Boston Consulting Group and approved pharmacy formulary and drug recommendations. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Insurance Department’s examination of pharmacy benefit managers, especially Navitus Health Solutions. Commissioners and staff explained that Navitus objected to producing certain claims data for self-funded plans, raising an ERISA preemption argument, and that the matter was being set for an administrative hearing, likely in April. Members questioned compliance, due process, and the implications of the objection, while the department said the state initiated the examination and was continuing to seek resolution. The committee also reviewed an Arkansas Teacher Retirement System agreement, with one member noting a potential conflict and abstaining. The meeting ended after members reviewed additional reports with no further action and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• wheels of the criminal justice system to make it work more efficiently, and I think that there's definitely
• wheels of the criminal justice system to make it work more efficiently, and I think that there's definitely
• And I think that there's definitely no intention that, you know, the investments that have been made
• We had the evaluation this past December that definitely speaks to that.
• So when it comes time, I would definitely propose and support the HAFC scenario, noting that it's increasing

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill itself would replace the definition of housing or housing project found in section 356D-11,
• HRS, and all other references to it with a standardized definition under section 356D-1.
• all other references to it with a all other references to it with a standardized<00:07:36.000> definition
• <00:07:36.400> under<00:07:36.720> section standardized definition under section standardized
• definition under section 356D-1. 356D-1. 356D-1.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It definitely funny disability rights.
• as well, the esoteric definitions.
• So I would I definition of citizens.
• <03:49:46.239> of news and so what's the definition of news and so what's the definition of
• you think we should put a definition you think we should put a definition around<03:57:52.479>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The definition of a professional student is a...
• It's definitely in demand. We definitely have a shortage of police officers.
• It's definitely in demand. We definitely are a shortage of police officers.
• WEAF, you know, we'd definitely like to see more of that.
• So, no, it's definitely part of the discussion as it goes along.

Keywords: 908, all