Transcript Highlights:

• I think a 20% late fee is unreasonable. I think limiting the...
• go into late...
• minor late fee.
• We don't charge exorbitant late fees.
• I apologize for coming in late. No, it's not late.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair recognizes Representative Murray. concentration and penalties for concentration and penalties
• to</c><02:58:11.439><c> the</c> penalties, those penalties go to the penalties, those penalties go to
• Importantly, while monetary penalties Importantly, while monetary penalties may<04:17:28.960><c> be</
• And his public the state lately.
• </c> the death penalty would be eligible. the death penalty would be eligible.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Our penalties are created in rule, so we would create those penalties in rule based on the rulemaking
• enforcement penalties.
• </c><01:08:51.920><c> for</c> sense to establish these penalties for sense to establish these penalties
• </c> already too late. already too late.
• </c> file bankruptcy and discharge the debt. file bankruptcy and discharge the debt.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> on Senate File 3749. on Senate File 3749.
• </c> file 3749. file 3749.
• </c> is what would that penalty be? is what would that penalty be?
• </c> file 3749. file 3749. 9 You said striking line 1.9 and 1.10.
• </c> Uh next up we have Senate file 3737. Uh next up we have Senate file 3737.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then they file a written report.
• We also have remedies as well as criminal penalties.
• We also have remedies as well as criminal penalties.
• Senate Bill 1363 will be filed for the second reading calendar.
• Senate Bill 1363 will be filed for the second reading calendar.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We all know it's late, but we all know we must work with the reality we have.
• And may file documents electronically. Questions, comments, concerns about this legislation?
• , the penalty does need to be strong enough to create a financial disincentive to disobey the policy.
• But I think the section that the sponsor referenced here, that stronger penalty was really designed for
• I would just, and maybe you could share back with the sponsor, I think the penalty probably doesn't fit

Committee: Senate Energy And Telecommunications

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications considered a large agenda focused mainly on energy affordability, the CLCPA, utility rates, and renewable energy siting. Senator Mattera and other Republican members argued that the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has driven up utility bills, harmed reliability, and imposed costs on ratepayers, while Democratic members pushed back that rising costs are also driven by natural gas markets, infrastructure costs, and broader economic factors. Several bills sought to repeal or pause CLCPA-related policies, create a CLCPA task force, impose studies or moratoriums on new energy taxes and fees, and increase transparency around utility surcharges and state energy spending. Supporters framed these measures as ratepayer relief and accountability; opponents said some proposals would undermine clean-energy policy and existing consumer-benefit programs. The committee defeated S.1167, which would have repealed the All Electric Building Act, and S.1173, which would have created a CLCPA task force. It also failed S.5250, a bill to study CLCPA costs and impose a moratorium on new energy taxes, fees, or regulations, and S.7075, which would have prohibited the system benefits charge on utility bills. Several other bills advanced, including S.1236A on virtual access and electronic filing for Public Service Commission proceedings, S.1552 establishing reduced residential rates for low-income electric and natural gas customers, S.2484 directing a study of replacement timeframes for battery storage and renewable facilities, S.2638 on carbon allowance auction proceeds, S.3247 on electric vehicle charging stations, S.3553 requiring utilities to post promotional and educational materials on their websites, S.4571A creating a floating solar incentive education program, S.5518 shifting Public Service Commission funding to legislative appropriation, and S.6412A requiring itemized ratepayer disclosure of surcharges. S.9251, on labor-related legal costs, was referred to the Labor Committee. S.7710, which would have restricted energy storage systems near schools and homes in New York City, failed after concerns and support were debated. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, the crime is so serious that we should be able to file it... It might be many years later.
• Again, the crime is so serious that we should be able to file it no matter when it's found out.
• Also, I thought the penalties were a little bit steep.
• Senator Kaiser, what are the current penalties for reckless driving? Senator Kaiser.
• Senator Hart: I have a bad habit of working really late.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee approved the February 25, 2026 minutes and then heard several House bills and gubernatorial appointments. HB 681 would remove the statute of limitations for aggravated lewd conduct with a child and for producing sexually exploitative material; the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association supported it, and members discussed the seriousness of the crimes and the effect of fading memories. The committee voted to send HB 681 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard from Terry Kirkham for reappointment to the Pardons and Parole Commission and Paula Gray for reappointment to the Sexual Offender Management Board; both described their prior service, and the committee said it would vote on those appointments at a later meeting. Senator Lent presented HB 491, expanding Good Samaritan immunity to include mental health and suicide emergency first aid, and HB 492, adding a juvenile justice or adult misdemeanor probation representative to the POST Council. Both bills drew little opposition and were sent to the floor with due pass recommendations. Senator Kaiser presented HB 522 on unmanned aircraft systems near correctional facilities; after testimony from a drone industry representative and others raising concerns about federal law, commercial flights, and enforcement, the committee voted to send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment rather than advance it directly. The committee also advanced HB 570, which adds driving 20 mph or more over the limit in active school or construction zones to reckless driving when children or workers are present and visible. Supporters cited work zone safety and crashes, while some senators questioned whether the new standard was too subjective; the bill still received a due pass recommendation. HB 548 would require reasonable suspicion before law enforcement stops or boards a boat under the Idaho Safe Boating Act; the Idaho Sheriffs Association opposed it, arguing current boat safety checks are mostly consensual and tied to a federal grant program, but the committee sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, HB 654 would add electronic storage device canines to the definition of police dogs for purposes of protecting them from mistreatment; an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force commander testified in support, and the committee advanced the bill with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 7, AB 2166. Thank you again, Mr. Chair and committee members.
• So let's start with file item 1, AB 748, Harabedian. Is there a motion?
• So let's start with file item 1, AB 748, Harabedian. Is there a motion?
• File item 3. File item 3. What's the vote? All right, the current vote is five to one.
• File item 10, AB 2074, Haney, we're waiting. Consent is approved.

Summary: The committee began without a quorum and first heard AB 748, which would create pre-approved housing plans for single-family homes and small multifamily projects under 10 units, with delayed implementation for smaller cities and counties. The author said the bill is modeled on the state’s ADU preapproval process and is intended to make housing approvals ministerial and faster. Support came from housing and business groups, while several cities opposed it. Senators raised concerns about local control and whether small or rural jurisdictions have the staff and infrastructure to implement the program, but the author emphasized that local agencies would still control the plans and land-use decisions. No vote was taken because there was no quorum. The committee then heard AB 1621, which would tighten timelines and accountability for post-entitlement permits, limit plan-check resubmittals, and restrict field changes unless needed for health and safety. The California Building Industry Association and many housing groups supported the bill, arguing that permitting delays raise costs and slow housing production. The League of California Cities, counties, and several local governments opposed it, saying the two-plan-check limit is too rigid and that the bill could create litigation risk and reduce local flexibility to ensure code compliance. Members debated the proper standard for additional review and whether the bill should allow exceptions for state mandates; the author said the bill was meant to stop endless back-and-forth while preserving health-and-safety exceptions. The bill was recommended for a due-pass motion to Appropriations when quorum is reached. AB 2748 was next, proposing a three-year delay in the new electric-vehicle readiness requirements for 100% affordable housing projects, keeping the older 40% standard during that period. The author and affordable housing advocates said the change would reduce costs and help scarce housing dollars go further, while opponents from environmental, transportation, and clean-energy groups argued the current code is already cost-effective and that the bill would create a double standard and reduce EV access for low-income residents. Senators discussed whether the bill should require additional EV-capable infrastructure if projects use the older standard, and several members said they supported the bill but urged continued work on amendments. The committee also heard AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining to student housing projects at public universities and community colleges with long-range plans. The author and student housing advocates said campus housing shortages are driving student homelessness and that the bill would help projects move faster; some senators supported the concept but questioned the bill’s geographic limits and whether labor standards or rural-campus criteria might be too restrictive. The meeting also included AB 1738, which would require jurisdictions to offer virtual inspections for certain simple home inspections. Supporters said remote inspections save time and money and have been used safely in California, while one senator said she could not support virtual inspections for more complex items like roofs and solar work. No final votes were taken during the transcript, and several bills were held pending quorum or further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, I was elected late in May of 2025, so we can go one more meeting before we have to have formal
• So the first amendment that we recommended was to 2.2-3714, violations and penalties, which basically
• I guess I filed the FOIA there, and I was going to have to spend a lot of money, you know, to try to
• It was about whether to get attorney fees, how to file for that, and whether it was a final order.
• It was about attorney fees, how to file for that, and whether it was a final order to get that.

Keywords: Freedom of Information Advisory Council, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's first take up Amendment bar code 4, 4, 4, 2, 1, 2, by Senator Gaetz and there is a late filed substitute
• Any objection to taking up the late filed substitute amendment seeing none.
• service commission can call people in whatever the commission wants them to make a rate filing or to
• What the bill does is to say that it ought to be the commission's determination when a rate filing is
• Come on ahead and please, your rate filing. >> Threw the chair.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill as filed prohibits anyone from filing a public nuisance claim if, and only if, the claim seeks
• to filing a bad one.
• The judge then takes those e-files and must include them in their TEC, Texas Ethics Commission, filing
• Oh, I was reading it late.
• When a judge files for office on their application with whatever party they file with, normally you put

Bills: HB2242 , HB2446 , HB2799 , HB4502 , HB2920 , HB2790 , HB5620 , HB5060 , HB5076 , HB5080 , HB5081 , HB5128 , HB5130 , HB3847 , HB5116 , HB2969 , HB4546 , HB4202 , HB5624 , HB3964 , HB4803 , HB872 , HB4775 , HB4777 , HB4961 , HB5570 , HB2988 , HB4260 , HB1375 , HB5009 , HB5411 , HB5134 , HB4388 , HB3095 , HB1387

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate file respectfully requested.
• Senate file number 571 is here code.
• transmitted: House File 2446.
• The secretary will read the Senate file number. Senate File 1832.
• </c><00:21:23.440><c> number</c> start with Senate file number start with Senate file number 3045.<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We file the report as well. Without objection, we'll file the report.
• Just file the report. Just file the report. And I make a motion? Second.
• Staff recommends we file this report. Without objection, we will file this report.
• Staff recommends we file this report. Without objection, we will file this report.
• Staff recommends we file this report. Without objection, we will file this report.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent water and sewer reports, including seven new reinstatements and a reduction to four remaining delinquent filers. Staff also reported on municipal accounting code noncompliance, removing Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day clock after improved records were verified, and presenting repeat findings for Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, and Haynes. Members discussed repeated audit problems, the length of time some issues had persisted, and whether towns should be given additional time or face stronger action; motions were made and adopted to place some entities on a 60-day clock or defer action to later meetings. For Fargo and Alma, staff described extensive repeat accounting deficiencies, including missing budgets, bank reconciliations, financial statements, receipts, journals, and supporting documentation. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was beginning to improve its office systems; the committee voted to defer the matter for 60 days and file the report. Alma’s officials said they were trying to correct water audit and accounting issues, and the committee likewise deferred the matter to the August meeting while warning that water-audit delays could jeopardize turnback funds. The committee then reviewed misuse-of-street-funds findings for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho’s police chief and officials explained that traffic fines, drug-related arrests, and other citations had pushed the town over the statutory threshold, while staff clarified that the speed-trap calculation excludes certain add-on fines and is referred to the prosecuting attorney for any action. Haynes officials said repayment problems stemmed from lost revenue and staffing changes, including the loss of the police department, but staff reported the town remained behind on its repayment plan and also owed the IRS. The committee voted to defer the Haynes matter to September and to defer Jericho as well, with members emphasizing the need for consistency and possible broader legislative review of small-town viability. A special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District drew substantial discussion. Staff cited findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, car allowances and personal vehicle use, competitive bidding, and unusually high advertising spending, as well as the sale of trailers and other equipment at low prices. The district director said the board had delegated authority for many expenditures, that personal use was reported for tax purposes, and that advertising was necessary to educate the public about recycling. Members questioned the procurement and disposal decisions and the size of the advertising budget; after discussion, the committee deferred the report to September and asked the director to return. The meeting also included brief deferred reports on Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove, which were filed after local officials described ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing audit and tax issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Coupled with the fact that the penalties for every day that, you know, one of these penalties goes unaddressed
• And I believe even the penalty provisions in here are civil penalty provisions, not criminal.
• And I believe even the penalty provisions in here are civil penalty provisions, not criminal.
• Once again, I was just. penalty provisions in here are civil penalty provisions, not criminal.
• Is that public filing? It should be.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What is the penalty for a Class A misdemeanor?
• What are the penalties for a Class A? What is the penalty for Class A? 180 days?
• Is that the appropriate penalty?
• I'm going to present an amendment to reduce the penalty because I just think the penalty is a little
• You have substantial criminal penalties if you don't.

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 8:00 p.m. that day, also allowing the Secretary to make the calendar available as soon as practicable. The chamber then took up and passed several House bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 2128, relating to a study of rural firefighting and technical rescue capabilities, passed unanimously. HB 4157, on liability protections for commercial spaceflight and exploration, passed 28-3. HB 2240, concerning certain void marriages, passed after adoption of a Birdwell amendment extending filing deadlines to 90 days for certain active-duty service members and Foreign Service officers. HB 367, on verification of excused absences for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses, passed unanimously after clarifying school district forms and TEA model forms. HB 1506, expanding expedited handgun license eligibility to certain retired county court judges, passed 29-2. HB 4449, on alcohol sales in annexed municipal areas, passed 29-2. HB 3812, on health plan prior authorization requirements, passed 30-1. The Senate also announced a long list of bills and resolutions signed in the presence of the Senate. A major portion of the meeting centered on HB 521, a voting-related bill on curbside voting for voters with disabilities. Senator Paxton described it as an anti-misuse measure requiring a signed eligibility form for curbside voting, creating a 20-foot electioneering buffer, limiting election officer assistance in marking ballots unless a second officer is present, and adding reporting requirements for people who assist seven or more curbside voters. Senators Miles, Menendez, Johnson, Campbell, Cook, and others questioned whether the bill would burden disabled voters, create a de facto registry of volunteers, and impose a harsh Class A misdemeanor penalty for failing to complete the form. Paxton said the bill was intended to protect legitimate curbside voters and curb abuse, and the chamber adopted Paxton Floor Amendment No. 1 after a recorded vote. Zaffirini’s Floor Amendment No. 2, allowing an escorting voter to receive his or her own ballot at the curbside or entrance, was adopted. Menendez’s Floor Amendment No. 3 to reduce the penalty failed. The bill was then passed to third reading on a 20-11 vote, with a motion by Senator Miles to have the exchanges reduced to writing and placed in the journal adopted. The Senate also passed HB 3000, creating a grant program for rural ambulance service providers, after a comptroller-related amendment; HB 5616, establishing the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program and funding for traveling exhibits, after narrowing the bill to mobile exhibits only; HB 4211, addressing certain residential property interests controlled by entities, which passed 30-1; HB 1178, creating temporary educator certificates for out-of-state certified educators and military spouses, which passed unanimously; HB 2243, creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, which passed after debate over the need to streamline education mandates; and HB 42, increasing and reallocating the constitutional Higher Education Fund appropriation by 50% to $1.18 billion, which passed 31-0. Finally, HB 2512, a Fort Worth-specific bill limiting ETJ release for land subject to active development agreements, passed after debate over broader ETJ and de-annexation policy, with a local-only clarifying amendment adopted and a proposed broader amendment withdrawn. The meeting ended with the Senate beginning consideration of HB 3372, which would bar school district administrators from receiving financial benefits tied to outside consulting or contracting with education entities, though the transcript cuts off during questions on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• What have you got for me lately? What have you got for me lately?
• And it's related to the imposition of a penalty for defilement of rendition?
• recognize Senator Bettencourt to explain the difference between the committee's substitute and the bill as filed

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: Senate Committee, local government, SB2183, SB2046, committee substitute, legislative measures

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government was characterized by the passage of several significant bills, including SB2183, SB2046, SB434, and others with recommendations for further consideration. Discussions involved voting on committee substitutes and the implications of various legislative measures. Senator Paxton and other members provided insights and moved bills forward with emphatic support, leading to their successful passing out of committee. Importantly, the bills addressed various local government concerns, showcasing the committee's focus on practical legislative solutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am wholly opposed to the death penalty in Missouri.
• I think we should actually abolish the death penalty.
• There is not a penalty provision.
• Did you say this was a House bill that you filed? This is a House bill that I filed, yes.
• "I had filed the amendment.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Consumers lose billions of dollars and file tens of thousands of complaints with the Federal Trade Commission
• Consumers lose billions of dollars and file tens of thousands of complaints with the Federal Trade Commission
• canceled their subscription and I got a bill, and then I called and they told me that I was a day late
• I'm trying to get to it; I got here a little late.
• I'm trying to get to the kind of got here a little late.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on May 6, 2026, with five members present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first heard HB 750, a “click-to-cancel” consumer protection bill requiring subscription cancellations to be as easy as sign-up and to be available through the same method used to subscribe. An amendment was adopted, testimony included support from labor and consumer advocates and opposition from some business groups, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up SB 414, which was narrowed to cap interest on medical debt at 3%. After reconsidering and replacing prior amendments, the committee adopted the new amendment set and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 799, concerning inspection licensing for elevators, escalators, and boilers, was presented by the State Fire Marshal and reported favorably with little discussion. The longest discussion centered on HB 953, a major plumbing workforce and licensing reform bill. The bill was amended substantially: the original proposal to move plumbing oversight to the Contractors Board was removed, the plumbing board remained in place, apprenticeship and journeyman/master plumber hour requirements were revised, penalties and reporting requirements were added, and language was included to support workforce development and reentry training. The committee heard both support and opposition, including clarification from the State Plumbing Board that it already has an appeals process through the courts, and HB 953 was reported favorably as amended. Finally, HB 220, the “PROTECT Act,” was heard to require covered online platforms to maintain a clear and usable mechanism for reporting child sexual abuse material and exploitation. An amendment was adopted to account for platforms that require registration to access content, testimony was supportive, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 952 was deferred, and HB 827, a related plumbing workforce bill, was amended to align more closely with HB 953 but then failed a motion to defer by roll call vote, allowing it to remain pending. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, if a party to a probate proceeding files a motion for the assignment of a probate judge to hear
• Finally, there must be penalties for when, when any court actor deviates from the guidelines in this
• So with the kinship caregiver have to file a motion for modification?
• So they would file a motion for modification. And the I assume the the obligee.
• Of a will or a copy of the will through the electronic filing system is all it does, um, and I'll be

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:

• However, if a party to a probate proceeding files a motion for the assignment of of a probate judge to
• So I was trying to find the context in which what drove you to file this bill.
• So with the kinship. caregiver have to file a motion for modification? Correct, yes.
• Oh, they would file a motion for modification and the.
• Clouded titles can keep children from fulfilling the wishes of their late parents.

Bills: SB387 , SB1335 , HB1671 , SB1760 , SB1839 , SB1923 , HB1928 , HB4942 , HB5628 , HB5642 , HB1980

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, retroactive child support, parentage, genetic testing, family code, child's conception, incapacitated persons, court proceedings, guardianship fees, estate management, probate