Transcript Highlights:

• Different counties have different procedures.
• Government Affairs and testifying on behalf of the Tarrant County Board of Trustees.
• Parent county clerk, is that correct? Yes, sir, that's correct.
• The Tarrant County Clerk's Office issues over 17,000 marriage licenses a year.
• And finally, I just want to say in Travis County we have a very limiting.

Bills: HB557, HB732, HB1892, HB1954, HB2301, HB3180, HB3405, HB3650, HB3758, HB4035, HB4621, HB4795, HB4870, HB5069, HB5137, HB5149

Keywords: child support, arrears, court enforcement, contempt, legal protections, healthcare, insurance, cost reduction, accessibility, regulations, impotency, marriage annulment, Family Code, Texas law, family law, Texas legislation, dissolution of marriage, annulment, marriage, child custody

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...counties.
• Why is it just certain counties that would have to utilize this?
• We had, I think we had three locations in the Bell County area.
• Right now it's offered to 236 counties.
• something thousand, and the next county is in the seven hundred.

Bills: HB1531, HB2667, HB2809, HB2865, HB3589, HB3151, HB3748, HB3750, HB4419, HB4643, HB3597, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131

Keywords: workplace violence prevention, health and safety code, Chapter 331, facility definition, home and community support services agency, home health agency, home health care, nursing staff, registered nurses, health care workplace safety, hospital, nursing facility, ambulatory surgical center, freestanding emergency medical care facility, mental hospital, Texas health care regulation, provider compliance, occupational safety, senior living, referral agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Chambers County Commissioner for Precinct 3.
• Uh, County Judge Jimmy Sylvia was not ever traveled for his hearing.
• Beyond our economic benefits, this project will bring a sustainable investment to our county.
• These will be off-system projects, state funded, but on city or county roads.
• Um, Representative La LaH in Bear County had 11 fatalities.

Bills: HB 341, HB 791, HB 1564, HB 1695, HB 1722, HB 1729, HB 1772, HB 2003, HB 2954, HB 2989, HB 3084, HB 3134, HB 3135, HB 3309, HB 3611, HB 3679, HB 3727, HB 3832

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Chambers County Commissioner for Precinct 3.
• County Judge Jimmy Silvio has not traveled for this hearing.
• Investment to our county.
• Representative LaHood in Bexar County had 11 fatalities.
• I represent 11 counties, and my district had 12 fatalities.

Bills: HB341, HB791, HB1564, HB1695, HB1722, HB1729, HB1772, HB2003, HB2954, HB2989, HB3084, HB3134, HB3135, HB3309, HB3611, HB3679, HB3727, HB3832

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• I will provide you with a few recent examples in Williamson County.
• three years to our county judge and commissioners court, who oversee our county elections.
• watcher in more than 15 counties around the state.
• I'm James Keller, a resident of Hays County. I'm here in support.
• I have another Harris County steward to back it up.

Bills: SB38, SB287, SB291, SB292, SB508, SB618, SB901, SB1436, SB1494, SB1626, SB1719, SB1999, SB1333, SB 38

Keywords: evictions, property law, tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, justice court, court rules, SB 287, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, sexually oriented business, adult entertainment, strip club, nude entertainment, live nude performance, alcohol prohibition, alcohol consumption, possession of alcohol, criminal offense, Class A misdemeanor, state jail felony, third degree felony

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, is it just... is this city... ...is it just city, county, and state?
• It is, but I think it's got language that the city or the county can do some requests to...
• It seems like in a county here and there there's somebody that makes a ton of money and has an... ...
• This notice is required by any county or municipality made by resolution or ordinance adopted at least

Bills: HB226, HB24, HB309, HB315, HB272, HB24, HB226, HB309, HB315, HB272

Keywords: HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax, property tax relief, widow, widower, unremarried spouse, surviving spouse, senior exemption, elderly, disabled, permanently and totally disabled, blind taxpayer, deed ownership, principal residence, school tax, county tax, municipal tax, Alabama Department of Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• , so I just have to commend some of my small counties because they really do it well.
• I have multiple counties that have an emergency for wolves in my county in my district right now, for
• The bill also directs cities and counties to provide clear The bill also directs cities and counties
• The bill simply directs our cities and counties to do just that.
• We take great pride in what we're trying to do with animals in Ventura County.

Summary: The committee first took up a consent calendar of multiple bills, moving them forward mostly to Appropriations, with AB 1531 sent to Insurance. It then heard AB 645, requiring emergency medical dispatch training for public safety dispatchers who handle medical calls. Supporters said standardized dispatcher training would improve CPR and other pre-arrival instructions, especially in rural areas with long response times; there was no opposition, and the bill was moved to Appropriations. AB 716, on statewide hydrogen fire safety standards and a State Fire Marshal hydrogen expert, also drew support and was sent to Utilities and Energy. AB 783, aimed at lowering disaster rebuilding costs by allowing state contracting for construction materials in declared disaster areas, was supported by housing and building groups and moved to Appropriations. AB 591, creating a public works mutual aid plan for disasters, and AB 1200, expanding disaster preparedness through tabletop exercises, a State Lifelines Council, and CERT training, both received supportive testimony and were sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 300, which would require regular updates to fire hazard severity zone maps; witnesses from fire agencies and cities supported moving the review schedule to every five years, and the bill was sent to Appropriations as amended. AB 986 would add landslides and climate-change-exacerbated conditions to the definition of state and local emergencies; supporters from Rancho Palos Verdes and the League of California Cities described severe land movement and major costs, while members raised concerns about overbroad emergency declarations. The bill nonetheless advanced to Appropriations. AB 478, requiring local emergency plans to include pet rescue procedures and longer holding periods for rescued animals, was supported by the author, a mayor, and animal advocacy groups; members suggested revisiting the 90-day reclamation period and transfer rules, but the bill moved to Appropriations. Later, AB 598 proposed school mapping technology for K-12 campuses so first responders can access accurate layouts during emergencies. The sponsor and dispatch representatives said the maps could reduce response times and improve coordination, while committee members asked about costs, vendor neutrality, rural school funding, and coordination with the 911 Advisory Board; the bill was moved to Appropriations with members noting possible follow-up amendments. Throughout the meeting, several votes were left open for later addition, and the committee eventually recorded additional aye votes and one no vote on AB 783 and a not-voting position on AB 986 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we've seen, I think, in the Dallas market, for sure, we've seen prices begin to come down.
• The other is a case management system for Sunset County...

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Counties seem to be very challenging to navigate depending on which county you're interacting with and
• Although Texas counties are providing the same or similar duties, the methods and processes each county
• County clerks can gain instant, auditable access.
• A county judge from Matagorda County apparently felt that the law didn't recognize geothermal energy
• Dispatchable, and so there are many people, including the county judge from Matagorda County, who thought

Bills: HB111

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She continues to care for her recipients while serving as a leading county volunteer.
• Also want to put a little shout-out to our Kern County Chancellor, Dr.
• Welcome, South Orange County.
• AB 630 was passed and signed into law last year to allow Los Angeles County and Alameda County to implement
• Los Angeles County and Alameda County to implement a pilot program allowing them to dispose of RVs valued

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors, community college delegations, students, caregivers, a retired Assembly staff member, and a championship high school football team. Members also observed an adjournment in memory for Alex Preddy, a VA nurse killed in Minnesota, and later for Kathy Wooten and Rowena Ramos. The chamber then moved through the daily file and third reading file, with several items passed, retained, or continued. Among the bills taken up, AB 34 on renewable portfolio standard exemptions for publicly owned utilities passed 55-0; AB 35 to accelerate implementation of Proposition 4 climate resilience funds passed 62-0; AB 52 on food and agriculture equity passed 50-6; AB 72 creating an EV economic opportunity zone passed 58-0; AB 96 removing a diploma requirement for Medi-Cal peer support specialists passed 55-0; AB 230 extending Pierce’s disease control programs passed 64-0; AB 277 requiring background checks for behavioral health employees passed 59-0; AB 647 clarifying a county RV disposal pilot passed 54-0; AB 664 authorizing limited bachelor’s programs at Southwestern Community College passed 60-1; AB 673 creating a support grant for unaccompanied homeless youth passed 55-1; AB 710 on dynamic electricity pricing passed 54-0; AB 748 streamlining pre-approved housing plans passed 65-0; AB 767 expanding protections around sexually violent predator placements near schools and daycares passed 65-0; AB 883 protecting officials’ personal information from data brokers passed 66-0; AB 946 expanding 30x30 conservation efforts to urban areas passed 65-0; AB 1054 creating a deferred retirement option program for CHP and Cal Fire passed 61-1; AB 1070 on missing middle housing code simplification passed 66-0; AB 1159 strengthening student data privacy passed 54-4; AB 1204 revising the Local Control Funding Formula passed 54-1; AB 1265 extending the historic building tax credit passed 64-0; AB 1349 banning speculative ticketing passed 61-0; AB 1359 allowing seniors 80+ to opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note passed 67-1; AB 643 on organic waste procurement credits passed 48-4; AB 685 creating a small business resiliency fund passed 63-0; AB 714 tightening oversight of commercial driving programs passed 65-1; and AB 805 establishing a youth apprenticeship bridge program passed 66-0. Several other items were passed and retained or continued without debate. Debate on AB 1054 drew the sharpest disagreement, with opponents warning about pension costs and supporters arguing it would help retain experienced CHP officers and firefighters. AB 767 also prompted strong comments about public safety and placement of sexually violent predators in rural communities. On AB 1349, supporters from both parties backed the anti-speculative ticketing bill as consumer protection, while AB 664 drew support from members emphasizing access to higher education in underserved regions. The Assembly then adjourned until January 29, 2026, after announcing upcoming session dates and recording a few vote changes from the dais.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're over 500 Texas game wardens, uh, that serve a pretty unique function in all 254 counties.
• Um, the Mason County Courthouse, for example, is one which was severely damaged by arson.
• And I, I've looked it up actually on the GIS for Kirk County.
• I have found the hunt community, the Kerr County to be incredibly responsive and willing.
• in that county.

Transcript Highlights:

• . were referred to the county attorney's office.
• and so those that were not students were released on a decision by an elected official in Travis County
• That would have been true in Travis County, yes.
• Um, I think I heard earlier that it was referred, those cases were referred to the The county attorney
• In my senior year of high school, I moved to Dallas, Texas.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from the Attorney General's office where she was a member of the capital murder team that assisted counties
• before that, uh, she was a Trial Bureau division chief and a felony district court chief at the Harris County
• I love, I love the name of your pack, Funky East Dallas. Here we go.
• investigative reporter for NBC News in Houston, has done a two-part report showing that the Harris County
• The Republican Party, uh, El Paso County Republican Party, we wouldn't know if they needed to file the

Transcript Highlights:

• Out of the 254 Texas counties, I believe we have roughly 230 of those counties represented in the Tarleton
• You heard Representative Slauson allude to our 230 Texas counties.
• Yes, Texas has 191 rural counties, most of which are west of I-35.
• She said that, I remember 254 counties. Blame me. I understand.
• We're truly, you know, all 254 counties are represented.

Bills: HB42, HB125

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement, stormwater management, counties, regulation, environment, water quality

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending. Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending. The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas Eliseo then served four years as a magistrate judge for Cibola County.
• work as economic development director for the counties.
• Yes, I will yield to my good neighbor from all of those counties.
• Speaker and gentlelady, I yield to the gentlelady from Bernalillo County. Mr.
• Nothing will actually change for any existing county at this time.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, Bexar County, y'all are based out of Fort Mabry here in Austin? Yes, sir. Okay.
• offices, and other county Veteran One Stop Shops across the state of Texas.
• Veteran County Service Officers, and I also want to mention with the Veteran County Service Officers,
• Not every county has a County Veterans Service Officer, but over 220 do, and we work with our partners
• National Association of County Veterans Service Organizations, just to name some.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dallas, the Sun with Florida Swimming Pool Association waiving in support. I believe this.
• The Greater Miami Expressway agencies, the average the state agencies are Miami-Dade County.
• And then we have Brandon Brown with mine in Miami-Dade County waiving in support as well.
• I was more in into a Spanish agricultural family in Hillsborough County, born and raised.
• Many rural communities, jobs are not just in Broward County or Dade County, but in many of the rule communities

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:03.480> Private<00:19:03.799> Industry foundations counties Private Industry
• The only other three places that did worse than ours were Phoenix, Denver, and Dallas.
• The only other three places that did worse than ours were Phoenix, Denver, and Dallas.
• The only other three places that did worse than ours were Phoenix, Denver, and Dallas.
• The only other three places that did worse than ours were Phoenix, Denver, and Dallas.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard informational presentations from Housing First Minnesota and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on the state of housing in Minnesota. Mark Foster of Housing First Minnesota said the state has a severe housing shortage, with demand outpacing supply since the 2007-09 housing crash, and argued that Minnesota is nearly 100,000 units short of a healthy market. He said new homes are increasingly unaffordable, citing a median new single-family price above $530,000 and declining affordability in the Twin Cities metro, and he urged lawmakers to remove exclusionary zoning and other regulatory barriers that he said make starter homes and smaller-lot housing difficult or illegal to build in many growing cities. He also highlighted the group’s Housing for Heroes projects, including transitional housing for veterans and other crisis housing projects around the state. Members asked Foster about starter-home examples and his view that the committee’s top priority should be reforming residential development approvals. He said most new housing is negotiated through planned unit developments rather than built under base zoning, which he argued adds cost and reduces supply. The committee then heard from Elizabeth Wael of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, who said housing challenges outside the metro are different but equally serious. She said many Greater Minnesota cities face a lack of developers, inadequate infrastructure such as roads and utilities, and gaps in the housing continuum, especially starter workforce housing and senior housing. She thanked the committee for 2023 housing funding and said cities are contributing their own resources, updating zoning, reducing parking requirements, allowing ADUs, and partnering with developers and nonprofits. Wael also urged faster rollout of the Greater Minnesota infrastructure grant program and said the state should consider changes to the housing tax credit and housing TIF rules to make them easier to use. In response, senators said they shared frustration with the slow implementation of the infrastructure program and emphasized the need for state investment and locally tailored zoning reforms. No bills were heard and no votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on stakeholder testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• judges and 200, Kerrville, and we are re-electing 254 county judges in 254 counties.
• Kerr County had a county liaison officer. TDM has at least one employee assigned to that county.
• Kerr County had a county liaison officer, and that Kerr County liaison officer was embedded with the
• occurred at the county level?
• in the county to do it.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We currently operate in Dallas, Amarillo, Beaumont, Lufkin, and Lubbock.
• Texas, Jennifer Battle, who's the Vice President of Community Access Engagement from the Harris County
• Across all five of our centers, we do serve all 254 Texas counties.
• Senators, I'm from Seeley, Texas, Austin County. I'm here on fool's errands today.
• Through hoops, if I may add, in my recent cases in a couple of counties, actually.

Bills: HB107, HB742, HB1639, HB1700, HB2071, HB2187, HB2402, HB2516, HB3211, HB4529, HB5342, HB694, HB923, HB4655, HB107

Keywords: sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records