Transcript Highlights:

• their Grant through a number of to claim their Grant through a number of convenient<00:32:13.880><c>
• If the application is approved, they are invited to claim their funds either through direct deposit or
• application is approved to claim their application is approved to claim their funds<00:42:09.720><c>
• The statute you see on the slide is based on the change in total annual unemployment claims each year
• This is a broader level than just looking at the claims for the newly eligible employees.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The voices on the other end claimed to be my grandson and a public defender.
• The voices on the other end claimed to be my grandson and a public defender.
• to be my voices on the other end claimed to be my grandson<00:16:13.880><c> and</c><00:16:14.040><c>
• He claimed to have negotiated a settlement with this woman and said he was able to reduce the amount
• I turned to my brother for help. claimed to be he had negotiated a claimed to be he had negotiated a

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, we have one testifier, Avana Stark from Clean Water Action. Thank you, Senator Fate.
• Our mission is to ensure clean, swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for generations to come.
• </c><01:43:09.600><c> Water</c> testifier, Avana Stark from Clean Water testifier, Avana Stark from Clean
• </c><01:43:27.840><c> Our</c> Clean Water Action Minnesota. Our Clean Water Action Minnesota.
• ,</c><01:43:29.520><c> swimmable,</c> mission is to ensure clean, swimmable, mission is to ensure clean

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand that's a county responsibility for having clean voter rolls.
• We changed, we updated, and we used what you gave us, and now we cleaned up our voter roll?
• Significant funding changes include an increase of $9.2 million to pay workers' compensation claims.
• And the final piece is an increase of $2.9 million for board-approved increases based on actual claims
• We did not do that by denying claims.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee began with Article I budget items for the Secretary of State. LBB staff outlined recommendations that would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million, including changes to HAVA funding, removal of one-time business system replacement money, and a rider directing the agency to use Fund 5095 first. Secretary Jane Nelson and staff then defended several exceptional items, especially additional staffing for elections and business filings, a new website, digitization of records, cybersecurity tools, and renovation of the James Earl Rudder Building. Members focused heavily on election administration, cross-checking voter rolls, Harris County complaints, call-center response times, and whether online voter registration should be expanded. No votes were taken; the discussion was informational and budget-focused. The committee then heard the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB presented a recommended $2.4 million decrease for the governor’s office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs driven by one-time funding and unexpended balances, while still preserving major border security funding and victim assistance funding. Governor’s staff emphasized Texas’ economic growth, the importance of border security, and efforts to seek federal reimbursement for the roughly $11 billion Texas has spent on border operations. Members discussed whether shifting National Guard deployment to federal control could reduce state costs, and they also reviewed the music incubator program, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and the semiconductor innovation consortium. Staff highlighted a $5 million late-added request for grants to protect nonprofits from violence and terrorism. Again, the exchange was largely explanatory, with no formal action. Finally, the committee took up the Texas Facilities Commission and lease payments for revenue bonds. LBB recommended major reductions overall, including removal of border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, but added money for higher utility costs, renovation of the Rudder Building, and additional facilities staff. George Purcell also noted stable maintenance-and-renewal funding and new riders related to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building, tenant communications, and space utilization. For lease payments, LBB recommended a smaller appropriation tied to revenue-bond costs allocated across agencies. The discussion was informational, with members asking about the Rudder Building renovation, border wall progress, and capital complex construction timelines; no votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• You didn't just get clean. You carried the mantle.
• I have to stay clean for one more September so I can show up and give that message.
• But you reminded them, I think, all of us, the goal is to be clean and sober.
• And the question was asked, well, are you walking your clean time with integrity?
• Alphas claimed the beginning, but we had to deal with it at the end.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and recognitions, including a resolution honoring Bob Graham and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a special-order calendar with multiple bills, many of them paired with House companions and amended before final passage. Early action included adoption of a tax conformity bill tied to federal changes in the Internal Revenue Code, with a 34-0 vote. The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/SB 1758, a Medicaid and SNAP reform bill. The sponsor described provisions to strengthen fraud enforcement, impose work requirements for able-bodied adults, expand behavioral health services through a waiver, modernize Medicaid drug purchasing, and require a SNAP fraud-reduction plan and photo ID on EBT cards. Democrats offered amendments to delay work requirements until Medicaid expansion and to add protections for SNAP users such as caregivers, seniors, disabled individuals, and domestic violence survivors; both amendments failed. Senators also questioned implementation details, exemptions, and potential effects on vulnerable populations. After debate, the bill was placed on the calendar for third reading. The Senate also passed bills on technology education and AI instruction, a public records exemption and related Parkinson’s Disease Registry measures, designation of the SS American Victory as the state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the sunset on legal tender recognition for gold and silver, public records protections for financial and digital-asset custodians, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, local government budget transparency, digital voyeurism, insurance customer representative licensing, and a medical freedom bill with amendments on vaccine-related materials and anti-kickback provisions. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though the public records bill for gold/silver custodians and the legal tender repeal drew a few dissenting votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You didn't just get clean. You carried the mantle.
• I have to stay clean for one more September so I can show up and give that message.
• But you reminded them, I think, all of us, the goal is to be clean and sober.
• And the question was asked, “Well, are you walking your clean time with integrity?”
• The Alphas claimed the beginning, but we had to deal with it at the end.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You didn't just get clean. You carried the mantle.
• I have to stay clean for one more September so I can show up and give that message.
• But you reminded them, I think all of us, the goal is to be clean and sober.
• And the question was asked, well, are you walking your clean time with integrity?
• Alphas claimed the beginning, but we had to deal with it at the end.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll note that when people claim sustainability, even the DLNR's numbers of sustainability, where
• That directly counters claims of sustainability.
• It makes so many claims that are not supported by the facts.
• Where's the proof for these claims? What does D say? The science.
• This fishery creates good, clean, sustainable jobs for local fishermen across the state.

Bills: SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, burial sites, DHHL, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, section 6E-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Hawaii Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places, cultural resources, archaeology, land use review, environmental review, state historic preservation officer, Hawaiian home lands, project permits, consultation, concurrence, nonconcurrence

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures affecting Hawaiian affairs, historic preservation, water access, and land governance. SB 1406 would let the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands assume historic preservation review for projects on lands under its jurisdiction, except for properties listed or nominated for the state or national historic registers. DHHL supported the bill, while a descendant testifier strongly opposed it, arguing that burial and preservation review protects ancestors and should not be streamlined or reduced. No questions were raised and the bill was moved on after testimony. SB 521 would require DHHL to work with county water boards or water departments to provide potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian homelands, with agreements made public. DHHL said it already works with counties but objected to the bill’s mandatory language, saying it could undermine the department’s discretion and independence. A public testifier supported the measure, and committee discussion focused on how water requirements could affect subsistence lots and infrastructure decisions. The committee then took up SB 3247, which would create a Royal Mausoleum Commission within DLNR to oversee preservation, operations, and outreach at Mauna Ala. State Parks said it valued existing collaboration with the aliʻi trusts but wanted clarity on roles, coordination, and funding if a new commission is created. The Royal Order of Kamehameha strongly supported the bill as a culturally grounded way to protect the site, while several other testifiers opposed it, saying the real issue is the curator selection process and warning that a commission could add bureaucracy and delay. The committee also heard SB 1654, authorizing transfer of certain state lands to DHHL, and SB 112, which would add the DHHL chair or designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority; the Attorney General and HCDA offered technical and policy comments, with HCDA opposing the board change and DHHL supporting participation to protect beneficiary interests. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when someone has a tort claim against the state, they must first submit the claim to the Office of
• kind of compromise, or settle the claim.
• , number of claims, or description of claims.
• We bring federal 1983 claims along with state claims and we demand juries.
• We bring federal 1983 claims along with state claims and we demand juries.

Bills: SB6239, SB6074, SB5886, SB6041, SB6190

Keywords: tort claims, state liability, Washington law, government accountability, legal process, parole, criminal justice reform, felony, recidivism, rehabilitation, public safety, personality rights, right of publicity, publicity rights, name image likeness, NIL, deepfake, AI-generated content, digital impersonation, forged digital likeness

Transcript Highlights:

• public servants by increasing the penalty for refusal to execute the release of a fraudulent lien or claim
• the Penal Code to increase the penalty for refusal to execute the release of a fraudulent lien or claim
• increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of refusal to execute the release of a fraudulent lien or claim
• increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of refusal to execute the release of a fraudulent lien or claim
• However, due to federal mandates under the Clean Air Act, 17 counties in Texas are still required to

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills. The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0. Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them. At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Clean Sustainable Energy Authority is the only one that really fits.
• The Clean Sustainable Energy Authority has an 18-member board, a nine-member voting committee, and a
• Even though there was no new funding to Clean Sustainable Energy last session, the decommitments left
• Is there anything else that could be offered on Clean Sustainable Energy or any other topic?
• And what you can see over on the left side is they've cleaned everything off down to the very top of

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The floor substitute in 1427 proposes to amend the current tax credit allowed for investments in clean-burning
• It requires program participants to file rebate claims within one year of qualification, and it eliminates
• product available They send out undercover investigators to try to figure out if they make health claims
• They don't need to make health claims. Moms and dads do the research.

Bills: HB1427, SB1403, SB1448, SB1489, SB1546, SB1557, SB1614, SB1377, SB1990, SB1439, SB1630, SB1632, SB1696, SB1796, SB1824, SB1362, SB1849, SB2066, SB2071, SB2104, SB933, SB1633, SB1224, SB1246, SB1280, SB1303, SB1346

Keywords: tax credit, clean-burning fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, environmental impact, vehicle modification, renewable energy, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, deceptive practices, exemptions, statutory exemptions, Corporation Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1330 by Judiciary and Rules Committee, an act relating to the Small Claims
• Department of the Magistrate Division, to revise a provision regarding the scope of a claim.
• Victims are notified and courts decide distribution of funds, and funds are returned if no lawful claims
• This is cleaning up and removing old code. Thank you, Mr. President. Tara Blaylock.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the prior day’s journal, and received committee reports and House messages. Several bills and appointments were routed to committees or placed on the calendar, including a gubernatorial appointment of David Bobbitt to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, House Bill 526 for second reading, House Bill 494 for possible amendment, and multiple other bills reported out of committee. The chamber also received House bills 501, 558, 608, and 636 and introduced Senate Bills 1329 and 1330. The Senate then considered and passed Senate Bill 1232, which updates Idaho’s “Son of Sam” law to focus on criminal proceeds rather than speech, with supporters emphasizing constitutional safeguards and victim protections. Senate Bill 1250 also passed, exempting certain photos, including images of deceased persons, from public disclosure while allowing specified family members to request copies. Senate Bill 1236 passed after extended debate; it repeals obsolete statutory language concerning the Idaho Women’s Commission, with supporters calling it code cleanup and opponents arguing the commission’s history and mission still matter. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1247, requiring E-Verify for state and local governments and larger government contractors, with supporters framing it as a modest enforcement tool and opponents warning it is a flawed federal system that may encourage identity fraud. The session concluded with miscellaneous announcements and an adjournment motion, and the Senate adjourned until the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a request bill from the Attorney General, cleaning up sort of a hole in our statute that allows
• This is part of the Government Tort Claims Act. There's still a limit in there.
• because they violated a state law that we have enacted, this would limit their wrongful termination claims
• In my notes, I have it that this bill says that claims must be filed within four years.

Bills: SB1450, SB1458, SB1232, SB1238, SB1325, SB1209, SB1362, SB2072, SB1451, SB1540, SB1581, SB1535, SB1266, SB1927, SB1460, SB2084, SB2182

Keywords: criminal court costs, court fees, fines, assessments, waiver, ability to pay, indigent defendants, post-release relief, probation compliance, parole, deferred sentence, suspended sentence, restitution, child support, municipal court, district court, criminal justice reform, court debt, legal financial obligations, fee waiver

Transcript Highlights:

• Specific investments include $195 million for petroleum tank cleanup, $12 million for dry cleaning solvent
• , it handles career service appeals for state employees throughout the state, drug-free workforce claims
• , veterans preference claims, and also handles labor relations for public sector state, county, and city
• In the labor portion of what PERC does, we handle unfair labor claims that are filed either by an employee

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum, welcomed new member Senator Ralph Massullo, and first took up confirmation of five appointees to water management district and basin board positions. Senator McLean moved favorable confirmation of Ted Everett, Jerome Pate, Michael Romano, Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns, and the motion passed by roll call. The main agenda item was the Governor’s Florida First budget presentation for the environmental agencies. Kim Kramer and DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert outlined proposed environmental funding of about $5.8 billion, including more than $1.4 billion for water resources, $810 million for Everglades restoration, $408 million for water quality, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $75 million for beach renourishment, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state park infrastructure, and $221 million for hazardous waste cleanup. They also highlighted proposed funding for FWC operations, manatee care, python removal, oyster reef restoration, forestry and wildfire equipment, and citrus research and disease response. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a cut to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and how beach renourishment is handled after storms. The committee then heard the general government budget presentation. Agencies highlighted included DBPR, Gaming Control, the Lottery, DMS, PERC, DFS, OIR, and Revenue. DBPR discussed funding for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, vehicle replacement, and IT recruitment; Gaming Control requested new law enforcement squads and a licensing/enforcement IT system; the Lottery emphasized marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding; DMS proposed building, fleet, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and local government grant investments; PERC described workload growth after SB 256 and requested staffing, operations, and pay increases; OIR sought more staff for consumer protection and market oversight plus building renovations; DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home funding, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation; and Revenue requested operational, IT, and fiscally constrained county funding. Members questioned DBPR about unfunded HOA fraud and condo transparency items, DMS about cybersecurity grants, and DFS about My Safe Florida Home funding levels, abandoned grants, and reduced program uptake. No further action was taken, and the committee adjourned without additional votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specific investments include $195 million for petroleum tank cleanup, $12 million for dry cleaning solvent-contaminated
• , it handles career service appeals for state employees throughout the state, drug-free workforce claims
• , veterans preference claims, and also handles labor relations for public sectors, state, county, and
• In the labor portion of what PERC does, we handle unfair labor claims that are filed either by an employee

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met to hear presentations on the Governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 “Florida’s first” budget for environmental and general government agencies, and to act on several confirmation appointments. The committee first unanimously recommended confirmation of five appointees to water management district and basin board positions. It then heard an environmental budget overview from the Governor’s Office and DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert, followed by a general government budget presentation from Olivia McCaffrey and agency leaders. In the environmental presentation, the administration highlighted a proposed $5.8 billion environmental budget, including more than $1.4 billion for water resources, with $810 million for Everglades restoration, $408 million for water quality, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $75 million for beach renourishment, $150 million for Florida Forever and $70 million for state park infrastructure, and $221 million for hazardous waste cleanup. Additional proposals included funding for FWC law enforcement, boating access, manatee care, python removal, oyster reef restoration, forestry and wildfire equipment, and citrus research and disease prevention. Senators asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a cut to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and how beach renourishment funding would be used after storms. In the general government presentation, the administration outlined budget recommendations for DBPR, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, the Lottery, DMS, PERC, DFS/OIR/OFR, and Revenue. Highlights included DBPR funding for licensing processing, an animal abuse hotline, vehicles, and IT recruitment; FGCC funding for new enforcement squads and a licensing/enforcement IT system; Lottery funding for marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention; DMS funding for building modernization, fleet telematics, 911 and radio upgrades, cybersecurity, and local cybersecurity grants; PERC funding to handle increased union-related caseloads after SB 256; DFS funding for My Safe Florida Home, fire marshal and first responder support, and financial investigations; and Revenue funding for operations, IT modernization, and fiscally constrained counties. Members questioned funding levels for Florida Forever, state parks, local cybersecurity grants, DBPR fraud and transparency initiatives, and the My Safe Florida Home program’s unused grant balances and matching requirements. No additional votes were taken, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• they're injured in a wreck, for example, by somebody else, the hospitals were mandated to file that claim
• could elect not to file that with Tricare, Medicare, or Medicaid and instead file that as a hospital claim
• To sum it up, basically it's a technical amendment with clean claims provisions to change the existing

Bills: SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307, SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, drug courts, accountability, veterans, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, criminal justice, court intervention, terrorist threat, terroristic threat

Transcript Highlights:

• courts to remove attorneys or guardians ad litem from appointment lists for submitting false payment claims
• commissioners court a fee schedule that specifies eligible services, rates, and itemization requirements for claims
• I want to say thank you to Senator Zaffirini for helping us clean up what we needed to do last session
• So it safeguards the owner’s control and also the claims of creditors.

Bills: SB387, SB1650, SB1838, SB1839, SB1923, SB1940, SB2052

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, attorney general, criminal prosecution, public order, law enforcement, jurisdiction, attorney ad litem, parent-child relationship, compensation, legal representation, government entity, probate, court proceedings, record delivery, wills, legal documentation

Summary: The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence heard several family-law and probate bills. Senate Bill 2052 would codify a rebuttable presumption that a parent acts in the best interest of a child and require clear and convincing evidence to overcome that presumption in disputes involving non-parents; the author and several witnesses supported the bill as a clarification of existing case law, while one witness suggested refining the modification language. Public testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1923, which would allow child support to follow a child placed temporarily with kin or fictive kin under a parental child safety placement or authorization agreement; the bill’s author and a grandparent caregiver testified in support, while one witness suggested the Attorney General could handle the change administratively. That bill was also left pending. Senate Bill 1838 would standardize fee schedules and compensation rules for attorneys ad litem and related court-appointed counsel in DFPS child-protection cases. The author said the bill would clarify unclear current law, and witnesses from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and family-defense bar supported it, though one asked that expert-witness expenses be expressly included. Senate Bill 387 would raise the bond requirement for county judges handling guardianship proceedings to at least $500,000; the author described it as a refiling of a prior bill that passed unanimously but was vetoed, and a statutory probate judge testified in support. Senate Bill 1839 would require original or paper wills to be delivered to the transferee court when probate proceedings are transferred; the committee substitute broadened the delivery methods, and the district clerk witness supported the change. All three bills were left pending. The committee also took up Senate Bill 1536, which had previously been voted out with the wrong committee substitute; members reconsidered the vote, adopted the corrected substitute, and then voted 3-0 to report the bill favorably to the full Senate, with local and contested calendar certification. Finally, Senate Bill 1940 would create a transfer-on-death mechanism for manufactured homes classified as personal property, similar to existing tools for real property and vehicles; the author and an estate-planning attorney testified that it would streamline transfers and reduce probate costs. A non-substantive committee substitute was still being prepared, and the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since last year's bill, SB 1582, was heard, six courts have allowed claims to move forward, including
• claims brought by active-duty service members, Army sergeants, and naval officers in California and
• You can back clean up. I think you’re the last one.
• I think I could maybe clean up some questions that you guys have.
• I think I could maybe clean up some questions that you guys have. Standing corrected by Madam Witt.

Bills: HB2118, HB2181, HB2308, HB2309, HB2402, HB2476, HB2682, HB2698, HB2875, HB2877, HB2903, HB2910

Keywords: mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, HB2181, death certificate, death certificates, vital records, funeral establishment, funeral home, human remains, medical certification of death, death registration, state registrar, local registrar, county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner

Transcript Highlights:

• We also manage all of the state's workers' compensation claims.
• </c><03:19:58.160><c> for</c> the workers compensation claims for the workers compensation claims for
• The good news is that workers' comp claims were actually, we have fewer claims now than we did several
• ><c> did</c> have fewer claims now than we did have fewer claims now than we did several<03:21:06.680
• </c> finding even though we have fewer claims finding even though we have fewer claims the<03:21:21.760

Keywords: 910, house, all