Transcript Highlights:

• judicial, you have to give them due judicial, you have to give them due process<00:59:08.480>
• process.
• process.
• process.
• process.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of issues concerning due process. during the grievance process, visit with me about that.
• Third, we have some due process. protections to make sure that the person who's being accused has a right
• You notice the selection process. process in the bill for the faculty senate. Yes sir.
• and due process, and it begs the question of who would be involved in these processes. and who would
• Again, this brings up issues with due process.

Bills: SB37, SB1489, SB452, SB724, SB1067, SB1741, SB1273

Keywords: higher education, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council, ombudsman, faculty governance, decision-making, transparency, public meetings, department head, employment approval, public institutions, institutional oversight, education, funding, accountability, state budget, school performance, employment, Texas legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• Due to the number of witnesses, we have...
• So there's no due process, there's no opportunity for the borrower to actually contest it.
• There's practically no due diligence.
• Does that your understanding with all due respect?
• You're gonna process my payment.

Bills: HB245, HB700, HB2783, HB3526, HB3900, HB4061, HB4124, HB4166, HB4395, HB4534, HB4609, HB4641, HB4736, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HJR175, HB245

Keywords: military service, retirement, law enforcement, custodial officer, Employees Retirement System, commercial financing, brokers, registration, disclosures, finance, consumer protection, fees, deferred compensation, automatic participation, county employees, payroll deductions, retirement plans, fiscal transparency, local government, bond issuance

Transcript Highlights:

• Evan Oi, on behalf of the Ho Association for Justice, respectfully stand in opposition to this measure due
• :03:18.200> um stand in opposition to this measure um stand in opposition to this measure um due
• 19.040> immunity<00:03:19.519> that<00:03:19.599> it<00:03:19.720> grants due
• to the broad immunity that it grants due to the broad immunity that it grants for<00:03:20.159> these
• Perils of a conference committee process Perils of a conference committee process thank<01:25:53.199

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• left high and dry and forced to choose between paying out of pocket or canceling their appointments due
• They're telling veterans they can't maintain. privacy or confidentiality due to space limitations caused
• But as we do this process and work to improve this program, what's the VA learning?
• Second or third hand, we have a mechanism and process in place.
• So if the outcome of oversight is to change the process and improve the process, we're seeing it a little

Keywords: veterans, mental health, suicide prevention, Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Grant Program, HOPE Act, BRAVE Act, Every State Counts for Vets Mental Health Act, advocacy, legislation, mental health resources

Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the critical issues surrounding veterans' mental health and suicide prevention. Discussions centered on the reauthorization of essential programs aimed at providing non-clinical support services to veterans, particularly the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Senators emphasized the urgent need for adequate mental health resources as the suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high. Key testimonies were provided by various advocates and officials, illustrating both successful implementations of these programs and areas needing improvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, due to a drafting oversight.
• We stakeholders involved in that process?
• It doesn't affect the G permit process in any way.
• Capabilities, um, by using a third-party credit card processing fee or processing company just like a
• process in each of the states that I moved to.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has indicated that this decrease is primarily due to a reduction in revenues within
• According to the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, this decrease is due to a reduction in collections
• Recommendations delete writer writers 11 and 19 due to the completion of their assessments.
• process, intellectual disability, false testimony, things like that.
• Recommendations provide an additional 18,000 due to an increase in this position's tenure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it was due to electrical problems.
• That poll in particular, can you explain to the committee what the inspection process process was and
• That's part of the restoration process.
• Processes claims. I'm sorry to hear that from your constituents.
• I think that process has been fairly successful, so I'm sorry to here maybe otherwise.

Bills: HB 13, HB143, HB144, HB145, HB366, HB470, HB805, HB912, HB13, HB143, HB144, HB145

Keywords: emergency communication, infrastructure, first responders, grant program, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, local governments, HB 143, Texas Railroad Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas, well site, surface facility, electrical power line, National Electrical Code, NEC, electrical safety, utility disconnect, service disconnection

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:14.599> for vehicle and would set up a process for vehicle and would set up a process
• <00:32:37.000> how<00:32:37.120> do process how do process how do these<00:32:39.120>
• Greenfield or Miss Boydd or Miss Ethier, do you remember when that report is due?
• Greenfield or Miss Boydd or Miss Ethier, do you remember when that report is due?
• to the county road safety process plan.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• advises the commissioner on this process advises the commissioner on this process as<00:16:06.240
• in front of you uh that that process in front of you uh that that process starts<00:21:18.440>
• uh came around to is that that process uh came around to is that that process would<00:21:38.600
• So, um, the legislature, in the process of developing this, did lay out a process in which the mitigation
• 2024 to improve the assessment process 2024 to improve the assessment process as<01:27:07.920>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• or annual review process.
• We have new processes and new structure, and we also have more people.
• for us to get that waiver request through the process.
• We have the Right structure, we have the right processes, etc.
• Same thing, these a lot of these processes are very manual.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the veteran affairs process is not predicated on maximizing results the first time through
• It is time for this nation and this state to lead in that process.
• A very significant percentage of school-age children missed time due to cavities and tooth pain.
• And through that process, I think we came up with a very good amendment.
• And through that process, I think we came up with a very good amendment.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including family members, university guests, local officials, and student groups. The chamber then moved to special order bills, beginning with two Open Government Sunset Review measures: SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both bills passed unanimously after brief explanations and no amendments. The Senate also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, and SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. SB 832 drew debate over a possible lawsuit and created a narrow strict-liability defense for landowners who survey and record notice of former phosphate property. SB 700 generated the most extended debate, especially over a provision removing fluoride from public water systems and related amendments on public health, local control, and study requirements; several fluoride-related amendments failed, while a technical amendment passed. The bill also included provisions on agricultural regulation, labeling, drones, lending, charities, housing for agricultural workers, and youth programs. The Senate then approved several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric Miles Jr. and Jennifer Miles, and Marcus Button, all involving catastrophic injuries and settlements paid by the relevant public entities. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements passed after an amendment that increased penalties for texting while driving and added a distracted-driving education component. SB 1718, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification, also passed unanimously. Several other bills were temporarily postponed. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and move CS for SB 7016 back to second reading; all motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of that is due to salary, and part of it's due to retirement.
• So we have to kind of start the hiring process again.
• License to process.
• We think that will complete that process.
• It's just we have a very long process, and it's a very hard process to get on at OBN.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That the process has not been fair and would harm people.
• That seemed to be what the process is reacting to.
• Yes, sir, and the process. And the process. Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Lawrence.
• So I'm against this process of you redrawing maps.
• So, in that process... Okay, all right.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was the last remaining sugar operation in Texas and it closed after more than 50 years of operation due
• Last year, Hidalgo County had to issue a disaster declaration due to the ongoing drought.
• Its closure was a direct result of the lack of water, and more than 500 people lost their jobs due to
• You and I have visited about some potential protections as we speed up this process to make sure that
• The process was being hijacked and commandeered, if you will, just to do what they were doing.

Bills: SCR13, SB1248

Keywords: water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met without a quorum at first, then later established quorum and proceeded with testimony and votes. Senate Bill 1248, by Chair Perry, was explained as a narrow Open Records Act exception to protect harvest report location data collected through Texas Parks and Wildlife’s digital tagging system. Support testimony came from Matt Wagner of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, who said the bill would protect private land and sensitive biological information while preserving useful wildlife data. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending until later in the meeting. The committee then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, which urges the State Department and the International Boundary and Water Commission to press Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty and deliver its share of Rio Grande water. Senator Hinojosa, farmers, municipal officials, and other witnesses described severe water shortages in South Texas, low reservoir levels, crop losses, the closure of the Valley sugar industry, and the need for alternative supplies such as desalination, reuse, and drainage-runoff projects. Members also discussed treaty enforcement, regional drought, and the role of cartels and Mexican water storage, while emphasizing that Texas must also invest in its own water infrastructure. The committee also considered Senate Bill 740, which the committee substitute amended to require the Public Utility Commission to adopt a standardized application form for system improvement charges and complete related rulemaking by September 1, 2026, applying only to applications filed on or after that date. Members discussed concerns about water wholesalers using the process to delay cases and drive up costs, and the need for more transparency and PUC resources. The committee voted to adopt the substitute and report SB 740 favorably. After returning to the earlier items, the committee voted SB 1248 out favorably and recommended it for the local and uncontested calendar, and voted SCR 13 out favorably as well. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other four bills are due out on May 7th.
• four bills are due out on May 7th. four bills are due out on May 7th.
• which does say that the audit is due which does say that the audit is due within<00:27:56.240>
• and to make sure we have the process and to make sure we have the process<00:39:00.240> down<
• Nothing that the school own processes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:59.199> to<00:06:59.280> fun cannot accept due to fun cannot accept due to fun
• already mined and already processed already mined and already processed minerals<00:18:36.080>
• that the rate of catastrophic loss due that the rate of catastrophic loss due to<00:21:11.960>
• <00:36:31.920> we this in engaging in the state process we this in engaging in the state process
• storage Transportation processing storage Transportation processing refurbishment<01:15:29.639><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I would argue that we can provide due process.
• We should provide due process, whatever process we use, but I don't think you need a hearing in order
• And I think we've worked to create due process throughout all of that, being able to have the ability
• And I think we've worked to<00:34:53.359> create<00:34:53.599> due<00:34:53.919> process
• throughout all of to create due process throughout all of that.<00:34:55.679> being<00:34:56.000

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• into this process? into this process?
• There's a process an appeal process.
• This is a different process. This is it. This is a different process.
• be, you know, exposed in this process. be, you know, exposed in this process.
• process.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed House Bill 1150, which would require disclosure of complaints to public employees within five business days. Members said the sponsor was still working on an amendment, so the bill was held for another week with the understanding it would be executed next week if no amendment was ready. The chair also outlined the committee’s schedule, including upcoming floor reports and the goal of finishing the remaining committee bills on time. The committee then took up House Bill 1168, concerning employer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the bill would give employers more time to gather payroll records, especially when claims arise years later, and said the current system should be adjusted for fairness to businesses. Opponents, including several members, said payroll records are usually electronic and should be produced quickly so workers waiting on wages are not delayed. The Department of Labor deputy commissioner testified that employers can already request extensions and that further extensions could still be requested under the current process. The committee voted 11-9 to ought to pass HB 1168. Next, House Bill 1250, dealing with notice, documentation, and job reinstatement requirements for leave related to childbirth, postpartum care, and pediatric appointments, was considered. Members said the statute was newly enacted, had been carefully negotiated, and should be allowed to work before being revised. The committee voted 20-0 to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1043, which would allow private employers to adopt their own minimum pay policies for report-to-work situations instead of being bound by the current two-hour minimum, so long as the policy is established in advance. The sponsor said the bill would modernize an outdated law and preserve the current default if no policy is adopted. Members raised questions about collective bargaining agreements and whether the bill could weaken existing worker protections, while the sponsor and supporters said it was intended to provide flexibility rather than a mandate. The hearing continued with questions and discussion, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• areas have not seen any newly executed offshore oil and gas leases since the Reagan administration due
• With all due respect to my good colleague, the Foreign...
• With all due respect to my good colleague, the Foreign Senator Grove, you’re recognized.
• After public pressure, a portion of the public process was restored.
• I still can't quite process he's gone. Excuse me.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a floor introduction honoring the YMCA’s 175th anniversary. Members then handled routine business, including reading second-reading items and confirming three gubernatorial appointments: Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. All three appointments were later confirmed by roll call votes. The chamber then debated and passed several resolutions. SJR 12, opposing the federal offshore oil and gas leasing proposal off California’s coast, drew extended debate over energy security, gas prices, climate policy, and offshore drilling; it ultimately passed 26-0. SCR 118, urging release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files and stronger transparency for survivors, passed 27-0. SR 99, recognizing California Agriculture Day and highlighting the state’s agricultural economy, farmworkers, water needs, and food production, passed 36-0. SCR 100, designating April 16, 2026 as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness on child sexual abuse, passed 36-0 after emotional testimony about abuse prevention, mandated reporters, and survivor support. The Senate also adopted the second-day consent calendar without objection, covering multiple bills and resolutions. Committee announcements followed for several budget subcommittees meeting later that day. The session concluded with adjournment in memory of Rob Trice, remembered for his service and leadership in food systems and philanthropy, and Alwyn Ben Holman, honored as a pioneering Black firefighter and San Diego’s first Black deputy fire chief. The Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, April 27, 2026, and noted that Monday would be Denim Day.