Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be grouping together sections that were contained in the same bills and related to each other, but
• in the same sections that were contained in the same bills<00:10:39.519> and<00:10:39.920>
• This article contains language from Senator Jean’s Senate File 999.
• This article contains<00:11:39.279> language<00:11:39.760> from<00:11:40.160> Senator
• <00:11:40.640> Jean's contains language from Senator Jean's contains language from Senator

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Not only will the project allow for construction of affordable homes, but will also open opportunities
• I appreciate your open ears and eyes on the projects as we lay them before you.
• When we have a fire in town and we have to open up the fire hydrants, we cannot open them up over a period
• Anderson. up the fire hydrants we cannot open them up the fire hydrants we cannot open them up<01:20:
• cottonwoods drinking water contained cottonwoods drinking water contained abnormally<01:35:36.840

Bills: HF458, HF459, HF461, HF449, HF450, HF965, HF1280, HF612, HF615, HF616, HF622, HF650, HF651, HF1045, HF972, HF851, HF644, HF1050

Keywords: HF458, Henderson, water treatment facility, drinking water, municipal water, public infrastructure, capital investment, state bonds, bonding bill, Public Facilities Authority, water distribution system, well connection, local government grant, Minnesota capital budget, HF459, Carver levee, City of Carver, levee restoration, flood control, flood mitigation

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to open this work session of the Education Funding Committee Subcommittee on Adequacy and Funding
• So it builds on the pathway bill and set of principles and specifics that are contained in the Supreme
• And that needs to be contained within a school formula. And the 651 takes a stab at that.
• And that needs to be contained within a school formula. And the 651 takes a stab at that.
• And that needs to be contained within a school formula. And the 651 takes a stab at that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee Subcommittee on Adequacy and Funding Sources opened its second meeting by reviewing four retained bills assigned to it: HB 651, HB 772, HB 491, and HB 734. The chair said the goal was to compare the bills across the board, consider whether any one of them should be the committee’s recommended vehicle, and then vote on a recommendation to the full committee. He noted the bills would move out before November 21 and be taken up on the House floor in January, while related LSRs were also being developed for the coming session. Representative Ames argued that HB 651 should be the main vehicle because it would substantially raise the adequacy base and adjust differential aid categories to better reflect real school costs, including poverty, special education, and English learner needs. He described the bill as building on court guidance and said the current funding formula is far below actual district needs. He also supported HB 491 as a study vehicle to examine revenue options, saying the legislature needs informed choices about how to pay for the changes. Representative Damon strongly backed HB 651 and HB 491, citing constitutional obligations, the Conval and Rand rulings, and large projected funding increases for districts such as Claremont, Windham, and communities in the chair’s district if HB 651 had passed earlier. Representative Fellows said he has an LSR similar to HB 491 that would study existing and new revenue options using criteria such as revenue potential, administrative cost, affected groups, implementation timeline, and implementation cost, with input from revenue administration and outside agencies. Representative Papich Muller emphasized constitutional separation-of-powers concerns, reading Article 83 and saying he was not comfortable with the broad claim that “cherish” clearly mandates a specific spending level, though he said he intends to follow Supreme Court guidance. Representative Ricky read testimony from a local school board member arguing that the state already imposes many mandates on schools while providing the least funding in the country, and that HB 651 would help restore meaningful local control. No final vote or action was taken in the portion provided, though the chair had indicated the subcommittee would vote before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• E-waste contains toxic materials.
• The Chair opens up for any questions. The Chair opens up public testimony and calls John Wilkerson.
• We'll open up public testimony on House Bill 144.
• ...left open currently in the bill.
• If not, we are going to open up public testimony.

Bills: HB106, HB144, HB145, HB252, HB1732, HB2221, HB2467, HB2468, HB2517, HB2518, HB2963, HB3016, HB3689, HB3960, HB4386, HB4490, HB4751, HB5247, HJR175, HB2213, HB106, HB144, HB145, HB252

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Transcript Highlights:

• Now that's managed through the Department of Information Resources and it contains information on...
• All right, we'll open up public testimony on Senate Bill 651. We do have Jose Garcia, Josie Garcia.
• At this time, we'll open a public testimony on Senate Bill 897.
• Okay, we'll move on now to opening up public testimony.

Bills: SB651, SB897, SB1814, SB1818

Keywords: SB 651, Texas Government Code, Section 434.032, veterans county service office, county veterans services, commissioners court, county executive official, county administration, local government, veterans affairs, veterans benefits, county oversight, reporting structure, public administration, large counties, population 200,000 or more, mental health, veterans, community support, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• The roll call machine is now open and will remain open for two minutes.
• The roll call machine is open and will remain open for three minutes.
• The roll call machine is now open and will remain open for two minutes.
• The roll call machine is now open and will remain open. Will vote no.
• Roll call machine is now open and will remain open for two minutes.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up several procedural orders extending reporting deadlines for the Committees on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity; Health Care Financing; and Public Health. All three orders were adopted after suspension of the rules. The chamber also concurred in Senate petitions referred under Joint Rule 12, including proposals on cosmetology license reciprocity, judicial and clerical matters, retirement pension notarizations, and automated curb enforcement. The House then suspended Joint Rule 12 for additional petitions on Medicaid coverage for autism treatment and assistive technologies and on a gubernatorial proclamation for Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The House passed to be enacted two local bills: House 2320, establishing an appointed treasurer-collector in Berkeley, and House 4136, further regulating stabilization funds in Leicester. It also ordered several bills to a third reading, including measures on employment discrimination based on legal cannabis use, the role of the governor’s council on the ballot, absentee voting, ballot uniformity and election ballots, changing Chicopee’s mayoral term from two years to four, and regulating employer use of credit reports. Later, the House accepted and adopted a gubernatorial amendment to the FY2026 appropriations bill related to vital statistics. The bulk of the session focused on FY2026 budget veto overrides. The House considered and approved multiple Ways and Means recommendations to let appropriations stand notwithstanding the Governor’s vetoes, including items for administrative staff in the trial courts, state parks and recreation, nursing facility rate add-ons, community services for the blind, substance addiction services, early intervention services, Korea Technical Institutes, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, shelter workforce assistance, housing services and counseling, regional economic development grants, charter school reimbursement, and the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine program. Roll call votes on these items generally passed by wide margins. The House also observed moments of silence for Bolton Police Chief Amos Luke Hamburger and former Senator Edward J. Kennedy Jr., and then adopted an order to adjourn to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We open with equity, how we center this system in equity, supporting choices of people with developmental
• Chair, you alluded in your opening remarks to some difficult times ahead, and we'll talk about some of
• Chair you alluded in your opening remarks to some difficult times ahead and we'll talk about some of
• questions should be open-ended, right?
• I think I said this in my opening remarks about the master plan, and if I didn't say it here, one of

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on developmental services, rehabilitation, and related supports, with no votes taken. The first major topic was the Master Plan for Developmental Services. Administration officials described a year-long, community-driven process that included a steering committee, work groups, and statewide engagement sessions, and said the final draft would be released that Friday with about 170 recommendations. The Department of Developmental Services said the plan would inform future work, but did not offer a detailed implementation roadmap. The LAO said the plan contains significant policy and budget implications, may require statutory changes, and needs further analysis to turn recommendations into actionable proposals. Advocates and regional center representatives urged the Legislature and administration to avoid letting the plan sit on a shelf, called for prioritization and ongoing stakeholder oversight, and emphasized the need to address equity, workforce, service coordination, and cross-system collaboration. The chair said he wanted to work with the LAO on trailer bill language and future reporting to create a clearer path forward. The second topic was the Office of Employment First and competitive integrated employment. Administration witnesses said California has ended subminimum wage under SB 639, but that moving people into competitive integrated employment remains a major priority. They described existing efforts such as DDS’s coordinated career pathways pilot, paid internships, job development services, benefits counseling, and DOR’s career counseling and referral services, along with pilot projects in San Diego and Orange County. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and advocates argued that employment outcomes have remained stuck at roughly 15% and that a dedicated Employment First Office is needed to coordinate across agencies, align goals, and improve outcomes. The LAO recommended regular legislative oversight on people transitioning out of subminimum wage and asked for technical assistance on coordinated career pathways. The chair criticized the administration’s decision to effectively eliminate funding for the office, requested a detailed implementation timeline and quarterly transition reports, and said the committee would continue pressing for the office to be implemented. The final issue was respite services, utilization trends, and access. DDS reported that in-home respite use and spending have risen sharply over several years, with about 150,000 people using respite in 2023-24 and expenditures reaching about $1 billion. Officials said access depends on families knowing the service exists, service coordinators identifying need, and having enough providers, especially in rural and linguistically diverse communities. The San Diego Regional Center said utilization generally mirrors statewide trends, but access is stronger in some areas, such as Imperial County, where families often prefer family-directed or agency-supported models that allow them to hire trusted workers. Committee members emphasized the importance of respite for family health and caregiver well-being, asked whether service coordinators are asking practical questions about sleep and stress, and discussed the need for better identification of complex behavioral and medical needs. DDS said a standardized family support tool and updated IPP process are intended to improve consistency, transparency, and person-centered assessment for respite and related services.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have to be open three years and have budget.
• The biggest form of school choice is open enrolling by far as far as bigger.
• So they opened up the school, tuition-free.
• But when those Scottsdale kids use the these choice programs, what they do is open an open enrollment
• Since opening the Dyslexia School of Houston in 2020, we've.

Bills: HB3, HB3

Keywords: education savings account, educational expenses, certified educational assistance organization, school choice, funding, special education, tuition reimbursement, emergency communication, public safety, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, grant program, emergency communications, public safety radio, first responders, radio system, dispatch, 911, emergency management, Texas Division of Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• Sheel, please open the machine and members proceed to vote.
• Sheel, please open the machine and Mr.
• > machine<02:04:13.840> and Sheel, please open the machine and Sheel, please open the machine
• Sheel, please open the machine and Mr.
• Sheel, please open the machine and Mr.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proud to say that about 3 months after it was opened, it was fully occupied.
• numerous issues that must bill contains numerous issues that must be<00:53:33.520> addressed<
• So, we continue to be open to it.
• So, we continue<01:01:19.160> to<01:01:19.280> be<01:01:19.480> open<01:01:19.800
• <01:01:20.800> Um, continue to be open to it. Um, continue to be open to it.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• will come, and then we'll do that with, uh, 3 bills in a row, leave them together, and then we'll open
• And then we'll open up testimony from everyone who wants to participate because again, there's quite
• In that case, if you'll open testimony and give me, and I'll, I'll, I'll take the witnesses.
• The chair opens up public testimony for Senate Bill 31. Pass the gavel back. Uh, thank you.
• Very well, we'll open testimony and we'll call your invited witnesses.

Bills: SB 31, SB 33, SB 510, SB 871, SB 1868, SB 2024, SB 2166, SB 2309, SB 2880, SJR 27, SJR 39, SJR 40

Keywords: SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, unborn child, abortion exception, abortion ban, physician liability, health care liability claim, aiding and abetting, Texas Medical Board, State Bar of Texas, continuing medical education

Transcript Highlights:

• That's known as an open system, whereas the others are closed systems.
• We appreciate that the sponsor and supporters of this bill are open to conversations and recognize the
• Um, because I think the way it was originally worded was to local law enforcement, and this opens it
• up to... enforcement, and this opens it up to something that I believe we did.
• So, at this point I open the floor for questions. Yes, sir. Uh, Representative, is there any...

Bills: SB210, SB225, HB280, HB287, HB94, HB88, SB157, HB7, HB8, HB42

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• sugary beverages alone, which contains sugary beverages alone, which contains zero<00:51:07.359>
• potentially<00:57:28.319> harmful So they also contain potentially harmful So they also contain
• And then we can get into the nuance in different context when individuals are open to that.
• And then we can get into the nuance in different context when individuals are open to that.
• And then we can get into the nuance in different context when individuals are open to that.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call and housekeeping, including moving standing attendees to an overflow room and asking the audience to avoid interruptions. The task force then heard testimony from Allison Adams of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who presented statewide health trend data showing Kentucky ranked 41st overall and 44th in health outcomes, with especially poor performance on premature death, chronic disease, diabetes, and vaccination rates. She emphasized that Kentucky has the highest rates of residents with multiple chronic conditions, that diabetes remains above the national average, and that childhood immunization rates have worsened. She also highlighted major provider shortages in rural areas, noting that 43 of 120 counties meet shortage criteria and that more than half of primary care providers are concentrated in Fayette and Jefferson counties. Adams urged the task force to focus on prevention, early intervention, access to care, physical activity, and healthier school and community environments, and said the foundation is prepared to share results from its demonstration projects. Task force members asked follow-up questions about the age range for chronic-condition data and whether the diabetes figure reflected type 1 or type 2 diabetes; Adams said the chronic-condition measure spans all ages and that the diabetes figure likely reflects type 2, though she offered to provide the full report. The task force then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The committee next turned to SNAP benefits and heard from Lisa Dennis, commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services, and Roger McCann, director of the Division of Family Support. They explained that SNAP is not only a food assistance program but also a public health and family stability tool, arguing that poor diet contributes to chronic disease and that food insecurity is linked to family stress, child welfare involvement, and neglect-related CPS referrals. They cited research showing that more generous SNAP policies are associated with fewer CPS reports, fewer substantiated reports, and fewer foster care placements, and said SNAP helps reduce risk and promote stability across vulnerable populations including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. They also described SNAP-Ed as the nutrition education component that teaches healthy eating, cooking on a budget, and how to use fresh produce, but warned that recent federal legislation eliminates federal funding for SNAP-Ed beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. McCann outlined the remaining SNAP outreach and employment-and-training components, noting that outreach is typically run by nonprofits with a 50% match and that employment and training funds job-skills programs to help recipients move toward better jobs and self-sufficiency. The discussion emphasized that access to nutritious food, education, and job supports are all part of improving health outcomes and reducing food insecurity.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so Subdivision 1 contains Um, so Subdivision 1 contains uh,<00:09:38.120> one<00:09:38.720
• I'm I'm open my door to hear McEwen.
• > or,<00:36:25.080> you<00:36:25.200> know, open for questions or, you know, open
• And what this bill will do is it will open access to people.
• And what this bill will do is it will open access to people.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the years, legislation laws have changed, and now it is allowed; it's open to the 104 municipal
• An excellent description of the current problem is contained in an article from The Voice of the Retired

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hybrid hearing focused on insurance and retirement-related bills. Representative Hendricks testified in support of H.2874, which would create a Medicare buy-in program for certain state retirees age 65 and older who are not currently Medicare eligible, with the Commonwealth paying Part A premiums and late penalties. He argued the bill would reduce retiree health costs for the state and municipalities while improving benefits for retirees. Don Buckley also testified in support of H.2874, describing his own situation as a long-serving state retiree without Medicare coverage and urging passage of the bill. Paul Jakes of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and Michael Riley of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems testified in support of H.2999/S.1862, which would provide fair worker representation on joint purchasing group committees. Riley also supported H.2933/S.1816, which would add a seat on the PRIM Board for non-state teacher retirement systems, and H.2954/H.1813, which would change the criteria and duration for systems considered underperforming in the public employee retirement system funding rules. He said the changes would better reflect current conditions and limit forced participation in PRIT to five years rather than in perpetuity. Committee members asked no questions during the hearing. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yep, just to go over this really quickly, and you maybe said this in your opening remarks and I missed
• Is that contained in here or not?

Summary: The House Budget Committee reviewed the state’s tax credits, focusing much of the discussion on the Business Facility Headquarters Tax Credit Program. Department of Economic Development staff explained that the program is limited to long-established Missouri headquarters, with Burns & McDonnell identified as the only current participant. Members reviewed the program’s requirements, including at least 25 new jobs, $1 million in new investment, and maintaining an average of at least $20 million in business facility investment. Staff also confirmed the credit is transferable and sellable, has no annual cap, and currently sunsets on December 31, 2028, though legislation proposing a later sunset was mentioned. Representative Mayhew questioned the program’s history, eligibility, redemption amounts, and whether the credit should be available to more businesses. He said he had prepared an amendment or motion but would not offer it at that time, citing expected future changes to the program. Representative Martin asked whether the discussion was tied to separate legislation in the Economic Development Committee; the chair clarified that the budget committee motion was distinct from that bill and was part of the committee’s annual tax credit review process. After discussion ended, the committee moved into executive session and considered the tax credit authorization motion for FY 2027. The motion was adopted on a roll call vote of 21 ayes, 1 no, and 0 present.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to have to do a lot of work next interim to figure out how to do more cost containment around
• Although, even though I've been on this committee a few years it's still like you know floodgates open

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Comments are open until the end of the hearing. ...are posted upon adjournment from our hearing.
• The bill and the accompanying contract contain a reversionary clause which mandates that the land must

Bills: HB4538, HCR89, HCR142, SCR1, SB2139

Keywords: vessel registration, derelict vessels, waterways, removal fee, Parks and Wildlife Department, General Land Office, HCR 89, official state gun, cannon, Texas state symbol, Texas Revolution, Battle of Gonzales, Come and Take It, Alamo, San Jacinto, Twin Sisters, Angelina Eberly, Texas history, historical preservation, heritage tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you go to a store and you buy goods or services that are taxable, clearly that would be contained
• It opens up what we allowed for schools for municipalities to also participate in.
• And so we as a state must allow for there to be some clarity here so that these schools can open come
• If this amendment does not pass, will these schools be able to open at all?
• However, when those doors open in August, there's going to be unforeseen expenses.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The consent calendar has been adopted, and we will hold the roll open for any members who are not present
• The language states the score shall be considered for branch openings and receiving state funds.
• The bill is on call; we will leave the roll open. Thank you, Chair. Thank you.
• We will leave the roll open for absent members. We have completed the agenda.
• We will leave the roll open a few minutes for members to add on.

Keywords: 988, house, all