Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: The Texas Ethics Commission will now hold an executive session pursuant to the government code
• Government Code.
• B is impermissible under section 255.003 of the election code.
• There being no further business, the Texas Ethics Commission adjourns at 11:15.
• Should it be the Texas Fining Commission? Had nothing to do with that.

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission convened at 9:03 a.m. and held an executive session, reconvening at 10:18 a.m. During the meeting, the Commission approved a settlement agreement with Michael Quinn Sullivan, ending ongoing litigation. The agreement involved Sullivan dropping his legal challenges regarding a civil penalty previously imposed by the Commission. The Commission also announced personnel changes, including the departure of the director of enforcement, Marie Prim, and the appointment of Jordan Hun as interim director. The Commission discussed outside counsel contracts, approving the addition of Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP to their pool of qualified vendors. They scheduled their next meeting for September 23rd and approved minutes from previous meetings. The agenda included several rulemaking items, with three rules adopted and five proposed for publication in the Texas Register. Notably, amendments to Chapter 20 regarding reporting contributions and expenditures were approved, as well as changes to lobbyist registration thresholds in Chapter 34, which were proposed for publication. The Commission also addressed advisory opinions, adopting several, including one regarding political advertising by charter schools and another concerning the revolving door prohibition for former state employees. Appeals for administrative waivers and reductions of fines were considered, with several fines waived or reduced based on individual circumstances. Lastly, the Commission discussed policies related to alternative dispute resolution and clarified responsibilities between the Commission and staff, concluding the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It modified the Texas Family Code to expand programs for certificate for determinate sentencing laws
• The requirement under Title III of the Texas Family Code, community, The requirement under Title III
• of the Texas Family Code, community safety, is number one.
• Judge Wheeles just mentioned the Texas Family Code, Chapter 51.01, specifically states to provide for
• Amendments to Chapter 574 of the Texas Health and Safety Code and the current provisions of Article 46C

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the Texas Radiological Society, the Texas Medical Association, and myself.
• It's very important here in Texas.
• All solution doesn't work in Texas.
• On behalf of the combined 59,000 members of the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Pediatric Society
• It wouldn't be one code wrong.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas isn’t perfect, but no place in this life ever will be.
• And under this Supreme Court, it is the law in Texas.
• But the State Bar of Texas is a public organization, and every lawyer in Texas is compelled to join.
• It's Chapter 161.001B10 of the Family Code. 161.001 of the Family Code, and it allows a parent's rights
• And surely He has been with us, as Texas has grown and prospered.

Summary: The House and Senate met in joint session under HCR 5 to hear an address from Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick introducing him. The session included recognition of the justices, judges, law enforcement officers, and interpreters present, and it also marked the formal completion of the joint session once the address ended. Chief Justice Blacklock said the state of the judiciary is strong, while paying tribute to former Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and thanking Governor Abbott for his appointment. His remarks focused on judicial administration and public safety, including a call for a 30% increase in district judge salaries, which he argued is needed to attract and retain qualified judges. He also urged support for law enforcement, backed efforts to keep violent offenders in custody pending trial, and said the court is gathering data to identify underperforming judges and use constitutional remedies where necessary. Blacklock emphasized that Texas courts should interpret statutes and the constitution according to text and original meaning, rejecting the “living constitution” approach. He highlighted reforms to improve efficiency and reduce litigation costs, including changes to docketing practices, civil procedure, and the regulation of legal services, and he urged the State Bar to remain politically neutral. He also discussed family law and child welfare, arguing for stronger legal representation for parents and suggesting repeal of Family Code subsection O, which he said can unfairly lead to termination of parental rights. The joint session concluded after his remarks, and the House stood at ease as guests departed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission to order at 9:15 a.m.
• of the Texas Government Code.
• Um, We are pursuant to sections 551.002 and 571.139B of the Texas government code, we are ready to proceed
• Optional reporting mechanism in the Texas Register.
• Uh, the Texas Ethics Commission adjourns at 2:51 p.m. Thank you all.

Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation Code establishes the roads on which the Texas Department of Transportation may authorize
• Under existing Texas law, licensed automotive parts recyclers are the only entities in Texas permitted
• Under existing Texas law, licensed automotive parts recyclers are the only entities in Texas permitted
• Earl Cook, Texas Independent Automobile Dealers. Earl, if... 5436.
• Earl Cook, Texas Independent Automobile Dealers.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of mostly local transportation and memorial designation bills. Several measures would rename highway segments in honor of fallen service members or public servants, including HB 2026 (Gary C. Johnston memorial highways in Archer County), HB 4429 (McIlroy Family Memorial Highway in Blanco and Burnet counties), SB 3062 (Hamby-Webb Memorial Highway in Panola County), HB 3510 (Sergeant Mark Butler Memorial Highway in Brazos County), and HB 3986 (Corporal Speedy Espiriueta Memorial Highway in Mission). The committee also heard HB 2560, which would create an optional county-road “adopt-a-road” style program allowing donations for county road repair and maintenance. Two bills drew more substantive policy discussion. HB 2427 and HB 2455 concerned oversized/overweight freight corridors and permit authority in Hidalgo County tied to cross-border trade near the FARR International Bridge. Supporters, including the bridge director, said the measures would correct prior road descriptions, put existing TxDOT actions into statute, improve truck routing, and support trade and bridge expansion. The committee substitute for HB 2427 also removed Roma permit language, barred certain hazardous-material permits, raised permit fees, required local cost responsibility for road maintenance, and made the bill contingent on SB 2949. HB 5436 would allow licensed automotive recyclers to buy certain older, long-unregistered vehicles for dismantling or scrap without a title, with reporting, lienholder notice, and anti-theft safeguards; recyclers and dealers supported it as a way to curb illegal untitled-vehicle sales and VIN cloning. HB 3966, authored by Sen. Alvarado, was the most contested bill. It would require commercial passenger bus companies to mail advance notice to residents within one mile before opening a new stop or terminal. Alvarado said the bill responded to the relocation of a Greyhound terminal into a Houston neighborhood without notice and to resulting crime and nuisance concerns. Greyhound opposed the bill, arguing the notice requirement would be burdensome and could delay emergency relocations during hurricanes, flooding, or lease changes. After testimony, the committee voted to report most bills favorably, with HB 3966 passing on a 5-2 vote; the other reported bills passed unanimously. Several bills were also placed on the local and uncontested calendar, and the committee recessed to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Temple, Texas.
• Members, I want to let you all know we have worked with the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Association
• Texas and furthering those efforts that could possibly hurt the oil and gas industry in Texas.
• Texas and furthering those efforts that could possibly hurt the oil and gas industry in Texas.
• Association of Broadcasters, Texas Press Association, Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, Public

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation, adopted the prior day’s journal, received House messages, and adopted several resolutions and recognitions, including Senate Resolution 496 honoring Leadership Garland and resolutions 503 and 504. The chamber also recognized guests, including a North Dakota senator and the Doctor of the Day, and received gubernatorial nominations for the Texas Economic Development Corporation Board and the Nueces River Authority Board. The Senate then took up and passed a series of bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Measures approved included SB 614 on Texas Forensic Science Commission referrals to the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs; SB 250 on municipal annexation across railroad rights-of-way; SB 1660 on toxicological evidence retention and destruction procedures; SB 2586 requiring property owners associations to file governing documents with the Texas Real Estate Commission; SB 1588 increasing penalties for certain failures to report child sexual abuse; HB 912 on compensation for distributed renewable generation outside ERCOT; SB 1957 setting eligibility standards for civilian oversight boards; HB 2525 clarifying a charitable property tax exemption; SB 1525 limiting repeated prior authorization for neurodegenerative disease drugs; SB 865 requiring CPR/AED training and cardiac emergency response planning in schools; SB 1212 elevating human trafficking penalties; SB 2690 on solicitations for Secretary of State documents; SB 1802 on landlord repair duties for ramps, elevators, and handrails; SB 905 on licensing rules for speech-language pathologists and audiologists; SB 2929 allowing removal of disruptive spectators at school athletic events; SB 2675 creating a narrow McAllen-specific parkland conveyance exception; SB 872 increasing punishment for burglary of a vehicle involving firearm theft; and SB 1113 clarifying sales rules for certain converter-license holders. Several bills drew extended debate. SB 2487, dealing with crisis and mental health services for homelessness, was amended to make the county model permissive rather than mandatory and to remove state funding/assistance requirements before passing 28-3. SB 2138, barring higher education funds from contracting with firms that boycott fossil fuels through ESG policies, also passed after questions about fiscal effects and First Amendment concerns. SB 2615, restricting remote work at public institutions of higher education, advanced 22-9. The Senate also began consideration of SB 3016, which would expand enforcement tools against local governments that fail to comply with state law, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill is completed.

Bills: HR179, HR180, HR181, HR182, HR183, HR184, HR185, HR186, HR187, HCR75, HCR76, HCR77, HCR78, HCR79, HR165, HR166, HR168, HR169, HR170, HR171, HR172, HR173, HR174, HR175, HR176, HR177, HR178, HCR65, HCR66, HCR67, HCR68, HCR69, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR73, HCR74, SCR34, SB34, SB43, SB52, SB56, SB165, SB173, SB189, SB190, SB260, SB322, SB345, SB374, SB387, SB401, SB448, SB449, SB455, SB487, SB496, SB502, SB505, HB362, HB893, HB990, HB1007, HB1153, HB1243, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HB55, HB385, HB394, HB396, HB406, HB608, HB622, HB676, HB772, HB897, HB1030, HB1035, HB1038, HB1045, HB1049, HB1056, HB1058, HB1059, HB1092, HB1100, HB1117, HB1160, HB1161, HB1162, HB1177, HB1180, HB1189, HB1216, HB1239, HB1240, HB59, HB74, HB159, HB330, HB364, HB414, HB458, HB525, HB568, HB786, HB1008, HB1033, HB1034, HB1041, HB1062, HB1070, HB1079, HB1112, HB1118, HB1139, HB1151, HB1176, HB1182, HB1196, HB1214, HB1241, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB368, HB433, HB441, HB447, HB466, HB481, HB741, HB1242, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, SB127, SB244, HB977, HB181, HB31, HB664, HB9, HB192, HB225, HB306, HB310, HB366, HB635, HB911, HB1230, HB1236, HB615, HB864, HB1103, HB1175, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB996, HB1003, HB1082, HB1113, HB1234

Keywords: neighborhood, crime prevention, security districts, law enforcement, community safety, funding, Counseling Day, mental health, Louisiana Counseling Association, community support, mental wellness, Louisiana State University, athletics, NAIA, sports achievements, recognition, success, competition, education, higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd be glad to answer specific questions around these, but really we've taken the code, mirrored the
• rule to the code, and have been operating under these because you've already approved the temporary rules
• So you'll see that we have bucketed this based upon the occupancy or the type of entity that's being
• So you'll see that we have bucketed this based upon the occupancy or the type of entity that's being

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. Grant Wallace presented March and April formulary changes, explaining that the updates favored lower-cost generics, re-tiered some drugs, left several new-to-market drugs uncovered pending more evidence, and added quantity limits in some cases. The committee approved those formulary recommendations. The subcommittee also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that would exclude automatic coverage of those therapies and route them through prior authorization and review, with members noting the process should not delay urgent cases and that appeals remain available. Members then discussed a UAMS professional consultant services contract amendment for pharmacy benefit consulting. The discussion focused on confusion over the dollar amount and scope, with Wallace clarifying that the committee was being asked to approve up to $2.596 million, including optional services related to coupon and rebate management that could be used later without returning for another approval. Several members raised concerns about matching the written contract to the approval amount and about the relationship to the current pharmacy benefit manager, but the committee ultimately approved the item with the understanding that any use of the optional services would return to the committee. The committee also reviewed, without objection, a Blue Cross/Blue Advantage third-party administrator contract, a CompSack employee assistance program contract, and approved proposed 2027 employee and public school health plan rates of 9.8% and 4.9% increases, respectively. Wallace also said the UnitedHealthcare rebid was in final negotiation and would return in August. On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules for the property insurance program, a contingency-fee subrogation contract with Denenberg-Tuffly, and extensions for Sedgwick Claims Management, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens Capital Management. Members asked about claim-adjustment delays after a major winter storm, and Wallace said performance guarantees and communication requirements had been added, with claims still expected to vary by case. The committee also approved 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which included no change to minimum deductibles, lower rates for K-12 and higher education, a higher rate for state agencies, and an overall 10% reduction. Wallace said the reductions reflected improved actuarial foundations, better claims management, and the program’s first-year performance. The meeting adjourned after approving the rate item.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Catherine Hauerkeed from Stockton, California, a member of Code Pink, Jewish Voice for Peace, and
• The changes to Education Code 244 are problematic. Boards approve and adopt agenda items.
• And just to clarify, the change that the bill is making to Education Code 244 is new.
• It's very specifically aligned to Education Code 220, which is very much about discrimination in the
• Luckily enough for us, the Education Code already does protect against anti-Semitism.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held a special hearing on AB 715, with the authors presenting the bill as a response to rising anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. The authors said the measure is intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students, improve district accountability, expand the uniform complaint process, clarify protections related to religion and nationality, and create a state-level anti-Semitism coordinator. They emphasized that the bill was developed through collaboration with the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish caucuses and argued it is meant to protect all students from hate while preserving legitimate classroom discussion. The hearing included extensive public testimony. Supporters, including students, parents, rabbis, Jewish organizations, and some educators, described harassment, biased curriculum, delayed or ineffective school responses, and fear among Jewish students and families. They urged the committee to act to make schools safer and more responsive. Opponents, including teachers, ethnic studies advocates, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and some Jewish parents, argued the bill was rushed, vague, and could chill academic freedom, censor discussion of Palestine and Israel, and expand complaints against teachers and school districts. Several witnesses said existing complaint and anti-discrimination systems already address these issues. Committee members then questioned the authors and witnesses about implementation, definitions, and possible effects on curriculum and school boards. The authors said the bill is still intent language and that details would be refined in further negotiations with stakeholders. Representatives from the California School Boards Association and California Teachers Association raised concerns about the new language and possible unintended consequences, while ACLU California Action said it had concerns but wanted to keep working on the bill. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken on AB 715 during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• After receiving his bachelor's in psychology, Doctor Martindale was accepted and attended Texas Tech,
• To study occupational therapy. Let's give Stevie a round of applause, please. Next, Mr.

Bills: HB2975, HB3405, HB3406, HB3728, HB3902, HB3977, SB397, HB1161, HB2938, HB2939, HB3306, HB3722, HB4113, HB4123, HB2293, HB3176, HB3545, HB3546

Keywords: poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• H.R. 192 is a bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to require Amtrak to include information on
• The General Services Administration and the SEC entered into an occupancy agreement to authorize GSA
• The General Services Administration and the SEC entered into an occupancy agreement to authorize GSA
• an occup an occup occupancy<05:08:07.160> agreement<05:08:08.160> to<05:08:08.558>
• to occupancy agreement to authorize GSA to secure<05:08:10.878> a<05:08:11.160> new<05

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, January 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Association and the Texas Fair Plan.
• Examples are organizations like the Texas Municipal League and the Texas Association of Counties.
• Like most states, Texas is a file-in-use state.
• We serve on the board of the Texas Certified Self-Insured Guarantee Association. the Texas Self-Insurance
• Texas coast.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving to item 10, Occupational Licensing Review. Senator Wallace, you are recognized.
• Chair, the Occupational Licensing Review Subcommittee met on Thursday and received reports of various
• occupational authorization entities in Group 1.
• He is an occupational therapist. He's been in the business for over 20 years.
• He knows occupational therapy.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Per the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers promote social justice by striving to ensure that all people
• 30% payment standard levels previously mentioned and also requires that units meet state sanitary code
• 30% payment standard levels previously mentioned and also requires that units meet state sanitary code
• I would use occupancy because then that is going to imply a landlord-tenant situation.
• I would use occupation because then that is going to imply a landlord tenant's situation.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of housing and homelessness bills. Chairs Rich Haggerty and Julian Cyr opened by noting the committee’s focus on EOHLC programs such as RAFT, MRVP, and HomeBASE, and several members and advocates emphasized the urgency of the state’s homelessness crisis, including rising family homelessness and the need for earlier intervention, more stable subsidies, and stronger long-term housing tools. A major theme was homelessness prevention and rehousing. Multiple witnesses supported bills to codify and strengthen RAFT and HomeBASE, arguing that assistance should be available earlier in a crisis rather than only after a notice to quit or imminent loss of housing. Testimony from legal services, homelessness coalitions, social workers, municipal housing staff, and tenant advocates said the programs help families avoid eviction and shelter, but need more flexibility, higher benefit caps, and permanent statutory protection. Several speakers also urged support for codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), describing it as a critical long-term subsidy for low-income households and older adults, and warning that codification would protect the program from future budget or policy changes. The committee also heard testimony on housing stability for older adults, affordable homes for people with disabilities, supportive housing, housing cooperatives, home sharing, local preference, and reentry housing for returning citizens. Advocates for older adults described a Somerville bridge subsidy pilot that helped stabilize seniors while they waited for permanent housing, and urged statewide expansion. Supporters of supportive housing called for an interagency board to streamline funding and development, while cooperative housing proponents backed creation of a Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives and a dedicated funding reserve. A bill to secure housing for returning citizens drew support from reentry providers and Senator Adam Gomez, who said stable housing is essential to successful reintegration. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses generally asked the committee to report the bills favorably, and some members asked follow-up questions on data and program details.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are really the tools that help folks that are writing the code that goes onto the hardware to actually
• Obviously, they've had their coding boot camp for a while... but starting this fall, they're going to
• you see there is a great chart that our team... put together called the Periodic Table of STEM Occupations
• codes and industry clusters.
• With just the number of occupations, and it was still that spike.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to read to you Texas Administrative Code, Section 265.15E.
• Rules and Responsibilities under Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code, challenges that we face,
• Explain Code Red. Great question. Code Red is a trade name. Code Red is a reverse telephone system.
• We are Texas. We are bad." We are Texas. We are better than anybody else.
• Isn't that required by the Texas Administrative Code?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have our network, Texas Mesonet, that's part of that. Of course, we couple it with West Texas.
• As you know, the state experienced historic flooding in Central West Texas and West Texas last month,
• 141 of the Health and Safety Code.
• the state of Texas.
• Texas needs to step up and work with its communities to remap Texas flood risk.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The government code and the local government code allow governmental entities and political subdivisions
• Examples are organizations like the Texas Municipal League and the Texas Association of Counties.
• To benefit Texas consumers.
• Uh, we serve on the board of the Texas Certified Self-Insured Guarantee Association, the Texas Self Insurance
• Chapter 2210 of the Texas Insurance Code directs TWIA to operate as an insurance company.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Texas A&M University.
• Texas.
• It is a unique curriculum, and as you know, in the Texas Education Code Common Core is not allowed in
• Texas.
• For instance, ACD- and SAT that most of our Texas students take because it is in the code, those are

Keywords: 1184, house, all