Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, members, we're gonna call up pending business for votes on bills that we heard last week.
• I don't think she can vote because he wasn't here when we called the roll. Yeah. Was he?
• enough, but, uh, we're going to do our best to make sure that this gets to the floor and gets a full vote
• In another claim, most all of the electronic locking mechanisms on the doors and all of the electronics

Bills: HB153

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know BNC voting, health and human I think was doing, has some things going on.
• Witnesses, please be sure to register using the electronic witness registration system accessible on
• We generally don't adopt until prior to the vote, but my two bills, my committee subs aren't even back
• To your electronic inboxes as well, but we do have physical copies for you.
• trying to ameliorate that we're not here in finance to talk about your LAR, you know, but budgets being voted

Bills: SB1150, SB763, SB1061, SB1146, SB1198, HB279, HB310

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• epidemic of theft involving organized retail crime by criminal gangs and cartels, sophisticated electronic
• intent, the intent of the chair to lay out the bills one at a time taken by the public testimony then vote
• If we have a quorum present and if we don't we'll pin them and then vote them out. soon as we have a
• authority to respond to various types of financial fraud such as check fraud fraud, unauthorized electronic
• We'll move on to vote the bill out. The chair moves the Senate Bill 1281. Do not.

Bills: SB1281, SB1300, SB1379, SB1451, SB1497, SB1498, SB1499

Keywords: mail theft, postal theft, package theft, identity theft, negotiable instrument, check theft, mail receptacle key, mailbox lock, postal key, delivery service, courier, USPS, United States Postal Service, fraud, property crime, elderly victims, disabled victims, identity information, rebuttable presumption, felony enhancement

Transcript Highlights:

• issued 74,116 boater education cards, and I'm happy to say that we issued about 40,000 of those electronically
• . ...cards, and I'm happy to say that we issued about 40,000 of those electronically, making it as efficient
• By direct removals, that's our staff in Tallahassee processing these votes for removal, contacting a
• And so I want to know what the timeline is for removal of the derelict vote. You're recognized?
• Some counties require that the county commission vote on every removal.

Summary: The subcommittee received an overview from FWC Deputy Director in Law Enforcement Lt. Col. Rob Rowe on boating safety, derelict vessels, and marine debris. On boating safety, he said FWC uses inspections, BUI enforcement, public education campaigns, boater education courses, warnings, and citations to reduce accidents and fatalities. Members asked about probable cause for stops, geofenced safety messages, boating education age requirements, and common violations such as life jacket issues. Rowe said most stops are based on probable cause, the education requirement currently applies to those born after Jan. 1, 1988, and FWC is considering whether broader education requirements would improve safety. The committee then focused heavily on derelict vessels. Rowe explained the legal definition of a derelict vessel, the at-risk and nuisance vessel tools used to intervene earlier, and the V-TIP voluntary turn-in program. He described the removal process, including owner notification, a 21-day administrative hearing period, contractor selection, and disposal/recycling, and said FWC works with local governments, emergency management, and sometimes the Coast Guard on larger pollution-related cases. Members asked about timelines, costs, salvage rules, title issues, and jurisdictional differences between state, county, city, and federal authorities. Rowe said the agency has added staff and grant tools, but continued funding remains important, and he noted that local governments can also use ordinances to address floating structures, liveaboards, anchoring, and storm-related risks. On marine debris, Rowe said FWC works with DEP, FDACS, NOAA, the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, local governments, and volunteers to remove debris ranging from plastics to storm-damaged fishing gear and derelict vessels. He said hurricane events greatly increase debris and derelict vessel removals, and the agency is updating the Florida Marine Debris Reduction Plan with partners. The meeting ended after members and the vice chair emphasized local tools such as mooring fields and pumpout enforcement, and the subcommittee adjourned without taking any formal vote or action beyond rising without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• um paper and tabs paper and electronic um paper and electronic<00:36:24.400> Bingo<00:36:25.280
• > cadle<00:36:25.680> Wheels<00:36:26.160> Raffles electronic Bingo cadle Wheels
• The first was restrictions that were placed on certain features of electronic pull tabs.
• There was a tax cut and a cap on how much distributors could charge for electronic pull tab games.
• Distributors can charge for electronic Distributors can charge for electronic pull<01:34:56.600>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• By the Constitution, overriding the veto requires a 2/3 vote of members present, and this vote must be
• So, just to confirm for members, a yes vote is a vote in favor of the bill and to override the veto and
• A no vote is a vote against the bill in A no vote is a vote against the bill in order to sustain the
• And I will be voting yes.
• There were 135 members present for the vote. 2/3 of that number is 90. Those voting yes, 83.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to be voting for the amendment, and I'll be voting for the bill.
• I'm happy to be voting for the amendment, and I'll be voting for the bill.
• I'm happy to be voting for the amendment, and I'll be voting for the bill.
• I'm happy to be voting for the amendment, and I'll be voting for the bill.
• <00:34:32.720> attendance had attendance electronic attendance had attendance electronic attendance

Bills: SF1959, HF2444, SF2298, HF2445, SF2216, HF2443, HF2130, HF1943, HF2436, HF2442

Keywords: veterans, military affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Military Affairs, omnibus veterans bill, appropriations, National Guard, state active service, armory, State Armory Building Commission, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, county veterans service office, Minnesota GI Bill, Gold Star families, Blue Star families, Secret War in Laos, Hmong veterans, Laos veterans, special guerrilla units

Transcript Highlights:

• PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES.
• Sharief: YES. >> SENATOR TRUENOW. >> Vice Chair Berman: YES. >> Chair Brodeur: YES BY YOUR VOTE SHOW
• Truenow: YES. >> Vice Chair Berman: YES. >> Chair Brodeur: YES AND BY YOUR VOTE SHOW SB 160 REPORTED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Twenty-one yes votes are required for a majority vote.
• Senator Pettyjohn from not voting to voting yes.
• Am I recorded as voting? Senator Buxton, not voting. From not voting to no.
• Senator Buxton, from not voting to voting no.
• Senator Bucson, not voting. From not voting to no. Senator Buxon from not voting to voting no.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Public comments may also be submitted through the electronic public comment process for all Texans.
• Comments submitted through the portal will be posted on the electronic legislative information system
• The chair needs to make a slight adjustment in our meeting notes so that we are basically voting on some
• In September 2024, UTEP students voted in favor of a three-year phased-in fee increase from $30 to $150
• But all 25,000 were given a chance to vote, correct? Oh, absolutely. Yes. Yes. Yes, sir. Okay.

Bills: HB42, HB125

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• And he said, um, I have been the subject of attempts to steal personal information through electronic
• at this time, I'll ask Senators... to hold their remarks on the nominees until after the roll call votes

Keywords: Environmental Protection Agency, David Fatui, nominations, climate science, environmental policy, public testimony

Summary: During this committee meeting, members engaged in substantial discussions regarding the nominations for key positions at the Environmental Protection Agency. The nominations for David Fatui as Deputy Administrator and another nominee received favorable reviews, with several members expressing support for their qualifications and the importance of their roles in addressing environmental issues. Notable conversations highlighted concerns about the current administration's stance on climate science and regulatory practices, particularly focusing on a controversial statement made by one of the nominees that undermined established climate science. Senator Whitehouse expressed deep frustration over the implications of this viewpoint on future environmental policy and regulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• get to the floor to vote.
• Vice Chair Lopez voted aye. Vice Chair Lopez voted aye.
• So with that, I vote aye.
• So with that, I vote aye. Your vote is six ayes, four nays.
• So, with that, I vote aye.

Bills: HB2024, HB2053, HB2097, HB2116, HB2117

Keywords: water infrastructure finance authority, WIFA, water supply development, snowpack augmentation, cloud seeding, water augmentation, water financing, water infrastructure, Arizona water law, water conservation, groundwater recharge, stormwater recharge, reclamation and reuse, water rights, water supply projects, public-private partnership, long-term water augmentation fund, water provider, desalination, drought mitigation

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Vice Chair Avila: LET'S PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES.
• SENATORS BY YOUR VOTE 532 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• SENATORS BY YOUR VOTE SB 6096 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY. THANK YOU.
• BY YOUR VOTE SENATE BILL 1426 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY, THANK YOU LETTER RODRIGUEZ.
• SENATORS BY YOUR VOTE SENATE BILL 574 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• votes eye. votes eye.
• votes I. votes I.
• votes I. votes I.
• votes I. votes I.
• votes no. votes no.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took the roll, establishing a quorum. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of Senate File 3720, a workers’ compensation bill adopting 2026 recommendations of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and then moved through routine author changes and motions, including sending House File 3825 to the Finance Committee and advancing House File 3298, which was described as funding the removal and replacement of underground tanks to protect water supplies. A major floor item was Senate File 4282, the education forecast-adjustment bill. Senator Kunish explained that the conference committee updated appropriations to reflect forecast changes, added language on highly qualified paraprofessionals for Title I special education, provided tribal contract aid if a permanent school fund amendment passes, allowed districts to use operating capital for utility costs, extended grants for gender-neutral bathrooms, and made two school district fund transfers. The Senate adopted the conference report and passed the bill 34-33. The Senate then considered House File 3489, which would establish a felony offense of grooming, require reporting to licensing boards, update school and mandated reporter rules, and add funding for investigators. Supporters framed it as a child-protection measure based on a survivor’s testimony and a teacher-abuse case; one member also spoke in favor, while another offered a strongly partisan critique of public education. The Senate adopted the A11 amendment, gave the bill third reading, and passed it 66-0, then recessed briefly to honor guests in the gallery. After recess, the Senate took up House File 5074, the annual claims settlement bill. Senator Clark said it appropriates just over $5.1 million for claims including exoneration payments and a permanent injury claim, highlighting compensation for James Lamar Davis, Clayton Douglas Groves, and Marvin Haynes. The bill drew some debate over the Haynes payment and the calculation for an ankle injury claim, but it ultimately passed 64-2. The final item was House File 4074, the 2026 omnibus pension bill, described as improving public safety and other public employee retirement benefits, removing a COLA delay, creating work groups on duty disability, and addressing pension provisions for probation officers, 911 telecommunicators, St. Paul teachers, and other groups; the discussion was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, it revises the requirements for storing electronic medical records.
• It clarifies that a covered entity shall ensure that electronic records are stored in a safe. under their
• Third, it clarifies the electronic.
• Electronic medical records shall now include language that parents of minors 17 and younger shall have

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not voting. Shannon Grove not voting. John Laird? Aye. John Laird, aye. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh?
• Not voting. Eloise Reyes? Aye. Eloise Reyes, aye. Three to zero. Thank you.
• She doesn't have a vote. Oh yes, she does. Yeah, she has five. Oh, yes, she does.
• I have to go present a bill, but I will be voting. Thank you, Senator.
• Four votes. All right, that is 4-0. We'll leave that open for absent members.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• areas in which we're hoping to make some significant change in the near future is with regards to electronic
• areas in which we're hoping to make some significant change in the near future is with regards to electronic
• That would be essentially the open-all feature, the extra electronic stuff that you can do on these games
• That would be essentially the open-all feature, the extra electronic stuff that you can do on these games
• The heavy burden, along with the 2023 legislation that stripped our electronic pull tabs of many of their

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: State Representative Bjorn Olson opened by discussing House File 733, which he said would roll back restrictions placed on electronic pull tabs and charitable gambling two years earlier. He argued the 2023 changes hurt charities, veterans groups, and local communities by reducing revenue for donations to fire departments, youth activities, and veterans services. Olson said the bill had just been heard in the Veterans Committee and had been sent on to Commerce, and he expressed optimism about advancing it further. Several charity and gambling representatives testified in support of the bill. Amanda Jackson of the Spring Lake Park Lions Club said the new rules stripped entertaining features from electronic pull tabs and reduced revenue, citing a drop in January EAB sales from $947,000 in 2024 to $816,000 in 2025. She described how Lions Club gambling funds local equipment, eyeglasses, clothing, school programs, food shelves, and shelters. Rachel Keller of the Bloomington Kennedy Activities Foundation and Tim Angstrom of the Bloomington American Legion said reduced gambling revenue would hurt school support, student needs, and community programs; Angstrom said the Legion had funded a $3,000 English program and other local services. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities said the group was also working on sports betting legislation, but that any sports betting revenue would not make up for the losses from the electronic pull tab changes. She said the 2023 law took effect January 1 and that no current game on the market fully matches the features now required, forcing manufacturers and charities to adapt. In response to questions, Olson said the bill’s path would depend on further House and Senate action, and he suggested a possible compromise could involve restoring some playability features while continuing to seek tax relief for charities.

Transcript Highlights:

• We vote on consent. Say aye, please. Aye. None opposed.
• Does anyone have any further discussion or are prepared to vote?
• Is it going to be done electronically?
• Is it going to be done electronically?
• Do I need a vote on any of that?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• vote.
• vote yes for no. vote yes for no.
• >> The clerk votes yes. >> The clerk votes yes.
• The clerk vote motion, you will vote no.
• >> The clerk votes, yes. Representative >> The clerk votes, yes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please remember to silence all electronic devices.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 6 will be reported favorably.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 1004 will be reported favorably.
• I move for a time-certain vote on SB 1632, no later than 248.
• Please vote no on SB 1632. Thank you, Ash, for being with us. Please vote no on SB 1632.

Bills: S0002, S0006, S0018, S0026, S0028, S0050, S0178, S0326, S0538, S0786, S1004, S1096, S1178, S1366, S1632, S1634

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, child welfare, injury compensation, Department of Children and Families, compensation, law enforcement accountability, personal injury, motorcycle accident, Department of Transportation, legal claim, police negligence, monetary compensation, civil rights, city liability, veterans

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills, most of them claims or civil-law measures, and reported each favorably. Among the bills approved were SB 326 on curators of estates, SB 1096 clarifying filing deadlines under the Florida Civil Rights Act, SB 28 and SB 26 on claims against the City of Lakeland and the estate of Mark Legata, SB 6 involving a DCF-related claim for Layla Estrada/Sapphire Williams, SB 786 creating a nonjudicial process for closing trusts, SB 18 and SB 2 on claims involving the estate of McKenzie Navarre and Daniel Mosley, and SB 50 expanding veterans’ courts statewide. The committee also approved SB 538 on extracurricular activities, SB 1004 on pet sales and financing disclosures, and SB 1366, the sovereign immunity bill, which was presented as a starting point for negotiations with the House over higher claims caps and related provisions. Most of these bills were explained by sponsors as clarifying existing law, modernizing procedures, or resolving uncontested claims, and several had support from affected organizations or individuals; some also drew opposition or concerns from speakers, especially on trust notice issues, sovereign immunity, and the scope of the extracurricular and pet-sale bills. Several bills were amended before passage. SB 326 was narrowed by removing a section and changing reporting language for curators. SB 786 received a technical clarification amendment, while SB 18 removed an unneeded Medicaid-related section. SB 50 on veterans’ courts drew broad support from veterans’ groups and criminal-justice organizations. SB 538 on extracurricular activities was amended multiple times to address home education eligibility, activity fees for homeschool participants, technical cross-references, and compensation for extracurricular sponsors. SB 1004 was supported by animal-welfare advocates and consumer-protection interests. SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools was amended to limit the bill to head coaches, require personal funds, and allow similar bylaws by other athletic associations; it passed after discussion of a Miami Northwestern coaching controversy. The committee also took up two major policy bills with substantial testimony and questions. SB 1178 on foreign influence would create a state framework for foreign-agent registration, restrict gifts and contracts tied to foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, limit certain sister-city and university linkage activities, and increase penalties for crimes committed to benefit foreign governments or terrorist groups; supporters framed it as a national-security and transparency measure, while the sponsor withdrew one amendment before passage. SB 1632 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles generated the most extended questioning, especially about its domestic-terrorism designation process, references to Sharia law, notice and due-process protections, and potential effects on students and speech; supporters argued it targets conduct, not belief, while opponents warned it could chill protected activity and unfairly target Muslim communities. The committee heard many public speakers on both sides, but no floor debate followed before the bill was moved forward.