Transcript Highlights:

• Seventy-seven percent of public schools have policy banning smart devices.
• The committee substitute strengthens the bill by expanding protections to public projects under Chapter
• That's the Texas Public Interest Research Group.
• A public online database will let Texans verify licenses and check for disciplinary history.
• Fourth, the advisory board is expanded to include more public voices.

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 3862, which would restrict social media app use for minors and limit smartphone/social media access in classrooms. Supporters, including representatives from Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media are linked to addiction, distraction, cyberbullying, and worsening youth mental health, and said the bill would help parents and schools protect children. After testimony, the committee left HB 3862 pending. Members then heard HB 3712, a construction retainage bill that would stop owners from withholding reserved funds on specially fabricated materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted, while still allowing retainage for labor and installation. Witnesses from the precast concrete industry said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk for subcontractors and suppliers. The bill was left pending after closing. The committee also heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for owners and independent repair providers, with carve-outs for medical devices, vehicles covered by existing repair agreements, trade secrets, and security protections. Support came from consumer, environmental, repair, and policy groups, while one witness from Safelite was neutral and urged removal of the MOU reference for auto manufacturers. HB 2963 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4308, which would create county industrial development districts to attract industrial employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and a board structure. Supporters, including the Fort Bend County commissioner, said the bill would help counties diversify tax bases and create jobs; the bill was left pending. Later, the committee took up several pending bills and voted to report HB 74, HB 112, HB 2214, HB 3016, HB 3133, HB 3173, HB 3807, HB 4063, HB 4115, HB 5008, and HB 2652 favorably to the full House, with some sent to the Local and Consent Calendars. The committee also heard HB 3874 on construction contract transparency and HB 4196 on creating a task force to modernize manufacturing, both of which were left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing and regulatory framework for re-roofing contractors; supporters said it would curb storm-chasing and protect homeowners, while one roofing contractor opposed it as too restrictive and argued existing fraud laws are sufficient. HB 3344 was also left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth, the advisory board is expanded to include more public voices.
• assist the public in any business with their claim.”
• assist the public in any business with their claim. you know. ...assist the public in any business with
• This is contrary to public policy and basic contract law.
• Once again, this is contrary to public policy and basic contract law.

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending. The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending. In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the Texas. public interest research group.
• Fourth, the advisory board has expanded to include. more public voices.
• ... ...cannot assist the public in any business with their claim.
• This is contrary to public policy and basic contract law.
• Once again, this is contrary to public policy and basic contract law.

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate companion for this bill has been referred to the Public Health Committee.
• HB 2298 addresses this urgent public health issue. by establishing a grant program administered by HHSC
• This pilot program is designed to enhance cancer detection and patient outcomes. Thank you.
• CPRIT is a great program.
• Hospitals or programs can apply for this grant. For-profit, non-profit? Yes.

Bills: HB514, HB1652, HB2117, HB2298, HB3269, HB46, HB46

Keywords: maternal health, maternal care, pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, doula, birth worker, midwife, obstetric care, women's health, rural health, health workforce, workforce development, trauma-informed care, public outreach campaign, health equity, minority health, underserved communities, Texas Department of State Health Services, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, anyone from the public wishing to testify on the matter before the committee, House File 2601 as
• And with that, you can return to your regular programming, Mr. Chair.
• If members have questions or if there’s questions from the public today, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Do we have any public testifiers? Any public that would like to give their testimony to the DE2?
• Madam Chair, thank you, and members and those of the public.

Bills: HF2601, HF2607, HF2027, HF2608

Keywords: financial institutions, insurance regulation, insurance holding company, group capital calculation, liquidity stress test, NAIC, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, insurer solvency, affiliate transactions, groupwide supervision, internationally active insurance group, lead state commissioner, policyholder protection, hazardous financial condition, deposit or bond, contract for deed, conventional loan, cooperative apartment loan, mortgage interest rate cap, average prime offer rate

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas implementing this program will solve several problems.
• I just, is the comptroller in a position today to implement this program?
• The bill calls for the Comptroller of Public Accounts in the state of Texas.
• You may or may not end up with this program.
• I am a policy analyst with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Adrian Shelley is representing Public Citizen for the bill, not testifying.
• Bill 2869, allowing ERCOT utilities to have access to the program.
• During the interim, the SB 1133 program was implemented, and valuable lessons were learned.
• Dedicated to the program by statute, the program may also receive support through gifts, grants, and
• The current program was not covering damage to the actual land from trash, debris, and pollutants.

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• So we will close invited testimony and open public. testimony.
• 37, very well, we'll open public testimony.
• Seeing none, hearing none, public testimony is closed.
• The public consensus is unmistakable.
• They recruited two... dozen cities to join this program.

Bills: SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• On for again, Senate Bill 1386, hearing none, public testimony is closed.
• And we're going to open up public testimony on Senate Bill 1470.
• Chair opens up public testimony. Calls Alan Place.
• Hearing none, we're going to close public testimony and leave the bill pending. Thank you.
• The bill will be left, or public testimony is closed, and the bill will be left pending.

Bills: SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Bills: HB25, HB38, HB997, HB 1119, HB25, HB38

Keywords: HB 25, Texas nutrition, nutrition education, healthy living, public health, school physical activity, recess, physical education, nutrition and wellness course, health curriculum, State Board of Education, Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee, ultra-processed foods, artificial colors, food additives, chronic disease, metabolic health, culinary medicine, functional medicine, dietary guidelines

Bills: HB25, HB38, HB997, HB 1119, HB25, HB38

Keywords: HB 25, Texas nutrition, nutrition education, healthy living, public health, school physical activity, recess, physical education, nutrition and wellness course, health curriculum, State Board of Education, Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee, ultra-processed foods, artificial colors, food additives, chronic disease, metabolic health, culinary medicine, functional medicine, dietary guidelines

Transcript Highlights:

• Members should recall that two weeks ago we had a public hearing.
• We are going to have a program today that I think is going to be fun from Alabama Archives and History
• I think it's, uh, it will be a nice short program that you go very much.
• They met only once per quorum back then, so the public could actually come to those rooms.
• program was founded.

Bills: SB67, HB295, SB104

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion

Transcript Highlights:

• Hi, I'm Ann Jays with the Louisiana Public Health Institute.
• So SB 132 strengthens public school safety by establishing exterior master key boxes at public schools
• They already have some programs.
• There's already a program. Yes, sir.
• This new statute would create a program for that.

Bills: HR249, HR251, HB395, HB902, SB83, SB132, SB157, SB338, SB450, SB484, SB501, SB507

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, content standards, K-12 education, public schools, curriculum, digital literacy, computer science, STEM, technology education, student privacy, ethical AI, workforce development, future-ready workforce, instructional resources, education policy, school standards, Louisiana education

Transcript Highlights:

• SCR 38 by Senator Klein-Peter repeals Joint Rule Number 7 relative to the Atchafalaya Basin Program Oversight
• to replace, repair, or clean articles lost, stolen, soiled, or damaged in connection with holding public

Bills: HCR74, HCR95, HB705, HB1048, SCR23, SCR31, SCR38, SB49, SB233, SB307, SB326, SB387, SB401, SB435, SB495

Keywords: trade commission, international relations, Louisiana, United Kingdom, economic exchange, cultural exchange, infrastructure investment, sales tax, exemptions, credits, rebates, uniformity, legislative rules, fiscal report, contempt, legislature, disorderly conduct, bribery, arrest, legislative privilege

Summary: The House and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12 with a quorum present and took up several measures. It first heard HCR 74, which would establish a Louisiana-United Kingdom Trade Commission modeled after the existing Louisiana-Ireland commission. The author said the commission would serve as an umbrella group to promote exchanges in trade, academics, financial services, economic development, and the arts, with no compensation for members. After brief questions and supportive testimony from a member familiar with the Ireland commission, the committee reported HCR 74 favorably. The committee then considered SCR 38, which repeals Joint Rule No. 7 related to the Atchafalaya Basin Program Oversight Committee. The author explained that the repeal was tied to a separate study commission on Atchafalaya Basin water quality, aimed at addressing sediment buildup, stagnant hypoxia, and harm to the fishing industry. Members discussed sediment management and water quality concerns, and the committee adopted a technical amendment to the title before reporting the resolution favorably, as amended. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 495 on campaign finance disclosures. The author described a series of changes, including raising the threshold for unitemized individual contributions to $200, adjusting when a PAC is considered to be participating in an election, extending the annual report deadline from February 28 to March 15, and allowing leadership PAC funds to cover replacement or repair of items damaged in connection with public office. The transcript cuts off during the bill presentation, so no final action on SB 495 is shown.

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• So first up we have House Bill 2050 HD1 SD1 relating to partial public financing of elections on behalf
• public outreach. public outreach.
• Moving on to—yes, it's another Senate bill, SB 2919 relating to the Office of the Public Defender.
• deputy public defender.
• <01:01:44.560> benefits<01:01:45.600> exceeds exclusive of public benefits exceeds

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection