Bills: SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB34, SB18, SB 2, SB 3, SB 5, SB 9, SB 10, SB 14, SB 16, SB 18, SB 34

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products

Transcript Highlights:

• And I presume you'd have to increase your server space or cloud storage.
• Third, these legal services directly support our Texas business community.
• Legal services don't encourage illegal immigration.
• have access to such services.
• , offer income tax services and other.

Bills: HB 256, HB 1308, HB 1554, HB 1743, HB 2308, HB 2351, HB 2858, HB 3676, HB 3784, HB 4312, HB 4552, HB 4823, HB 4852, HB 5007, HB 5010, HB 5520, HB 5524, HCR 19

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, illegal employment, state contracts, government entities, license suspension, immigration compliance, state grant funding, E-Verify, compliance, penalties, immigration, government contracts, employee status, state contractors, E-verify program, legally present, employment practices, legal services, public money

Transcript Highlights:

• We are grateful for your service to the state of Texas and appreciate the time and effort you dedicate
• Cooper, first off, thank you for your service to our communities. It's definitely appreciated. Ms.
• This is vital for Bastrop's vision for a full-service conference center.
• I thank you for your time and... service, and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
• Service Convention Center Hotel.

Bills: HB 1039, HB2289, HB2370, HB2404, HB3066, HB3076, HB3117, HB3118, HB3169, HB3178, HB3179, HB3182, HB3196, HB3241, HB3377, HB3500, HB3567, HB3715, HB3954, HB4098, HB4109, HB4222, HB4226, HB4412, HB4659, HB4682, HB4683, HB4755, HB4926, HB5165, HB5562, HB5596

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax authority, border counties, tax legislation, municipalities, hotel tax revenue, convention centers, economic development, local government authority, HB 2370, HOT tax, venue projects, convention center, municipal finance, local government code, Section 334.0082, tourism tax, debt financing, bond repayment

Transcript Highlights:

• the motion: I will move that House File 2354, the second engrossment, be re-referred to the Human Services
• I want to underscore that for the Department of Human Services, which is our largest state agency, only
• fraudsters who steal taxpayer dollars that should be dedicated to providing critical health care services
• I think that the letter from the MNCAN organization highlights something that our customer service team
• Coordinating vocational rehabilitation services and supports.

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• grants is important, I also think it's important to underscore that for the Department of Human Services
• re-referred to the human services re-referred to the human services finance<00:01:52.960> and
• , which is our largest Human Services, which is our largest state<00:04:11.799> agency,<00:04:
• <00:05:12.639> to<00:05:12.880> Minnesota's<00:05:13.680> most care services
• to Minnesota's most care services to Minnesota's most vulnerable<00:05:14.600> people.

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• The significant growth in Entergy Texas' service area not only drives economic development and job creation
• Transmission cost of service update—that's a twice-a-year update.
• Senate Bill 1254 relates to the regulation of professional employer services.
• Money follows the flag, meaning that ancillary services... should follow issuance.
• Utility customers require a safe and reliable utility. service, which is not possible without investment

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness

Transcript Highlights:

• interest and sinking property tax rate to generate sufficient revenue to cover the required debt service
• . ...sinking property tax rate to generate sufficient revenue to cover the required debt service for
• This bill does that by redefining debt service as only the minimum debt service and using that in the
• Simply maintaining the current debt service levels, which does not currently happen across the state
• They didn’t want to take on the problems of service to the area, so Houston just cherry-picked around

Bills: SB32, SB464, SB996, SB1163, SB1173, SB1277, SB1452, SB1453, SB1548, SB1882, SB1883, SB2016

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee heard several bills by Senator Bettencourt focused on property tax and local government accountability. SB 32 would provide about $700 million in business tax relief by raising the business personal property exemption from $2,500 to $25,000 and continuing a 20% franchise tax credit for inventory taxes paid. Witnesses from NFIB, the Texas Retailers Association, and Texas Realtors supported the bill, saying business personal property and inventory taxes are burdensome and especially hard on small businesses. After no opposition testimony, SB 32 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 1453, which would change how interest and sinking tax rates are calculated by using only the minimum debt service required under bond schedules, while still allowing a higher rate with a 60% governing body vote and a public explanation. A witness from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association supported the bill as a way to keep debt rates from rising as property values increase and to preserve tax relief. The bill was left pending after testimony. SB 1883 would tighten rules on local impact fees by requiring 60 days of public availability for capital improvement plans and land use assumptions, raising the approval threshold for adopting impact fees from a simple majority to two-thirds, limiting how often fees can be increased, and expanding notice requirements. Builders and developers testified in support, arguing that impact fees are often poorly reviewed, lack accountability, and are passed on to homebuyers, worsening housing affordability. Committee members discussed adding audit provisions and questioned the lack of city testimony. The bill was left pending with subcommittee action. SB 1452 would require a voter election to decide whether a municipal management district continues to exist, with dissolution if voters reject it; supporters said it would add accountability, while others noted some districts provide essential services and infrastructure. The committee heard testimony from district representatives and builders, then left SB 1452 pending before recessing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, local governments will have more flexibility to pay for goods and services.
• We want to clarify our emergency service districts aren't specifically called out in the bill.
• But delaying the delivery of infrastructure and services that the city is obligated to provide.
• Part of it you'll see sometimes they'll do it to services whether it be police or fire.
• They have a list of evidence, and a lot of times it's related to utility services.

Bills: SB 32, SB 464, SB 996, SB 1163, SB 1173, SB 1277, SB 1452, SB 1453, SB 1548, SB 1882, SB 1883, SB 2016

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:02.080> Improvement<00:04:02.560> Program,<00:04:03.120> 1 Rail Service
• forecasting uh the change debt service forecasting uh the change amount<00:09:43.440> on<00:09
• over the benium for 2627 and service over the benium for 2627 and about<00:09:59.880> 1.23<00
• which neither um of the debt service which neither um of the bill<00:10:26.079> language<00:10
• Cloud.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Funding is critical for UTA to maintain our current level of services to students. the body supported
• Specifically, these funds support... ...advising and retention services, student success initiatives,
• Continued funding of this item will allow UTA to. continue providing student services and educational
• Just really quickly, we have been putting increased investments into career services for our students
• I want to begin by thanking you for your service to the state of Texas.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we are also observing higher costs for services that are paid on a fee-for-service basis.
• that are paid on a fee for services that are paid on a fee for service<00:25:01.679> basis.
• plans to cover services for enrolles. plans to cover services for enrolles.
• Services and a quarter to the fact that some services are getting more expensive.
• . services. services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but of course, the taxpayers are still paying, um, for debt service on buildings and the district
• Um, there is case law and interpretations of the Texas Constitution that cloud, um, that, um, if, um.
• What are the services that are offered in that school?
• support services, those are costs that you then allocate across 250 students.
• My, my, my assumption would be, my thoughts would be that Health and Human Services would be the, the

Transcript Highlights:

• this method of finance swap, aiming to ensure that the funding remains robust for the essential services
• In the last few years, we have seen an increase in demand for these services, and we must ensure that
• Recommendations include maintaining funding levels for child support services and enhancing enforcement
• This outlines the ongoing needs of the Office and our commitment to ensuring that we can maintain services
• We are advocating for alternative sources of funding to ensure these critical services remain available

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the financial these services.
• for services. for services.
• accessing state programs and services. accessing state programs and services.
• <00:33:14.960> services<00:33:15.360> we are typically cloud-based services we are
• typically cloud-based services we look<00:33:15.600> to<00:33:15.760> rent<00:33:15.919

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a municipal civil service agency.
• I mean, your body cameras loaded to a cloud, Evans.com.
• Thanks for your service, Lieutenant.
• Thank you, Jennifer, for, for your service and for representing Cleve the way you do.
• Thank you again for your service and again, I'm not against law enforcement.

Bills: SB 15

Keywords: law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code

Transcript Highlights:

• walk into the bathroom I'm hit with a walk into the bathroom I'm hit with a thick<01:39:48.119> cloud
• 49.159> I<01:39:49.280> hold<01:39:49.480> my<01:39:49.639> breath thick cloud
• of smoke I hold my breath thick cloud of smoke I hold my breath until<01:39:50.040> I<01:39:50.159
• Thank you for your service, Sarah.
• <04:03:26.159> Sarah go thank you for your service Sarah go thank you for your service Sarah

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a municipal civil service agency.
• It's loaded to a cloud. Now, we do make copies of that, but it's just a copy.
• Thanks for your service.
• Thank you, Jennifer, for your service and for representing CLEET the way you do.
• Thank you again for your service. And again, I'm not against law enforcement.

Bills: SB 15

Keywords: law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• McCalpin had kind of Services. Mr.
• look to upgrade their ambulance services look to upgrade their service<00:24:25.039> from<00:
• this lifesaving emergency services.
• this lifesaving emergency services.
• , take any time off for medical services, take any time off for medical services, vacation,<00:42

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate services. Correctly printed. Senate Bill 119 correctly engrossed.
• <00:19:27.520> Senate<00:19:27.919> services. Correctly<00:19:33.120> printed.
• Senate acknowledged the Denver Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated for their service
• For 113 years, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has championed sisterhood, scholarship, service, and
• Thank you all for being here today and thank you for your service.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the February 20, 2026 journal, and then moved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of bills on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 85, concerning military protection orders in domestic violence cases, and Senate Bill 25, concerning land survey monumentation, were both adopted on the consent calendar and later reported out as amended and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The chamber also briefly recognized the Denver Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and welcomed a visiting family member of a sergeant during moments of personal privilege. The committee then took up Senate Bill 5, which creates a state court remedy for violations of federal constitutional rights during immigration enforcement. Senators Weissman and Gonzalez supported the bill, arguing it is meant to protect constitutional rights and provide a civil remedy when those rights are violated. Senator Gonzalez urged a strong vote in favor, while Senator Weissman explained the bill’s scope and later supported amendments as technical or clarifying changes. Two amendments to SB 5 were debated at length and both were defeated. Amendment L004, offered by Senator Baisley, would have required that a violation be done “knowingly and intentionally”; supporters argued it would add fairness and guard against frivolous claims, while opponents said it would raise the burden for injured people and was unnecessary because the bill already concerns federal constitutional rights. Amendment L005, offered by Senator Lon, would have barred claims where the plaintiff provoked the conduct; supporters said it would protect self-defense and limit abuse of the bill, while opponents called it victim-blaming and said it would undermine accountability. Both amendments failed on voice votes, and debate on the bill continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we sit on two of the emergency service functions that advise the governor during those disasters.
• Throughout all of this, it's evident that cell phone service is not readily available.
• I was at Camp Waldemar about a week before the disaster occurred, and as you know, cell phone service
• Some of our parks are quite remote, and the availability of mobile service is sketchy at best. ...or
• The storm knocked out, as you know, our power, and we had limited cell service.

Keywords: 997, house, all