Transcript Highlights:

• in an attorney general opinion provide additional predictability and stability for the Council's ethics
• In summary, this bill makes several changes to clarify and strengthen the ethics and administration.

Bills: HB188, HB265, HJR35, HJR47, SB1901, HB188, HB265, HJR35

Keywords: Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety, gang violence prevention, human trafficking prevention, economic development, TxDOT grants, school districts

Transcript Highlights:

• Harrington Forest Research Center.
• Madam Chair, Senator, yeah, we are doing research along that entire pipeline.
• That research center will still operate as a research center on its own but work in collaboration with
• But it comes in collaboration with the research you all are doing.
• So IBHS prioritizes research about how to defend against embers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the House Ethics Committee meeting for June 25th, slightly after 10 a.m.

Keywords: 977, all

Summary: The House Ethics Committee met on June 25 with Representatives Jordan, Collins, Guest, King, Robbins, and Rutherford present, and later Representative Calhoun joined during executive session. The committee had one agenda item requiring legal briefing, so it first moved into executive session for legal purposes. No actions were taken while in executive session. After returning to open session, the chair reported that the committee had received legal advice and reviewed a draft opinion. Representative King then moved that the committee find the fees at issue do not need to be reported on members’ SCI because the fees are not state or government funds, and to adopt the advisory opinion as drafted by counsel based on that finding. Representative Calhoun seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously among members present and voting. Staff was directed to finish drafting the advisory opinion, and the meeting was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will call the meeting of the House Ethics Committee to order.

Transcript Highlights:

• This work is influenced by a variety of factors, including creating an agency culture that fosters ethical
• And by centralizing these functions, we strengthen our commitment to accountability, ethical conduct,
• And by centralizing these functions, we strengthen our commitment to accountability, ethical conduct,
• Cases were assigned to investigators who would then conduct research on the center and owner and would
• </c> been achieved, when our staff researched been achieved, when our staff researched this,<01:45:27.520

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• populations in the nation, of transgender, gender diverse, and intersex populations, and that the research
• They encouraged us to go out of network, and so in January, after researching, calling, and inquiring
• They encouraged us to go out of network, and so in January, after researching, calling, and inquiring
• In fact, we've already spent thousands of dollars in research in the pursuit of leaving.
• It is correct that I did research prior to this hearing.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on access to gender-affirming care in California, with members of the Senate and Assembly budget subcommittees hearing first from the Department of Justice, Department of Managed Health Care, and Department of Health Care Services. State officials described California’s legal protections against discrimination, privacy protections, shield laws, and Medi-Cal and commercial plan coverage requirements for medically necessary gender-affirming care. They also outlined ongoing litigation and advocacy against federal actions and proposed rules that could restrict care, including challenges to executive orders, HHS declarations, and federal reimbursement rules, as well as a temporary restraining order protecting care at Rady Children’s Hospital. Committee members pressed the agencies on why some hospitals that had stopped providing care had not been sued, how the state measures network adequacy and equitable access, whether the $15 million previously allocated for gender-affirming care had been used, and what additional statutory changes might be needed. DMHC and DHCS said they regulate health plans rather than providers directly, rely on complaints and independent medical review to address denials or delays, and do not track utilization or have a specific provider category for gender-affirming care. DOJ said it is focused on the federal government as the source of pressure on hospitals and providers, while members discussed possible shield-law expansions and, if federal rules are finalized, the possibility of state-only funding to preserve access. The second panel featured a physician, clinic leaders, parents, and a transgender teen describing how families navigate care and the effects of hospital closures and insurance barriers. Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy gave a history of transgender health care, described puberty blockers and hormones as established treatments, and said minors need parental consent for medical interventions. J.M. Jaffe of Lyon Martin Community Health Services said community clinics are absorbing patients after hospital programs closed and asked for $26 million in state funding to expand capacity. Parents and youth testified about delays, out-of-network referrals, lost coverage, and the emotional strain of uncertainty, while also urging the Legislature to stabilize access and protect continuity of care.

Transcript Highlights:

• before you directs the office... the court administration to conduct an interim study on the legal and ethical

Bills: SB66

Keywords: disability, supported decision-making, legal assistance, confidentiality, access to justice, autonomy, civil rights, advocacy, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can send it to our committee researcher, Jake Newman, and his information is on the committee notice
• You can send it to our committee researcher, Jake Newman, and his information is on the committee notice
• Realtors are bound by a code of ethics to be honest and fair in their practice and to strive to become
• So, as far as I am aware—and I will say that we have internal researchers who can verify this—but as
• director, Jake Newman at jacob.numann. our committee, care of our research director, Jake Newman, at

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of things, a lot of existing research.
• A lot of things, a lot of existing research.
• Things, a lot of existing research.
• </c> national center for atmospheric research national center for atmospheric research out<03:27:15.680
• In both their code of ethics, they argue that pursuing research and evidence-based practices is an act

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• before you directs the Office of Court Administration to conduct an interim study on the legal and ethical

Summary: The committee met at 5:39 p.m. with a quorum present and took up one item, Senate Bill 66. The chair laid out a committee substitute for the bill, which concerns supportive decision-making agreements as an alternative to full guardianship for adults with disabilities who can make their own choices but may need assistance understanding options, accessing information, and making decisions. The substitute would direct the Office of Court Administration to conduct an interim study on the legal and ethical issues involved in allowing a supporter under such an agreement to assist an adult with a disability in criminal or civil legal proceedings. The discussion noted stakeholder concerns about confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, and how the proposal would work in practice. The study is to examine effects on privilege and confidentiality, identify related estate code and other legal provisions that may need amendment, evaluate best practices from other jurisdictions, and recommend statutory changes. No committee members asked questions, and no one registered or appeared to testify. The chair closed the hearing, withdrew the committee substitute and left it pending, then concluded the agenda. The committee adjourned without objection, subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Johnson's research to verify it. Thank you, Ms. Johnson. I believe it's one, Mr. Chair.
• Johnson's research to verify it. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senator Drazkowski, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Minnesota property tax system and provides oversight of assessor licensing, continuing education, and ethical
• </c><01:32:25.440><c> conduct</c> continuing education and ethical conduct continuing education and ethical
• I own a legal research and government affairs business here in St.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He has developed his skills and work ethic over these years.
• ><c> researched</c> Research Their findings were researched Research Their findings were researched at
• So, and there's research to back that up, which I can also submit.
• I will be happy to submit research on that fact as well. I'm done. single day.
• </c> to submit research on that fact as well. to submit research on that fact as well.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><04:01:43.439><c> or</c> may be doing any type of research or may be doing any type of research or
• overseeing the funding for that overseeing the funding for that research.<04:03:47.680><c> So</c><04:
• So that has reduced a lot of research.
• ,<04:12:36.239><c> and</c><04:12:36.479><c> Juristrudent</c><04:12:37.359><c> Prudence</c> Ethics, and
• Juristrudent Prudence Ethics, and Juristrudent Prudence Examination.<04:12:39.120><c> This</c><04:12

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on Senate Bill 401, which DHHS described as a cleanup bill. Testimony from the department explained that the bill would repeal obsolete reporting requirements tied to a repealed municipal reimbursement program and to the now-repealed commission on demographic trends. No one testified in opposition, and the committee voted 12-0 ought to pass, placing the bill on the consent calendar. The committee then heard Senate Bill 402, which would eliminate certain non-compete agreements for physician associates going forward. Senator Gray introduced the bill, and a representative of the New Hampshire Society of Physician Associates said it would improve workforce recruitment and access to care without changing scope of practice or affecting existing agreements. Committee members asked about the length of current restrictions and whether the change would make New Hampshire more attractive to PAs. The committee voted 12-0 ought to pass and sent the bill to the consent calendar. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 426, which would repeal the permissible fireworks committee. Senator Uler and the deputy state fire marshal said the committee’s original purpose had been overtaken by later changes adopting federal fireworks standards, and that the fire marshal now has the necessary authority. The committee voted 12-0 ought to pass and placed the bill on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 469, a DMV modernization bill allowing electronic signatures in place of wet signatures for certain motor vehicle title and registration processes. Senator Lang, Carvana, the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association, Copart, and DMV staff all supported the measure, saying it would reduce delays, errors, and paperwork burdens. Members asked about AI, consumer protections, costs, and how electronic signatures would work in practice, including in cases involving deceased owners. The transcript cuts off during that hearing before any committee action on SB 469.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the foundation of America's medical research.
• ,</c><00:15:38.399><c> stall</c> which would research, stall which would research, stall medical<00:15
• It means that hospitals and research centers will struggle to continue their work.
• In 2023 alone, the NIH invested over $1.5 billion into Texas research institutions.
• The research being conducted today will determine the treatments available tomorrow.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• H. 2020 by Zener relating to the electronic filing for which the Texas Ethics Commission of certain reports
• HB 15 sent by Shaheen relates to the functions and duties of the Texas Ethics Commissioner for the Committee
• creation of the Select Interim Committee to review and make recommendations for substantive changes to ethical

Transcript Highlights:

• UNESCO has become an important forum for global conversations around the ethical development and use
• of AI, and produced the first-ever Global Standards on AI Ethics in November of 2021.
• to work with partners and allies around the world to make sure that our standards, based upon the ethical

Transcript Highlights:

• focus on elements that were identified with the forensic examinations and include governance and ethics
• So governance and ethics, which was specifically understanding the mission, vision, and values, the legal
• requirements; the roles and responsibilities of board members, officers, and committees; code of ethics

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee held its first meeting of the term and heard introductory remarks from the chair, vice chair, ranking member, and members, who broadly described their interest in child welfare, mental health, aging services, homelessness, and agency accountability. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction, including child welfare, mental health and substance abuse safety net services, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, elder services, and child support, and introduced the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as the first agency panel for the term. DCF presented an implementation update on HB 7089, a 2024 law aimed at increasing accountability and transparency for community-based care (CBC) lead agencies that deliver most child welfare services under contract. The department said the bill was prompted by forensic examinations that found problems such as noncompetitive procurement, related-party transactions, excessive executive compensation, and weak financial oversight. DCF described new contract requirements and monitoring tools covering board governance and annual training, conflict-of-interest disclosures, financial penalties for noncompliance, fidelity bond requirements, limits on direct service provision by lead agencies, related-party procurement rules, procurement thresholds, real-property approvals, compensation caps, expanded public reporting, and a new Future of Child Protection and Funding Work Group. DCF reported that some lead agencies had completed required board training, others were still on schedule, and two agencies exceeding the direct-service threshold had been referred to the Auditor General. Members asked DCF about the reasons for the bill, the impact on children, the work group’s regional representation, aging-out youth, the Embrace Families transition, board training requirements, and whether enforcement actions had been taken. DCF said the bill was intended to protect funds for children and families and improve oversight, and clarified that the Central Florida lead agency contract was awarded through competitive procurement rather than an absorption. DCF also said the board training was designed to be meaningful but not overly burdensome, with timing left partly to lead agencies as they implement the new requirements. The committee then heard from two CBC leaders, who generally supported the accountability goals of HB 7089 and said their agencies had already addressed most of the new governance and disclosure requirements. They reported that board training had been completed or was being scheduled, but both agencies said the fidelity bond requirement has been difficult or impossible to obtain in the market as written, though they were able to secure the separate performance bond. The CBC witnesses also warned that recruiting providers is increasingly difficult, especially for higher-acuity children and group-home placements, due to limited provider supply, regulatory burden, insurance costs, and rising risk. They said these pressures are contributing to budget deficits in some areas and urged lawmakers to consider the funding model, insurance and indemnification issues, and the risk of overregulation reducing provider participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s really an ethical issue, and the state should not be farming out its incarceration to profit-making
• <01:41:42.960><c> the</c><01:41:43.119><c> outcomes</c><01:41:43.800><c> of</c> researching the outcomes
• of researching the outcomes of evidence-based<01:41:44.880><c> practices</c><01:41:45.840><c> to</c>
• 50.480><c> the</c><01:42:50.639><c> state</c><01:42:50.880><c> should</c><01:42:51.119><c> not</c> ethical
• issue and the state should not ethical issue and the state should not be<01:42:52.080><c> farming</c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit. HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals. HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue. HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Possessed of an exceptional work ethic, Joe was equally committed to his family and friends, a loving

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and adopted an order to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. A motion was then offered to adjourn in memory of Joseph Mario Machiavelli, with a tribute describing his life, military service in Italy, immigration to the United States, marriage to Carmela, and the family bakery business that became a South Boston landmark. The Senate approved the motion and observed a moment of silence in his memory. Following the memorial, the Senate adopted the motion to adjourn. The chamber then stood adjourned in memory of Mr. Machiavelli, with the next meeting scheduled for Thursday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> and</c><00:51:39.839><c> family</c> Research in child development and family Research in child development
• ><c> demonstrate</c><01:04:40.079><c> that</c> have um research to demonstrate that have um research
• ><c> are</c> Research shows the effects are Research shows the effects are measurable.<01:23:53.440><
• So, I mean, that's like an ethical obligation.
• So, I mean, that's like an ethical obligation.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all