Transcript Highlights:

• Part of the insurance code. Yes, it's part of the insurance code. Thank you.
• Part of the insurance code. that? Part of the insurance code.
• >> Yes, it's part of the insurance code. >> Yes, it's part of the insurance code.
• <03:06:41.680> and with insurance carriers from Texas and with insurance carriers from Texas
• , code, code, um, um, um, that<03:14:23.080> that<03:14:23.440> allowed<03:14:23.840>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and the Texas Ethics Commission.
• We will also Trinity River Authority of Texas and the Texas Ethics Commission.
• The next agency we are voting on is the Texas Ethics Commission.
• This modification For the Texas Ethics Commission. Excuse me.
• This recommendation amends Section 254.042 of the Texas Election Code to limit the late filing penalty

Summary: The Sunset Advisory Commission met for its final meeting of the biennium, established a quorum, and approved the December 11, 2024 minutes. Members then voted on staff recommendations for several agencies, including the Angelina and Netties River Authority, Lower Netties Valley Authority, and Trinity River Authority of Texas, adopting all recommendations for those entities without modification. The Texas Ethics Commission received the most discussion. Members adopted a modified recommendation to exempt lobby compensation thresholds from inflation adjustments and another modification to round inflation-adjusted amounts. The Commission also adopted a series of new recommendations addressing TEC customer service staffing, late filing penalties, post-election reporting penalties, waiver of penalties when notice cannot be produced, review of the substantial compliance standard for corrected reports, review of the definition of principal purpose for campaign finance reporting, more prominent public posting of delinquent penalties, and clearer training and guidance on lobbying registration and filing requirements. The Commission also adopted two previously omitted Texas Department of Criminal Justice recommendations, 6.5 and 6.6. The Commission then took its required final record vote to forward all recommendations adopted during the biennium to the 89th Legislature; the motion passed with nine ayes. Sunset staff provided a status update on implementation of 2023 Sunset recommendations, reporting that the State Auditor found 89% of selected management actions fully implemented and that Sunset staff found 68% of 163 statutory and related changes fully implemented, with the remainder mostly in progress. The meeting also noted the recently completed evaluation of the Texas Lottery Commission and ended with closing remarks from the chair and vice chair before the Commission recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and the Texas Ethics Commission.
• We will also Trinity River Authority of Texas and the Texas Ethics Commission.
• The next agency we are voting on is the Texas Ethics Commission.
• This modification For the Texas Ethics Commission. Excuse me.
• This recommendation amends Section 254.042 of the Texas Election Code to limit the late filing penalty

Summary: The Sunset Advisory Commission met for its final meeting of the biennium, established a quorum, and approved the December 11, 2024 meeting minutes. Members then voted on staff recommendations for several agencies, including the Angelina and Nettie River Authority, Lower Nettie Valley Authority, and Trinity River Authority of Texas, adopting all recommendations without objection. For the Texas Ethics Commission, the Commission adopted staff recommendations, including two modifications to recommendation 1.2: one to exempt lobby compensation thresholds from inflation adjustments and revert them to statutory levels, and another to round inflation-adjusted amounts to practical increments. The Commission also adopted eight new Texas Ethics Commission recommendations. These addressed late filing penalties, including limiting accrual for eight-day reports through election day, excluding the first post-election semiannual report from daily penalties, waiving penalties when notice cannot be shown, reviewing the definition of substantial compliance for corrected reports, reviewing the definition of principal purpose to reduce unnecessary campaign finance reporting burdens, improving public access to delinquent penalty information on the TEC website, and expanding training and plain-language guidance on lobbying and filing requirements. The Commission also adopted two previously omitted Texas Department of Criminal Justice recommendations, 6.5 and 6.6. By recorded vote, the Commission unanimously forwarded all recommendations adopted during the biennium to the 89th Legislature, with nine ayes. Sunset staff then reported on implementation of 2023 Sunset recommendations, stating that the State Auditor found 89% of selected management actions fully implemented and that Sunset staff found 68% of 163 statutory and related changes fully implemented, with most remaining items in progress or partially implemented. The Commission also briefly noted receipt of a Texas Lottery Commission evaluation concerning executive leadership and potential regulation of lottery ticket courier companies, but no further action was taken on that item. The meeting concluded with closing remarks and a motion to recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• There were some child care development funds one year when code during COVID that where we were able
• That's right. >> So no matter what area code there is, there's a that lures representative there is there
• comments before we do is get >> Piggyback on some of our comments before we do is get another area code
• or ZIP code that all students are supported.
• or we can utilize for this process of screening and diagnosis?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A&M and the University of Texas.
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center established in 1969 as the Texas Tech University School
• I especially want to applaud United Ways of Texas and One Star for creating the Texas nonprofit Strong
• The Texas Trucking Association has been a unified voice for the Texas trucking industry for over 90 years
• It's chapter 161.001B10 of the Family code.

Transcript Highlights:

• stationed him in Texas. stationed him in Texas. 30<01:13:14.320> years<01:13:14.640> that
• They were the code talkers um which actually one of the only codes uh that I believe they couldn't break
• believe<01:24:34.000> they the only codes uh that I believe they the only codes uh that I
• Utilities.
• Utilities. Utilities. Utilities.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened for Military Appreciation Day with a color guard presentation, the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance led by military veterans, and a quorum call. The journal from the prior day was approved, and the chamber then moved out of order to consider a series of resolutions honoring military service and veterans. All of the resolutions taken up in this segment were adopted by recorded vote, generally with unanimous support and no opposing votes, with several members named as co-sponsors after passage. The first resolutions recognized military service broadly and by community: HJR 1004 honored military members, veterans, POWs, MIAs, and Gold Star families; HJR 1005 recognized African-American veterans; HJR 1006 recognized Latina and Latino veterans; HJR 1007 honored Native American veterans and communities; HJR 1008 honored women veterans and women serving in the armed forces; HJR 1009 focused on veterans mental health awareness and proclaimed Military and Veterans Appreciation Day; HJR 1010 honored Colorado veterans of the Vietnam War; HJR 1011 marked the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II and honored Colorado veterans who served in that war; and HJR 1012 honored Korean War veterans. Each was adopted with overwhelming support, typically 59 or 60 ayes and no no votes. The chamber also adopted HJR 1013 honoring Persian Gulf War veterans, HJR 1014 honoring post-9/11 veterans, HJR 1015 recognizing the 58th anniversary of the capture of the USS Pueblo and calling for its return, and HJR 1016 honoring the 10th Mountain Division and Camp Hale. After the votes, the House recessed for sponsor remarks. Speakers from both chambers and invited guests gave tributes emphasizing sacrifice, family service, historical discrimination faced by African-American and Latino veterans, the contributions of Native American code talkers and tribal communities, the importance of mental health support for veterans, and remembrance of Gold Star families and those lost in war.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and the Texas Ethics Commission.
• We will also Trinity River Authority of Texas and the Texas Ethics Commission.
• The next agency we are voting on is the Texas Ethics Commission.
• This modification for the Texas Ethics Commission. Excuse me.
• This recommendation amends Section 254.042 of the Texas Election Code to limit the late filing penalty

Summary: The Sunset Advisory Commission met for its final meeting of the biennium, established a quorum, approved the December 11, 2024 minutes, and then voted on recommendations for several agencies reviewed earlier in the cycle. It adopted all recommendations for the Angelina and Nettus River Authority, the Lower Nettus Valley Authority, and the Trinity River Authority of Texas, with no modifications offered for those agencies. The Commission then considered the Texas Ethics Commission. Members adopted staff recommendations with modifications, including changes to lobby compensation thresholds and rounding of inflation adjustments. The Commission also adopted a series of new recommendations addressing TEC customer service staffing, late-filing penalties, post-election reporting penalties, waiver of penalties when notice cannot be shown, review of the “substantial compliance” standard, review of the “principal purpose” definition, more prominent public posting of delinquent penalties, and clearer training and guidance on filing and lobby-registration requirements. The Commission also adopted two previously omitted Texas Department of Criminal Justice recommendations, 6.5 and 6.6. By recorded vote, the Commission unanimously forwarded all recommendations adopted during the biennium to the 89th Legislature, with nine ayes. Sunset staff then reported on implementation of 2023 Sunset recommendations, saying the State Auditor found 89% of selected management actions fully implemented and Sunset staff found 68% of statutory and related changes fully implemented, with the remainder mostly in progress. The Commission also noted receipt of a January 6 evaluation of the Texas Lottery Commission, including a study of potential regulation of lottery ticket courier companies, but no further action was taken on that item. The meeting concluded with closing remarks and a motion to recess subject to the call of the Chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no fiscal impact, no new programs are created, and this is just about clarity in our code.
• In terms of the word gender, that is, throughout all the statutes and codes, it's your assertion that
• In terms of the word gender, that is, throughout all the statutes and codes, it's your assertion that
• We want you to learn how to operate and utilize that firearm.
• of Evidence and Code of Civil Procedure.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In what world is this ethical or even remotely humane to inflict cuts to programs utilized by our most
• The funding we have received from the state thus far has been well utilized, but it's not enough.
• Families are making choices between food, rent, utilities, and diapers.
• The total single allocation would be utilized fully at 100%.
• An 11-year-old girl in Texas took her life. than go to school.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's contained in some special parts of the Internal Revenue Act. new code, sections 103 and 141
• Special rules under the federal tax code, and that is what the Public Project Revolving Fund is.
• We have a For example, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority is coming to the NMFA
• Russell, and this was having to do with the Albuquerque Water Utility Authority, of course, Bernalillo
• So, for example, the Water Utility Authority, of course, you know, we are highly populated.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas coast.
• Texas Hall of Fame.
• work in Texas history.
• Travis of the Alamo, the Texas Declaration of Independence, and the Texas Constitution.
• programs across Texas.

Bills: HCR6

Keywords: Meals on Wheels, senior services, nutrition, community support, volunteerism

Transcript Highlights:

• , and the Texas Ethics Commission.
• The next agency we're voting on is the Trinity River Authority of Texas.
• The next agency we are voting on is the Texas Ethics Commission.
• It's a staff recommendation of 1.2 for the Texas Ethics Commission. Excuse me.
• This recommendation amends Section 254.042 of the Texas Election Code to limit the late filing penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• and Texas A&M and Texas Tech University.
• The Texas Success Initiative Assessment, TSIA is a test designed to help guide Texas public institutions
• First, it enhances reporting requirements of the education code.
• This is a cleanup bill from Texas for Texas Leadership Scholars Program, which Senator West puts in the
• Texas State Technical College was not relieved from this requirement, which occurred because Texas State

Transcript Highlights:

• And how they utilize their money is not dictated under this resolution.
• They can utilize that money in any way that they choose to so that it was a...
• Does that include building safety inspections, code enforcement, animal control?
• Does that include building safety inspections, code enforcement, animal control?
• And so when they finally settled in Texas, that has... Thank you.

Summary: The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments. Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71. The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wanted to mention that in Texas, we have a coast.
• We've got two of them in operation in Texas right now.
• The existing Texas Clean Fleet Program will become the Texas Large Fleet Program.
• Yes, Ken Flippin, Texas Chapter U.S.
• Some of the money going to Texas A&M.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1904, which would classify intentionally released helium balloons as litter and create criminal penalties for balloon releases. The author and supportive witnesses argued that balloon releases harm wildlife, livestock, waterways, and infrastructure, and that the bill would close a loophole in current litter law. Several members questioned whether criminal penalties were appropriate, and the author said he was willing to work toward civil penalties and fines instead. No vote was taken, and HB 1904 was left pending. The committee then took up several pending bills and reported them favorably to the full House, including HB 3249, HB 3866, HB 4112, HB 1768, HB 1499, HB 573, and HB 464. These measures dealt with topics such as TCEQ contested-case procedures, outdoor storage containers, high-level radioactive waste, concrete plant permitting and grants, unannounced concrete batch plant inspections, and a scrap tire grant program. Most were adopted with substitutes and passed on recorded votes, generally with unanimous or near-unanimous support. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3997, which would create expedited permitting timelines for LNG facilities and related wastewater permits. Industry witnesses said the bill would provide certainty for multibillion-dollar projects without eliminating public participation, while environmental groups opposed parts of the bill that they said could limit contested-case participation and be unrealistic for SOAH timelines. TCEQ staff described the current wastewater permitting process and said some of the bill’s timing provisions could be workable, especially with an expedited fee. The bill was left pending after the author said he would continue working on committee substitute language. The committee also heard HB 1237 on extending the renewal window for expired TCEQ occupational water licenses, and HB 4519, a TERP consolidation bill that would combine several clean transportation grant programs into fewer programs. HB 1237 was left pending without testimony, while HB 4519 drew broad support from environmental and industry witnesses who favored simplifying the program, though some asked for stronger emphasis on particulate matter and hydrogen funding. The committee withdrew the substitute on HB 4519 and left it pending. Finally, HB 5033, which would eliminate the motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program if federal authority changes, drew opposition from environmental and inspection-industry witnesses who warned it would weaken air-quality protections and could remove an important enforcement tool. The author said the bill was intended as a trigger mechanism and would be refined, and HB 5033 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 1227 on municipal solid-waste franchise fees and private-provider access; the author said he would bring a substitute after hearing concerns from cities, and the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• standard code standard code um<01:34:22.640> that<01:34:22.960> that<01:34:23.600>
• <01:36:18.720> to code review board to amend the code to code review board to amend the code
• doesn't apply to the building code. doesn't apply to the building code.
• <01:37:22.680> Uh the code side. Uh the code side.
• accordance with the state building code. accordance with the state building code.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the QR codes. up the code today. It is THC with a smidge of CBD.
• I was born and raised in Texas, currently living in Denton, Texas.
• Of Tyler, Texas, yes. of Tyler, Texas. Milton Pfeiffer, representing Green Nation of Tyler, Texas.
• Texas since 2013.
• We already have testing requirements, QR code transparency, and can easily make age verification Texas

Bills: HB 28, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, HB28, public testimony, committee decorum, bill substitute, legislative process

Summary: The meeting featured significant discussions regarding HB28, where the chair outlined the plans to bring forward a substitute for the bill. The chair emphasized the importance of maintaining order and decorum during the proceedings. Members engaged in deliberations, and a number of public witnesses were invited to testify, thereby enriching the discussion around the bill. This interaction provided valuable insights into public sentiment regarding the issues at hand.

Transcript Highlights:

• population, or opossum population, was introduced, while others suggest a natural range expansion from the Texas
• Range expansion from the Texas panhandle.
• Frequently, employees are unable to utilize accrued compensatory leave because management is unable or
• Building code, but it may reduce the burden and the process of getting to that point of being able to
• How are we going to utilize every dollar to make it count?

Transcript Highlights:

• He also is a senior government affairs representative manager for PNM, the public utility company of
• Speaker, he was a pro bono attorney for the Navajo Code Talkers. Mr. Michael Gross.
• recommendations for a regulatory and statutory framework that would promote reliable and consistent access to utilities

Bills: HB111, HJR1, HB61, HB8, HB30, HB43, HB156, HJM2, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB70, SB3, HJM3

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• They wish to utilize the criminal justice system as a means of getting that person help.
• SB 1028's scope could also be expanded beyond the vehicles code to ensure that community service is an
• <01:17:49.920> to expanded beyond the vehicles code to expanded beyond the vehicles code to
• The child welfare division diversion and intervention pilot project will utilize peer navigators and
• <01:32:44.639> peer pilot project will utilize peer pilot project will utilize peer navigators

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.