Transcript Highlights:

• There were dozens of Attorney Generals before, and there will be dozens of Attorney Generals afterwards
• So the Attorney General wrote this bill. What's that? So the Attorney General wrote this bill.
• The Attorney General and the district attorney can have dialogue, so then would the Attorney General
• To the Attorney General.
• Because when the Attorney General...

Bills: HB8, HB12, SB 3, HJR1, SB 11, SB 16, SB 14, HB 8, HB 12, SB 3, HJR 1, SB 11, SB 16, SB 14

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Transcript Highlights:

• with the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, and the Department of Human Rights will create and distribute
• 00:01:54.080> will<00:01:54.280> create<00:01:54.760> and<00:01:54.880> distribute
• Human Rights will create and distribute Human Rights will create and distribute the<00:01:55.560
• <00:44:37.320> in<00:44:37.440> our building that we see generally in our building
• that we see generally in our schools<00:44:38.160> and<00:44:38.400> and<00:44:38.760><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:48:38.400> fund Henipin County to uh to general fund Henipin County to uh to general fund
• <01:19:38.080> General<01:19:38.159> general<01:19:38.400> fund the general
• General general fund the general fund.
• General general fund anytime<01:19:39.280> we<01:19:39.440> like<01:19:39.600> to
• <01:21:18.159> um<01:21:18.239> direct general fund for 5 years. um direct general

Transcript Highlights:

• would have as it the note said generate would have as it the note said approximately<01:40:57.199>
• With the $112, it would be, if we're just generalizing, 148% higher.
• <01:44:51.080> you that yeah the only distribution you that yeah the only distribution you
• But the number of dollars I'm going to generalize here, because I don't have the figures in front of
• But I tried to leave it a little bit general.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which clarifies that dual and concurrent enrollment courses may not exceed four credits. Members said the bill came from the community college system and was intended to preserve the program’s high school-to-college pathway. An amendment changing the effective date to passage was adopted 18-0, and the committee then voted 18-0 to recommend OTPA on the bill as amended, with the bill placed on the consent calendar. The committee then retained HB 295 and HB 366, both related to school building aid, after members said the issues were complex and needed more work. Both motions to retain passed 18-0, leaving the bills in committee without reports. The chair also said HB 354 would not be taken up that day because of possible changes from the Department of Education and others. HB 494, funding the math learning communities program, was then amended to flat-fund the program rather than increase it, with members citing budget uncertainty. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted 18-0 for OTPA on the bill as amended, placing it on consent. Finally, HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid, drew debate over whether charter schools should be treated differently from traditional public schools. The committee voted 10-8 for inexpedient to legislate, sending the bill to the regular calendar; Representative Damon was assigned the minority report and Representative Popovic the majority report. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program, where members discussed flat-funding the program at $2.5 million per year and the potential impact on course availability, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the ability to do it under general law.
• Yes, it would go to the Attorney General, and the Attorney General, I believe, would have 10 days to
• That's what our Attorney General should be doing.
• The bill provides DOR with a 5.5 million dollar appropriation from the general revenue from general revenue
• It is one mill generates less than $5 million. It is one mill generates less than $5 million.

Summary: The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes by lowering assessment caps on non-homestead property, expanding homestead exemptions over time, and allowing local governments to increase exemptions further. The sponsor argued the measure would provide broad property tax relief while requiring revenues to be directed to core services such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and natural resource projects, with a trust fund intended to help local governments transition. Senators raised concerns about the lack of a fiscal score, the effect on counties, cities, school districts, and special districts, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. Several amendments were debated. Senator Polsky’s amendment to explicitly authorize user fees and non-ad valorem assessments to offset lost property tax revenue failed. Senator Avila’s amendment broadening permissible uses of ad valorem revenue to include county constitutional officers and other expenditures approved by local governing bodies was adopted after debate over whether the bill would otherwise underfund essential functions. Senator Smith’s sunset amendment, which would have made the constitutional changes expire after five years, failed. Senator Smith’s amendment to allow tourism development tax revenue to support public safety and education also failed. Senator Graal’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund language was adopted, with supporters arguing the Constitution should not promise an unfunded account. Additional late-file amendments were considered. Senator Berman’s proposal to change the ballot title to more neutrally describe the measure as affecting property taxes and local community service reductions failed. Senator Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal was adopted, preserving school taxes. Senator Smith’s amendment narrowing the non-homestead assessment cap reduction to small businesses only failed. The committee then returned to the bill as amended and continued questioning the sponsor about eligibility, fiscal impacts, and whether the proposal could lead to local governments offsetting lost revenue through special assessments or other charges.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that brings me back to just my general philosophical question about it.
• that brings me back to just my general that brings me back to just my general philosophical<00:20
• Yeah, about the bill in general or for Senator Putnam? Thank you so much.
• is uh zero impact on the on the general is uh zero impact on the on the general fund<00:35:40.440
• our environment for future Generations our environment for future Generations all<00:51:11.319><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, General, the agency is not asking for any general revenue.
• **General Paxton**: Yes.
• Good morning, General.
• **General Paxton**: Yeah.
• **General Paxton**: Thank you, General. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, **Senator Colcord**.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, Attorney General, budget recommendations, funding swaps, salary increases, Landowner's Compensation Program, public testimony, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Slide four gives you a more general broad view. Of what the guardrail bill does, right?
• The rest of the funding is distributed among the other agencies, which include.
• Or if it's a kind of statewide general purpose appropriation is in column M.
• Typically, they're funded in larger amounts in general obligation bond years.
• So that's probably a great question for them more generally at their budget hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the General Counsel introduce this item? Yes, thank you, Chair.
• We are generally sworn complaint-generated people. People, third parties file complaints.
• We generally don't initiate them ourselves.
• We don't go out and investigate people, generally ourselves.
• So you're—she said the general election has a kick.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:48.640> less first of all there is generally less first of all there is generally less
• been changes over decades generally been changes over decades generally labor<00:04:22.800> force
• labor force participation but generally labor force participation but generally what<00:05:17.240
• ceiling's theoretical but but generally ceiling's theoretical but but generally that<00:47:55.720
• bit longer but it's but generally bit longer but it's but generally speaking<01:43:03.520> I<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• under Attorney General Swanson. under Attorney General Swanson.
• Attorney General General General Ellison,<01:38:29.280> come<01:38:29.360> on<01:38:29.520
• Attorney General.
• Attorney General? General? General?
• Attorney General. >> Mr. Attorney General.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > Hampshire<00:25:19.919> especially in general and New Hampshire especially in general
• <04:27:19.760> want manager and I'm quoting generally want manager and I'm quoting generally
• > fund million non-relapsing general fund million non-relapsing general fund appropriation<04:
• What about generation?
• What about generation? maintenance. What about generation?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a 100% off-taker from the generation.
• Who let a new generation, as you see it, as you gentlemen see it with this legislation, if a new generator
• This is not just for existing generation today.
• So data centers utilize backup generation. That backup generation is largely diesel.
• Generators to run in times of emergencies.

Bills: SB6, SB11, SB33

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're looking to maintain that position for maximum revenue generation over time.
• And she would be a third-generation rodeo secretary because my mom was doing rodeos.
• So when people talk about third generation this or third generation that, my family has three generations
• So if you don't know what land regeneration is, really... ...generate land.
• We're distributing the vegetables. We're distributing chicken eggs.

Summary: The Tribal and State Relations Committee met at Standing Rock and heard extensive comments from tribal council members, state legislators, and tribal program leaders about ongoing state-tribal coordination issues. Early discussion focused on the committee’s purpose, the need for better communication, and frustration that the meeting agenda and time allotted did not include enough state department heads or program experts to address child welfare, ICWA, Medicaid, and other human services concerns. Tribal leaders emphasized that Standing Rock wants more direct, regular communication and more practical follow-through from prior meetings. A major theme was health and human services, including concerns that the state’s rural health transformation efforts and human service zone structure do not fit tribal needs, especially for a direct-service tribe that relies on federal funding and Indian Health Service. Members also raised foster care delays, housing shortages that force children off-reservation, substance abuse treatment capacity, and the need for cultural competency in child welfare and education. Other issues included missing and murdered Indigenous people, law enforcement cooperation, extradition and banishment ordinances, cross-deputization, roads, water and sewer infrastructure, census accuracy, and the need for updated lists of tribal liaisons and bills affecting tribes. Economic development and sovereignty issues were also discussed. Standing Rock leaders raised concerns about e-pull-tabs and charitable gaming, saying state regulation has reduced tribal gaming revenue and that e-tabs should be treated as Class III gaming. They also objected to county-issued fireworks and liquor permits that affect reservation communities, arguing that state and county authority often conflicts with tribal sovereignty. In response, legislators said e-tabs and charitable gaming were likely to return as legislative issues and suggested possible solutions such as restricting e-tabs near tribal lands. The committee also discussed the need for more information on tribal-related bills and for legislators to receive cultural and treaty training. Several tribal projects and programs were presented. Joseph McNeil described Sage Development Authority’s 235-megawatt wind project, which is paused because of federal permitting delays, and asked for state support to move it forward. Dave Arshambo described Wojou’s land regeneration, buffalo, food sovereignty, youth, and wellness programs. Later, Cheryl Carey of Sacred Pipe Resource Center introduced the needs of the urban Native population in Bismarck-Mandan and statewide, noting that many Native people live off-reservation and often fall through the cracks in state-tribal discussions. The committee adjourned for lunch and planned to continue with additional presentations afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• to our 12 to us every year to distribute to our 12 Regional<00:04:48.919> Library<00:04:49.360
• <00:27:34.200> across so we have a good distribution across so we have a good distribution
• Schools didn't need to apply for the funding; it was distributed by MDE as part of the entire package
• of state aid automatic distribution of state aid calculated<00:40:05.720> at<00:40:05.839>
• Schools didn't need to apply for the funding; it was distributed by MDE as part of the entire package

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's generally where they go. And so it's a very long wait list.
• It could be limiting the innovation which physicians generally pursue.
• I'm a general practice physician here in Texas. I'm for House Bill 3219. Okay.
• At 5 p.m., I provide anesthesia for a general surgeon's case.
• I'm the Associate General Counsel of the Texas Hospital Association.

Bills: HB216

Keywords: HB216, Texas abortion law, abortion-inducing drug, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, telemedicine, in-person exam, physician presence, out-of-state physician, reproductive healthcare, abortion regulation, Health and Safety Code, Occupations Code, consultation services, remote prescribing, pro-life, pro-choice

Summary: The Committee on Public Health met with a quorum and heard public testimony on a long agenda, with members repeatedly reminded of a two-minute limit for witnesses. Several bills were voted out favorably, including HB 2588 on cottage food, HB 1639 on cancer incidence and female firefighters, HB 2581 on a reporting form for contracted services for pregnant women, and SB 922 on electronic disclosure of certain sensitive medical information. Those measures generally passed on party-line or near-unanimous votes, while HB 216 on itemized medical statements was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. The committee also left pending HB 5141, HB 4638, HB 2035, HB 4813, HB 2264, HB 4014, and HB 3829 after hearing testimony and questions. The final item introduced in the excerpt was HB 4408 on health care market transparency and corporate consolidation, but the discussion was cut off before testimony or action was completed. A major theme of the hearing was mental health diversion and access to treatment. HB 5141, by Rep. Howard, would allow Travis County to use vacated Austin State Hospital property for a local mental health jail diversion center; law enforcement, the Travis County sheriff, county judge, and urban counties group all testified in support, describing the lack of alternatives for people in crisis and the burden on jails and emergency rooms. Members asked about eligible offenses, bed capacity, and whether the facility would serve only Travis County, and the bill was left pending. HB 2264, by Rep. Schoolcraft, would create a friends-and-family form for loved ones to provide information to providers during emergency mental health treatment; NAMI and hospital groups supported it, while one neutral witness and several members raised concerns about patient control, credibility of information, and liability protections. The bill was also left pending. The committee also heard multiple psychedelic-therapy and drug-policy bills. HB 4813 would speed Texas rescheduling of Schedule I substances if the FDA reclassifies them, with testimony focused on psilocybin and MDMA and their potential use for PTSD and depression; members questioned whether the bill was too broad and how state rescheduling works, and it was left pending. HB 4014 would direct HHSC to study psychedelic therapies, building on prior state research, and witnesses said Texas should prepare regulatory and clinical infrastructure before FDA approval; it too was left pending. HB 2035 would require parents to be informed that they may seek substance-use treatment for a child even if one facility turns them away, prompted by a constituent’s account of a fatal fentanyl overdose after receiving incorrect advice; it was left pending. HB 4638 would extend and expand the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative board and timeline, with the author saying the program is still in early implementation and needs more time, and it was left pending as well. Other bills addressed public health administration and animal welfare. HB 3829 would require a study of the animal-friendly account and its grant process for spay/neuter funding, with the author arguing that the current application and reimbursement process is too burdensome for shelters and nonprofits; no opposition was heard and the bill was left pending. HB 2581 and HB 1639 were reported favorably, while HB 216 drew discussion about enforcement of itemized medical billing and was held after the committee substitute was withdrawn. Throughout the hearing, members also discussed broader concerns about homelessness, competency restoration waitlists, jail overcrowding, and the need for more treatment options outside the criminal justice system.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then this for the general fund.
• This $1 million of general funds for the Land Access and Opportunity Board.
• Down on D and general fund reserves. So, we're reserving the $74.9 million.
• They're going going to be distributed.
• <00:58:58.799> fund general fund general fund >> and<00:58:59.760> there<00:59:00.000

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to continue to have the next generation of kids come up there.
• One generation.
• There's four generations that come up, and I want to see the fifth generation be able to stand out on
• One generation.
• There's four generations that come up, and I want to see the fifth generation be able to stand out on

Bills: HF1359, HF1829, HF290, HF1933, HF926

Keywords: solid waste management, resource management account, environmental fund, taxation, Minnesota statutes, homestead, property tax, classification, disability, resort properties, recreational use, commercial property, tax refund, estimated tax, interest on refunds, income tax, corporate franchise tax, S corporation, partnership, corporation

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires the Agency of Education to provide recommendations for the General Assembly regarding education
• , and then in all the couplings and decouplings we actually raised $10 million, which went to the general
• Still get $550,000 distributed from those like 200 food shelves.
• Property, the cannabis excise tax is untouched and will just go to keep going to the general fund.
• Could you explain to me how that mechanism will work to distribute those funds? Yes, thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't know how much electricity is being generated there.
• The state of Texas that doesn't even believe in climate change, all of their new generation has been
• The state of Texas that doesn't even believe in climate change, all of their new generation has been
• UNUSUAL AND THAT'S SIMPLY A FACT OF THE MARKETPLACE WHICH IS WHY 95% OF All of the world's new generation
• The state of Texas that doesn't even believe in climate change, all of their new generation has been

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and then recognized several guest groups, including the Shenendehowa High School girls varsity cross country team and tennis champion Jolie Chichak, as well as the Downsville Central School Student Council. Senator Tedisco introduced the Shenendehowa athletes, highlighting their state and federation championships and strong academic records, and Senator Oberacker introduced the Downsville students. The chamber extended courtesies to the guests. The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills and resolutions. Among the measures approved were a bill designating Overdose Awareness Day, a real property tax bill, a public authorities bill, several education-related bills, a private housing finance bill, a workers’ compensation bill, and a labor law bill. Some items were laid aside before later being taken up, including the cannabis bill and the environmental conservation bill. Votes were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, with a few recorded negatives on certain bills. The most extensive debate centered on Calendar 261, Senator May’s environmental conservation bill concerning renewable energy installations and transmission on state reforestation lands. Senator Walczyk and others questioned whether the bill would allow solar, wind, battery storage, tree cutting, herbicide use, and reduced environmental review, while supporters argued the bill was mainly about transmission corridors, climate goals, and preserving flexibility for DEC oversight and mitigation. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed 42-13. The Senate also passed Calendar 353, Senator Ramos’s labor law bill addressing class action wage recovery and statutory damages. Supporters said it would clarify the law so workers can recover full wages in class actions, while opponents warned it could encourage litigation against small businesses over technical payroll errors. The bill passed 47-8. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until March 4, 2026, with intervening days as legislative days.