Transcript Highlights:

• was a financial model analyst where he built, reported, tracked, and managed multi-million-dollar budgets
• He also worked at Bontara as a customer and prospects database analyst, looking at data-driven changes

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, heard an invocation, dispensed with the previous journal, and received a House message. Members also recognized Dr. Namita Bardwaj as doctor of the day. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 554 honoring Christopher “Chris” Jake Stone of Santa Fe for his heroism during the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, with several senators and the lieutenant governor offering remarks about his sacrifice and the ongoing impact on his family and community. The Senate also signed a number of bills and resolutions and adopted Senate Resolution 533 recognizing the Texas Legislative Internship Program class, with multiple senators highlighting individual interns and the program’s role in developing future public servants. The floor then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order and the three-day rule. These included HB 1639 on a study of cancer incidence among female firefighters; HB 102 granting early registration for students in military-related programs; HB 4325 increasing civil penalties for barratry; HB 5342 creating a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline trust fund and related funding study; HB 3370 allowing late timberland appraisal applications after an owner’s death; HB 3376 requiring certain guardians to complete dementia/Alzheimer’s training; HB 132 extending confidentiality protections to information about hostile acts by foreign adversaries; and HB 1978, which sought to restrict ERCOT interconnections, but its motion to pass to engrossment failed on a 20-11 vote. Additional measures passed included HB 511 on unsolicited voter registration mailings, HB 2187 on nurse staffing, retaliation, and overtime protections, HB 2510 creating offenses for unlicensed assisted living operations, HB 694 on DFPS notification timelines, HB 1893 making license plates in law-enforcement video nonconfidential for public information requests, HB 2733 updating barratry and solicitation laws for digital communications, HB 4506 allowing opt-in electronic zoning notices, HB 3751 transferring a TxDOT property to DPS, HB 3033 creating a grant program for nonprofits supporting injured or killed DPS employees, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud prevention and eligibility verification, HB 3211 on vision care benefits, HB 4529 exempting certain DoD-certified child care facilities from state licensure, HB 2522 easing fingerprinting requirements for certain vehicle dealers, HB 4219 tightening public information request response requirements, and HB 4783 requiring a report on opioid antagonist programs. The Senate also received a House message noting passage of SB 9, and a nominations committee report was announced for future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• reason that I'm supporting this budget. ...in this budget package.
• Members, let's be clear about this budget. This budget is a partisan budget.
• This is a budget for the young. This is a budget for the old.
• This is a budget for working families. This is a budget for the vulnerable.
• This is not the people's budget. This is not a budget for working families.

Keywords: 1182, all

Bills: HR188, HR189, HR190, HR191, HR179, HR180, HR181, HR182, HR183, HR185, HR186, HR187, HCR75, HCR76, HCR77, HCR78, HCR79, SCR24, SCR36, SCR39, SB64, SB107, SB152, SB185, SB217, SB232, SB278, SB290, SB294, SB320, SB321, SB419, SB424, SB436, SB440, SB468, SB470, SB476, SB482, SB489, HCR32, SCR11, HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB267, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB478, HB610, HB617, HB679, HB745, HB749, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB896, HB979, HB992, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1166, HB1172, HB1173, HB1193, HB1207, HB1218, HB1223, SB256, SB180, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HB59, HB74, HB159, HB330, HB364, HB414, HB458, HB525, HB568, HB786, HB1008, HB1033, HB1034, HB1041, HB1062, HB1070, HB1079, HB1112, HB1118, HB1139, HB1151, HB1176, HB1182, HB1196, HB1214, HB1241, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB368, HB433, HB441, HB447, HB466, HB481, HB741, HB1242, HB362, HB893, HB990, HB1007, HB1153, HB1243, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, SB127, SB244, HB615, HB864, HB1103, HB1175, HB31, HB225, HB608, HB664, HB897, HB977, HB1003, HB1160, HB1180, HB911, HB306, HB366, HB1161, HB1230, HB181, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB772, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1058, HB1082, HB1113, HB1189, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: hunting dogs, field trials, working dogs, dog training, greyhound protection, Farm Bill, federal overreach, sportsmen, sportswomen, wildlife management, conservation, rural communities, Louisiana hunting, hunting tradition, animal welfare, dog breeders, dog owners, outdoor recreation, Kathy Taylor, musical achievements

Bills: HR188, HR189, HR190, HR191, HR179, HR180, HR181, HR182, HR183, HR185, HR186, HR187, HCR75, HCR76, HCR77, HCR78, HCR79, SCR24, SCR36, SCR39, SB64, SB107, SB152, SB185, SB217, SB232, SB278, SB290, SB294, SB320, SB321, SB419, SB424, SB436, SB440, SB468, SB470, SB476, SB482, SB489, HCR32, SCR11, HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB267, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB478, HB610, HB617, HB679, HB745, HB749, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB896, HB979, HB992, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1166, HB1172, HB1173, HB1193, HB1207, HB1218, HB1223, SB256, SB180, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HB59, HB74, HB159, HB330, HB364, HB414, HB458, HB525, HB568, HB786, HB1008, HB1033, HB1034, HB1041, HB1062, HB1070, HB1079, HB1112, HB1118, HB1139, HB1151, HB1176, HB1182, HB1196, HB1214, HB1241, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB368, HB433, HB441, HB447, HB466, HB481, HB741, HB1242, HB362, HB893, HB990, HB1007, HB1153, HB1243, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, SB127, SB244, HB615, HB864, HB1103, HB1175, HB31, HB225, HB608, HB664, HB897, HB977, HB1003, HB1160, HB1180, HB911, HB306, HB366, HB1161, HB1230, HB181, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB772, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1058, HB1082, HB1113, HB1189, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: hunting dogs, field trials, working dogs, dog training, greyhound protection, Farm Bill, federal overreach, sportsmen, sportswomen, wildlife management, conservation, rural communities, Louisiana hunting, hunting tradition, animal welfare, dog breeders, dog owners, outdoor recreation, Kathy Taylor, musical achievements

Summary: The House met with a quorum and handled a mix of ceremonial recognitions, committee reports, and floor action on a large number of bills and resolutions. Members recognized several championship high school teams, including Northlake Christian, Archbishop Hannan, St. Scholastica, Lutcher, and St. Louis, and also designated or commended groups and individuals such as Ascension Parish, the Louisiana Counseling Association, LSU, Dr. Paul Correll, and others. The chamber adopted several resolutions without objection, including measures naming Counseling Day at the Capitol, LSU Day at the Capitol, and honoring Dr. Correll’s retirement, while also receiving and referring various other resolutions and Senate bills to committees or laying them over. The House then took up and passed a series of bills, many with amendments. Major measures included HB 159 creating a Caddo Parish home incarceration pilot program with court, sheriff, and district attorney coordination; HB 364 directing public safety PSAs about celebratory gunfire; HB 414 on background checks for certain health care workers; HB 74 creating a Spectrum Alert program for missing children with autism; HB 568 increasing penalties for visible marijuana use in school zones; HB 786 prohibiting extrapolation in Medicaid provider audits; HB 1033 expanding the definition of critical infrastructure; HB 1041 limiting medical-intervention-based discrimination and mandates; HB 1062 revising the Special School District board; HB 1079 giving charter-school enrollment preference to certain preschool, military, foster care, and custody-ordered students; HB 1139 on discharge planning for involuntarily admitted behavioral health patients; HB 1182 changing occupational therapy licensure credentialing; HB 1214 creating an Office of State Health Care Facilities; and HB 1241 requiring insurers to check for child-support arrears before paying certain settlements. Most of these bills passed by wide margins, often after technical or substantive amendments. Several local and administrative measures also advanced, including bills on utility district per diem, abolishing a police chief position in Edgefield, a crime prevention district fee, and New Orleans historic preservation penalties. The chamber also referred or temporarily returned a number of bills to the calendar, and one local bill on historic preservation in New Orleans was introduced at the end of the transcript. Overall, the meeting was marked by broad bipartisan support for many measures, with recorded roll-call votes on the more contested bills and no major procedural disputes beyond extended questioning on the marijuana-in-school-zones bill and the medical-intervention bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The budget that comes to you actually is worked through a budget committee.
• The budget that comes to you actually is worked through a budget committee.
• as part of their budget.
• an $8.1 million budget.
• We never budgeted for that.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard an Aging and Long-Term Services Department budget presentation comparing the LFC and executive recommendations. The main differences were in the Aging Network, Adult Protective Services, Program Support, and Long-Term Care Division, especially the executive’s proposed $10 million infusion into the Kiki Savadra Senior Dignity Fund and $6.2 million for expanding New Mexico Care. LFC staff explained that the committee recommendation was lower in general fund and fund-balance use, while the executive emphasized rising senior population needs, meal and transportation costs, and the cost savings of keeping older adults at home. The secretary also reviewed the department’s special requests, including the conference on aging, outreach, emergency preparedness, and the Kiki fund, and described New Mexico Care’s growth, its evaluation results, and the department’s plan to separate Kiki into its own accounting fund. Members largely focused on senior services, rural meal delivery, transportation, caregiver support, and the Kiki fund. Several members urged stronger support for non-metro aging providers and for New Mexico Care, citing its role in keeping seniors out of nursing homes and the program’s reported savings and outcomes. Questions also covered eligibility, background checks for caregivers, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer’s screening, and whether Kiki funds can support home modifications such as ramps. The committee then voted to adopt the LFC recommendation with one executive language change: adding the executive’s page 14 language allowing an additional 12.5% distribution for initial payments to aging network providers at the start of FY27. Representative Dow opposed the motion. The committee then moved to the Attorney General’s budget. LFC staff explained that the office’s budget relies heavily on the Consumer Settlement Fund, with both recommendations reducing general fund revenue while increasing settlement-fund use, and that performance measures were in consensus. The Attorney General said the office was not seeking more general fund, but wanted greater ability to use funds it recovers. He highlighted major consumer and public safety work, including litigation against major social media and AI platforms, a case involving Snapchat and child exploitation/extortion, the statewide crime gun intelligence center, efforts to address oilfield theft, work on missing and murdered Indigenous persons, and efforts to protect federal funds coming into New Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• of<00:14:43.120> changes<00:14:43.360> in<00:14:43.519> our<00:14:43.680> database
• c><00:14:44.079> that<00:14:44.320> have<00:14:44.480> to of changes in our database
• that have to of changes in our database that have to take<00:14:44.720> place<00:14:44.959>
• the language about verifying the accuracy of records and how that would be accomplished for the database
• that exists was concerning, including how records from that database would be purged and how information

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 163FN, dealing with requiring current, verifiable evidence of a species’ presence before land-use restrictions are imposed for habitat protection. Members discussed an amendment that had been worked on with agencies and stakeholder groups. Fish and Game testified that, while the amendment improved the bill, the agency still opposed it because of concerns about citizen science, how the proposal would apply to public versus private property, and how the transition to DES would work. Representative Darby argued the amendment was ambiguous, lacked a full hearing, and did not clearly address record verification or private-property access issues. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, with a minority report noted. The committee then moved to HB 1752FN, which would create a chain of custody for timber and carbon credits. Representative Davis presented an amendment saying it would help law enforcement investigate timber theft and add transparency to New Hampshire’s carbon registry by identifying buyers of carbon credits. Supporters said the change would impose little burden and align with practices in other states. Opponents, including Representative Darby, Representative Vale, and the state forester from DNCR, said the carbon market is complex, the amendment was not fully vetted, and a hearing with all stakeholders was needed; they also raised fiscal-note concerns. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, again with a minority report. Finally, the committee opened a hearing on HB 1019, which would add an active water treatment professional to the state water well board. Representative Peter Petrino and Representative Wendy Thomas said the board should include expertise on contamination risks and treatment technologies, citing concerns about arsenic, radon, and PFAS in private wells. The chairman of the Water Well Board testified in opposition to the bill as drafted, saying the board supports the general idea of licensing water filtration work but does not currently have authority or rules to oversee that field and believes the proposal would put “the cart before the horse.” Members questioned whether the board’s current mandate even covers filtration systems, and the discussion ended with those concerns unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• time or during the budget stuff.
• be doing this in the during the budget be doing this in the during the budget time<00:57:34.640>
• I to time or during the budget stuff.
• You had an amount that was budgeted.
• after some outreach from the budget after some outreach from the budget office<01:46:29.119>

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 22 January, 2026: 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The meeting began with a budget presentation from the insurance commissioner’s office. The commissioner said most of the request was for personnel costs, including an increase above LBO and two additional IT positions tied to a possible conversion to a state-based system and cybersecurity needs. The office also discussed travel costs, contractual expenses, vehicle replacement, and hurricane mitigation funds, noting that some funds are in trust accounts and require legislative authority to spend. The commissioner also briefed members on possible policy changes affecting the ACA exchange and a proposed low-cost plan for the high-risk pool, warning that if coverage options are not developed, more people could shift into uncompensated care. Members asked about the budget request, the IT positions, and a constituent question about propane meter regulation, which the commissioner said falls under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, though his office sometimes checks related issues informally. The committee then moved to the State Fire Academy hearing. The academy director described a workforce stabilization proposal focused on retaining and recruiting fire instructors, citing competition from local fire departments that pay more, a shrinking applicant pool, and a growing number of retirement-eligible staff. He said the academy’s instructors are being recruited away by municipalities, that recent applicant pools have produced very few qualified candidates, and that the academy may soon have to cut advanced courses if staffing does not improve. He referenced a State Personnel Board review that supported the need for compensation changes and said the academy is trying to remain competitive while continuing to train firefighters, hazmat responders, EMS personnel, and fire officers statewide. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the portion provided. Members mainly asked questions, requested written follow-up on some budget items, and indicated they would work with the agencies later in the session if pending bills or funding needs changed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And people should also know that we do check with databases supplied by... get to election net that is
• do<01:53:20.480> check<01:53:21.480> uh<01:53:22.119> with<01:53:22.560> databases
• <01:53:23.199> supplied<01:53:23.599> by We do check with databases supplied by the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2018, the Arizona Board of Nursing transitioned their database to what is known as the Nursys system
• So with all of these bills, we run against the problem of creating a database of children.

Bills: HB2072, HB2251, HB2279, HB2308, HB2323, HB2342, HB2400, HB2408, HB2456, HB2660, HB2697, HB2868, HB2873, HB2877, HB2910, HB2946, HB2955, HB2991, HB4001, HB4010

Keywords: Cesar Chavez, public holiday, state law, holiday repeal, Arizona Revised Statutes, midwifery, medication administration, healthcare, patient safety, advisory committee, licensed midwives, river trips, liability, outfitter, Grand Canyon, negligence, risk management, contractual waiver, dental practice, business registration

Transcript Highlights:

• to the requirement for the Department of Information Resources to implement and develop certain databases
• SB 2245 by Birdwell links intelligence databases for combinations of criminal street gangs, signs, and

Bills: HB200, HB541, HB1803, HB30, HB175, HB249, HB721, HB851, HB897, HB 1128, HB1904, HB1916, HB5560, HB3071, HB5627, HB5435, HB3913, HB2921, HB2695, HB2688, HB3045, HB3483, HB3673, HB4213, HB4226, HB783, HB4373, HB4735, HB5155, HB5057, HB4984, HB4944, HB4813, HB5339, HB5196, HB5033, HB4853, HB3486, HB4211, HB74, HB4670, HB4730, HB4743, HB4603, HB4463, HB3892, HB4139, HB4752, HB4520, HB4517, HB4486, HB4437, HB4426, HB4396, HB4263, HB3487, HB3418, HB2284, HB2266, HB2229, HB4912, HB2189, HB4506, HB5269, HB5224, HB5195, HB3317, HB4166, HB3947, HB3358, HB3370, HB4438, HB3745, HB3602, HB3697, HB2001, HB1968, HB3371, HB3909, HCR7, SB1744, SB1364, SB1316, HB2026, HB3302, HB3368, HB1639, HB5652, HB4655, HB5654, HB5658, HB5656, HB4894, HB4996, HB5088, HB5650, HB4464, HB3751, HB5665, HB5661, HB 1237, HB2802, HB5437, HB2703, HB5666, HB5667, HCR113, HCR86, SB2196, SB463, SB856, SB1245, SB1169, SB509, SB985, SB305, SB552, HB1535, HB 123, HB1804, HB426, HB1773, HB1871, HB2035, HB2492, HB1411, HB4753, HB4666, HB4529, HB1499, HB1610, HB2028, HB1506, HB886, HB3546, HB796, HB223, HB3556, HB2448, HB4638, HB 111, HB180, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB610, HB 1277, HB1615, HB1620, HB5342, HB4885, HB4751, HB4530, HB4488, HB2149, HB2071, HB2282, HB2248, HB2243, HB2522, HB2310, HB2513, HB2300, HB1902, HB1813, HB3719, HB4284, HB3743, HB3778, HB5153, HB5147, HB4877, HB4850, HB3261, HB3005, HB3033, HB2849, HB2967, HB3531, HB1768, HB333, HB2914, HB2613, HB3717, HB3704, HB2697, HB3801, HB3099, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3396, HB3469, HB2594, HB2776, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB5111, HB5446, HB 1181, HB3963, HB2785, HB1661, HB2460, HB200, HB541, HB1803, HB30, HB175, HB249, HB721, HB851, HB897, HB 1128, HB1904, HB1916, HB5560, HB3071, HB5627, HB5435, HB3913, HB2921, HB2695, HB2688, HB3045, HB3483, HB3673, HB4213, HB4226, HB783, HB4373, HB4735, HB5155, HB5057, HB4984, HB4944, HB4813, HB5339, HB5196, HB5033, HB4853, HB3486, HB4211, HB74, HB4670, HB4730, HB4743, HB4603, HB4463, HB3892, HB4139, HB4752, HB4520, HB4517, HB4486, HB4437, HB4426, HB4396, HB4263, HB3487, HB3418, HB2284, HB2266, HB2229, HB4912, HB2189, HB4506, HB5269, HB5224, HB5195, HB3317, HB4166, HB3947, HB3358, HB3370, HB4438, HB3745, HB3602, HB3697, HB2001, HB1968, HB3371, HB3909, HCR98, HCR92, HCR126, HCR7

Keywords: juvenile offenders, parole eligibility, youth justice, criminal justice reform, inmate rehabilitation, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, dentist, dental hygienist, interstate practice, licensure, compact privilege, public health, military members, disaster relief, tax rates, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• FEES REGARDLESS OF THE FORMAT OR VOLUME WOULD IMPACT A SIGNIFICANT OPERATION AS WELL AS FINANCIAL BUDGETS
• PARENTAL CONSENT IS NOT REQUIRED IN THE INSTANCE OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS UNDER 943.26 OR FOR THE DNA DATABASE
• SENATE BILL 674 PERMITS PROPERTY APPRAISERS TO BUDGET FOR AND PAY HIRING OR RETENTION BONUS TO EMPLOYEE
• OF SUCH EXPENDITURE HAS IMPROVED IN THEIR BUDGET BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Association of Insurance Commissioners, and then if you look at our own statistics by MASTOT, the database

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on a wide range of auto insurance and vehicle-related bills. Testimony focused heavily on autonomous vehicle regulation, auto insurance rating by ZIP code, rental car liability coverage, and surcharge thresholds for minor accidents. Representative Polito supported a bill to regulate autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, arguing for school-zone restrictions, slower speeds, a remote kill switch, and minimum insurance requirements to protect the public. Representative Mendez and Senator Payano testified for legislation to reduce racial and socioeconomic inequities in auto insurance pricing by limiting the weight insurers may place on territorial loss costs, while the Mass Insurance Federation and Consumer Federation of America offered opposing and supporting views, respectively, on the fairness and actuarial impact of geographic rating. The committee also heard support for a bill to remove inspection-sticker violations from license-point calculations, and for a bill to raise the damage threshold for insurance surcharges and minor/major accident classifications. A substantial portion of the hearing addressed House Bill 1301 on rental car liability. Enterprise Mobility, the American Car Rental Association, and a small Massachusetts rental company supported the bill, saying personal auto insurers should be primary when their insureds drive rental cars, that Massachusetts is an outlier compared with most other states, and that the change would reduce costs and simplify claims handling. The Mass Insurance Federation opposed the bill, arguing that current Massachusetts law already clearly makes the vehicle owner’s policy primary and that shifting liability would raise costs for private-passenger policyholders. Committee members asked detailed questions about how rental coverage works, whether premiums or rental rates would change, and how other states handle the issue. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to adjust surcharge rules for at-fault accidents, with sponsors arguing that repair costs and vehicle values have risen sharply and that the current thresholds are outdated. Members discussed how the point system affects drivers, whether the proposal should apply cumulatively or per incident, and how Carfax and out-of-pocket repairs factor into consumer costs. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted written testimony could still be submitted and, during a brief personal privilege, recorded support for two underinsurance bills, H. 1109 and S. 748. The committee then moved and seconded a motion to adjourn, and the hearing ended without any votes on the bills themselves.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we rely on high-precision GPS, digital mapping, and sophisticated databases to protect property

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the House Journal for the prior day by a 126-0 roll call, and then moved through several points of personal privilege and guest introductions. Members recognized National Fentanyl Awareness Day, honored journalist Ray Hartman with a moment of silence, and welcomed numerous student groups, interns, and other visitors to the chamber. The main floor action centered on conference committee report HB 2637/HB 3155, a large public safety package. Members discussed its size and scope, including juvenile justice changes, mental health provisions, cyberstalking language, drone restrictions, prosecutorial salaries, and sex offender registry issues. The House first approved a motion allowing conferees to exceed the differences, then adopted the conference report 124-13, passed the bill 119-18, and adopted an emergency clause for the drone-related sections 125-15. Supporters said the bill improved earlier legislation, while opponents criticized the bill’s length and constitutionality. The House then passed Senate Bill 834, a consumer protection measure combining mortgage modification rules with protections against predatory residential sale-leaseback transactions, by 139-1. Members said it would help homeowners and small businesses and improve transparency. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 937, a land transfer bill authorizing the governor to dispose of certain state properties, by 137-2-1 after a minor amendment, and Senate Bill 938, which raises recording-related fees from $4 to $6 to fund the land survey program and recorder of deeds offices, by 121-21-2. Finally, the House passed House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973, a wholesaler/consumer protection bill that was amended to remove a school property right-of-first-refusal provision and add land bank language, by 110-36. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings, noted bills moving to the informal calendar, and adjourned until April 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we rely on high-precision GPS, digital mapping, and sophisticated databases to protect property

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the previous day by roll call vote, 126-0. Members then offered several points of personal privilege, including recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day and a moment of silence for journalist Ray Hartman. The chamber also welcomed numerous student groups, interns, and other special guests in the gallery. The main floor action centered on the conference committee report for House Bills 2637 and 3155, a very large public safety/criminal justice package. Supporters said it refined earlier legislation, including narrowing juvenile certification to certain A and B felonies, sex offenses, and repeat offenses, adding mental health and cyberstalking provisions, addressing sex offender registry issues, and including a drone-related section with an emergency clause. Critics argued the bill was overly long, multi-subject, and difficult to vet. The House adopted the conference report 124-13, passed the bill 119-18, and then adopted the emergency clause 125-15. The House also passed Senate Bill 834, a consumer protection measure on mortgage modifications and residential sale-leaseback transactions, by 139-1 after members described it as a companion to a House bill and a way to protect homeowners from predatory practices. Senate Bill 937, a land transfer bill authorizing the governor to dispose of certain state properties, passed 137-2 after amendment. Senate Bill 938, which raises recording fees to support the land survey program and recorder of deeds offices, passed 121-21-2 after supporters said the fee had not been increased since 1969 and was needed to keep the program operating. Finally, House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973, dealing with wholesaler disclosures and land banks, passed 110-36 after an amendment removed a school property right-of-first-refusal provision and added land bank language. The House then moved several other bills to the informal calendar, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• non-renewal; SB 1790, personal data collection business requirements; SB 1795, workers' compensation database

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it just keeps existing transparency rules for provider databases and reporting and network adequacy

Summary: The committee heard and approved several health care bills. Senate Bill 68, by Senator Harrell, would require all hospital emergency departments to be prepared to treat children by maintaining pediatric equipment, staff training, written policies, a pediatric care coordinator, and completion/public posting of the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senator Harrell said the bill is intended to improve pediatric emergency care in general hospitals, and the bill was supported by the Florida College of Emergency Physicians and the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It passed favorably. The committee also approved Senate Bill 154, which corrects the Mobile Act for dentists and dental hygienists by requiring graduates of out-of-state dental schools seeking licensure by endorsement to have attended a CODA-accredited school. The bill drew support from dental and dental hygienist groups and passed favorably. Senate Bill 40, by Senator Sharif, would require Medicaid managed care networks to ensure at least half of primary care providers offer appointments outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, to improve access and reduce emergency room use; it also passed favorably. A lengthy discussion centered on Senate Bill 254, also by Senator Harrell, which would tighten oversight of nursing education programs, create a temporary provisional license and preceptorship for new graduates awaiting NCLEX results, require remediation for low-performing programs, add standardized admission and exit-exam requirements, and allow the Department of Health to inspect programs unannounced. Supporters said the bill would improve quality and help students gain experience, while opponents warned it could reduce the number of nursing programs and worsen shortages, especially among private schools. After debate and testimony from nursing and school representatives, the bill passed favorably, with Senator Davis voting no. The committee then received an OPPAGA presentation on interstate health care licensure compacts. OPPAGA reviewed how Florida uses licensure by endorsement, telehealth registration, and compacts for nurses, psychologists, and physicians, and explained the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining additional compacts, including portability, data sharing, and emergency staffing versus costs, administrative burdens, and possible conflicts with Florida scope-of-practice laws. No action was taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis requested to be recorded in support of SB 68 and SB 154.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I actually don't have like a database where that data is available to give you like.

Transcript Highlights:

• When records don't match between county and state databases, someone must be empowered to find out why

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Summary: The House Committee on Elections met with a quorum present and heard several election-related bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The first measure, SB 447, would allow the City of Mission to move its municipal elections from May to November on a one-time, permanent basis. Supporters, including Mission’s mayor, said voters had already approved the change by a wide margin and argued it would improve turnout and reduce costs. The bill was left pending after no objection. The committee then heard SB 2217, which was described as a transparency measure to standardize election data reporting and reconciliation across counties. Testimony focused on a technical issue involving discrepancy thresholds for electronic voting system reconciliation, with one witness urging the bill be aligned with existing law’s “more than 3” standard rather than a 1% threshold, and another suggesting a definition fix. The bill was left pending. Members also heard SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period by combining early voting and election day into one uninterrupted period, with a committee substitute making it a pilot and permissive. Supporters said it could simplify administration and improve security, while opponents warned it would increase costs, require more staffing and equipment, delay results, and create logistical problems for counties. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 505 would let certain election stakeholders request explanations of irregularities from election officials and, if unresolved, escalate the matter to the Secretary of State for audit or possible conservatorship. Supporters framed it as a tool for accountability and transparency, while opponents called it overly broad and vulnerable to abuse. The bill was left pending. The committee also took up HB 311, which would expand online voter registration to first-time registrants and direct state agencies to develop a pathway for Texans without a driver’s license to register online. Supporters argued it would modernize the process, reduce errors, and save money, while opponents said first-time applicants still need a wet signature and raised concerns about signature verification and implementation. Due to the late hour and floor deadline, testimony was cut off, the names of remaining witnesses were read into the record, and the bill was left pending before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• When records don't match between county and state databases, someone must be empowered to find out why

Bills: HB311

Keywords: flood hazards, recreational vehicles, temporary dwelling structures, Texas Water Development Board, flood safety standards, emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• Six by canalis relating to the now access to the database dealer issued license plate House Bill 5290

Bills: HB 118, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1618, HB1672, HB1722, HB1338, HB787, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB718, HB1536, HB1445, HB1640, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3272, HB3276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2989, HB2558, HB3014, HB2742, HB1695, HB29, HB 125, HB145, HB171, HB255, HB50, HB363, HB 116, HB491, HB1495, HB368, HB 1285, HB1905, HB2002, HB917, HB2723, HB2067, HB 1238, HB745, HB 1188, HB1606, HB2003, HB2147, HB2355, HB2546, HB2495, HB2818, HB2249, HB3228, HB3240, HB1507, HB658, HB1748, HB1851, HB1922, HB2798, HB 107, HB1587, HB3684, HB 118, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1618, HB1672, HB1722, HB1338, HB787, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB718, HB1536, HB1445, HB1640, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3272, HB3276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2989, HB2558, HB3014, HB2742, HB1695, HB609, HB630, HB420, HB767, HB1708, HB1404, HB2457, HB140, HB227, HB913, HB2198, HB2763, HB 1261, HB 1135, HB1318, HB2358, HB2765, HB2735, HB3307, HB 1242, HB2842, HB333, HB201, HB694, HB2415, HB155, HB272, HB405, HB519, HB 1136, HB 1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1868, HB1888, HB1990, HB2286, HB2523, HB3129, HB3251, HB3354, HB3479, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3887, HB4163, HB4238, HB 1240, HB1842, HB2029, HB2622, HB3255, HB654, HB4643, HB4945, HB3611, HB3724, HB3623, HB3810, HB4127, HCR78, HCR12, SB767

Keywords: HB 388, HB388, coordination of benefits, COB questionnaire, health benefit plan, health insurance, insurance commissioner, Texas Department of Insurance, uniform form, primary payer, secondary payer, multiple coverage, dual coverage, Medicaid, CHIP, managed care, HMO, small employer health plan, school district health coverage, self-funded plan