Transcript Highlights:

• Alexis Glasscock said she represents the Arizona Uniform Laws Commission and is the executive director
• for the Uniform Laws Commission.
• She also noted that Jane Sterneke was present from the Uniform Laws Commission and would speak in detail
• Glasscock explained that the Arizona Uniform Laws Commission works with the Uniform Law Commission to
• I'm Legislative Council for the Uniform Law Commission. I'm testifying today in support of SB 1252.

Bills: SB1042 , SB1043 , SB1044 , SB1135 , SB1136 , SB1142 , SB1180 , SB1221 , SB1252 , SB1254 , SCR1003

Committees: Senate Finance , Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Keywords: public funds, virtual currency, bitcoin, investment, Arizona Strategic Digital Asset Reserve Act, state treasurer, retirement system, state payments, cryptocurrency, Arizona law, payment methods, government transactions, property tax, tax exemption, Arizona Revised Statutes, digital currency, workers' compensation, death benefits, burial costs, spousal compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Greg Stephens, the Executive Director with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
• I've commissioned peace officers as part of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
• Therefore, in the eyes of the Workforce Commission, they are an employee.
• I'm the Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
• They're all commissioned officers across the state.

Bills: SB 36 , HB 1065 , HB2929 , HB2956 , HB3009 , HB3420 , HB3626 , HB3649 , HB4956 , HB4993 , HB5293 , HB5308 , HB5528 , HCR118 , SB36 , HB4023

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax, employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Forensic Science Commission, along with OCA, will administer the program.
• No, I think it's very critical for the commissioning agency to know where their individuals are working
• I am a fully commissioned sergeant with the Webb County Sheriff's Office, but I'm here under the guise
• So you work as a commissioned officer for the sheriff? Currently.
• House Bill 293 by Representative Guillen relates to a study by the Texas Veterans Commission regarding

Bills: HB 1065 , HB2929 , HB2956 , HB3009 , HB3420 , HB3626 , HB3649 , HB4956 , HB4993 , HB5293 , HB5308 , HB5528 , HCR118 , SB36 , HB4023 , SB 36

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense, registration, public safety, violent offenses, criminal database, Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, changes in commission policies and federal regulations can lead to significant revenue
• We have you registered as Anna Givens on behalf of the Texas Public Utility Commission as a resource
• I'm the Director of Financial Review within the Rate Regulation Division at the Public Utility Commission
• So, our commission has.
• utilities to begin recovering on day one of the investment; they still have to come in and get the commission

Bills: HB842 , HB1907 , HB2844 , HB2892 , HB3439 , HB4211 , HB4536 , HB5111 , HB5138 , HB5182 , HB5247 , HB5269 , HB5323 , HB5435 , HJR201 , SB871 , HB3896 , SJR40

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• She was only able to find me because I've been so outspoken against the Ethics Commission.
• If they put a flyer out or they put a sign out, the Ethics Commission regulates.
• And she has now incurred $17,500 in fines from the Ethics Commission.
• Wade, as well as Financial Commission of Texas v.
• Therese Harris of the Public Utility Commission to be the resource witness here on our behalf.

Bills: HB842 , HB1907 , HB2844 , HB2892 , HB3439 , HB4211 , HB4536 , HB5111 , HB5138 , HB5182 , HB5247 , HB5269 , HB5323 , HB5435 , HJR201 , SB871 , HB3896 , SJR40

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 143 by King, relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility
• Commission. of Texas to address the failure by an operator to maintain an electric power line serving
• I worked with the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address this issue, up to
• HB 4358, relating to the commission of oral contraceptives, for the Committee on Public Health.
• ...Advisory Commission for the Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency.

Bills: HJR4 , HJR6 , HB195 , HB 13 , HB143 , HB135

Keywords: occupation tax, securities, financial regulation, tax exemption, legislative amendment, capital gains tax, realized gains, unrealized gains, investment income, asset sale, capital assets, wealth tax, estate tax, trust tax, tax limitation, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, property tax, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of brief background, the commission is composed of nine registered voters of the state who are
• No commissioners may reside in the same county, and a person eligible for appointment to the commission
• If a commissioner or alternate is no longer elected to their tribal position, their commission position
• In making all appointments to the commission, the governor must continue to seek a balance reflecting
• Adding the four members to the WDFW Commission is a complicated request to this caucus.

Bills: HB2170 , HB2544 , HB2578

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: natural climate solutions, ecosystem services, revenue generation, economic opportunities, environmental policy, water rights, adjudication, Columbia River, environmental impact, natural resources, tribal members, fish and wildlife, commission, indigenous rights, state regulation

Bills: HB2299 , HB2118 , HB2236

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: seniors, independent living, ombudsman, elderly support, continuing care retirement communities, common interest communities, restrictions, property rights, homeowners association, community governance, housing finance, affordable housing, housing commission, state agency, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Space Commission established by this body in 2023.
• The county's economy was driven by agriculture, corn, cotton, and livestock production in the mid to
• the consideration of race or ethnicity as a factor when appointing the members of a state board commission
• academic and career oriented Education HB 3652 by La Hood relating to the study of the Railroad Commission
• 3700 by ruling the detection and prevention of fraud, waste, and abuse in all of Texas Workforce Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• pollution, this bill would reduce the most prevalent and harmful water pollution caused by paper bags and cotton
• to reduce the amount of plastic and air and water pollution, we should be discouraging the use of cotton
• We have all agreed to commission the study.

Bills: HB2421 , HB1652 , HB2367 , HB2284

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: 6PPD, tires, environmental impact, public health, chemical regulation, HB1652, Salish Sea Protection and Marine Clean Fuels Act, marine fuel, low-sulfur fuel, sulfur emissions, ocean-going vessels, shipping, maritime pollution, air quality, particulate matter, Department of Ecology, port visit, regulated waters, fuel switching, vessel emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cotton.
• Thank you, Senator Cotton. Senator Shaheen. Mr.
• Will you commit to implementing... implementing PPB reform commission recommendations endorsed by the

Committees: Senate Cybersecurity Subcommittee , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: Steven Feinberg, Deputy Secretary of Defense, national security, budget cuts, military readiness, global threats, Department of Defense

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the nomination of Steven Feinberg as Deputy Secretary of Defense. The committee emphasized the urgent need for strong leadership in response to a complex array of global threats posed by adversarial coalitions, including China, Russia, and Iran. The discussions highlighted concerns regarding budget cuts and personnel reductions within the Department of Defense, showcasing the challenges posed by the current economic context and the pressing need to maintain military readiness and capabilities. Various members expressed their apprehensions about how impending layoffs and budget reductions would impact the defense workforce and national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would just focus on the duties remaining with the commission. Those are also listed.
• And we appreciate that the State Transportation Commission, excuse me, has been a forum where cities,
• , and I'm testifying today on behalf of the Commission.
• There are no official port seats on the commission, but there are strong port voices on the commission
• As part of the Transportation Commission, I also serve representing the commission on the Puget Sound

Bills: SB6253 , SB6311 , SB6262 , SB6335

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: public transportation, governing bodies, transit authorities, local government, community planning, pedestrian safety, construction, accessibility, public safety, urban planning, vehicle weight, transportation, fees, public infrastructure, funding, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities

Transcript Highlights:

• It's owned and operated by the Interstate Stream Commission.
• it's like I say, the other dam that's in my area is Ute, and it belongs to the Interstate Stream Commission
• I don't know if the Interstate Stream Commission was aware of that, if you guys have been working with
• But so I don't know if that's something that the Interstate Stream Commission can look into in terms
• 1 and Cotton 2.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• dairy producers of New Mexico, the Association of Conservation Districts, the Keller growers, the cotton
• dairy producers of New Mexico, the Association of Conservation Districts, the Keller growers, the cotton
• growers, the hay growers, The Association of Conservation Districts, the Keller growers, the cotton

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• On our 2,000-acre row crop farm, we grow peanuts and cotton while also leasing out some of our land for
• Some of my fondest memories growing up were running through the peanut rows and the cotton stalks, and
• Fondest memories growing up were running through the peanut rows and the cotton stalks and eagerly awaiting

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders. The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• district customers who are outside city limits to appeal their water rights to the Public Utility Commission
• After doing so, we've received two appeals to the Public Utility Commission, one for 2024 rates and most
• I show you registered as Connie Corona on behalf of the Public Utility Commission of Texas testifying

Bills: HB3115 , HB5671 , HB5693 , SB790 , SB1055 , SB1302 , SB1504 , SB1625 , SB1663 , SB2692

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater, water wells, domestic well, livestock well, exempt well, metering device, well meter, groundwater conservation district, Special District Local Laws Code, Water Code, Section 36.117, groundwater regulation, water rights, aquifer management, municipal utility, retail public utility, groundwater export, water supply contract, election

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources heard testimony on a series of water, utility, and groundwater-related bills. Early items included HB 5693, which would let Drainage District 7 hold board elections in November of odd-numbered years when a countywide election is occurring, and HB 5671, which would update the Johnson County Special Utility District by clarifying board eligibility, allowing bond issuance, and removing redundant TCEQ approval language to reduce costs and delays. Both bills were left pending after brief testimony from bill sponsors and local witnesses. The committee also heard SB 1504, which would update the Gulf Coast Authority to allow video-conference participation in meetings, and SB 1302, aimed at closing a TCEQ permitting loophole that allowed dischargers with prior denials or suspensions to reapply through an automated process without meaningful review. SB 2692 drew substantial discussion: it would change the signature threshold for outside-city-limits customers appealing municipal utility rates to the PUC by customer class. Valero supported the bill as a way to avoid requiring large-volume users to gather signatures from unrelated residential customers, while the City of Corpus Christi opposed it, arguing that lowering the threshold to one customer could trigger expensive appeals costing $500,000 to $1 million. A PUC witness said such cases are increasing and that the agency would need additional staff under the fiscal note. SB 790, creating a simplified PUC complaint process for small water and wastewater billing disputes, and SB 1663, expanding TCEQ notice requirements for nearby residents when groundwater contamination is discovered, were also heard and left pending. Additional bills included HB 3115, clarifying that the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District cannot require meters on exempt domestic or livestock wells; SB 1055, raising the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District’s production fee cap from 1 cent to 7 cents per 1,000 gallons; and SB 1625, requiring private water and wastewater utilities to report cybersecurity incidents to TCEQ and DIR. The committee then took up pending business and adopted a substitute for SB 7, which made several changes to water fund use, eminent domain coordination, and EDAP-related provisions, and voted 10-0 to report it favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute for HB 2347, a county water conservation program bill, and reported it favorably 9-1. HB 5675 and SB 2476 were each reported favorably 10-0. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Health and Human Services Commission have requested
• And I'm on the Texas Historical Commission, and I'm on the TechSot Commission.
• I'm the chair of the Texas Funeral Service Commission, but today I am testifying on myself.
• I'm the chair of the Texas Funeral Service Commission, but today I am testifying on myself.
• the Texas Funeral Service Commission to oversee cemeteries.

Bills: HB447 , HB897 , HB993 , HB2673 , HB3671 , HB3680 , HB3897 , HB4506 , HB4753 , HB4812 , HB4894 , HB5148 , HB5437 , HB5650 , HB5652 , HB5654 , HB5656 , HB5661 , HB5665

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 4506 would update current legislation and reduce costs to local municipalities and zoning commissions
• The bill amends the current law to allow local municipalities and zoning commissions to electronically
• Commissioner's Court of the county may accept a traffic study that has expired at the discretion of the commission

Bills: HB447 , HB897 , HB993 , HB2673 , HB3671 , HB3680 , HB3897 , HB4506 , HB4753 , HB4812 , HB4894 , HB5148 , HB5437 , HB5650 , HB5652 , HB5654 , HB5656 , HB5661 , HB5665

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition

Transcript Highlights:

• Other regulatory bodies in Texas still have the... multi-member models such as Railroad Commission, TCEQ
• And the reason I ask is that oftentimes the sunset commission will look at how things are being handled
• We were 6th commission board for that old agency. It was abolished 20 years ago.

Bills: SB1642 , SB1643 , SB2530

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: Texas Department of Insurance, commission appointments, insurance regulation, oversight, consumer advocacy, insurance rates, property insurance, commercial automobile insurance, rate approval, consumer protection, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, administrative penalties, coastal counties

Summary: The committee first took up several bills and voted them out favorably without amendment: SB 2857, relating to prescription drug purchasing proof for certain health benefit plan issuers and employers; SB 1307, relating to the biennial health coverage reference guide; and SB 527, relating to health benefit coverage for general anesthesia for certain pediatric dental services. Each of those motions passed on a 7-0 roll call. The main discussion centered on SB 1643, which would require prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance for property and casualty rate changes above 10% from a previously filed rate. The chair framed it as a response to rate volatility and rising homeowners and auto premiums, while several members questioned whether it would slow a market that is already stabilizing and could encourage insurers to file repeated increases just under the threshold. Witnesses from consumer groups supported tighter oversight and argued for a lower threshold, while insurance industry representatives opposed the bill, saying Texas’s file-and-use system and competitive market work better and that the proposal could increase costs or create uncertainty. After testimony, SB 1643 was left pending. The committee then heard SB 1642, which would replace the single Texas Department of Insurance commissioner with a three-commissioner structure and an executive director. Supporters said it could improve accountability and transparency, while opponents argued the current single-commissioner model is more efficient and avoids confusion and added cost. Witnesses also raised concerns about open meetings issues, administrative expense, and the lack of a clear model from other states. SB 1642 was also left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2530, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association omnibus bill. The bill would make a number of changes to TWIA’s governance and finances, including exempting TWIA from certain taxes, moving its headquarters to a coastal county, changing board composition and voting rules, and lowering the probable maximum loss standard from 1-in-100 to 1-in-50. Supporters said the bill would strengthen TWIA’s reserve funding and improve local relevance, while opponents warned it could increase assessments, reduce reinsurance protection, and create operational risks by relocating the headquarters to the coast. The bill was left pending, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this would do is allow the county commission to grant an exemption to the mandatory solid waste
• This was a resolution by the county commission and asked for by the Lee County Commission.

Bills: SB293

Committee: House Lee County Legislation

Keywords: SB293, Lee County, solid waste, waste collection fees, garbage fees, trash collection, county commission, fee exemption, low-income households, poverty level, federal poverty level, public sanitation, local act, municipal services, waste management