Transcript Highlights:

• If you require assistance, please contact committee staff.
• Chairman, I'm Julia Perento with the Texas Realtors. I am the director of public policy.
• Chair calls Emily Dove, Texas 2036. Hi, um, thank you for being here today.
• Thank you, Chair calls Brendan Griffin, Texas Appleseed.
• So Brennan Griffin with Texas Appleseed registered for the bill but not testifying.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill serves as a prime example of the Port Infrastructure Program, a bipartisan program that invests
• The Port Infrastructure Development Program, a competitive grant program administered by the Maritime
• THE PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE MARITIME
• of the International Boundary and Water Commission, or IBWC, in carrying out its critical water-related
• CLEAN WATER IMPACT PUBLIC HEALTH.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• During that time, many mold and water damage claims were filed in Texas, and companies significantly
• I think Texas is the only one that does not have a program to incentivize the use of fortified roofs.
• In regard to the grant programs that are in place in other states, I know you're a Texas-centered builder
• Texas was allocated up to $3.3 billion to implement the BEAD program and ensure that every unserved or
• Our understanding is that generally most water utilities don’t participate in Texas 811.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2006, five pools — TML, TASB, TAC, Texas Council, and Texas Water — joined to create the Political
• In 2006, five pools, TML, TASB, TAC, Texas Council, and Texas Water, joined to create the political subdivision
• House Bill 4479 creates a rural workforce development program at the Texas Workforce Commission to support
• I've been involved in the development of thousands of Texas injury benefit programs that have delivered
• Texas, for Texas. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's education, it's tax relief, and it's water projects.
• Also, we do have some information regarding the child care assistance program.
• from SIF for that program.
• Also, we do have some information regarding the child care assistance program.
• program and some other actions the department has taken to assist. used for the child care assistance

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• families and anybody who is assisting families and anybody who is assisting them them them why<00
• from Texas Mr Jackson gentleman<01:08:05.000> from<01:08:05.160> Texas<01:08:05.480>
• <06:04:15.558> cascading fulam dam and you had water cascading fulam dam and you had water
• punish you if you use too much water punish you if you use too much water when<06:05:00.958>
• artificial scarcity on its water artificial scarcity on its water supply<06:05:47.440> at

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Match Assistance Assistance Program will leverage state funds to supplement federal sub-awards
• This Texas match assistance program is designated, is designed rather to provide match assistance on
• The Texas Match Assistance Program is intended to ensure all applicants, including smaller businesses
• Eligibility for this program is restricted to Texas counties lacking broadband planning capacity.
• Um, now, going to the boot program, the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas program, we certainly

Transcript Highlights:

• I reentry Program, Free Entry Program, an outreach program, Homeless initiative program.
• F essays 40 our new sheriff's program.
• I can tell you happen to me when I was in Texas, I was making the rest of the club.
• It's it's a program that we're very proud of it.
• or homeland security programs.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The establishment of the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program provides critical relief to crop farmers across
• Regional Water Quality Control Board. Regional Water Quality Control Board.
• laws governing child nutrition programs. laws governing child nutrition programs.
• National Estuary Program until 2031. National Estuary Program until 2031.
• students participating in the program. students participating in the program.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, December 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fails to rectify the racial gerrymandering of Texas 9, Texas 18, Texas 29, and Texas 33.
• Texas can fund summer meal programs.
• That is not Texas.
• Texas 9 is a community of interest. Texas 9 is a community of interest.
• It should truly represent the reality of Texas as Texas has changed.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the financial assistance that this program is providing for is not necessarily a loan; it may be
• SO, THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT THIS PROGRAM IS PROVIDING FOR, IS NOT NECESSARILY A LOAN, It may be
• But the EPR programs in New York, especially the modern EPR programs that have been passed since 2010
• water.
• I understand that there may be another program bill that's coming, but that program bill simply says

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Jane Nelson, Secretary of State of the State of Texas, call the Texas House of Representatives of the
• This is our Texas.
• Together we create our Texas.
• because Texas is different.
• In Texas because Texas is different. I don't agree with that.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a Texas issue.
• centered around Texas statutes, penal code, Code of Chrome procedure, those things unique to Texas that
• Would Texas officials, if there was not a Texas law, would they be encumbered from enforcing the federal
• Love to see us keep Texas safe together.
• Texas is an economic powerhouse for a reason.

Bills: HB176, HB180

Keywords: tax, ad valorem, voter-approval, local government finance, property tax, repeal, tax rates, school finance, tax reduction, compressed tax rate, education, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• September the 13th 1951 in Bowmont Texas September the 13th 1951 in Bowmont Texas he<00:13:55.720
• But, uh, what we're actually want people to understand... water to Southern California so we are water
• We need to be trapping that water.
• <00:23:10.200> also the management of water supply is also the management of water supply
• Speaker, fresh water is life.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Investment groups are wanting to buy water out of Toledo Bend and ship it to Texas, pump it to Texas.
• So if they entered into some of these endeavors to sell the water to Texas, you know, they mostly claim
• So if they entered into some of these endeavors to sell the water to Texas, you know, they mostly claim
• Corpus Christi, Texas, we think it may have 90 days of water left. They fell in love with SpaceX.
• Texas SRA, well, Sabine River Authority, sales there, Well, Sabine River Authority sells their same water

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a $4 billion hydrogen facility in Texas. a $4 billion hydrogen facility in Texas.
• <00:09:59.600> and And I'm going to be honest, Texas and And I'm going to be honest, Texas
• this bill, we could possibly beat Texas this bill, we could possibly beat Texas in<00:10:45.360>
• zero water. zero water. >> Followup?<00:27:47.200> No.
• and our water quality programs, and at a minimum we would have a 30-day public comment period.

Bills: HB0120, HB0043, HB0128

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, money laundering, illegal investment, financial institutions, criminal activity, Wyoming legislation, severance tax, oil production, tax exemption, energy sector, economic impact, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• Services like water, wastewater, and electricity.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• Otherwise, great program. Thank you. Aaron, this is a legislature.

Bills: HB103

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard a series of local and special-purpose bills, mostly with brief sponsor explanations and little or no public opposition. Topics included fireworks sales near the Texas-Mexico border for Cinco de Mayo (HB 1629), allowing larger counties to use their own inspectors for county buildings (HB 3234), updating governance and financial rules for the Wood County Central Hospital District (HB 5664), clarifying firefighter collective bargaining and impasse procedures (HB 3171), and exempting certain Fort Worth ETJ properties from release rules to protect infrastructure investments (HB 2512). The committee also heard bills on border subdivision rules in Cameron County (HB 3680), extending a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of certain veterans affected by the PACT Act (HB 2508/HJR 133), drainage district election timing and procedures (HB 5693, HB 2694), utility transparency for municipally owned systems (HB 1991), and management district and hospital district election or appointment changes (HB 5698, HB 2293). Another major bill, HB 1449, would expand a food truck permitting pilot program to counties over one million population; witnesses supported the concept but asked the committee to coordinate it with related fee and standards bills, and the bill was left pending for further work. The committee also heard HB 3732, which would let fire departments obtain extensions to comply with new NFPA protective equipment standards, and HB 5431, which would clarify that mayors and at-large council members do not need new elections after reapportionment; both were left pending after questions about their scope. Several transparency and tax-related bills were also discussed, including HB 103, creating a statewide database of local bond and tax election information, and HB 851, requiring reporting on homestead tax ceiling properties; both drew support and were later voted out. After testimony, the committee reported multiple bills favorably, often unanimously, and recommended many for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also used procedural swaps to substitute House companions for Senate bills on several measures, then recessed with plans to return later to process additional bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here in Texas, in all programs, it's about 24% of our population that are enrolled in some kind of program
• Texas has a very strong program.
• And it's happening, and it's on the state of Texas, and it is on the HSC program.
• called LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
• Through the Texas Thriving Texas Families Program, formerly known as Alternatives to Abortion, this program

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the first budget request is our water rights administration program. Modernization of that.
• This is Really to modernize this program. As you all know, water rights administration is key.
• We have a statewide water quality and quantity monitoring program that covers groundwater basins, stream
• water.
• These are really what we've identified as kind of the gaps in the existing water infrastructure programs

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Trump administration has shifted its Continuum of Care homelessness assistance program from one that
• of the Federal Homelessness Assistance Program.
• Texas was a pretty early adopter of the FYI program.
• As mentioned earlier, Texas youth have directly benefited from the FYI program.
• It's been a recurring issue, so definitely, Texas wants its water. I fully agree. Okay, good.

Keywords: 1184, house, all