Bills: HB744, HR197, SB54, SB79, SB163, SB287, SB375, SB386, SB398, SB469, SCR5

Keywords: public utility, common carrier, regulation, Public Service Commission, New Orleans, constitutional amendment, distributed energy, energy storage, electricity demand, virtual power plants, reliability, hurricane resilience, esthetics, cosmetology, hair services, beauty industry, Louisiana regulation, Louisiana Economic Development, sunset law, legislative authority

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 11, 2026, and first advanced several Senate measures with little or no opposition. It reported favorably Senate Bill 79 recreating Louisiana Economic Development, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 establishing the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, and Senate Bill 375 on Class B firefighting foam, after adopting a technical amendment clarifying use in declared emergency firefighting operations. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 398, which moves manufactured and modular housing regulation under the Louisiana Contractors Licensing Board and expands inspection and enforcement provisions, after adopting two sets of mostly technical amendments and hearing testimony that the change would improve consumer safety and increase inspection coverage without adding net cost to locals. It then reported favorably Senate Bill 163 on virtual currency business licensing, after adopting an amendment providing that any future federal licensing law would preempt the state act, and Senate Bill 287 on virtual currency kiosks, which adds refund timelines, disclosure requirements, customer support, and reporting duties; witnesses from the banking and law enforcement community said the bill responds to common fraud complaints and improves consumer protection. The committee also reported favorably Senate Bill 54, which allows estheticians to blow-dry hair after certain services, despite strong opposition from cosmetology board representatives and industry witnesses who argued the service is outside esthetics training, could create scope-of-practice and facility issues, and should instead be addressed by lowering or revising separate blow-dry licensing requirements. The committee then considered House Resolution 197, which urges the Louisiana Public Service Commission to study the feasibility and value of distributed energy generation and storage resources. After adopting technical amendments and a second amendment changing mandatory language to requests and urging the PSC to coordinate with the LSU Energy Institute, the resolution was reported favorably. Testimony from solar and energy industry representatives, the PSC, and LSU focused on how distributed resources, batteries, rooftop solar, and virtual power plants could improve reliability, reduce costs, and help meet rising demand; members also discussed how the study would evaluate market value, avoided costs, and capacity benefits. Questions centered on methodology, grid impacts, and comparisons to Texas’s ERCOT system and Winter Storm Uri, with PSC officials emphasizing that the study would help determine whether such resources benefit ratepayers. Representative Wright presented House Bill 744, a proposed constitutional amendment to transfer regulation of certain New Orleans utilities from the city council to the Public Service Commission. He argued the change could reduce rates through consolidation and eliminate duplicative regulatory costs, while PSC officials explained the city’s authority is a constitutional exception dating back to 1921 and that Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana operate as separate companies with different regulatory environments. After discussion of rate impacts, utility structure, and whether the proposal should instead become a study, the bill was deferred. The committee then began Senate Bill 386, the Louisiana Data Privacy Act, which would give consumers rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of certain uses of personal data; the sponsor introduced the bill and the committee started considering technical and substantive amendments, but the transcript ends before final action on that measure.

Bills: HF4525, HF3002, HF3665, HF4420

Keywords: human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• This lack of consistent support staff often goes unnoticed by parents. parents.
• Make sure accessibility for all parents.
• Committee sub HP 1188 is not a mandate for parents rather it allows parents to be informed and provide
• I'm Linda Litzinger, I'm the advocacy and policy policy director at Texas Parent to Parent.
• It expands the parent-directed tutoring grants, which includes the provision for for parents to opt out

Bills: HB367, HB497, HB549, HB983, HB 1188, HB 1290, HB1368, HB2243, HB2310, HB2849, HB3099, HB3546, HB3629, HB3627

Keywords: education, absences, severe illness, life-threatening, school policy, verification, healthcare, insurance, affordability, coverage, patient rights, school health, respiratory distress, airway clearance devices, medication training, public health, HB 983, Texas Education Agency, TEA, educator privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• And parents were concerned about access to certain types of treatment without parental consent. sent
• contact the parents?
• But, I'm calling your parent because your parents need to know about this and they need to be involved
• Parents. Isn't it vital to include parents? Not just important, but isn't...
• I want to emphasize that positive parental consent or positive parental involvement is a core component

Bills: HB367, HB497, HB549, HB983, HB 1188, HB 1290, HB1368, HB2243, HB2310, HB2849, HB3099, HB3546, HB3629, HB3627

Keywords: education, absences, severe illness, life-threatening, school policy, verification, healthcare, insurance, affordability, coverage, patient rights, school health, respiratory distress, airway clearance devices, medication training, public health, HB 983, Texas Education Agency, TEA, educator privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also contains a section requiring social media to have pop-up notifications every 30 minutes
• <01:19:06.800> because<01:19:06.960> we're<01:19:07.199> not failing parents
• because we're not failing parents because we're not adopting<01:19:07.760> the<01:19:08.000><
• Parents have to be part of the solution, but parents need to be made aware of these harms, and that's
• <01:30:49.280> and literacy while connecting parents and literacy while connecting parents

Bills: HF1392, HF2233, HF695, HF2228, HF1289

Keywords: consumer protection, restitution, attorney general, consumer enforcement, unclaimed funds, victim compensation, settlement funds, special revenue fund, general fund, restitution account, consumer fraud, state treasury, eligible consumers, distribution of funds, tax subtraction, income tax, refund, unpaid compensation, Minnesota Department of Revenue, consumer redress

Transcript Highlights:

• And our students, our parents.
• Also, our parents.
• Just look at the bad parents and so anyway chairman.
• One has to do with parents. In fact, Representative Frank brought of parent partnerships.
• So no to parental consent, is that it? No to parental consent on the Ten Commandments, yes.

Bills: HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24, HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a proud parent and resident of Keller ISD, the very district that...
• Students, parents, educators, and our community are left reeling, unsure of what lies ahead.
• We are here today not just for Keller ISD, but for every student, teacher, and parent across Texas, so
• Parents wonder how a split could impact their child's education, their property taxes, and their home
• This has created concerns for parents, students, and teachers.

Bills: HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369, HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24

Keywords: non-human behaviors, education, Texas schools, policy, regulation, funding, teacher salaries, school districts, state budget, non-enrolled students, University Interscholastic League, participation, eligibility standards, school participation, academic standards, Texas education, interscholastic league, extracurricular activities, academic proficiency, AED

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you share my concern that by saying that their application is incomplete if they don't get a notification
• process, if someone completes a voter registration form but fails to check a box, there is no notification
• Is there any sort of notification?
• Church, parent, clothes, Tedford, I, Marty. Marty, Representative Dempsey, care to vote? No? OK.

Bills: HB4104, HB3722, HB3787, HB3700, HB3701, HB3310, HB3404, HB2964, HB2398, HB3024, HB3499, HB3278, HB3279, HB3645, HB3649, HB2293, HB3260, HB3176, HB3177, HB3114, HB3172, HB3322, HB3323, HB4248, HB3720, HB2210, HB1322, HB1937, HB3301, HB4107

Keywords: Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Change parents to close ROI to a vote. ADAi for majority of votes.
• Personnel who are now not allowed to text their classmates unless parents are involved in this communication
• , where it deems the school board deeming an emergency, that does not in any way replace that the parents
• We get some sort of confirmation that it is the actual parent.
• Vote chairs, parents close. Smith, I un a i Heffner, Ii. There's a roll. He voted to the vote.

Bills: HB4104, HB3722, HB3787, HB3700, HB3701, HB3310, HB3404, HB2964, HB2398, HB3024, HB3499, HB3278, HB3279, HB3645, HB3649, HB2293, HB3260, HB3176, HB3177, HB3114, HB3172, HB3322, HB3323, HB4248, HB3720, HB2210, HB1322, HB1937, HB3301, HB4107

Keywords: Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety

Bills: SB44, SB546, SB1213, SB1256, SB1287, SB1443, SB1644, SB1653, SB1716, SB1209, SB1826, SB1919, SB1930, SB1976, SB2028, SB2067, SB2072, SB2117, SB710, SB1477, SB1405

Keywords: sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits

Transcript Highlights:

• School is required by law and is the only place that parents cannot be with them.
• I appreciate you considering this and appreciate your help sincerely, myself and all parents.
• I missed work and sat in the parking lot of the school, as did many parents watching for Mr. Smith.
• Furthermore, it makes notification of sentencing and release information automatic.
• Lastly, it cleans up some aspects of the victim notification process to make it easier for TDCJ.

Bills: SB614, SB872, SB1199, SB1212, SB1278, SB1573, SB1588, SB1602, SB1660, SB1704, SB1723, SB1833, SB1858, SB1946, SB2009, SB2146, SB2177, SB2373, SB2460, SB2785

Keywords: forensic science, capital writs, criminal justice, case review, Texas Forensic Science Commission, SB 872, burglary of a vehicle, vehicle burglary, theft of a firearm, stolen gun, firearm theft, Penal Code Section 30.04, third-degree felony, Class A misdemeanor, criminal penalty enhancement, gun theft, vehicle break-in, property crime, sentencing enhancement, Texas criminal law

Transcript Highlights:

• If there is a hit, then that notification comes back to law enforcement as secondary samples collected

Bills: SB614, SB872, SB1199, SB1212, SB1278, SB1573, SB1588, SB1602, SB1660, SB1704, SB1723, SB1833, SB1858, SB1946, SB2009, SB2146, SB2177, SB2373, SB2460, SB2785

Keywords: forensic science, capital writs, criminal justice, case review, Texas Forensic Science Commission, SB 872, burglary of a vehicle, vehicle burglary, theft of a firearm, stolen gun, firearm theft, Penal Code Section 30.04, third-degree felony, Class A misdemeanor, criminal penalty enhancement, gun theft, vehicle break-in, property crime, sentencing enhancement, Texas criminal law

Transcript Highlights:

• School is required by law and it's the only place that parents cannot be with them.
• Sincerely, myself and all parents. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony.
• Many parents kept their children home.
• I missed work and sat in the parking lot of the school, as did many parents watching for Mr. Smith.
• Furthermore, it makes notification of sentencing and release information automatic.

Bills: SB 614, SB 872, SB 1199, SB 1212, SB 1278, SB 1573, SB 1588, SB 1602, SB 1660, SB 1704, SB 1723, SB 1833, SB 1858, SB 1946, SB 2009, SB 2146, SB 2177, SB 2373, SB 2460, SB 2785

Keywords: forensic science, capital writs, criminal justice, case review, Texas Forensic Science Commission, SB 872, burglary of a vehicle, vehicle burglary, theft of a firearm, stolen gun, firearm theft, Penal Code Section 30.04, third-degree felony, Class A misdemeanor, criminal penalty enhancement, gun theft, vehicle break-in, property crime, sentencing enhancement, Texas criminal law

Bills: HB8, HB9, HJR1, HB 22

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

Bills: SB292, HB351, HB141, HB273, SB292, HB351, HB141, HB273

Keywords: education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, ad valorem tax, road funding, local government, referendum, Choctaw County, HB141, Alabama, state employees, salary deductions, payroll deduction, State Comptroller, membership dues, voluntary contributions, insurance premiums, financial instruments

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 318 by Representative Kef: infractions electronic notification system.
• Bill 318 by Representative Kef infractions infractions infractions electronic<00:04:00.480> notification
• electronic notification system. electronic notification system.

Bills: HB247, HB317, HB318, HB253, HB271, HB135, HB247, HB317, HB318, HB253, HB271, HB135

Keywords: Gulf of America, name change, state compliance, educational materials, local resources, historical reference, age verification, parental consent, consumer protection, app store regulations, data privacy, Internet filters, digital safety, minors protection, civil liability, device manufacturers, obscenity, aircraft tax, aviation tax, sales tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• And if I can add a little bit to what I said, Senator, to your answer: in Alabama, we have a parent or
• that number, I would like to be able to send you a little bit more information on that because our parent
• And if I can add a little bit to what I said, Senator, to your answer: in Alabama, we have a parent or
• that number, I would like to be able to send you a little bit more information on that because our parent
• I would like to be able to send you a little bit more information on that because our parent and other

Bills: SB61, SB8, SB58, SB60, SB167

Keywords: school psychologist, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure compact, license reciprocity, portable license, equivalent license, professional licensing, psychology board, school mental health, student services, educational services, interstate practice, reciprocal licensing, background check, continuing education, workforce shortage, military spouse, active duty military, compact commission

Transcript Highlights:

• Terms such as "notification application" and "AI" are included to clarify that these are designed to

Bills: HB4922, HB4713, HB4256, HB872, HB1571, HB4266, HB4559, SB251, SB441, SB1719

Keywords: healthcare liability, emergency medical care, standard of proof, negligence, legal reforms, Texas General Arbitration Act, arbitration, binding arbitration, statute of limitations, limitations period, tolling, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 16.073, alternative dispute resolution, ADR, civil procedure, lawsuit filing, court jurisdiction, Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence, procedural law

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve on the board of parents to murder children and surviving family members of homicide.
• On behalf of parents of murdered children and surviving family members of homicide, we would deeply appreciate
• As a parent, this is a role I take very seriously.
• Well, my first question to myself as a parent was, how did I not see this?
• side. young adult with no prior experience of even attending a doctor's appointment alone without my parents

Bills: SB251, SB608, SB487, SB535, SB761, SB955, SB957, SB958, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120

Keywords: criminal law, magistrates, Bell County, judicial authority, legal framework, evidence collection, sexual assault kits, reporting, law enforcement, transparency, confidentiality, victim protection, stalking, indecent assault, invasive visual recording, criminal justice, privacy rights, SB 535, Texas criminal procedure, rape shield

Transcript Highlights:

• In response to that delay, the legislature... notification.
• So it's two different types of notification. That notification that is included in this...
• So there's two different types of notification.
• have a constitutionally protected liberty interest in parenting their children.
• It wasn't a parent or caretaker, but they passed it on to law enforcement.

Bills: HR267, HCR105, HCR107, HCR110, HCR113, HCR114, SB4, SB52, SB57, SB145, SB152, SB194, SB237, SB333, SB433, SB483, SCR37

Keywords: diabetes, amputation, amputations, diabetic foot ulcer, peripheral artery disease, PAD, wound care, podiatry, vascular disease, endocrinology, limb salvage, health policy, public health, healthcare costs, insurance coverage, Louisiana Department of Health, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana Center for Health Innovation, patient education, screening