Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to introduce students from Wyo Elementary School who are visiting the Capitol today.
• Mahalo to the Water and Land chair and vice chair for all their help in coordinating the students' visit
• 27.519><c> coordinating</c><00:13:28.160><c> the</c><00:13:28.399><c> students</c><00:13:28.800><c> visit
• </c><00:13:29.360><c> and</c> in coordinating the students visit and in coordinating the students visit
• fleece-lined mesh and, for the first time, we're offering dry-fit polos for all of you that like to do site visits

Bills: HB1974, HB1853, HB1973, HB1574, HB2619, HB1966, HB1643, HB1671, HB2558, HB1854, HB2173, HB1575, HB2229, HB1535, HB1978, HB2508, HB1549, HB2187, HB1550, HB1977, HB2314, HB1871, HB2319, HB1591, HB1858, HB1898, HB2372, HB1765, HB2012, HB1706, HB1962, HB1963, HB1975, HB2009, HB2083, HB2224, HB1877, HB1959, HB1626, HB1665, HB2488, HB2456, HB2548, HB2207, HB1832, HB2079, HB1985, HB1618, HB2486, HB2242, HB2045, HB1703, HB2236, HB2480, HB1976, HB2287, HB2288, HB1777, HB276, HB1660, HB1676, HB1605, HB1751, HB1967, HB2383, HB2340, HB1946, HB2268, HB1950, HB2156, HB2118, HB1859, HB1863, HB1996, HB2114, HB2423, HB2429, HB2475, HB2534, HB2545, HB1813, HB1941, HB2474, HB2583, HB1576, HB1886, HB1939, HB2540, HB2590, HB2000, HB2163, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1692

Keywords: HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• I CAN EXPLAIN FOR MY PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS BY VISITING WELL OVER A DOZEN FACILITIES SO FAR.
• YOU WERE FROM MIAMI ALL THE WAY TO THE PANHANDLE IN YOUR VISITS AND YOUR WALKABOUTS WITH YOUR STAFF AND
• THE RATE OF THESE PROCEDURES AND THE NEED FOR INFIRMARY BASED POSTEVENT CARE FOR HOSPITAL VISITS HAD
• SAY THAT WHEN WE BRING ALL OF THESE HIGH RANKING FOLKS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS IN AND WHEN WE HAVE VISITS
• AND COME DO THAT THAT'S MY QUESTION PRISON AND COME AND SEE WHAT MY CONCERN IS I CAN VISIT AND COME

Transcript Highlights:

• Certified Public Accountants Advocacy Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting
• Welcome to the visiting delegation. Up to my left, I believe you guys stand up.
• Senator King, when I was privileged to go to Israel at your invitation back in 2019, we... ...visited
• And I look forward to again visiting Israel. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator Hinojosa.
• And so I'm so proud that they're here today visiting. Leadership Frisco is,... here today visiting.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard the daily invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, which authorizes the legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified period. The chamber then took up several recognitions, including Senate Resolution 8 honoring Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Advocacy Day, a recognition of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, a delegation from Dimmit County, and the doctor of the day, Dr. Hosey Hinojosa. The main floor business centered on Senate Resolution 15, commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust history, the rise of anti-Semitism, the importance of education, and solidarity with Israel. The resolution was adopted without objection, and Senator Bettencourt moved to add all senators’ names. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17, recognizing Sexual Assault Survivors Day, with remarks focused on the prevalence of sexual violence, underreporting, support for survivors, and the need for prevention and stronger systems of response. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 14 in memory of Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman highlighting his service and using the occasion to call for tougher measures against violent offenders. Additional resolutions SR 3, SR 4, SR 5, SR 6, SR 7, SR 11, and SR 12 were adopted together, and SR 54 granting permission for adjournment for more than three days was approved by a 31-0 roll call vote. The chamber also recognized Leadership Frisco Class No. 28 and later honored former Senator Dr. Joe J. Bernal and, upon adjournment, Sergeant Mark Allen Butler of the Navasota Police Department. The Senate adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Butler.

Transcript Highlights:

• Certified Public Accountants Advocacy Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting
• Welcome to the visiting delegation. Up to my left, I believe you guys stand up.
• Senator King, when I was privileged to go to Israel at your invitation back in 2019, we... ...visited
• And I look forward to again visit in Israel. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator Hinojosa.
• And so I'm so proud that they're here today visiting. Leadership Frisco is, Here today visiting.

Bills: SJR36

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, and then took up a series of recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups, including Texas Society of CPAs Advocacy Day, the Texas A&M System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, Dimmit County officials, the Doctor of the Day, and Leadership Frisco. Senators also recognized the Senate’s memorial and ceremonial guests throughout the day. The main floor business centered on two commemorative resolutions. Senate Resolution 15 marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust education, opposition to anti-Semitism and denial, remembrance of victims and survivors, and the importance of teaching students to stand up against hatred. The resolution was adopted, and the names of all senators and the lieutenant governor were added. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17 designating January 28 as Sexual Assault Survivors Day. Senator Parker described the prevalence and underreporting of sexual assault, the impact on survivors, and the need for prevention, support services, and stronger responses; Senator Cook spoke as a survivor and emergency room nurse and highlighted rape-kit backlogs and the need for victim support. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman urging action against violent offenders and stronger protections for law enforcement. Several additional resolutions were adopted, including SRs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, and SR 54 granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days was approved by roll call, 31 ayes and 0 nays. The Senate later adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Mark Allen Butler, whom Senator Kolkhorst also honored in remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• so we give back to the state of Minnesota through our programs and bringing people to the state to visit
• 03:51.760><c> to</c> um and bringing people to the state to um and bringing people to the state to visit
• and and go to your communities and visit and and go to your communities and and<00:03:54.760><c> spend
• Minnesota um as likely to want to visit Minnesota um as you<00:08:27.879><c> can</c><00:08:28.039><c
• and then you saw our ads and you visit and then you saw our ads and you decided<00:08:48.519><c> that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:31.440><c> within</c> what's the status of site visits within what's the status of site visits
• </c> up in terms of the required site visits up in terms of the required site visits under<00:49:42.840
• We've site visits to those providers.
• </c> visits on the sites that they manage. visits on the sites that they manage.
• Commissioner visits to these providers? Commissioner Gandhi.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll let them introduce themselves, but they are here as part of their site visit for Idaho.
• Each of the 50 states is getting a site visit from CMS.
• We also started our site visits. Our first one, pictured here, was in Louisiana.
• So we're continuing our site visits.
• At that point, we'll have completed all 50 site visits.

Summary: The Rural Health Transformation Committee met with a quorum and approved the April 22 minutes. CMS officials Kate Sapra and Jonathan Jones joined as part of Idaho’s site visit and gave an overview of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, describing it as a $50 billion, five-year cooperative agreement with all 50 states approved. Sapra emphasized CMS’s close oversight, annual rescoring, reporting requirements, and the need for states to obligate funds by October 30 and spend them by the following September, with unspent or unallowable funds subject to recovery. She said the first year will focus mainly on implementation milestones, with outcomes becoming more important in later years. Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Sharon then reviewed Idaho’s first round of year-one funding opportunities and the proposed review process. She said the department is moving quickly to post initial solicitations in June, using both full RFPs and sub-grants depending on the type of project. Early priorities include structural and administrative contracts, data and evaluation support, provider recruitment and retention administration, needs assessments, technology and infrastructure investments, transportation, and service-oriented sub-awards such as EMS, maternal and child health, behavioral health, and chronic disease prevention. Committee members asked for more detail on KPIs and requested access to the underlying RFP documents through SharePoint. Members also asked about reimbursement versus upfront funding, multi-year projects, minor renovations, and whether funds could be shifted between categories. CMS said funds cannot supplant existing financing, but states may structure awards to provide upfront funding if allowed under state procurement rules; it also said minor renovations are defined through CMS guidance and FAQs, not a strict federal definition. Sharon and Sapra said year-one category allocations would be difficult to change significantly, though adjustments may be possible later with CMS approval. The committee agreed to continue sending feedback through the co-chairs and set the next meeting for July 15, with the meeting adjourned afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I did, and I did visit with Senator Davison this morning.
• And again, I did visit, I have visited previously with Senator Davidson, but did visit again this morning
• And again, I did visit, I have visited previously with Senator Davidson, but did visit again this morning
• those years where you have something... ...simply redesigning the plan with co-pays at the doctor visit

Bills: SB2160

Keywords: health insurance, public employees, uniform group insurance, retirement, state employees, 908, all

Summary: The committee resumed work on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the Public Employees Retirement System health plan from grandfathered to non-grandfathered status under the Affordable Care Act. PERS officials Rebecca Frickie and Derek Holbein explained that the bill would allow more flexibility in plan design, including higher deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums, while also adding enhanced preventive benefits. They clarified that ACA “essential health benefits” apply to individual and small-group markets, not to PERS as a large employer, and that the bill’s projected cost increases were based on actuarial estimates and prior bid scenarios from Sanford and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Members debated whether the bill would actually save money or simply shift costs to employees. Supporters argued that non-grandfathered status would create more levers to manage medical inflation and could produce net premium savings through plan redesign, citing prior bid comparisons showing potential reductions of 1% to 8% depending on the option. Opponents, including Representative Schauer and North Dakota United president Nick Archelette, questioned how the state would pay for the estimated $25 million to $30 million in added benefits and warned that employees could face higher out-of-pocket costs amid already strained household budgets. Frickie said the legislature would control funding decisions and that current law requiring the state to pay full family premiums could be changed only by statute. The committee also discussed reserve funding, with members noting that a $4.3 million reserve draw in the bill was intended to cover the final months of the biennium and could be modified. After testimony and discussion, Vice Chair Johnson moved a do-pass recommendation and referral to Appropriations. The motion passed 10-3-1, with Representatives Ostlie, Schatz, and Schauer voting no. Representative Gump agreed to carry the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• diagnosis until their child is about five years old, after years of confusion and countless doctor visits
• you actually removed a lot of things from the statute, one of them was a requirement about monthly visits
• It was just a monthly visit, so that supervision is maintained.
• It's just, they're doing it every day remotely, whereas it was a once-a-month visit that was previously
• This is from fewer ER visits. ...hospitalizations, fewer readmissions, and better preventive care.

Bills: HB321, HB 1027, HB 1295, HB1782, HB2295, HCR29, HCR56

Keywords: Medicaid, child health, express lane option, income verification, supplemental nutrition assistance, telepharmacy, healthcare access, remote dispensing, rural clinics, pharmacy regulations, health literacy, state health plan, health care, patient outcomes, public health, economic impact, healthcare, breast cancer, cervical cancer, insurance eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got a lot to handle, but I'll visit with me after. Visit with me after, okay.
• I've got a lot to handle, but I'll visit with me after. Visit with me after, okay.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Judiciary A met on May 19, 2026, established a quorum, approved the May 12 minutes, and heard two bills. Senator Carter also made a personal privilege statement wishing his wife a happy birthday. The committee took up House Bill 71, which provides liability protection for private security guards who use a weapon in the course of their duties when the use of force is deemed justifiable by the district attorney and responding law enforcement. After discussion, the committee adopted amendment set 4036, which narrowed the bill so the liability limitation applies only when the perpetrator is wielding a dangerous weapon as defined in law. An informational card was noted, and an opposition witness waived testimony in light of the amendment. HB 71 was then reported with amendments. The committee next considered House Bill 79, which would remove a special limitation on damages for the carbon capture industry. The author argued the industry should not receive a damages cap that other industries do not have. The committee adopted amendment set 3979, which restored a non-economic damages cap of $250,000 except in cases involving wrongful death, permanent substantial physical deformity, loss of use of a limb or bodily organ system, or permanent injury preventing independent self-care. One supporter card was noted, and HB 79 was reported with amendments. The committee then stood at ease.

Transcript Highlights:

• basically what we have seen is some facility fees potentially being charged for simple outpatient visits
• Being charged for simple outpatient visits, vaccinations given in vehicles, or given quickly by nurses
• What is problematic about this is that a very routine visit that should be a very low-cost visit now
• has a facility fee attached to it, making it a relatively high-cost visit.
• Care benefits, as they can offer early symptom relief, home and telehealth visits, care coordination,

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 279, on a committee substitute that narrowed the bill to privacy and safety protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care. The substitute would strengthen limits on disclosure of protected health information, restrict geofencing around care facilities with exceptions for security and research, clarify emergency stabilization obligations under state licensing law, and allow abortion-medication labels to omit a prescriber’s personal name and address. Supporters including ACOG, the ACLU, the League of Women Voters, the Health Care Authority, and advocacy groups said the bill protects patients and providers from surveillance, harassment, and out-of-state investigations. Some members raised concerns about HIPAA, research data, and whether the bill could go too far, but the substitute passed 6-2. The committee then approved House Memorial 1, which asks the Legislative Finance Committee to study whether a constitutional amendment should create an independent commission to manage CYFD. Supporters said the department needs a comprehensive structural review, while opponents argued New Mexico already has enough reports and should act on existing recommendations instead of commissioning another study. House Memorial 31 also passed; it directs the Health Care Authority to re-evaluate a rule limiting home health agencies to serving patients within 100 miles of their licensed locations, in light of access needs in remote areas such as the Navajo Nation and anticipated demand from uranium workers. House Bill 306, dealing with facility fees, was amended by substitute to prohibit such fees for certain preventive services, vaccinations, telehealth, and some services provided in vehicles, while exempting rural hospitals and requiring notice to patients. Hospital representatives opposed the bill, warning it would add financial pressure and could still be passed through to patients or premiums, while insurers, retiree advocates, and consumer groups supported it as a way to curb confusing and costly add-on charges. The committee also advanced House Memorial 36 to create an unfunded nursing shortage task force focused on graduation rates, retention, and barriers to training, and House Memorial 35, which would ask HCA to seek a Medicaid state plan amendment for pediatric palliative care. Supporters of the palliative care memorial described major access gaps for children with complex conditions, especially in rural areas, and the memorial passed after testimony from a rural pediatric hospice nurse and committee discussion about the small number of eligible children and the burden on families.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Madam Speaker, we're especially fortunate today because this is a three for one visit.
• And Madam Speaker, we're especially fortunate today because this is a three for one visit.
• And Madam Speaker, we're especially fortunate today because this is a three for one visit.
• And Madam Speaker, we're especially fortunate today because this is a three for one visit.
• And Madam Speaker, we're especially fortunate today because this is a three for one visit.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, much of the money is given to L&I just to take care of their medical needs and not for visits
• They pay for things like visits. They pay for the families to travel expenses to come and visit.
• They pay for remodeling of the visiting rooms, child areas for the incarcerated family.
• They pay for things like visits. They pay for the families to travel expenses to come and visit.
• They pay for remodeling of the visiting rooms, child areas for the incarcerated family.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5977, which would require DCYF to publish child near-fatality review reports within 180 days and post them publicly, with confidential information redacted as allowed by law. Senator Nikki Torres said the bill is intended to improve transparency, accountability, and child protection. There was no public testimony on the bill, and the hearing was closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6184, an Office of Homeless Youth request bill sponsored by the chair. The bill makes technical and policy updates to OHY programs, including replacing the term “street youth” with “unaccompanied homeless youth,” allowing certain flexible funds to go directly to youth or vendors, renaming and making permanent the H-Sync program, expanding eligibility and housing options in the Independent Youth Housing Program, and clarifying shelter and reporting provisions. Testifiers from Commerce, advocates, school support organizations, and a youth advocate all supported the bill, emphasizing that the changes would improve access, consistency, and housing stability for unhoused youth. The hearing was then closed. The committee moved into executive session on seven bills. SB 5681, concerning intellectual and developmental disability services at age 20, had Amendment A1 fail and the proposed substitute was adopted and sent to Ways and Means. SB 5917, regarding abortion medication in DOC, saw one amendment adopted and multiple Christian amendments rejected before the bill was sent to Rules. SB 5942, renaming the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board and revising its duties, had only Amendment C16 adopted; the amended bill passed to Rules. SB 6024, on duplicative audits for community residential providers, passed without amendment. SB 6036, concerning adult family homes and foster care licensees, had Amendment D1 adopted and the bill passed to Rules. SB 6085, on the DOC institutional welfare account, had Amendment E1 adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means after several other amendments failed. In each case, the committee voted to advance the bill after considering amendments, with most of the proposed changes from Senator Christian failing except where noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chaplin, how many schools did you visit to observe actual lunch periods and breakfast periods?
• We visited five or six schools individually of different sizes.
• Chair, Representative Garrett, it should be important to know that whenever we do these site visits,
• get to the other items on the agenda for those of you who were able to make it to yesterday's Site visit
• that Gallup-McKinley County Schools also hosts more extended versions of their experiential site visits

Transcript Highlights:

• Raoul Tejas is with the El Paso Police Department, and I took a moment to visit with him.
• She and her husband chose New Mexico after visiting us early in the 20s.
• I don't even think it's the fair board commissioner's intent at this point after visiting them.
• President, Senator Pro Tem, I have visited with the owner of the Downs at Albuquerque.
• President, I have visited with the mayor of Albuquerque.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• New centers would get four visits from their licensor within that first year.
• The first visit is announced, and it's focused on technical assistance.
• I've answered the question on whether site visits are announced or unannounced.
• </c> some of these uh license license visits some of these uh license license visits but<01:12:14.199
• </c><01:13:17.199><c> that</c> depending on the time of the visit that depending on the time of the visit

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• who have private coverage, people on Apple Health are much less likely to be able to get a dental visit
• around pain in the mouth or if they've had any permanent teeth extracted, if they've had a dental visit
• Dental visit in the last year. And again, we see similar inequities as with the kids' data.
• Lower-income adults are less likely to have had a dental visit.
• increase their access to preventive service or encourage them to schedule their annual preventive visits

Bills: SB6138, SB5899, SB6072, SB6094

Keywords: dental procedures, sedation, patient safety, multiprovider system, healthcare regulation, chiropractic, animal care, veterinary medicine, license endorsement, nonhuman animals, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, veterinary telehealth, telemedicine, teletriage, teleadvice, animal health, licensed veterinarian, Washington veterinary board, prescription drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• married to his wife, Laura, and together they frequently travel and cruise all around the globe visiting
• open a conversation that allows for honest reasons for the visit.
• There is no way to fully understand before the clinic visit what questions will be needed.
• But when they get to be an adolescent, then that's when they'd like to visit with them a little bit.
• Because in visiting with many different caring providers and other people, they have said that it is

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause. The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments. The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, it's very difficult to ascertain, but when I visited with the DPS director a week before last
• You know, it's very difficult to ascertain, but when I visited with the DPS director a week before last
• Are you asking about, like, visiting judges?
• They're a visiting judge, so that's a good question.
• Appreciate the opportunity to visit today about gift card fraud in Texas. My name is John McCourt.

Bills: SB476, SB664, SB745, SB826, SB989, SB1080, SB1171, SB1320, SB1437, SB1727, SB1809, SB2289, SB2320

Keywords: education, funding, school infrastructure, public schools, teacher support, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, ignition interlock devices, youth offenders, vehicular homicide, Texas courts, judicial officers, associate judge, magistrate, master, referee, hearing officer, court administration, Government Code Chapter 54, Government Code Chapter 54A

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several criminal justice bills, with most of the discussion focused on oilfield theft, DWI enforcement, juvenile justice, reentry licensing, jail transparency, and court/judicial standards. SB 1320 would create a DPS oilfield theft unit headquartered in the Permian Basin; supporters from industry, law enforcement, and a district attorney described increasingly sophisticated, organized theft tied to cartels and multi-jurisdictional criminal networks, while DPS said it currently has only two officers working the issue. The committee voted SB 1320 out unanimously and placed it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 826, which would enhance DWI committed in a school zone to a state jail felony, also passed unanimously after brief explanation and no testimony. SB 1171, adding juvenile justice OIG peace officers to Schedule C salary, was reported favorably on a committee substitute, and SB 1080, which would allow incarcerated people to obtain occupational licenses effective upon release, also passed on a committee substitute after testimony from formerly incarcerated advocates and reentry supporters. The committee also considered several bills aimed at tougher DWI penalties. SB 476 would increase intoxication manslaughter penalties when the offender violates an ignition interlock restriction; the bill was supported by the author, victims’ family members, Galveston officials, and law enforcement, but opposed by the Texas Civil Rights Project, which argued treatment and prevention would be more effective. After discussion about possible amendments, the bill was left pending. SB 745 would create a new first-degree felony option for intoxication manslaughter involving multiple deaths, and it was reported favorably after testimony from a prosecutor supporting the need for a stronger sentencing option. SB 2320 would broadly increase penalties for DWI offenses, including first-time DWI, DWI with an open container, high-BAC DWI, and repeat offenses; it was supported by a grieving family member and a sheriff, and the committee voted it out favorably. On juvenile justice, SB 1727 would expand tools to address assaults on staff at Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities by lowering the age for transfer to adult prison in some cases, allowing earlier transfer of determinate-sentence youth, and restricting release when a criminal case is pending. Juvenile probation officials supported the bill as a public safety and victim-rights measure, while the Texas Civil Rights Project opposed it, arguing it would send children to inappropriate adult facilities and conflict with juvenile justice principles; the bill was left pending. SB 1437 would expand the juvenile justice do-not-hire registry to include non-certified positions, and it passed unanimously after supporters said it would help close loopholes that allow predators to move between child-serving jobs. SB 2289, requiring counties that house inmates out of state to report that information and any deaths to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, also passed unanimously. Finally, SB 989, requiring criminal background checks for court personnel who determine bail, and SB 664, establishing statewide qualifications and oversight for magistrates and associate judges, were explained and discussed as transparency and public-safety measures, with SB 989 reported favorably and SB 664 under committee consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• there is a report of abuse in the hospital, urgent care, emergency room, or physician's office, a visit
• even emergency room visits.
• in total more visits than their weeks of life on september 18th 2022 during yet another ER visit we
• There's 5.1 million visitors that visit our area of Walton County.
• Over 142 million people came from out of state last year to visit us.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for Senate Bill 304, which would address child protective investigations involving children with certain pre-existing genetic or medical conditions. Senator Sharif said the bill is intended to prevent children from being wrongly removed from their families when symptoms of conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, rickets, or vitamin deficiencies are mistaken for abuse. Several parents and advocates testified in support, describing long dependency cases and removals they said were caused by misdiagnosis. The committee adopted a substitute amendment that removed language requiring certain medical personnel to provide differential-diagnosis analysis, and the bill then passed favorably with unanimous support. The committee then heard SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, sponsored by Senator Collins, who described the long effort by U.S. victims of the FARC to enforce a federal judgment and recover assets. The bill would clarify procedures for terrorism-related judgments, modernize intangible asset law, and help prevent terrorists from hiding assets or blocking wire transfers. After one supportive appearance form and no debate, the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 96, a local claims bill for Jacob Rogers, and SB 382, an affordable housing rent bill that was amended to define base rent and apply to certain shorter-term rental agreements entered after July 1, 2026; SB 382 drew support from housing advocates and some opposition, but passed unanimously. Several claims bills were also approved: SB 4 for Patricia Armini, SB 6 for Jose Correa, SB 28 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., SB 30 for the estate of M.N., and SB 24 for Mandy Penny Lemon, each involving injuries or damages caused by local government or hospital district negligence and each reported favorably after brief testimony and roll calls. The committee also passed SB 658 on waiver or release of liens after discussion about form language and enforceability. SB 72, which would allow campaign funds to pay certain child care expenses incurred while a candidate is actively campaigning, prompted questions about definitions and safeguards; the sponsor said the bill would require the expense to exist only because of campaign activity, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 1142 on release of conservation easements, which would create a statewide process for releasing certain small, low-value parcels from conservation easements if mitigation credits are secured elsewhere. The bill drew support from the sponsor and a property representative, but environmental advocates and President Passidomo raised concerns about flood control, wildlife corridors, and whether the bill was too property-specific; the sponsor said he would continue working on the language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 1622, which would repeal the 2018 customary use law and restore local authority over public beach access. Supporters argued the current law has privatized beaches, hurt tourism, and led to harassment and conflict, while opponents defended private property rights and warned against taking away owners’ ability to exclude others. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1622, before a final vote is shown.