Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Shamahorn has offered the amendment in concept. Are there any objections? Rep.
• Are there any objections? Representative Moore objected. Ms.
• Representative Dickerson has moved to report SCR 62 favorably. Are there any objections?
• Representative Walters has moved to report HCR 112 favorably. Are there any objections?
• Representative Dickerson has moved to report HR 275 favorably. Are there any objections?

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 and considered several resolutions and one Senate bill dealing with transportation project delivery, vehicle safety, school-zone safety, flooding, and highway signage. The committee first took up SCR 64, which creates a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) for public works. An amendment added representatives from Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors to the task force, and the resolution was reported with amendments. The committee also heard HR 282, which creates a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with Louisiana State Police and other stakeholders; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and the resolution was reported with amendments. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 513, which addressed public works project delivery methods and included a proposal for an average-bid award method as well as design-build authority for airports and vertiports. Testimony from a Reason Foundation policy analyst and a Louisiana Associated General Contractors representative opposed the average-bid concept, arguing it lacked U.S. precedent, could encourage collusion, and could raise costs, while airport-related design-build provisions were supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to remove the average-bid language, then reported SB 513 with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate all school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses involving crossing guards and distracted driving. In addition, HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were acted on and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1051, Representative Phelps's bill.
• No objections? Somebody's got to object, huh?
• All right, so HB 326 by Representative Muscarello, being represented today by Bass, Mr. Chairman.
• Representative Newell? Representative Newell? Oh, yeah, okay. Take you down. Thank you.
• Without objection, this meeting is done.

Summary: The Local and Municipal Affairs Committee met with five senators present and first adopted the May 7 minutes. The committee then took up a series of local bills, beginning with HB 481, which revises the statutory cap on charges per character for public notices; after brief discussion, it was reported favorable. HB 1051, dealing with Shreveport commercial properties that have received insurance payments after fire damage and are dilapidated, was also reported favorable after questions about insurance, spoliation, and consultation with local departments. HB 1080, a related Shreveport measure clarifying the city’s authority to sue after filing a lien on dangerous property, likewise passed favorably after discussion of insurance-related issues. The committee next considered HB 864, which addresses combustible materials left under bridges and was amended to remove imprisonment as a penalty; it was reported favorable as amended. HB 893, concerning procurement rules for the New Orleans Sewage and Water Board as the city assumes more responsibility, was reported favorable. HB 107, creating a local improvement district, and HB 1153, establishing a statewide framework for parish and municipal burn bans after the I-12 fire, both received favorable reports. HB 213, restructuring the downtown development district and adding homeowners and lease owners to the board, and HB 433, renaming the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce in law to the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, were also reported favorable. HB 326, requiring the police chief of Tickfaw to reside in the village, passed without objection. HB 66, which adds administrative adjudication procedures for Alexandria and defines housing violations, was amended and reported favorable. Senator Barrow then presented SB 343 regarding the Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission, but said she would turn it into a study resolution; the committee deferred the bill without objection. HB 867, allowing the mayor to appoint the police chief in certain municipalities instead of election, was reported favorable. HB 1254, changing the New Orleans Regional Business Park board from 12 to 11 members and adjusting mayoral appointments accordingly, was briefly deferred at the author’s request and then reported favorable after discussion of avoiding tie votes. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hernandez because of important business on motion of Representative Wally. Is there any objection?
• It is Representative Mono Dallas's birthday on Saturday.
• Representative King moves to add all members' names to HR 255. Is there any objection?
• Representative Morales moves to add all members' names to the resolution. Is there any objection?
• Is there any objection, chair? None. The rules are suspended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, the objections?
• Without objection, the one objections?
• Without objection the two objection?
• Without objection the Any objections?
• Without objection, the Any objection?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation, and welcomed guests including the doctor of the day, a Johns Hopkins student, and visiting scouts. The chamber then moved through first-reading introductions of several House bills, including measures on bullying and harassment reporting, the Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act, Baltimore County nuisance actions, parole hearing commission procedures, a blockchain technology task force, and a task force on deed fraud, all of which were referred to standing committees. The main floor action centered on layover bills. Senate Bill 932, concerning social media platforms displaying a user’s usual location, was amended to broaden the protected location reference and to protect participants in the Secretary of State’s address confidentiality program; after discussion about whether minors and child-abuse victims were covered, the amended bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 623, creating a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage license, drew multiple county-specific amendments. Howard County and Baltimore County amendments sought to give priority to existing local tobacco businesses for the new licenses. Supporters said the changes would protect established local shops from out-of-state entities, while opponents argued the bill should remain statewide and not be amended county by county. A motion to special order the bill failed, and the amendments were adopted before the bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 84, on collective bargaining for graduate assistants, also advanced after a committee amendment was adopted. A District 2 amendment was offered to clarify that graduate assistants are employed as teaching, administrative, or research assistants, but the floor leader opposed it, saying the bill’s definition was already clear and the change would create confusion. The minority leader questioned the definition and the relationship between graduate assistants and employees, prompting discussion of collective bargaining as bargaining by employees through representatives. The transcript cuts off before final disposition of that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is objection.
• There is objection.
• There is objection.
• There is objection.
• Is there objection? Is there objection? Hearing none, the rules are suspended.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, an invocation, and routine motions to excuse Senator King and dispense with the reading of the previous journal. Members then took up several ceremonial resolutions and recognitions, including honoring Duncanville High School’s boys basketball state championship, recognizing the city of Palestine, welcoming the Texas African American Lawyers Foundation and Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute, acknowledging the Cibolo Chamber of Commerce, and designating Texas County Treasurer’s Day and Mesquite Day. A memorial resolution for Clyde Vance Dunham of Waco was adopted, with multiple senators speaking in tribute to his long legal career and community service; the Senate agreed to adjourn in his memory. The chamber then considered a series of bills, most of which were advanced on expedited motions. Senate Bill 1948, concerning fire prevention standards for certain agricultural facilities, passed after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. Senate Bill 1394, updating weight and tire-load rules for ready-mix concrete trucks, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1814, creating an electronic database to provide information to certain veterans, also passed unanimously. Senate Bill 241, tightening enforcement of the public camping ban and authorizing state enforcement and reimbursement mechanisms, drew questions about impacts on unhoused people but ultimately passed. Senate Bill 1147, withdrawing Texas from the Interstate Mining Compact, passed unanimously. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 921 on Medicaid ex parte renewals after a narrower vote, and Senate Bill 609, requiring school districts and charter schools to comply with legally required policies, after rejecting an amendment by Senators Menendez and Perry that would have added a good-faith/resource-limitation safeguard for districts. Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 660, requiring bollards or similar barriers near certain hospital emergency rooms, passed with rural exemptions and exceptions for existing protections. Senate Bill 2155, a cleanup bill returning veterinary board authority from TDLR to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, passed with amendments. Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1209 on election dates and Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1396 prohibiting national sex education standards in public schools also passed. The Senate then received first-reading bills and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• part of the state.
• Thank you, Representative Schofield. There's no objection. The bill will be left pending.
• Our association formed in about 1928, represents about 190 cemeteries across the state.
• Thank you, Representative Villobos. Is there no objection the bill be left pending?
• Thank you, Representative Cook. If there's no objection, the bill will be left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Dodson. to sex crimes. Representative Dodson.
• Representative Holloway. accounts. Representative Holloway.
• Representative<00:14:16.800> Layman. Representative Layman. Representative Layman.
• Representative Gordon. with wildlife. Representative Gordon.
• and directing state medicine state and directing state agencies<00:15:22.720> to<00:15:22.959

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 05:54 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 12:03 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 16:14 CoC and Rules Report 18:21 Adjournment 18:57, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 95 members present. The journal from Friday, January 9, 2026 was approved, absent members were excused, and House Resolution 21 was taken from the Committee on Committees and brought to the floor without objection. Several committee and meeting announcements were made, including cancellations for various standing committees and notices that the Government Contract Review Committee and Oversight Investigation Committee would meet upon adjournment. The House also adopted House Citation 4, a citation of adjournment honoring Bill Nickel, with remarks describing him as a respected community member and friend. After the citation, members continued making committee announcements, including that the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance would meet at noon the next day. The clerk then reported the introduction of numerous new bills and resolutions, covering topics such as grand jury service, criminal trespass, postsecondary admission and funding, sex crimes, cultured meat products, railroad crossings, firearms and concealed weapons, property tax exemptions, name/image/likeness rights, landlords and tenants, child care, child welfare investigations, government social media accounts, peace officer training, economic development incentives, residential safety, pre-trial release, and several resolutions on highways, property taxation, Medicaid waiver withdrawal, and food-as-medicine initiatives. The Committee on Committees and Rules met and referred House Bills 164, 176, 184, and 265 to Banking and Insurance, and the House adjourned without objection until 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives. Representatives.
• Without objection, so ordered. Speaker. Without objection, so ordered.
• Representative Kline. Gentleman vehicle. Representative Kline.
• Citation 52, Representative<00:36:39.320> Gordon. Representative Gordon.
• Without objection, so ordered. 51. Without objection, so ordered.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum with 95 members present, excused absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 33, 37, and 56 and requested concurrence, and it approved the journal from February 27, 2026. The House then considered several bills. House Bill 648, relating to motor vehicle dealers, was explained as closing loopholes in warranty compensation for class 7 and 8 heavy-duty truck dealers; it passed 94-0. House Bill 299, relating to machine gun conversion devices or “Glock switches,” was amended by House Committee Substitute 1, described as mirroring existing federal law so local law enforcement can enforce it; it passed 65-25, with one member explaining support as a constitutional gun restriction. House Bill 282, “Troy’s Law,” relating to vehicle lights for tow trucks, was amended to allow green flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights for wreckers and was presented as a safety measure honoring tow operators killed or injured on highways; it passed unanimously. House Bill 658, relating to limited commercial driver’s licenses for agricultural businesses, was amended with clarifying language and passed 93-0. House Bill 519, relating to a voluntary notation on driver’s licenses or IDs for people with communication disorders, was described as a non-stigmatizing safety tool for first responders and passed 92-0. House Bill 246, “Keion’s Law,” requiring animal control officers to receive training to identify and report child abuse and neglect, was amended to address county liability concerns and passed 85-0 after testimony about child maltreatment data and the link between animal abuse and child abuse. After the bills, the House took up additional business, including moving House Bills 619 and 651 from Appropriations and Revenue for second reading. The chamber also adopted Citation 52 recognizing the Model Laboratory School Personal Finance Team for winning a state competition, and Citation 51 honoring the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children and Children’s Advocacy Week. Members announced committee meetings, an Americans for Prosperity Kentucky reception, and a Women’s History Month recognition highlighting Martha Layne Collins as Kentucky’s first and only female governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now our beloved state, honor the Texas flag.
• Harrison: State your inquiry.
• State your inquiry. Mr.
• State your inquiry.
• Representative Button. Representative Button: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, that would be a place where you might interpose an objection and then leave it to the state auditor
• A state auditor would help them exercise that check and balance. So here's an objective measure.
• NCSL represents legislatures in the states, territories, and commonwealths of the U.S. with the mission
• So you gave us a scope of the U.S. states, right? States across the United States.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today and represent the state auditor community.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on whether the Office of the State Auditor may constitutionally audit the Massachusetts Legislature under Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024 and what such an audit could include under generally accepted government auditing standards. Chair Cindy Friedman opened by explaining the background: voters approved Ballot Question 1 in November 2024, the law took effect in January 2025, and the Auditor then initiated audits of both chambers. The chair said the subcommittee was seeking expert testimony because the proposed audit scope, constitutionality, and possible bias concerns remained unresolved. Public testimony was invited, but no members of the public pre-registered; written testimony remained open for a short period after the hearing. The hearing then proceeded with invited experts on constitutional law/state government and auditing-related issues. Professor Lawrence Friedman testified that the ballot initiative’s approval by the Attorney General and by voters did not resolve constitutional questions, and he argued Chapter 250 violates the Massachusetts Constitution. He said the Legislature has constitutional authority to set its own rules and manage its proceedings, and that an executive-branch audit would intrude on legislative deliberation, speech and debate protections, and separation of powers. He also warned that even audits of supposedly administrative matters could become a vehicle for repeated document demands and litigation that would indirectly burden legislative functioning. In questioning, senators pressed him on the line between administrative and deliberative functions, the role of the Attorney General versus the courts, the possibility of retroactive audit scope, and whether prior legislative consent to audits mattered; he said prior consent would not bind future legislatures and that constitutionality is ultimately for the courts. Professor Ray La Raja also opposed the audit, framing it as a threat to institutional independence and representative democracy. He argued that allowing an executive-branch official to audit the Legislature without consent would upset separation of powers, chill internal debate, and create a precedent for broader executive intrusion. He said voters often support “transparency” reforms without fully appreciating institutional consequences, and that legislatures should defend their autonomy, especially amid what he described as broader executive overreach nationally. Senators asked about chilling effects, the practical distinction between administrative and core legislative functions, and whether the courts or the Legislature should resolve the issue; he said the courts would ultimately adjudicate disputes, but the Legislature should not waive its constitutional authority lightly. Jean Kempthorne took the opposite view, arguing the audit is permissible and should proceed. She said the state auditor is a constitutional officer accountable directly to the people, that the audit power can be expanded by statute, and that separation of powers does not require watertight compartments. She contended the audit would not displace core legislative powers because the auditor can only evaluate operations, report findings, and make recommendations. She also argued the Legislature itself already conducts audits of other branches, so it is inconsistent to claim an audit of the Legislature is unconstitutional. In response to senators’ questions, she said there are guardrails against truly intrusive requests, but that the administrative-versus-legislative distinction is not a workable bright line; she suggested disputes should be handled case by case, with objections, negotiation, or litigation if specific requests go too far. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• or state colleges.
• Or state colleges.
• For IDs that come from state universities and state colleges, we should have said so.
• Is there objection? Seeing none, show the motion adopted. Is there objection?
• States Attorney or the United States District Court for the applicable district in this state has waived

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored a retiring Senate staffer and a wounded veteran, then moved into returning House messages and special order bills. Several measures were taken up and either concurred in or sent back to the House, with multiple unanimous or near-unanimous votes on noncontroversial bills. Among the bills addressed were SB 118 on recreational vehicle park assessments, SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, and HB 991 on election integrity. SB 118 and SB 572 were amended to reflect House changes and passed 38-0. HB 991 drew extensive debate over voter registration and identification requirements, with opponents arguing it would burden students, seniors, disabled voters, and others, while supporters said it would strengthen election security and streamline verification; it passed 27-12. The chamber also approved bills on historic cemeteries, chickee regulation, habitual traffic offender designation, military affairs, and a Department of Health package. The Department of Health bill (SB 902/HB 733) was the subject of detailed amendment work, including changes to medical marijuana rules, NICU educational materials, Early Steps, dental loan repayment, and pediatric trauma center designation. The Senate adopted an amendment to the amendment and then passed the bill 37-0. Other measures included a funeral services bill, which the Senate refused to concur in because the House strike-all would redefine cremation to include composting, and a veterans-related bill that was temporarily postponed. The Senate also recessed briefly, then returned to continue the calendar and additional recognitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Represent Bell. The committee substitute is withdrawn. There's no objection.
• Thank you, Representative Oliverson. If there's no objection, the bill will be left pending.
• Thank you, Representative Hicklin. If there's no objection, the bill will be left pending.
• Thank you, Representative Tepper. If there is no objection, the bill will be left pending.
• Thank you, Representative Winger. If there is no objection, the bill will be left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hernandez because of important business on motion of representative Wally. Is there any objection?
• It is Representative Monodale's birthday on Saturday.
• The county is home to the Nueces, Leona, Sabanau, and Frio Rivers, as well as Garner State, State Park
• Representative Morales moves to add all members' names to the resolution. Is there any objection?
• Is there any objection? The chair? Here's none.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Gordon. Representative Gordon.
• across the state. across the state.
• not state Medicaid. not state Medicaid.
• No objection, so ordered. No objection, so ordered.
• Also, Representative Decker, Representative Dome, Representative Nemes, and Representative Roberts.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you'll state your name, who you represent.
• There's no objection. The bill will be left pending. Is there an objection?
• Sir, I have you registered as Jack Todd representing Texas State Association.
• There's no objection. The bill will be left pending. Is your objection?
• Could you please state your name, who you represent, and your position on the bill. Yes, ma'am.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any objection to that motion? Seeing no objection, those minutes are approved.
• Is there any objection to that motion?
• "Objection to motion, see an objection to remove report House Bill 75 of the amendments.
• Representative Henry has House Bill 620." "623. All right. Representative Henry has House Bill 623.
• Is there any objection to that motion?

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the State Chamber of Commerce, we represent businesses across every industry of every size, and we
• If there is no objection, House Bill 4568 will be left pending. Is there an objection?
• If there is no objection, House Bill 4543 will be left pending. Is there an objection?
• Gonzalez, there's no objection. HCR113 will be left pending. Is there an objection?
• Representative Kerwin, Representative Ward-Johnson, thank you all for being here.

Bills: HB4568, HB5458, HB4543, HB2703, HB3728, HCR113, HCR126

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a representative in Senior Legislative District 4.
• Is there objection? The chair hears none. The motion prevails. Representative Schofield is here.
• Yes, Representative Flores.
• There being no objection, the substitute is adopted.
• substitute hearing no objections seeing no questions the substitute is adopted representative leech

Bills: SB1015, SB2933

Keywords: statutory probate courts, probate court fees, judicial fund, county reimbursement, comptroller, Texas Government Code, Local Government Code, court fees, fee allocation, excess contributions, judicial education and support fund, presiding judge salary, county finance, court administration, Texas judiciary, revenue distribution, SB 2933, elder abuse, neglect, judicial training

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence heard testimony on Senate Bill 1015, which would clarify that the comptroller is responsible for distributing excess judicial fund payments back to statutory probate courts. Judge Guy Herman testified in support, saying the bill would help ensure probate courts receive funding they are entitled to, while Ed Heimlich testified against the bill with broad criticism of probate courts and judicial practices. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2933, which would add elder abuse training to required judicial education for several categories of judges and judicial officers; Dr. Bruce Hargrave supported the bill, citing the prevalence and underreporting of elder abuse and the need for judges to recognize warning signs. No votes were taken on either of those bills, and SB 2933 was left pending. The committee then reconsidered Senate Bill 38, an eviction-related bill, and Vice Chair Hayes described two agreed floor amendments: one limiting the summary disposition procedure to forcible entry and detainer cases involving squatters, and another requiring a notice to pay rent or vacate for tenants who had been timely payers but missed a payment. After discussion, the committee voted 6-4 to report SB 38 without amendments. The committee also adopted or advanced a series of other bills and resolutions, including SB 293, SB 1141, SB 1448, SB 1536, SB 1558, SB 1838, SB 1940, SB 2127, SB 53, SB 251, SB 311, SB 387, SB 441 (with a substitute), SB 1164, SB 1335, SB 1574 (with a substitute), SB 1719, SB 1760, SB 1839, SB 1923 (with a substitute), SB 2807, and SJR 27 (with a substitute). Most measures were reported favorably on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with a few close votes on SB 942, SB 311, SB 2807, and SJR 27. SB 942, relating to retroactive child support beginning at conception, initially failed 5-5 but was reconsidered and then passed 6-5. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there objection? The chair hears none. The motion prevails. Representative Schofield is here.
• Yes, Representative Flores.
• There is a substitute, Representative...
• Is there objection to the adoption of the substitute?
• There being no objection, the substitute is adopted.

Bills: SB1015, SB2933

Keywords: statutory probate courts, probate court fees, judicial fund, county reimbursement, comptroller, Texas Government Code, Local Government Code, court fees, fee allocation, excess contributions, judicial education and support fund, presiding judge salary, county finance, court administration, Texas judiciary, revenue distribution, SB 2933, elder abuse, neglect, judicial training

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing no objection, it is so ordered. Representative Wiley.
• . state. state.
• . states. states.
• Hearing no objection, it is so ordered. Representative Larson.
• Hearing no objection, it is so ordered. Representative Chestek.

Keywords: 916, all