Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony today. Any other questions for these witnesses? Thank you all.
• Thank you for your testimony. Members, questions for Mr. Glass?
• Thank you very much for that testimony. Mr. McQueeny. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Thank you for your testimony. Mr. Darby.
• Okay, and I didn't hear the other testimony, so I don't know if I'll repeat anything.

Bills: HB551, HB 1281, HB1378, HB1617, HB2868, HB2881, HB3374, HB4439, HB4726, HB4732, HB4878, HB4914, HB4921, HB4958, HB5200, HB5318, HB5360, HB5402, HB5568, HB5573, HB5623, HJR218

Keywords: political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• We've, we've heard some testimony and bills before about the use of drones.
• Thank you for your testimony. I, I appreciate the economic perspective.
• Thank you for your testimony. Members, any questions for this witness?
• Thank you for the testimony.
• I'm happy to answer any questions you may have for your testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll retain your right to close members questions okay we'll go straight to the testimony.
• The fly was an embodied testimony. Oh, good. Well, this was. An easy one, guys.
• Ma'am, we'll reserve your right to close and we'll go. straight into the testimony.
• I appreciate your testimony. I appreciate you. Thank you. At this time, the chair calls Ms.
• So thank you very much. for your testimony. Thank you. Members any other questions?

Bills: HB 1105, HB1527, HB1787, HB1972, HB2081, HB3296, HB3976, HB4071, HB4234, HB4438, HB4701, HB5092, HB5150, HB5180, HB5265, HB5333, HJR203

Keywords: tuition exemption, paramedics, higher education, laboratory fees, emergency medical services, peace officers, criminal justice, law enforcement, degree programs, public institutions, HB 1787, HPV, human papillomavirus, college health, university health, student health, public health education, prevention program, screening, early detection

Transcript Highlights:

• As you heard testimony, we don't have automatic entrance.
• Ma'am, thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Representative Swanson. Thank you.
• Thank you all so much for being here and for your testimony. Thank you.
• As you heard testimony, we don't have automatic entrance.
• Ma'am, thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Representative Swanson. Thank you.

Bills: HB2510, HB3589, HB4611, HB4655, HB4665, HB4666, HB4670, HB4700, HB4730, HB4798, HB4838, HB5136, HB5243, HB5302, HB5539

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Now it's time for public testimony. The chair will now call Cyrus Reid.
• Anyway, thank you for your testimony today. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Thank you so much for your testimony. The chair calls Matt Sherman.
• Thank you so much for your testimony. Thank you.
• Thank you for your testimony and for your time.

Bills: HB158, HB714, HB 1198, HB1630, HB1998, HB3509, HB3788, HB3875, HB3948, HB3977, HB4097, HB4313, HB4314, HB4317, HB158

Keywords: housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• I look forward to listening to your testimony, Mrs. Dermott. Thank you so much for being here. Mrs.
• I look forward to your testimony. Thank you, Mr.
• We look forward to your testimony. Mr. Cedric Rowe, I'm pleased to introduce Mr. Cedric Rowe.
• We look forward to your testimony. Again, thank you all for being here. Mrs.
• Thank you both of you for your testimony.

Keywords: farm bill, rural economy, crop insurance, access to credit, young farmers, USDA funding freeze, agricultural policy, risk management

Summary: The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• IF YOU HAVE A TESTIMONY PLEASE FEEL FREE.
• Gaetz: THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TESTIMONY.
• Gaetz: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TESTIMONY.
• Gaetz: THANK YOU FOR YOUR TESTIMONY.
• Gaetz: THANK YOU FOR YOUR TESTIMONY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But to the extent that those, the cost of insurance relates to some of your testimony, I've got a few
• And to the extent in your testimony was that Texas is a final and use state.
• We work with you all to give information, provide resource testimony.
• Sure, my testimony was specific to Tua.
• Uh, good seeing you again and thanks for coming in and your testimony today.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Kutson, begin your testimony. Good morning.
• thank you please state your testimony thank you please state your name<00:03:09.040> and<00:03
• good morning good morning Mr testimony good morning good morning Mr chair<00:03:14.560> I'm<00
• So when you come to the table, please state your name and start your testimony.
• And when you get to the table, please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You can use names in this place because this is Senate testimony.
• And unfortunately, I'm not here to give expert testimony.
• I appreciate your testimony. Okay, we got two more people.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• I appreciate your testimony, and with that, we're adjourned.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your signatures and affirmation that the testimony you give is true.
• Thank you so much for your testimony. The board is clear.
• I always look forward to your testimony and thank you for being here.
• I'm conflicted because I recall testimony I'm conflicted because I recall testimony on this in committee
• Hearing that testimony, but I do want to be clear in that.

Bills: HR73, HR272, HR273, HR278, HCR91, HCR99, HCR100, HCR111, HB255, HB261, HB328, HB378, HB479, HB517, HB564, HB778, HB1090, SB135, SB278, SB448

Keywords: domestic abuse, protective orders, victim protection, Louisiana State Law Institute, mandatory procedures, parental discipline, corporal punishment, child abuse, cruelty to juveniles, juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, child welfare, DCFS, Office of Juvenile Justice, reasonable discipline, parental rights, family law, law enforcement reports, abuse allegations, single-parent households

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 19, 2026, with a long agenda and several members’ bills and resolutions. The committee first considered HB 255, as substituted, which would add up to two years of imprisonment for a person charged with a felony or rioting offense who wore a mask or face covering to evade identification, with exceptions for religious coverings, motorcycles, and medical use. Supporters said it targeted concealment during felonies; the ACLU opposed it as redundant and potentially overbroad, while the Louisiana District Attorneys Association clarified the enhancement would apply only to felony convictions. The committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 255 favorably by a vote of 8-3. It then advanced HB 378, which creates penalties for using a vehicle to obstruct first responders and law enforcement; after an amendment narrowed the bill to first responders, it was reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, also passed favorably after testimony emphasizing attacks on houses of worship. HR 272, requesting a study on parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably as well. The committee also heard HB 479, the Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act, which would require more detailed reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts. Supporters, including the ACLU, said the bill would improve transparency and help lawmakers make better fiscal decisions; clerks of court opposed it as an unfunded mandate. Despite amendments shifting reporting duties and clarifying compliance with Children’s Code Article 412, the bill failed on a 4-7 roll call. The committee then deferred HCR 99 and took up HR 278, which asks the Attorney General to consult stakeholders and review electronic monitoring laws and regulations; supporters described serious failures in the current GPS monitoring system, and the resolution was reported favorably. HR 273, creating a task force to study work release programs, was also reported favorably after members said it would help refine the system and gather cost data. Later, the committee heard SB 448 on the Office of the State Public Defender. After discussion of a recent Supreme Court ruling and concerns about expert-witness funding and indigency determinations, the committee adopted an amendment adding a contradictory-hearing process and appellate review protections, then reported the bill as amended. HCR 100, concerning casino property sales, was amended to remove specific property references and instead urge the Gaming Control Board to consider economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the casino association withdrew opposition after the amendment, and the resolution was reported favorably as amended. The committee also voluntarily deferred SB 278 and HCR 91. HB 261, which would create exceptions to abortion laws for rape and certain sex offenses, drew extensive emotional testimony from supporters and opponents, including survivors and legislators discussing rape, incest, and fetal life; the bill was defeated 2-10. Finally, the committee took up HB 778 on kratom possession, with the author arguing for a distinction between natural kratom and synthetic products, and supporters and opponents offering conflicting testimony about safety, addiction recovery, and regulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to give testimony, please fill out a witness card completely and legibly.
• Your signature is an affirmation that the testimony you give is true. Please be aware.
• To our Sergeant-at-Arms, your signature is an affirmation that the testimony you give is true.
• We heard testimony on this last year—last week, last year, yes, last year. All right.
• The amendment also expressly requires expert testimony.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will take public testimony, hear concerns, uh praise whatever people might have for the bill.
• Thank you very much for your testimony. Um, anyone else wishing to testify? Once, twice.
• Thank you very much for your testimony. testimony. testimony.
• <00:30:49.799> I<00:30:50.799> I've is there no further testimony?
• I I've is there no further testimony?

Bills: HF2783

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's move to public testimony.
• Now I can go to public testimony.
• Public testimony? No public testimony. Amendment? We are on debate on the amendment.
• Chair: Is there public testimony on the bill?
• Lots of public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have one public testimony card. Proponent Bill Carry Stillman from the Commission on Ethics.
• See no other public testimonies. With that, we're closing public testimony.
• Public Chair Garrison: testimony? Seeing no public testimony. Debate on special order letter?

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any public testimony? We have no public testimony. Representative, you are recognized.
• We have no public testimony. Is anyone here to testify on the strike call amendment? We have none.
• In public testimony, Sam Wagner from Florida League of Cities waives in support.
• Any further public testimony? Thank you. None? We are in debate. Members, debate on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like to submit that testimony.
• <00:20:02.960> and for 30 minutes for for uh testimony and for 30 minutes for for uh testimony
• Um I was wondering if you testimony.
• Thank you. day that because of my testimony, I'm day that because of my testimony, I'm not<02:21:31.200
• that very well organized testimony. that very well organized testimony.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony may be limited to four minutes.
• Members, if there are none, we will proceed to testimony. The chair calls Liana Mann. Thank you.
• Seeing none, we will proceed to testimony. The chair calls Tyler Carlson. Have you registered?
• Thank you for your testimony. Do you think this would essentially make your process more efficient?
• Thank you for your testimony. Motion to testify for or against Senate Bill 2073. If not, chair.

Bills: HB3557, HB5578, SB973, SB974, SB2068, SB2073

Keywords: ad valorem tax, property tax, incomplete structure, human occupancy, tax exemption, HB 5578, Texas Tax Code, Section 6.062, appraisal district, county appraisal district, chief appraiser, budget hearing, public notice, notice of hearing, newspaper publication, website notice, social media notice, online newspaper, county government, property appraisal

Transcript Highlights:

• THERE ARE NO AMENDMENTS, WE HAVE PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
• I THINK ONE OF THE PEOPLE IN PUBLIC TESTIMONY SAID SOMETHING ABOUT TREATING IT SIMILAR TO ALCOHOL.
• YOU HEARD IT FROM THE PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND THEREFORE ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN THE SAME WAY THAT ALCOHOL IS
• WE ARE IN PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
• PUBLIC TESTIMONY.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, is there any public testimony? Yes, there is. Thank you for asking.
• Is there public testimony? We do have. Is there public testimony?
• Seeing none, is there public testimony on the amendment? Any debate? Any objection?
• Seeing none, is there public testimony. We do have public testimony. All right.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 932, which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging under state-regulated insurance policies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce delays in follow-up testing after abnormal mammograms and noted support from medical and cancer advocacy groups. Senators Arrington and Sharief spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 160 on CPA licensure. The sponsor said the bill adds additional pathways to licensure in Florida without lowering standards and is similar to measures being considered in other states. The Florida Institute of CPAs supported the bill, and it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up a water management district bill, described as a comprehensive measure to increase transparency in planning, funding, budgeting, reporting, and business practices while making historic investments in Everglades restoration. Senators asked about the role of the Legislative Budget Commission and whether the bill would affect the Lake Okeechobee system operating manual; the sponsor said those issues were still being worked through and that the bill was focused on accountability and transparency. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 50 on coastal resiliency and mangroves. The bill promotes nature-based solutions such as mangroves, living seawalls, and oyster reefs, and requires DEP to establish related rules and study effects on flood risk and insurance premiums. An amendment providing $250,000 from the Resilient Florida Trust Fund for a feasibility study was adopted without objection. The bill drew broad support from environmental and coastal groups and was reported favorably. SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification was temporarily postponed and not heard, and the committee then adjourned.