Transcript Highlights:

• The problems I have is with the statements that are made about the bill.
• So said about a conversation related to those extrajudicial... ...statements.
• In the bill, we have a section on extrajudicial statements.
• So that means if they are making a statement...
• And they're prejudicial statements on that; that's their responsibility.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I'm going to turn to Senator Grassley. for an opening statement.
• We'd love to hear your opening statement. Take as long as you need. Chairman Hawley.
• Facebook Meta issued a statement again last night saying that they don't do business in China.
• , and I just want to pause here because a disparaging statement is a true statement so it's telling you
• They put out public statements. when they first became aware of the book.

Keywords: Meta, Facebook, whistleblower, regulation, China, user data, artificial intelligence, testimony, Congress

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism focused on oversight of Meta's foreign relations and representations to Congress. An essential witness, Sarah Wynne-Williams, a former executive at Facebook, provided testimony outlining significant concerns about the company's practices and its complicity in aiding oppressive regimes. The atmosphere was charged, with ongoing debates about the regulation of big tech companies and the ethical implications of their policies. The committee explored topics such as user data management, whistleblower retaliation, and the need for legislative measures to protect users and enhance accountability in the tech sector. A notable point of contention was Facebook's alleged cooperation with the Chinese government regarding the dissemination of user data and AI tools, leading to serious ethical implications.

Bills: SB27, SB30, SB293, HB4, HB2974, HB5138, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, HB748, HB3395, HB180, HB3171, HB146, HB5596, HB5694, HB1135, HB3225, HB186, HB1449, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB3336, HB3520, HB3320, HB5663, HB2399, HB111, HB3483, HB4580, HB3748, HB632, HB4730, HB5690, HB5689, HB3385, HB4359, HB5381, HB123, HB5606, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59

Keywords: judicial conduct, judges discipline, judicial compensation, retirement benefits, judicial transparency, SJR 50, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, securities tax, transaction tax, occupation tax, financial markets, broker-dealer, stock exchange, securities exchange, trading platform, clearing agency, transfer agent, FINRA

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like to make a statement? Yes, I'd like to make a statement.
• statement about the the regulations. statement about the the regulations.
• Would you like to make a statement, Don? Would you like to make a statement, Don?
• Um I statement about my professionalism.
• the um statement that uh Don had made the um statement that uh Don had made four<00:52:04.960> members

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple gubernatorial confirmation nominations, beginning with GM509 for Jay Stone to the Environmental Advisory Council. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and other supporters praised Stone’s more than 30 years of engineering experience and said he would help balance environmental protection with economic development. Stone said he wanted to contribute to environmental health and sustainability, and identified sea level rise and PFAS in drinking water as key concerns. The committee then moved to GM531 and GM532, nominations of Judson Leair and Nicholas Ta to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported both nominees. Leair emphasized his farming background and said pesticide policy should be more comprehensive, selective, and threshold-based rather than relying on broad-spectrum use; Ta said he would focus on integrated pest management, label compliance, education, and using the least amount of pesticide necessary, including non-chemical alternatives such as exclusion and behavior changes. The committee next considered GM533, Janet Ashman’s nomination to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported her, citing her experience, responsiveness, and prior service. Ashman said she wanted to help make pesticide regulations more understandable and stressed targeted pest control, scouting, and more precise products. Members asked about the complexity of pesticide regulations and the shift away from broad-based pesticide use; Ashman explained that regulations are complicated for both farmers and homeowners and that newer, more targeted products are needed as pests develop resistance. The committee then heard GM57 for Don Hegger Nordl to the Environmental Advisory Council. Supporters said she has environmental planning experience and knowledge of Chapter 343 and related rules. Nordl said she could bring state, county, and federal experience to the council and identified the need for more volunteers and broader professional representation as the council’s biggest challenge. Finally, the committee took up GM697, Dean Matsukawa’s nomination as deputy director of the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and several other testifiers strongly supported him, highlighting his 30 years with the department, his family farming background, and his understanding of farmers’ needs, especially access to capital and biosecurity challenges. Testifiers said he is calm, logical, experienced, and already familiar with the department’s work. Matsukawa was described as a reluctant nominee who was sought out for the role. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on the nominations during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• about any pending you make a statement about any pending matters<00:05:51.120> or matters or
• Do you have any statement you'd like to make?"
• Do you have any statement you'd like to make?
• Do you have any statement you'd like to make? "No, but thank you for that, Mr. Chairman.
• I say I have no statement, but my statement is I appreciate that everyone came to the table today and

Keywords: The meeting will take start back after coming out of Executive Session, 958, all

Summary: The commission reconvened in open session and announced it had reached a settlement that would avoid a full adjudicatory hearing. Counsel for Representative Gber waived the hearing and agreed to the settlement, and enforcement counsel recommended acceptance. The commission then voted unanimously to accept the agreed settlement. The matter proceeded to an ethics charge involving a proposed finding of probable cause, an agreed order, and a public reprimand. Representative Gber was sworn in and confirmed that he had seen and agreed to the proposed order, waived the adjudicatory hearing, agreed to the findings of violations and penalties in the agreed order, and waived his right to appeal. The commission accepted the agreement and stated that the matter before it was concluded. After the settlement, the chair noted that pending motions related to the case were dismissed and thanked the witnesses for attending, even though they did not have to testify. The chair and Representative Gber each made brief remarks about the long and difficult process, the complexity of the case, and the hope that it would serve as a learning experience. The commission said signed copies of the agreed order and public reprimand would be available, and then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would categorize statements used on social media in another way, but I would do it with the microphone
• 58:35.520> I<01:58:35.760> would<01:58:35.920> categorize<01:58:36.800> statements
• I would I would categorize statements I would I would categorize statements used<01:58:37.520>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural announcements about report turnaround, amendment submission methods during split operations, a possible January 29 session, the governor’s State of the State on February 5, parking, cafeteria opening, and the plan to finish work by February 10. It then moved into executive session on HB 1123, which would require certain companies to post salary ranges on public job listings. Representative Granger moved ITL, arguing the bill would interfere with negotiations, especially for higher-level jobs, and raise compelled-speech concerns. Supporters, including Representatives Schultz, Sullivan, Cahill, Staub, and others, said salary ranges help applicants avoid wasted time and travel, improve transparency, and are already a common workplace disclosure. The committee voted 10-9 to ITL HB 1123. The committee next took up HB 177, concerning a definition of remote work in labor law. Representative Murphy moved ITL, saying the bill could burden employers, create vague obligations, duplicate existing protections, and potentially require intrusive compliance measures. Representative Sullivan described a proposed amendment that would narrow the bill to a definition of remote work and remove broader requirements, but the committee ultimately voted 11-9 to ITL HB 177. Members also noted that the amendment had not been fully circulated in time and that the issue might merit further review. Finally, the committee opened HB 1352, a workers’ compensation bill focused on repricing and payment practices. The sponsor withdrew an initial ITL motion and moved OTP after amendment review. Members discussed concerns raised at the hearing about delayed payments, third-party administrators, and the need for better accountability. Representative McKenzie’s amendment would define good faith, create a voluntary three-year dispute-resolution pilot, restore fines to prior levels, and add reporting/accountability requirements for carriers that miss the 30-day payment deadline. Several members supported the amendment as a way to help small businesses and providers, while others said repricing needed broader study through the workers’ compensation advisory council. The Department of Labor explained that the amendment would require carriers and related payers to report missed determinations to the department and would increase oversight of payment timeliness.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amends the time for filing economic interest statements and also requires additional people to file
• these statements.
• This amends the economic interest statement to require people to disclose virtual currency and to report
• This amends the time for filing economic interest statements and also requires additional people to file
• these statements.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Last session, there was a signing statement issued by the governor about the budget.
• And, again, last two weeks ago, I issued that policy statement.
• And I agree with Governor Abbott's statement. We can't create law on the budget.
• So ultimately, part of effectuating my policy statement.
• Speaker, may I make a short statement before I ask my question? Absolutely. Mr.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a statement of our Two.
• Since you have a surplus statements.
• Um, well, it's a surplus statement adjustment.
• Because that's going to statement, okay?
• So, that surplus statement I I Okay.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• considerations that's not a statement considerations that's not a statement that<00:21:06.840>
• Can you help us understand how you arrived at that statement and how you didn't want to make that statement
• Can you help us understand how you arrived at that statement and how you didn't want to make that statement
• Can you help us understand how you arrived at that statement and how you didn't want to make that statement
• <01:35:02.880> which the Consolidated fund statement which the Consolidated fund statement

Bills: HF3

Keywords: legislative auditor, reporting, accountability, state finance, executive agency oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• which is to promote objective statement which is to promote the<00:13:20.240> development<00:
• in the previous objective statements in the previous slide.<00:14:02.320> So<00:14:02.480>
• And the credit for certain wifer, which has another objective statement...
• which share the same objective statement which share the same objective statement which<00:17:39.520
• like you know the objective statement like you know the objective statement here<00:24:45.840>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and just statement that uh everyone<00:05:15.280> uh<00:05:15.440> running<00:05:15.759
• <00:21:21.200> of filling out an economic statement of filling out an economic statement of
• I don't believe that was in the statement before we voted.
• >> at<00:35:57.359> that<00:35:57.599> statement. >> at that statement.
• >> at that statement.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That being said, they may have made some positive statement or some, um, statement that helps to inform
• or some some um statement or some some um yeah,<01:16:35.679> some<01:16:35.920> statement
• These statements include law.
• is a corruption statement.
• that statement is a corruption<02:03:55.920> statement.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The performance statement for this tax preference directs JLARC to review employment at those firms as
• as an alternate because all of the deferred state sales tax has been repaid and the performance statement
• directed to be evaluated by JLARC in that year based on a legislative mandate in the performance statement
• a few years now, it's much more difficult to review an exemption when there's not a performance statement
• So we anticipate that both of those, with their considerable tax preference performance statements that

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 6, 2026, with quorum present and unanimously approved the October 21, 2025 minutes. The Attorney General’s Office then provided its annual open government refresher, covering key points of the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, including broad disclosure requirements, records retention, response timelines for public records requests, and rules for meetings, special meetings, emergency meetings, and executive sessions. JLARC staff gave a 2026 legislative session update on tax preference bills. They highlighted 20 bills affecting tax preferences, including repeal of the coal-related sales and use tax exemption, changes to data center exemptions, new property tax exemptions for renewable energy facilities and land bank authorities, and a broad tax package in engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346 that created multiple credits, deductions, and exemptions. Staff also presented the 2026 expedited tax preference review report covering 64 preferences, noting it is based on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies and is now available in an interactive searchable format. The commission approved the 2026 public testimony questions without changes and then adopted the 2027–2036 tax preference review schedule, along with a new rolling 10-year schedule that will be updated each May. During discussion, commissioners raised concerns about how preferences are prioritized for full review versus expedited review, especially for older or high-revenue preferences without performance statements, and staff explained that legislative mandates, expiration dates, and workload constraints drive the schedule. The meeting also included a public and staff recognition of Commissioner Grant Forsyth’s 13 years of service and leadership, with remarks praising his collaborative approach and long tenure; the next meeting was set for August 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• BEFORE WE BEGIN I UNDERSTAND THAT ONE INDIVIDUAL HAS PREPARED A STATEMENT. MR.
• HEY I UNDERSTAND HAS A PREPARED STATEMENT. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO GIVE YOUR STATEMENT. >> THANK YOU.
• WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE ANY OPENING STATEMENTS? >> I WOULD. THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.
• >> THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO MAKE THE STATEMENT.
• ARE THE BOARD MEMBERS OF HOPE FLORIDA SIGNING THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT?

Transcript Highlights:

• And, Madam Chair, Senator Champion, my opening statement. Oh, did you?
• I thought you wanted to make a final statement. That's fine. You can make an opening statement.
• Oh, did Champion, my opening statement.
• You can make an statement. That's fine. You can make an opening<00:04:05.439> statement.
• But my final opening statement.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Gabbard's statements and actions since she saw the light and left the Democratic Party.
• Now, I don't know if your intent in making those statements was to defend those dictators.
• Or if you were simply unaware of the intelligence and how your statements would be perceived.
• Let's move on to the topic of ODNI reform that I mentioned in my opening statement.
• I think you should also quote the statement that I made criticizing Putin for his invasion.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and we are responsible for expressing an opinion on the financial statements.
• The financial statements begin on page 48 of the Lottery annual comprehensive financial report.
• <00:50:28.319> in presentation the financial statements in presentation the financial statements
• commission's basic financial statements commission's basic financial statements which<00:50:52.799
• <00:51:01.640> and directly to the financial statements and directly to the financial statements

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on January 30, 2025, and first organized itself by electing Senator Jim Gray as vice chair, electing Representative F as clerk, appointing Michael Caine as legislative budget assistant, and adopting the committee’s rules and procedures. The committee also adopted an amendment to the rules allowing audits to be automatically released to the public once placed on the Fiscal Committee agenda, with members discussing that the change would improve transparency and reduce paper handling. The minutes from the November 15, 2024 meeting were approved, with members who were absent abstaining. The committee then worked through a consent calendar and several individual items. It removed or noted withdrawals on a few items, including item 25004 for further discussion, item 25016 withdrawn by the Department of Education, item 257 removed by Representative F, and item 25001 removed under Tab 4. Item 25004, concerning the newborn screening program, prompted testimony from the Department of Health and Human Services explaining that the program is mandatory with an opt-out provision; officials said 99.2% of newborns were screened in 2023, meaning the opt-out rate was under 1%. The committee also approved item 25007, related to DHHS community health workers and telework policy, after hearing that the workers are not placed in schools and that DHHS follows statewide telework policy. On the regular calendar, the committee approved a Department of Administrative Services request to extend the release date for fiscal year 2024 numbers to March 31, and approved a Department of Fish and Game item. It also approved winter maintenance funding for the Department of Transportation after hearing that the $5.7 million request might not last through the winter if additional storms occur; DOT said even a small storm can cost more than $1 million and that crews are dispatched based on road conditions and supervisory judgment. The committee then approved items for the Judicial Council and the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant. The final discussion focused on the Health and Human Services dashboard and the Youth Development Center claims. DHHS acknowledged a data error in the APS client line and said Community Mental Health Center caseload data is still not fully accurate because two centers are undergoing EHR conversions. Members also asked about the low census at the Sununu Youth Development Center and about the process for managing future claims related to the YDC settlement fund. Witnesses from the Attorney General’s office said the fund is handled through a unique arrangement involving DOJ appropriations and judicial branch staff, that current judicial budget cuts are not yet affecting the litigation pace, and that the average resolution so far has been about $500,000, though future claims may vary. No votes were taken on the discussion items beyond the approvals noted above.

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't a statement on ASRs at all.
• So I made a statement and not ask me a question. I did make a statement and not ask a question.
• I just made a statement that the stakeholders came in agreement on this. Is that a fair statement?
• Fair statement. We're in assisting growth within A&M. No. Right. Yes, sir. Fair statement.
• Is that a fair statement? Yes.

Summary: The committee met with limited attendance at first, then took up a series of water, agriculture, and rural affairs measures. HB 3898 would allow the Texas Water Development Board to provide financial assistance for brackish water desalination projects in certain border counties and related nonprofit suppliers even if the projects are not in the state water plan. Supporters said it is needed to address severe water shortages in places like Webb County and to support future planning; opponents, including the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, argued it bypasses the regional and state water planning process. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 5339, which would create a higher-education grant program for regenerative agriculture research. A rancher testified that regenerative methods improved soil health, water retention, and farm viability, while a senator noted existing university research but said better coordination could help. Public testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 1523, a temporary prohibition on TCEQ issuing Austin a Class 5 injection well permit for an aquifer storage and recovery project in Bastrop and Lee counties until December 2027. Local officials from Bastrop supported the pause, citing unanswered questions about water treatment, recovery rates, and impacts on the aquifer, while Austin Water opposed the substitute, saying the project is central to its long-term water plan and that stakeholder talks were already underway. TCEQ explained its ASR permitting process and said public participation is possible but not always used in the current authorization process. The bill was left pending. HB 5659, concerning the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District and requiring majority city-council approval before certain water sales or interbasin transfers, drew testimony from district officials who said the change could interfere with existing contracts and district authority, but the chair emphasized the need for local buy-in and said the stakeholders had reached a workable compromise; testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 1690, which would expand notice requirements for groundwater export permits so neighboring landowners and potentially affected aquifer areas are informed by certified mail and publication. The sponsor tied the bill to impacts from the Vista Ridge project, and no one testified against it; it was left pending. HB 3333 would prohibit TCEQ from issuing new wastewater discharge permits directly into the Devils River in Val Verde County. The sponsor and a conservation witness said the bill protects one of Texas’s most pristine rivers and reflects a local stakeholder agreement, while TCEQ said it can ensure water quality but acknowledged the river’s unique sensitivity; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HCR 108 urging continuation of the U.S.-Mexico tomato suspension agreement, with supporters warning of major Texas job and consumer-price impacts if it ends, and HCR 76 urging federal action on imported shrimp, citing public health and industry concerns; both were left pending. Additional measures heard and left pending included HB 4158 on compensation for Texana Groundwater Conservation District directors, HB 654 creating a dismissal path for certain first-time deer hunting violations after self-reporting and hunter education, HB 4530 requiring Texas Water Development Board review of groundwater rights placed in the Texas Water Trust, HB 2128 directing a study of rural versus urban firefighting and rescue disparities, and HB 278 requiring groundwater districts and management areas to track progress toward desired future conditions over shorter intervals. On HB 278, witnesses split over whether the bill’s interim tracking would improve accountability or create new triggers that could be used against local districts, but no final vote was taken and the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, just a short time ago ACAS developed their own mission statement.
• There was no mission statement such as this doesn't have a mission statement. Does it need one?
• their own mission statement. their own mission statement.
• no mission statement such as Well,<00:30:22.760> just<00:30:23.000> like<00:30:23.200>
• mission statement. mission statement.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all