Transcript Highlights:

• Now, there are 44 states in this country that exempt or fully exempt bullion or collectible currency
• <00:35:42.920> bullion<00:35:43.400> or exempt or fully exemp exempt bullion or exempt
• other 44 states that fully exempt other 44 states that fully exempt currency<00:37:46.880> the
• currency the state of Iowa fully exempts currency the state of Iowa fully exempts it<00:37:48.839
• Is there any exemption right now for home-based child care refunds or any kind of exemptions?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In contrast, Red Lake supported the exemption for Warroad Warriors, and the exemption was approved.
• <00:46:57.319> granted exemption the exemption is only granted exemption the exemption is
• exemption exemption which<00:47:58.440> we<00:47:58.680> supported<00:47:59.319> and
• c><00:48:21.040> was Warriors and the exemption was Warriors and the exemption was approved<00
• <00:48:26.839> due approved we support that exemption due approved we support that exemption

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:27:18.080> is taking away religious exemptions is taking away religious exemptions is
• People with religious exemptions are not looking for excuses, and people get these exemptions because
• > on<03:22:33.840> top non-exempt uh exemptions because on top non-exempt uh exemptions because
• everyone who does not have an exemption everyone who does not have an exemption is<03:22:58.560>
• rates of all those without an exemption rates of all those without an exemption the<03:23:10.279

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility. The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost. The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:37.360> in likely have some kind of exemption in likely have some kind of exemption
• that exemption and for two years. that exemption and for two years. whether<00:12:56.560> you
• He described Florida's staged homestead exemption approach, saying the first year has a $250,000 exemption
• <00:20:50.799> from and 90% of the homes are exempt from and 90% of the homes are exempt from
• The veterans exemption is to exist.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• electricity exemption electricity exemption um<00:09:14.000> for<00:09:14.800> uh<
• Uh there are exemption to the year 2062.
• repeal of the uh uh sales tax exemption repeal of the uh uh sales tax exemption on<01:09:17.920>
• <01:18:18.000> other of the data centers exemptions other of the data centers exemptions other
• That's um lines uh exemption only.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• said and just did a homestead exemption said and just did a homestead exemption regardless<00:11
• <00:11:45.600> rather increase the attachment exemption rather increase the attachment exemption
• <00:13:46.920> what triple the amount of the exemption what triple the amount of the exemption
• attachment exemption attachment exemption is<00:14:52.040> as<00:14:52.160> a<00:14
• increases the real property exemption increases the real property exemption amount<01:08:49.640>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've testified before on the disabled veterans' property tax exemption, and it's a property tax exemption
• I appreciate considering a reimbursement to offset the 100% exemption.
• I appreciate considering a reimbursement to offset the 100% exemption.
• We're exempting up to $750,000, yeah.
• There is not a fiscal note also. anyway, but exemption for five years.

Bills: HB42

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does repeal the inefficient sales tax exemption that's in there and applies it back to the R&D sales
• Um, also, most importantly, for small businesses that would otherwise claim the sales tax exemption,
• Most states offer a 10 to 15% exemption. Even China provides a 200% super deduction.
• This relates to an exemption from certain taxes imposed on the transfer of a motor vehicle to a person
• All other aviation categories are already exempt, including commercial airlines.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that every year in July, when we hear the tax exemption reviews, reviews...
• We hear the tax exemption reviews, it's a jam-packed meeting, and it goes over two hours.
• This exemption also applies to the costs of installing, constructing, repairing, and doing other work
• This exemption also applies to the costs of installing, constructing, repairing, and doing other work
• And finally, in 2026, we'll evaluate a real estate excise tax exemption for certain transfers of real

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on September 17, 2025, in hybrid format. After roll call, the committee initially lacked a quorum and deferred approval of the July 15 minutes until Representative Berg arrived; the minutes were then adopted. Members also discussed the proposed 2026 JLARC meeting schedule, including possible changes to address crowded July meetings and the annual tax exemption review workload. Staff presented the annual lodging tax expenditures report, noting that 213 municipalities received distributions in 2024, with 91% reporting compliance, $114 million awarded for more than 1,700 activities, and no independent verification of the self-reported data. Several members questioned the value and usefulness of the report, and the executive committee indicated it may recommend removing the statutory reporting requirement. The committee then heard the preliminary performance audit of the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, which found the office meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but recommended updating the statute to better match the office’s current capacity and focus and improving performance measures to reflect long-term privacy outcomes rather than outputs. Members asked about FERPA and other federal privacy laws, and OPDP staff said they provide general privacy training and consultation but not law-specific training unless requested. The committee adopted the final report on Washington State recreational boating programs without recommendation, after staff reported that boating revenues support both general government and boating activities and that no participating agencies submitted formal comments. Members asked about boater safety education and possible overlap among the six agencies involved; Parks staff said education has reached more than 500,000 boaters and that fatalities and incidents have declined. The committee also reviewed planned study questions for a JLARC review of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker laws, with members raising scope questions about the term “farm worker” versus “agricultural worker,” and for DNR’s Eastern Washington sustainable harvest calculation, which JLARC will review as DNR completes its recalculation. Finally, staff outlined the 2026 tax preference performance reviews covering seven preferences, and members asked about racial equity, environmental impacts, disclosure of beneficiary savings, and how the reviews will measure effectiveness; the meeting adjourned before noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I do believe it's time to exempt probation officers from jury service.
• Up until 1975, there were 17 different occupations exempted.
• And I want to thank the committee for their amendments to exempt civil trials.
• The justice system, and they're not exempt from jury duty.
• have an exemption?

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard three bills. AB 250 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry would extend a limited window for survivors of sexual assault to seek civil recourse against perpetrators and entities that allegedly covered up abuse. The author and supporters, including survivor Maya Alexander and Equal Rights Advocates, said many survivors need years before they can come forward and that the bill would improve accountability and public safety. One member raised concerns about the bill’s application to private employers and the exclusion of public employees, but the bill was advanced on a motion to Appropriations and later placed on call until additional votes were added. AB 373 by Assemblymember Rubio would require appointed counsel for non-minor dependents in extended foster care to represent the young adult’s expressed wishes rather than substitute the attorney’s judgment. Supporters from California Youth Connection and the Children’s Law Center said 18- to 21-year-olds in foster care are legal adults and should have their voices fully respected in court. Members discussed how the bill would work in practice and whether it applied only to appointed counsel; the bill was moved to Human Services and later cleared after additional votes were added. AB 387 by Assemblymember Alanis, as amended, would exempt probation officers from criminal jury service. The author and supporters argued probation officers are deeply involved in the criminal justice process, often get dismissed anyway, and should be focused on supervision and court-related duties rather than jury duty. The Judicial Council opposed the bill, warning that categorical exemptions shrink the jury pool and set a bad precedent. After debate over fairness, precedent, and the role of probation officers, the committee voted the bill out on a do pass motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• this<00:29:06.640> bill<00:29:06.960> has exempt um otherwise exempt this bill has
• exempt um otherwise exempt this bill has been<00:29:07.279> vetted<00:29:07.640> with<00
• this why aren't we Exempted this why aren't we Exempted uh<00:30:59.360> and<00:30:59.480
• for the political subdivision exemption for the political subdivision exemption uh<00:31:03.480>
• issue uh and made a blanket uh exemption issue uh and made a blanket uh exemption so<00:49:14.359

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• EXEMPTION AUTOMATICALLY REPEALS OCTOBER 2nd, 2026, UNLESS THE BILL BECOMES LAW.
• A PUBLIC MEETING AND ALLOWS FOR THAT PORTION OF THE PUBLIC MEETING TO BE EXEMPT.
• PRIOR TO THIS EXEMPTION THE PROCEDURE WOULD BE TO REFER THAT HEARING TO DOE.
• YOU ARE SEEING PARTS OF THIS ALREADY EXEMPT SO WHAT IS EXEMPT? IS IT FORMULAS AROUND WHAT?
• IT'S A PROCEDURE FOR A COURT TO MAKE IT NOT EXEMPT.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's only for residents, this exemption, or is it everyone? It'll be...
• In a database table, and they just say, hey, add this exemption and here's the dollar parameters?
• And before that, there is a tax exemption.
• from the $25,000 tax exemption.
• But did you really need that exemption, right?

Summary: The House Revenue and Finance Committee met to consider House Substitute 1 for House Bill 386, which would create a temporary Delaware income tax deduction for qualified tip income from tax years 2027 through 2029. The sponsor described it as relief for service workers in restaurants, salons, and similar tipped occupations, with a deduction of up to $15,000, income-based phaseouts, a refundable credit for lower-income workers, and a sunset for later review. Committee members raised questions about the resident/non-resident language, the fiscal note, and whether the Department of Finance could implement the change; Finance said the department could administer it and expected only modest administrative costs, while the Comptroller’s office said the bill would reduce general revenue. After a brief recess to review updated language, the committee took public comment, but no one testified. A motion to release the bill failed to receive enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it to seek additional signatures. The committee then considered Senate Bill 219, which would phase in an increase in the military pension income exemption from $12,500 to $25,000 by tax year 2029. The sponsor argued the measure would help attract and retain military retirees, citing economic return estimates, workforce benefits, and support from all 21 Senate co-sponsors. Some members supported the bill as a way to reward service and bring in long-term residents, while others questioned whether the exemption should be income-based rather than available to all military retirees, including those with substantial second careers. The Department of Finance said it could operationalize the bill and that the non-resident language was unnecessary because the subtraction is already picked up in the non-resident code section. Public testimony from veterans’ organizations strongly supported the bill, emphasizing that the exemption can influence retirement decisions and help veterans and their families stay in Delaware. A motion to release the bill also failed to get enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it for signatures before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• the exemption for certain single-family residential properties added by the Senate version through a
• The exemption for certain single-family residential properties added by the Senate version through a
• As a reminder, the Senate version also added a new exemption for certain LIHTC, or federal low-income
• It also is updated to reflect the change in the exemption for new construction back to 12 years, which
• The amendment also includes a July 1, 2040, expiration date for the rent increase limit, exemptions,

Summary: The conference committee met on engrossed House Bill 1217 and received a staff briefing on the proposed conference striking amendment S-3395.2. Staff explained that the amendment would set rent increase limits under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act at 7% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less, retain and modify various exemptions, update notice requirements, add a July 1, 2040 expiration date, and require the Department of Commerce to create an online landlord resource center. For manufactured/mobile home tenancies, the amendment would limit rent increases to 5% in any 12-month period, adjust exemptions and notice provisions, and align enforcement language with the RLTA changes. The amendment also removes certain miscellaneous provisions from the Senate version, including a social vulnerability assessment and a JLARC review requirement. Representative Lowe raised a procedural point of order about whether the landlord resource center could be added in conference, but the chair ruled the point not well taken under Joint Rule 18. Senator Gainer asked for clarification about the landlord resource center and the referenced RCW 43.31.605; staff explained it would direct landlords to existing Commerce resources, including the landlord mitigation program and related subprograms, and noted that the resource center language was originally in the House bill. A motion was made to reject prior amendments, adopt striking amendment S-3395.2, and give the bill a do pass recommendation. Senator Gainer and Representative Lowe spoke in opposition, citing concerns about the bill’s balance, the landlord provisions, and the speed of the process. The committee then voted 4-2 to recommend the conference committee report, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• personal property if that feed is also eligible for sales tax exemption for food-type products.
• H.J.R. 99, proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem
• H.J.R. 99, proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem
• So we wanted to come back and clear... ...the rolls as having a homestead exemption.
• So thank you. ...exemption and getting property tax levels as low as possible for every Texan.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of HB 74 creating the Puerto Verde Port Authority District, and heard a recognition from Senator Hancock about a weekend human trafficking operation in Fort Worth in which Unbound Now and the Fort Worth Police Department freed 19 victims. The Governor also submitted nominations to the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. The chamber then repeatedly suspended rules to take up and pass a series of House bills and one House joint resolution, mostly by wide margins, along with several local and honorary designations. Among the substantive measures, the Senate passed HB 1244 on open-space appraisal after property transfers, HJR 99 and HB 1399 to exempt animal feed from ad valorem taxation, HB 166 expanding child/endangered-person protections to fentanyl-related conduct, HB 1672 speeding DMV enforcement against unsafe motor carriers, HB 2018 clarifying the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program, HB 140 creating a DFPS advisory committee on child protective investigations, HB 467 providing for dissolution of the Cedar Creek Hospital District, HB 2000 requiring sex-offender registration for child grooming, HB 331 creating presumptions for first responders who suffer heart attacks or strokes after strenuous shifts, HB 1089 creating the Gulf Coast Protection Account, HB 2730 limiting when appraisal districts may require new homestead exemption applications, HB 2723 easing cemetery tax-exemption procedures, HB 353 creating a trespass offense near schools and day care centers, and HB 3248 authorizing defense-based development authorities to employ and commission peace officers. Several of these bills drew brief explanations and, in some cases, questions from other senators about their scope and purpose. The Senate also passed numerous memorial highway and facility designations, including HB 767 for Paul P. Mendez, HB 1708 for Trooper Kevin Ramirez-Vasquez, HB 2415 for Senior Police Officer Louis Andy Taylor, HB 2143 for Army Specialist Joey Lenz, HB 2457 for the Molly Mullins Mile, HB 2523 for Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia, HB 2198 for Officer Jacob Candinoza, and HB 2763 naming a TxDOT facility for Eduardo Eddie Garcia Jr. Other local or administrative measures included HB 3513 on the Moore County Juvenile Board and HB 3135 creating specialty plates for retired firefighters. The chamber also adopted several concurrent resolutions and later moved through a large local calendar, including HCR 80, which designated Brenham as the ice cream capital of Texas. Most measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few votes on rule suspensions and final passage recorded small numbers of nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates an exemption for firearm accessories and changes the timing of the permanent back-to-school
• provides a one-year exemption for flood insurance policies.
• Over the three-year exemption. Rep. Hart Lowman: The total over the three years will be 6.3?
• I have a concern about a permanent property exemption for property lease Rep.
• Duggan: This is not going into the trust fund already. 2.7 over three years for this exemption.

Transcript Highlights:

• providing property taff tax exemptions providing property taff tax exemptions for<01:36:30.719><
• <02:30:51.920> as homestead property tax exemption as homestead property tax exemption as
• other property tax exemptions.
• <02:38:48.240> That other property tax exemptions. That other property tax exemptions.
• Uh exempts properties was added.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, to obtain an exemption form, parents must send.
• The greater the number of exemptions, the higher the risk of outbreaks.
• This bill makes it easier to obtain an exemption than it does to get a vaccine.
• If it didn't, we wouldn't be seeing vaccine exemptions on the rise as they are.
• And so again, I mean... exemptions or exemptions.

Bills: HB1106, HB3284, HB541, HB713, HB1403, HB1586, HB1942, HB2070, HB2844, HB2851, HB3151, HB3749, HB3940, HB3963, HB4454, HB4466, HB4795, HB5154, HB5394, SB1357, HB1052, HB4099, HB4638, HB5147

Keywords: child abuse, neglect, gender identity, sexual orientation, child welfare, marriage, family, Texas Commission, family welfare, marriage support, stability, premarital education, child development, strong families, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• And a brief history: it took us four sessions to get the exemption up to $2,500.
• And a brief history, it took us four sessions to get the exemption up to $2,500.
• That's why the exemptions are a priority. Once the public passes it.
• This is $320 million a year of tax exemption...
• If we’re going to grant this type of exemption, there is an expectation level that...”

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions. The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees. On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if I'm a purchaser, you know, why issue tax-exempt debt?
• With tax-exempt debt, that is not the case.
• I think it's over $400 billion is the value of that tax exemption.
• Sometimes we have special tax counsel for complicated tax-exempt deals.
• They're not qualified for tax-exempt debt; they'd get our taxable rates.