Transcript Highlights:

• and agriculture, and families.
• and enhance the customer experience.
• Revenue continues to make improvements to create efficiencies and enhance the customer experience.
• <00:24:23.760> and<00:24:24.000> MFU fair and competitive markets, and MFU fair and
• and the commensurate challenges and and the commensurate challenges and choices<00:32:12.320>

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:

• Chair, this is nothing but a protection for those people so we don't have predatory lending here, and
• And that's not uncommon for the protection of consumers.
• And that's not uncommon for the protection of consumers.
• My example would be 7 and a half percent. And that's not uncommon for the protection of consumers.
• ><00:26:36.200> um<00:26:36.399> I protect the people and so um I protect the people and

Bills: HF2601, HF2607, HF2027, HF2608

Keywords: financial institutions, insurance regulation, insurance holding company, group capital calculation, liquidity stress test, NAIC, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, insurer solvency, affiliate transactions, groupwide supervision, internationally active insurance group, lead state commissioner, policyholder protection, hazardous financial condition, deposit or bond, contract for deed, conventional loan, cooperative apartment loan, mortgage interest rate cap, average prime offer rate

Transcript Highlights:

• The states of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama have all passed similar taxpayer and worker protections
• And this bill also imposes a seven-day new customer period.
• So the bill basically is about protecting animals from cruelty and protecting consumers from fraud and
• And 16 and up, you're fine. This helps you enforce that law with some actual protections.
• And this now gives you all that peace of mind and protection that even if they're at that opt-out age

Bills: S0198, S0422, S1236, S1356, S1456, S1722

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, ADS-B, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, aviation, airports, airport fees, landing fees, departure fees, touch-and-go landing, general aviation, pilot privacy, airspace radius, aircraft tracking

Summary: The committee first postponed SB 1456, then heard SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers using secret-ballot union elections and prohibit neutrality agreements. The sponsor argued the bill protects workers from coercion and applies only to companies receiving taxpayer-funded incentives; opponents said it was government interference, likely to hurt contractors, apprenticeships, and business growth, and raised concerns about federal preemption and Attorney General enforcement. After debate, the committee reported SB 1236 favorably on a recorded vote. The committee then considered CS/SB 198, a measure to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring operator registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, blockchain analytics, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions tied to fraud. Supporters from the banking industry, AARP, and others said the bill would help stop scams that are targeting seniors and vulnerable adults; one industry witness supported the bill but suggested narrowing the limits for existing users and shortening the new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor said the bill is intended to curb puppy mills, improve animal welfare, and add consumer protections, while an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported much of the bill but objected to the three-day waiting period for financed purchases, expanded reimbursement, and unfair trade practice penalties; others argued the bill would add red tape and litigation. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors, which would require age verification, parental consent for minors, app-content disclosures, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said the bill would help parents protect children online; opponents warned it could force collection of sensitive personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate existing parental tools. Members debated the balance between child safety and privacy, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 422 on ADS-B aviation data, which would bar use of ADS-B information to calculate certain landing or access fees; an amendment added departures to the restriction. Pilots supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport representatives opposed it as undermining airport finances and shifting costs. The amendment was adopted, and the hearing on the bill began with testimony from both sides.

Transcript Highlights:

• Current law requires that the Department of Family and Protective Services to consider several factors
• And then that relative comes forward and wants a child, and then we have a really hard time getting that
• OK, um, Erica Benuelos, Department of Family and Protective Services neutral on the bill, is that correct
• Thank you so much for being here and, and, uh, we've had some questions and, and I wanted to make sure
• the best permanency is if their parents get back on their feet and, and, um, and or or someone that

Bills: SB 2041, SB 1777, SB 1681, SB 2311

Keywords: child welfare, foster care, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, Family Code, conservatorship, placement selection, contract residential care, kinship care, relative placement, designated caregiver, best interest of the child, least restrictive setting, placement stability, child protective services, residential treatment, group home, family reunification, Texas foster system, residential care

Transcript Highlights:

• However, effective communication and establishing expectations are merely guidance and not a requirement
• And we just heard in testimony that that. That creates academic gaps and other gaps as well.
• and improving placement outcomes.
• Association of Family Defense Attorneys and yourself, and you are neutral on the bill.
• Erica Banuelos, Department of Family and Protective Services, neutral on the bill. Correct?

Bills: SB2041, SB1777, SB1681, SB2311

Keywords: child welfare, foster care, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, Family Code, conservatorship, placement selection, contract residential care, kinship care, relative placement, designated caregiver, best interest of the child, least restrictive setting, placement stability, child protective services, residential treatment, group home, family reunification, Texas foster system, residential care

Bills: HB414, HB786, HB1041, HB1052, HB1118, HB1139, HB1182, HB1185, HB1214, HB1217, HB1231, SR63, SCR27, SB5, SB194, SB415, SB433, SB451, SB462, SB516

Keywords: healthcare, criminal convictions, employment, background checks, prohibited offenses, Medicaid, claim payments, extrapolation, provider audits, medical freedom, discrimination, access, medical intervention, child protection, confidentiality, multidisciplinary teams, child advocacy centers, public records, investigations, hospital

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 149 aims to protect individual rights and privacy while balancing and encouraging the safe advancement
• And ultimately, it provides what industry has asked for, which is clear rules of the road and protection
• Senate Bill 1749 would protect the confidentiality of certain individuals and their family members, including
• The bill would also protect current or former courthouse employees and current or former employees of
• We issue paperwork, we have customers at the front counter, and things have changed as far as the type

Bills: HB12, HB149, HB12, HB149, SB229, SB1361, SB1749, SB1897, SB2113, SB2566, SB2677, SB1652, SB2327, SB2344, SB2696

Keywords: election law, attorney general, prosecution, criminal offenses, law enforcement, jurisdiction, voter fraud, local prosecuting attorney, public safety, communication, governor approval, interoperability, political subdivision, radio systems, artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance

Transcript Highlights:

• We take pride in our pets and husbandry, and we take great care with our customers.
• Please help us protect our pups and kittens the way we do every single day and please don't put my amazing
• All of our family's investment and the service we provide to our customers and their families would be
• My customers want quality pets. from TDLR or USDA licensed and annually inspected breeders.
• I ask you to protect Texas jobs, protect consumer choices, and most importantly, do not let misguided

Bills: HB12, HB149, SB229, SB1361, SB1749, SB1897, SB2113, SB2566, SB2677, SB1652, SB2327, SB2344, SB2696, HB12, HB149

Keywords: artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, automobile sales, finance, retail seller, motor vehicle purchase, motor vehicle sales, pricing restrictions, third-party financing, education, funding, student assessment, accountability, standards, motor vehicle, financing

Transcript Highlights:

• Or any training and knowing how to preserve water and prevent erosion and how we install solar.
• And he failed to say that and the prepared speech I gave him.
• and.
• And what I do is important, and I enjoy it.
• This is just to protect the landowners with agreements, decommissioning, and work with local fire departments

Bills: HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989

Keywords: electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, rural water service, district organization, emergency legislation, Oklahoma, water management, state vehicles, state-owned vehicles, state-leased vehicles, motor vehicle use, commuting use, personal use, fleet management, Corporation Commission, field inspectors

Transcript Highlights:

• the access points in and out and They do that so that they can control the trash and pollution and who's
• And, morning, Mr. Chairman and members.
• Matter of fact, it protects agriculture and farming industries.
• The reason why the ranchers and farmers in southeast Oklahoma want these protections and are asking for
• The reality is this: if you choose to maintain the status quo and do nothing to protect those rivers,

Bills: SB2122, SB330, SB2071, SB2169, SB2069, SB2095, SB2157

Keywords: poultry, agriculture, out-of-state processing, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, regulation, food safety, elk population, wildlife management, Oklahoma State University, veterinary medicine, ecosystem health, habitat assessment, milk, dairy, dairy farm, milk products, Grade A milk, pasteurization, raw milk, milk inspection

Transcript Highlights:

• And it really needs to be broader to protect all of us.
• I'm asking you to support **SB 40** because protecting privacy protects our dignity, and every family
• They have to observe the rules regarding immigration and protected health information and First Amendment
• Well, a hit and run is not protected under the U.S. Constitution.
• Well, a hit and run is not protected under the U.S. Constitution.

Bills: HB294, SB40, SB43, SB35

Keywords: cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer

Bills: SB 397, SB 481, SB 596, SB 760, SB 855, SB 1195, SB 1196, SB 1233, SB 1257, SB 1318, SB 1368, SB 1388, SB 1398, SB 1524, SB 1558, SB 1589, SB 1677, SB 1792, SB 2034

Keywords: data privacy, consumer rights, technology, business regulation, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, nursing facilities, assisted living, resident safety, power outage, voting by mail, legal guardian, electoral process, foster care, medical consent, out-of-network, healthcare access, Medicaid, child protection, expungement

Transcript Highlights:

• And then you have where a city or county sets up an HFC and then they travel outside their borders going
• and protects tenants' rights.
• I ask that you support House Bill 530 to protect taxpayers and make sure Texas remains a place where
• And if we care about lifting people up and about protecting the prosperity that the Texas miracle has
• deter illegal immigration and therefore increase our state's border security efforts.

Bills: HB21, HB211, HB223

Keywords: HB 21, Texas Tax Code, ad valorem tax, property tax, delinquent taxes, tax delinquency, penalty reduction, interest rate, split payment, installment payment, tax relief, county tax collector, taxing unit, property owner, tax collection, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax increase election, supermajority, 60 percent threshold

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of our members live and work along the Texas-Mexico border and are faced with challenges associated
• property owner's contribution to the protection of our state and nation.
• And it would exempt land dedicated for border security infrastructure through recorded easement from
• To answering those and thank you again for continuing to fund ongoing efforts to protect Texas and Texans
• Border security infrastructure and then somehow um. Reporting that as, as exempt from taxation.

Bills: HB195, HB247, HB255, HJR6, HJR31, HJR34

Keywords: HB 195, Texas Controlled Substances Act, Schedule IV, controlled substances, mifepristone, misoprostol, carisoprodol, Health and Safety Code, drug scheduling, pharmacy regulation, prescription drugs, reproductive health, abortion medication, medication abortion, women's health, prescribing, dispensing, law enforcement, drug control, education reform

Transcript Highlights:

• It extends protections to victims of child sexual assault and indecency, aggravated sexual assault, and
• First responders, your heart is there to protect and serve and take care of our citizens: the teachers
• souls to protect and serve, to do it better, to learn from things that didn't work, and to make things
• standing and protecting victims.
• Our teams spend their lives dedicated to the care and protection of these animals at our facilities and

Bills: HB33, HB45, HB48, HB1261, HB1465, HB1778, HB2596, HB5238, SB2969, HB45, HB48

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• it, trying to support our men and women that wear the badge to protect us and serve and preserve public
• of the state accountable for their actions to serve and protect, not seek and destroy.
• and protect, not seek actions to serve and protect, not seek and<00:15:57.199> destroy.
• and whatever other protections.
• I'm and and whatever other protections.

Bills: HB348, HB106, HB347, HB54, SB118, SB167, SB195, HB260, HB263, HB328, HB348, HB106, HB347, HB54, SB118, SB167, SB195, HB260, HB263, HB328

Keywords: bail reform, illegal aliens, violent offenses, pretrial detention, flight risk, court hearings, doxing, personal identifying information, harassment, online safety, law enforcement, public servants, penalties, consumer protection, illicit material, private rights, digital privacy, nonconsensual distribution, incarceration, pregnancy

Transcript Highlights:

• you've got clients and customers. and everything else going around.
• everyone and the consumer knows are being protected.
• And do you want me to list the consumer protections?
• of Texas, working to ensure professionalism. accountability, and consumer protection in roofing and
• The dealer and the customer would only be able to who inspect and test drive the vehicle, if that customer

Bills: SB264, SB542, SB924, SB1008, SB1029, SB1036, SB1057, SB1058, SB1185, SB1202, SB1358, SB1364, SB1376, SB1569, SB1664, SB1697, SJR50

Keywords: SB 264, Texas Workers' Compensation Act, group self-insurance, self-insured groups, workers' compensation, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, certificate of approval, guaranty fund, trust fund, wind down, dissolution, labor code, insurance regulation, employer coverage, risk pool, business and commerce, trade workforce economic development, property owners' association, water conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• the law enforcement and the firefighters and work with recruitment and take care of those men and women
• Because in these bills, that's always the balance: to make sure we protect the taxpayers and the citizens
• firefighters recognize that these reforms are essential to protecting sustainable benefits and the future
• Chair Lambert, Mayor Watson and his capable team, and our pension director and her capable team, and
• Chair Lambert, Mayor Watson and his capable team, and our pension director and her capable team, and

Bills: HB135

Keywords: civil liability, motor vehicle, legal protection, removal, animals

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard Senate Bill 2345, as a committee substitute, which would reform the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund. Senator Schwertner explained that the bill is based on an agreed voluntary funding soundness restoration plan between the City of Austin and the fund, and would create a new reduced benefit tier for firefighters hired on or after January 1, 2026, adjust COLAs for current retirees, establish an actuarially determined funding model to address legacy liabilities and 2024 asset losses over 30 years, and add new board seats. Mayor Kirk Watson, city finance staff, the fund executive director, trustees, and retired firefighters all testified in support, describing the measure as an agreed-to, fiscally responsible compromise that protects benefits, supports recruitment, and reduces risk to taxpayers. The committee adopted the committee substitute, but left SB 2345 pending. The committee also heard House Bill 135, which clarifies tax treatment for exotic game or exotic livestock operations by defining them within agricultural exemptions and stating that sales of exotic livestock are not subject to sales and use taxes. Senator Flores described it as a clarification to provide consistency and fairness, and a witness for the Exotic Wildlife Association said it would resolve a Comptroller-related tax issue and benefit ranchers, landowners, and hunters. The committee closed public testimony and reported HB 135 favorably to the full Senate, with a motion to place it on the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 771, by Senator Hinojosa, was also heard and later reported favorably. The bill would allow diesel fuel used in auxiliary power units or power takeoff units to qualify for the same fuel tax credit or refund already available for gasoline, correcting an inadvertent exclusion from the 2003 motor fuel tax rewrite. A witness supported the bill as a matter of tax equity. The committee then considered House Bill 1109, the House companion to SB 935, which exempts counties from certain motor fuel taxes on fuel used in county vehicles; Senator Hall explained it as simply exempting government agencies from paying the tax on their own vehicles. HB 1109 was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee adjourned after completing its business.

Bills: HB0070, HB0043, HB0103, HB0157, HB0092, SF0092

Keywords: foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, money laundering, illegal investment, financial institutions, criminal activity, Wyoming legislation, First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and this also is an opportunity to protect our digital servers and digital economy through a special
• And then on to page 20 here, if you look on page 20, line 20— protection protection uh<00:07:03.280><
• And you saw it last year Protection Act.
• And that not only goes against individual rights and First Amendment protections, but it also really
• And that not only goes against individual rights and First Amendment protections, but it also really

Bills: HB0070, HB0043, HB0103, HB0157, HB0092, SF0092

Keywords: foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, money laundering, illegal investment, financial institutions, criminal activity, Wyoming legislation, First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits