Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, the Texas Judicial Commission on mental health, chaired by Justice Jane Bland, of which Speaker
• Christy, I have you here on behalf of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, registered on the
• Members, this SJR deals with the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, which is created to protect. .
• Thomas, I have you here on behalf of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, registered on the bill
• I'm the General Counsel for the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Bills: SJR27 , SB53 , SB311 , SB1164 , SB2807 , SB1574 , SB 53

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, Texas Supreme Court, writ power, mandamus, quo warranto, certiorari, procedendo, extraordinary writs, Government Code Section 22.002, separation of powers, judicial authority

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1078 would amend the Labor Code to require the Workforce Commission to create in collaboration
• Commission. It's a workplace poster on the benefits and services offered to veterans in this state.
• The Workforce Commission would be tasked with distributing this poster to each employer who employs at
• House Bill 39 also requires the Texas Veterans Commission to prepare and submit a comprehensive report
• Department, for the Texas Veterans Commission, which includes our Military Veteran Peer Network, our

Bills: HB39 , HB227 , HB930 , HB 1078 , HB39 , HB227

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: highway designation, veteran recognition, commemorative, transportation, Brazoria County, Texas National Guard, combat duty, military activation, state requirements, emergency response, active combat duty, military service, Congressional action, Governor responsibilities, Congressional declaration, state law, conflict, armed forces, congressional approval, war declaration

Transcript Highlights:

• The dust from quarries or cotton gins are common examples.
• said Ameren also wanted to bring attention to its large-load tariff, which it put forth to the commission
• and which was approved by the Public Service Commission because of Senate Bill 4.
• He said that in Ameren's large-load tariff, which was approved by the Public Service Commission because
• who are customers of these non-PSC regular utilities would not benefit from this Public Service Commission

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Summary: The Conservation and Natural Resources Committee heard Senate Bill 953, sponsored by Sen. Jason Bean, which would address a projected shortfall in the Department of Natural Resources’ air pollution control program. Bean and supporters from Associated Industries of Missouri, quarry and sand producers, engineering firms, the Missouri Chamber, forest products, and municipal utilities said the bill would stop sweeping unused program funds into general revenue and dedicate a portion of existing sales and use tax revenue from utilities to keep the program solvent without raising permit fees on businesses that have reduced emissions. One informational witness from Armour Vine warned that moving funds out of general revenue could affect broader state revenue and tax triggers. DNR also testified that the fee fund is projected to become insolvent in fiscal year 2028 if current trends continue. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill hearing was closed. The committee then heard House Bills 3362 and 3364, sponsored by Reps. Colin Wellenkamp and Mike Koslow, which would create guardrails for AI/data center buildout around electricity and water use. The sponsors said the bills are intended to protect ratepayers and local water systems by requiring large-load customers to bear their own infrastructure costs, extending consumer protections to co-ops and municipal utilities, and requiring permits and review for major water withdrawals, with emergency shutoff provisions in water shortages. Support came from environmental groups, conservation organizations, rural advocates, Renew Missouri, the Sierra Club, Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Ameren Missouri, and Missouri American Water, though some witnesses urged tighter thresholds, more frequent reporting, stronger water-quality protections, and clearer definitions to avoid legal ambiguity. Several witnesses also raised concerns about transparency, local impacts, and whether current thresholds are high enough to protect aquifers, springs, and utility customers. The chair closed testimony after noting time limits and adjourned the committee.

Bills: SB293 , SB293

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: SB293, Lee County, solid waste, waste collection fees, garbage fees, trash collection, county commission, fee exemption, low-income households, poverty level, federal poverty level, public sanitation, local act, municipal services, waste management, first responder, interference, criminal law, public safety, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• I was conflating ACC and Corporation Commission. Okay.
• Of the Corporation Commission.
• The Space Commission itself was stood up last year.
• The Space Commission itself was stood up last year.
• What do you think this commission is going to do?

Bills: HB2121 , HB2134 , HB2451 , HB2700

Committees: House Science & Technology , House House Science & Technology Committee of Reference

Keywords: modification, electronic equipment, consumer rights, OEM restrictions, civil penalties, intellectual property, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, Arizona Space Commission, strategic plan, aerospace, economic development, space industry, education, workforce training, assistive technology, disability services

Transcript Highlights:

• Would this finally formally put into the Constitution Oklahoma's newest county, Cotton County?
• But yes, Cotton County will now forever be in the Constitution. You two get a room.

Bills: HB4420 , HB3974 , HB3016 , HB3062 , HB3021 , HB3145 , HB4128 , HB3131 , HB3015 , HB3472 , HB3453 , HB1638 , HB4126 , HB2696 , HB2710 , HB3552 , HB3031 , HB3544 , HB3521 , HB4490 , HB4488 , HB1746 , HJR1069 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB1170 , HB3538 , HB4124 , HB3904 , HB4106 , HB2999 , HB3982 , HJR1077 , HB3464 , HB2588 , HB3462 , HB4440 , HB3674 , HB3345 , HJR1067 , HB4326 , HB4331 , HB4337 , HB4338 , HB4359 , HB4392 , HB3557 , HJR1076 , HB4003 , HB3495 , HB3497 , HB3501 , HB3505 , HB3749 , HB3011 , HB4336 , HB4346 , HJR1087 , HB3240 , HB3647 , HB3796 , HB3969 , HB3972 , HB3983 , HB3984 , HB3989 , HB3383 , HB3130 , HB4358 , HB3327 , HJR1055 , HB3386 , HJR1089 , HB3087 , HB2970 , HB3314 , HB4129 , HB4199

Summary: The House began with a quorum call and several introductions, including Wagner Student Council, Heartland Homeschool educators, Northwest Technology Center leadership students, Leadership Oklahoma Class 37, and guests from domestic violence and sexual assault service providers. The chamber then took up House Bill 3131 on homeless shelter standards. The bill, as amended, would set baseline health, safety, sanitation, incident reporting, and fiscal transparency standards for shelters receiving state-administered federal funds, with a limited board to help write rules and local officials notified of issues. Supporters said it was aimed mainly at smaller communities lacking resources, while opponents argued it added state oversight without collaboration or funding and could burden nonprofits and faith-based shelters. The bill passed 65-31. Members then passed several other measures: House Bill 3015 authorizing Service Oklahoma to issue and manage electronic credentials; House Bill 3472 on environment and natural resources; House Bill 3453 on eminent domain, shifting the burden of proof in court to the condemning authority while carving out utilities and oil and gas; House Bill 1638 expanding the Governmental Tort Claims Act definition of public trust to include trusts overseeing county jail facilities; House Bill 4128 on Game and Fish, adjusting bear hunting rules in selected eastern counties; and House Bill 4126 limiting liability for motocross and similar recreational tracks. House Bill 2710 created a 15-member committee to review future statewide radio system needs, and House Bill 2696, an open records bill for school district security and cybersecurity information, was amended and passed. House Bill 3552, giving child care providers flexibility to bridge subsidy reimbursement and tuition rates, also passed, though its emergency clause failed. Later, House Bill 3031 was amended to create a workforce development fund in the Department of Commerce and passed, but its emergency clause failed. House Bill 3544 was narrowed to regulate social AI companions and protect minors from harmful interactions, and passed unanimously. House Bill 3521 modernized money transmission law, updated fees, and added rules for digital asset kiosks. House Bill 4488 established a standardized appraisal process for first-party motor vehicle damage disputes under insurance law. House Bill 1746 allowed juvenile detention facilities for high-risk youth to adopt safety plans. Finally, House Joint Resolution 1069 updated constitutional county boundary language and county-seat references, including adding Cotton County to the Constitution and making other boundary cleanup changes; it passed 74-14. The House then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• be joined by two expert witnesses, the big guns, Roger Isom, President and CEO of the California Cotton

Committee: House Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill deals with the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission.
• They needed Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation on the commission.
• We also have a Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission.
• There's actually one on the Trade Commission. Yes, ma'am.
• , to provide for board members of the railroad commission, to provide for study requirements of the commission

Bills: HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR68 , HB714 , HB762 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB56 , SB69 , SB115 , SB133 , SB151 , SB170 , SB235 , SB278 , SB330 , SB420 , SB438 , SB449 , SB489

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, May 5, and considered a long agenda of mostly transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Among the bills reported favorably were Senate Bill 420, which adds Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission; Senate Bill 69, which updates appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission after redistricting; Senate Bill 40, which expands Louisiana’s move-over/safety protections for emergency and disabled vehicles; and House resolutions from Rep. Dickerson urging DOTD action on Highway 16 widening, turn lanes on Highway 1024, and a roundabout on Highway 1019. The committee also advanced HCR 53 creating a study committee on oversized vehicle permits, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, SB 449 giving the New Orleans Public Belt more procurement flexibility, SB 115 allowing DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA duties to speed project delivery, and SB 489 authorizing third-party verification of vehicle insurance coverage. Members heard testimony on several safety and enforcement measures. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples under CODIS-related criminal provisions; State Police explained it would help law enforcement collect required samples and aid cold cases. SB 48 would create driver’s license reciprocity between Louisiana and Ireland, and SB 235 would clarify payment and liquidated damages rules for public contracts, with contractors and industry representatives saying it would help ensure timely payment to contractors, subs, and suppliers. SB 55 clarified that seat belts must be worn across both the lap and shoulder, and SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement; committee members raised questions about due process, vehicle use, and how the devices would work, but both bills were reported favorably. Several measures drew more extensive debate. HB 762, as amended, would give OMV discretion over referring certain debts to the Office of Debt Recovery or Attorney General, and the amendment passed 14-2 after discussion about relief for drivers who cannot pay. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement received an amendment preserving existing compliant pavement markings, but a separate amendment to exempt Shreveport, Gretna, Livonia, and Westwego from the law failed on a roll call vote. HB 714, as substituted, would have created a railroad commission and required railroads to address blighted or abandoned lines, but after concerns about federal preemption, definition of blight, and whether a new commission was needed, Rep. Phelps moved to defer the bill, and the committee agreed. The meeting ended with adjournment after a brief recognition of committee staff and visitors.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission members? Dr. Allen? Aye. Harrison? Aye. Lozano? Lozano? Aye. Meza? Aye. Schatzlein? Aye.
• I walked in and 90% of them were just in white cotton boxes. ...and dripping in sweat.
• Criminal Justice and the Windham School District up for review this session, the Sunset Advisory Commission
• This bill is a result of a 2024-2025 commission report to the 89th legislature specifically focusing
• Texas Department of Education, the Department of Licensing and Regulation, the Texas Workforce Commission

Bills: HB1826 , HB2854 , HB3006 , HB4614 , HB5261 , HB5639

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, HB 2854, Pokuaa-Flowers Act, parole, mandatory supervision, electronic monitoring, releasee, parole officer, hospital visit approval, general hospital, law enforcement notification, DSHS, Department of State Health Services, corrections, public safety, liability immunity

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Kevin Cotton, mayor of Madisonville.
• My name is Kevin<00:29:37.279><c> Cotton,</c><00:29:37.760><c> mayor</c><00:29:38.080><c> of</c><00:29
• </c><00:29:39.360><c> Um</c> Kevin Cotton, mayor of Madisonville.
• Um Kevin Cotton, mayor of Madisonville.
• And so, personally, our neighbors with Judge Whitfield and Mayor Cotton, and so we kind of like jab each

Summary: The committee first heard an update from representatives of the Kentucky County Clerk’s Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. They reviewed the 2021 task force work, the legislation and budget funding that followed, and the requirements for county clerks to provide online search portals and complete 30-year property record searches, with a 60-year standard expected next summer. Speakers said most counties are still working through scanning and verification, with only a small number fully complete, and emphasized that verification of records is the main bottleneck because it requires staff time and careful matching of indexes to deeds. They also noted limited vendor availability, differences among counties in what records are already digitized, and that the association and land title attorneys are now working more closely on future “continuous improvement” legislation. The clerks also raised related issues, including concerns about deed fraud as more records become searchable online. They said some counties already offer notification services that alert property owners when a document is recorded, which can help owners respond quickly to suspicious filings. They also discussed the filing document storage fee and KDLA digitization grants, saying the funding structure has generally worked but that two grant cycles have been missed. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and searchable, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive. In response to committee questions, the witnesses said the remaining delays are less about money than staffing shortages and the need for more manpower to complete verification, and they said they would follow up on the balance in the KDLA fund and other details. The committee then received a presentation from an Area Development District representative, who described the districts as regional, nonpartisan service organizations that help cities and counties pool resources, provide technical assistance, and leverage public and private partnerships. He highlighted examples of regional cooperation, including veterans-directed care and other shared programs, and argued that the districts create efficiencies and economies of scale for local governments and the state. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• for a fire in San Patricio County because it wasn't big enough, even though it, uh, burned a lot of cotton
• It looked like it was a much bigger fire than it was because of all the cotton bales that were burning
• Uh, we do now share those with the Public Utility commission and the railroad Commission so that they
• better off and, you know, it's thanks to Forest Service and, and TM and um utilities and railroad commission

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Primary crops include alfalfa, hay, cotton, and corn. ...New Mexico produces about 20% of the nation's
• New Mexico and Ireland have an opportunity to formally network and collaborate through this trade commission
• Trade of the Economic Development Department shall provide staff to the New Mexico Ireland Trade Commission
• as required to fulfill the purpose of the commission?

Committee: Joint Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• WE LAUNCHED THE CAMPAIGN TO GET INDIVIDUAL COUNTY COMMISSIONS TO SPONSOR RESOLUTIONS OPPOSING THE AMENDMENT
• UNLIKE THE LEGISLATURE AND CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW COMMISSION CITIZENS MUST NAVIGATE THE GRUELING PROCESS
• NEXT, COTTON TAYLOR BEHIND COTTONTAIL OR IS HARRISON LUNDY I BELIEVE. >> I OPPOSE 716 SO IT CREATES UNNECESSARY

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2751 by Goodwin relating to the recusal of a member of the Railroad Commission of Texas in certain
• Commission of Texas, refer to the Committee on Energy Resources, HB 2892 by Hernandez, relating to the
• of attempted commission of violence. violent felony for the Committee on Criminal Justice, prudent H.W
• AB 2923 by Tepper relating to the jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission of the Texas.
• on Judiciary conduct and the authority of the Commission of the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> independent redistricting commission? independent redistricting commission?
• </c><01:55:58.560><c> and</c> who can serve on the commission and who can serve on the commission and
• ><c> members</c> criterion that the commission members criterion that the commission members must<01:
• :07.599><c> a</c> Redistricting commissions are not a Redistricting commissions are not a panacea.<01
• The increased commission website.

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• As we have seen, there's been a trade commission between Louisiana and Ireland that has brought a good
• Once they form this commission, what will the general purpose be?
• So will any of these members be paid to serve on this commission? No, sir.
• I serve on the Ireland Trade Commission. I've seen the benefits of it.
• What I did was I created a study commission for the Atchafalaya Basin with water quality.

Bills: HCR74 , HCR95 , HB705 , HB1048 , SCR23 , SCR31 , SCR38 , SB49 , SB233 , SB307 , SB326 , SB387 , SB401 , SB435 , SB495

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Keywords: trade commission, international relations, Louisiana, United Kingdom, economic exchange, cultural exchange, infrastructure investment, sales tax, exemptions, credits, rebates, uniformity, legislative rules, fiscal report, contempt, legislature, disorderly conduct, bribery, arrest, legislative privilege

Transcript Highlights:

• going to recognize you to present Jared Lundry of Hayworth to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission
• And we'll strive to do the same if I'm selected to serve on this commission.
• Norville Ritter to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission to serve a six-year term ending July
• What's been your favorite part so far of serving on the tourism commission?
• The other thing it does is the workforce commission data sharing authorization existing...

Bills: HB1823 , HB3031 , HB3369 , HB3378 , HB3429 , HB3624 , HB3657 , HB3880 , HB4215 , HB4476

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

Keywords: housing finance, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, publication requirements, housing policy, state regulations, HB3031, North Pointe Workforce Development Initiative, workforce development, job training, skills training, job placement, local hiring, economic development, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, revolving fund, state treasury, appropriation, budget, workforce investment, employment outcomes

Transcript Highlights:

• The commission executive nominations is a committee that approves nominations made by the governor for
• the horse racing commission.
• Daniel Lafortune to serve on the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Senator Hall, thank you, Mr.
• Daniel Lafortune to serve as a board member of the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
• The next three bills are a result of the incentive Evaluation Commission work.

Bills: SB1280 , SB1392 , SB1393 , SB1395 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1832 , SB1839 , SB1989 , SB2001 , SB2143

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: excise tax, oil tax, natural gas tax, state revenue, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, income tax, tax credit, aerospace sector, employment, economic development, adaptive reuse, affordable housing, urban renewal, economic impact, program, housing, revitalization, urban development, income tax credit, manufacturing

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, think cotton candy, uh, things like that fall under our jurisdiction.
• Um think<00:37:57.920><c> cotton</c><00:37:58.320><c> candy</c><00:37:58.880><c> uh</c><00:37:59.040>
• <c> things</c><00:37:59.200><c> like</c><00:37:59.280><c> that</c> think cotton candy uh things like
• that think cotton candy uh things like that fall<00:37:59.760><c> under</c><00:38:00.000><c> ours</c>

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• So cotton. So I didn't win.
• I'm the director of public policy for the Baptist General Convention of Texas Christian Life Commission

Bills: SB207 , SB611 , SB920 , SB1174 , SB1207 , SB1325 , SB1396 , SB1551 , SB1619

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16