Transcript Highlights:

• They can be part of the public domain, but you still have to have control over it.
• Right now, we have some big companies that are trying to control the seed that their growers can grow
• for them, and they want to control that whole chain.
• Therefore, it has a tendency to drive up the cost a little bit when only one person has control of that
• It's hard to keep control of that.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• In my opinion, for plumbers in the trades, there is too much local control, power, and inspection.
• I believe that too much government, too much local control, the government wants money, and they have
• It's all about money, fees, and control of private property.
• In my opinion, for plumbers in the trades, there is too much local control, power, and inspection.
• It's all about money, fees, and control of private property.

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• affirms that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions regarding the care, custody, and control
• interest of their child and it is in the best interest of the child. to remain in the care, custody, and control
• The rights of parents in their relationship with their children, that right to care. custody and control
• You know, make sure you have control of the mic there. go. Try that. Try it now. All right.
• Nor does it create beneficiary interest during life, so it safeguards the owner's control and also the

Bills: SB387 , SB1650 , SB1838 , SB1839 , SB1923 , SB1940 , SB2052

Committee: Senate Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• The previous administration that would allow that app to control or influence border crossings are in
• Our task forces are arrayed from Brownsville to El Paso in 3 task forces under the control of Joint Task
• capabilities-based assessment of: Can we, when do we come off if we come off, based on if operational control
• We have around 200 certified police officers, about 100 of those are in our Medicaid fraud control unit
• Dupre who oversees both the Criminal Investigation Josh Reno: Division as well as the Medicaid Fraud Control

Committee: Senate Border Security

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security held its first hearing of the 89th legislative session, established a quorum, welcomed new and returning members, and adopted the committee rules without objection. The chair said the hearing would be limited to invited state agency witnesses and was intended as a status update for new members on current border operations, especially in light of the change in federal administration. Testimony came from the Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Military Department. The Attorney General’s representative said border-related litigation is largely in a holding pattern while the new U.S. Department of Justice awaits additional leadership, and noted prior cases involving concertina wire, buoys, and the CBP One app. DPS described Operation Lone Star’s evolution from filling gaps when Border Patrol was overwhelmed to current operations focused on interdiction, criminal arrests, fentanyl and meth seizures, and national security concerns, while also noting improved morale and more voluntary deployments as border pressure has eased. The Texas Military Department reported more than 5,000 personnel on state active duty, extensive use of barriers, drones, boats, and rapid-response forces, and said Operation Lone Star has resulted in more than 531,000 apprehensions and a 90% reduction in illegal crossings. Members and witnesses discussed whether the state should maintain its current border-security footprint while federal policy settles, with the chair emphasizing preserving institutional knowledge and leaving tactical decisions to the governor. Questions also covered trooper fatigue, Border Patrol training under SB 602, and concerns about cartel-driven commercial trucking and fuel depots near the border. The committee heard that Border Patrol training with DPS has resumed, and the chair asked agencies to keep the Legislature informed as legal and operational circumstances change. No bills were heard and no votes were taken beyond adopting the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of debate equally divided and controlled of debate equally divided and controlled by<02:16:18.159
• </c><02:17:36.319><c> substances</c> 331 to amend the controlled substances 331 to amend the controlled
• </c> of debate equally divided and controlled of debate equally divided and controlled by<02:17:59.280
• So impeachment is the remedy when the courts can't control him and his party won't control him.
• </c> control him and his party won't control control him and his party won't control him.<08:35:01.280

Transcript Highlights:

• This would direct the State Controller to transfer interest earnings generated from the fund balance
• This is for interest earnings from the Water Pollution Control Fund to the General Fund.
• Representative Miller: I move the appropriation and transfer of the interest earnings from the Water Pollution Control
• This is for interest earnings from the water pollution control fund to the general fund.
• I move the appropriation and transfer the interest earnings from the water pollution control fund to

Summary: The committee received a General Fund Daily Update and Budget Monitor presentation from Legislative Services Office staff, who explained that the budget picture was nearly complete, with most general fund agency actions and germane bill impacts already reflected. Members also discussed revenue performance, including that the state was about $89.5 million behind the legislative revenue target and that April revenue reports would be especially important. Staff noted that the estimated ending balance was close to negative $44.1 million, with some uncertainty remaining because of revenue volatility and pending monthly reports. The committee then considered a series of budget-balancing cash transfers and related actions. It approved transfers from the Permanent Building Fund to the Legislature, a 5% reduction in the legislative transfer, a $13 million transfer from the Idaho Broadband Fund to the General Fund, transfers from inactive school district building account subaccounts, and a conditional transfer from the 27th payroll fund if needed. It also approved moving interest earnings from the Budget Stabilization Fund, Water Pollution Control Fund, Permanent Building Fund, and several American Rescue Plan Act-related funds to the General Fund or Strategic Initiatives Fund, along with transfers involving the Fire Suppression Deficiency Account and Strategic Initiatives Fund balances. Several members commented on the policy choices, including support for legislative belt-tightening and concern about using interest earnings transfers, especially from the Budget Stabilization Fund. One member questioned whether those transfers were appropriate if the budget remained balanced, while another asked for clarification on how Strategic Initiatives Fund allocations would be used. Most motions passed with due pass recommendations in both chambers’ committee votes, and the committee adjourned after scheduling another meeting for the following morning to continue work on remaining cash transfers and possible Fish and Game items.

Transcript Highlights:

• it may not always be available, to have those unstructured activity breaks while maintaining local control
• This is about local control. I mean, districts already provide recesses for kids.
• This isn't about local control.
• I mean, this is done, and it just flies in the face to me of preempting local control and telling teachers
• I mean, this is done, and it just flies in the face to me of preempting local control and telling teachers

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• solicit, offer, deliver, or accept by affirmative act a campaign contribution within any area under the control
• c><00:04:54.240><c> area</c><00:04:54.720><c> under</c><00:04:55.040><c> the</c><00:04:55.199><c> control
• </c><00:04:55.440><c> of</c><00:04:55.680><c> the</c> within any area under the control of the within
• any area under the control of the president<00:04:56.240><c> of</c><00:04:56.400><c> the</c><00:04:56.560
• The first prohibition is accepting campaign contributions or donations anywhere in control of the Senate

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met on February 13 to continue work on proposed Senate Rule 15-9, a rule prohibiting campaign contributions. Members discussed two parts of the rule: one barring any solicitation, offer, delivery, or acceptance of campaign contributions in areas under the control of the President of the Senate at any time, and another barring senators from knowingly soliciting or accepting contributions by affirmative act during regular or special session. Senator Rothfuss suggested clarifying the session-related language by adding the word “legislative” before “campaign” in paragraph B, while leaving paragraph A broad. The chair explained the distinction between the two provisions and opened the meeting for public comment, but none was offered. Senator Rothfuss moved to adopt the rule and offered the amendment; Senator Guru seconded it. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted to adopt the rule as amended, with Senators Guru and Rothfuss voting aye and the chair announcing the vote passed before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• critical infrastructure if it would give foreign countries of concern and their subdivisions access or control
• It speaks to the vendor and the ownership of the organization, the ownership of the company, and controlling
• and that there's not so the bill does not allow for us to have any technology systems that are controlled
• knowingly entering into a contract with an entity in which a foreign country of concern holds a controlling
• scenarios are plausible because Chinese technology products feature known back doors and kill switches controlled

Bills: S1622 , S1178

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first took up Senate Bill 1178, the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act, sponsored by Senator Garcia. The bill would expand state restrictions on foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, including creating a state registration framework for foreign agents, banning gifts to public officials from covered foreign entities, requiring ethics training on foreign influence, tightening procurement limits for information technology and critical infrastructure, restricting sister-city/sister-state encouragement, revising linkage institute rules and tuition provisions, and criminalizing certain conduct tied to foreign governments or unauthorized enforcement of foreign law. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect election technology, software development, federal foreign-agent registration, educational exchanges, and the treatment of organizations such as CARE; the sponsor said the bill focused on ownership/control and foreign countries of concern, not specific components or general participation in events. An amendment by Senator Grall was adopted to clarify definitions, align penalties with willful violations, and specify that new ethics training content is additive. The committee then heard supportive testimony from Kelly Curry of State Armor and Rob Pierce of American Global Strategies, both of whom argued the bill would help Florida counter foreign influence, protect data and infrastructure, and improve transparency. CS for SB 1178 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1622, which provides a one-time waiver of the automatic fine for a late-filed financial disclosure under specified conditions, including that the filer submitted the disclosure before the maximum fine accrued and had not previously received such a waiver. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified in support, saying the bill preserves transparency and compliance goals while making the fine and appeals process more workable. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. Finally, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments in tabs 3 through 26. No separate votes were requested, no public testimony was offered, and the block of appointees was recommended favorably to the full Senate by roll call vote. The meeting then concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• docket 11.0501.2501, which are the administrative rules, 11.501 rules governing alcohol beverage control
• . ...which are the administrative rules, 11.0501 rules governing alcohol beverage control.
• I've been involved in alcohol beverage control for probably 15 years.
• This definition has been a challenge for my entire experience with alcohol beverage control.
• Again, I think this is something that if it was to get out of control, we would come back to and try

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• 1867 by Perry relating to the addition of certain substances to Penalty Group Two of the Texas Controlled
• Senate Bill 1868 by Perry relating to adding certain substances to the Texas Controlled Substances Act
• Senate Bill 1869 by Perry relating to the procedures for modifying the schedules of controlled substances
• Senate Bill 1936 by Hinojosa of Hidalgo relating to definition of an abuse unit for certain controlled
• substances under the Texas Controlled Substances Act to Criminal Justice.

Bills: SJR4 , SCR36 , SCR37 , SCR38 , SCR39 , SCR40 , SCR41 , SCR42 , SB7 , SB30 , SB31 , SB32 , SB33 , SB34 , SB36 , SB37 , SB38 , SB39 , SB1851 , SB1852 , SB1853 , SB1854 , SB1855 , SB1856 , SB1857 , SB1858 , SB1860 , SB1861 , SB1862 , SB1863 , SB1864 , SB1865 , SB1866 , SB1867 , SB1868 , SB1869 , SB1870 , SB1871 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1874 , SB1875 , SB1876 , SB1877 , SB1878 , SB1879 , SB1880 , SB1881 , SB1882 , SB1883 , SB1884 , SB1885 , SB1886 , SB1887 , SB1888 , SB1889 , SB1890 , SB1891 , SB1892 , SB1893 , SB1894 , SB1895 , SB1896 , SB1897 , SB1898 , SB1899 , SB1900 , SB1901 , SB1903 , SB1904 , SB1905 , SB1906 , SB1907 , SB1908 , SB1909 , SB1910 , SB1911 , SB1912 , SB1913 , SB1914 , SB1915 , SB1916 , SB1917 , SB1918 , SB1919 , SB1920 , SB1921 , SB1922 , SB1923 , SB1924 , SB1925 , SB1926 , SB1927 , SB1928 , SB1929 , SB1930 , SB1931 , SB1932 , SB1933 , SB1934 , SB1935 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB1938 , SB1939 , SB1940 , SB1941 , SB1942 , SB1943 , SB1944 , SB1945 , SB1946 , SB1947 , SB1948 , SB1949 , SB1950 , SB1951 , SB1952 , SB1953 , SB1954 , SB1955 , SB1956 , SB1957 , SB1958 , SB1959 , SB1960 , SB1961 , SB1962 , SB1963 , SB1964 , SB1965 , SB1966 , SB1967 , SB1968 , SB1969 , SB1970 , SB1971 , SB1972 , SB1973 , SB1974 , SB1975 , SB1976 , SB1977 , SB1978 , SB1979 , SB1980 , SB1981 , SB1982 , SB1983 , SB1984 , SB1985 , SB1986 , SB1987 , SB1988 , SB1989 , SB1990 , SB1991 , SB1992 , SB1993 , SB1994 , SB1995 , SB1996 , SB1997 , SB1998 , SB1999 , SB2000 , SB2001 , SB2002 , SB2003 , SB2004 , SB2005 , SB2006 , SB2007 , SB2008 , SB2009 , SB2010 , SB2011 , SB2012 , SB2013 , SB2014 , SB2015 , SB2016 , SB2017 , SB2018 , SB2019 , SB2020 , SB2021 , SB2022 , SB2023 , SB2024 , SB2025 , SB2026 , SB2027 , SB2028 , SB2029 , SB2030 , SB2031 , SB2032 , SB2033 , SB2034 , SB2035 , SB2036 , SB2037 , SB2038 , SB2039 , SB2040 , SB2041 , SB2042 , SB2043 , SB2044 , SB2045 , SB2046 , SB2047 , SB2048 , SB2049 , SB2050 , SB2051 , SB2052 , SB2053 , SB2054 , SB2055 , SB2056 , SB2057 , SB2058 , SB2059 , SB2060

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House File 6 covers the following priorities: where literacy is learning, global control is
• Instead of funding political agendas, members, we should be funding innovation and local control.
• Most importantly, this section unleashes local control to promote innovative and flexible education programs
• We cannot expect every child to learn in the same way, and local control is innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> great balance uh between local control great balance uh between local control and<00:21:51.480><
• </c><00:40:18.920><c> is</c> nhma believes that local control is nhma believes that local control is
• </c> striking a balance between local control striking a balance between local control and<03:21:38.319
• You're in control. All right, it is 1:53.
• </c> always a time in place for local control always a time in place for local control where<04:57:27.600

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• It would respect local control and decision-making.
• There are a range of, uh, a vast range of control that districts and charters have.
• There are a range of, uh, a vast range of control that districts and charters have.
• </c><01:03:45.520><c> when</c> need flexibility and local control when need flexibility and local control
• </c><01:05:17.880><c> that</c> a range vast range of control that a range vast range of control that

Bills: HF957 , HF877

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I, I, you're asking me for a description of how it embraces local control.
• Currently, I would say most close to all... and embraces local control in such a and embraces local control
• ,</c> the costs over which we have no control, the costs over which we have no control, but<03:16:42.720
• </c> penalty until we do have under control penalty until we do have under control the<03:17:12.800><
• </c> control, and listens to local voices. control, and listens to local voices.

Transcript Highlights:

• So having control of a now more than ever before, we have to stand with agriculture.
• Having control of our own domestic food supply in times like this is of critical concern for not only
• They are then taken to China to be raised under the control of the Chinese country...
• They are then taken to China to be raised under the control of the Chinese Communist Party.
• It respects local control and also respects the will of those voters over in Gainesville.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report for the day and approved a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber then took up several bills. HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, passed 94-10 after debate focused on conservation land surplus procedures and agricultural use of state lands. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign gifts, critical infrastructure, sister city agreements, and related restrictions, passed 80-20 after the House adopted an amendment adding a prohibition on certain surrogacy contracts involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern. CS/CS/HB 1197, dealing with information technology procurement and contracting, passed 109-0. HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed unanimously. The House also debated CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. Supporters said it would limit development fees, standardize compatibility rules, allow manufactured homes in RV parks, and lower voting thresholds for comprehensive plan changes to address housing affordability; opponents argued it would preempt local control, weaken voter-approved urban boundary protections, and risk conservation lands. An amendment to preserve Orange County’s boundary rules failed, while a technical amendment on manufactured homes passed. The bill then passed 71-38. The House also passed several local bills, including measures for the Pace Fire Rescue District, Avalon Beach/Mulat Fire Protection District, East Point Water and Sewer District, Fellsmere Water Control District, and Headwaters Water Control District, with votes ranging from 83-27 to unanimous approval. The transcript also included farewell remarks from Representative Angie Nixon before the House returned to remaining business.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> you know, because local medical control you know, because local medical control physicians<00:11
• I used to bleeding was controlled early.
• Think of bleeding control as CPR for trauma.
• Students struggle with focus and self-control.
• And for some focus and self-control.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• It keeps rates low, reliability high, and communities directly in control of their energy future.
• For example, Section 2 would pool energy efficiency funds statewide, reducing the local control that
• We ask the committee to preserve the independence and local control that have served our communities
• not rent control, but rent moderation, there will be some impact on rents inevitably.
• The Lowell geothermal network pilot had left a bitter taste on utility-controlled thermal networks.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the cost of gas goes up, that's outside of the commission's control and it's just a pass-through to
• So the cost of gas goes up, that's outside of the commission's control and it's just a pass-through to
• So the cost of gas goes up, that's outside of the commission's control and it's just a pass-through to
• So the cost of gas goes up, that's outside of the commission's control and it's just a pass-through to
• So the cost of gas goes up, that's outside of the commission's control and it's just a pass-through to

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• We must not allow control efforts.
• </c> control race. I yield back, Mr. Speaker. control race. I yield back, Mr. Speaker.
• The chair now control 20 minutes.
• Deette, each will control Colorado, Mr. Deette, each will control 20<04:10:08.080><c> minutes.
• </c><04:28:10.960><c> The</c> will each control 20 minutes. The will each control 20 minutes.