Transcript Highlights:

• that component. ...or eight of those 31 institutions passing that component.
• In fact, 100% of the institutions passed access to care on the case review side.
• In fact, 100% of the institutions passed access to care on the case review side.
• is a non-passing level.
• So the least number are passing with proficient, correct? Correct.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee rules are identical to what the redistricting committee passed in 2021.
• Are you reading... all right, an SR 5 that we passed on Monday?
• You want to pass a map that we haven't seen yet.
• The district also fails the basic redistricting principle of compactness.
• If our communities had real representation, that bill might not have passed.

Summary: The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting held its first regional hearing, focused on South and Central Texas, including Bexar County, Travis County, and the Rio Grande Valley. After establishing a quorum, the committee adopted its rules on a 6-3 roll-call vote, with Senators Alvarado and Miles voting no. Chair Phil King explained the regional-hearing format, the use of 2020 census data, the online testimony process, and the availability of written comments and future hearings. Several members then gave opening remarks, with Republicans emphasizing public input and Democrats arguing the special session and mid-decade redistricting were unnecessary and aimed at minority districts. A major procedural issue arose over whether the committee should invite or subpoena the DOJ attorney who authored the July 7 letter that prompted the redistricting discussion. Senator Miles moved to subpoena the attorney; the motion was seconded but then set aside after the chair said the committee could not take formal action on a non-procedural matter during a regional hearing under the adopted rules. The chair said he would consult legal counsel about issuing an invitation, and members discussed the August 7 deadline referenced in the DOJ letter. The committee then moved on to public testimony. Witnesses, including Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, law professor Ellen Katz, and Texas NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, argued that the DOJ letter misread the law and that the targeted districts were lawful opportunity or coalition districts. They said the Fifth Circuit’s Pettway decision was limited to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and did not declare coalition districts unconstitutional, and they cited Bartlett v. Strickland as warning against intentionally dismantling effective minority districts. Garcia and Bledsoe said the hearing was politically motivated and would harm Black and Latino representation; Katz said Texas would act illegally if it followed the DOJ letter’s instructions. Members asked questions about the legal status of coalition districts, the 2021 map-drawing process, and the difference between opportunity, coalition, and crossover districts. The hearing continued with additional public witnesses, including labor representative Emily Amps, who said workers and communities of color were being harmed by the proposed redistricting effort.

Transcript Highlights:

• It means a lot to me to pass it on to my kids.
• Each time it failed. You know why?
• I want you to look at these flyers I passed out.
• If we’re going to pass a statewide law, it’s going to affect everybody.
• No, it failed in this committee. No, it didn't. It did. No, it held up in the Senate.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several bills related to property rights, expropriation, renewable energy recycling, and local permitting. Representative Domangue first presented HCR 80 on private property rights, using it to highlight the 2025 landman code of conduct and the need for stronger guardrails in expropriation negotiations. She then deferred the resolution in order to allow Chairman Geymann to present HB 841, which was described as establishing a code of conduct for landmen and expropriation-related negotiations. The committee heard testimony and watched video examples from landowners describing intimidation, inadequate compensation offers, and the need for fair treatment. Amendments were adopted to broaden the bill to all certificate holders, prohibit threats about court costs and attorney fees, shorten response times, and add graduated fines and public posting for violations. HB 841 was reported favorably as amended, with no opposition cards recorded. The committee then considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which would require recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. After discussion with DEQ, the bill was amended to clarify that existing universal waste rules apply and to remove language that would have required the renewable facility owner to pay decommissioning costs in that section; the effective date was set for January 1, 2027. Testimony from renewable energy industry representatives supported the measure and explained that solar panels and related components can be recycled at high rates, with established markets for recovered materials. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 621 favorably. Next, Representative Jacob Landry presented HB 595, aimed at preventing local governments from unreasonably delaying or impeding energy projects through permit requirements, especially road permits affecting Haynesville Shale operations. After amendment, the bill required timely action on local road permits and deemed them approved if not acted on within 30 days. Supporters emphasized the economic importance of the Haynesville and the need for predictable permitting, while opponents argued the bill could further erode local authority, particularly regarding carbon capture and sequestration. The committee reported HB 595 favorably. Landry then presented HB 1191, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites to provide a cleaner path for cleanup, finality, and future investment. The bill drew technical and substantive amendments, including changes to definitions, confidentiality, and the role of DEQ; discussion continued over whether the bill should be deferred to allow more time to work through the remaining issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• By failing to create a new Hispanic Opportunity District in Harris County.
• Senator King, is there any question you expected me to ask that I failed to do?
• Hearing and seeing none, the motion is passed. Members, there is an objection.
• Members, there being 16 ayes and 10 nays, the motion is passed.
• They send us to pass policy and make laws to protect the citizens of Texas.

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Transcript Highlights:

• You ended up passing two; they were both signed by the governor.
• They either succeed or they fail.
• Financially, they are also, by definition, failing economically.
• There is the Clarity Act, which has also passed the House.
• The Genius Act has already passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and did we pass something? and did we pass something?
• &gt;&gt; We<01:22:06.239><c> passed</c><01:22:06.480><c> something.
• </c> &gt;&gt; We passed something. &gt;&gt; We passed something.
• I'll move to pass. >> Are we clear on the... >> We're going to move.
• </c> So, we're going to I'll move to pass. So, we're going to I'll move to pass.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That exemption was passed in 2007.
• I tried to pass a law enforcement sales tax of a half cent, and it failed, and we eventually got it passed
• that could help me pass a local sales tax.
• Couldn't even use local money to pass a local sales tax.
• No, I believe we tried and it failed. Okay, tried a Wayfair tax.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the 87th Legislature passed Senate Bill 23, which was a party bill, which requires counties
• Instead, she failed to answer or return calls for days.
• Do not pass, but that the committee substitute for Senate Bill 2797 adopted in lieu thereof. do not pass
• Be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass favorably and be printed.
• Chair Flores. with a recommendation that it do pass favorably and be printed.

Bills: SB330, SB663, SB1020, SB1152, SB1164, SB1896, SB2111, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2797, SB2798, SB2371

Keywords: county funding, prosecutors' offices, elections, law enforcement, local government, community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 1020, Texas, personal bond office, pretrial release, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, global positioning system, bond conditions, probation, parole

Summary: The committee heard several criminal justice bills, with testimony largely focused on public safety, court procedures, and local criminal justice administration. SB 2371 would expand mandatory skimmer-reporting requirements from gas pumps to ATMs, point-of-sale systems, and virtual currency kiosks, with the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center saying centralized reporting would improve investigations, preserve evidence, and help identify organized criminal groups. SB 2581 would repeal a special law governing commissary funds in certain large counties; the sponsor and the Sheriff’s Association said it would restore parity with other counties while keeping spending subject to audit and inmate-benefit limits. Both bills were laid out and left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them at the hearing. The committee also heard SB 330, which would require voter approval before counties over a certain size reduce prosecutor funding, similar to an existing law for law enforcement budgets. Supporters argued prosecutors are essential to public safety and need stable funding, while an opponent from the Texas Civil Rights Project said the bill would restrict local budget flexibility and impose costly elections. SB 663 would remove district judges’ approval role for community supervision and corrections department budgets, replacing it with judge review after TDCJ-CJAD approval; probation officials said the change would reduce delays and confusion without reducing judicial oversight. SB 1020 would require more immediate sharing of ankle-monitor violation information and clarify that such records are not judicial work product; the Harris County DA’s office and Crime Stoppers supported it, citing inconsistent local practices and delays that can hinder prosecutions. The committee then took up SB 1164 on emergency detention and court-ordered mental health services. The bill, from the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, would update emergency detention forms, clarify officer duties, allow filings in the county where a person is apprehended or located, and add a factor related to a person’s inability to recognize symptoms or appreciate treatment risks. Supporters included family members, law enforcement, and mental health and judicial witnesses who described cases where earlier intervention might have prevented tragedy; opponents warned the broader language could be misused and emphasized due process and the need for dangerousness to remain the standard. SB 2111 on indigent defense would expand access to counsel at first hearings, strengthen managed assigned counsel programs, create internships and fellowships, and adjust other defense-related procedures; the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and county defense program leaders supported it, while the committee substitute removed some provisions to reduce fiscal impact. Finally, SB 2383 would let recently retired DPS officers return to work in limited roles to help address staffing shortages, and SB 2797 would create reciprocal discovery requirements for criminal cases; prosecutors and some committee members said it would reduce trial surprise and improve truth-seeking, while others questioned whether the bill fully matched the state’s disclosure obligations and whether it could burden defense rights. Several bills were left pending after testimony, and the committee established a quorum later in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pass. Number two, on the calendar, motion to reconsider. >> Senator Younger. Pass.
• On the calendar, Pass. Number two.
• Pass. Pass. Pass.
• </c> Pass. Number four, Senator Boyd.
• . the vote by which the bill passed.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 13 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Dibble, I'd like to offer the A24. passed the 100% clean energy by 2040 passed the 100% clean
• </c> have the amendment or is it being passed have the amendment or is it being passed out?
• </c> to it while it's being passed out? to it while it's being passed out?
• </c> amendment while it's being passed out. amendment while it's being passed out.
• </c> from a pass to something else? You do. from a pass to something else? You do.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, the legislature passed, and the Governor signed, Senate Bill 1292, and this legislation effectively
• In 38-18, it makes it clear that IDL has authority to pursue recovery, and if a railroad fails to meet
• It makes clear that IDL may pursue injunctive relief pursuant to 58-120 against a party that fails to
• But to what extent would this help or not help should this pass?
• Skinner, if this legislation were to pass, do you foresee potential litigation coming out of this?

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a companion measure to House Bill 2722, which was passed out of committee during House committee
• If a permittee fails to comply after having 24 hours to correct the issue, the authority may issue a
• In fact, last year we passed some legislation that allowed people to break the window if they thought
• I failed you, my friend. My apologies. I hope this is a serious question. Okay.
• Reid for sponsoring the companion bill that passed this committee.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several transportation bills. ESSB 6262 would raise the maximum vehicle weight subject to transportation benefit district vehicle fees from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds for vehicles subject to gross weight license fees; the sponsor and city representatives said it would close a loophole, make fees more equitable, and help fund road maintenance, while the fiscal note was described as indeterminate. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, aligning Washington with other states and supporting RV dealers; the bill drew support from the RV industry. SB 6110 would exclude certain faster electric vehicles from the e-bike definition and create a Department of Licensing work group to recommend a framework for electric motorcycles; testimony generally supported the effort but urged clearer e-motorcycle definitions and earlier work-group action, with some concern about youth safety and local enforcement. SB 5833 would allow a person to leave a vehicle running for up to 30 minutes to heat or cool a pet inside, with locking and brake requirements; the sponsor and a sheriffs’ association witness discussed balancing pet safety with auto-theft concerns, and the committee heard no fiscal impact. The committee also heard ESSB 6066, which would establish crash prevention zones in areas with unusually high serious-injury or fatal-crash rates, initially for a specific stretch of U.S. 395 and later more broadly beginning in 2029. The bill would allow local governments and WSDOT to designate zones, conduct engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, use speed cameras in the zones, and dedicate related revenues to safety improvements; supporters from Pasco and county risk pools backed the approach, while the sponsor asked for broader geographic coverage. ESSB 6311 would require continuous, accessible pedestrian passage during construction near hospitals, parks, and school routes, with temporary routes, safety plans, inspections, and enforcement tools such as stop-work orders and penalties; the sponsor said it was modeled on local practices and aimed at protecting pedestrians during construction, and contractors and transportation advocates supported it with a requested amendment clarifying design responsibility in design-bid-build projects. No votes were taken; the chair closed each public hearing and adjourned the meeting after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is covered by the bill we passed a couple of years ago, sponsored by a That was covered by the bill
• we passed a couple of years ago, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tem Chuck Clemens and Senator Baxley, which
• Normally, once we pass a bill and it becomes law, I believe that this bill, should it get to the floor
• But unfortunately, we're passing a bill in the same legislative session that we're doing that that does
• We already have the laws that allow them to assemble, to hang dorm room signs, to pass out literature

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up two bills. The first, PCS for HB 725 on political activity at public institutions of higher education, would require colleges and universities to notify students and employees about existing campus political activity rules at orientation and on their websites, and to adopt standardized policies through the State Board of Education and Board of Governors. The sponsor said the bill is intended to mirror federal IRS/501(c)(3) guidelines, protect institutions from risking federal funding, and clarify what is and is not allowed; supporters framed it as an awareness and free-expression measure, while opponents warned it could chill speech, create vague enforcement standards, and lead to unintended consequences for students and faculty. Public testimony was largely opposed, with speakers from student, civil liberties, education, and advocacy groups raising free-speech concerns. The committee passed the bill 13-5. The second measure, PCS for HB 1437, addressed disputes under mutual management plans between conversion charter schools and district school boards. The sponsor said the bill fills a gap by providing a clearer dispute-resolution path through mediation by the Department of Education or, ultimately, an administrative law judge at DOAH. Members asked about appeal rights and whether DOE is perceived as favoring charter schools; the sponsor said the bill simply sets the process for the current issue and that the administrative law judge provision serves as the final step. There was no public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably 18-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal CWD herd certification programs continue to fail to prevent the spread of CWD.
• programs Federal CWD herd certification programs continue<00:05:13.800><c> to</c><00:05:13.919><c> fail
• </c><00:05:14.400><c> prevent</c><00:05:14.840><c> the</c><00:05:14.919><c> spread</c> continue to fail
• to prevent the spread continue to fail to prevent the spread of<00:05:15.400><c> CWD.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So our questions both failed and now our district faces another $2 million in cuts.
• So our questions both failed<00:05:09.520><c> and</c><00:05:09.840><c> now</c><00:05:10.080><c> our</
• c><00:05:10.400><c> district</c><00:05:10.880><c> faces</c> failed and now our district faces failed

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll take great joy in pointing out that Representative Olson failed to point out that the very building
• c> pointing out that uh representative pointing out that uh representative Olsen<00:08:58.200><c> failed
• 59.000><c> out</c><00:08:59.279><c> that</c><00:08:59.440><c> that</c><00:08:59.600><c> the</c> Olsen failed
• to point out that that the Olsen failed to point out that that the very<00:08:59.959><c> building</c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that we send House Bill 918 to the floor with a due pass. Well, we have a motion before us.
• All right, committee, before us is the motion to send House Bill 918 to the floor with a due pass, and
• Well, the motion fails on a tie. Thank you, committee.

Summary: The committee discussed House Bill 918, with Representative Doug Pickett explaining that the measure had been worked on throughout the session in collaboration with other legislators, the Senate, and the Department of Education. He addressed questions about fees, saying the bill allows State Board of Education-approved fees and that the listed $40 and $100 amounts apply to public schools for graduation-related fees, while fees for private schools or outside users could differ. After discussion, Representative Mindy moved to send HB 918 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Several members spoke in support, noting the bill reflected extensive compromise and ongoing meetings to reach a workable version, though some concerns remained about whether it cut enough or too much and about confusion related to recent JFAC action. The committee then took a roll call vote on the motion. The vote ended in a tie, so the motion failed. The chair announced that future proceedings would proceed by call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that we send House Bill 918 to the floor with a due pass. Well, we have a motion before us.
• All right, committee, before us is the motion to send House Bill 918 to the floor with a due pass, and
• Well, the motion fails on a tie. Thank you, committee.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is passed.
• The bill is passed.
• The bill is passed.
• The bill is passed.
• The bill is passed.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted. The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed. The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we passed out good in our community.
• <00:25:14.799><c> the</c> pass the pass the MR<00:25:17.360><c> in</c><00:25:17.679><c> 2023</c><00:25
• The other thing I wanted to do, and I failed to do this when the bill passed off the House the first
• Thank you. passed off the house the first time and passed off the house the first time and that<00:35
• </c><00:37:26.640><c> committees</c> many things that had passed committees many things that had passed

Keywords: 1183, house