Transcript Highlights:

• So SB 500 amends the Family Code to establish clear deadlines to provide required records to the entities
• SB 1266 will amend the government code so that the provider support team shepherding Medicaid providers

Bills: SB500 , SB1522 , SB1137 , SB1266

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Summary: The Committee on Human Services met with a quorum and first voted out Senate Bill 1589, relating to contract requirements between a single-source continuum contractor and DFPS. The motion to report the bill favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass and be printed prevailed on a 7-0 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 500, which would set deadlines for providing foster care adoption records, including health, social, educational, and genetic history reports, to speed adoptions. The bill’s author and witnesses from Addie’s Hope Social Services supported it, saying delays in redacted files can take months, slow permanency for children, and increase costs to the state. Members asked about redactions and sibling/family information, and witnesses explained the bill would mainly speed the preliminary file used to decide whether to proceed with placement. SB 500 was left pending. Members also heard Senate Bill 1266, which would require regular reevaluation of the Medicaid provider support team and add written notice of provider disenrollment at least 30 days in advance. There were no witnesses, no questions, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1522, concerning continuing care retirement communities, was then laid out and supported by LeadingAge Texas and counsel, who said it updates outdated definitions, clarifies licensing and disclosure rules, and strengthens consumer protections for seniors. It was also left pending. After a brief recess, the committee heard Senate Bill 1137, which would prohibit group home consultants from referring people to unlicensed or unpermitted group homes except in limited circumstances, require disclosure of complaints, and create a Class B misdemeanor for violations. Members discussed whether consultants are regulated and noted concerns about unlicensed referral practices. The bill was left pending, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The health and safety code currently permits this warrantless apprehension of a person if they prevent
• Members, Section 22.002A of the Government Code is the codification of Article 5, Section 3 of the Texas
• SB311 addresses that issue by amending that section of the Government Code to clarify that the Texas
• There was a gun range on the... ...works property, totally inappropriate from an estate code standpoint

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:

• and also clarifies and updates statutory language to ensure consistency throughout the... relevant code

Bills: HB4458 , SB651 , SB1227 , SB1931

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

Keywords: veterans, service members, military transition, Texas Veterans Commission, pilot program, self-reliance, employment assistance, housing assistance, mental health services, career training, veterans service organizations, spouses and dependents, military families, Texas military forces, post-separation support, reentry services, workforce development, benefits navigation, transition assistance, SB 651

Transcript Highlights:

• , or currently is in the code, serious bodily injury.
• The criteria keep one of the three that's now in the code and leaves two, cutting two away.
• The code presently includes three criteria: one, felony offense involving family violence against an
• in Article 26.05 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which is drafted for attorneys...
• The Texas Family Code.

Bills: HCR10 , HB1814 , HB2160 , HB2353 , HB2643 , HB2971 , HB3282 , HB3382 , HB3996 , HB4507 , HB4509 , HB4805 , HB5551 , HB1863 , HCR10

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: family abduction, child safety, custodial rights, parental kidnapping, awareness day, marriage license, informal marriage, family code, identity verification, child support, family law, child custody, court interview, parent-child relationship, child welfare, attorney ad litem, compensation, legal representation, government entity, HB 2643

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 91 of the Transportation Code addresses the acquisition, financing, construction, operation,
• Members, under Section 21.105 of the Transportation Code, the Texas...
• Currently, there's a conflict with the Transportation Code and the Government Code.
• The Transportation Code states that the interest earned...
• House Bill 4905 amends the Transportation Code to move the SCRF into a separate account from the State

Bills: HB1589 , HB2208 , HB2297 , HB2560 , HB2725 , HB3080 , HB4417 , HB4473 , HB4520 , HB4662 , HB4888 , HB4905 , HB4906

Committee: House S/C on Transportation Funding

Keywords: HB 1589, toll road, toll project, toll project entity, voter approval, local control, county election, commissioners court, Transportation Code, Chapter 372, road construction, highway funding, infrastructure, public referendum, ballot measure, transportation policy, Texas toll roads, regional mobility, toll collection, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• rules that are in. that impact my profession, but also I have to comply with the health and safety code
• , and then there's other areas of the code. that impact my profession, would it all be in one spot that
• No, this is... we... the subchapter in the utilities code that's a... amended here only applies to the

Bills: HB10 , HB 12 , HB147 , HB1522 , HB422 , HB675 , HB204 , HB748 , HB912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• replaced with the Jobs Energy Technology and Innovation Program in Chapter... 403 of the government code
• In the 2023 session, as authored by Senator Schwertner, Section 12 of the tax code, which we renewed
• Property tax abatements will not be allowed under Chapter 312 of the tax code and Chapters 380 and 381
• of the local government code because battery energy storage facilities sometimes require a company firm
• In response to this need, this bill will repeal section 351.1035 of the tax code, allowing Alpine to

Bills: SB913 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1143 , SB1534 , SB1553 , SB1718 , SB1754 , SB2004 , SB2322 , SB2448

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills, mostly related to economic development, tax incentives, and workforce programs. Senate Bill 1534 would direct a study by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission on health physics education and workforce needs; resource witnesses from the Workforce Commission and Coordinating Board testified, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1553 would authorize Kerr County to impose a hotel occupancy tax for tourism-related uses, and Senate Bills 1086 and 1087 would authorize similar county hotel taxes for Children’s County and Mason County; all three bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1754, which would prohibit county and local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power wholesale, with testimony sharply divided between landowners and policy groups opposing renewable subsidies and industry representatives and some senators arguing the bill would harm clean energy investment and local decision-making; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2322, which would exempt dispatchable electric generation facilities from the JEDI program’s compelling-factor test so they could qualify for school district tax incentives; testimony was mixed, and the bill was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 1718, which would add the NRA annual meeting to the state’s major events reimbursement program. The bill’s sponsor and NRA representatives argued the event brings substantial tourism and economic activity, while opponents said it would use taxpayer funds to subsidize an organization that opposes gun safety measures; the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events reimbursement program, with the committee substitute exempting it from the usual competitive site-selection requirement because of timing; testimony from the event organizers and Arlington tourism officials was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program at the Texas Workforce Commission to support college-and-career readiness and technical assistance in rural communities; witnesses from Texas 2036, Collegiate Edgination, and a rural school district supported it, and it was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 913 would repeal a special requirement that Alpine dedicate at least 50% of its hotel occupancy tax to advertising and promotion, and Senate Bill 1143 would require more coordination and reporting for youth workforce programs serving disconnected young Texans; both bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. At the end of the hearing, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess, subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Isaac, in response to your question, section 504.202 of the transportation code covers
• If they follow the statute in creating a tolling authority under the transportation code, then they're
• I provided the committee with a section of several analyses of each section of code in which the Space
• And our codes? No, sir. Not yet. You haven't had me lay it out yet, until today.
• HJR 165 basically allows the constitutional amendment to allow the codes to be changed and enforced,

Bills: HCR7 , HB1557 , HB1608 , HB2061 , HB2201 , HB2210 , HB2426 , HB2754 , HJR165 , HB2513 , HCR7

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

Keywords: Veterans of Foreign Wars, veterans, commemoration, military service, recognition, September 29, waiver programs, toll roads, discount programs, transportation, affordable housing, land bank program, low-income households, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, HB 2061, Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 225, State Highway 242, Interstate Highway 69, Montgomery County

Transcript Highlights:

• Code provisions and punitive provisions across different codes, so I really want to zero in on that we're
• Under Section 1022 of the Health and Safety Code.
• Provisions like disappear in the Penal Code.
• As set forth in Bill 1902, we would establish a specific code for jugging.
• That would be covered already by the penal code?

Bills: HB316 , HB353 , HB 1160 , HB1414 , HB1422 , HB1443 , HB1713 , HB1789 , HB1902 , HB2073 , HB2666 , HB2695 , HB316

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: motor fuel, criminal offense, metering device, organized crime, Texas Penal Code, trespassing, school safety, day-care centers, education, trespass, public safety, utility employees, criminal penalties, assault, harassment, public duties, safety, law enforcement, driving offenses, license regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• presented the landlord with the appropriate documentation as provided. by section 92 of the property code
• So One, there's a section dealing with non-compliance under the government codes as failure.
• It matches up to specific legal codes. Rep Ramos, Ricas Ramos. Thank you. And I just looked it up.
• I wanted to clarify one common misperception about the Texas Penal Code when the Penal Code references
• We've had wonderful protections in our Code of Criminal Procedure for many years now for child sexual

Bills: HB47 , HB1552 , HB1686 , HB1953 , HB2151 , HB2355 , HB2582 , HB2697 , HB2895 , HB3073 , HB3418 , HB47

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, digital services, reporting requirements, children's protection, sex offender registration, indecent assault, educator-student relationship, criminal justice, legislation, crime victims, compensation fund, information disclosure

Transcript Highlights:

• If you read the Civil Practice Remedies Code, the Civil Code, and the Texas rules of evidence, what it
• On GeoZip codes of all the providers in the same GeoZip code that bills whatever they bill for them.
• That's CPT code. So for all procedural codes, we choose between the 80th and 90th percentile.
• You don't even do it by CBT code. It's not based on CBT code. So, what about procedure?
• You don't do procedure-related coding at all? No, we do the coding and billing.

Bills: SB30 , SB517 , SB1313 , SB1314 , SB1316 , SB1541 , SB1698 , SB1845 , SB1860 , SB2420 , SB2429

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of these is Text to Family Code Chapter 32.003.
• This addresses inconsistencies within the Texas Family Code in Title 1, 2, and 5.
• However, I'm not so clear on what expenses are under the Family Code.
• In the Family Code, is it possible to be...?
• It removes an archaic provision in the Estates Code that is not used.

Bills: HB368 , HB3311 , HB1734 , HB2495 , HB2716 , HB793 , HB3376 , HB2524 , HB3421 , HB3446 , HB3181

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: electronic devices, family violence, criminal prosecution, protective orders, tracking, harassment, family allowance, decedent's estate, surviving spouse, minor children, inheritance, child support, maintenance, HB 1734, Family Code, Section 155.207, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, SAPCR, continuing exclusive jurisdiction, jurisdiction transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• books for fraudulent possession or use of identifying information, which is currently in the penal code
• written to address a high-tech crime that is relatively new and not adequately addressed in the penal code
• The scratch-off material covering the Activation code is then removed.
• As a new law, this will land in Chapter 32 of the Penal Code, automatically making this crime a predicate
• Most people don't realize that the Texas Penal Code, compared to most states and the federal law, is

Bills: HB3014 , HB3109 , HB3126 , HB3474 , HB3594

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: gift card fraud, counterfeit gift card, gift card tampering, gift card theft, prepaid card, stored value card, retail fraud, financial crimes, consumer protection, organized retail crime, gift card skimming, magnetic stripe, chip card, redemption information, gift card packaging, Penal Code, felony theft, state jail felony, third-degree felony, second-degree felony

Transcript Highlights:

• actual bill on line 17 and well on line 18 where it talks about... under Section 154.015 of the Family Code

Bills: HB368 , HB3311 , HB1734 , HB2495 , HB2716 , HB793 , HB3376 , HB2524 , HB3421 , HB3446 , HB3181

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: electronic devices, family violence, criminal prosecution, protective orders, tracking, harassment, family allowance, decedent's estate, surviving spouse, minor children, inheritance, child support, maintenance, HB 1734, Family Code, Section 155.207, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, SAPCR, continuing exclusive jurisdiction, jurisdiction transfer

Bills: SB266 , SB1018 , SB1415 , SB1527 , SB1737 , SB1738 , SJR57

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: tax collection, managed audits, taxpayer rights, dispute resolution, penalty, SB 1018, Texas traffic fines, traffic fine revenue, comptroller, general revenue fund, undedicated general revenue, trauma facilities, emergency medical services, EMS, designated trauma facility and EMS account, Texas mobility fund, Transportation Code Section 542.4031, state revenue distribution, budget, highway safety

Transcript Highlights:

• However, as I said, this language is in 17.028B of the Code of Criminal Procedures. and I'm confident

Bills: SJR5 , SJR36 , SJR5 , SJR5 , SR105 , SR121 , SB17 , SB19 , SB25 , SB28 , SB17 , SB19 , SB25 , SB28

Keywords: bail, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, public safety, constitutional amendment, school safety, mental health, emergency response, education policy, law enforcement, SR 121, Senate Resolution 121, Pete Alfaro, Pedro Cuellar Alfaro, Pedro Alfaro, Baytown, Texas Senate tribute, in memory, memorial resolution, condolence resolution

Bills: SB205 , SB242 , SB205 , SB242

Committee: House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure

Keywords: appropriation, education funding, priority schools, Alabama education, State Department of Education, codification, state law, legal revisions, Alabama code, legislative updates, underground damage prevention, notification system, construction safety, infrastructure, commercial driver license, English proficiency, work authorization, impoundment, false documentation

Bills: SB5681 , SB6024 , SB6036 , SB6063

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: employment services, community inclusion, age limitations, disability services, home and community living, community residential services, oversight, monitoring, service providers, streamlining, foster care, licensure, adoption, child welfare, support services, terminology alignment, social services, Washington state code, department reorganization, legislative amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Why do we have more vague and restrictive language if SB 293 was meant to expand the current code to
• to expand language if SB 293 was meant to expand the<00:12:04.800><c> current</c><00:12:05.120><c> code
• </c><00:12:05.440><c> to</c><00:12:05.920><c> protect</c><00:12:06.240><c> public</c> the current code
• to protect public the current code to protect public service,<00:12:07.279><c> their</c><00:12:07.519

Bills: SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: SB255, cannabinoid, hemp, hemp-derived THC, THCa, delta-8 THC, HHC, CBD, THC, novel cannabinoid products, hemp products, intoxicating hemp, delta-8, retail license, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture and Industries, testing and labeling, third-party laboratory, product safety, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this aligns the election dates with the uniform election code. I move for passage.
• References House Bill 3488 align both codes. Move passage. The question occurs on passage.
• One of the business and commerce codes.
• We have not taken a look at this section of the elections code since 1987.
• law enforcement duties under Section 30. 132.075 of the Texas Election Code.

Bills: HB200 , HB541 , HB1803 , HB30 , HB175 , HB249 , HB721 , HB851 , HB897 , HB 1128 , HB1904 , HB1916 , HB5560 , HB3071 , HB5627 , HB5435 , HB3913 , HB2921 , HB2695 , HB2688 , HB3045 , HB3483 , HB3673 , HB4213 , HB4226 , HB783 , HB4373 , HB4735 , HB5155 , HB5057 , HB4984 , HB4944 , HB4813 , HB5339 , HB5196 , HB5033 , HB4853 , HB3486 , HB4211 , HB74 , HB4670 , HB4730 , HB4743 , HB4603 , HB4463 , HB3892 , HB4139 , HB4752 , HB4520 , HB4517 , HB4486 , HB4437 , HB4426 , HB4396 , HB4263 , HB3487 , HB3418 , HB2284 , HB2266 , HB2229 , HB4912 , HB2189 , HB4506 , HB5269 , HB5224 , HB5195 , HB3317 , HB4166 , HB3947 , HB3358 , HB3370 , HB4438 , HB3745 , HB3602 , HB3697 , HB2001 , HB1968 , HB3371 , HB3909 , HCR7 , SB1744 , SB1364 , SB1316 , HB2026 , HB3302 , HB3368 , HB1639 , HB5652 , HB4655 , HB5654 , HB5658 , HB5656 , HB4894 , HB4996 , HB5088 , HB5650 , HB4464 , HB3751 , HB5665 , HB5661 , HB 1237 , HB2802 , HB5437 , HB2703 , HB5666 , HB5667 , HCR113 , HCR86 , SB2196 , SB463 , SB856 , SB1245 , SB1169 , SB509 , SB985 , SB305 , SB552 , HB1535 , HB 123 , HB1804 , HB426 , HB1773 , HB1871 , HB2035 , HB2492 , HB1411 , HB4753 , HB4666 , HB4529 , HB1499 , HB1610 , HB2028 , HB1506 , HB886 , HB3546 , HB796 , HB223 , HB3556 , HB2448 , HB4638 , HB 111 , HB180 , HB 1027 , HB 1178 , HB610 , HB 1277 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB5342 , HB4885 , HB4751 , HB4530 , HB4488 , HB2149 , HB2071 , HB2282 , HB2248 , HB2243 , HB2522 , HB2310 , HB2513 , HB2300 , HB1902 , HB1813 , HB3719 , HB4284 , HB3743 , HB3778 , HB5153 , HB5147 , HB4877 , HB4850 , HB3261 , HB3005 , HB3033 , HB2849 , HB2967 , HB3531 , HB1768 , HB333 , HB2914 , HB2613 , HB3717 , HB3704 , HB2697 , HB3801 , HB3099 , HB3488 , HB3477 , HB3466 , HB3396 , HB3469 , HB2594 , HB2776 , HB2564 , HB2298 , HB5331 , HB5646 , HB5247 , HB5323 , HB4384 , HB3896 , HB4014 , HB3627 , HB3594 , HB2524 , HB510 , HB561 , HB5111 , HB5446 , HB 1181 , HB3963 , HB2785 , HB1661 , HB2460 , HB200 , HB541 , HB1803 , HB30 , HB175 , HB249 , HB721 , HB851 , HB897 , HB 1128 , HB1904 , HB1916 , HB5560 , HB3071 , HB5627 , HB5435 , HB3913 , HB2921 , HB2695 , HB2688 , HB3045 , HB3483 , HB3673 , HB4213 , HB4226 , HB783 , HB4373 , HB4735 , HB5155 , HB5057 , HB4984 , HB4944 , HB4813 , HB5339 , HB5196 , HB5033 , HB4853 , HB3486 , HB4211 , HB74 , HB4670 , HB4730 , HB4743 , HB4603 , HB4463 , HB3892 , HB4139 , HB4752 , HB4520 , HB4517 , HB4486 , HB4437 , HB4426 , HB4396 , HB4263 , HB3487 , HB3418 , HB2284 , HB2266 , HB2229 , HB4912 , HB2189 , HB4506 , HB5269 , HB5224 , HB5195 , HB3317 , HB4166 , HB3947 , HB3358 , HB3370 , HB4438 , HB3745 , HB3602 , HB3697 , HB2001 , HB1968 , HB3371 , HB3909 , HCR98 , HCR92 , HCR126 , HCR7

Keywords: juvenile offenders, parole eligibility, youth justice, criminal justice reform, inmate rehabilitation, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, dentist, dental hygienist, interstate practice, licensure, compact privilege, public health, military members, disaster relief, tax rates, local government