Transcript Highlights:

• As you have seen in this state, we have a lot of maltreatment problems, even though we are a mere state
• You support not giving people access to everything that our state constitution and our state laws protect
• This applies to the entire state.
• of health in our state.
• . access across our state.

Transcript Highlights:

• or Air National Guard for a state emergency.
• Secretary of State here in Austin.
• , using taxpayer money, suing the state.
• in the United States.
• the number one education state in the country.

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 8:00 p.m. that day, also allowing the Secretary to make the calendar available as soon as practicable. The chamber then took up and passed several House bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 2128, relating to a study of rural firefighting and technical rescue capabilities, passed unanimously. HB 4157, on liability protections for commercial spaceflight and exploration, passed 28-3. HB 2240, concerning certain void marriages, passed after adoption of a Birdwell amendment extending filing deadlines to 90 days for certain active-duty service members and Foreign Service officers. HB 367, on verification of excused absences for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses, passed unanimously after clarifying school district forms and TEA model forms. HB 1506, expanding expedited handgun license eligibility to certain retired county court judges, passed 29-2. HB 4449, on alcohol sales in annexed municipal areas, passed 29-2. HB 3812, on health plan prior authorization requirements, passed 30-1. The Senate also announced a long list of bills and resolutions signed in the presence of the Senate. A major portion of the meeting centered on HB 521, a voting-related bill on curbside voting for voters with disabilities. Senator Paxton described it as an anti-misuse measure requiring a signed eligibility form for curbside voting, creating a 20-foot electioneering buffer, limiting election officer assistance in marking ballots unless a second officer is present, and adding reporting requirements for people who assist seven or more curbside voters. Senators Miles, Menendez, Johnson, Campbell, Cook, and others questioned whether the bill would burden disabled voters, create a de facto registry of volunteers, and impose a harsh Class A misdemeanor penalty for failing to complete the form. Paxton said the bill was intended to protect legitimate curbside voters and curb abuse, and the chamber adopted Paxton Floor Amendment No. 1 after a recorded vote. Zaffirini’s Floor Amendment No. 2, allowing an escorting voter to receive his or her own ballot at the curbside or entrance, was adopted. Menendez’s Floor Amendment No. 3 to reduce the penalty failed. The bill was then passed to third reading on a 20-11 vote, with a motion by Senator Miles to have the exchanges reduced to writing and placed in the journal adopted. The Senate also passed HB 3000, creating a grant program for rural ambulance service providers, after a comptroller-related amendment; HB 5616, establishing the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program and funding for traveling exhibits, after narrowing the bill to mobile exhibits only; HB 4211, addressing certain residential property interests controlled by entities, which passed 30-1; HB 1178, creating temporary educator certificates for out-of-state certified educators and military spouses, which passed unanimously; HB 2243, creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, which passed after debate over the need to streamline education mandates; and HB 42, increasing and reallocating the constitutional Higher Education Fund appropriation by 50% to $1.18 billion, which passed 31-0. Finally, HB 2512, a Fort Worth-specific bill limiting ETJ release for land subject to active development agreements, passed after debate over broader ETJ and de-annexation policy, with a local-only clarifying amendment adopted and a proposed broader amendment withdrawn. The meeting ended with the Senate beginning consideration of HB 3372, which would bar school district administrators from receiving financial benefits tied to outside consulting or contracting with education entities, though the transcript cuts off during questions on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I also represent the State Personnel Board.
• The proposed rule changes have been approved for adoption by the Director of OMB and the State Personnel
• There was no fiscal effect on state revenues, no takings There was no fiscal effect on state revenues
• I'm an executive director for the State Electrical Board.
• The rules do not have a fiscal impact on state revenue or state expenditures.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's three courts in the trial courts: the State District Court, the Court of Appeals, and the State
• As I say, the state prosecutors represent the state, and I feel like we represent the people.
• We conduct crime sweeps across the state.
• The state averages 39.2 percent.
• We now have the ability to issue state-issued IDs, MVD state-issued IDs, in every one of our prisons,

Transcript Highlights:

• Here in the community and in order to reach the goals for renewables in this state.
• And this is a very important thing for our state and for our energy future.
• As a state, businesses like ours can also reinvest into more hiring.
• And then at the end of that life, I have to purchase new panels again?
• you have to renew and purchase again.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• May peace and strength in this nation and our great state be blessed.
• Bridget Howard, State Director, and my church member, and the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated
• He said the jury instructions explicitly stated that the jury did not find the state had proven its case
• The jury instructions explicitly stated that the jury did not find the state had proven its case beyond
• getting a license to that state.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests and visiting groups, including Challenger Learning Center representatives, the Florida Dental Hygienists Association, local officials, students, and members of the Florida School Board Association. Senators also noted President Albritton’s recovery and offered remarks honoring the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster. The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 156, which revises criminal penalties involving law enforcement officers and other personnel. Sponsor Senator Leek said the bill responds to the Officer Jason Rainer case by clarifying resistance to officers, shifting fault determinations to the courts, changing “lawful performance” to “official duties,” and imposing mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Senators Rouson and Bracy Davis offered amendments that were withdrawn. Senators Pizzo, Berman, Smith, Polsky, and others questioned the bill’s effect on self-defense, off-duty conduct, prosecutorial discretion, and the removal of language limiting unlawful force by officers. Supporters argued the bill corrects confusion and honors Officer Rainer; opponents said it removes civilian protections and imposes disproportionate mandatory sentencing. The bill passed 31-4. The Senate then passed SB 168 on public nuisances, expanding nuisance law to include gambling establishments and increasing penalties; SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, narrowing statutory ambiguity while preserving consumer protections; SB 292 creating a public records exemption for appellate court clerks and their families; SB 296 and SB 298 addressing domestic violence and dating violence, including a feasibility study for a secure alert system and expanded address confidentiality protections; SB 364 modernizing CPA licensure pathways; SB 386 creating protections for farm equipment purchasers; and several Open Government Sunset Review bills preserving or extending public records and meeting exemptions (SB 7000, 7002, 7006, 7008, 7012, 7014, and 7016). Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition, though some sunset-review measures drew a few dissenting votes. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules and immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and the motion was adopted. The Senate also heard announcements about upcoming executive appointments, State of Black Florida Week events, and a motion to adjourn until the next meeting on February 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sir, state the name he with and position on the bill. Good morning.
• Chairman, that we have county judge, we also have the GCD director here.
• less money than the state of Rhode Island does, obviously.
• Um, as Judge Whitmire stated, our county is growing.
• My name is Charlie Leal, and I serve as legislative state director for Texas Farm Bureau, and we are

Bills: HB2018, HB1633, HB1689, SB612, SB3058

Keywords: agricultural conservation, land preservation, environmental protection, wildlife habitat, Texas Farm and Ranch, groundwater conservation district, Texas Water Code, water permit, permit amendment, groundwater permit, water rights, aquifer, well registration, exempt wells, beneficial use, water conservation, groundwater quality, well plugging, Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, surface water resources

Summary: The Senate Water, Agriculture, Rural Affairs Committee heard several bills focused on groundwater management, water infrastructure, and agricultural land conservation. SB 612 would limit certain water districts in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties from charging developers pipeline construction fees above actual, documented costs; the committee substitute removed a developer challenge mechanism to preserve district discretion over construction standards. HB 1633 would require groundwater conservation districts to consider registered exempt wells when reviewing or amending permits, and testimony from landowners, district representatives, and advocacy groups largely supported the bill as a way to protect domestic and livestock wells from drawdown caused by large export projects. HB 1689 would clarify that export fee revenues may be used for well operability, alternative water supplies, and aquifer monitoring, including through interlocal cooperation, and HB 3058 would give the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District authority to use export fees for county road improvements and environmental programs tied to well inspection and groundwater management. HB 2018 would clarify that the Texas Farm and Ranchland Conservation Program is intended to purchase conservation easements only on working agricultural lands, with support from cattle raisers and Farm Bureau representatives. The committee also considered HB 29, which would require large water systems to validate water loss audits and submit mitigation plans; a committee substitute removed the water-loss threshold and adjusted the timeline for more detailed validation. Public testimony on the bills was generally supportive, with several witnesses describing declining well levels, road damage from export projects, and the need to preserve agricultural land and local water supplies. The committee adopted committee substitutes and voted favorably on HB 29, HB 1689, HB 2018, SB 612, and SB 3058, recommending several of them for the local and uncontested calendar; HB 1633 was left pending awaiting a committee substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• So just for clarification, this is a phase two project, so it's all state funds.
• And so because of the timing, we are requesting on behalf of the state, who is right now running the
• Chairman, members, Kyle Ardoin, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intergovernmental Affairs and Director of Office
• Chairman, members, Kyle Ardoin, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intergovernmental Affairs and Director of Office
• told by the current owners of the skid is that if they are successful bidders, then it's a lease-purchase

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the April 16 minutes, and then took up several water-system funding and deadline matters. For Magnolia Plantation Water System, Division of Administration staff requested a long extension to complete plans, specifications, cost estimates, and matching-fund documentation for a wastewater treatment plant. After questions about the loan from LDH, the test well, and the approaching ARPA/state-fund spending deadline, members approved a shorter extension requiring plans and specifications by the end of the year, with the permit deadline remaining April 8, 2027. Members then considered St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 5’s request for an additional $619,850 to cover construction and engineering shortfalls and contingencies after a prior scope reduction. Staff explained the increase was tied to change orders and that the project was not expected to miss spending deadlines. The committee approved the additional funding. The committee also adopted revised phase two guidance to align emergency subfund rules with recently passed legislation, clarifying who may apply and the process for limited fiscal administrators and receiverships. Finally, members approved a $1.4 million emergency subfund request for the Tallulah water system to keep a temporary filtration skid in place while a limited fiscal administrator is appointed and a long-term fix is developed. The approval was made contingent on the appointment of the limited fiscal administrator, and staff said they would provide updated expenditure information and projections at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• state universities.
• And again, the state of Texas, the state of Florida, and the state of Nebraska have consumer fraud suits
• It's a state highway.
• My name is Kathy Latham, and I'm the state director for Humans First, but I come before you today as
• My husband worked for 20 years and retired as assistant director of a research center at Texas State

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and every state.
• and every state.
• even<01:03:41.160> with this state and every state even with this state and every state even
• I'm the executive director for the New Hampshire State Commission on Aging.
• shelter in the state.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you mind stating your name? Yes, Chairman. Ron Vandrus, Director of Law Enforcement.
• My name is Rod Welch executive director of the State Preservation Board You're testing neutrally, correct
• I'm the Executive Director and State Librarian of Texas.
• I'm with the Texas State Assembly. Our Executive Director, J.P.
• Our State President and State Board of Directors are elected by and are accountable directly to our members

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state highway fund.
• Texas currently ranks 33rd in R&D investment as a percentage of gross state product, behind states like
• So it's a 12-to-1 ratio over state gross state product over 20 years. Is that your data?
• I'm the Director of State Advocacy at the North Texas Commission.
• of our surrounding states?

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several tax and economic development bills. SB 935 would exempt counties from the motor fuels tax on fuel used exclusively in county vehicles; Sen. Hall and Cass County Judge Travis Ransom argued it would save counties money without changing fund allocations, and the bill was left pending while the committee waited for the House version. SB 2206 would extend and revise Texas’s research and development incentives by tying the franchise tax credit more closely to federal law and changing the program’s effective date; supporters from business, manufacturing, and tax policy groups said it would protect innovation jobs and help startups, while the Comptroller’s office explained the fiscal note and said the committee substitute was no longer needed. The committee later withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending before ultimately voting it out favorably. The committee also heard SB 2020, which would repeal the “rehab tax” on nonresidential remodeling. Sen. Campbell said a large fiscal note led him to delay a full presentation, but builders, architects, and contractors testified that the tax raises remodeling costs, complicates audits, and discourages reuse and reinvestment in existing buildings. The bill was left pending. SB 2018 would create a two-year “strong families” tax credit for businesses donating to nonprofits that provide family support services; supporters from Family First, Buckner International, and Texas Baptist said it would strengthen families, father engagement, and upstream prevention, while the author said the Comptroller and HHSC were still working on administration details. That bill was also left pending. After a quorum was established, the committee heard and later reported several bills favorably. SB 1030 would exempt certain aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul parts from sales tax for general aviation; industry, airport, and local economic development witnesses said it would keep high-wage aviation work in Texas and improve competitiveness with neighboring states, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 214 would create a temporary sales tax holiday for qualifying residential HVAC systems; it was laid out and left pending. SB 1901 would make administrative and ethics changes to the Opioid Abatement Fund Council, including staggered terms, conflict rules, and fund reallocation procedures; it was reported favorably. SB 266 would repeal the Texas Research Incentive Program and use the appropriation to address the existing backlog of unmatched donations; the chair and Sen. Paxton said the state should honor past commitments, and the committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, how many total in the state? Mr.
• It provides a choice for single or multi-state licensure.
• or any significant part of the state insofar as health care is concerned under any state and federal
• of these facilities in the state, making them less valuable.
• There's a handful of states that go 13, but according to this website, there are no states that go lower

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Director Malder.
• It was a crisis, and the state intervened, and what Australia essentially came up with was a state intervention
• the state has done.
• Director, I would agree as well.
• So you have state-owned refineries.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully. CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks. Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've worked with the Secretary of State and DMV Director Morasco, and I believe we have sufficiently
• I've worked with the Secretary of State and DMV Director Morasco, and I believe we have sufficiently
• state when a voter uses an outof state state when a voter uses an outof state driver's<03:11:15.600
• <03:41:36.560> support<03:41:36.880> for state support for state support for it it it State
• <05:03:08.080> issued state have to give you a state issued state have to give you a state

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness. Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate. Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lead us in the pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
• One state, under God, one and indivisible. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go.
• House of Representatives from the state of Texas.
• , this falls under the Committee on State Affairs.
• , referred to the Committee on State Affairs.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:22:50.559> water the assistant director of the water the assistant director of
• formally by the state of New Hampshire. formally by the state of New Hampshire.
• transmission rates than other states transmission rates than other states because<00:40:30.560><
• actually negotiate with other states actually negotiate with other states that<00:43:17.000>
• electricity prices surged to the state electricity prices surged to the state imposed<00:51:13.440

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Help came from the state of Texas, help came from the United States, and help came... from around the
• I know that's not state policy.
• for two state grants.
• You know, Texas is a wonderful state. In my opinion, the best state in this nation.
• What is it that the state could?

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• deliberations on legislation that affects career and technical education programs from across the state
• Keith Segalah, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education.
• Quincy fellow school CD staff are trained, experienced, and state-certified.
• Perkins will overview the MyCAP initiative, a new state initiative.
• Street Learning Center, thanks to the director who serves as an EEC advisory committee member.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held an informational hearing at Quincy Public Schools focused on career and technical education (CTE). Committee members said the visit was intended to gather input for statewide CTE legislation, including efforts to expand awareness and access, improve middle school exposure, invest in equipment and facilities, and strengthen ties to workforce boards and labor pathways. Quincy officials described their CTE system as integrated with academics and highlighted support from district, city, and state partners. School leaders outlined Quincy’s CTE offerings, including 15 Chapter 74 programs at Quincy High School and four at North Quincy High School, with about 1,360 students enrolled. Presenters emphasized curriculum aligned to DESE frameworks, work-based learning, industry-recognized credentials, safety training, business electives, dual enrollment and articulation with Quincy College, and grant funding such as Skills Capital and Perkins. They also discussed support liaisons for nontraditional careers and military pathways, advisory committees, and plans to seek Chapter 74 approval for an engineering program at North Quincy, along with new computer science and business offerings. Testimony from MassHire South Shore described workforce partnerships, YouthWorks, job fairs, resume workshops, and the Credit for Life Fair, while the assistant superintendent explained Quincy’s MyCAP planning grant and efforts to build a student-driven college and career readiness system. Three students testified about their pathways in welding, early education and care, and healthcare technology, describing hands-on learning, certifications, clinical or co-op experiences, and future plans for college and careers. Committee members praised Quincy as a model for combining CTE with general education, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn and unanimous adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• states combined. states combined.
• Brian Hayes, state vet for Minnesota, executive director for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.
• Brian Hayes, State Vet for Minnesota, Executive Director for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.
• director at DED. director at DED.
• . state. state.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all