Transcript Highlights:

• In your imagination, how do you think that could happen?
• I can just imagine her saying if she heard this conversation, oh, I'm sure the first thing is, "What

Bills: HJR 99 , HB 1399 , HB 1400 , HB 1094 , HB 365 , HB 1109 , HB 647 , HCR 35 , SB 14 , HB 12 , HB 1522 , HB 422 , HB 675 , HB 204 , HB 748 , HB 912 , HJR 99 , HB 1399 , HB 1400 , HB 1094 , HB 365 , HB 1109 , HB 647 , HCR 35 , HCR 123 , HCR 124 , HR 57 , HR 87 , HR 111 , HR 228 , HR 230 , HR 322 , HR 624 , HR 625 , HR 626 , HR 627 , HR 628 , HR 630 , HR 631 , HR 634 , HR 635 , HR 636 , HR 637 , HR 638 , HR 639 , HR 640 , HR 645 , HR 646 , HR 648 , HR 649 , HR 651 , HR 652 , HR 653 , HR 654 , HR 664 , HR 665 , HR 668 , HR 675 , HR 676 , HR 678 , HR 679 , HR 680 , HR 683 , HR 686 , HR 688 , HR 689 , HR 694 , HR 695 , HR 697 , HR 698 , HR 699 , HR 472 , HR 622 , HR 632 , HR 633 , HR 643 , HR 655 , HR 657 , HR 660 , HR 661 , HR 662 , HR 663 , HR 667 , HR 670 , HR 674 , HR 681 , HR 682 , HR 696

Keywords: animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, constitutional amendment, retail sale, tangible personal property, Texas tax code, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption, regulation, deceased transportation, HB 365

Transcript Highlights:

• allergy season, and there's no Kleenex provided, so now you don't provide paper towels, and you can imagine
• So I can only imagine a child walking that same walkway to school with lack of sidewalks and narrow roads

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee heard and advanced three bills. CS/HB 1267, by Rep. Boussada, would require school districts to allow Schools of Hope to use vacant or surplus facilities or co-locate in schools with capacity, with non-instructional services handled through a pro rata agreement and a performance-based agreement requiring Schools of Hope to meet expectations within five years. Supporters argued it would better use underfilled public schools and help students in the bottom 10% of schools statewide; opponents raised concerns about local control, funding, and the effect on public schools. The bill passed 13-2. The committee also heard CS/HB 1115, by Rep. Valdes, which would require sharing certain discretionary sales surtax revenues with eligible charter schools based on enrollment, create a standardized charter school monitoring tool, and align Schools of Hope sponsoring-entity rules with charter school processes. Supporters said it would improve consistency and accountability; critics questioned fiscal impacts and district flexibility. That bill passed 13-2. The final bill, CS/HB 1213, by Rep. Alvarez, would create a K-12 School Route Optimization Pilot Program using five counties to test AI-assisted analysis of school bus routes and walking conditions, with the goal of improving child safety for students who currently walk long distances. Members discussed hazardous conditions, possible use of safe-school transportation funds, and the bill’s lack of fiscal impact. Public testimony included support from education and parent groups. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• nickname, and it's called 'Scared Dog' because I drive a red Mustang that has headers on it, and you can imagine
• ... got headers on it, and you can imagine your state senator kicking in his Mustang right now.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can imagine the challenges that we face in trying to address this problem.
• Can you imagine being a dad and told that?

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• Imagine the challenges that we face in trying to address this problem. We need your help.
• Can you imagine being a dad and being told that?

Bills: HB1482 , HB2017 , HB2103 , HB2341 , HB2756

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation

Transcript Highlights:

• So I imagine that's what we're looking at here as well. Would you agree?
• I can't imagine being with foster children and all the traumatic events they have to face.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• officers, the, uh, police chief is here to tell you a little bit more why this is a problem, but just imagine
• And so if you can imagine a case, and this has actually happened where there is a domestic violence dispute

Bills: HB176 , HB180

Committee: House S/C on State-Federal Relations

Keywords: tax, ad valorem, voter-approval, local government finance, property tax, repeal, tax rates, school finance, tax reduction, compressed tax rate, education, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Because imagine if you're putting your kids down or you're doing your last-minute paper. ...content and
• Because imagine if you're putting your kids down or you're doing your last-minute paperwork or reading

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard several insurance- and financial-services-related bills. HB 315 was temporarily postponed. The chair also noted that, following the speaker’s remarks, members should expect additional special meetings as the committee investigates insurance-related issues and seeks transparency and the truth. HB 497, relating to nonprofit agricultural organization health coverage, was presented as a way to give Florida Farm Bureau members—especially farmers, ranchers, and small business owners—more affordable health coverage options. An amendment added statutory placement changes, disclosures that the product is not commercially sold, and annual financial audits. Members discussed ACA-related protections, fraud, and insolvency concerns, and the bill received support from Florida Farm Bureau and was reported favorably 16-0. HB 379, the annual securities package, updated exemptions, foreign jurisdiction rules, the Florida Invest Local Exemption, merger-and-acquisition broker rules, fingerprinting requirements, and technical issues in the Securities Guarantee Fund. Three amendments clarified entity definitions and fingerprint/live-scan requirements; the bill drew support from industry and OFR and passed favorably 17-0. The PCS for HB 147 on consumer debt collection clarified prohibited communications during nighttime hours, with the sponsor and supporters explaining the intent was to allow email while restricting other forms of contact and reduce litigation over passive communications. Members and public witnesses discussed ambiguity in the wording, and the sponsor said further cleanup language may still be needed; the PCS was reported favorably 17-0. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance, drew support from industry and humane society representatives, and passed favorably 17-0. HB 367 on home and service warranty association financial requirements allowed financial compliance through multiple contractual liability insurance policies and alternative parent-company documentation; an amendment corrected cross-references and duplicative language, and after questions about consumer protections and insolvency, the bill was reported favorably 17-0. Finally, HB 7003 preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive financial technology sandbox application materials; members discussed the sandbox concept and possible future issues, but no amendments were taken and the bill passed favorably 17-0. The meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• IMAGINE IF A STUDENT IS WALKING BY ANOTHER CLASSROOM AND DOESN'T HAVE THAT TEACHER GOES UP TO A TEACHER
• IMAGINE THE CHANGE IN LIFE THAT WOULD BE FOR SOMEONE. AND ISN'T THAT WHAT WE WANT A TEACHER TO DO.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, can you imagine an elderly person driving 250 miles one way?
• So if you imagine driving an elderly person 250 miles one way, if they have a 9 o'clock appointment with

Bills: SB2 , SJR36 , SB2 , SB2 , SR29 , SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• were sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, where they were subjected to horrors just beyond imagination
• It's hard to imagine what those families went through in Germany.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard the daily invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, which authorizes the legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified period. The chamber then took up several recognitions, including Senate Resolution 8 honoring Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Advocacy Day, a recognition of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, a delegation from Dimmit County, and the doctor of the day, Dr. Hosey Hinojosa. The main floor business centered on Senate Resolution 15, commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust history, the rise of anti-Semitism, the importance of education, and solidarity with Israel. The resolution was adopted without objection, and Senator Bettencourt moved to add all senators’ names. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17, recognizing Sexual Assault Survivors Day, with remarks focused on the prevalence of sexual violence, underreporting, support for survivors, and the need for prevention and stronger systems of response. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 14 in memory of Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman highlighting his service and using the occasion to call for tougher measures against violent offenders. Additional resolutions SR 3, SR 4, SR 5, SR 6, SR 7, SR 11, and SR 12 were adopted together, and SR 54 granting permission for adjournment for more than three days was approved by a 31-0 roll call vote. The chamber also recognized Leadership Frisco Class No. 28 and later honored former Senator Dr. Joe J. Bernal and, upon adjournment, Sergeant Mark Allen Butler of the Navasota Police Department. The Senate adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Butler.

Transcript Highlights:

• were sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, where they were subjected to horrors just beyond imagination
• It's hard to imagine what those families went through in Germany.

Bills: SJR36

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, and then took up a series of recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups, including Texas Society of CPAs Advocacy Day, the Texas A&M System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, Dimmit County officials, the Doctor of the Day, and Leadership Frisco. Senators also recognized the Senate’s memorial and ceremonial guests throughout the day. The main floor business centered on two commemorative resolutions. Senate Resolution 15 marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust education, opposition to anti-Semitism and denial, remembrance of victims and survivors, and the importance of teaching students to stand up against hatred. The resolution was adopted, and the names of all senators and the lieutenant governor were added. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17 designating January 28 as Sexual Assault Survivors Day. Senator Parker described the prevalence and underreporting of sexual assault, the impact on survivors, and the need for prevention, support services, and stronger responses; Senator Cook spoke as a survivor and emergency room nurse and highlighted rape-kit backlogs and the need for victim support. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman urging action against violent offenders and stronger protections for law enforcement. Several additional resolutions were adopted, including SRs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, and SR 54 granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days was approved by roll call, 31 ayes and 0 nays. The Senate later adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Mark Allen Butler, whom Senator Kolkhorst also honored in remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pay, as you can imagine, with the desperate shortage in public finance, pay in the private sector is
• </c><00:49:06.960><c> shortage</c><00:49:07.359><c> in</c> imagine with the desperate shortage in imagine
• What you're imagining is correct: a lot of independent, a lot of focus work, need a lot of quiet, need
• right now how an accountant can imagine right now how an accountant works<00:54:08.880><c> what</c><
• </c><00:54:10.559><c> a</c> works what you're imagining is correct a works what you're imagining is correct

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, on that note, I imagine that that is determined by federal law. That's correct.
• Okay, on that note, I imagine that that is determined by federal law. That's correct.
• Okay, on that note, I imagine that that is determined by federal law. That's correct.
• Okay, on that note, I imagine that that is determined by federal law. That's correct.
• </c> today okay on that note um so I imagine today okay on that note um so I imagine that<00:38:17.920

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure. House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt. The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just can't imagine a utility selling the data or having somebody else manage their own meters.
• </c><00:18:55.039><c> a</c> meter data I I just can't imagine a meter data I I just can't imagine a utility
• Imagine a customer has solar instead of purchasing electricity from the electric distribution system.
• Imagine a customer has solar instead of purchasing electricity from the electric distribution system.
• Imagine a customer has solar instead of purchasing electricity from the electric distribution system.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you imagine how impactful that will be if they advance this to the point of commercial-scale operation
• Um,<02:35:49.520><c> I</c><02:35:49.840><c> can't</c><02:35:50.000><c> even</c><02:35:50.240><c> imagine
• uh the feeling Um, I can't even imagine uh the feeling that<02:35:52.080><c> people</c><02:35:52.319
• I imagine that if it occurred there, it potentially is not occurring somewhere else in the system, given
• for the lower level hard to imagine for the lower level offenses,<04:00:58.720><c> but</c> And again

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• clonidine and xylazine, which I think is blood pressure medicine, and then amphetamines, which I imagine
• clonidine and xylazine, which I think is blood pressure medicine, and then amphetamines, which I imagine
• I can't imagine knowing what you do and sitting on the panels for those board members, how difficult
• But having somebody you don't know coming in into your home, as you can imagine, can be intimidating
• , can be intimidating and you can imagine, can be intimidating and and<00:57:10.880><c> um</c><00:57:

Committee: Joint Families & Children

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Reflect on your own childhoods and imagine if 40 hours of your week were no longer there.
• Can you imagine what those people are going through? Look what happened last... ...orders.
• Can you imagine what those people are going through? Look what happened last weekend.
• I come from business, and I can just imagine, oh, if you have a hot flash today, I can't come into work
• This is the worst stuff humanly you can possibly imagine.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, sure as you can imagine, a year and a half later the feds passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which
• , a year and a uh as as you can imagine, a year and a half<01:19:22.440><c> later</c><01:19:22.680><c
• I can't even imagine. But will this bill help improve the compensation of child care workers?
• I can't<01:32:34.440><c> even</c><01:32:34.640><c> imagine.
• </c> can't even imagine. can't even imagine.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• again this is very hard to do not one committee can do this because it's both federal and state, but imagine
• again this is very hard to do not one committee can do this because it's both federal and state, but imagine
• /c><01:21:12.239><c> and</c><01:21:12.719><c> state</c><01:21:14.000><c> but</c><01:21:14.320><c> imagine
• </c><01:21:15.040><c> if</c><01:21:15.520><c> in</c> both federal and state but imagine if in both federal
• and state but imagine if in if<01:21:16.239><c> I</c><01:21:16.480><c> go</c><01:21:16.640><c> back<

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house