Transcript Highlights:

• We will now move into public hearing.
• We will now move to the witness portion of the hearing.
• Seeing none, this will conclude public hearing on House Bills 2574 and 2163.
• Seeing none, this will conclude public hearing on House Bills 2574 and 2163.
• The Judiciary Committee hearing today. Thank you all.

Committee: House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where it voted House Bill 1711 do pass with no opposition. HB 1711 concerns the Uniform Interstate Deposition and Discovery Act. The committee then took up HB 1713 on limited liability companies, adopted a House Committee amendment and then a House Committee substitute that incorporated Secretary of State language on series LLCs and certificates of good standing, and voted the substitute do pass 10-0. The committee next considered a combined judgeships measure. It adopted an amendment and House Committee substitute that merged language from several bills, including provisions for additional judges or associate judges in Jefferson, St. Charles, Franklin, Miller, and Clay counties, and voted the substitute for HB 2968, 2427, and 3086 do pass 10-0. It also adopted an amendment and substitute for HB 3072, a workers’ compensation bill, and voted that substitute do pass 9-0. In public hearing, Representatives Smith and Dolan presented HB 2574 and HB 2163 together, both aimed at expanding limited driving privileges for people in treatment programs. They explained the bills would allow limited driving privileges through adult drug/treatment courts and, in one version, let offenders petition the sentencing court after completing a 120-day treatment program. Members discussed public safety concerns, ignition interlock devices, and insurance requirements, and one member noted personal experience with a drunk-driving fatality while supporting the goal of helping people maintain employment. Eric Jennings testified in support for the Judicial Conference of Missouri, saying the change would extend an existing tool from DWI courts to adult treatment courts with the same safeguards. No opposition or informational witnesses appeared, and the hearing was closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, the motion is to advance Senate Bill 5574 to the floor calendar.
• Hearing none, the motion is to advance Senate Bill 5924 to the floor calendar.
• Hearing none, the motion is to advance Senate Bill 5924 from the white sheet to the floor calendar.
• Hearing none, the motion is to advance Senate Bill 6134 to the floor calendar.
• Hearing none, the motion is to advance Senate Bill 6263 from the white sheet to the floor calendar.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• There will be a time limit of two minutes per witness during the hearing.
• The Chair hears none.
• The Chair hears none, and the bill is left pending.
• The Chair hears none, and the bill is left pending.
• Hearing none, the committee stands adjourned, subject to call of the Chair.

Bills: SB612 , SB1855 , SB2568 , SB3058 , HB49

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: SB 612, Texas Water Code, Section 49.2127, conservation and reclamation district, water district, reclamation district, developer fees, pipeline construction, water pipeline, sewer pipeline, associated infrastructure, subdivision infrastructure, cost recovery, fee cap, actual reasonable documented costs, engineering fees, legal fees, inspection fees, infrastructure relocation, utility connections

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair hears none, and the substitute is adopted.
• The Chair hears none, and the bill is left pending.
• The Chair hears none and the bill is left pending.
• Hearing none, if not, the Chair moves to adjourn. Is there objection?
• The Chair hears none, and the committee is adjourned.

Bills: SB2041 , SB1777 , SB1681 , SB2311

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: child welfare, foster care, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, Family Code, conservatorship, placement selection, contract residential care, kinship care, relative placement, designated caregiver, best interest of the child, least restrictive setting, placement stability, child protective services, residential treatment, group home, family reunification, Texas foster system, residential care

Transcript Highlights:

• Members today will be hearing and voting on bills.
• Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
• Hearing none. Ordered, Cheerleaders. SCR 19 and recognizes Thank you. We'll skip that one.
• Okay, hearing none, we'll now open up public testimony.
• Hearing none, so ordered. The meeting is adjourned.

Bills: SB2053 , SCR19 , SCR23 , SCR29

Committee: Senate Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• > testifier,</c><00:08:30.560><c> many</c> you'll hear from my testifier, many you'll hear from my testifier
• We have two more testifiers to hear from.
• </c><00:20:35.320><c> asking</c> true informational hearing asking true informational hearing asking
• </c> This was a great informational hearing. This was a great informational hearing.
• </c> that Senator Putnam is willing to hear that Senator Putnam is willing to hear this<00:42:43.960>

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:11.440><c> $14,900</c> um, you know, when hearing $14,900 um, you know, when hearing $14,900
• Again, I wasn't here for the hearing. It was introduced by Mr.
• </c><00:58:29.440><c> It</c><00:58:29.599><c> was</c> wasn't here for the the hearing.
• It was wasn't here for the the hearing.
• There was no opposition at the hearing, and I'm certainly no motion.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• I think people hear me. That's why I'm wondering if it's on. Is it on? It is on. I hear it. Yeah.
• You can hear her? Okay. All right.
• The hearing room is open for attendance of this hearing, and it can be watched via live stream on the
• With that, we will begin our hearing.
• So you'll hear from speakers today.

Summary: The hearing focused on California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), its role in reducing transportation emissions, and whether its costs at the pump are justified by its climate, air quality, and investment benefits. The co-chairs and several members framed the discussion around affordability and asked whether the program’s benefits, including cleaner fuels, zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and public health gains, outweigh any added fuel costs. Members also raised concerns about how the program is understood by the public and whether its benefits are being communicated clearly. CARB and CEC officials explained how LCFS works as a market-based program that sets declining carbon-intensity targets, generates credits for lower-carbon fuels, and requires deficit holders to buy credits or otherwise comply. They said the program has driven billions in annual private investment, expanded alternative fuels, supported EV charging and hydrogen stations, and helped reduce emissions and local pollution. They also argued that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of gasoline prices, that the recent amendments added only about seven cents per gallon, and that crude oil, refining, and distribution costs account for most pump price variation. Committee members pressed witnesses on credit banking, market effects, the recent rule updates, additionality, and whether the program’s benefits are concentrated in-state or out-of-state. CARB said banking helps keep the program cost-effective and provides investment certainty, while the Energy Commission said LCFS-related costs are relatively stable and separate from the broader gasoline market. The panel also discussed how the 2025 amendments were shaped by the state’s 2030 and 2045 climate goals and by uncertainty over federal actions. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair hears none; the substitute is adopted.
• The Chair hears none.
• Chair hears none. The bill is left pending.
• So they wouldn't hear me say the answers.
• I would like to hear from Ms. Giles.

Bills: SB 13 , SB 27 , SB 57 , HB1325 , HB1655 , HB3312 , HB5526 , SB13 , SB57 , SB207 , HB441 , HB591 , HB5019 , SB27 , SB843

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: lobbying, public funds, political subdivision, local government, county association, municipal lobbying, registered lobbyist, Texas Legislature, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, government finance, county dues, state association of counties, sheriffs association, law enforcement officers, legislative advocacy, bill tracking, legislative alerts, Government Code Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, public Testimony is now closed.
• Hearing none. It's it's adopted. Thank you.
• I don't wanna hear this answer. I wanna hear this one. No, we do not. But I will be fear.
• Hearing none, the substitute's adopted.
• And thank you for hearing this bill.

Bills: SB451 , SB762 , SB1490 , SB1262 , SB1459 , SB1750 , SB1962 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2365

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• It is my intent to hold this hearing with invited witnesses today and then a public hearing on Thursday
• Nurses, I didn't hear you say the first time.
• But as we listen, we should hear.
• And so part of what you're hearing today is that.
• Hearing none, the motion prevails.

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• One moment, hear two bills. House Bill 1323 hear two bills.
• </c><01:54:36.239><c> can</c> for the deaf and heart of hearing can for the deaf and heart of hearing
• So, if we're requiring a public hearing and we're simultaneously predetermining the outcome of the hearing
• </c> to consider this idea in public hearing to consider this idea in public hearing prior<02:06:15.360
• So, if we're be done in public hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Written testimony is welcome, and that's important for purposes of our hearings.
• after the conclusion of the hearing.
• Anyone being disruptive to the hearing will be asked to leave.
• No, none of our hearings are complete without your testimony, so thank you.
• I appreciate the testimonies for the last hour that we've been hearing.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a lengthy hearing on a large slate of bills focused primarily on charter school policy and vocational technical education. Committee members opened with ground rules for testimony, including a two-minute limit, written testimony acceptance, and a live-streamed format. The committee then heard testimony on bills to expand collective bargaining rights in Horace Mann and Innovation Schools, reform charter school funding and reimbursement, allow enrollment preferences for high-need students in charter lotteries, and require BESE to consider district impacts when approving new or expanded charters. Several witnesses, including union leaders, parents, educators, and legislators, argued that charter growth has strained district budgets and that funding formulas should be reworked to better protect public schools; charter advocates and alumni countered that charter schools serve high-need students well and should not be penalized for their success. A major portion of the hearing focused on vocational technical education bills, including proposals to expand access and capacity, create a large grant program, and increase MSBA reimbursement rates for vocational school construction. Supporters described long waitlists, strong labor-market demand, and the higher cost of building and maintaining vocational schools, while municipal officials emphasized the tax burden on local communities. The committee also heard testimony on charter school reimbursement bills that would extend the state’s reimbursement schedule, with witnesses from districts such as Boston, Worcester, Fall River, and New Bedford describing large net losses to charter tuition and arguing for longer reimbursement periods and structural reform. The committee took no final votes during the hearing. In one instance, the chair said a bill would be held open until a missing senator could testify. Members asked several detailed questions about charter admissions lotteries, special education placements, funding formulas, and the practical effects of proposed charter caps and reimbursement changes. The hearing remained informational, with witnesses and committee members presenting sharply different views on whether the bills would improve equity and opportunity or harm existing public school systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, I want to call this hearing of the Joint Committee on the Arts to order.
• We want to thank you for joining us in person or online for today's informational hearing.
• Well, why don't we, let's hear from all the panelists. Sounds great. And I know...
• Can you all hear me okay? Yeah? Okay, wonderful. Thank you.
• This hearing is very important, and I'm honored to be with this panel.

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on the Arts

Transcript Highlights:

• We hear you, and we have your back every step of the way. At this hearing, we will hear from L.A.
• I really want to thank you for holding this hearing today.
• As this hearing takes place in L.A., in 2025, we received 140,000 As this hearing takes place in L.A.
• We hear how this is scary.
• Select Committee hearing in Sacramento. We are now adjourned.

Summary: The Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia met to hear from Los Angeles County officials and community advocates about rising hate, discrimination, and xenophobia, with opening remarks emphasizing the need for stronger anti-hate infrastructure, community-based reporting, and state support. Assemblymember Lowenthal noted the broader economic and social impacts of discrimination, and the committee framed the hearing around understanding local conditions and identifying legislative responses. Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission Executive Director Robin Toma presented county hate-crime data showing record-high levels in 2024, with racial/ethnic hate crimes remaining the largest category and anti-Black hate crimes the most common. He also highlighted high levels of anti-Latino, anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-transgender hate, the role of underreporting, and the county’s L.A. vs. Hate system for reporting and victim support. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it uses hate-crime and hate-incident data to guide proactive patrols, community outreach, and training, and discussed the need to build trust amid immigration enforcement fears that discourage reporting. Community organizations described how current political rhetoric and federal immigration enforcement are intensifying fear and underreporting. LULAC called for multilingual, culturally competent reporting systems, prevention education, and stronger support for grassroots organizations. The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles described severe anti-Semitism, increased security costs, and the need for safe worship protections, security grants, and Holocaust education. The NAACP emphasized the continuing impact of anti-Black racism and the need for cross-community solidarity, while the Los Angeles LGBT Center highlighted rising anti-trans violence and urged funding for gender-affirming care, LGBTQ centers, and reauthorization of California vs. Hate. CHIRLA and CAIR California both described heightened fear among immigrants and Muslims, workplace discrimination, and the need for stronger civil-rights protections, data collection, and community-based reporting. No formal votes were taken. The discussion focused on policy ideas and funding priorities, including improved law-enforcement training, alternative sentencing or diversion for hate offenders, protections for houses of worship, and continued or expanded funding for California vs. Hate, Stop Hate, and related programs. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly stressed that hate is underreported, that words and leadership rhetoric matter, and that California should continue investing in prevention, response, and healing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hear calls for more localism, more short-termism, more economic sovereignty, and absolutely We hear
• We hear a lot of conversation about China, and I'm curious to hear—China's coming up again, and I frankly
• I hear you guys and the members as well. Thank you for hearing this bill in this committee.
• Very disappointing to hear that.
• And thank you for hearing me today.

Committee: House House International Trade Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with a presentation from Berthold Barak Karlich of Benor Capital on investment and innovation from a European perspective. He argued that legacy in trade and innovation is about enabling future generations, not isolation, and highlighted Austria and Europe’s strengths in education, applied research, hidden-champion SMEs, and deep-tech. He also warned against economic nationalism and emphasized that entrepreneurship and cross-border trade create shared interests, peace, and long-term collaboration. In response to questions, he said Arizona had impressed him as a strong, international deep-tech hub, and he expressed interest in learning more about opportunities there. The committee then considered HB 2746, which creates a study committee on trade offices under the Arizona Commerce Authority to review existing trade offices, gather stakeholder input, and report recommendations by December 31, 2028. Members discussed oversight of Arizona’s trade offices in countries including Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Romania, and Germany, and the sponsor said the bill would help evaluate effectiveness while identifying new opportunities. The bill received a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. HB 2750, which establishes the Arizona-Sonora Trade Commission with legislative appointees, also received a due pass recommendation after members discussed its role as a complement to executive-branch efforts; it passed 5-1 with one present. The committee next heard HB 4036, a bill restricting the sale and distribution of compounded GLP-1 weight-loss drugs made with certain bulk drug substances and authorizing inspections by the State Board of Pharmacy. Supporters, including Novo Nordisk and the Partnership for Safe Medicines, argued the bill would address unsafe imported ingredients, impurities, misleading advertising, and a surge in mass compounding that they said exceeds the intent of compounding law. Opponents from the Arizona Pharmacy Association, compounding pharmacists, and a physician argued the bill would burden lawful compounders, raise costs, reduce access, and could harm patients who rely on compounded medications. After extensive debate, the committee failed to pass HB 4036 on a 5-5 vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 2765, as amended by a strike-everything amendment creating a vapor product manufacturer licensing framework, fees, penalties, and Department of Revenue oversight. The sponsor said the measure was intended to address illegal smuggling of vape products and protect children, while opponents argued it would burden lawful businesses and that the real problem was illicit actors outside the regulated market. The transcript ends during the discussion of this bill, before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we are going to hear the bills in order today.
• What we will do is hear the bill presentation.
• Affordability is the number one concern we hear from New Mexicans.
• You know, so many times I hear my constituents, and I'm sure you all hear your constituents state the
• You know, so many times I hear my constituents, and I'm sure you all hear your constituents say the same

Bills: SB12 , SB36 , SB92 , SB120 , SB133 , SB151 , SB18 , SB96

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: tax credit, physician, healthcare, income tax, rural health, quantum technology, infrastructure, economic development, New Mexico, corporate tax, research and development, innovation, affordable housing, gross receipts tax, tax deduction, construction materials, multifamily housing, low income, journalism, local news

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to this informational hearing of the Assembly Budget Committee.
• As I mentioned, today's hearing is informational only.
• After the hearing, we will provide an opportunity for public comment to conclude.
• We spent nine months in subcommittee hearings discussing the various details.
• , obviously, I'm going to hear myself, because I think you hear.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on the September budget package, which included SB 105 and a series of trailer bills covering health, human services, education, resources, child care, transportation, labor, public safety, housing, revenue, background checks, collective bargaining, and a special election. The Department of Finance described the package as largely technical and clarifying, but also responsive to state and federal changes, especially H.R. 1. Key items included roughly $3.3 billion in Proposition 4 climate and environmental spending, $540 million in discretionary greenhouse gas reduction funds, and major responses to H.R. 1 such as CalFresh error-rate mitigation, food bank support, and Medicaid-related changes. Other notable provisions included vaccine policy flexibility, an Abortion Access Fund, a gender-affirming care program, community college basic-needs and aid changes, CEQA and coastal permit exemptions tied to the 2028 Olympics, invasive mussel prevention funding, a civic media program, labor and pension-related provisions, and special election administration changes. Members raised questions and concerns about several parts of the package. There was support for climate, water, transit, offshore wind, food security, and health investments, but also significant criticism of the lack of cleanup language for SB 131 and its advanced manufacturing exemptions, with multiple members saying promised fixes had not materialized and expressing concerns about tribal consultation, labor standards, and environmental protections. Members also questioned the scale and timing of some Proposition 4 allocations, including fairground upgrades, regional conveyance, and a UC Davis alternative protein research center. The Department of Finance said some programs would roll out over time and that certain funding levels reflected current implementation capacity. The hearing also featured discussion of Bay Area transit financing, with Finance saying SB 105 directs the department and CalSTA to examine loan or other financing options rather than immediately providing loans. Members and public commenters also discussed the state’s response to H.R. 1, with advocates supporting food bank, health care, and immunization provisions while warning of ongoing harm to immigrants, foster youth, and other vulnerable groups. Public testimony broadly supported the health, food, water, offshore wind, and golden mussel provisions, while many speakers echoed legislative concerns about SB 131 and urged cleanup action in the next session. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only, though the chair noted votes on the bills were expected later that night or the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair hears none, so ordered.
• Chair hears none. It's ordered.
• Hear me in my, because I think this is an easy answer. I did hear you. Hold on.
• Chair hears none. And it's so ordered.
• The Chair hears none.

Bills: HB25 , HB48 , HB149 , HB254 , HB26 , HB192 , HCR3 , HCR4 , HCR5 , HCR6 , HCR8 , HCR14 , HCR16 , HR1 , HR2 , HR3 , HR4 , HR6 , HR7 , HR8 , HR9 , HR12 , HR11 , HR13 , HR14 , HR15 , HR16 , HR20 , HR22 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR28 , HR29 , HR30 , HR31 , HR32 , HR33 , HR45 , HR48 , HR49 , HR51 , HR52 , HR55 , HR56 , HR57 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HR65 , HR66 , HR70 , HR71 , HR72 , HR74 , HCR2 , HCR7 , HR10 , HR21 , HR35 , HR36 , HR37 , HR38 , HR39 , HR40 , HR42 , HR43 , HR44 , HR46 , HR47 , HR50 , HR53 , HR54 , HR67 , HR69 , HR75 , HCR5 , HCR6 , HCR8 , HCR14 , HCR16 , HR1 , HR3 , HR4 , HR6 , HR7 , HR8 , HR9 , HR12 , HR11 , HR13 , HR14 , HR15 , HR16 , HR20 , HR22 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR28 , HR29 , HR30 , HR31 , HR32 , HR33 , HR45 , HR48 , HR49 , HR51 , HR52 , HR55 , HR56 , HR57 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HR65 , HR66 , HR70 , HR71 , HR72 , HR74 , HCR7 , HR10 , HR21 , HR35 , HR36 , HR37 , HR38 , HR39 , HR40 , HR42 , HR43 , HR44 , HR46 , HR47 , HR50 , HR53 , HR54 , HR67 , HR69 , HB25 , HB48 , HB149 , HB254 , HB26 , HB192

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that, did I accurately hear you? Chris Wharton: I don't want to speak for you.
• All right, I wanted to hear. Thank you for... I just was curious.
• Hearing none, so ordered. Senator Parker. Senator Menéndez.
• We want to hear from citizens on this. Yeah, of course. Thank you, Senator Wyse.
• Seeing none, hearing none, public testimony is now closed.

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16