Transcript Highlights:

• Or actually, Stan Lambert will now lead us in the allegedly. just the United States and Texas flags.
• With liberty and justice for all now the Texas flag I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
• We have various types. and some of the individuals represent all parts of the state of Texas.
• Now, on the diocese, you may recognize some of these great artists in the state of Texas.
• Their commitment to Texas values helps our state thrive.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Or actually, Stan Lambert will now lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas
• We have various types and some of the individuals represent all parts of the state of Texas.
• Now, on the dais, you may recognize some of these great artists in the state of Texas.
• Their commitment to Texas values helps our state thrive.
• Please join me in welcoming the Texas Court Reporters Association to their state Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those two state-owned were, uh, Texas Military Department Rotor Wing helicopters.
• State of Texas, here is your aircraft.
• have enough exclusive use contracts for the state of Texas.
• But all those states that you mentioned, if Texas were engaged in.
• But the state of Texas is on a two-year budget cycle.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States. about Right. Honor the Texas flag.
• to our state, while his passion for ranching connected him to the Texas proud agricultural heritage.
• Members, uh, this beautiful county, Jim Was County in Texas, is a beautiful part of the state, and I
• Thank you all for being here today and welcome to your Texas State Capitol. Thank you.
• Members, today we are celebrating Somerset, Texas Day at the state Capitol. Where is Somerset?

Transcript Highlights:

• State, Temple College, Texas A&M, and UT Austin.
• State, Temple College, Texas A&M, and UT Austin.
• It is post-secondary and higher ed, especially in the state of Texas now with the investment of the Texas
• And currently that's considered preferable to our current accreditor in the state of Texas.
• I'm here representing myself and the Texas State Association of Firefighters.

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard Senate Bill 1961, which would expand reporting on post-secondary outcomes and workforce data, including employment, earnings, regional labor demand, and credentials of value. Senator Bettencourt said the bill is intended to close data gaps and improve alignment between education programs and workforce needs. Witnesses from Opportunity Austin, Texas 2036, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, and the Fort Worth workforce community testified in support, saying better data would help students, parents, schools, employers, and regional economic development efforts. After questions from members about regional workforce pipelines and semiconductor talent needs, public testimony closed and SB 1961 was left pending. The committee then took up several pending bills and reported them favorably, including SB 1325, SB 604, SB 1832, SB 747, SB 2185, and SB 2395, with committee substitutes adopted where needed. SB 1325 was amended to remove the DSHS commissioner’s authority to issue standing orders for respiratory distress medication in schools. SB 1832, relating to school transfer or private-school funding options for students victimized by a public school employee, and SB 747, relating to intimate visual material policies, were both advanced on recorded votes. SB 2185, on the bilingual education allotment, was initially moved to a local calendar but was later backed up and reported to the full Senate after a fiscal note was noted. SB 2395, on school district general obligation bonds, was also reported favorably and then moved to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 646, which would expand the Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program to additional professions, increase award amounts, and add stipends for rural and bilingual service. Senator West said the bill responds to mental health workforce shortages and inflation. The Texas Counseling Association supported the measure, and a Hogg Foundation representative said participation has grown sharply since prior changes. SB 646 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2647, which would create a Texas state accrediting agency and interim oversight system for higher education accreditors; supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a massage school owner argued it would improve accountability and reduce accreditor overreach, while Senator Menendez raised concerns about effects on law and medical school accreditation and student opportunities. SB 2647 was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2786, which would exempt first responders from the Texas Success Initiative entrance exam, and SB 2615, which would standardize remote-work policies across public higher education institutions. The Texas State Association of Firefighters supported SB 2786, saying it would remove an extra step for career advancement; the bill was left pending because the committee substitute had not yet been adopted. SB 2615 was presented as a way to ensure more consistent in-person staffing expectations while preserving exceptions for illness, disability, and some non-teaching roles; it too was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• , environmental, and financial impacts of illegal immigration on the state of Texas.
• impacts of illegal immigration on the state of Texas.
• Okay, so there's no additional cost to the state of Texas? It's compiling the data.
• Are you aware that the net benefit to the state of Texas was close to $424 million?
• That was the net positive impact to the state of Texas. This is in 2006, right, Senator?

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Jim Harris of Tilden Baptist Church, followed by remarks from Senator Zaffirini recognizing his service and retirement as an agricultural teacher. The chamber also received a message from the governor on appointments to the Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors. Senators then adopted SR 434 honoring Goodwill Industries of San Antonio’s 80th anniversary, with Senators Gutierrez, Menendez, and Zaffirini praising its workforce training and second-chance employment mission; SR 435 recognizing Dr. Christine Ramos Camacho as Doctor of the Day; and a group of additional resolutions adopted by voice vote. Senator Zaffirini also introduced the McMullen County Day delegation, and Senator Gutierrez introduced the Doctor of the Day. The Senate then took up and passed several bills. SB 1951 addressed penalties for late property rendition filings and removed a financial incentive for appraisal districts; SB 1261 related to financing water supply projects in the state water plan; SB 1620 created a Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program; SB 530 updated higher-education accreditation rules; SB 2183 standardized fireworks sales periods statewide; SB 2368 strengthened the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act and added foreign-affiliation safeguards for electricity market participants; SB 1398 limited children without placement (CWOP) practices and added community-based care transparency; and SB 1960 established digital replication rights for voice and visual likenesses. Each of these bills advanced through suspension of the regular order, passage to engrossment, suspension of the three-day rule, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few measures. The chamber also debated SB 825, which would require an annual study of the economic, environmental, and financial impacts of illegal immigration. Senators Middleton, Hinojosa, Gutierrez, and Eckhardt debated whether the study should include positive as well as negative impacts; an amendment to require that broader analysis failed, and the bill was left pending after passage to engrossment. Other measures passed included SB 2010, prohibiting political subdivisions from operating guaranteed income programs; SB 546, requiring reporting and continued implementation of school bus seat belts; SB 586, establishing the Historical Texas Cemetery designation program; SB 1150, requiring inactive oil and gas wells to be plugged or returned to production under a compliance plan; SB 1184, lowering the minimum age of wine eligible for sale by wine collection sellers; SB 2185, clarifying bilingual education allotment funding; SB 1923, making child support follow the child in certain temporary placements; SB 2252, expanding early literacy and numeracy supports and screening tools; SB 1870, barring local decriminalization of drugs; and SB 2405, the major TDCJ sunset bill, which included facility planning, parole and rehabilitation reforms, and an amendment protecting parole board discretion. Most of these bills were adopted after floor amendments and passed with recorded votes, often along party-line or near-party-line divisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now our beloved state, honor the Texas flag.
• I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible. Thank you.
• gateway to the Rio Grande Valley, Cameron County, and the rest of the great state of Texas.
• gateway to the Rio Grande Valley, Cameron County, and the rest of the great state of Texas.
• We'd like to recognize one of the oldest leadership programs in the state of Texas, Leadership Corpus

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does A&M, does USDA have to allow A&M to go in there, or does the state of Texas have to?
• And we were already at low numbers of cattle across all the United States, Texas included.
• Here's our state challenge. What worked on the island must now scale to the Texas rangelands.
• I always like to reiterate that we're the oldest trade association in the state of Texas.
• of Texas and about another... of the 300-plus livestock dealers in the state of Texas.

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, read the resolution. ...recognizing April 29, 2025, as Donate Life Texas Day at the state
• So, as you guys know, I represent 45 counties, so quite a few here in the state of Texas.
• Texas is home to 254 counties, more than any other state.
• I just wanted to stand up for the 254 counties across the state of Texas.
• Could be any person in the state of Texas, right? Let me make sure.

Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, prayer, approval of the previous journal, and messages from the House, then moved through several recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups. Members adopted resolutions recognizing the Texas chapters of Blue Star Mothers of America, Fine Arts Education Day, Donate Life Texas Day, Baha’i Capitol Day, County Government Day, Jack County Day, Crockett County Day, and a recognition of Navy Petty Officer Simon Urbanik for service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The chamber also heard remarks from visiting doctors, students, county officials, and community groups, with multiple senators speaking in support of military families, arts education, organ donation, and local government service. The Senate then took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2779, relating to the allocation and use of certain hotel occupancy tax revenues. Senator Birdwell said the bill would stop local governments from conditioning HOT funds on race- or class-based priorities and would require Galveston to transfer the full state rebate for beach cleaning and maintenance to its park board. After questions, the Senate suspended the rules, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed it, though the final vote showed significant opposition. The chamber also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2322, described as a cleanup bill removing the compelling-factor test for dispatchable generation from the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act. A major debate centered on Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2253, which would phase out uncertified teachers in core classrooms and strengthen educator certification requirements. Senator Creighton argued the bill responds to a teacher pipeline crisis, adds parent notification, creates multiple preparation pathways, and provides financial incentives for certification; Senator West and Senator Sparks pressed for rural flexibility and implementation details. An amendment from Senator Gutierrez to add a teacher student-loan repayment program failed on a 11-17 vote, while other technical and fiscal amendments were adopted. The bill then passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2371, updating skimmer-reporting rules to cover electronic terminals beyond fuel pumps, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2351, relating to the construction of certain concrete plants under a standard permit. Senate Bill 619, a conscience-protection bill for health care workers, drew extended questioning from Senators Cook, Eckhardt, and Menendez about patient abandonment, scope, and whether it could allow refusals of legal services such as vaccines, antibiotics, contraception, or personal care; despite those concerns, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment. Finally, the chamber began consideration of Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1169, which would allow public entities to form public utility agencies to cooperate on water and wastewater projects without eminent domain or cross-collateralization, with Senator Hinojosa explaining it as a tool for small and rural communities facing utility infrastructure problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am one of 5 DWI specialist, defense attorneys in the state of Texas.
• And Texas has been an at the time of driving state.
• states, uh, protected by the United States or Texas constitutions is enforceable and has no effect in
• Um, Texas Is one of 28 states, one of the 28 states that does not have, um, emergency risk protective
• The Texas State Rifle Association fully supports this bill and recommends passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• state forward.
• Uh, Orlando, Florida has done amazing things leapfrogging over the state of Texas and also the rest of
• Texas is a big state in land, in spirit, and in possibility.
• Texas is a massive state and, and we want to cut that connection time and make Texas.
• state.

Transcript Highlights:

• That apparently the comptroller of the state of Texas Forces upon state agencies.
• In the state of Texas, so in the state of Texas, we have a very competitive market.
• Carriers compete to get the business in the state of Texas.
• On the people in the Texas House and the Texas Senate who have allowed our state to be not just.
• of Texas and to maximize vocational training in our state.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is the only state that has it.
• Texas is the only state that has it.
• of Texas some access to resources that would help the state of Texas in the future in other areas.
• of Texas some access to resources that would help the state of Texas in the future in other areas.
• of Texas some access to resources that would help the state of Texas in the future in other areas.

Bills: HB24 , HB27

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Summary: The committee met to hear House Bills 27 and 24 on groundwater issues in East Texas, with members and witnesses focusing on a proposed large-volume groundwater export project and the need for more science before major permitting decisions are made. HB 27, which was within the special session call, would direct the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a hydrogeologic study of the aquifers in the affected area and temporarily pause new export permits while the study is underway. HB 24, a separate bill that would limit certain production and export permits to 5% of modeled available groundwater, was laid out but the chair said it would not be moved out of committee. Testimony on HB 27 was largely supportive, though some witnesses were neutral. Supporters, including representatives from a water supply corporation, the Trinity River Authority, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said the region lacks enough hydrologic data, that the proposed pumping could affect private wells, surface water, and local economies, and that the state needs better information on sustainable yield and groundwater-surface water interaction. Several witnesses emphasized that groundwater conservation districts need clearer tools and better data, while also noting concerns about property rights and the rule of capture. Committee members discussed the scale of the proposed project, the absence of a groundwater conservation district in Houston County, and the possibility that the study should examine desired future conditions and maximum sustainable pumping rather than only modeled available groundwater. The committee adopted the committee substitute for HB 27 and voted it out favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass, be printed, and be sent to the Committee on Calendars. The roll call was unanimous, 11 ayes and 0 nays. After the vote, members briefly reflected on the complexity of the issue and the need to continue working on broader groundwater policy in the interim and next session. HB 24 was discussed later in the meeting, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, or does the state of Texas have to allow A&M to, to go in there?
• Uh, from Texas and the United States, where Mexico has not.
• State of Texas and our, our grandparents, parents built the original facility in 1962.
• of Texas and about another 300+ livestock dealers in the state of Texas, and our role is very simple
• We have some of the biggest livestock markets in the United States here in Texas.

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Transcript Highlights:

• Honor the Texas flag, I pledge allegiance to the Texas flag, one state under God, one and indivisible
• The Texas Workforce Commission, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, and the State Board of Veterinary
• And, of course, if they’re in the state of Texas, it’s much easier to go after them.
• If they’re outside the state of Texas, of course, that’s a different story.” “Okay.
• HCR 107 by Metcalf, designating Texas Omnic as the official state book of Texas.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard the invocation and pledges, and then took up a series of memorial resolutions and recognitions. Members adopted memorial resolutions honoring former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Alice Gail Hudgens, with remarks highlighting their public service and community impact, and adopted resolutions recognizing Victoria College’s 100th anniversary and May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The chamber also recognized Texas A&M system interns and later granted permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. The House then moved through a long third-reading calendar, passing a number of bills on wide margins. Measures approved included SB 304 on municipal court jurisdiction over nuisance abatement ordinances, SB 608 on reporting evidence collection kits, SB 2312 creating a Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict, SB 494 creating a petroleum theft task force, SB 530 on postsecondary accreditation, HB 45 giving the Attorney General a role in prosecuting human trafficking cases, HB 35 on peer support for first responders, HB 47 and HB 3073 on sexual assault policy and prosecution, HB 318 and HB 3000 creating rural sheriff and ambulance grant programs, HB 554 on Juneteenth fireworks sales with county opt-in authority restored, HB 705 and HB 932 joining licensure compacts for cosmetology and occupational therapy, HB 849 allowing county park boards to meet by video conference, HB 1119 on mental health bed reporting, HB 3041 on students with nontraditional secondary education, HB 713 on maternal mortality review reporting, HB 3104 on Webb County bailiff appointments, HB 3970 on electricity planning for large loads, HB 4042 on Railroad Commission safety provisions for gas distribution pipelines, HB 4490 protecting next-of-kin information, HB 1731 on the physician assistant compact, HB 2607 on Walker County Hospital District governance, HB 3689 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association funding, HB 1788 on continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists about abuse and trafficking, HB 1612 on hospital direct payments for uninsured patients, and HB 138 on health impact cost and coverage analysis. Several bills drew extended debate or amendments. HB 353, creating a trespass offense near schools and daycares, prompted questions about constitutional concerns and property rights before passing. HB 3211 on optometrists in managed care plans received a perfecting amendment and a Medicaid-related amendment setting a minimum payment level. HB 1056 on gold and silver specie and a state-based currency prompted detailed questioning about its mechanics and fees, followed by a point of order challenging the caption. The House also adopted or postponed a number of items, including postponing HB 2520 and HB 1359 until later in the calendar before later passing both, and laying several bills on the table subject to call. Many measures passed overwhelmingly, while a few, including HB 3326 on loan forgiveness for adjunct professors and HB 3237 on energy consumption goals, passed with narrower margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state, under God, one and indivisible. Thank you very much.
• Port Freeport's 100 years of contributing to the state of Texas. Mr.
• The House of Representatives of the state of Texas join citizens of Texas in remembering the life and
• Recognizing February 25th, 2025 as Texas Hispanic Judges Day at the state capitol. Ms.
• and now is one of our finest judges in the state of Texas, Judge Victor Villarreal.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please guide them today as they gather in service to the people of the great state of Texas.
• Those states are Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and the great state of Texas.
• But the reality is she was a public servant and she served the whole state of Texas.
• The Texas chapter of APWA consists of 2,100-plus members across the state of Texas, with nine branches
• I'd like to recognize today, January 29, 2025, as Texas Public Works Day in the state capital.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and dispensed with the reading of the previous day’s journal. The chamber then spent much of the session on recognitions, including a visit from the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the introduction of Dr. Joshua Splinter as Doctor of the Day. Senators offered remarks honoring the chiefs’ service and welcoming Dr. Splinter and Dr. Sarah Jethro to the chamber. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 16, sponsored by Senators Miles, West, Alvarado, and Cook, designating January 29, 2025 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day at the State Capitol. Senators Miles and West highlighted the sorority’s history, service work, and Texas members, and the resolution was adopted without objection. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 9 by Senator Perry recognizing American Public Works Association Day, and Senate Resolution 10 congratulating Heather Keister on being named Engineer of the Year by the South Plains Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. Senator Perry emphasized the importance of public works and infrastructure, and praised Keister’s engineering work and contributions to West Texas. The Senate also recognized a Brownsville delegation and celebrated Brownsville Day at the Capitol, with Senator Hinojosa of Nueces speaking about the city’s history and community spirit. Additional resolutions, including Senate Resolution 13 and Senate Resolution 18, were adopted without objection. The chamber then approved a motion to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 so committees could meet during the reading and referral of bills. Announcements followed, including a Finance Committee hearing and a Senate Democratic Caucus meeting, and the Senate recessed until Monday, February 3, for bill reading and referral, then adjourned until Tuesday, February 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the produce For businesses like HEB, um, and other entities, um, throughout the state of Texas, but
• And, uh, is it, is it your understanding as a, as a just an average citizen of the state of Texas that
• Um, you know, the state of Texas is supposed to maintain it.
• The city has taken that easement, and the, the problem with the easements are in, in the state of Texas
• My name is Brian Adam, and I serve on the Texas Farm Bureau of State Board.

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Transcript Highlights:

• The agreement is also an economic engine for the state of Texas, creating tens of thousands of jobs and
• The Arizona State Legislature has already passed a resolution similar to what we're asking the Texas
• And we would lose more than $4 billion in economic activity in the great state of Texas.
• State Senator Cesar Blanco of El Paso for ensuring this issue gets heard and considered in the Texas
• Since 1988, Texas and Taiwan have had a former sister state relationship.

Committee: House S/C on International Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2021, the Texas legislature passed SB 1131, which codified these rules into state law.
• I'm a prescribing psychologist in the state of Louisiana who happens to live in Austin, Texas, about
• Um, my question for you, uh, you know, just because other states do, it doesn't necessarily mean Texas
• Texas does have a postdoc. There's a lot of these states that are licensing without a postdoc.
• and federal strategy at AARP Texas, and on behalf of our 2.5 million members across the state, I am

Committee: House Public Health