Transcript Highlights:

• Please join me in thanking J.R. for his service to the commission and to the state of Texas.
• Secretary of State.
• I'm sorry, for state non-profits.
• Title 15 provides a framework for out-of-state political committees that spend money in Texas, but it
• The law states that a former state officer or employee who participates, on behalf of a state agency,

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 30+ million people in the state of Texas and 150 people have the opportunity and the privilege
• I served in the Texas House from Austin, Texas, Travis County from 1975 to 1985 and then 1985 to 2007
• in the Texas Senate.
• I'm Ted Campbell from Tyler, Texas.
• Thank you for your service and your sacrifice to the great state of Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:42:30.840><c> We</c> state government. We state government.
• </c><00:46:49.240><c> in</c> cannot we cannot defend the state in cannot we cannot defend the state in
• </c> that they earn, Uncle Sam and the state that they earn, Uncle Sam and the state um<01:04:50.040>
• ,</c> expanding it to state-funded, expanding it to state-funded, we we we the<01:10:36.280><c> next<
• </c> transitioned to state jobs. transitioned to state jobs.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Across the state of Texas, it is common practice for counties to report their election results with raw
• Across the state of Texas, it's common practice for counties to report their election results with raw
• Yeah, because in Texas, it's not done by the state. That's correct. It's done by the counties.
• Yeah, because in Texas, it's not done by the state. That's correct. It's done by the counties.
• Yeah, because in Texas, it's not done by the state. That's correct. That's correct.

Committee: House Elections

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 3709, which would change the partial manual audit process so early voting could be audited by voting location rather than by randomly selected precincts. The author and several supporters said the current precinct-based process is antiquated, labor-intensive, and especially difficult in countywide voting systems and large counties. Opponents and some neutral witnesses raised concerns about whether the change would still allow an apples-to-apples audit against official precinct results, whether random selection procedures should be more clearly defined, and how ballot secrecy and mail ballots would be handled. The Secretary of State’s office said counties already use random selection methods and that the bill would largely standardize early voting audits with election-day procedures, while also noting ballot privacy issues can arise in public records requests. After testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee then took up House Bill 766, as substituted, which would require precinct chair applicants to provide an email address, phone number, or both, while making that contact information confidential. Supporters said the change would help parties and local officials contact applicants more efficiently. Opponents argued it could expose personal contact information to public records requests and harassment, and some suggested the information should instead be handled through party rules. The bill was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. House Bill 3775 followed and would set clearer timelines for when early voting ballot boards may begin opening carrier envelopes, with different start times based on county size. Supporters said the bill would address counties opening ballots too early and improve ballot security, while opponents warned it could delay defect notices and cure opportunities for mail voters and create problems in large counties that process high volumes of ballots. Testimony also focused on whether the bill referred to carrier envelopes or secrecy envelopes and on how counties like Harris County currently image and secure ballot materials. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4275, which would require countywide polling systems to have polling places in each election precinct, intended to address uneven distribution of polling locations across county commissioner precincts. Supporters said the bill would make polling place distribution fairer and more consistent, especially in Harris County, while opponents said it would undermine countywide voting, increase costs, require more equipment and staff, and reduce local flexibility. Several witnesses also raised concerns about ballot secrecy and the practical burden on large and rural counties. The bill remained under discussion as testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Opioid overdoses in Texas increased. Drownings in the river increased.
• There are nine sectors on the border, and five of those are in Texas.
• Customs and Border Protection to deputize the Texas National Guard.
• , protect the people of Texas.
• We've been around the world in Texas with the Texas Trucking Association and milk truck examples.

Committee: Senate Border Security

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security held its first hearing of the 89th legislative session, established a quorum, welcomed new and returning members, and adopted the committee rules without objection. The chair said the hearing would be limited to invited state agency witnesses and was intended as a status update for new members on current border operations, especially in light of the change in federal administration. Testimony came from the Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Military Department. The Attorney General’s representative said border-related litigation is largely in a holding pattern while the new U.S. Department of Justice awaits additional leadership, and noted prior cases involving concertina wire, buoys, and the CBP One app. DPS described Operation Lone Star’s evolution from filling gaps when Border Patrol was overwhelmed to current operations focused on interdiction, criminal arrests, fentanyl and meth seizures, and national security concerns, while also noting improved morale and more voluntary deployments as border pressure has eased. The Texas Military Department reported more than 5,000 personnel on state active duty, extensive use of barriers, drones, boats, and rapid-response forces, and said Operation Lone Star has resulted in more than 531,000 apprehensions and a 90% reduction in illegal crossings. Members and witnesses discussed whether the state should maintain its current border-security footprint while federal policy settles, with the chair emphasizing preserving institutional knowledge and leaving tactical decisions to the governor. Questions also covered trooper fatigue, Border Patrol training under SB 602, and concerns about cartel-driven commercial trucking and fuel depots near the border. The committee heard that Border Patrol training with DPS has resumed, and the chair asked agencies to keep the Legislature informed as legal and operational circumstances change. No bills were heard and no votes were taken beyond adopting the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• by the state of Texas like almost like every other lake is now.
• The water in that lake is obviously owned by the state of Texas, as is all surface water, but the land
• But until I realized that the state of Texas has more than 300 ESDs across the state.
• We show you as, uh, registered as John Carlton, uh, testifying on behalf of the Texas State Association
• John Carlton, Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts, also known as SAFED.

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not there in Texas; it's not there in other states. I will show you other evidence.
• The only state where I have the policy limits for individual cases is Texas.
• In 18 years that we looked at, Texas is a big state.
• I have lived in the state of Texas for a number of years during the time of cap adoption.
• States.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• the first county court at law in Texas to attain the designation.
• We have 24 probate courts across the state.
• Twice, and he became the first court in the state of Texas to have 100% compliance in 14 months.
• day, we will offer a stable, tax-friendly environment here in the great state of Texas.
• And that's the reason why they looked at Texas way back.

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1574 by Senator Zaffirini, which would codify the Texas Judicial Council’s Centers of Excellence Program for courts and judges. Testimony from judges and the Office of Court Administration emphasized that the program promotes transparency, procedural fairness, mentoring, and public trust. A committee substitute expanded eligibility to justices of the peace and municipal judges and removed a merit-pay reference to eliminate fiscal impact. After quorum was established, the committee adopted the substitute and later voted it out favorably, though it was not certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 2774 by Senator Hinojosa, which would amend the Tax Code’s retail trade definition to include industrial uniform and linen rental businesses so they qualify for the lower franchise tax rate. Supporters said the change would put rental textile businesses on equal footing with other rental industries and help Texas employers and customers. The bill was reported favorably to the full Senate. Members then considered SB 1211 by Senator Perry, which would broaden the existing fracking-related sales tax exemption for equipment used with non-fresh water sources, including recycled, produced, and brine water. The bill’s supporters argued it would conserve freshwater and reduce litigation over water definitions, while the Comptroller’s office discussed the fiscal note and production-related revenue effects. The committee also heard SB 2873 and SB 2900, both by Senator Kolkhorst and presented by Senator Nichols; SB 2873 would require electronic filers to file electronically, and SB 2900 would eliminate certain Comptroller-related advisory committees and boards. Both were later adopted in committee substitute form and reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HJR 4, sponsored by Senator Parker, proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit new taxes on securities transfers or financial transaction processing. Supporters said it would protect investors, especially retirees, and help position Texas as a financial center. The committee voted to report HJR 4 favorably to the full Senate. In each recorded vote after quorum was present, the measures passed with nine ayes and no nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state doesn't provide salaries for county office holders, not state employees.
• And we've heard the gentleman from Texas state that it's already in statute.
• And we've heard the gentleman from Texas state that it's already in statute.
• And we've heard the gentleman from Texas state that it's already in statute. government.
• And we've heard the gentleman from Texas state that it's already in statute, but let me remind you that

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Texas flags.
• And now to our great state. Honor the Texas flag.
• I pledge allegiance to thee Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.
• They were a team in serving for Representative Johnson: decades in the Texas House and the Texas Senate
• Craddick: certain state property from the State Department of Transportation to the University of Houston

Transcript Highlights:

• So the State Tax Commission collects the taxes from any wind farms or geothermal facilities that exist
• in the state.
• Is it, again, is the state involved, or is it another entity? Representative Monks?
• The state is not necessarily involved in that. Any further questions? Senator Anthon. Mr.
• As stated earlier, so eloquently by Ms. Conrad and Mr. Sayers, I think they covered most of the...

Committee: Senate Local Government and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> providing clean water and meeting state providing clean water and meeting state requirements<00:
• </c><01:04:58.000><c> Court's</c> for County Attorney Law Library Court's for County Attorney Law Library
• </c> return on investments for the state return on investments for the state These<01:08:28.359><c> funds
• </c><01:08:33.480><c> and</c> and protect land across the state and and protect land across the state
• </c> uncertainty um so we did look at a state uncertainty um so we did look at a state aid<01:15:36.159

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lead us in the pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
• Now our Texas flag. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas.
• I, Greg Abbott, Governor of the State of Texas, by the authority vested in me by Article 3, Sections
• House of Representatives from the state of Texas.
• For controlled substances under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, referred to the Committee on State

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is one of a few states who has not developed and submitted a plan.
• government gave money to states to transition so Texas used those funds for a couple of things but one
• So for all the facilities we have across the state of Texas.
• Officers are across the board paid about 42% less than other state of Texas peace officers and I'll get
• There are a lot of different remedies that are available to the state of Texas and so we collaborate

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Approximately 42% of all births in Texas are to unwed mothers.
• Approximately 42% of all births in Texas are to unwed mothers.
• For single Texas, natal care is approximately $20,000 per mother.
• I am the presiding judge of the family court in Hayes County, Texas.
• Please state your name and your position on the bill. Thank you. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Jurisprudence

Summary: The committee first adopted its rules, which were distributed in the same form as the prior session’s rules. Members then took up several bills, beginning with SB 711, an HOA/condominium association bill that would extend and conform property-owner protections to condominium associations; the bill’s author and a Community Associations Institute representative testified in support, and the bill was left pending. SB 942 would allow child support and certain prenatal/postnatal medical expenses to be calculated from the date of conception rather than birth; it drew supportive testimony from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and the Attorney General’s Child Support Division, and was also left pending after testimony. SB 1448, an estates and probate cleanup bill, would require transfer of original wills by qualified delivery, add notice and electronic-order requirements for statutory probate courts, and make other clarifications; it received supportive testimony from the Texas Real Estate and Probate Institute and was left pending. The committee also heard SB 1403, the Attorney General’s Title IV-D child support modernization bill, which updates notice, review, remote-hearing, and administrative-process provisions and clarifies several enforcement and evidence rules; the AG’s office testified that it would improve efficiency, and the bill remained pending. SB 1404 would allow courts to require an email address in final SAPCR orders when other contact information is nondisclosed and clarify service and judgment requirements; the Attorney General’s office described it as a good-government measure, and it was left pending. SB 1559 would require transfer of protective orders into divorce or custody cases to avoid conflicting orders; family-law practitioners and a family court judge testified that it would resolve longstanding conflicts identified by multiple courts of appeals, and the bill remained pending. Finally, the committee considered SB 746, a guardianship bill that would address conflicts of interest in guardianship proceedings, allow guardian ad litem appointment earlier in the process, and require timely court action on annual guardianship reports and accounts; a committee substitute would remove some provisions and extend a reporting deadline from 20 to 30 days. TREP supported the bill, and one practitioner suggested requiring courts to state reasons when rejecting annual accounts. SB 1536 would require dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain family guardians, with a committee substitute narrowing the scope and reducing the training time from three hours to one; the Alzheimer’s Association supported the measure and the substitute, and the bill was left pending. No bills were voted out of committee during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first, my understanding is, we were the first family in the state of Texas to ever win compensatory
• And just to give you a heads up, our financial literacy standards in the state of Texas go from K to
• And just to give you a heads up, our financial literacy standards in the state of Texas go from K to
• I believe there's 10, maybe 12 in the state of Texas that are accredited and monitored by the T.E.A.
• And so we literally would scour the entire state of Texas, work in a case like this, to find the proper

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The Committee on Education K-16 heard several bills focused largely on special education transparency, school safety, and student support services. Senate Bill 1908, by Senator Zaffirini, would direct the Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the feasibility of a statewide system for coordinating clinical training placements, including regional portals for healthcare clinical slots, with a report due by December 1, 2026. A representative of the Texas Nurses Association and the Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition testified in support. The bill was left pending subject to the call of the chair. The committee then took up Senate Bill 111, by Senator Hall, which in its committee substitute was narrowed to a reporting bill requiring school districts to disclose legal proceedings involving special education due process complaints when legal fees exceed $10,000, rather than capping spending. Several parents and advocates testified that districts spend large sums on litigation against families of children with disabilities and that greater transparency is needed; some senators raised concerns about unintended consequences, including possible pressure to settle cases. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1551 on automated external defibrillators in public schools, Senate Bill 865 on CPR instruction requirements for certain volunteers, Senate Bill 1032 on the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and Senate Bill 571 on school employee misconduct reporting and access to the Do Not Hire Registry; each was reported favorably after committee substitute adoption and roll-call votes. Additional bills discussed included Senate Bill 1884, which would formalize and expand dedicated staff support for the State Board of Education and give the board chair hiring authority over that staff; members questioned whether it duplicated TEA functions, while a witness argued the workload increase justified the change, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 625 would replace the current half-credit economics requirement with a half-credit in personal financial literacy; educators and advocates strongly supported making the course required, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 582 would make TEA settlement agreements in special investigations publicly available when sanctions are imposed, and Senate Bill 2600 would bar transportation fees for students living within two miles of campus unless districts do not receive state transportation funding; both were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2751, which would require TEA inspections of non-public special education programs to consider medical standards of care and crisis-prevention training; testimony from a program operator described severe student behaviors and the need for more flexibility, and the bill was left pending after the substitute was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is State Representative Mejia Laplisa.
• And we wonder why Texas is the lowest voting state in the nation.
• Texas Constitution, and the state already verifies it through databases at the Department of Public Safety
• So what does that mean for Texas voters?
• Texas has been here before.

Keywords: legislation, public policy, testimony, committee meeting, debates

Summary: The committee meeting involved various discussions pertaining to legislative initiatives and public policy concerns. Members engaged in debates around significant topics, highlighting their diverse perspectives. The atmosphere was lively with members presenting arguments for and against certain measures. Testimonies from the public were also a key feature, shedding light on community sentiments related to proposed bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> funds public education in the state. funds public education in the state.
• Um the school districts of the state.
• </c><00:24:54.920><c> on</c> charter schools across the state on charter schools across the state on
• state. And then that is implemented by state.
• </c> better support schools across the state. better support schools across the state.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The issues that impact them both in rural and also urban areas across the state of Texas.
• Well, obviously, there are plenty of gun enthusiasts around the State of Texas.
• I understand that we want more conventions in the State of Texas. I want that, too.
• I understand that we want more conventions in the State of Texas. I want that, too.
• more often than not because they have the most members in the country in the state of Texas.

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to move the intent calendar deadline to 4 p.m. and then took up several bills by suspending the regular order of business. Senate Bill 2031, concerning removal of high fences around breeder deer release sites, passed after an amendment shortened the testing period from five years to three, tied visible identification requirements to the date Parks and Wildlife began requiring them, and made the bill effective immediately. Senate Bill 1490, a cleanup to adult charter high school funding, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2227, creating a process for delayed birth certificates and renamed the Charles E. Barton Act, both passed unanimously after floor amendments. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1964, regulating artificial intelligence systems used by state agencies, also passed unanimously after the author described guardrails for high-risk AI and disclosure requirements. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 2877, which increases penalties for election fraud and related attempts; after debate over whether existing law already covers some conduct and whether the bill was necessary given the small number of convictions, it passed to engrossment and later final passage on a 21-10 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2658, on brackish groundwater production and study, passed after four amendments, including one giving water districts authority to stop production if monitoring shows harm to freshwater supplies or subsidence and another returning a portion of transported water revenue to districts. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 648, strengthening recording requirements for real property instruments to help prevent deed theft, also passed on a 26-4 vote. Other measures approved included Committee Substitute Senate Bill 401, making it easier for homeschool students to participate in UIL activities through local district opt-in/nearest-district participation rules; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 407, requiring health care facilities to honor conscience or religious vaccine exemptions for employees, despite extensive questioning about patient safety and immunocompromised patients; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2117, creating a Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review risky foreign acquisitions; Senate Bill 1718, adding the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program after a failed amendment seeking equal space for gun-control advocacy; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1626, clarifying limits on censorship and interference with digital expression by social media platforms; and Senate Bill 2206, updating the state R&D franchise tax credit and related sales tax treatment, which passed 31-0. The chamber also debated Senate Bill 1395 on school health advisory councils. An initial amendment to restore voting seats for teachers and school employees failed, but a later amendment by Senator West added students back in an advisory, non-voting capacity. The Senate then handled routine motions, committee scheduling, first-reading referrals, and adjourned until April 29, with the session ending in memory of two constituents.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> opposed to one of the more normal state opposed to one of the more normal state agencies agencies
• So if I went over to the State Library and pulled down the laws of 1967, there would be chapter 1, chapter
• </c><00:29:23.279><c> library</c><00:29:24.159><c> and</c> went over to the State library and went over
• to the State library and pulled<00:29:24.640><c> down</c><00:29:24.799><c> the</c><00:29:24.919><c>
• </c><01:19:49.159><c> owned</c> for rails and ties on the state owned for rails and ties on the state

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the lapse extensions in the back of House Bill 25, which governs capital budget appropriations and bonding. Members were walked through how the bill is structured: section 1 covers general, federal, and other funds; section 2 covers highway fund appropriations; later sections authorize borrowing, restrict spending to the stated purposes, and explain why community colleges and the university system operate through their boards of trustees. The chair also explained that lapse extensions are needed because capital projects can span multiple years, and that appropriations normally expire at the end of the biennium unless extended. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how to identify unspent balances and whether they should be extended, repurposed, or allowed to lapse. Members discussed that if a project is complete or an agency confirms it no longer needs the money, the remaining balance can be reused for another project or, if not needed, lapse back. The committee also reviewed the meaning of bill references and chapter numbers, and how to read prior-year appropriations and extensions in the worksheet. One example discussed was a 2023 Department of Administrative Services courthouse generators item, and members noted that some agencies may rely on encumbered balances rather than explicit lapse extensions, though the chair said he prefers including the extension for flexibility. The committee identified at least one specific change: the Jeffrey Ringe CTE renovation was removed from the governor’s recommended budget because the required local match was not approved, freeing about $18.5 million for possible reuse. Later, the chair noted that lapse extension 49 on the worksheet was no longer needed and could be removed, leaving an unspent balance of $81,500 available for repurposing. The discussion also referenced a Department of Transportation item, Caroline Stratford Freight Rail Improvements, which the agency asked to keep alive through a lapse extension so the funds would not expire on June 30. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided.