Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm tracking you. I'm very convinced that that's the case.
• I'm tracking with what you're saying.
• I'm tracking. I understand the point that you're making.
• First one is, how would this be deployed onto a vehicle to track it?
• So we've heard in the hearing about a new GPS tracking technology that allows police to shoot a GPS tracking

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2777 by Representative Rose, which would bar the death penalty for defendants who can prove by clear and convincing evidence that they had schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and active psychotic symptoms at the time of the offense. Rose said the bill would still hold defendants accountable through life without parole, would save money by avoiding lengthy capital litigation, and would address cases where severe mental illness was not adequately considered. Supporters from NAMI Texas, the Catholic bishops, and a forensic psychologist said the bill is narrowly tailored, consistent with neuroscience and moral principles, and would prevent executions of people whose psychosis substantially impaired reality testing. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with existing competency and insanity law, whether the diagnosis is sufficiently defined, and whether the statute requires active psychosis at the time of the offense. An opponent argued the death penalty should remain available for juries to decide in all cases. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 1221 by Representative Lozano, which would raise the cap on pretrial intervention program fees from $500 to $1,200. Lozano and a district attorney witness said the increase is needed because program costs have risen and the fees help make diversion programs self-sustaining, allowing first-time or low-level offenders to complete rehabilitation and potentially obtain expunction. Opponents from the Texas Fair Defense Project argued the higher fee could make diversion unaffordable for indigent defendants and undermine an important alternative to incarceration, especially where related supervision and monitoring costs already add up. Members discussed whether the fee applies only to PTI participants, how payment plans and waivers work, and whether ability to pay should be addressed more explicitly. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1738 by Representative Jones, which would repeal Penal Code Section 21.06 and related Health and Safety Code references concerning homosexual conduct. Jones said the law is unconstitutional under Lawrence v. Texas, remains harmful on the books, and has led to confusion and unnecessary costs even though it is unenforceable. Supporters said the bill simply removes outdated language and protects civil liberties, while opponents from Texas Values argued the statute still serves as a statement that homosexual conduct is unacceptable and should remain as a warning, even if unenforceable. Members debated whether the law’s remaining language is merely symbolic or still harmful, and whether other criminal statutes already cover conduct such as prostitution, incest, and offenses involving minors. The bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:04.480> and keep Broadband expansion on track and keep Broadband expansion on track
• orders that's a very very good track orders that's a very very good track record<00:21:35.240>
• Our systems meticulously tracked and documented nearly all instances of network damage, providing us
• We feel immediate changes need to be made to this law to keep projects on track.
• <01:22:29.159> for DLI um in terms of being on track for DLI um in terms of being on track

Bills: HF47, HF335

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF335, Greater Minnesota, economic development, public infrastructure, grant program, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, business development, infrastructure grants, local government aid, general fund appropriation, rural development, site development, utilities, roads

Transcript Highlights:

• This is now going to take the vendor kind of off that track and get something else on their plate without
• you're out of luck, and quite honestly they've been dragging their feet and this needs to stay on track
• yesterday called us and said they got this alert to the TV situation, and that says their car is being tracked
• yesterday called us said they got this alert to the TV situation and that says their card is being tracked

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Social Services Committee met on April 20 with Senators Cleare, Kavanagh, Weik, and Murray present. The committee considered five bills, all of which were reported to the calendar. Senator Kavanagh introduced S.913, which would remove the requirement that a court proceeding be initiated before someone can qualify for rent arrears grants and ongoing rental assistance; members supported it as a way to avoid unnecessary eviction proceedings. S.2022 by Senator Cooney, which exempts certain income when determining eligibility for public assistance, was also reported without objection. The committee then discussed S.5807A by Senator Sepulveda, requiring EBT-related websites and mobile apps to be available in the 12 most common non-English languages. Several members supported the language-access goal but raised concerns that the bill could distract from or delay implementation of chip technology for EBT cards and fraud prevention; Senators Murray and Weik voted no, while the bill was still reported with concerns to be conveyed to the sponsor. S.7612 by Senator Martinez, establishing statewide co-shelter toolkits, was described as helping domestic violence survivors keep pets safe and together with victims, and it was reported unanimously. Finally, S.8045 by Senator Bino, requiring the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to provide materials on removing accounts from smart home systems, was reported unanimously. Members noted concerns about tracking devices and smart-home-related safety issues in domestic violence cases. No other actions were taken beyond motions, seconding, and reporting each bill to the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I'll have that track to that motion. >> This is to review a complaint. >> Second. is going to be
• >> I'll<00:04:22.320> have<00:04:22.400> that<00:04:22.639> track<00:04:22.880
• >> I'll have that track to that motion. >> I'll have that track to that motion.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a procedural motion to defer consideration of Miss White’s motion to dismiss until a later date to be set in a forthcoming scheduling order. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The chair then announced that a motion to compel and postpone was granted, moving the hearing date to December 2 and directing that a scheduling order be issued promptly to outline the schedule leading up to that hearing. At the request of a member, the chair also stated that both parties would be held to the terms of the scheduling order and that filings made outside of compliance would not be considered. No separate action was required on that point because the chair said it would be included in the order. The committee then took a 10-minute break and announced it would return at 11:45 and go into executive session. A motion was made and seconded to enter executive session to review a complaint, and after some clarification that it was not a personnel matter, the motion was approved. The body then entered executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• where people feel comfortable by confirming what it is that they're seeing, creating a system to log, track
• where people feel comfortable by confirming what it is that they're seeing, creating a system to log, track
• call and confirm with and basically whether fact or fiction what we want to do is be able to log, track
• They log it, they track it, investigate, and then mitigate if necessary. Additional question.
• and I thought that the best way of doing so was by creating a repository, as you mentioned, to log, track

Summary: The committee considered and reported favorably several bills, most of them sponsored by Senator Rodriguez. CS/SB 164 on vessel accountability was presented as a measure to help law enforcement identify vessel owners, create a free long-term anchoring permit program, increase penalties for derelict vessel violations, and authorize grants for local governments in FWC’s prevention program; it passed without amendment. SB 388, dealing with FWC trust funds, was also reported favorably after Senator Berman asked whether non-game wildlife funds would support immigration enforcement; Senator Rodriguez said they would not. CS/SB 1320 was amended to recreate the Resilient Florida Trust Fund and then passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System was amended to define new terms and reduce the maximum surcharge from 25 cents to 15 cents, then reported favorably. CS/SB 86 on peer support for first responders expanded eligibility to support personnel and passed with broad support from law enforcement and related groups. The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 92, a hit-and-run accountability bill by Senator Gruters. The adopted amendment added a front license plate requirement, lowered the damage threshold from $5,000 to $2,500, and retained reporting requirements for repair shops. NFIB testified in opposition to parts of the bill, citing concerns about the lower threshold, short reporting deadlines, and potential license revocation, while supporters argued the bill would improve accountability and help solve hit-and-run cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate. The final and most contentious measure was CS/SB 56 by Senator Garcia, which would prohibit geoengineering and weather modification activities in Florida, repeal older weather-modification statutes, create a public reporting system at DEP, and impose penalties for violations. Supporters, including individuals identifying with weather-watch and anti-geoengineering concerns, argued that the bill would address public fears and environmental risks. A cloud-seeding company representative testified that cloud seeding is distinct from solar radiation management and said permitting should exist for responsible weather modification, while warning the bill could hinder beneficial precipitation enhancement. Despite skepticism from some members about the bill’s premise and scope, the committee reported it favorably. The meeting then concluded after members recorded missed votes and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• governments, the Department of Housing and Community Development has now developed online dashboards to track
• and partnership unit that is multifaceted that allows us to monitor HAP grantees expenditures and track
• count for longer than I care to admit, I think many of you know it's not the most accurate way to track
• You know two, there's also a lack of transparency and tracking on subcontractors because we subcontract
• Now, we've been tracking those that we have cited and arrested in those unique situations where it's

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't always track all that go in later or go to college first and then track, so I, I wouldn't have
• and some of them to military ROTC from there, yes sir, but you don't, there's no way to, we don't track
• them at this point we're not tracking that exactly at this point.
• Students shouldn't have to choose between an academic or a vocational track, and advisors should get
• The bill's vision, getting more students on track towards high wage, high growth certificates is bold

Bills: HB20, HB120

Keywords: fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations, higher education, LGBTQ studies, DEI studies, program prohibition, educational policy, HB120, Texas, Texas Education Code, public universities, public colleges, queer studies, gay studies, lesbian studies

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we will be tracking<00:07:33.120> early<00:07:33.440> and<00:07:33.680> mid-range
• <00:07:34.319> indicators tracking early and mid-range indicators tracking early and mid-range
• <00:32:37.039> and systems to track activities and systems to track activities and experiences
• So it's curious because I know some states are really tracking it.
• So it's curious because I know some states are really tracking it.

Bills: HF3650, HF2238

Keywords: student career pathways, education framework, experiential learning, employer engagement, career technical education, HF2238, Minnesota, workforce development, construction trades, youth skills training, youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, construction training, career and technical education, CTE, child labor laws, minor labor, labor exemption, workforce pipeline, skilled trades

Transcript Highlights:

• under the goal of the Great Start Scholarship Program by establishing one method for attendance tracking
• tracking for providers regardless<00:04:47.479> of<00:04:47.639> the<00:04:48.199>
• County and tribal social services use SSIS to track, manage, and pay for social services.
• One area of SSIS that will be improved by modernization is our state's ability to track emergency holds
• <01:27:44.280> and tracking of tracking um maintaining and tracking of tracking um maintaining

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard a presentation from Department of Children, Youth, and Families Commissioner Tiki Brown on the department’s 2025 budget and transition plans. Brown said the governor’s budget pairs targeted reductions with modest investments, resulting in net general fund savings, while preserving core safety-net programs. Major proposals included funding for program integrity, modernization of the child welfare SSIS system, compliance changes for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), operating adjustments, and a transition account reallocation as the new department continues moving programs from other agencies through July 1, 2025. A large portion of the discussion focused on CCAP fraud prevention and oversight. Brown and Assistant Commissioner Diane Hy explained that the proposed statewide electronic attendance recordkeeping system would replace retroactive paper-based attendance reporting with more timely data, making it harder to falsify attendance and claim payments improperly. Brown also said the department is working with the Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General and other partners on compliance and fraud controls. Senators pressed for more detail on current enforcement, whether payments can be withheld for violations, and whether recent media reports showed gaps in oversight; Brown said payments can be stopped for false attendance records, suspended or revoked licenses, or fraud allegations, but not for health and safety violations alone. The committee also reviewed other budget-neutral policy changes, including expanding permanency support services for relative foster care and tribal equivalents, strengthening tribal child welfare grants, updating TEACH scholarship rules for early childhood educators, and adjusting the Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program to create a special revenue fund and extend a 10% payment increase to tribally licensed programs and programs on tribal reservation land. Brown also described a $1.5 million annual reduction to restorative practices grants, leaving a smaller ongoing base. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• versus long tracks, the safety?
• long track?
• our tracks uh or maybe a couple of our our tracks uh or maybe a couple of our tracks<03:26:12.319>
• The currently or mile long track.
• That's a 78 mile track. Evston. That's a 78 mile track. >> Thank<03:28:09.600> you.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so out of that money, um how much money was given to this specific program and is there any tracking
• Okay, so out of that money, um how much money was given to this specific program and is there any tracking
• Okay, so out of that money, um how much money was given to this specific program and is there any tracking
• <00:17:14.079> And<00:17:14.199> I tracking of the results? Yeah.
• And I tracking of the results? Yeah.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• here in the room, I'm going to start with Senator Leak, Tab 8, SB 1168, on installation or use of tracking
• Section 923.425 makes installing, placing, or using a tracking device or application on another person's
• There is currently not an increased penalty for unlawful installation or use of a tracking device or
• Installation or use of a tracking device or application if a person does so in furtherance of committing
• This legislation would create the crime of aggravated installation or use of tracking devices or tracking

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several criminal justice, public records, nuisance, and firearms bills. SB 1168, by Sen. Leak, would create a second-degree felony for aggravated installation or use of a tracking device or application when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; it passed unanimously. SB 1054, by Sen. Garcia, would increase penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices, require immediate revocation of pretrial release for tampering, and bar further pretrial release on the current charges; after testimony raising concerns about unintended consequences and proof issues, it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1198, by Sen. DeSigley, addressing fraudulent use of gift cards, was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment and a technical amendment, then reported favorably with support from retail and industry groups. SB 710, by Sen. Osgood, would create a public records exemption for personal identifying and location information of current and former Crime Stoppers employees, board members, and volunteers; it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1022, by Sen. Wright, would strengthen nuisance abatement enforcement by raising fines, allowing tax-collector collection and special assessments, and authorizing foreclosure on unpaid liens; it was reported favorably after support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. SB 716, by Sen. Martin, would impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses by registered sexual offenders or predators and bar early release; after an amendment to tie the penalty to prior convictions rather than registration status, it passed favorably. SB 878, also by Sen. Martin, would extend probation supervision for certain misdemeanor controlled-substance offenses and align them with existing alcohol-related probation rules; it passed unanimously. Finally, SB 952, by Sen. Guglia, would repeal the statute allowing firearm and ammunition sales restrictions during certain declared emergencies; after extensive testimony from gun-rights advocates and debate about local emergency ordinances, it was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Someone's got to keep track of all these things that the legislator says, now you got to do this, now
• have to keep track of and report<00:53:16.800> out.
• <00:53:53.359> So, someone's got to keep track of it.
• So, someone's got to keep track of it.
• <01:12:14.800> grants, clearer tracking of categorical grants, clearer tracking of categorical

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would allow those who have been proven to be successful, put their life back on track, remove
• How would that help address keeping track of folks if they end up being homeless?
• So I'm not really sure about the Reconnect, but when we talk about the GPS, which is the tracking, and
• How would that help address keeping track of folks if they end up being homeless?
• How would that help address keeping track of folks if they end up being homeless?

Bills: HB2244, HB2364, HB2573, HB2749, HB2862, HB2870, HB4117, HCR2004

Keywords: evictions, judgment satisfaction, tenant rights, landlord obligations, court procedures, abortion-inducing drugs, medical abortion, pharmaceutical regulation, felonies, state law, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges, alcohol education, felony conviction, misdemeanor designation, court judgment, criminal justice reform, rehabilitation

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several bills. HB 2749, as amended, would allow certain nonviolent class 4, 5, or 6 felonies to be redesignated as class 1 misdemeanors after five years and after completion of sentence terms, with exclusions for crimes such as cruelty to animals, weapons misconduct, and failure to register as a sex offender. Supporters framed it as a redemption and reintegration measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a due pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote with one not voting. HB 2870 would prohibit certain level 2 and level 3 sex offenders from living together in the same single-family dwelling, with exceptions for relatives, community reentry centers, and certain existing supervised facilities. The sponsor and neighborhood residents described a real-life situation in Chandler involving multiple offenders in one house and argued the bill would protect families; opponents warned it could push people into homelessness and undermine supervision. After testimony from residents, housing operators, and a structured-housing provider, the committee approved the bill 3-2 with two not voting. HB 2862, which increases penalties for offenses committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity, drew support from the City of Scottsdale and opposition from the ACLU over First Amendment concerns; it passed 3-2 with two not voting. HB 2364 would create criminal penalties for mailing or delivering abortion-inducing drugs, including felony penalties for providers and a misdemeanor for ordering such drugs by mail. Supporters said it would enforce existing law and protect women; opponents argued it conflicts with Proposition 139 and constitutional protections for abortion access. The committee gave it a 4-3 due pass recommendation. HB 2244, supported by Phoenix Vice Mayor Keisha Hodge Washington, would streamline satisfaction of eviction judgments when tenants have paid and allow sealing of eviction records in some cases; it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2573, which removes the 45-day waiting period before some repeat DUI offenders can apply for an ignition interlock restricted license, also passed unanimously 7-0. The committee also considered HB 4117, a strike-everything amendment creating a new offense for interfering with a religious service or worship by obstructing access or engaging in disorderly conduct intended to disrupt the service. Supporters, including ADL and Jewish community representatives, said it would protect worshippers from obstruction and intimidation; opponents argued it was vague, unnecessary, and could chill protest speech. After extensive debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and gave the bill a due pass recommendation. Finally, HCR 2004, a mirror resolution to SCR 1004, would require voter approval for local photo enforcement systems and periodic reauthorization; it was discussed with support from city and league representatives, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think everything is on track and we should be able to issue that.
• So I think everything is on track and we should be able to issue that.
• is on track and we should<00:04:20.560> be<00:04:20.639> able<00:04:20.799> to<
• You know, if they're a new LLC or a new entity that gets set up, some need a track record before the
• <00:12:03.040> bonding track record before the bonding track record before the bonding companies

Bills: SJ0001

Keywords: mineral leasing, federal lands, Wyoming, energy policy, local control, federalism, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is a state, if you're aware of, are they tracking, are we tracking job placements or certifications or
• Is there any way for us to track that? The library-based workforce programs?
• Is there any way for us to track that so that it can be part of the evaluation and recurring funding
• Is a state, if you're aware of, are they tracking, are we tracking job placements or certifications or
• Is there any way for us to track that? the library-based workforce programs?

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative in support of fully funding the rural library endowment with an additional $29.5 million. The presenters described rural libraries as essential community infrastructure that provide not only books and internet access, but also early childhood programs, adult education, workforce support, telehealth, disaster response, and civic meeting space. They argued that the endowment would provide stable annual support for staffing and operations, help sustain libraries in very small towns and tribal communities, and support new or developing libraries. Members asked about eligibility, county coverage, how funds are distributed, and whether the state tracks broader outcomes such as job placements or certifications; the presenters said the State Library administers the funds and that the initiative itself is a nonprofit capacity-building organization, not the fund manager. Some members raised concerns about whether an endowment is the best long-term model versus recurring annual appropriations, and about the need for better reporting and state-library involvement. The committee then heard from food bank leaders Jill Dixon and Katie Anderson about food security and its economic impact. They said New Mexico’s five food banks and more than 500 partner agencies serve all 33 counties, distribute over 45 million meals, and rely mostly on philanthropy, with some state and local support. They emphasized that SNAP is a major economic driver, supporting grocery access, jobs, and local spending, and that recent legislative growth funding helped food banks respond to a surge in demand during a SNAP disruption. They also highlighted food banks as community hubs that can connect people to health care, job training, and other services, including through clinic referrals and closed-loop systems. In response to questions, they said food access gaps remain in some rural areas, that clients can generally seek food at other distribution sites without barriers, and that longer-term solutions should include more grocery access, healthy corner stores, and stronger broadband and health care infrastructure. The final presentations came from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Gallup-McKinley described a shrinking workforce, youth outmigration, crime, health care shortages, malpractice costs, and gross receipts tax burdens as major barriers to rural economic growth, and urged action on workforce pipelines, housing, public safety, malpractice reform, and tax/regulatory changes. Artesia highlighted its murals, library, sports tradition, oil and gas, agriculture, federal training center, and refinery, while also noting workforce shortages, health care recruitment challenges, housing constraints, and the need for quality-of-life investments and more flexible regulation. The committee also briefly heard a bill presentation proposing a New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially in technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. No votes were taken because quorum was not reached, and the endorsement item was not acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was passed by the legislature, and so it's just about tracking the costs. >> Absolutely.
• That was passed by the legislature, and so it's just about tracking the costs. >> Absolutely.
• That was passed by the legislature, and so it's just about tracking the costs. >> Absolutely.
• That was passed by the legislature, and so it's just about tracking the costs. >> Absolutely.
• Keep track. So that's just a suggestion. >> Absolutely.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on Friday, November 21st and first approved the October 17th minutes, with one member abstaining because she was not present. The committee then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar after removing two items for separate consideration. On tab four, members discussed item 25282 with the Commissioner of Administrative Services and Public Works staff; the project had been delayed after testing revealed design errors and flaws, and the committee was told the work would restart with test piles the following week and was projected for completion in fall 2027. The item was approved. On tab five, item 25279 concerned a Health and Human Services facility project and a federally required element added late in the process. Commissioners explained that the project had originally been funded at $21 million, later required additional financing, and that the legislature had recently lifted a restriction so non-ARPA funds could be used. They also said the sale of the existing Manchester property would not be needed to complete the build, that a broker RFP was about to be issued, and that any sale would require further approvals. The committee approved the item. The committee then approved item 25280 after a brief exchange about rainy day fund estimates and prior budget assumptions, and approved item 25278 without discussion. Item 25272 drew questions about the consumer advocate’s RFP for outside utility-rate-case assistance; the office said it eliminated proposals focused only on return on equity work after the Eversource decision, selected a Michigan firm for spreadsheet and operating-cost analysis, and noted there were no in-state firms doing this specialized work. The committee approved the item, with one member recorded in opposition. On tab nine, item 25261 concerned a new judicial council budget obligation tied to legislation and public defense staffing needs. The presenter said the request reflected a late-added obligation from the judicial branch, that more requests may still be needed, and that public defense staffing was strained by vacancies and competition from Massachusetts. The committee approved the item. Under informational items, members received an update on 529 plan distributions and on interest and dividends tax refunds, with Revenue Administration saying roughly $21 million more in refunds remained and that the repeal-related refunds were nearly finished. The committee also noted an environmental services item for which questions would be submitted separately. The next meeting was set for December 19th at 11:00 a.m., and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I was on the wrong track. I'm trying to... Okay, so we're gonna...
• I think I was on the wrong track. I'm trying to... Okay, so we're gonna...
• I think I was on the wrong track. I'm trying to... Okay, so we're gonna...
• I think I was on the wrong track. I'm trying to... Okay, so we're gonna...
• I think I was on the wrong track. I'm trying to... Okay, so we're gonna...

Bills: HB4568, HB5458, HB4543, HB2703, HB3728, HCR113, HCR126

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• The TEC has adopted a rule review plan to stay on track with this requirement, and the adoption of the
• In practice, it ends up being sort of a big administrative headache to track them.
• other bills affecting our jurisdiction or affecting our operations in some way, we are actively tracking
• And we're just tracking. We are just tracking, of course. Yeah, of course.
• And we're just tracking. We are, we're just tracking, of course. Yeah, of course.

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission met on March 11, 2025, first in executive session and then in open session. The chair announced that, in light of Texas Attorney General Opinion KP-484, the commission would conform its practices to the opinion and move to repeal tolling rules for sworn-complaint deadlines. The chair also said the commission would dismiss 36 pending sworn-complaint cases in which the 120-day settlement deadline had been exceeded, even though the delay had been tolled under prior TEC rules. The commission then set future meeting dates for June 12 and September 17 and approved prior meeting minutes. The commission adopted a new criminal-referral rule clarifying that, once jurisdiction over a complaint is accepted, commissioners may vote to make a criminal referral. It also adopted revised advisory-opinion rules, with a clarifying amendment from a commenter, and republished proposed changes to the definition of “principal purpose” for political committees after staff recommended a 49 percent political-activity threshold and further public input. The commission published for comment proposed changes to ethics training rules, facial-compliance review procedures, late-filing waiver and reduction rules, and sworn-complaint procedures, including tighter discovery limits, a default-order set-aside process, and removal of tolling language inconsistent with KP-484. It also republished Chapter 28 rules on Speaker-candidate reporting. The commission adopted several advisory opinions. It declined to give an affirmative defense on whether certain school-district communications were political advertising because related litigation had already addressed the issue. It reaffirmed that a House member may use donated district-office space if it is not reimbursable with public funds and was accepted before the contribution moratorium. It also concluded that a judge may use political funds for travel to a Navy-hosted event as a local dignitary, that legislators’ use of a corporate aircraft for a border-region fact-finding trip could be permissible but would likely trigger reporting obligations, that a TCEQ commissioner’s revolving-door restrictions apply only to matters actually placed before the commissioner, and that a part-time legislative staffer may not take outside employment assisting a registered lobbyist. The commission then heard and acted on numerous fine-waiver appeals, granting several full waivers or reductions and approving staff recommendations on others, and terminated a number of inactive campaign treasurer appointments. Finally, the executive director briefed the commission on the 2025 legislative session, noting that staffing requests are tied to Sunset recommendations and that the House had preliminarily recommended about half of the commission’s appropriations requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are tracking all the changes very closely and coordinating and collaborating with our Health and Human
• We will continue to track this closely, but we're steadfast in our commitment to health equity.
• Patterson said, that we don't want to go back to spreadsheets, faxes, paper, or having to keep track
• For 2425, the state operations spend rate is currently at 40% and on track to be fully spent by the end
• the department that they do not anticipate any unspent funds for fiscal year 2024-2025 and are on track

Keywords: 988, house, all