Transcript Highlights:

• To be clear, this bill is not about limiting free speech or banning the use of AI in political messaging
• It has to do with what your commission deals with day in and day out on political speech.
• The Texas Public Policy Foundation would support providing clear exemptions for political speech that
• Speech is fundamental and is protected by the Constitution.
• It doesn't criminalize the speech itself and it doesn't criminalize memes. political memes like that,

Bills: HB 13, HB143, HB144, HB145, HB366, HB470, HB805, HB912, HB13, HB143, HB144, HB145

Keywords: emergency communication, infrastructure, first responders, grant program, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, local governments, HB 143, Texas Railroad Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas, well site, surface facility, electrical power line, National Electrical Code, NEC, electrical safety, utility disconnect, service disconnection

Transcript Highlights:

• I cannot read my speech. So, I might have to make it up.
• I<00:02:25.280> cannot<00:02:25.720> read<00:02:25.920> my<00:02:26.080> speech
• 02:27.280> So,<00:02:28.000> I<00:02:28.120> might >> I cannot read my speech
• So, I might >> I cannot read my speech.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Berg of Dakota delivered a farewell speech on the House floor, thanking chamber staff, committee staff, legislative assistants, communications staff, and the people who keep the chamber running. She also thanked the constituents of District 55B for sending her to the Legislature three times and said she had spent her time centering workers and working families in her legislative work. Her remarks emphasized labor and union representation, saying she still believes more union members are needed in positions of power and expressing gratitude to union colleagues and the legacies of labor leaders in the chamber. She also thanked a long list of mentors, chairs, colleagues, and friends who supported her bills, gave her opportunities, and helped her personally during her service. Berg reflected on the challenges and losses of the past six years, including beginning her legislative service remotely during the pandemic and ending it after an act of political violence. She said serving alongside her colleagues had been an honor and privilege, thanked Speaker Hortman for her leadership, and closed by thanking her partner Brian and the chamber one last time. The speech ended with applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I prepared a speech on affordability.
• So, I prepared a speech on affordability.
• So, I prepared a speech on another one. So, I prepared a speech on affordability.
• That was my speech.
• That was my<00:43:09.200> speech. my speech. my speech.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, November 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We requested a speech specialist, as he was not meeting any of his speech milestones, and they refused
• We requested a speech specialist, as he was not meeting any of his speech milestones, and they refused
• We requested a speech specialist, as he was not meeting any of his speech milestones, and they refused
• We requested a speech specialist, as he was not meeting any of his speech milestones, and they refused
• We requested a speech specialist, as he was not meeting any of his speech milestones, and they refused

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:09:49.640> five The chair will entertain up to five further requests for one-minute speeches
• Paul is a 1982 high school graduate and proudly acknowledged during his acceptance speech that he is
• couple days ago and within his speech couple days ago and within his speech when<02:43:35.240>
• It doesn't fit almost any of the speeches you hear from the Left.
• recruitment for protecting free speech recruitment for protecting free speech for<03:59:56.239><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first Amendment explicitly protects several freedoms, including free speech, freedom of religion,
• The First Amendment explicitly protects several freedoms, including free speech, freedom of religion,
• <00:14:37.199> and First Amendment rights to speech and First Amendment rights to speech and
• They have found First Amendment violations, including retaliation for protected speech activities.
• They have found four speech activities.

Bills: HF3477, HF3414, HF103, HF3661, HF3146

Keywords: civil rights, law enforcement, federal collaboration, accountability, state law, constitutional rights, color of law, 42 U.S.C. 1983, section 1983, civil action, damages, injunctive relief, attorney fees, law enforcement task force, federal-state cooperation, intergovernmental agreement, federal agency partnership, Minnesota Constitution, U.S. Constitution, police accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• under the first amendment because speech under the first amendment because the<00:31:55.200> law<
• affirming its longstanding adult speech affirming its longstanding precedent<00:32:01.200> that
• versus Paxton did find that this bill does impinge slightly on the free speech rights of adults, but
• series of bills about um, free speech series of bills about um, free speech versus<01:02:31.520>
• Courts have held that computer code is speech. It's a dual nature.

Bills: HF357, HF3389, HF1434, HF2500, HF1606

Keywords: HF357, hasenpfeffer, card games, social skill game, Minnesota gambling law, tournament, contest, prize limit, low-stakes gaming, card game exemption, gambling exemption, cribbage, bridge, euchre, pinochle, Texas hold'em, whist, skat, sheepshead, gin

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is really an important moment where my mother— Chill free and academic speech.
• These are unacceptable failures to understand free speech.
• It is not the imperative of free speech to exert a heckler's veto.
• And... ...is not the imperative of free speech to exert a heckler's veto.
• And it is not the prerogative of free speech to vandalize and destroy and occupy buildings.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Anti-Semitism met for its 11th meeting and approved the minutes from its August 7 meeting. Co-chairs said the commission had recently completed preliminary K-12 recommendations and would continue work on higher education, with additional topics such as workplace issues, the medical sector, and the arts to be addressed before the November 30 reporting deadline. They also said another public comment meeting would be held this fall. The first testimony came from Dr. Mark Posnansky of Harvard Medical School, who described anti-Semitism affecting STEM, research, and higher education. He said Jewish and Israeli students and faculty reported ostracism, gaslighting, intimidation, discrimination, and hiding Jewish identity, and he urged clear leadership statements, mandatory anti-Semitism education, and stronger reporting and discipline procedures. Commissioners asked about Harvard training, spillover into teaching hospitals, and whether anti-Semitic climates were causing students to leave; he said some students had turned down opportunities because of the environment and that concerns also affected healthcare settings. Lindsey Gabbo, a Harvard Law student and mother, testified that campus discourse after October 7 had made Jewish and Zionist students feel isolated and unwelcome, with protests, defaced hostage posters, and a student council BDS vote contributing to the climate. She said Harvard had sent some emails acknowledging anti-Semitism but that she had not seen meaningful steps to restore dialogue, and she argued the school needed more structured venues for conversation. Commissioners also asked about campus security, the effect on students’ mental health, and the impact of chants and protests that she said many Jewish students understood as calls to violence. A panel of concerned Jewish faculty and staff then offered contrasting views. Professor Jeremy Menchick argued the commission should use data carefully, include non-Zionist Jews in its analysis, and avoid reinforcing divisions within the Jewish community. Professor Hilary Lustick described restorative-practice approaches and said structured dialogue could address conflict without immediate punishment. Professor Jonathan Feingold warned that anti-Semitism was being weaponized by the Trump administration and right-wing groups to attack universities and DEI, and he urged the commission not to adopt approaches that could be used to undermine civil rights institutions. Commissioners pushed back on claims that the problem was being exaggerated or reduced to a “problem” rather than a “crisis,” and the discussion ended with continued debate over data, context, and how to balance anti-Semitism concerns with broader civil-rights protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• , a 2022 Supreme Court case that sets a new test for balancing the First Amendment rights of free speech
• conservative court found that Coach Kennedy's post-game prayer on the 50-yard line was protected speech
• It wasn't part of his teaching because it was after the game. three, that it was protected speech because
• And as the federal courts have shown, drag shows are a form of constitutionally protected speech, and
• This bill is a painful attack not only on LGBTQ plus Texans. but on freedom of speech and the safety

Bills: SCR5, SCR13, SB3, SB6, SB10, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17, SB18, SB19, SB24, SB35, SB57, SB65, SB112, SB284, SB290, SB388, SB400, SB402, SB412, SB495, SB499, SB502, SB509, SB621, SB706, SB740, SB815, SB842, SB854, SB875, SB893, SB917, SB974, SB1025, SB1061, SB1073, SB1106, SB1268, SB1281, SB1300, SB1362, SB1379, SB1447, SB1451, SB1555, SB1902, SJR36, SJR12, SCR13, SCR25, SCR5, SCR22, SCR12, SCR24, SB495, SB412, SB10, SB18, SB565, SB372, SB842, SB765, SB62, SB19, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB706, SB847, SB290, SB13, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SB1006, SB504, SB917, SB925, SB388, SB1902, SB1121, SB995, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB35, SB6, SB815, SB3, SB1281, SB1379, SB1300, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB1451, SB1061, SB15, SB65, SB241, SB304, SB402, SB499, SB621, SB974, SB1023, SB1024, SB1025, SB1106, SB686, SB112, SB371, SB204, SB400, SB609, SB1447, SB670, SB502, SB427, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1555, SB1362, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB987, SB1539, SB893, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB509, SB985, SB965, SB17, SB1119, SB1505, SB12, SB24, SB57, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1532, SB1268, SB1302, SB856, SB650, SB583, SB673, SB840, SJR57, SCR8, SB213, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB378, SB610, SB918, SB1343, SB608, SB487, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB958, SB535, SB761, SB1, SB541, SB315, SB379, SB1018, SB1737, SB266, SB1415

Keywords: SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame, football coach, school facility naming, education K-16, State Affairs, Texas Legislature, public school tribute, water rights

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:11.280> and protects both our freedom of speech and protects both our freedom of speech
• Swanson, in which we prevailed on free speech grounds against another very restrictive Minnesota law
• attempting to deprive nonprofit advocacy groups of our rights to free speech.
• MCCL is resolved to continue to defend our rights to free speech and association.
• Case after case has resulted in the same outcome for those attempting to restrict corporate speech.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.]
• [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.]
• [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.]
• [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.]
• [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.]

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> [laughter] Um, I've always thought about my retirement speech like ever since I was first elected
• And so I just encourage everyone who's staying to write your retirement speech, too, because I've heard
• So, with that, I don't know if my speech is going to live up to that, but I've written the top five things
• don't<00:00:48.880> know<00:00:48.960> if<00:00:49.080> my<00:00:49.200> speech
• So, with that, I don't know if my speech So, with that, I don't know if my speech is<00:00:49.560

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Feist delivered a farewell retirement speech on the House floor, reflecting on her service and the legacy she hopes to leave. She said she would not miss the internet, being called “honey” by strangers, going viral, wearing blazers, or what she described as a legislative culture that can encourage groupthink, discourage cross-party questioning, and make it harder to see one another’s humanity. She urged leaders to create more structures and incentives for members to truly hear each other and trust one another. She also shared what she will miss: the camaraderie and “family” of the House, the humor and support of colleagues, the process of negotiating bills with people holding different views, and the opportunity to visit a wide range of places and communities through her work. She thanked nonpartisan research staff, House staff, colleagues, her family, and several individuals by name for their support, including help with her campaigns and with balancing public service and family life. The speech was emotional and lighthearted at times, drawing laughter from the chamber. It concluded with Feist saying it had been an honor to represent New Brighton, Columbia Heights, and St. Anthony, and that she would remain outspoken after leaving office. The House responded with applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it preserves free speech and also protects voters from deception and protects candidates from deception
• 00:02:19.440> it<00:02:19.599> preserves<00:02:20.000> free<00:02:20.319> speech
• <00:02:20.560> and<00:02:20.800> also So it preserves free speech and also So it preserves
• free speech and also protects<00:02:21.520> voters<00:02:21.840> from<00:02:22.160>

Keywords: Technology - Room 210, 3 February, 2026; 11:30 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee heard a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence in qualified political advertisements. The sponsor explained that the measure applies only when an ad uses AI-generated image, audio, or video and is made on behalf of a candidate, committee, or other person in connection with an election or ballot issue. The bill would require clear disclosures: visible disclaimers for text or graphic ads, spoken disclaimers for audio ads, and both visual and spoken disclaimers for video ads. It was emphasized that the bill does not ban AI use in campaigns, does not regulate captions or written posts, does not apply to private social media activity, satire or parody, or news coverage/documentaries, and does not create criminal penalties. The sponsor also said liability would attach only to the person or committee that created the AI-generated ad, not to broadcasters or cable/satellite providers that air it. Penalties were described as up to $250 for a first violation by an individual, up to $1,000 for subsequent violations, and $1,000 per violation for committees. Enforcement would be available to the attorney general and to an injured or likely injured candidate, with venue in Hinds County or the county where the violation occurred or where voters were targeted. The sponsor said the attorney general’s office had been sent the bill and was monitoring it. During discussion, a senator praised the sponsor’s work and said the issue was already arising in practice. The sponsor then noted that, because the bill would have to return to the elections committee, an amendment would be added to adopt the universal definition of artificial intelligence and remove the current language for consistency. A motion to “sub pass” was made, and the committee proceeded to a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The national convention speeches were incredible.
• And at the conclusion of his speech, he said, let's vote about it.
• THAT SPEECH THAT JESSIE JACKSON GAVE IN 1989 ON A T.V. SHOW, COULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN TODAY.
• You have heard the 1988 speech. And I'll give you one excerpt before I close, Madam President.
• YOU HAVE HEARD THE 1988 SPEECH. AND I'LL GIVE YOU ONE EXCERPT BEFORE I CLOSE, MADAM PRESIDENT.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior Journal, and began with ceremonial recognitions before moving to legislative business. Members honored the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner football team for winning the Eastern Regional Championship and being a top-ranked national team, with Senators Parker and Tedisco praising the players, coaches, and volunteers. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 1636, mourning the death of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson and recognizing his lifetime of civil rights, labor, voting rights, and social justice advocacy. Multiple senators spoke in support, reflecting on his influence on politics, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and the message that “I am somebody.” After the resolution, the Senate took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, largely focused on health care, insurance, and public health. These included measures on municipal law, mental hygiene, correction law, executive law, and several insurance and public health bills addressing prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, rebates, and anti-competitive drug practices. Senators Myrie, Borrello, Jackson, Fernandez, and others explained votes in support of transparency, patient access, and lowering drug costs; some members noted concerns about pharmacy deserts and corporate consolidation. Most bills passed with broad margins, though a few drew more opposition, including Calendar 304 on anti-competitive drug agreements. On Calendar 289, an amendment concerning domestic violence was ruled non-germane by the chair. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed, arguing the amendment would create a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders to help protect potential victims. The Senate voted on the appeal, the ruling of the chair stood, and the bill was then restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the calendar, had no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE NEED TO OPPOSE THE BILL TO CONTINUE SPEECH, VIEWPOINT AND SELF-DETERMINATION HERE IN FLORIDA.
• FAMILY VOICE IN SUPPORT OF SB 440 AT THE HEART OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT NOT ONLY IS THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH
• TO SAY WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO BUT ALSO TO NOT BE FORCED TO ENGAGE IN COMPELLED SPEECH IS GIVEN DOWN BY A
• YOU ARE RECOGNIZED FOR 30 SECONDS. >> I DON'T HAVE A SPEECH PREPARED BECAUSE MY TIME WAS CUT SO I WILL
• BUT CREATES A LICENSE TO DISCRIMINATE PROTECTING SOMEONE'S RIGHT TO DISRESPECT OTHERS ISN'T FREE SPEECH

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We here as a state can determine that the freedom of speech shall not include the expenditure of money
• We here as a state can determine that the freedom of speech shall not include the expenditure of money
• We here as a state can determine that the freedom of speech shall not include the expenditure of money
• We here as a state can determine that the freedom of speech shall not include the expenditure of money
• shall not include the freedom of speech shall not include the expenditure<00:40:44.200> of<00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• example, we think this implicates the First and Fourteenth Amendments because there is a prohibition on speech
• It also could be sweeping up constitutionally protected speech. Those are the issues with the U.S.
• President Pro Tem, germane again, there's no free speech implications here. Okay. Thank you. Mr.
• President, pro tem, germanus, again, there's no free speech implications here. Okay.
• Senator Hoffman: "Tem, germanus" again, there's no free speech implications here.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, journal approval, and routine announcements, including temporary committee substitutions and a guest introduction recognizing AIM Youth Mental Health and its student ambassadors. Senator Epstein read a proclamation designating May 31, 2026, as Youth Mental Health Day in Arizona. The chamber then recessed for caucuses before moving into Committee of the Whole to consider calendar bills. The first measure, HB 2995 on legal decision-making and parenting time, received a committee amendment and a Mesnard floor amendment. The floor amendment emphasized child and victim safety in domestic violence cases, tightened standards for rebutting presumptions, and added an emergency clause for quicker implementation. The amendments were adopted, and the Committee of the Whole reported HB 2995 out with a do pass recommendation as amended. The second measure, HCR 2040, a proposed constitutional amendment concerning labor organization use of public resources in school districts, drew extensive debate. Supporters argued it would prevent school resources from being used for union political or membership activities and protect students from work stoppages, while opponents raised constitutional concerns involving free speech, due process, contracts, pensions, and employee rights, and argued it would harm educators and union communication. After a division vote, the Committee of the Whole reported HCR 2040 out with a do pass recommendation as amended by a 12-11 vote. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and adjourned until May 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• example, we think this implicates the First and Fourteenth Amendments because there is a prohibition on speech
• It also could be sweeping up constitutionally protected speech. Those are the issues with the U.S.
• President Pro Tem, germane again, there's no free speech implications here. Okay. Thank you. Mr.
• President, pro tem, germanus, again, there's no free speech implications here. Okay.
• Tem, germanus, again, there's no free speech implications here. Okay.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and routine journal and appointment actions. Members also made brief announcements about caucus meetings and recognized guests from AIM Youth Mental Health, including a proclamation by Senator Epstein designating May 31, 2026, as Youth Mental Health Day in Arizona. The chamber then met as the Committee of the Whole to consider House Bill 2995, relating to legal decision-making and parenting time in domestic relations cases. A committee amendment and a Mesnard floor amendment were adopted; the floor amendment emphasized child and victim safety in domestic violence cases, tightened standards for rebutting presumptions, and added an emergency clause. The bill was then reported out of Committee of the Whole with a do pass as amended recommendation. Members next considered House Concurrent Resolution 2040, a proposed constitutional amendment concerning labor organization use of public resources in school districts. Supporters argued it would restrict use of district communication systems and public resources for union-related materials and work stoppages, while opponents raised constitutional, due process, contract, pension, and free speech concerns, and argued it would harm teachers and union communication. The Government Committee amendment was adopted, and after debate the resolution was reported out of Committee of the Whole with a do pass as amended recommendation by a 12-11 division. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and adjourned until May 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• free speech.
• I'm an active free speech free speech.
• This bill violates our free speech.
• I do believe in the right to free speech.
• I do believe in the right to free speech.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on HB 1875, which would expand Hawaii’s existing protections to include gender-affirming health care, clarify permitted disclosures of protected health information, and bar certain adverse actions by malpractice insurers and health carriers against providers of lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care. The Insurance Division of DCCA supported the bill with a technical amendment, suggesting language tied to actuarial analysis rather than the phrase “actuarially sound.” The Office of Information Practices also provided comments. Most testimony was strongly in support. State agencies and advocacy groups, including the Hawaii State Youth Commission, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Stonewall Caucus, ACLU of Hawaii, PFLAG Oahu, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the bill would protect patient privacy, reduce chilling effects from out-of-state litigation, and help retain providers in a state already facing shortages. Several testifiers said gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and life-saving, and emphasized that Hawaii should protect its own health care decisions from outside political pressure. A few individuals testified in opposition, arguing the bill was unnecessary or that it protected providers more than opponents of the bill, but these views were not echoed by most of the testimony. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers to keep comments brief and maintain decorum. The transcript provided does not include a final committee vote or disposition on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it is not about going against speech or against activities that are supporting those countries.
• But it is not about going against speech that or against activities that are supporting those countries
• , while this bill goes after people for other political... ...politically protected speech, while this
• bill goes after people for other politically protected speech.
• grant the Texas government the power to simply enforce whatever agenda it pleases, deciding which speech

Bills: SB1540, SB2225, SB2284, SB2382, SB2487, SB2514, SB2595, SB2876, SB2877, SB3031, SB2753

Keywords: election officials, confidentiality, personal information, government transparency, public safety, spirit beverages, alcoholic beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, distribution, taxation, firearms, local regulation, archery equipment, weapons, voter registration, statewide list, county requirements, election integrity, computer services contracts, mental health

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard Senate Bill 3031, which would expand aggravated assault to cover certain road-rage shootings involving a person in or traveling to or from a motor vehicle, when a firearm is discharged and causes injury, property damage, or fear of serious bodily injury. Senator Schwertner laid out the bill for the author, described it as closing a gap in the law, and there was no public testimony; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2514, a measure by Chairman Hughes aimed at creating a DPS unit to identify, investigate, and monitor hostile foreign influence operations and to require ethics training for state employees. Supportive invited testimony from Dr. Jacqueline Deal, Ambassador Kelly Curry, and Michael Lucci emphasized threats from the Chinese Communist Party, transnational repression, cyber intrusion, and state-level influence efforts, and argued Texas should take a leading role. Public testimony included opposition from speakers who raised concerns about free speech, privacy, and potential overbreadth. The bill was left pending after testimony closed. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 30 as pending business and discussed a committee substitute. Senator Schwertner explained that the substitute would limit admissible medical expense evidence to amounts paid or up to 300% of Medicare, clarify treatment of provider testimony and attorney-referred providers, remove a requirement that plaintiffs use available health insurance to mitigate damages, strike a unanimous-verdict requirement for non-economic damages, and delete a remittitur provision. Senators questioned the impact on sexual assault and child abuse survivors, the use of Medicare as a benchmark, and whether the bill would still allow fair compensation. After discussion, SB 30 was left pending and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.