Transcript Highlights:

• Today Yonge County, with Graham as its vibrant county seat, It blends small-town charm with progress,
• Not only is Washington County my home county, it is home to many first and oldest in Texas.
• Fairs the oldest county fair in Texas.
• , and the United Way of Tarrant County.
• The history of Bee County, named after Col.

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB26, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• you and I both know that for rural Texas, I mean, unless you're on I-35, I-45, or I-59 or a county that's
• contiguous with a county that touches those corridors there's not a lot of growth so You're right, yes
• I've looked in Bexar County, there are two urban districts that fall. than just under the 5,000, and
• important your 29-2 vote was on bail reform. because today, for the first time in history in Harris County
• We do not know of any other case in Harris County.

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB26, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• That's not a common practice in Texas, but it does exist in two of our counties.
• It's chapter 161.001B1. 1-0 of the family code.
• But the thing is, there's another provision. right next to it in the code that allows termination of
• parents in these cases have vigorous legal representation, and we need to make sure that that our family code

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB26, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• my district there's different counties where ranchers have to go and register in different counties can
• so that requires me to physically drive to each one of those counties.
• It's an important bill concerning agricultural code.
• Kirshbaum mentioned, and that is found in Texas Utilities Code section 36-210.
• So this bill would provide that in Williamson County east of I-35.

Bills: SB 384, SB 503, SB 565, SB 616, SB 740

Keywords: hunting license, fishing license, donation, operation game thief fund, wildlife conservation, livestock, electronic registry, marks and brands, Texas Animal Health Commission, animal identification, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened under the leadership of Chairman Kelly Hancock, who opened the meeting with a prayer in remembrance of Chairman Perry, who was absent due to a personal loss. The session focused on the discussions surrounding SB384, which aims to support the longstanding initiative known as Operation Game Thief. Senator Flores presented the bill, emphasizing its essential role in the fight against poaching through public support. The operation has a successful track record of convictions but is currently dependent on donations and merchandise sales for funding. The committee aimed to vote on multiple bills during this session, contingent on achieving a quorum. Notably, discussions also revolved around fiscal notes on two bills that were set aside for later consideration, indicating the committee's intention to carefully manage their legislative decisions. The meeting showcased a productive atmosphere, with committee members actively engaged in the review and potential advancement of key legislative measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have a list of where the fire department has gone out a number of times.
• This is just using the measure in the findings from the police fire department.
• , per the fire department, with arson and other activities of fire... ...per the fire department, with
• arson and other activities of fire.
• And that would include fire trucks and ambulances.

Bills: HR217, HB66, HB204, HB208, HB326, HB472, HB483, HB484, HB793, HB1051, HB1080, HB1087, HB1111, HB1215, SB78, SB148

Keywords: rent stabilization, affordable housing, cost burdened, Louisiana housing, housing policy, emergency rental protections, Alexandria, municipal ordinances, administrative adjudication, code enforcement, housing violations, building codes, zoning, nuisance ordinances, vegetation ordinances, sewerage, drainage, licensing, permits, local government

Summary: The committee met on April 29 and considered a series of local and special bills affecting municipal and parish governance, blight enforcement, development districts, and term limits. Early action included a motion to apply a three-minute rule. House Bill 483, concerning the Fulberg/Marini Security and Improvement District in Orleans Parish, was voluntarily deferred after discussion and no support cards. House Bill 484, which revised the New Orleans Regional Business Park board by reducing membership from 12 to 11 and giving the mayor four direct appointments with removal authority, was adopted as a substitute and reported favorably. Senate Bill 78, dealing with the Shreveport Downtown Development District, was amended to correct a legislative district reference and then reported favorably. The committee also heard announcements that several previously deferred bills would not be heard that day. Several Shreveport-related blight bills were advanced. House Bill 1051, authorizing demolition of certain dilapidated properties in Shreveport, was amended to allow the city to rely on findings from code enforcement, fire, police, or other public safety officials, and then reported favorably. House Bill 1080, addressing condemned commercial property in Shreveport, was also reported favorably, though the author said he would continue consulting with the city attorney before floor consideration. House Bill 66 for Alexandria expanded the city’s administrative adjudication authority to cover a broader range of ordinance violations, including building, zoning, vegetation, nuisance, sewer, drainage, licensing, and permit matters; it was supported by the city and reported favorably. House Bill 326, requiring the Tickfaw police chief candidate to reside within the village, also passed favorably. House Bill 793, a contentious bill concerning recorded subdivision plats and prescription, drew extensive testimony from the author, parish officials, a former appellate judge, and the McCormick family. Supporters said the bill closes a loophole exposed by recent court rulings that could let noncompliant plats become enforceable after five years without actual notice to local governments, while opponents argued the current substitute still creates uncertainty and could burden property owners; the author said the bill was prospective only and would also go to the Law Institute. Despite the debate, the committee moved the substitute favorably. Senate Bill 148, allowing municipalities to pay a modest per diem to planning and zoning commission members by local ordinance, was reported favorably with support from Lake Charles. The committee rejected House Bill 208, which would have let St. Helena Parish voters decide whether to impose term limits on parish governing authority members. The bill’s author argued the people should decide, but the St. Helena Police Jury opposed it and committee members emphasized local control; the final vote was 3 yeas to 10 nays. House Bill 1215, concerning the disposition of historical statues and monuments, was amended to bar the Office of State Parks from placing transferred monuments back in the parish from which they were removed, and then was reported favorably. House Bill 472, authorizing local rent stabilization ordinances during a governor-declared emergency, was amended to limit such ordinances to the emergency period, tie increases to the consumer price index, and cap them at 365 days; discussion continued on whether the measure duplicated existing price-gouging laws and whether a broader study would be preferable.

Bills: SCR 22, SB 53, SB 204, SB 266, SB 268, SB 291, SB 292, SB 296, SB 304, SB 305, SB 413, SB 447, SB 455, SB 462, SB 493, SB 504, SB 519, SB 522, SB 532, SB 541, SB 667, SB 670, SB 673, SB 681, SB 687, SB 711, SB 746, SB 765, SB 783, SB 827, SB 850, SB 860, SB 888, SB 897, SB 901, SB 927, SB 955, SB 963, SB 984, SB 989, SB 993, SB 996, SB 1023, SB 1033, SB 1058, SB 1062, SB 1101, SB 1119, SB 1172, SB 1173, SB 1215, SB 1220, SB 1227, SB 1228, SB 1229, SB 1238, SB 1239, SB 1245, SB 1248, SB 1254, SB 1259, SB 1273, SB 1277, SB 1302, SB 1332, SB 1341, SB 1346, SB 1350, SB 1352, SB 1353, SB 1355, SB 1358, SB 1370, SB 1371, SB 1378, SB 1403, SB 1404, SB 1415, SB 1437, SB 1448, SB 1450, SB 1464, SB 1493, SB 1494, SB 1537, SB 1566, SB 1569, SB 1589, SB 1598, SB 1644, SB 1709, SB 1719, SB 1729, SB 1733, SB 1744, SB 1772, SB 1810, SB 1841, SB 1895, SB 1930, SB 2039, SB 2289, SB 2312, SCR 1, SCR 6, SCR 27, SCR 32, SB 2232

Keywords: mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, parental rights, education, school trustees, training, handbook, tax collection, managed audits, taxpayer rights, dispute resolution, penalty, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• People move in and out, and I know my home county, two years ago, was the sixth fastest growing county
• I represent more counties than you do. Fourteen.
• Even if we go to regional hearings, there are 254 counties in the state of Texas.
• Tarrant County, but we're not going to get people from other places.
• Specifically, for example, the Democratic County Judge in Webb County who changed parties last December

Bills: SR5, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35

Keywords: redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes

Summary: The meeting centered around the discussion of congressional redistricting, where the committee established the procedures to ensure a fair and transparent process. Led by Senator King, the session focused on adopting a resolution that authorized a special committee dedicated to congressional redistricting and allowed for regional hearings to gather public input via videoconferencing. Concerns were raised about ensuring adequate notice for public participation, especially from marginalized communities potentially affected by proposed changes. Disagreements emerged regarding the timeline for regional hearings and how to address the implications of the redistricting process on minority districts. Overall, participants acknowledged the complex nature of redistricting and the importance of engaging constituents in the legislative process.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Tarrant County, our current Central County Station Plan names our Technology Resources Coordinator
• A very nice, polite county employee in my county that has no say whatsoever in any of this is just doing
• are not Harris County.
• Most often, in most counties, I would say the manager typically is the county election officer, so the
• This is not a Harris County bill. But the example I will use is Harris County. Thank you, Mr.

Bills: HB304, HB401, HB556, HB1475, HB1489, HB2259, HB2424, HB2773, HB2811, HB3323, HB304

Keywords: voter ID, citizenship proof, provisional ballot, election security, Texas, voting rights, deep fakes, misleading videos, election integrity, criminal offense, digital misinformation, deep fake, political manipulation, misinformation, artificial media, political influence, artificially generated media, election influence, Texas Election Code, healthcare reform

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2665 amends the Family Code to mandate that DFPS notify the appropriate county or district
• of the felony criminal cases that come through my county.
• Send intakes directly to district or county attorneys.
• If they, so you're saying that if, if the DA or county county attorney, district attorney needs it, they
• It's just like a fire. It doesn't stop until you burn it all up.

Bills: HB 741, HB 1199, HB 2070, HB 2402, HB 2542, HB 2665, HB 2789, HB 3096, HB 3396, HB 3595, HB 3747, HB 4116, HB 4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• the code.
• Namely, the Administrative Code Chapter 87, the Government Code Chapter 406, and the Civil Practices
• I'm an assistant county attorney with the Harris County Attorney's Office.
• For these reasons, the County Attorney's Office in Harris County supports House Bill 5621.
• If someone commits a new felony in El Paso County, the felony bond was from El Paso County.

Bills: HB5621, HB4904, HB5067, HB5076, HB5081, HB5354, HB4862, HB3847, HB4088, HB4157, HB2966, HB2287, HB4203, HB4803, HB4737, HB5093, HB783, HB5411, HB4281

Keywords: HB 5621, consumer protection, Deceptive Trade Practices Act, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code, attorney general, consumer protection division, district attorney, county attorney, local prosecutor, civil investigative demand, CID, voluntary compliance, financial institution records, bank records, privacy, protective order, in camera review, trade secrets, insurer

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Senate Bill 2135 authorizes county purchasing agents to obtain and administer a county purchase
• These rules mirror the state eCard program, tailored to county needs.
• This bill authorizes the Board of County Commissioners to...
• Are you aware of a Supreme Court case, Kenney versus the Board of County Commissioners in Tulsa County
• taking this to the vote of the people in their county, and the county citizens would actually have to

Bills: SB1265, SB2154, SB1775, SB2139, SB1552, SB483, SB1198, SB2135, SB2118

Keywords: municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, local government, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI, driving under the influence, alcohol-related offenses, drug-related offenses, prostitution, solicitation

Transcript Highlights:

• It makes him competitive with other municipalities or counties of that size.
• So this bill simply allows the Montgomery County City Council to be authorized to...
• We have the Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery County, at the airport.
• I am, I do the county too. My bad. Okay.
• So, we had asked for the county to come in this morning, but I just don't see any of them here.

Bills: HB424, SB286

Keywords: HB424, Montgomery County, sheriff, county sheriff, salary increase, expense allowance, local act, county general fund, retirement contributions, public official compensation, law enforcement pay, elected official salary, Montgomery County legislation, sheriff compensation, term-based salary, retirement system, Montgomery City Council, constitutional amendment, employees, service credit

Transcript Highlights:

• But since 1913, uh like my home county, Mobile County, and then Baldwin County where they're having a
• ,<00:14:43.120> Mobile<00:14:43.519> County, uh like my home county, Mobile County,
• > Mobile<00:14:57.839> County<00:14:58.399> is Though my county, Mobile County,
• County. I am incredibly mad about this. County. I am incredibly mad about this.
• I am back in county. county. county.

Bills: HB403, HB399, HB392

Keywords: criminal enterprise, database, law enforcement, data privacy, criminal justice, Lamar County, property auction, county commission, online auction, public notice, HB392, Lauderdale County, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, district attorney, chief assistant district attorney, assistant district attorney, assistant district attorneys, prosecutor, prosecutorial compensation, salary supplement

Transcript Highlights:

• It's fire. You practically impossible. It's fire.
• So that's an fire brakes. Okay.
• So... >> Fire does what fire does. >> Yeah. So what was the other 3% that it changed?
• be used by any county in the state. be used by any county in the state.
• And, uh, we set up an authority in one of our counties to where the county commission actually makes

Bills: SB85, SB263, HB277, HB267, SB288, SB85, SB263, HB277, HB267, SB288

Keywords: vaccination exemption, religious exemption, medical exemption, vaccine mandate, testing requirement, public schools, K-12, students, parents, guardians, higher education, college enrollment, university attendance, public institutions of higher education, immunization, religious tenets, sincerely held belief, school health policy, Alabama, AHSAA physical form

Transcript Highlights:

• The Office of Prosecution Services must distribute those funds to the county sheriff's advancement and
• been putting up our, you know, most of the people that we've had to put up, and that's when your counties
• we've had to put up and that's<00:23:50.159> when<00:23:50.400> your<00:23:50.559> counties
• <00:23:50.960> have<00:23:51.120> been that's when your counties have been that's when
• your counties have been seeing<00:23:51.520> most<00:23:51.760> of<00:23:51.840> the

Bills: HB585

Keywords: Washington County, circuit clerk, compensation, county government, local legislation, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That it's not just your average county road.
• A lot of times, those aren't even maintained by the County, but it is a county road.
• Senate Bill 1621 simply says that the local county district attorney can defend the county law library
• So, anyway, this is a request bill by Oklahoma County clerk.
• Last year, we passed a uniform trustst code, the Oklahoma uniform Trust code. It's about 66 pages.

Bills: SB504, SB844, SB1209, SB1266, SB1303, SB1448, SB1496, SB1595, SB1597, SB1655, SB1679, SB1621, SB1716, SB1769, SB1827, SB1876, SB1944, SB2072, SB2084, SB2104, SB2112, SB2170, SB2180, SB2182

Keywords: charitable organizations, donor restrictions, endowment gifts, Safeguarding Endowment Gifts Act, Oklahoma, donor rights, charitable contributions, forcible entry, detainer, trial period, legal notices, housing law, SB1266, notary public, notaries, legal advice, unauthorized practice of law, misdemeanor, Secretary of State, appointment revocation

Transcript Highlights:

• going to get out and then all of a sudden they said, "Oh no, we've just got this notice here from XYZ County
• /c><00:45:52.160> here<00:45:52.319> from<00:45:52.560> XYZ<00:45:53.680> County
• <00:45:54.000> or got this notice here from XYZ County or got this notice here from XYZ County

Bills: SB61, SB8, SB58, SB60, SB167

Keywords: school psychologist, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure compact, license reciprocity, portable license, equivalent license, professional licensing, psychology board, school mental health, student services, educational services, interstate practice, reciprocal licensing, background check, continuing education, workforce shortage, military spouse, active duty military, compact commission

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee substitute keeps proposed changes within the Texas Utilities Code, Chapter 37, rather than
• House Bill 132 would update the government code to ensure that the same confidentiality protections that
• And we control what happens in Texas, as far as gas-fired and other types of technologies, but we don't
• Our intelligence would also correspond with very long lead times for natural gas-fired equipment in the
• For example, Mayor Whitmire of Houston publicly highlighted that several Houston fire stations...

Bills: HB 11, HB 14, HB 132, HB 1584, HB 1606, HB 5061, HB 1041, HB 2286

Keywords: licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism, critical infrastructure, emergency response, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting was a thorough exploration of multiple bills, most notably focused on innovative energy solutions and public safety enhancements. Key discussions centered around HB14, which aims to bolster the state's nuclear energy capabilities through the establishment of a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and a strategic necessity for Texas's growth. There was strong support for the bill, with various stakeholders highlighting its importance for the future energy landscape. Additionally, other bills like HB132 addressed the need for enhanced confidentiality protections regarding sensitive information, while HB1584 sought improvements in power restoration procedures during emergencies. Overall, the committee engaged with multiple viewpoints, balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee substitute keeps the proposed changes within Texas Utilities Code Chapter 37 rather than
• House Bill 132 would update the Government Code to make sure that the same confidentiality protections
• And we can build, it sounds like, from what I'm hearing, multiple gas-fired plants for the same amount
• And we control what happens in Texas as far as gas-fired and other types of technologies.
• And our intelligence would also correspond with very long lead times for natural gas-fired equipment

Bills: HB132, HB 11, HB14, HB132, HB1584, HB1606, HB5061, HB 1041, HB2286

Keywords: nuclear energy, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, energy policy, regulation repeal, state energy strategy, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and quickly reported several measures favorably, including HB 12, SB 1361, SB 1705, SB 1749, SB 1897, SB 2344, SB 2566, HB 3809, and HB 4215, with most sent to the Local and Uncontested Calendar. HB 12’s substitute clarified a limited midterm review of regulatory agencies tied to Sunset Commission recommendations. SB 2696’s substitute changed med spa regulation from a license to a certificate, with training instead of an exam, plus background checks, continuing education, and two-year renewals. HB 3809 dealt with battery energy storage decommissioning and recycling, and HB 4215 was reported without a substitute. SB 1978, concerning interconnection of electric facilities in ERCOT and federal jurisdiction concerns, was reported out on a 5-3 vote after debate, but then the chair later announced the bill was withdrawn and left pending subject to the call of the chair. HB 1899 was also reported favorably, with one nay. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 14, the advanced nuclear energy bill. Senator Schwertner described it as creating a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, a nuclear permitting coordinator, a development fund, a completion grant program, and a workforce development program. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from Fermi America, Dow/X-energy, CPS Energy, Paragon Energy Solutions, Bridge to Nuclear, Aalo Atomics, and the Texas Association of Business, argued that Texas should lead in advanced nuclear, citing future baseload demand, data centers, industrial power needs, supply-chain development, and long-term energy diversification. Opponents, including Public Citizen, Texas Nuclear Watchdogs, Sierra Club, and individual citizens, argued the bill would subsidize unproven, expensive technology, create grants rather than loans, and expose taxpayers to major risk while doing little to meet near-term energy needs. Several members questioned whether the state should fund projects that may not produce grid power for years, and whether the bill’s grant structure and new office were justified. The committee also heard HB 5061, which Senator Schwertner said would prohibit unethical surveillance and misuse of confidential information by state contractors, create a confidential reporting system through the State Auditor’s Office, authorize Texas Rangers investigations, protect whistleblowers, and impose penalties including contract termination, fines, and contracting bans. No public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. HB 132, sponsored by Senator Hughes, would extend confidentiality protections for sensitive information to hostile acts by foreign adversaries; it was also left pending after no testimony. HB 1584 was then laid out, with Senator Schwertner explaining it would require utilities to maintain and update priority restoration lists for critical facilities after Hurricane Beryl exposed communication failures, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• in my home, would I need one insurance, in case, like, I never hook them up correctly and I start a fire

Bills: SB2671, SB2902

Keywords: permit processing, permitting reform, county permits, development permits, building permits, land use, construction delays, housing development, infrastructure development, county workforce, differential pay, salary incentive, performance bonus, recruitment and retention, expedited hiring, vacancy rates, permit backlog, government modernization, county mayor, county council

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard two measures. SB 2671, relating to essential permitting positions, drew no oral testimony beyond written comments from the Department of the Attorney General and the Office of Planning. The chair said the bill was intended to make government more efficient and reduce red tape in the permitting process. SB 2902, relating to renewable energy, received testimony from the Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Public Utilities Commission, Kauai Island Cooperative, Bright Saver, and 350 Hawaii. Supporters described the bill as a way to expand access to plug-in or balcony solar, lower electricity bills, improve resilience, and broaden access for renters and apartment residents. Several testifiers urged amendments to avoid limiting the measure to condominiums, to remove condominium board approval language, and to eliminate utility or PUC registration requirements. The PUC said registration could help with safety, linemen protection, and circuit hosting-capacity concerns, and noted that improper installation or oversizing could create problems. After a brief recess, the committee voted to recommend both bills for passage with amendments and deferred each to April 19, 2042. The recommendations were adopted without objection.