Transcript Highlights:

• And if I can ask it in two parts, I'd appreciate the opportunity.
• The first part of my question is, um, It in two parts. I'd appreciate the opportunity.
• But you've answered my question, sir, to the first part.
• Most troubling part of this bill is it sets a very dangerous precedent.
• Children today are part of a chilling social experiment.

Bills: HB2112

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: age restrictions, online content, digital media, youth protection, cyber safety, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sorry, I'm only speaking to kind of the parts of the bill we support, so thank you.
• I'm sorry, I'm only speaking to kind of the parts of the bill we support, so thank you.
• For short, we're part of—start over again, please. Go ahead. Sure. Chair, thank you again.
• The technical feasibility part of this bill is confusing to me.
• The technical feasibility part of this bill is confusing to me.

Bills: HB1170 , HB2157 , HB2225

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, AI-generated content, deepfake, synthetic media, content provenance, provenance data, metadata, watermarking, disclosure, transparency, consumer protection, unfair or deceptive acts, unfair competition, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, platform regulation, AI detection tool, media authenticity

Transcript Highlights:

• through the good &gt;&gt; and that is uh in part through the good work<00:15:07.199><c> of</c><00:15
• So I just want to, in part for our new members, uh, Senator Mley, Senator Benson, I want to just catch
• In part, that led to a rearrangement of this chamber.
• </c> part of. I ask them how I can help. part of. I ask them how I can help.
• The question is, shall the Senate adopt the resolution on its part? Are you ready for the question?

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a 64% decline overall in what we used to call Part One crimes: major violent and property crimes
• this fascinating, I think, situation with drug offenses, where they dropped about 25% in the first part
• I skipped this part; let me go back. This is 2024 data, calendar year 2024.
• And this added presence causes part of the crime drop.
• And for the most part, these have been mixed and have been met with really limited success.

Summary: The House Committee on Community Safety held a December 4, 2025 work session focused first on crime trends and then on policing effectiveness. Adam Gelb of the Council on Criminal Justice reviewed long-term national data showing major declines in reported crime and victimization since the early 1990s, a pandemic-era spike in homicide and some violent crime, and a recent drop back toward pre-pandemic levels. He also highlighted a sharp decline in juvenile arrests and incarceration, a substantial reduction in racial disparities in imprisonment, and noted that much of the disparity reduction appears tied to changes in arrest patterns. James McMahon of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs then presented Washington’s 2024 crime report, saying total crime fell 8.4% from 2023, with decreases in violent crime, property crime, murders, robberies, aggravated assaults, hate crimes, and vehicle theft, while crimes against society rose. He emphasized that domestic violence makes up about half of crimes against persons, that Washington remains above its 2019 levels in several categories, and that underreporting affects the data. Marshall Clement of the Council of State Governments Justice Center added that Washington remains one of the states still above 2019 violent-crime levels, with homicide and juvenile victimization especially concerning, and noted wide variation in juvenile arrests and violent-crime trends across cities and counties. Jeff Asher of the Real Time Crime Index said his near-real-time data through September 2025 suggests continued national and Washington declines in murder, violent crime, and property crime, with Washington’s murder trend likely continuing downward into 2025. The second half of the work session shifted to policing methods and clearance rates. Richard Hahn of the Niskanen Center argued that disorder and neighborhood conditions affect public safety perceptions, that environmental design and street lighting can reduce crime, and that police agencies need better deployment, investigative capacity, and clearance rates, especially amid staffing shortages. Mark Kropanski of Arnold Ventures summarized research finding that police staffing matters, hotspots and problem-oriented policing reduce crime, and better investigations increase deterrence and trust; he stressed that homicide clearance rates remain only around 60% in Washington and that property-crime clearance is much lower. Marshall Clement returned to focus on Washington’s solve rates, saying only 44% of violent crimes reported to police are solved, with 62% of homicides, 51% of aggravated assaults, 25% of rapes, and 31% of robberies cleared in 2024, and that large numbers of serious crimes remain unsolved over a three-year period. He urged state leaders to set goals, improve data collection, strengthen investigative resources, and support victims and witnesses. No votes or formal actions were taken; the session was informational and included extensive member questions about juvenile crime, domestic violence, underreporting, detective staffing, and how to improve clearance rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's just part of that, where we're at with math, kind of nationally, too.
• So, is that part of a very intentional looking at teacher strategy? Mr.
• The AMIRA math, or ISIP math, is part of our state assessment.
• They're part of the literacy; it's part of the overall literacy score.
• To do the job really well is an important part of our work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Always a pleasure to be a part of this committee.
• And really what we're asking here is for the taxpayer to be a part of the priority.
• We're doing our part to plan responsibly.
• So that's part of the change. All right.
• If you take the dollar values of what it costs, let's get that part of it.

Bills: SB9

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear Senate Bill 9, which would lower the voter-approval tax rate for certain local taxing units from 3.5% to 2.5%. Sen. Bettencourt, the bill author, argued the change would continue the state’s property tax reforms begun in 2019, slow local levy growth, and give voters more say over larger tax increases. He and supporters cited data showing property tax levies have grown faster than population plus inflation, and said the bill would help protect taxpayers while preserving the state’s broader investments in school tax relief, water, rural law enforcement, and ambulance funding. Supporters included the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers. They said the bill would improve transparency, encourage more disciplined budgeting, and create certainty for homeowners and businesses. They argued that lower tax-rate growth would help attract and retain employers and investment, and that voters would still be able to approve higher rates when needed. Local officials and other opponents said the bill would constrain cities and counties facing rapid growth, inflation, infrastructure needs, and public safety costs. Testimony from county judges, city finance officials, firefighters, and urban county representatives emphasized pressures from jail operations, roads, water, EMS, police and fire staffing, and unfunded mandates. Several witnesses asked for carve-outs or exemptions for public safety and disaster-related costs, warning that a one-size-fits-all cap could force service cuts or shift costs elsewhere. The committee heard extensive questioning but no final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Previously before that, I was Deputy General Counsel, part of the legal team with Texas Realtors, and
• So judging a book by its parts is worse than judging a book by its cover.
• Not to consider part of our society.
• I have had a part a large Should be.
• I have had a part, a large part, between my wife and I raising six children, a grandchild, and now I'm

Bills: SB2101 , SB2334 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2713 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB3059 , HB 1130

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: minors, sexually explicit materials, public libraries, age verification, civil penalties, library collection review, alcohol storage, airline permits, beverage regulations, airport, commercial flights, alcoholic beverages, local option election, zoning regulations, municipality control, land use, state law, social media, bot accounts, misinformation

Summary: The committee first reopened public testimony on Senate Bill 2713, which concerned protections for freedom of conscience in the context of Realtor association discipline. Texas Realtors representatives testified that their organization is a separate Texas legal entity but affiliated with the National Association of Realtors through a charter and code of ethics. They said Texas Realtors is neutral on SB 2713, that their ethics process is focused on fair housing and equal professional service, and that they have not suspended or terminated anyone in Texas for religious or political speech. Senators pressed them on whether national standards could override Texas law and on examples from other states; the witnesses said state and federal law control and that they would comply with Texas law if the bill passed. Public testimony then closed and SB 2713 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1698 on e-cigarettes. Senator Parker explained a committee substitute that tightened enforcement, required distributor registration, expanded regulation to nicotine from any source, added restrictions on child-appealing packaging, authorized inspections and audits, and set compliance deadlines later in 2025 and 2026. After questions, the substitute was adopted and SB 1698, as substituted, was reported favorably to the full Senate on a 6-0 vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 2487 on crisis and mental health facilities. Senator Parker described a substitute that renamed the program a crisis service model, allowed multiple county facilities, added local siting limits, expanded staffing options, shortened clinical timelines, required discharge referrals, directed law enforcement and EMS to transport people there first, and created local boards and expanded reporting. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-0 vote, also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2819, dealing with political activities of county elections administrators, was then reported favorably on a 6-0 vote and likewise sent to the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2043 was withdrawn. The committee spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2101, which would require municipal public libraries to move sexually explicit materials out of minors’ sections and impose age-verification and review requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect children from explicit material in public libraries and that libraries should not be left to self-regulate. Opponents, including librarians, parents, authors, and ACLU representatives, argued the definitions were vague, the bill would be costly and burdensome for small libraries, could function as a book ban, and would restrict teens’ access to classics, research materials, and other books. Several witnesses said parents should make those decisions, not the state. The bill’s author said the committee substitute was still being worked on and asked witnesses to review it; public testimony remained open in the portion provided, with no final action on SB 2101 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not from that part of the state.
• Basically I'm part of that rest of the story.
• I was a part of the Corpus Christi. I'm wrong.
• I was a part of that.
• And be a part of us, because they don't want to be in the urban areas.

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, and of on pace for the most part.
• For the most part, it is working really well.
• That is not part of the power-sharing agreement.
• Is it part of the a few committees.
• </c> part of the power sharing agreement. part of the power sharing agreement.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She was there as part of that team that saved those three astronauts, which Gene Cerner referred to as
• the Railroad Commission of Texas of certain pits used for storage and disposal of oil and gas waste part
• Human Services Commission's authority to establish and implement certain public health initiatives part
• HG 4701 by Leo Wilson related in student discretion and the alternative assessment instruction as part
• For suits for personal injury arising from certain offenses against a child or disabled individual part

Transcript Highlights:

• The hardest part is to get them to want to go. Why do we put walls up?
• The hardest part is to get them to want to go. Why do we put walls up?
• The hardest part is to get them to want to go. Why do we put walls up?
• The hardest part is to get them to want to go. Why do we put walls up?
• There would be counsel is part of it.

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard three resolutions focused on condominium management, insurance, and landlord-tenant issues. For HCR 24/HR 23, which sought a follow-up Sunrise review of condominium association managers, Hawaii Realtors and the Real Estate Commission supported the measure, while several condo owners and advocates described alleged embezzlement, misconduct, and lack of accountability in association management. The Real Estate Commission suggested using a more current bill, HB 1312, as the basis for the review. In decision-making, the committee adopted an HD1 to direct the auditor to conduct a Sunrise analysis on HB 1312 instead of the older cited bills, and the measure passed with amendments by unanimous votes, with one member excused. For HCR 85/HR 79, which asked the Insurance Commissioner to study alternative insurance models for condominium associations and unit owners, the acting insurance commissioner said the division supported the concept but warned the study could be costly and time-sensitive, estimating roughly $1.5 million based on the breadth of the requested work. A committee member and the commissioner discussed whether the scope could be narrowed, and the commissioner said a narrower study could reduce costs. The committee ultimately deferred the measure for possible revision and future discussion. For HCR 158/HR 153, which proposed an Attorney General-led working group to improve landlord-tenant code provisions, the Attorney General’s office said another agency with housing expertise would be better suited to convene the group and suggested LRB for legal research support. Hawaii Realtors supported the idea but said the chairing agency could be changed, while Maui Tenants and Workers Association urged stronger tenant representation and warned against framing the effort in a way that favors investors over tenants. A mediator also noted procedural gaps in court filing requirements for tenants and landlords. In decision-making, the committee adopted an HD1 to shift the convening role from the Attorney General to the judiciary, narrow the scope, and make technical changes; the amended resolution passed unanimously, with one member excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're very excited about that part of it.
• Part of needing a substitute is due to how fast we're moving on emergency items.
• I think part of what the change here is to recognize the obvious.
• We would have to take action, like in any other part. ...of our budget to change that.
• And that's a really good and important part of it to mention. Yes, sir.

Bills: SB26 , SB 26

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, SB 26, Texas Property Code, colonia, colonias, Spanish translation, bilingual contract, real estate contract, executory contract, residential property, border county, international border, economically distressed area, consumer protection, language access, translator certified in Spanish

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, part of the BEAD program does allow for satellite deployment.
• I thought we were done with that part. Mr. Chair, Senator.
• The second part of it was a low-income subsidy for low-income households.
• Again, there are questions about whether installation would be an important part of that as well.
• That's a significant part of the process. My question is, you know... It works both ways.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• undermine the United States at every turn and to ensure our partners and allies are also doing their part
• Which I think you would recognize, you did recognize, led by Americans, broad bipartisan support, part
• of China, implying Taiwan was part of China.
• The American people support them, and they support our national security strategy versus their parts
• Peace is an important part of that when it comes to the UN.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• She was part of a group of political prisoners known as the Panther 21.
• She was part of a group of political prisoners known as the Panther 21.
• Eric did not just serve the community that he was a part of.
• He wanted to be part of the solution.
• And he's been part of my journey to becoming an assemblywoman.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as part of that, we are definitely looking at the setup of bathrooms. Funding here coming up.
• And so the driveway is part of this project would be redesigned.
• And so that is part of the plan there.
• That is all part of this process.
• I would think that would be part of what we present to you in the budget.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery. The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific. OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling. Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the staff in the regional offices is working on the board directive to recalculate part of the
• Part of my childhood was spent in Mexico and in the U.S., going back and forth.
• Part of my childhood was spent in Mexico and in the U.S., going back and forth.
• of which is considering science as a full indicator that would be part of that.
• Maybe I wasn't part of that vote. I don't believe that that came before me because...

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide for the recreation of Louisiana Economic Development and the statutory entities made a part
• Amendment 14 provides that the term builder for purposes of Part 2A applies to both dealers and developers
• I think they're just going to offer it as part of the services that they already are allowed to offer
• That's a part of it, right?
• I've always been part of that, you know, of mine where it takes two or three years to do a good bill.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 11, 2026, with a quorum present and took up a series of Senate bills, a resolution, and one House bill. The committee reported favorably Senate Bill 79 to recreate Louisiana Economic Development, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 to establish the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, Senate Bill 375 on firefighting foam with amendments clarifying use in declared emergencies, Senate Bill 398 moving manufactured and modular housing oversight under the Contractors Licensing Board with technical and substantive amendments, Senate Bill 163 on virtual currency business licensing with an amendment providing for federal preemption if Congress enacts a national licensing regime, and Senate Bill 287 on virtual currency kiosks with consumer-protection provisions and technical amendments. The committee also reported favorably House Resolution 197, as amended, urging the Public Service Commission to study distributed energy generation and storage resources with LSU involvement, and Senate Bill 54, which would allow estheticians to blow-dry hair after certain services; that bill drew extensive testimony from supporters and opponents in the cosmetology and aesthetics industries before being reported favorably. Several bills prompted detailed discussion and testimony. On Senate Bill 398, the sponsor and Contractors Licensing Board representatives said the change would improve enforcement and consumer safety for manufactured-home installation, especially tie-downs, leveling, and foundation blocking, while not affecting HUD-regulated construction. On the virtual currency bills, OFI said it currently licenses 37 virtual currency businesses with 33 pending applications, and supporters described the kiosk bill as a response to fraud complaints by requiring clearer disclosures, refund procedures, live customer support, and reporting to OFI. For House Resolution 197, the sponsor, PSC officials, and energy stakeholders said the study would examine the value of distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar and battery storage, in light of rising demand and grid reliability concerns; PSC staff and LSU energy experts described the study as focused on market value and avoided-cost benefits. House Bill 744, which would have shifted regulation of certain New Orleans utilities from the city council to the PSC, generated discussion about constitutional history, rate impacts, and utility consolidation. PSC officials and the sponsor said the current city-council regulation is a constitutional exception dating back to 1921, and they argued that PSC regulation could reduce costs and simplify oversight, but the sponsor ultimately moved to defer the bill rather than force a floor fight, and the committee agreed. The committee then began consideration of Senate Bill 386, the Louisiana Data Privacy Act, adopting technical amendments and then a larger amendment package that revised definitions and compliance provisions; the transcript ends while that bill’s amendment process is still underway, with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide for the recreation of Louisiana Economic Development and the statutory entities made a part
• that eventually adopt this, then it all... ...industrial part of warehouses that eventually adopt this
• I think they're just going to offer it as part of the services that they already are allowed to offer
• That's a part of it, right?
• I've always been part of that, you know, of mine where it takes two or three years to do a good bill.

Bills: HB744 , HR197 , SB54 , SB79 , SB163 , SB287 , SB375 , SB386 , SB398 , SB469 , SCR5

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: public utility, common carrier, regulation, Public Service Commission, New Orleans, constitutional amendment, distributed energy, energy storage, electricity demand, virtual power plants, reliability, hurricane resilience, esthetics, cosmetology, hair services, beauty industry, Louisiana regulation, Louisiana Economic Development, sunset law, legislative authority

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look at part D of the I'd like to add one comment.
• But I'll go back and answer your first part again.
• Did you say this is being used in other parts of the state? That's correct.
• Gun rights is very much a strong part of citizenship.
• Voting rights is a strong part of citizenship.

Committee: Senate Judiciary C

Keywords: 974, senate, all