Transcript Highlights:

• It is my number one goal in the Texas legislature to protect Texas. kids and I hope you'll join me in
• Penal Code 4324, 1973. So this is serious to change the penal code. in my view.
• passed in 1970. 1973 with Texas' adoption of the model penal code.
• Texans have to be able to rely on. on the Texas Penal Code to effectively protect minors.
• Texas adopted the monopenal code based on Kinsey's science. and allowed the obscenity exemption and the

Bills: HB14, HB 106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HB 1127, HB1359, HB1393, HB1584, HB1640, HB1710, HB2152, HCR101, HJR8, HR51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Commerce Code.
• The Business Code to extend the length of a rental agreement from 30 to 180 days under the Business Code
• It is a mystery to our team why the tax code and the Business and Commerce Code definitions do not line
• It's a very clear message to our national government.
• I believe, in Texas, the Comptroller's...

Bills: SB 21, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842

Keywords: emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information

Transcript Highlights:

• The code is open source.
• As mentioned, Texas Property Code 51 relates to liens created against real property and the enforcement
• Texas.
• Policies don't push into Texas that necessarily disadvantage Texas corporations.
• It's kind of Texas-centric.

Bills: SB 21, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842

Keywords: emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee, Texas Water Code 16.343 and local government.
• Government Code 232.0013 were enacted with good intentions to ensure development in rural areas and to
• to Socorro, Texas.
• I think too many local governments in Texas... tend to believe that the laws passed by the legislature
• It's in Chapter 43 of the Local Government Code, in which this bill is going to be amending, and it doesn't

Bills: SB1079, SB1243, SB1504, SB1579, SB1708, SB1844, SB1851, SB1879, SB1921, SB1951, SB2237, SB2238, SB2406, SB2407

Keywords: SB 1079, Texas, county government, commissioners court, Local Government Code, Chapter 263, surplus property, salvage property, data storage device, hard drive, electronic media, digital records, confidential information, protected information, privacy, records retention, information security, data destruction, device disposal, sensitive data

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee and local government will come to order before we resume our bill.
• There are no broader regulations of government executive severance payments.
• The Texas City Manager Association recently did a survey.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• I, I'm Mayor Tom Kilgore of the city of Lakeway, Texas.

Bills: SB 1079, SB 1243, SB 1504, SB 1579, SB 1708, SB 1844, SB 1851, SB 1879, SB 1921, SB 1951, SB 2237, SB 2238, SB 2406, SB 2407

Keywords: SB 1079, Texas, county government, commissioners court, Local Government Code, Chapter 263, surplus property, salvage property, data storage device, hard drive, electronic media, digital records, confidential information, protected information, privacy, records retention, information security, data destruction, device disposal, sensitive data

Transcript Highlights:

• government.
• Texas by establishing the Governor's Medal of Service Award.
• El Paso as the official boot capital of Texas. El Paso is a city of makers.
• code.
• Relations for Texas Values.

Bills: SB2053, SCR19, SCR23, SCR29

Keywords: Governor's Medal of Service, Texas award, state honor, public service recognition, Governor's office, Governor's award, Texas Government Code Chapter 3108, ceremonial award, honorary medal, state service award, local government retirees, private sector contributions, Texas Legislature recognition, gift acceptance, donations, grant funding, executive recognition, Texas Life Monument, human life, preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• While current law under Chapter 211 of the Local Government Code and the Texas Constitution provides
• General Law City, subject to all the laws of the state of Texas. No home rule, no charter.
• You know, that as a city councilman, those are responsibilities of governance indeed. Sure.
• I respectfully urge you to vote no on SB 2639 and stand up for Texas history for all Texans.
• Section 16 of the Texas Constitution prohibits this type of action.

Bills: SB2215, SB2639

Keywords: zoning, municipality, municipal immunity, governmental immunity, local government, Chapter 211, Texas Local Government Code, land use, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, mandamus, attorney's fees, court costs, property rights, home rule city, code enforcement, planning and zoning, land development, municipal ordinance, historic landmark

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas tax code.
• HB3699 would amend the Texas Labor Code to define "last work" and "person for whom the claimant last
• The current law, section 552.130 of the government code, treats vehicle license plates captured on video
• HB 1893 addresses these issues by amending Section 552.130 of the Government Code and Section 730. 007
• Labor Code.

Bills: HB1397, HB1893, HB1950, HB2027, HB2791, HB3698, HB3699, HB3700, SB2603, SB2607, SB2565

Keywords: Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, HB 1893, Texas public information law, Public Information Act, Government Code 552.130, Transportation Code Chapter 730, license plate number, vehicle registration, law enforcement video, police body camera, dashcam, redaction, public records request, open records, government transparency, privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I would incorporate not only the National Electrical Code, but also what's already in the Texas Administrative
• We also use the Texas Administrative Code 25 if there is a dangerous condition.
• across the state of Texas.
• I represent the Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions. based here in Texas of the larger
• I am the president of the Texas.

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:

• It's about the election code. Again, this bill is solely within the election code.
• The federal government, the cavalry is not coming.
• I believe I have. of input into the entire state of Texas. Yes, sir.
• I'm from the North Texas area.
• And if they were not informed by their government, they can't even get government. relations going correctly

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'm in Northwest ISD, Denton County, Texas.
• That right is from God, not from the government, including government schools.
• As we all know, the Texas heat is brutal.
• At Equality Texas, we believe...
• I was born in Texas and was educated in the Texas public school system for the majority of my childhood

Bills: HB1325, HB1655, HB3312, HB5526, SB13, SB57, SB207, HB441, HB591, HB5019, SB27, SB843, SB 13, SB 27, SB 57

Keywords: student transfer, public servants, education code, peace officer, servicemember, judicial officer, school security, volunteer program, retired law enforcement, veterans, public safety, school safety, criminal background check, school libraries, library advisory councils, parental rights, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, emergency operations plan

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, the state government hires lobbyists to represent Texas interests at the federal level.
• So I would have just asked Arthur to either cross-reference the Government Code Chapter 552 or specify
• The bill uses "days," but then there are business days in the Government Code, and then there are calendar
• In SB 13, the definition for harmful material comes from Section 43.2 of the Texas Penal Code, and the
• Members, my name is Miriam Lockey, and I serve as the Government Affairs Director for Equality Texas,

Bills: SB 13, SB 27, SB 57, HB1325, HB1655, HB3312, HB5526, SB13, SB57, SB207, HB441, HB591, HB5019, SB27, SB843

Keywords: lobbying, public funds, political subdivision, local government, county association, municipal lobbying, registered lobbyist, Texas Legislature, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, government finance, county dues, state association of counties, sheriffs association, law enforcement officers, legislative advocacy, bill tracking, legislative alerts, Government Code Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• And land ownership in Texas.
• HB 3572 is a timely and thoughtful improvement to the local government code.
• Local Government Code has stood to balance the interests of private property owners and that of the
• This bill updates the residential and commercial building codes for Texas municipalities, and I'll give
• We have a refile from last session that updates the Texas Mandatory Minimum Codes from the outdated 2012

Bills: HB407, HB871, HB882, HB2011, HB3572, HB3578, HB4038, HB4866, HB4897, HB4978, HB5380, HB5555, HB5668, HB5670, HB5674, HB5676, HB5679, HB5688, SB673

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Transcript Highlights:

• Julia Parenteau, Texas Realtors, for the bill. Thank you.
• Emily Dove with Texas 2036, in support of this excellent ADU. ...bill.
• In Texas, there are many multi-generational households.
• The right to self-governance was the very foundation of Hedwig Village.
• The Chair calls Brennan Griffin, Texas Appleseed. Show Brennan Griffin.

Bills: HB407, HB871, HB882, HB2011, HB3572, HB3578, HB4038, HB4866, HB4897, HB4978, HB5380, HB5555, HB5668, HB5670, HB5674, HB5676, HB5679, HB5688, SB673

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Local Government will come to order.
• The Texas Education Code currently places limited restrictions on such misconduct. severance pay for
• There are no broader regulations governing executive severance payments in government.
• I am the duly elected mayor of Lakeway, Texas.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Bills: SB 1079, SB 1243, SB 1504, SB 1579, SB 1708, SB 1844, SB 1851, SB 1879, SB 1921, SB 1951, SB 2237, SB 2238, SB 2406, SB 2407

Keywords: SB 1079, Texas, county government, commissioners court, Local Government Code, Chapter 263, surplus property, salvage property, data storage device, hard drive, electronic media, digital records, confidential information, protected information, privacy, records retention, information security, data destruction, device disposal, sensitive data

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government was marked by significant discussions on multiple bills aimed at enhancing governance and protecting taxpayer interests. Among the notable legislations was SB1951, where Senator Paxton emphasized reforms to reduce erroneous penalty notices imposed by appraisal districts, eliminating the financial incentive for such penalties. The session concluded with public testimonies that highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in taxpayer dealings. Additionally, Senator Middleton presented SB1504 and SB2237, focusing on the operational frameworks of local authorities and executive severance payments, respectively, both of which sparked considerable debate among committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was supported by the Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Realtors, Texas Land and Mineral Owners Association,
• Legislature and Texas Government Code Section 402.031 in Chapter 21 of the Texas Property Code.
• The contents of the Bill of Rights are prescribed by the Texas Legislature and Texas Government Code
• Section 402.031 in Chapter 21 of the Texas Property Code.
• “Section 111.019 of the Texas Natural Resources Code was enacted to deal with surveys.

Bills: HB5489, HB5695, HB5699, SB291, SB292

Keywords: impact fee, moratorium, local government, Texas legislation, infrastructure funding, municipal utility district, eminent domain, bonds, assessments, infrastructure, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Harris County, Municipal Utility District, territory exclusion, debt service taxes, property taxation, condemnation, property acquisition, real property, appraisal reports

Transcript Highlights:

• All PBMs are operating the same way in Texas.
• Those bills are now found in subchapters L and M of chapter 1369 of the Texas Insurance Code.
• Across the board in state government. Thank you.
• Our footprint is in northwest Central Texas.
• He's with the Texas Dermatology Society.

Bills: SB502, SB513, SB622, SB670, SB731, SB732, SB916, SB961, SB1122

Keywords: SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• CASA of West Texas has been involved... in West Texas together and the collaboration in this community
• Sheila Hemphill with Texas Rate to Know.
• The Texas Ambulance Association is a statewide organization across the state of Texas, and we appreciate
• I'm the president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business. We're the Texas State Chamber.
• So I represent Texas Oncology.

Bills: SB502, SB513, SB622, SB670, SB731, SB732, SB916, SB961, SB1122

Keywords: SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, COSA of West Texas has been involved, um, in West Texas together and the collaboration in this community
• Texas Ambulance Association is a statewide organization across the state of Texas, and we appreciate
• As the president-elect of Texas EMS I'm here representing, uh, Texas I'm sorry, President-elect of Texas
• I'm the president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business. We're the Texas state chamber.
• Um, so, uh, I represent Texas Oncology.

Bills: SB 502, SB 513, SB 622, SB 670, SB 731, SB 732, SB 916, SB 961, SB 1122

Keywords: SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• Walker, Texas Taxpayers and Research.
• All right. uh, Christy Gessler, Texas Realtors, Jeff Burdett, NFIB, Carl Walker, Texas Taxpayers and
• I'm here with Texas Realtors. I'm the 2025 chairman of the board.
• I’m president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business.
• It also lowers the enforcement cost for the government.

Bills: SB1331, SB1375, SB1443, SB1578, SB2251, SB2519, SB2553, SB2655, SB2764, SB2907, SB3030, SB3033, SB3035, SB3036, SB3037, SB3043, SB3047, SB3050, SB3051, SB3056, SB3057, SB3063, HB9, HB467, HB331, HB1244, HB1399, HB2559, HB2730, HB3307, HJR1, HJR99, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SJR78, HB1327, HB2723

Keywords: civil service, firefighters, police officers, municipalities, local government, repeal, voter petition, health care, provider participation, continuation programs, population-based regulation, health care provider participation, Medicaid, hospital funding, voluntary compliance, mandatory payments, public health, healthcare program, county participation, nonpublic hospitals

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard several bills, most of them left pending after brief public testimony. House Bill 331, by Rep. Patterson and sponsored by Sen. Hinojosa, would create a presumption that firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who suffer a heart attack or stroke within eight hours after a strenuous shift were injured in the line of duty for workers’ compensation purposes; testimony from a firefighters’ association supported the bill, and it was left pending. Senate Bill 2655, by Sen. Flores, would authorize Burnet County to establish a local provider participation fund to help support local hospital services; a hospital administrator testified in support, and the committee substitute was left pending. Senate Bill 1443, by Sen. Hughes, would extend the Northeast Healthcare Provider Participation District in three counties, and House Bill 3307, by Rep. Noble, would allow property tax arbitrators to complete required continuing education online; both were left pending without opposition. Senate Bill 3048, by Sen. Birdwell, would create the Bluebonnet Hills Municipal Management District in Midlothian and was also left pending. The committee then took up House Bill 9 and HJR 1, sponsored by Sen. Bettencourt, which would raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000 and place the constitutional amendment on the November 4, 2025 ballot. Business groups, realtors, and taxpayers’ advocates testified in strong support, saying the change would provide meaningful relief to small businesses and help balance earlier homeowner tax relief. The City of Fort Worth testified in opposition, warning of a revenue shift to homeowners and budget impacts, but the committee adopted the committee substitutes and reported both measures to the full Senate on 6-0 votes. The committee also heard House Bill 1399 and HJR 99, by Sen. Nichols, to exempt animal feed from property tax when it is already sales-tax exempt; no one testified against them, and both were left pending. Senate Bill 2553, by Sen. West, would let owners of historic archaeological sites protest land and structure appraisals separately, and it was left pending after supportive testimony. Senate Bill 2907 and SJR 78, also by Sen. West, would exempt certain perishable inventory, including food and some prescription drugs, from property tax if approved by voters; pharmacists, business groups, a researcher, and a coalition of retailers and food/medicine advocates supported the bill, and it was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 1331, by Sen. Hancock and explained by Sen. Middleton, would lower the population threshold for certain municipal civil-service-related petition restrictions from 950,000 to 70,000; law enforcement representatives and a San Marcos police association supported it, and it was left pending. The committee then recessed until 15 to 30 minutes after adjournment.