Transcript Highlights:

• Another $2 goes to emergency medical services, and the other dollar goes to general revenue.
• Another $2 goes to emergency medical services and the other dollar goes to general revenue.
• I'm the director for transportation and public works for the city of Fort Worth.
• our state's housing and transportation goals.
• If today is an average day, 11 people will die using the Texas transportation system.

Bills: HB341, HB469, HB971, HB1624, HB2721, HB2959, HB3365, HB3731, HB3793, HB3861, HB3946, HB3966, HB4348, HB4401, HB4402, HB4924, HB4966, HB5563

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> subsidizing our transportation system. subsidizing our transportation system.
• That sales tax is transportation.
• And so transportation has has cut.
• .<01:47:50.880><c> Transportation</c><01:47:51.600><c> has</c> transportation.
• Transportation has transportation. Transportation has dedicated<01:47:52.560><c> funds.

Bills: HF3694, HF3844, HF4006, HF3785, HF3849, HF4102, HF3441, HF3507, HF3562

Keywords: transportation, tow trucks, variable message signs, road safety, emergency service, optometrist, window glazing, motor vehicle regulations, medical prescriptions, transportation safety, infrastructure, construction, appropriation, state project, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, transportation regulations, safety standards, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota Department of Transportation, MDOT, will develop a standardized AED sign for general use.
• Minnesota Department of Transportation Minnesota Department of Transportation Mandot<00:03:57.599><c>
• of all, I'd just like to mention I've got 40 years of experience working with departments of transportation
• <00:09:29.360><c> throughout</c><00:09:29.760><c> the</c><00:09:30.000><c> United</c> transportation
• throughout the United transportation throughout the United States<00:09:31.240><c> administering</c><

Bills: HF1532, HF1290, HF2231, HF2013

Keywords: eminent domain, reimbursement, property acquisition, appraisal, landowner rights, HF1290, AED, automatic external defibrillator, defibrillator signage, wayfinding signs, roadside signs, directional signage, public access AED, emergency medical response, cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac arrest, public safety, Minnesota Department of Transportation, road authority, transportation law

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet when news stories emerge about members being harmed, often after being misled by insurance brokers
• And instead of the standard 80 cents per dollar that standard emergency insurance companies apply to
• action by clarifying that a violation of anti-money laundering laws is a ground for issuance of an emergency
• action by clarifying that a violation of anti-money laundering laws is a ground for issuance of an emergency

Bills: S0266, S0394, S0540, S0632, S0642, S0832, S0834, S1028

Keywords: public adjuster, contract cancellation, state of emergency, vulnerable adults, disciplinary actions, financial regulation, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, transportation, insurance, TNC, ride-sharing, automobile liability, bail bond, insurance regulation, foreign insurers, financial disclosure, premium reporting, residential property insurance

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on insurance requirements for nonprofit religious organizations and health care sharing ministries. The bill repeals a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing fraud and disclosure protections; opponents said allowing agents and brokers could create consumer confusion and has been associated with bad actors. A title amendment was adopted, and after debate the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard and passed SB 642, which extends reporting and duty requirements to foreign and alien bail bond insurers, and SB 394, a technical bill updating reinsurance intermediary manager law to match current DFS practice. SB 266, which lets vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts without penalty, was reported favorably after testimony from supporters in the insurance and elder law communities and a public adjuster who said the intent was good but the bill may need refinement. SB 832, a residential property insurance transparency bill requiring rate breakdown reports and a consumer resource center, also passed after discussion about consumer clarity and whether the required cost categories can be compiled as written. Later, the committee approved SB 540, which creates cybersecurity requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, closes a regulatory gap for certain investment advisers, adjusts OFR examination-payment deadlines, changes de novo charter requirements, allows virtual credit union meetings, and makes other financial regulation updates. Several amendments were adopted, including a substitute amendment removing fintech sandbox provisions. Finally, SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation was reported favorably after debate over a commercial lines clearinghouse intended to reduce Citizens’ exposure and shift more business to the private market; members discussed taxpayer risk, market competition, and consumer protections. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Transportation will come to order. Clerk will call the roll here. Perez here.
• And, and I think it provides much fairer view as far as transportation.
• We are begging you to please consider this simple change to existing transportation code.
• I'm Brian Barth, uh, Texas Department of Transportation, Deputy Executive Director.
• Thank you, Speaker Craddock and members of the Transportation Committee.

Bills: HB 2065, HB 2462, HB 2621, HB 3187, HB 3539, HB 3563, HB 3726, HB 4164, HB 4207, HB 4368, HB 4706, HB 4916, HB 4950, HB 4967, HB 5177, HB 4429, HB 5597

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• The important work of the Transportation Committee should be reserved for improving transportation.
• And these are real emergencies.
• funds and transportation projects.
• Okay, Michael Morris is the Transportation Director of our Regional Transportation Council, or RTC.
• All needed public transportation.

Bills: HB2065, HB2462, HB2621, HB3187, HB3539, HB3563, HB3726, HB4164, HB4207, HB4368, HB4706, HB4916, HB4950, HB4967, HB5177, HB4429, HB5597

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee on transportation will come to order. Call the roll. Craddock. Here. Perez. Here.
• This is a straightforward bill that updates the definition of a Galveston County Port in the Transportation

Bills: HB2065, HB2462, HB2621, HB3187, HB3539, HB3563, HB3726, HB4164, HB4207, HB4368, HB4706, HB4916, HB4950, HB4967, HB5177, HB4429, HB5597

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Most non-bulk cargo is transported by intermodal container.
• , and transportation is the largest expense of working families.
• body for Washington's transportation functions.
• The transportation goal encourages efficient multimodal transportation systems based on regional priorities
• and coordinated with county and city transportation plans.

Bills: SB5903, SB6037, SB5983, SB5995, SB6016, SB6066

Keywords: cemetery districts, elections, local governance, public policy, administrative procedures, fire protection, districts, emergency services, funding, legislation, tax exemption, land transfer, governmental entity, property tax, current use classification, zero emission, cargo handling, port district, environmental impact, grant allocation

Summary: The committee heard several bills. SB 5903 would streamline cemetery district elections by deeming the sole qualified candidate elected without putting the position on the ballot; Senator Cortez said it would save local election costs, and there was no testimony. SB 6037 would change how single-city fire protection districts are formed and financed, including removing the requirement that a city reduce its levy after 2026, clarifying commissioner elections, and allowing administrative service contracts with the city; the sponsor and local government and fire service witnesses said it would give cities a voter-approved tool to fund and regionalize fire service, while committee questions focused on levy impacts and the mechanics of forming districts. SB 5983 would exempt certain current-use land transfers to government entities from additional taxes when the transfer is tied to permit conditions and limited in size; Senator Leas described it as helping a family farm avoid back taxes on a right-of-way transfer, and there was no testimony. The committee then heard SB 5995, which would remove the 2031 sunset on the prohibition against port districts and port development authorities using public funds to buy fully automated marine container cargo handling equipment. The sponsor and labor, environmental, and maritime witnesses argued that public dollars should support zero-emission, human-operated equipment rather than automation that displaces jobs, while emphasizing that the bill would still allow cleaner equipment operated by people; there was strong public interest, with testimony overwhelmingly in support. SB 6016 would adjust Growth Management Act urban growth area swap rules so critical aquifer recharge areas are treated consistently in annual and periodic updates; Commerce and several business and housing witnesses called it a technical fix that preserves environmental safeguards while making swaps easier for housing, while one witness argued it revives a weaker prior statute and could weaken groundwater protections and invite litigation. Finally, SB 6066 would let counties, cities, towns, or WSDOT designate accident risk zones on dangerous roads, require engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, and use doubled traffic penalties to fund safety improvements. Senator Torres and Pasco officials described repeated serious crashes at local interchanges and said the bill could help address them, while AWC and county representatives supported the safety goal but asked for clearer liability protections and implementation language. No votes were taken on any of the bills in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Transportation Committee will come to order. Clerk, call the roll. Nichols. Here. West.
• Good morning, Chairman and members of the Senate Transportation Committee.
• Good morning, Chairman Nichols and members of the Senate Transportation Committee.
• I'm Andrea French, Chair of the Transportation Advocates of Texas Board.
• Texas is growing and our transportation infrastructure must keep pace.

Bills: SB35, SB284, SB296, SB305, SB857, SB995, SB1121, SB1555, SB1902, SCR25, SB 35

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• We will call to order today's meeting of the Senate Transportation Committee for Tuesday, February 3rd
• services to use certain public transportation facilities.
• services to use certain public transportation facilities.
• Good afternoon, Chair Liias and members of the Senate Transportation Committee.
• Thank you, Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the Senate Transportation Committee.

Bills: SB6252, SB6265, SB6081

Keywords: transit support grant, free transit, fare-free transit, zero-fare policy, community college students, technical college students, public transportation, youth transit, student transportation, Washington State, Department of Transportation, local sales tax, voter-approved sales tax, equity, environmental justice, low-barrier access, bus pass, rail transit, public transit agency, transit agency grants

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several measures. First, it heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1980, which would allow local authorities in King County, with transit agency approval, to let private employer transportation services use certain business access and transit lanes under a two-year pilot with fees, performance standards, reporting, and a 10-year sunset. Staff and the sponsor said the bill was revised from a prior version to add the pilot structure, labor input, vehicle markings, and annual reporting. Supporters, including Bellevue business and transit representatives, said the measure would improve mobility, reduce congestion, and help employers and transit work together; the bill was then held after public hearing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6081, as a proposed substitute, which would exempt sex designation change records and related supporting documents from public disclosure in Department of Licensing and Department of Health records, restrict sharing of those records without consent, and keep updated credentials from showing that a change occurred. Staff said the bill would have about a $1 million fiscal impact over four years for DOL, mostly IT changes, with minimal or absorbable impacts for other agencies. The prime sponsor and many supporters described the bill as a privacy and safety measure for transgender Washingtonians, while one opponent argued it would undermine accurate records; the public hearing was closed. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 6252, which would expand the transit support grant program’s zero-fare requirement so transit agencies receiving those grants must also allow students enrolled in degree- or certificate-seeking programs at community and technical colleges to ride free. Staff said the bill is broad and could reduce fare revenue for local transit agencies by an estimated $10.9 million to $12.2 million annually, with a revised fiscal note expected for King County Metro. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve access to education, especially for older and rural students, while transit advocates noted implementation and funding concerns; the public hearing was then closed. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6265, which would modernize the transfer of ownership for totaled vehicles to insurers by allowing supporting documents and limited powers of attorney to be transmitted electronically with non-notarized signatures. Staff said the bill has no fiscal impact and is intended to simplify the process after total-loss claims. The sponsor and industry witnesses said the change would reduce paperwork and hardship for consumers, and the public hearing was closed. The committee also announced that amendment requests for 14 bills scheduled for executive session on Thursday were due by noon the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the bill provides that nonresident school districts are not required to provide transportation
• Senate Bill 6118 requires each school district to develop a cardiac emergency response plan for each
• Senate Bill 6065, transportation vehicle funds.
• enhanced financial oversight to take temporary interest-free loans from their transportation vehicle
• A fiscal note is available and... ...from its transportation vehicle fund to another school fund.

Bills: SB6277, SB5992, SB6078, SB6089, SB5918, SB5861, SB6118, SB6065, SB6052

Keywords: military families, military children, school enrollment, residency requirements, public schools, school districts, educational stability, student mobility, interstate compact, military relocation, active duty, military orders, special education, IEP, Section 504, records transfer, conditional enrollment, Washington schools, RCW 28A.225.215, military installation

Summary: The Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee began with a clarification about a prior budget bill affecting Running Start, emphasizing that it would reduce funding to colleges per student but would not reduce student participation in the program. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6277, which would promote educational stability for children of military families by easing enrollment requirements, extending proof-of-residency timelines, allowing conditional enrollment before arrival, and requiring prompt transfer of IEP and 504 records and services. The bill sponsor, student witnesses, school psychologists, military family representatives, and district officials generally supported the measure, while some school district testimony noted concerns about the accelerated special education timelines and related costs. The chair noted the importance of lived experience testimony and closed the hearing. The committee then moved into executive session on a first packet of bills. It adopted a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5992, creating a youth development fund and adding tribal consultation and priority provisions; passed Senate Bill 6078 on child care provider supports; adopted a substitute for Senate Bill 6089 on P20W data coordination and dashboard development; and adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 5918 increasing MSOC allocations, then sent it to Ways and Means. After caucus, the committee took up a second packet. For Senate Bill 5861 on school director districts, an amendment to require director-district candidates to be elected only by voters in the director district failed, but the proposed substitute passed. For Senate Bill 6118 on cardiac emergency response plans, the committee adopted a substitute limiting requirements to the extent state funding is appropriated, then passed the bill. Senate Bill 6065, allowing certain districts to use transportation vehicle funds for temporary loans or transfers under financial oversight, passed without amendment. Senate Bill 6052, requiring a statewide digital transcript exchange platform, passed and was sent to Ways and Means. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, House Bill 2404 requires an authorized transporter to conduct the apprehension and
• from transporting a person from a hospital emergency department or a locked unit of a behavioral health
• These are officers that are not trained in behavioral health transports.
• These things and more are all possible with alternative medical transport.
• transportation.

Bills: HB2134, HB2253, HB2270, HB2402, HB2404, HB2673, HB2941

Keywords: critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, law enforcement, disciplinary action, administrative appeals, investigative files, due process, retaliation, county seal, law enforcement authority, sheriff's posse, public safety, county governance, ambulance services, certificate of necessity, emergency medical services, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Systems and other preparedness infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas, to strengthen emergency

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• was people saying, well, I can't find a parking place at the university campus, or I don't have transportation

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Transportation will come to order. Clerk will call the roll. Craddock.
• Our, our interpretation of what the Department of Transportation released a couple of days ago is that
• And so we support what the Department of Transportation is saying.
• We look forward to working, continue to work with the Department of Transportation.
• We will be working on the application for the Service Transportation Board final permit.

Bills: HB 2007, HB 2462, HB 2621, HB 2921, HB 3187, HB 3331, HB 3332, HJR 144, HB 3514, HB 3528, HB 3539, HB 3563, HB 3720, HB 3726, HB 3751, HB 3859, HB 3947, HB 4148, HB 4164, HB 4337, HB 4346, HB 4368, HB 4706, HB 4916, HB 4950, HB 4967, HB 5177, HB 5603

Keywords: commercial signs, county approval, transportation code, regulations, road signage, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, confidentiality, personal information, local government, airport data, public records, regional transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation will come to order. Clerk will call the roll. Craddock - present.
• On transportation funding, the chair pulls up and lays out House Bill 2876.
• And so, we support what the Department of Transportation is saying.
• We look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Transportation.
• We would be working on the application for the Surface Transportation Board final permit.

Bills: HB2007, HB2462, HB2621, HB2921, HB3187, HB3331, HB3332, HJR144, HB3514, HB3528, HB3539, HB3563, HB3720, HB3726, HB3751, HB3859, HB3947, HB4148, HB4164, HB4337, HB4346, HB4368, HB4706, HB4916, HB4950, HB4967, HB5177, HB5603

Keywords: commercial signs, county approval, transportation code, regulations, road signage, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, confidentiality, personal information, local government, airport data, public records, regional transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Senate Transportation Committee for Thursday, February 5th, 2026.
• Welcome to the Transportation Committee. Thank you. All right.
• be considered an emergency.
• replacement be considered an emergency.
• How much emergency access must be compromised before leadership steps in and chooses to act?

Bills: SJM8016, SB6230, SB5234, SB6081, SB6265, SB6170, SB6131, SB6155, SB6176, SB6238, SB6253, SB6311, SB6032, SB6262

Keywords: bridge repair, infrastructure, emergency funding, transportation, public safety, cash transactions, pennies, currency, economic efficiency, financial regulation, snowmobile, snowmobile registration, vehicle registration fees, registration fee, Department of Licensing, DOL, recreational vehicles, winter recreation, vintage snowmobile, parks and recreation

Summary: The committee’s work session focused first on ignition interlock device compliance. Traffic Safety Commission staff described a Yakima County pilot that provides enhanced probation supervision and support for DUI-affected drivers, reporting that compliance with interlock installation rose from roughly 16%–20% before the program to 41% after implementation among the medium- and high-risk population. Staff identified major barriers as cost, confusing and inconsistent procedures, and transportation access, and suggested policy changes such as allowing payment plans and simplifying compliance pathways. JLARC then presented its preliminary audit, estimating an overall 41% installation/completion rate statewide, finding that installation rates rise with income, that financial assistance reaches only about 11% of eligible users on average, and that the Department of Licensing and State Patrol need clearer coordination, goals, and a formal agreement to jointly administer the program. The State Patrol also reported on a Snohomish County outreach pilot that made 616 contacts, found many drivers were unaware of financial assistance, and identified some drivers as physically unable to drive, without vehicles, unable to afford the program, or subject to active warrants; the patrol said it would continue similar outreach in Yakima and use data analysis to target compliance efforts. The committee then received a broader traffic safety update from the Traffic Safety Commission. Staff reported that serious injuries and fatalities in traffic crashes rose sharply over the last several years, though 2024 showed some improvement, including a 9% drop in fatalities and a 15% drop in impaired-driving fatalities from 2023. Pedestrian deaths remained high, while unrestrained and speeding-related fatalities also remained significant concerns. The commission also presented telematics-based research showing that targeted enforcement and visible police presence can reduce speeds; one project found each additional hour of officer presence per mile was associated with a 5.6 mph decrease in average speed. A second telematics project using opt-in insurance-based data showed high rates of phone use and speeding among drivers, and the commission said local agencies are using the tool for corridor-level enforcement planning and evaluation. In public hearing, the committee heard Senate Joint Memorial 8016, which asks federal officials to treat the Fairfax Bridge closure and replacement as an emergency and to accelerate federal review. The sponsor and several supporters from Wilkeson, Carbonado, recreation groups, and nearby communities said the bridge closure has hurt tourism, emergency response, and access to Mount Rainier and surrounding recreation areas. Testimony was entirely in support, and the chair announced 67 pro and zero con sign-ins. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6230, which would require cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five-cent increment in light of the Treasury’s decision to stop minting pennies. Staff explained the bill’s rounding rules and noted a Department of Licensing fiscal note of about $186,000 for technology changes; retail and food industry representatives supported the bill but asked for amendments on permissiveness, tax treatment, consumer protections, and local preemption. During executive session, staff briefed several bills and substitutes, including snowmobile registration fee increases, gender-designation record confidentiality, streamlined salvage-title transfers, utility and fish-barrier-related changes, inflation adjustments for emergency state highway work thresholds, public-health authority language for the Traffic Safety Commission, special parking privilege renewal changes, expired registration enforcement, oil tanker tug-escort requirements, and transit board labor-member provisions. No final votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided, though the committee waived the five-day notice to hear the day’s public hearing bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• political subdivisions and municipal corporations that provide fire prevention, suppression, and emergency
• That provide fire prevention, suppression, and emergency medical services within the bounds of their
• The bill contains an emergency clause, and a fiscal note was not requested.
• Rail is a vital component to freight mobility and the full transportation system.
• Rail is a vital component to freight mobility and the full transportation system.

Bills: SB5820, SB6064, SB6077, SB6101, SB6013, SB6066

Keywords: freight rail, rail corridor, short-line railroad, rail-dependent uses, industrial land use, growth management act, GMA, comprehensive plan, transportation element, land use planning, local government, county planning, city planning, critical areas, agricultural lands, forest lands, mineral resource lands, urban growth area, development regulations, notice on permits

Summary: The committee heard several bill briefings and public hearings. SB 6064 would let certain large fire protection districts or regional fire authorities assume administration and enforcement of the International Fire Code within their boundaries, with notice to the county and displaced county workers offered equivalent jobs. Supporters said it would improve consistency, safety, and local control; opponents from counties, fire marshals, and builders argued it was unnecessary because interlocal agreements already exist and could add permitting complexity and delays. SB 6101 would require county coroners to be appointed rather than elected, while preserving existing medical examiner systems in larger counties. The sponsor and supporters said the change would address problems like the Yakima County coroner case, improve professionalism, and reduce partisan elections; opponents said it would reduce voter accountability, raise costs, and create conflicts of interest concerns. SB 6077 would extend the deadline for assessors and taxpayers to exchange valuation evidence in property tax appeals from 21 to 28 business days before a hearing, starting with petitions filed on or after July 1, 2026. Supporters said the extra time would improve due process and fairness; county assessors and some tax appeal practitioners said they were open to the timing change but wanted broader reforms to address long hearing backlogs. The committee also heard SB 5820, which would repeal Clark County-specific authority enacted in 2017 allowing freight rail-dependent uses on certain resource lands adjacent to a short-line railroad. The sponsor and supporters from FutureWise, local residents, and the City of Battleground said the prior law undermined Growth Management Act protections for agricultural and resource lands and had led to conflict and litigation. Opponents, including the railroad operator, Association of Washington Business, and former sponsor Linda Wilson, said the rail overlay supports economic development, jobs, and rail-served industrial land, and warned the repeal would harm local planning and investments. Members asked about how county and city comprehensive plans interact under the Growth Management Act, and staff said they would provide a summary of the appeals process. Finally, SB 6013 would update ski lift terminology to include aerial tramways, tows, and conveyors in the state safety and insurance requirements; State Parks supported it as agency-request legislation, and the bill was presented as a technical update with no opposition noted in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1919 would help the Texas Department of Transportation improve efficiency.
• The Transportation Commission may provide financial assistance to support construction, repair, local
• I'm the Aviation Director for the Texas Department of Transportation.
• the Transportation Network Company law.
• The related insurance requirements are the same for transportation network companies.

Bills: SB 1493, SB 1598, SB 1895, SB 1919, SB 2039, SB 2226, SB 2243, SB 2425

Keywords: SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident

Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills, SB1598 and SB1493. SB1598, introduced by Senator Hagen Booth, addresses the clarity of collision report information access for law enforcement, aiming to enhance the tools available to police agencies across Texas for solving crimes. The meeting featured strong support from police representatives, including Sheriff Brian Hawthorne of Chambers County, who emphasized the significance of the CARFAX program for police in facilitating access to vital vehicle information, free of charge. Public testimony reflected a consensus on the necessity of the bill for improved investigatory processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Transportation Committee will come to order.
• Obviously, the safety and the technology on roads was great at the time that the Senate Transportation
• The Transportation Commission may provide financial assistance to support construction and repair of
• Dan Harmon, I'm the Aviation Director for the Texas Department of Transportation.
• the transportation network company law.

Bills: SB1493, SB1598, SB1895, SB1919, SB2039, SB2226, SB2243, SB2425

Keywords: SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation-related bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1598 by Senator Hagenbuch was heard on allowing collision report information to be used and shared more clearly for law enforcement investigations, including through records-management partners and nonconfidential VIN data; the bill drew support from the Sheriff’s Association and Carfax for Police and was left pending before later being reported favorably. SB 1493 by Senator Parker, which would codify DPS’s position on flashing/pulsing stop lamps as compliant with federal standards, also received supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1895 by Senator Perry would designate Loop 88 in Lubbock as a First Responders Memorial Loop and was reported favorably, and SB 1919 and SB 2243 by Senator West, dealing with TxDOT liability claim settlements and TxDMV authority to require VIN inspections for certain trailers, were likewise heard without opposition and later reported favorably. SB 2039, concerning right-of-way and traffic rules for sidewalk users such as bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters, was heard and left pending before being reported favorably later in the meeting. SB 2226 by Senator Nichols, reducing the local match requirement for aviation grants in economically disadvantaged counties from 10% to 5%, was discussed with TxDOT testimony explaining how federal and state airport funding interact; it was reported favorably. SB 2499 by Senator Flores, involving memorial markers and an account for donations, and SB 1394 by Senator Hall, concerning concrete truck axle rules, were also reported favorably. The committee recessed after handling the pending items and leaving some additional matters for a later hearing. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2425 by Senator Nichols, a comprehensive bill on commercial autonomous vehicles. The author said the bill was developed through extensive stakeholder meetings with industry, agencies, insurers, and lawyers, and it would require AV companies to provide information to TxDMV, submit first-responder interaction plans to DPS, and allow DPS and DMV to suspend or revoke operations in certain circumstances. The committee substitute also updated definitions, addressed Level 3 systems, clarified commercial use and fleet penalties, and created an expedited process for reinstating operating authority after disputes. Supporters included the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Tesla, GM Cruise, Bot Auto, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, who said the bill balances innovation and safety and helps Texas remain a leader in AV deployment. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that it would improperly shield manufacturers from liability, but committee members and the industry witnesses said liability would continue to be governed by state law and that the bill was intended to clarify, not eliminate, responsibility. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and reported SB 2425 favorably on a 6-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members asked questions about practical effects and funding. On SB 2226, TxDOT’s aviation director explained that some airports already receive federal and state support and that the bill would mainly help state-only airports in disadvantaged counties that struggle to meet local match requirements. On SB 2425, members asked about reliability metrics, commercialization, and liability; industry witnesses said the technology is still being refined but that Texas’s framework has attracted investment and could improve road safety over time. Several bills were recommended to the local and uncontested calendar after favorable votes, and the committee also agreed to keep motions in writing open briefly for members who were absent, so long as doing so would not change any bill outcomes.