Transcript Highlights:

• That is why, back in 2018, I authored a bill that directed the CPUC to assess allowing utilities to include
• the presence of mind at the time to try to negotiate a deal with the extension of Aliso Canyon to assess
• We’re looking here to assess the transition risk, the cost opportunities to save dollars, and further
• This assessment focuses on determining a target amount of battery capacity.
• As Dave just described, the bill first directs the Energy Commission to conduct an assessment of the

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the model for business improvement districts: property owners sort of self-assess to create an
• think with the BIDs it can be challenging to set them up because it does require that kind of self-assessment
• think with the bids it can be challenging to set them up because it does require that kind of self-assessment

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held its second hearing of the session, with Chairs Gómez and Vargas opening by emphasizing the committee’s focus on equity, small business growth, and support for communities that have historically been overlooked. Several members noted the historic nature of having two Latino chairs. The hearing covered a package of bills centered on access to capital, transparency in state assistance, commercial tenant protections, downtown revitalization, and business improvement district administration. Testimony was largely supportive of bills aimed at helping micro-businesses, small businesses, and disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Beckma, the Asian Business Empowerment Council, a minority- and woman-owned business owner, and a worker-owned Springfield business all backed measures including S. 179 and H. 312/S. 184, which would prioritize capital assistance and require reporting on where state business aid goes. Witnesses said transparency, upfront payments on state contracts, and better data collection could help businesses that struggle with delayed reimbursements, limited reserves, and difficulty accessing traditional financing. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council supported S. 173, which would dedicate a portion of sales tax revenue to a downtown vitality fund for district management, cultural districts, and downtown infrastructure, and said the bill could help sustain downtowns and prevent cultural displacement. There was also testimony on H. 306, a commercial tenant first right of refusal bill, with Beckma supporting it as a way to help small tenants stay in their locations, while the Greater Boston Real Estate Board opposed it, arguing it would add cost, delay, uncertainty, and could reduce property values and the commercial tax base. The board supported H. 305, a housing bill that would expand by-right multifamily and open-space residential development while preserving local zoning protections. Andre Leroux of MassINC also supported S. 173 and H. 299, the latter proposing longer BID renewal periods and audit requirements aligned with nonprofit standards. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and questions, with the chair closing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• added here, as well as a 3% cap on any property taxes within a given year that would be 3% of the assessed
• actual conditions and that the improvements to the properties are actually captured, and that the assessments
• actual conditions and that the improvements to those properties are actually captured and that the assessments

Bills: HB89 , HB328 , HB344 , HB365 , HB283 , HB89 , HB328 , HB344 , HB365 , HB283

Committee: Senate Elections & Government Affairs

Keywords: home improvement, consumer protection, consumer fraud, dispute resolution, mediation, contractor registration, home repair, renovation, homeowner, building contractor, construction fraud, treble damages, attorney fees, Department of Justice, Division of Consumer Protection, Department of Labor, good faith, unfair trade practices, Delaware, regulations

Summary: The Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee met in hybrid format, approved the June 10 draft minutes, and then heard a long agenda of bills. HB 89 (home improvement fraud dispute resolution) was presented as a consumer protection measure developed with DOJ to address contractor fraud, especially against vulnerable homeowners; members voiced support and asked to be added as sponsors. HB 283 updated realty transfer tax exemptions to use gender-neutral “spouses” language and add a direct grandparent-to-grandchild transfer exemption; it drew supportive public comment. HS1 for HB 390 would let DelDOT choose electronic-only bidding for projects, remove newspaper bid-opening notices, and clarify bidding records, with no opposition raised. HB 328/H.A. 2 modernizes the Register of Regulations statute, keeps newspaper distribution requirements, and delays some effective dates to 2027; it was described as a technical update. HB 365 would create the Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, prompting supportive testimony from Indigenous community members and some discussion about representation and internal tribal اختلافs, but no formal opposition. HB 423 would automatically enroll new state employees in the 457B deferred compensation plan unless they opt out, with exclusions for collective bargaining units and implementation tied to payroll readiness; it was presented as a retirement-savings measure. SS1 for SB 342 would modernize the Delaware Motion Picture and Television Development Commission to support a broader film/media incentive package, with support from the Delaware Arts Alliance and a request to help attract productions to Delaware. The committee also heard SB 331, a cleanup bill on garagekeeper liens for manufactured housing and related assets. The sponsor and an attorney explained it as clarifying who can recover funds and attorney’s fees in lien sales, but the Chief Magistrate and the manufactured housing association said the issue should be addressed more carefully and possibly in another section of code; they were open to further work. HB 436 would update the Smyrna charter, including school impact fees, election challenge procedures, vacancy rules, domicile standards, Board of Elections terms, and meeting schedules. HS1 for HB 376 made technical and organizational changes to the Millville charter, including a tiebreaker for municipal elections and a property tax cap, with the town solicitor saying there was little substantive change. HB 460 would require New Castle County municipalities to submit permit data monthly rather than on a much slower schedule, limited to closed permits with certificates of occupancy, to improve property assessment data; it was presented as part of broader reassessment/data-quality efforts. Public comment was heard on several items, especially HB 365 and SS1 for SB 342. Indigenous speakers supported the commission as a way to preserve heritage, improve representation, and create a formal seat at the table. The Delaware Arts Alliance supported the film commission modernization bill as part of a broader creative-economy plan. No recorded votes were taken on the individual bills in the transcript, and the meeting ended with a unanimous motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• suspend benefits at any time for any reason, and their actions are specifically shielded from the assessment
• They will do an assessment and see if, number one, there's truly a need, if there's someone that can
• regionally that can be reached out to by the business community to essentially come in and do an assessment

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee met on March 14 and adopted the prior minutes. It voluntarily deferred Senate Bill 358, which would have addressed workers’ compensation coverage for independent contractors and sole-proprietor subcontractors. Senator Abraham said the bill would instead be studied to determine whether such workers should be able to buy occupational accident coverage or be required to carry workers’ compensation coverage, particularly where no employees are involved. The committee then heard House Bill 456, which would expand and clarify workers’ compensation petition requirements and broaden employers’ and payers’ ability to file disputed claims beyond fraud and medical-director appeals to other disputes under the chapter. The bill drew strong support from business groups and strong opposition from injured-worker attorneys, who argued it would revive problems seen in 2012 when employers could sue injured workers without a ripe dispute, burden unrepresented claimants, and increase litigation and administrative costs. Supporters said it would improve access to the courts and help employers investigate questionable claims. After debate, the committee voted 5-1 to report HB 456 favorably, with Senator Barrow voting no. The committee also heard House Bill 549, which creates the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program, or Bayou Works, a proposed statewide workforce training grant program aimed at helping employers quickly train workers for specific skill needs. The sponsor and Louisiana Workforce Commission representatives said it would be privately funded, modeled on Michigan’s “Going Pro” program, and coordinated with technical colleges, apprenticeships, internships, and other workforce partners. Members asked about statewide reach, youth pipeline efforts, and timing; the department said implementation would likely begin later next year. The committee reported HB 549 favorably by unanimous consent and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before it's even started, the still-developing methodology for assessing the value of VMT mitigation
• Before it's even started, the still developing methodology for assessing the value of VMT mitigation
• Mitigation valuation should be an objective, science-based assessment of the mitigation being undertaken

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing bills. AB 2270, by Assemblymember Arambula, would give farmworker housing projects scoring parity in the state low-income housing tax credit program so they are not disadvantaged by amenity-proximity criteria that do not fit rural agricultural areas. Supporters, including La Cooperativa Campesina, said the bill would help farmworker projects compete fairly for credits; there was no opposition, and the bill was later approved 11-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 2552, which would clarify use of the state’s new CEQA vehicle miles traveled (VMT) mitigation bank for affordable housing near transit. The author and supporters from the California Building Industry Association and business groups said the bill would add guardrails so the program is cost-effective and usable, while Housing California, the Planning and Conservation League, and others opposed the least-cost requirement, arguing it could undercut the new mitigation bank before implementation. After discussion about balancing housing and environmental goals, the bill passed 11-1 to Appropriations. AB 2689 would require good cause for nonrenewal of certain state-subsidized housing tenancies when a household’s income exceeds 140% of area median income for two consecutive years, with notice requirements and protections if the tenant cannot afford market rent. Some members supported the bill as a way to free up scarce subsidized units and create a housing “ladder,” while others objected that it could punish people for increasing their income. The bill was amended and passed 11-1. The consent calendar items AB 2308, AB 2397, and AB 2512 were also approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will clarify the existing ADU law by ensuring local governments assess impact fees only on the portion
• upper limits are already established and you're talking about a differential here in terms of what's assessed
• upper limits are already established and you're talking about a differential here in terms of what's assessed

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing heard two substantive housing bills and two consent items. SB 1116 by Senator Caballero would update the Starter Home Revitalization Act (SB 684) by clarifying development standards for small infill housing, reinforcing ministerial approval and timelines, improving state oversight and reporting, updating subdivision rules, and addressing private restrictions such as HOA or deed provisions that can block housing. The author and supporters, including California YIMBY and a small developer, said the bill responds to implementation problems and would help produce more starter homes; there was no opposition testimony. Members generally supported the measure but noted concerns about local implementation and the broader impact-fee/infrastructure context. SB 1117 by Senator Cervantes would clarify ADU fee law so local governments assess impact fees only on the portion of an ADU above 750 square feet, rather than on the full unit, while keeping the existing 750-square-foot exemption intact. Supporters argued the current fee structure discourages larger ADUs and creates a sharp production drop above 750 square feet; a homeowner witness said fees on an 800-square-foot ADU would have exceeded construction costs. Local government and fire-related organizations opposed or opposed unless amended, arguing impact fees fund essential infrastructure and services and should remain tied to nexus studies. Several senators said the bill was narrowly tailored but emphasized the need to address broader infrastructure financing. The committee also took up consent items SB 1267 by Senator Allen and SB 1426, the committee omnibus bill. After the committee obtained a quorum and later reconvened, it approved the consent calendar 10-0, SB 1117 10-0, and SB 1116 8-0. All measures were ordered out to the Senate Local Government Committee, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• for zoning and land use decisions, but we don't have access to federal intelligence nor security assessments
• We don't have access to federal intelligence nor security assessments that would identify risks tied
• To avoid this, robust review mechanisms are critical to identify, assess, and mitigate these risks before

Committee: House House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs heard four measures and advanced each on a do pass recommendation. SB 1199 was amended to require the Arizona Department of Agriculture to post the Salt River horse herd agreement on its website. Supporters said the change would improve public transparency and access to the agreement governing the Salt River wild horse herd; the department said it was neutral and noted the agreement is already on the state procurement website. The bill passed 6-3 after members debated whether the requirement should be in statute or handled administratively. SB 1761 appropriates General Fund money to the University of Arizona for the Yuma Center for Excellence for Desert Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and the Arizona Experiment Station over multiple fiscal years. Senator Tim Dunn and supporters from the Arizona Farm Bureau said the funding would strengthen agricultural research, extension services, rural counties, and water and crop-related innovation. Several members said the bill was important to Arizona agriculture even though the amounts would still be subject to budget negotiations; it passed 6-1 with one present vote. SB 1198, as amended, continued the Arizona Beef Council and the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board for eight years. Testimony from the Beef Council and veterinary board emphasized that both entities are industry-funded or self-funded and provide ongoing services without taxpayer dollars. Some members objected to combining the two continuations and to the eight-year term, but the bill passed 4-3 with one present vote. SB 1683 expanded restrictions on land ownership and related transactions involving foreign adversary nations and agents, especially near critical infrastructure and military installations. Supporters, including representatives tied to Luke Air Force Base and the bill sponsor, argued it would address national security risks and protect training and mission security. Opponents said the bill broadened the scope of prior law too far without enough justification. It passed 5-3 and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think, based on them rescinding these awards, what will happen is they'll fall back into the assessment
• From what I understand, they're in pretty poor condition, and they haven't been assessed in the whole
• coming months for all public school districts Moving on down the page to the Facility Maintenance Assessment

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• the complaint is otherwise resolved, the department must issue either a citation and notice of assessment
• the complaint is otherwise resolved, the department must issue either a citation and notice of assessment
• an investigation on its own and orders the employer to pay amounts owed, the department may also assess

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held public hearings on several Department of Labor and Industries request bills and related workplace measures. Senate Bill 6039 would allow L&I to send notices electronically with an opt-out option; Senator Curtis King and L&I supported it as a simple modernization and the committee heard no opposition. Senate Bill 6136 would require L&I to publish actuarially indicated workers’ compensation rates and explain when rates are capped below those levels; Senator King and employer groups described it as a transparency bill, while L&I said it would disclose how reserve funds and rate caps affect different classes. Senate Bill 6188 would expand L&I’s authority over asbestos certification rulemaking beyond rules specifically required to match federal standards; Senator Victoria Hunt and L&I argued this would strengthen worker safety and training, while the Building Industry Association raised concern about diverging from federal rules and asked for narrower authority. Senate Bill 6014 would create a Public Records Act exemption for people involved in pregnancy-accommodation complaints or investigations and fix a cross-reference in last year’s pregnancy accommodation law; Senator T’wina Nobles and Moms Rising said it would restore intended protections and privacy for pregnant and postpartum workers. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 6058, which would give L&I discretion to investigate wage complaints under the Wage Payment Act and assess penalties for willful violations when it initiates an investigation; L&I supported the bill and noted a House amendment to reduce costs and avoid conflict with another wage-recovery measure. For Senate Bill 6136, hospitality, construction, and self-insured employer representatives all supported the measure as a transparency step, with the self-insurers noting the impact of PTSD presumptive claims on rate classes. For Senate Bill 6188, L&I said the bill would let the department set stronger certification standards for asbestos workers and supervisors, while BIAW argued the bill should be limited to specific EPA model standards rather than removing the current statutory limitation. In executive session, the committee took action on five bills. On Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5061, which requires annual prevailing-wage adjustments in public works contracts, an amendment allowing change orders for wage increases over 5% failed, a one-year effective-date delay was adopted, and the bill passed 7-2 as amended. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing ESD to waive penalties for minor unemployment-insurance reporting errors, passed 9-0. Senate Bill 5944, making missed-appointment payments part of bargained compensation for language access providers, passed 9-0. Substitute Senate Bill 5972, expanding binding interest arbitration for correctional officers in city and county jails, rejected two amendments that would have limited the binding effect and required consideration of local fiscal ability, then passed 8-1. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302, addressing misclassification of independent contractors on public works projects, passed 9-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• use tax of 1.4%, an annual 1.1% motor vehicle excise tax, an annual 25% per thousand dollars of assessed
• On the annual 25 cent per thousand of assessed value property tax, and... ...the annual 25 cent per thousand
• of assessed value property tax, is that subject to the 1% limit?

Bills: SB6148

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: regional transit authority, RTA, transit bonds, general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, bond maturity, debt limit, 25-year cap, regional mobility grant program, public transit financing, transportation funding, Washington RCW, bond issuance, municipal finance, infrastructure finance, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is Amendment 13 to an existing contract, and this is to increase this contract for studies and assessments
• communication, and transportation property, and to provide advice and assistance in appeals of ad valorem assessments
• Number five, DHS with Inspira Enterprise, is a new $5 million contract for security and privacy assessment

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The subcommittee first considered a used tire program contract for Arkansas District 4, an $88,000 one-year contract with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could leave the district unable to pay. Questions also focused on solicitation language that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. On motion, the committee held the contract until next month and encouraged the tire board to appear. Members then reviewed and, without objection, moved forward a series of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included multiple university and college projects such as renovations, roof replacements, a new UCA multipurpose arena, and a revised financing package for UA Fayetteville’s Maple Hill residence hall. The committee also reviewed DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition outreach, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, maternal health, and rural hospital quality improvement. The committee next handled contract items, including a UAMS ratification for FMLA Source after an amendment was not submitted for review and payments continued past expiration; UAMS said it had retrained staff and would review for other missed contracts. Members also reviewed numerous construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts across state agencies and universities. Questions were raised about an out-of-state aeronautics study, a U of A Fayetteville parking guidance system, and a Veterans Affairs nursing contract. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after informational reports on contract amendments and minor contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2021, a facility assessment was completed, and a list of projects was ranked by priority to address
• In his view, school districts vary in ability, property assessments, and effort—essentially bond and
• There's not enough assessed valuation under the limitations that are there.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 9th without objection. It then introduced RS 32974, which would set a uniform school start date of the Tuesday after Labor Day. Supporters said it would create consistency for families and help tourism, while members raised concerns about impacts on rural districts, harvest schedules, fairs, and finishing the school year before Christmas break. The committee also introduced RS 33138C1, an apprenticeship-style option for filling principal and superintendent vacancies in rural areas, and RS 33325, which would create a voluntary high school civics seal and related district endorsement for students meeting civics and volunteerism requirements. The committee then heard House Bill 608, a clarification bill for the public school facilities cooperative fund. Sponsors explained that the bill would clean up eligibility rules, repayment terms, and priority criteria for districts seeking grant money for school facilities, especially where safety needs exist or a bond has failed. Testimony from Camas County and Middleton School District supported the changes, saying the current law can force districts to run repeated bonds even when grant amounts are smaller than prior bond requests, creating confusion and eroding public trust. Members discussed how the bill differs from other school facilities funding laws and how it is intended to help districts with urgent needs and limited bonding capacity. HB 608 was moved to the floor with a do-pass recommendation and approved. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 636, which would allow school districts to use remaining school district facilities fund dollars for lease-purchase agreements and related long-term facility investments after required bond and levy obligations are met. The sponsor and a West Ada superintendent said the bill would give districts more flexibility to address growth, aging buildings, and debt repayment without increasing property taxes, while still preserving local control. Members asked about the size and funding source of the facilities fund and noted concerns about disparities between rural and urban districts. HB 636 was also sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, and the committee adjourned after announcing its next meeting location.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: ...fines assessed during the initial determination process.
• It would be $1,000 initially assessed fine reduced to $500. Chair: Mr.
• Deputy General Counsel: Originally assessed a fine of $10,000 as the filer had an outstanding fine for

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission convened at 9:03 a.m. and held an executive session, reconvening at 10:18 a.m. During the meeting, the Commission approved a settlement agreement with Michael Quinn Sullivan, ending ongoing litigation. The agreement involved Sullivan dropping his legal challenges regarding a civil penalty previously imposed by the Commission. The Commission also announced personnel changes, including the departure of the director of enforcement, Marie Prim, and the appointment of Jordan Hun as interim director. The Commission discussed outside counsel contracts, approving the addition of Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP to their pool of qualified vendors. They scheduled their next meeting for September 23rd and approved minutes from previous meetings. The agenda included several rulemaking items, with three rules adopted and five proposed for publication in the Texas Register. Notably, amendments to Chapter 20 regarding reporting contributions and expenditures were approved, as well as changes to lobbyist registration thresholds in Chapter 34, which were proposed for publication. The Commission also addressed advisory opinions, adopting several, including one regarding political advertising by charter schools and another concerning the revolving door prohibition for former state employees. Appeals for administrative waivers and reductions of fines were considered, with several fines waived or reduced based on individual circumstances. Lastly, the Commission discussed policies related to alternative dispute resolution and clarified responsibilities between the Commission and staff, concluding the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• our readiness each year is state-of-the-art and ready to go by conducting surveys of our members, assessing
• By conducting surveys of our members, assessing their capabilities, their personnel, and equipment, should
• systematic and well-practiced way for hurricanes, this same model can be utilized to help coordinate the assessment

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee heard presentations on domestic security and public safety priorities from Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison and Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Rebel. Sheriff Harrison outlined Florida Sheriffs Association priorities, including reclassifying xylazine as a Schedule I controlled substance with a veterinary-use exemption, expanding enforcement of pretrial release violations beyond domestic violence cases, providing tuition-waiver benefits for sheriff’s office personnel, advancing the Jason Rainer Act to increase penalties for violent offenses against law enforcement, extending sex-offender residency restrictions, improving access to mental-health-related databases, and continuing support for fusion centers and Florida model jail standards. Members asked questions about xylazine’s veterinary use, canine detection, and public records burdens on small agencies; no votes were taken on these items. Chief Rebel focused on the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s role in disaster response, officer training, and wellness. He described the association’s coordination through the state EOC and regional deployments during hurricanes, then emphasized officer suicide and the need for statewide wellness resources, peer support, and accessible behavioral health care for first responders. He also referenced prior PTSD benefits legislation and urged continued support for the PCIS program and other wellness initiatives. Committee members discussed related resources such as dispatcher support, the Restore program at UCF, hyperbaric chamber treatment for PTSD, and canine support organizations. On domestic security funding, Rebel said FPCA does not have a specific bill package but wants to preserve the Domestic Security Oversight Council and regional task forces, protect limited SHISGAP funding for new projects, and shift ongoing successful programs to state funding. He also supported fixing the long-gun carry loophole, continuing the Jason Rainer Act effort, allowing ethical law-enforcement use of AI with human review, addressing monetization of public records and body-camera footage, and maintaining the ability to investigate anonymous complaints. The committee adjourned after discussion; no formal action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• officer must complete open-records training within six months, prohibit governmental bodies from assessing
• This bill addresses failures by requiring written notification, not allowing for cost assessments if
• they fail to do this, and also... ...not allowing for cost assessments if they fail to do this, and also

Bills: HB431 , HB1522 , HB1922 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB3228 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3805 , HB3806 , HB4219 , HB4238 , HB4344 , HB4386 , HB4739

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: HB 431, Texas Property Code, Property Code Chapter 202, solar roof tiles, solar shingles, solar energy device, homeowners association, HOA, property owners' association, POA, renewable energy, residential solar, distributed solar, roof-mounted solar, homeowner rights, architectural control, open meetings, public notice, transparency, government efficiency

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and favorably reported several House bills without opposition, including HB 11, HB 132, HB 1041, HB 1606, HB 2286, and HB 5061. Each was moved out of committee with a recommendation that it do pass and be printed, and several were also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard HB 3306, which would extend existing construction-contract indemnity exceptions to electric infrastructure construction, maintenance, and vegetation management work for electric utilities and transmission and distribution utilities. The sponsor said the bill would reduce litigation and insurance costs for ratepayers, while construction industry witnesses argued it would shift liability onto subcontractors and create broad-form indemnity in a way Texas law has generally prohibited since 2011. HB 3306 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4739, a Comptroller-requested cleanup bill to repeal an outdated Finance Code provision requiring remittance of a portion of certain delinquency charges to the state, and HB 3803, HB 3804, and HB 3806, all Department of Banking-requested cleanup bills dealing with confidentiality and supervision rules for perpetual care funds, state banks, and trust companies. Those bills were briefly explained and left pending without testimony. HB 4219, aimed at improving Public Information Act compliance by requiring timely notice when records do not exist or are being withheld, allowing complaints to the Attorney General, and imposing training and fee consequences for noncompliance, drew support from a journalist and a policy analyst and was also left pending. The committee then heard HB 4238 on coerced debt and identity theft. The sponsor explained that the committee substitute narrows the bill to court-ordered findings of identity theft/coerced debt, gives collectors seven business days to stop collection activity, and removes a section to avoid litigation over court orders. A law professor and a family violence advocate testified in strong support, describing coerced debt as a barrier for domestic violence and elder abuse survivors trying to rebuild credit and access housing, jobs, and utilities. The bill was left pending. HB 1522, which would require local governments to post meeting notices three business days in advance and make budget materials more accessible online and in physical form, also drew support, though a school business officials representative raised concerns about the timing language, proposed-budget wording, and taxpayer impact statements for school districts; the bill was left pending after discussion. Later, the committee heard additional pending bills, including a PUC background-check bill that would expand the commission’s authority to check current employees and contractors and obtain FBI criminal history information, HB 3805 updating money services business regulation, HB 431 extending HOA solar-panel protections to solar tiles, and HB 3228 and HB 3229 on wind and solar recycling financial assurance and recycler solvency. HB 3228 received support from a Sierra Club witness who said recycling and disposal plans are needed for end-of-life renewable energy equipment, and HB 3229 was described as requiring recyclers to show financial resources at 125 percent through a letter of credit or bond. These bills were heard and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the current 24-25 school year, Port Aransas ISD assessed $39 million in local M&O property taxes
• This bill relates to the terminology used to refer to certain assessment instruments administered to
• This bill relates to an exemption from the assessment required of the Texas Success Initiative.

Bills: SB2920 , SB2929 , SB2398 , SB865 , SB401 , SB2619 , SB2927 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1635 , SB1581 , SB2008

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: steroids, student athletes, athletic competition, University Interscholastic League, medical purpose, gender transition, school athletics, spectator conduct, referees, ejection policy, extracurricular activities, concussion, brain injury, school policy, academic accommodations, student welfare, cardiac arrest, emergency response, CPR training, automated external defibrillators

Transcript Highlights:

• exceptions introduces a mandatory balancing test by the Department of Environmental Protection to assess
• changes the due dates for some some Specifically, it changes the due dates for some some annually assessed
• So my annual assessments to allow financial institutions 2 additional months to calculate their assets

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that a true assessment?
• Is that a true assessment? Oh, Senator Patton. but not the legal right to mine it.
• Is that a true assessment?

Bills: SB2339

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: wildfire mitigation, utility liability, strict liability, electric utility, public service commission, PSC, rural electric cooperative, municipal utility, transmission provider, vegetation management, power lines, reclosers, electrical safety, wildfire prevention, grid reliability, public safety, first responders, ANSI A300, National Electrical Safety Code, community outreach

Summary: The Energy and Natural Resources Committee continued work on House Bill 1459, which concerns rare earth and critical mineral recovery from North Dakota lignite coal. Testimony from UND researcher Dan Ludo and industry representative David Straely focused on the urgency of developing the process quickly, the technical differences between extracting minerals from coal versus ash, and the potential value of elements such as terbium, dysprosium, gallium, germanium, and synthetic graphite. Straely argued the bill is constitutional, limited to minerals within the coal seam, and needed to avoid years of quiet title litigation and provide certainty for development and compensation to royalty owners. Committee members raised questions about landowner rights, compensation levels, possible amendments from the Department of Trust Lands, and whether the bill should be modified to address constitutional concerns or sunset provisions. No final action was taken on HB 1459; the chair said parties could work on language until Monday before the committee revisits it. The committee then returned to House Bill 1579, a high-load study bill with a possible energy infrastructure investment amendment. Jody Smith of the Retirement and Investment Office presented updated language adding guardrails for in-state infrastructure investing, including requiring approved projects to be underwritten and managed by a qualified investment manager or financial institution and to follow the Legacy Fund investment policy. Members discussed whether the amendment had been shared with the House sponsor and noted that the related bill 1330 was still pending, so HB 1579 was being held for the time being. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 1566, which had an amendment from the Agriculture Commissioner’s office. The committee adopted the amendment 7-0, then passed a due-pass motion on the amended bill and referred it to Appropriations, also by a 7-0 vote. Members discussed the bill’s fiscal impact, including an estimated $580,000 for two FTEs over two years, and clarified that the study component remains in the bill. Senator Gerhardt was assigned to carry the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have an interest assessment with his cx it.
• And that the Ian, I know throughout the program, the comprehensive assessments that out giving them throughout
• When we're done, they do every year they do an assessment of the nursing programs and they do a report

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, this year our tax assessment was roughly $7,500. town of Oby.
• </c> Okay, this year our uh tax assessment Okay, this year our uh tax assessment was<02:52:14.560><c>
• </c> they're no longer going to be assessed they're no longer going to be assessed for<02:59:21.439><
• In Warner, in 2020, a mobile home in a park was assessed for $13,100.
• And so in 2025, the same mobile home with the same owner was assessed for $58,000.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all