Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Skoufis moves to discharge from the Committee on Corporations, 173A, and substitute the
• Senator Rivera moves to discharge from the Committee on Health, and substitute the identical Senate Bill
• SUBSTITUTE THE IDENTICAL SENATE BILL, 3194A, THIRD READING CALENDAR 1159.
• Substitution at the desk. Secretary will read.
• Secretary will read. >> Substitution at the desk, >> Secretary will read.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar. The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family. Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• Order of business on Committee Substitute for House Bill 5247.
• I move final passage of Committee Substitute House Bill 5247.
• President, I move final passage of the committee substitute to House Bill 3250.
• Committee Substitute House Bill 3556, Secretary, read the caption.
• Committee Substitute House Bill 3556.

Bills: SB393, SB731, SB801, SB867, SB1232, SB1798, SB2082, SB2717, SB2919, SB3074, HJR133, HB2, HB18, HB24, HB26, HB35, HB43, HB49, HB75, HB103, HB120, HB126, HB143, HB163, HB180, HB216, HB413, HB647, HB700, HB748, HB851, HB1422, HB1445, HB1481, HB1545, HB1562, HB1586, HB1732, HB1828, HB1851, HB1916, HB1991, HB2014, HB2026, HB2038, HB2067, HB2193, HB2282, HB2293, HB2310, HB2464, HB2508, HB2516, HB2518, HB2524, HB2530, HB2674, HB2713, HB2715, HB2974, HB3016, HB3057, HB3062, HB3071, HB3120, HB3161, HB3180, HB3214, HB3234, HB3250, HB3463, HB3512, HB3556, HB3627, HB3680, HB3732, HB3801, HB3824, HB3833, HB3966, HB4044, HB4129, HB4226, HB4230, HB4263, HB4377, HB4384, HB4395, HB4396, HB4535, HB4668, HB4690, HB4751, HB4903, HB5033, HB5149, HB5154, HB5247, HB5331, HB5436, HB5667, HB5688, HB5693, HCR9, HCR40, HCR59, HCR127, SJR5, SB3, SB4, SB9, SB20, SB21, SB23, SB27, SB33, SB34, SB36, SB38, SB40, SB75, SB213, SB269, SB379, SB458, SB528, SB647, SB648, SB650, SB681, SB740, SB777, SB840, SB843, SB924, SB1061, SB1120, SB1121, SB1150, SB1188, SB1198, SB1202, SB1253, SB1318, SB1333, SB1398, SB1405, SB1423, SB1448, SB1535, SB1566, SB1574, SB1621, SB1709, SB1723, SB1789, SB1862, SB2037, SB2078, SB2268, SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB2544, SB2570, SB2601, SB2778, SB1, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB2308, HB2525, SB1538, SB1749, SB2603, SB3038, SB3062, SB3065, HB24, HB128, HB216, HB388, HB519, HB609, HB685, HB766, HB1237, HB1314, HB1445, HB1458, HB1522, HB1592, HB1606, HB1612, HB1633, HB2011, HB2025, HB2061, HB2259, HB2273, HB2358, HB2421, HB2434, HB2464, HB2518, HB2563, HB2637, HB2697, HB2713, HB2791, HB2856, HB3114, HB3126, HB3161, HB3233, HB3395, HB3424, HB3487, HB3505, HB3510, HB3597, HB3745, HB3803, HB3804, HB3806, HB4224, HB4310, HB4396, HB4738, HB4945, HB5084, HB5155, HB5180, HB5667, HB5686, HCR9, HCR10, HCR135, HCR142, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB1749, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3038, SB3045, SB1538, SB3071, SB3065, SB3062, HJR133, HB2715, HB3627, HB5033, HB2282, HB26, HB388, HB1633, HB685, HB1606, HB1458, HB2791, HB2061, HB647, HB4738, HB2563, HB128, HB766, HB2259, HB2358, HB4384, HB748, HB5180, HB3806, HB3804, HB3803, HB1522, HB3597, HB1612, HB4224, HB1314, HB1237, HB3126, HB2856, HB3114, HB3505, HB5652, HB2025, HB3395, HB18, HB2516, HB2713, HB24, HB519, HB609, HB1592, HB120, HB2421, HB2273, HB2464, HB5084, HB4396, HB43, HB5686, HB2518, HB4310, HB180, HB3745, HB4044, HB5155, HB5667, HB1445, HB1306, HB2637, HB5436, HB3966, HB2026, HB3487, HB4226, HB216, HB49, HB4112, HB3233, HB2310, HB2674, HB322, HB1481, HB126, HB3062, HB3180, HB2530, HB2524, HB1916, HB5650, HB4894, HB3120, HB1629, HB103, HB3234, HB3680, HB5698, HB3171, HB5693, HB2694, HB5664, HB3732, HB2508, HB2293, HB1991, HB2014, HB5331, HB5247, HB4751, HB4690, HB4668, HB4464, HB4395, HB4063, HB3833, HB3623, HB3214, HB3512, HB3250, HB3016, HB2520, HB2221, HB2213, HB3824, HB2067, HB1732, HB1562, HB700, HB1545, HB252, HB146, HB5596, HB1851, HB3619, HB3071, HB3556, HB851, HB4230, HB5320, HB5651, HB5670, HB5665, HB5437, HB5679, HB5699, HB5661, HB5662, HB5654, HB5672, HB5656, HB5149, HB4903, HB4743, HB4666, HB4377, HB4535, HB4129, HB3812, HB3801, HB3595, HB3057, HB2035, HB721, HB35, HB346, HB2974, HB2512, HB5695, HB5694, HB5671, HB5674, HB5688, HB1586, HB5154, HB2038, HB163, HB413, HB3463, HB3185, HB2761, HB2593, HB2348, HB2073, HB1828, HB1422, HB75, HB1871, HB108, HB2306, HB2017, HB1135, HB144, HB3689, HB5308, HB101, HB2193, HB5666, HB5677, HB5682, HB5680, HB5658, HB5696, HB4144, HB3159, HB3254, HB3866, HB3010, HB4520, HB3642, HB3928, HB3815, HB2686, HB2012, HB1960, HB227, HB654, HB1690, HB2128, HB4158, HB4530, HB4630, HB5659, HB1523, HB2078, HB2427, HB145, HB1973, HB3333, HB3697, HB3546, HB3225, HB3181, HB3133, HB3053, HB2885, HB2820, HB2294, HB2253, HB1661, HB1506, HB1234, HB640, HB621, HB551, HB521, HB493, HB272, HB229, HB223, HB201, HB186, HB119, HB2080, HB2818, HB5394, HB4795, HB4466, HB4454, HB3940, HB3749, HB3151, HB3284, HB1403, HB1106, HB2844, HB2851, HB1500, HB4488, HB4264, HB4, HB4170, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4157, HB4281, HB4285, HB4463, HB4749, HB4995, HB5081, HB5115, HB5138, HB5624, HB1449, HB3711, HB2598, HB3629, HB4361, HB824, HB1868, HB4848, HB2243, HB40, HB117, HB2313, HB3686, HB500, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB1056, HB42, HB4486, HB3000, HB100, HB2240, HB718, HB27, HB4904, HB4202, HB2853, HB5129, HB5093, HB4765, HB4748, HB4559, HB4350, HB4214, HB3388, HB3112, HB5196, HB4211, HB3516, HB3092, HB4233, HB4687, HB705, HB1094, HB2037, HB3005, HB3848, HCR141, HCR118, HCR127, HCR40, HCR59, HCR10, HCR135, HCR142, HCR9, HCR76, HCR108, HJR133, HB18, HB35, HB43, HB49, HB75, HB103, HB120, HB163, HB216, HB413, HB647, HB851, HB1422, HB1481, HB1545, HB1562, HB1586, HB1732, HB1828, HB1851, HB1916, HB1991, HB2014, HB2026, HB2067, HB2193, HB2293, HB2310, HB2464, HB2508, HB2524, HB2530, HB2974, HB3062, HB3071, HB3120, HB3180, HB3214, HB3234, HB3250, HB3463, HB3512, HB3680, HB3732, HB3801, HB3824, HB3833, HB4044, HB4129, HB4226, HB4230, HB4377, HB4395, HB4396, HB4535, HB4668, HB4903, HB5149, HB5154, HB5247, HB5331, HB5436, HB5688, HB5693, HB2282, HB2715, HB3627, HB5033, HB2674, HB3556, HCR127, SB3, SB21, SB379, SB1405, SB1538, SB1749, SB3038, SB3062, SB3065, HB24, HB128, HB388, HB519, HB609, HB685, HB766, HB1237, HB1314, HB1445, HB1458, HB1522, HB1592, HB1606, HB1612, HB1633, HB2025, HB2061, HB2259, HB2273, HB2358, HB2421, HB2518, HB2563, HB2637, HB2713, HB2791, HB2856, HB3114, HB3126, HB3233, HB3487, HB3505, HB3597, HB3745, HB3803, HB3804, HB3806, HB4224, HB4310, HB4738, HB5084, HB5155, HB5180, HB5667, HB5686, HCR9, HCR10, HCR135, HCR142, SB2603, HB3395, HB636, HB5655, HB5689, HB5690, HB636, HB5655, HB5689, HB5690

Keywords: SB 393, Sparks, Middleton, local government, political subdivision, public securities, government debt, municipal bonds, general obligation bonds, certificates of obligation, anticipation notes, debt maturity, weighted average maturity, economic life, useful life, tangible personal property, real property improvements, public finance, Texas Government Code, Chapter 1253

Transcript Highlights:

• say I. committee substitute say I.
• substitute before us on House Bill 246. substitute before us on House Bill 246.
• The committee substitute is a does.
• noticed in part of the um committee noticed in part of the um committee substitute substitute substitute
• So, we have the committee substitute.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:04 Roll Call 00:00:23 HB 246 Discussion 00:02:47 HB 246 Vote 00:15:15 HB 613 Discussion 00:17:04 HB 613 Vote 00:29:09 Adjournment 00:30:37, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Local Government met with a quorum present and briefly introduced a guest before taking up two bills. House Bill 246, as amended by House Committee Substitute 1, would require animal control officers to complete training on recognizing child abuse and neglect. The sponsor and a young advocate testified that animal control officers often encounter warning signs in homes, cited data linking animal abuse and child abuse, and said the training would be free, brief, and housed by Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. The committee substitute was explained as addressing local government liability concerns by allowing counties to opt out, tying the bill to existing reporting statutes, and clarifying that the training creates no investigative duty. Members asked about whether the training was one-time, how opt-outs would be tracked, and whether the information would be public; the sponsor and witness said participation would be tracked and the training/evaluation would be available through the organization. The committee approved HB 246 with favorable expression to pass on the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 613, which would give Chapter 75 fire districts a process to seek a tax increase above the current 10-cent cap through public hearings and voter recall, while preserving local control. The sponsor and fire service representatives said the bill responds to modern fire district costs, including higher equipment prices, staffing shortages, declining volunteer numbers, and the shift to all-hazards service. They emphasized that any increase would be subject to notice, public comment, and a voter recall mechanism, and said the cap would remain in place unless the district used the new process. Members questioned the fiscal impact language, the meaning of the cap, and whether the bill effectively removed the cap; the sponsor clarified that the cap stays but districts could go up to two cents above it through the process, with voters able to recall the increase. One member passed on the vote due to concern about the indeterminable fiscal impact, but the committee still reported HB 613 favorably to the House floor. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is an objection to adopting the committee substitute.
• The committee substitute does two things, basically.
• The chair sends up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 1646.
• The chair sends up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 1646.
• Okay, so what's the—you got the committee substitute today, right?

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice heard testimony on several bills dealing with criminal discovery, crime lab access, controlled substances, community supervision, interference with officers, oilfield theft, and copper theft. On SB 1124, witnesses split over whether the bill clarified discovery law after the Heath decision or rolled back the Michael Morton Act; opponents argued it narrowed disclosure and shifted responsibility away from prosecutors, while supporters said it restored balance, limited harsh sanctions, and preserved exculpatory-disclosure duties. The committee later voted 4-0 to report SB 1124 favorably and place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard and later reported favorably SB 1372, which resolves a statutory conflict over access to the DPS crime lab portal, and SB 1936, which changes how LSD “abuse units” are defined for testing and charging purposes; both were sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1937, which would require a subject-matter expert from the testing lab to participate in pretrial meetings in capital cases involving biological evidence, was also reported favorably and placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard SB 552, which would make people defined in the bill as “illegal aliens” ineligible for judge-ordered or jury-recommended community supervision, including deferred adjudication. Supporters said the bill would prevent state-funded early release of people who entered or remained in the country unlawfully, while county officials and immigration advocates warned it would be overbroad, difficult to administer, and costly to local jails and taxpayers. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to report SB 552 favorably, and Senator Huffman requested it be taken to the floor. On SB 1208, which increases interference with a peace officer or public official from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony, law enforcement witnesses said repeat “auditors” and similar actors were creating dangerous confrontations and needed stronger deterrence; opponents argued the bill would chill protected filming and protest activity. The committee voted to report SB 1208 favorably and place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also took testimony on SB 1806, a committee substitute addressing oilfield theft and related crimes. Supporters from law enforcement and the oil and gas industry said organized theft of crude, equipment, and related materials is a growing problem and that the bill would strengthen penalties, allow seizure and sale of stolen product, and improve inspection and forensic tools. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, with placement on the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, the committee heard SB 1646, which targets copper theft and fiber vandalism by increasing penalties, requiring reporting and recordkeeping for certain purchases, and adding training and enforcement tools. Telecommunications, law enforcement, and emergency-network witnesses supported the bill as necessary to protect 9-1-1 and critical infrastructure, while metal recyclers warned the bill could overregulate legitimate businesses and sweep too broadly. The committee later voted to report the committee substitute for SB 1646 favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee substitute is withdrawn.
• The committee substitute is withdrawn.
• The committee substitute is withdrawn.
• By the way, there is a committee substitute. Did we lay out the committee substitute?
• The committee substitute is withdrawn.

Bills: HB511, HB972, HB 1035, HB2481, HB2723, HB2742, HB2894, HB2962, HB3077, HB3093, HB3307, HB3684, HJR67, HJR72

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, caregiver exemption, Medicaid, long-term services, tax relief, assisted living, housing support, property tax exemption, caregiver support, residence homestead, tax exemption, unpaid caregiver, state tax code, property tax, caregiver, waiting list, intellectual disability, developmental disability, ad valorem tax, family support

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no substitute. Mr.
• And there is no substitute. Oh, there is a substitute. If I have it, there should be a substitute.
• Jones, are you OK with doing the substitute? Ms. Jones offers a committee substitute.
• We do have a substitute and Mr. Louderback, are you OK with offering the substitute? Mr.
• Laying out the substitute. So, Ms. Rodríguez-Ramos offers a substitute.

Bills: HB 1194, HB 1221, HB1738, HB1913, HB2177, HB2178, HB2180, HB2229, HB2282, HB2448, HB2492, HB2777, HB2984, HB3357, HB3553, HB3602

Keywords: emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee

Transcript Highlights:

• So we do have a substitute. What this bill does is takes substitute.
• With this substitute, we are transferring funds to substitute, we are transferring funds to substitute
• With the substitute. Yes. We are transferring substitute. Yes. We are transferring substitute. Yes.
• SB 303 has passed as substituted. Thank you passed as substituted. Thank you passed as substituted.
• House bill number 600 was substitute by Representative Almond substitute by Representative Almond substitute

Bills: HB 29, HB 125, HB 145, HB 171, HB 255, HB 50, HB 796, HB 363, HB 116, HB 491, HB 589, HB 1495, HB 368, HB 1285, HB 1905, HB 1360, HB 2002, HB 917, HB 2723, HB 2067, HB 1238, HB 2337, HB 745, HB 1188, HB 1606, HB 2003, HB 2147, HB 2391, HB 2355, HB 2546, HB 2495, HB 2818, HB 2249, HB 1749, HB 3109, HB 3228, HB 3240, HB 1507, HB 658, HB 1748, HB 1851, HB 1922, HB 2001, HB 2798, HB 107, HCR 29, SB 5, SB 262, HB 11, HJR 72, HB 106, HB 18, HB 48, HB 27, HB 37, HB 1481, HB 581, HB 1696, HB 2216, HB 1035, HB 1633, HB 742, HB 754, HB 1689, HB 1690, HB 2669, HB 391, HB 517, HB 1024, HB 1607, HB 252, HB 1716, HB 1562, HB 4116, HB 1866, HB 1741, HB 2103, HB 2637, HB 2884, HB 503, HB 1089, HB 2986, HB 972, HB 502, HB 29, HB 125, HB 145, HB 171, HB 255, HB 50, HB 796, HB 363, HB 116, HB 491, HB 589, HB 1495, HB 368, HB 1285, HB 1905, HB 1360, HB 2002, HB 917, HB 2723, HB 2067, HB 1238, HB 2337, HB 745, HB 1188, HB 1606, HB 2003, HB 2147, HB 2391, HB 2355, HB 2546, HB 2495, HB 2818, HB 2249, HB 1749, HB 3109, HB 3228, HB 3240, HB 1507, HB 658, HB 1748, HB 1851, HB 1922, HB 2001, HB 2798, HB 107, HCR 29

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, there is a committee substitute.
• The difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed is as follows: The substitute simply
• Chairman, there is a committee substitute.
• The difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed is as follows: The substitute simply
• No nays, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 897 does pass.

Bills: SB 390, SB 1197, SB 1271

Keywords: veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, Veteran Affairs

Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a committee substitute. Senator King sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 6.
• The committee substitute is much more prescriptive in its requirements of that evaluation.
• The committee substitute removes that exemption.
• Um, Senator King moves adoption of the committee substitute. Senate Bill 6.

• Senator King moves adoption of the committee substitute.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met to consider and vote on a committee substitute for Senate Bill 6, which Senator King said was intended to address rapidly growing electricity demand from large loads such as data centers while protecting reliability and keeping costs from shifting to homeowners and small businesses. He described the bill as a response to updated ERCOT and PUC forecasts showing much higher generation needs than previously expected. Senator King outlined several substantive changes in the substitute: replacing a minimum transmission charge with an upfront interconnection charge for new large loads; requiring the PUC to conduct a more detailed 4CP evaluation and adopt rules based on it; expanding load-forecasting data collection to smaller loads and standardizing criteria for interconnections; removing an exemption from ERCOT/PUC reliability review for certain net metering arrangements; making some PUC conditions temporary and limiting intervenors in those proceedings; and requiring utilities to work with large load customers on protocols and equipment for firm load shed participation. He also noted technical changes meant to close loopholes, including changing references from “duplicate” to “substantially similar” projects and from “affiliated” to “unaffiliated.” Senator Menendez asked for clarification on several provisions, including whether stranded infrastructure costs applied to generation or only transmission, how “single site” would be defined, how ERCOT-directed curtailment and notice would work, and what “load ramp milestones” meant. King responded that the bill was meant to cover both distribution and transmission-level loads, that the PUC would define certain terms through rulemaking, that large customers would work with utilities in advance on flexible load and backup generation arrangements, and that ramp milestones would help utilities plan for phased growth in demand. After questions concluded, Senator King moved adoption of the committee substitute and passage of SB 6 as substituted. The motion passed on a 7-0 vote, and the bill was reported favorably to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I believe we have a committee substitute under consideration.
• Uh, and I will cover the committee substitute changes.
• as amended by the committee substitute. as amended by the committee substitute.
• They're kind of substitute changes.
• Um so we've in the committee substitute.

Keywords: HB 534 (only one on the agenda) – 00:02:08, 958, all

Summary: The House Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee met to consider House Bill 534, sponsored by Rep. DJ Johnson, with a committee substitute. Johnson said the bill was the product of interim work with the Secretary of State’s office, the State Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and other stakeholders, and that the committee substitute folded in several election-administration changes. He highlighted provisions clarifying the timeline for felony voter-roll removals, allowing the Board of Elections to work with federal agencies to identify non-citizens on the voter rolls, creating a process for those individuals to prove citizenship and vote provisionally, and changing some KREF board appointments. He also described technical campaign-finance changes and said some provisions might still be adjusted through floor amendments. Members raised concerns about fiscal impact, timing, and voter privacy. Rep. Bivens questioned the cost and whether the bill could affect voter records; Johnson responded that the bill itself did not require new equipment or broad new spending, though a special election in a local government failure scenario could create costs. Rep. Hancock and Rep. Marzian argued the bill could create unnecessary burdens on county clerks and questioned whether there was a demonstrated problem to justify the changes. The county clerks’ association, through Rockcastle County Clerk Danetta Ford Allen, opposed the bill as introduced, warning that citizenship checks could wrongly remove eligible voters, that online ballot images or cast vote records could threaten voter privacy and facilitate vote buying, and that the emergency clause would force major changes too close to the May primary. Johnson defended the bill as a targeted response to a real local election failure and said the citizenship data sharing would be limited to name, date of birth, and Social Security number. He also explained that the ballot-image language was permissive and intended to let counties explore emerging technology, but he was open to removing that section or changing the effective date in a floor amendment. He further said he would consider preserving gubernatorial appointments to KREF with Senate oversight instead of shifting appointments to legislative leaders. After discussion, the committee voted 9-2 with one pass to report the bill out, with several members explaining yes votes as support for moving the bill forward while expecting further cleanup, and no votes citing cost, timing, and voter-access concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rep Perez offers a committee substitute herein. objection and the substitute is adopted with that Chairman
• Chairman Wilson offers a committee substitute to House Bill 4762.
• There is a committee substitute.
• Members, there is a committee substitute. The chair offers a complete committee substitute.
• I recognize Chairman Wilson to explain the substitute.

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 88, a bill to
• Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 88, a bill to
• Committee substitute for committee substitute for Senate Bill 262.
• Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 296, a bill to be entitled an act relating
• Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 296, a bill to be entitled an act relating

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with most receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support. Early measures included SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to designate certain roads for UTV use under safety restrictions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education would create a workforce credential and badge program for students with autism spectrum disorder or modified curricula, and passed 36-0 after discussion of workforce access and district costs. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow alternative service of process through the same app used by scammers, and passed 37-0. SB 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration would extend filing deadlines and remove restrictive bars to compensation, and passed 38-0. SB 158 would eliminate cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan, and passed 38-0 after testimony about early detection and access to follow-up care. The most extensive debate came on SB 234, which would revise laws on resisting law enforcement and add a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Supporters argued it was needed after the killing of Officer Jason Raynor and to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified; opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment issues, racial profiling, and the severity of the mandatory sentence. An amendment to restore “in good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill. The Senate then passed SB 262 on technical trust-code changes by a 36-0 vote, and later recognized Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Additional bills passed with broad support. SB 274 designated portions of Orlando roadways as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way, honoring philanthropist Harris Rosen and the late Senator Geraldine Thompson; it passed 38-0 and drew a motion for co-sponsorship. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and shifted the issue to local districts after reporting requirements, passing 38-0. SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida and passed after remarks about the Holocaust memorial and the need to confront antisemitism. Throughout the session, senators frequently framed their votes in terms of public safety, education, access to care, civil justice, and commemorating community leaders and historical events.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee substitute for committee substitute for committee substitute for Senate Bill 88, a bill to
• Committee substitute for committee substitute for committee substitute for Senate Bill 88, the bill to
• Committee substitute for committee substitute for Senate Bill 262.
• Committee substitute for committee substitute for Senate Bill 262, a bill to be entitled and act relating
• Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 296, a bill to be entitled, an act relating

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to special order bills. Senate Bill 88 on utility terrain vehicles passed 32-5 after debate over allowing local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under safety restrictions; Senator Smith opposed it over safety concerns. Senate Bill 102 on exceptional student education passed 36-0, creating a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; supporters emphasized employment opportunities and safety training, while Senator Davis raised concerns about added costs to school districts. Senate Bill 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults passed 37-0, allowing alternative service on scammers through the same apps used to contact victims. Senate Bill 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration passed 38-0, extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive barriers; supporters called it a long-overdue justice fix. Senate Bill 158 on diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations passed 38-0, eliminating cost sharing for follow-up breast tests in the state employee health plan to encourage early detection. The most contentious measure was Senate Bill 234 on criminal offenses against law enforcement officers. The bill sought to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified by claims about the legality of the detention and to add manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses carrying life imprisonment without release. An amendment by Senator Jones to restore “in good faith” language failed, after debate centered on due process, racial profiling, and the role of juries and suppression motions. Several senators spoke in support of law enforcement but objected to the bill’s breadth and mandatory life penalty; Senator Leek ultimately postponed the bill temporarily rather than taking a final vote. Senate Bill 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. Senate Bill 274 designating roads for Harris Rosen and Geraldine Thompson passed 38-0, followed by a successful co-sponsorship motion and remarks honoring Thompson’s legacy. Senate Bill 280 on candidate qualification passed 38-0, creating an enforcement mechanism for party-affiliation filing requirements. Senate Bill 296 on middle and high school start times passed 38-0, repealing the statewide start-time mandate and shifting implementation decisions to local districts while requiring public reporting and discussion. Senate Bill 356 designating January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day also passed unanimously, with senators emphasizing remembrance, anti-Semitism, and the educational value of the memorial and observance.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair hears none and the substitute is adopted.
• The chair offers a committee substitute.
• The committee substituted substantial change.
• My substitute does not change this.
• Um, roads, I'm talking about substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a committee substitute. A committee substitute has been circulated.
• Senator Johnson sends up a committee substitute and is recognized to explain the substitute on behalf
• He is stating that the substitute simply clarifies that the court cannot order the victim of violence
• Hearing none, Senator Johnson moves that we adopt the committee substitute. Is there objection?
• Hearing none, the substitute is adopted.

Summary: The Committee on Jurisprudence met and considered two bills. House Bill 3783, relating to court-ordered counseling in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship, was taken up with a committee substitute. Senator Johnson explained that the substitute clarifies that a court may not order a victim of family violence or abuse by the other parent to pay any part of the counseling costs. The committee adopted the substitute without objection and then voted 5-0 to report HB 3783 favorably to the full Senate, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed, and to place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then considered House Bill 4170. Senator Hughes moved to report the bill favorably to the full Senate, and the motion passed by a 5-0 roll call vote. The committee also agreed without objection to recommend HB 4170 for placement on the local and uncontested calendar. After completing business, the committee recessed at the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> the<01:04:48.960> commission So under the substitute the commission So under the substitute
• Question for the body's adoption of the substitute. The clerk will unlock the substitute.
• The substitute has been ys. No nays.
• The clerk will HP 609 is substituted.
• The body's adoption of the substitute.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee's substitute before this committee.
• Anything like that that's not addressed in the committee substitute.
• Um, I think that the, the committee substitute does provide, does fill in.
• And then on page thank you on page 27 of the substitute, um.
• Now that's struck from the substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• I actually have a committee substitute, but it's unofficial.
• I look forward to reviewing the committee's substitute language. Thank you.
• A bill like this, particularly the committee's substitute, ...substitute seems to kind of move in that
• We have a substitute up that makes three changes to the committee bill we heard.
• Senator Paxton moves that the committee substitute to Senate Bill 1567.

Bills: SB32, SB464, SB996, SB1163, SB1173, SB1277, SB1452, SB1453, SB1548, SB1882, SB1883, SB2016, SB 32

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:56.880> Is<00:08:57.040> that have a committee substitute.
• Is that have a committee substitute. Is that correct? correct? correct?
• . substitute. substitute.
• Committee substitute is adopted.
• Committee substitute is adopted. Committee substitute is adopted.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:18 HB 333 Discussion 00:02:49 HB 333 Vote 00:06:47 HB 432 Discussion 00:08:44 HB 432 Vote 00:12:13 Adjournment 00:13:54, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Local Government met with a quorum present, heard introductions, and then considered two bills. House Bill 333, sponsored by Representative Pollock, would allow faith-based organizations to develop small-scale affordable housing projects of up to 24 units on property owned before January 1, 2026, and to operate modest homeless shelters, including cooling or warming centers, in commercial, business, or industrial zones if health and safety requirements are met. Pollock said the bill is intended to help address homelessness and housing affordability while preserving building, fire, health, and reporting standards. Representative Stalker supported the measure and asked about its effect on the tax base, and Representative Fleming asked a clarifying question about the bill number. The committee voted 16-0 to give HB 333 favorable expression. The committee then took up House Bill 432, sponsored by Vice Chair Neighbors, which updates Kentucky local purchasing laws. A committee substitute was adopted first, then Neighbors explained that the bill clarifies when local public agencies may use non-competitive negotiations, such as in emergencies, with single-source providers, licensed professionals, perishable foods, replacement parts, and certain insurance products, while still requiring written justification. The bill also keeps the $40,000 advertised-bid threshold and adds clearer exceptions, including used vehicles or equipment purchased at no more than 75% of MSRP, to give local governments more flexibility and stretch taxpayer dollars. Representative Roarx explained the difference between the original bill and the substitute regarding how the 75% value is measured. The committee voted 17-0 to report HB 432 favorably as amended. Before adjournment, the chair welcomed constituents in the audience and congratulated Representative Roarx on becoming ranking member. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, or subcommittee substitute. Is there objection to the adoption of substitute.
• Representative Metcalf offers up committee substitute.
• Chair offers submittee substitute is an objection to the adoption of substitute chair. Here's none.
• Chair offer subcommittee substitute.
• The committee substitute is withdrawn.

Bills: HB 551, HB 1281, HB 1378, HB 1617, HB 2868, HB 2881, HB 3374, HB 4439, HB 4726, HB 4732, HB 4878, HB 4914, HB 4921, HB 4958, HB 5200, HB 5318, HB 5360, HB 5402, HB 5568, HB 5573, HB 5623, HJR 218

Keywords: political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation