Transcript Highlights:

• This requires the soldier to use all federal dollars for education before using state dollars.
• He's deciding that his sergeant first class, which is an E7, has done something that requires him to
• basically, how are we going to help retailers Not have to be the arbiters of this if they're not required
• How spell. 3257 requires any state benefits available to 100% disabled veterans through a service-connected
• They will require the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to include fentanyl testing in all child

Bills: HB2947 , HB3257 , HB3264 , HB3834 , HB3940 , HB3944 , HB3979 , HB4003 , HB4118 , HB4326 , HB4346 , HB4421

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: behavioral health, Medicaid expansion, clinical interns, mental health services, licensing requirements, veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, criminal justice, minimum sentences, parole eligibility, violent crimes, Oklahoma statutes, HB3834, Oklahoma Breakthrough Therapy Act, ibogaine, ibogaine-based therapeutics, ibogaine analogs

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's not a requirement. It is the most that you can do. I understand. a requirement.

Bills: SB309 , SB457 , SB513 , HB148 , HB149 , HB358 , HB384 , HB428 , HB487 , HB593 , HB613 , HB657 , HB675 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB728 , HB732 , HB845 , HB846 , HB965

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Keywords: driving school, driver education, prelicensing course, motor vehicles, Department of Public Safety, Office of Motor Vehicles, third-party tester, third-party examiner, private driving instructor, license application, consumer protection, course pricing, tuition regulation, administrative rules, transportation committee, construction, management, project delivery, public contracts, legislative approval

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on April 22, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several transportation-related bills, many involving license plates, toll exemptions, and administrative changes. The committee first advanced HB 988 by Rep. Bagley, which changes the fee distribution for current and retired legislators’ special prestige license plates so the proceeds support repairs at the Pentagon/first LSU building rather than going to the state. It then heard HB 1001 by Rep. Marcel, designating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway; the bill was supported with remarks honoring Jackson’s civil rights legacy, and the committee observed a moment of silence before reporting it favorably without objection. The committee next considered HB 989 by Rep. Boyer, which updates and clarifies fees charged by public license tag agents. Rep. Phelps offered an amendment to exempt Shreveport from the fee increase, but it failed on a roll call vote, and the bill was then reported favorably by a 13-2 vote. HB 1192, also by Rep. Boyer, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association specialty license plate, was amended to remove a restriction limiting issuance to association members and then passed favorably without objection. HB 1032 by Rep. Wiley, which clarifies the substances referenced in DUI-related motor vehicle statutes, received technical amendments and was reported favorably without objection. The committee also advanced HB 748 by Rep. Brough, exempting Louisiana school board-owned and leased vehicles from tolls on bridges and highways, including the Bell Chasse toll bridge area, after testimony from Plaquemines Parish school officials and the district attorney describing toll costs and operational burdens; the bill was amended to include leased vehicles and then reported favorably without objection. HB 1108 by Rep. Omade creating a homeschool pride specialty plate was also reported favorably without objection after discussion of the plate design and proceeds going to Homeschool Louisiana. Finally, HB 1081 by Chairman Wright, restructuring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce and DOTD for administrative support, was amended at the request of the Governor’s Office and reported favorably without objection. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there were always little dark areas in the requirements by weight and vehicle.
• One, it would require that tolling facility...
• That entity was required by statute to provide this body, I believe, a master plan.
• It created a master plan requirement, just like the CPR that has to be.
• , created an annual plan requirement that has to be reviewed and approved by the legislature.

Bills: HCR32 , HB493 , HB679 , HB745 , HB896 , HB1000 , HB1024 , HB1050 , HB1159 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1207 , HB1208 , HB1218

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Keywords: Saint Claude Avenue Bridge, Port of New Orleans, backup motors, infrastructure, traffic management, expropriation, property rights, Amite River Basin, drainage, East Feliciana Parish, St. Helena Parish, government authority, traumatic brain injury, identification card, law enforcement training, medical verification, disability rights, special permits, transportation, tandem loads

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on April 21 and considered a series of transportation, licensing, tolling, and public safety measures. It reported favorably House Bill 745, extending special permits for tandem loads hauling containers to and from port facilities; House Bill 1000, a DOTD cleanup bill that clarifies Highway Priority Program reporting and raises the letter-bid contract threshold from $1 million to $3 million; and House Bill 1050, which clarifies commercial driver’s license rules, including age and intrastate/interstate driving limits. The committee also approved House Bill 1172 naming a portion of U.S. Highway 165 in Oberlin the Coulin Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway, House Bill 1218 naming a portion of Louisiana Highway 1090 the Lewis Pat Miramon Memorial Highway, House Concurrent Resolution 32 urging backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge, and House Bill 1207 on public contracting standards and competition in public bidding. A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 896, which responds to tolling issues at the Belle Chasse bridge project. The bill would require toll signage, local toll customer service centers, dispute procedures, and limits on administrative fees, with amendments addressing effective dates, in-person assistance, appeal deadlines, law-enforcement exemptions, and limits on certain charges. The author and witnesses described high administrative fees, long travel distances to customer service locations, and problems with toll bills, while committee members noted the issue was complex and ongoing. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also heard House Bill 1159, allowing Jefferson Parish municipalities to use automated speed enforcement devices again under local control. Supporters from Gretna, Westwego, Harahan, and Kenner said photo enforcement reduced crashes, improved safety, and helped limited police resources, while opponents were not emphasized in the transcript. After discussion about whether the measure should be voluntarily or involuntarily deferred, the committee ultimately deferred the bill. House Bill 493, which would prohibit expropriation by the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes, drew extensive testimony about reservoir fears and local opposition; the committee voluntarily deferred it. House Bill 679, as substituted, created a driver’s license designation for people with brain injuries and required related law-enforcement training; witnesses described personal experiences with brain injury and the need for officers to recognize communication and behavioral effects, and the committee reported the substitute favorably. House Bill 1173, which waives late fees for certain reinstatement-relief payment plans for driver’s licenses, was also reported favorably, and House Bill 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party prestige plate was approved as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know there is a long list of offenses that would require registration.
• Currently, there is required to be a member from each parish.
• all of these things in addition to what's already required. ...Thank you, Ms.
• Anything that would require you to register. The reference is to 15-5,...
• Anything that would require you to register. The reference is to 15:541.24.

Bills: HB63 , HB91 , HB98 , HB108 , HB131 , HB151 , HB161 , HB294 , HB305 , HB310 , HB320 , HB336 , HB622 , HB789 , HB1040

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB63, Louisiana bail, bail bond, surety, failure to appear, FTA, bench warrant, NCIC, National Crime Information Center, criminal procedure, Article 331, defendant registry, surrender of defendant, rule to show cause, law enforcement records, pretrial release, bond forfeiture, disclosure, criminal records, witness protection

Transcript Highlights:

• But if I remember correctly, it required a Certain number of facilities across the state.
• And they can qualify if they can satisfy the requirements of the grant and the reporting requirements
• out for a bond, it's not the same as a traditional public school, so there's not a vote. that is required
• Moiii Kennedyi sneed i west tammmy iii You're reminded if you're on the floor, you are required to vote

Bills: HB2997 , HB2021 , HB3041 , HB1823 , HB3372 , HB1427 , HB3127 , HB3128 , HCR1020 , HB4198 , HB3000 , HB3001 , HB3002 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB3005 , HB3006 , HB3007 , HB3008 , SB392 , HB3320

Keywords: motor vehicles, administrative fines, license regulation, state agencies, employment levels, after-school programs, grant funding, community organizations, child care, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, housing finance, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, publication requirements, housing policy, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• correctly, I haven't really looked at it since we had it in committee, but if I remember correctly, it required
• a five-county alliance, five different providers, and they can qualify if they can satisfy the requirements
• of the grant, satisfy the reporting requirements back to qualify for the grants, then I believe they
• out for a bond, it's not the same as a traditional public school, so there's not a vote that is required
• You are reminded if you're on the floor, you are required to vote. Clinton, nay. Any members...

Bills: HB2997 , HB2021 , HB3041 , HB1823 , HB3372 , HB1427 , HB3127 , HB3128 , HCR1020 , HB4198 , HB3000 , HB3001 , HB3002 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB3005 , HB3006 , HB3007 , HB3008 , SB392 , HB3320

Keywords: motor vehicles, administrative fines, license regulation, state agencies, employment levels, after-school programs, grant funding, community organizations, child care, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, housing finance, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, publication requirements, housing policy, state regulations

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, heard an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and recognitions, including guests in the galleries and a special recognition of a doctor of the day and a state volleyball championship team. The chamber then took up a series of bills, with most receiving brief explanations and little or no debate. House Bill 2997, dealing with used-car bait-and-switch enforcement and higher fines, failed on final passage 47-39, and notice was given of a possible motion to reconsider. House Bill 2021, creating a DHS grant program for out-of-school programming through larger community-based organizations, passed 51-29 after questions about eligibility and partnerships. House Bill 3041, adjusting the cap on credit-card surcharges so retailers can recover actual processing costs up to 2%, passed 86-1 and its emergency was adopted. The House also passed House Bill 1823 on Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency compliance with federal HOME grant guidelines, 83-5, with the emergency adopted. House Bill 3372, creating lower-cost financing tools for high-performing charter schools, drew extensive questioning about taxpayer funding, ownership, default risk, and comparisons to public-school bonds, but ultimately passed 53-36. House Bill 1427, as amended by the Senate, was adopted and passed 57-20, codifying current clean-burning vehicle tax-credit practices tied to the bank privilege tax. House Bill 3127, which would have broadened employer drug-testing and zero-tolerance authority beyond current safety-sensitive positions for medical marijuana users, drew the most extended debate over worker protections, constitutionality, and testing standards, but failed narrowly 47-46; notice of reconsideration was given. Later measures passed with broad support, including House Bill 3128 creating a task force to identify workplace barriers and recommend administrative or legislative fixes, 73-21; House Bill 4198 allowing employers to seek protective orders against former employees who pose an imminent threat, 88-12; and a series of sunset-extension bills for professional and advisory boards. Those included House Bills 3000 through 3007, covering the cosmetology board, child death review board, county personnel training commission, chiropractic examiners, optometry board, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education, and DEQ natural resource advisory councils, with most also receiving emergency clauses. House Concurrent Resolution 1020, commending Team USA Olympic hockey teams for gold medals, was adopted by unanimous consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill that's before us pulls out the surplus funds from the LEOFF 1 retirement account and leaves
• You know, we've had quite a discussion of what is happening to the surplus and LEOFF 1, but we should
• The amendment that's before us today actually reduces it from 110 percent of the required actuarial value
• it would have taken, it would have left the fund at 110 percent, but taken this bonus out of the surplus

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675 , HB2426

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, a measure to terminate and restate the LEOFF 1 pension plan and use surplus funds for other state purposes if federal approval is obtained. During debate, senators discussed whether the plan should remain funded at 110% or 120% of actuarial value, whether surplus dollars should instead go to transportation or the budget stabilization account, whether members should receive an additional distribution, and whether local governments should be reimbursed for retiree health care costs. Several amendments were offered: a Gildon amendment to raise the funding target to 120% failed; a technical Robinson amendment adding a date passed; Holy, King, Harris, Schessler, and Conway amendments addressing member distributions, transportation, budget stabilization, local government health care costs, and a reconstituted board distribution all failed; and Robinson’s amendment removing Climate Commitment Act repayment language passed. The Ways and Means striking amendment, as amended, was then adopted. On final passage, supporters argued the bill was actuarially sound, had been reviewed by attorneys, actuaries, the State Investment Board, and the Department of Retirement Systems, and would allow use of excess funding for other state needs. Opponents warned it left too little in the pension fund, should dedicate surplus dollars only to one-time uses, and did not adequately reimburse cities and counties for retiree medical obligations. After debate, the Senate passed E2SHB 2034 by a vote of 25 yeas, 22 nays, with one absent and one excused. Afterward, the Senate returned to Substitute House Bill 2178, which was also passed on final passage by a vote of 39 yeas and 9 nays, with one excused. The chamber then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the constitution now requires that this is the legislature much more flexibility in how they work
• They're required by law to go the way that the voters sent in there to vote.
• This just would require them to take that exact same oath that the original slate had to take.
• This bill removes that requirement. Is that correct? Yes, that's correct. Follow up, Senator Hicks.
• Is there anything the SGR, so as those maps may change in the future, that this would be required to

Bills: HJR1024 , SB1316 , SB1491 , SB1552 , SB1679 , SB1877 , SB2040 , SB2133 , SB2153 , SB2174 , SB2180 , SB227 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SJR48

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: Judicial Nominating Commission, congressional districts, terms of office, Oklahoma Constitution, legal qualifications, political party restrictions, family ties, administrative rules, sunset provision, state agencies, regulatory review, legislative oversight, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, county home rule charter, home rule, county government

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, S.J.R. 47 simply takes what is in the Oklahoma statute with requiring voter ID and moves that
• could certainly do that, but the Constitution now requires...
• They are required by law to vote the voters sent in there to vote.
• This bill removes that requirement. Is that correct? Yes, that's correct. Follow-up, Senator Hicks.
• , I think... ...but requiring non-lawyers on the commission, I think, is a problem.

Bills: HJR1024 , SB1316 , SB1491 , SB1552 , SB1679 , SB1877 , SB2040 , SB2133 , SB2153 , SB2174 , SB2180 , SB227 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SJR48

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: Judicial Nominating Commission, congressional districts, terms of office, Oklahoma Constitution, legal qualifications, political party restrictions, family ties, administrative rules, sunset provision, state agencies, regulatory review, legislative oversight, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, county home rule charter, home rule, county government

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met and first laid over Senate Bill 2133 and skipped several bills because the Pro Tem and Senator Hall were not present. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1552, which would expand an option for very large counties to adopt local charters; an amendment was adopted to raise the population thresholds so the bill would apply only to future growth. After discussion that the measure was optional and not a mandate, the bill passed 12-7. The committee also passed SJR 39, a proposed constitutional amendment to lower the cap on annual increases in property tax assessed value from 3% to 1% for homestead and agricultural property and from 5% to 3% for other property, despite opposition that it would worsen funding pressures and create inequities between long-term owners and new buyers. SJR 47, moving voter ID requirements into the Constitution, and SJR 48, changing how the state handles ad valorem reimbursement for tax-incentive projects, both passed 16-2. The committee next passed Senate Bill 1491, which requires replacement presidential electors to take the same oath as the original slate, and Senate Bill 2174, which changes the membership mix of the State Fire Marshal Commission to include more business-oriented voices; both measures drew little opposition and passed overwhelmingly. Senate Bill 1877 also passed unanimously; it creates a centralized reporting system for 510 reports, with members noting it should have no fiscal impact because an existing state filing system would be used. House Joint Resolution 1024, which revises the Judicial Nominating Commission by removing certain lawyer/non-lawyer and party-balance restrictions and capping service at 12 consecutive years, passed after significant debate over judicial independence and political influence. The committee then approved Senate Bill 2040, which updates the Tulsa Reconciliation Education Scholarship Program by simplifying eligibility rules, changing the income cap to $128,000 and indexing it to inflation, and clarifying that unused funds may still be used for room, board, and books; supporters said it preserves a long-standing scholarship with no fiscal impact. Senate Bill 1316 passed 17-1 and would require agencies to periodically sunset a percentage of administrative rules, though the author said he may lengthen the cycle after reviewing other states’ models. Senate Bill 1679, the Preserving Oklahoma Values Act, passed 16-2 after debate over its references to foreign law and Judeo-Christian Western values; supporters said it protects due process and equal protection, while opponents warned it could marginalize other faith traditions and create legal uncertainty. Finally, the committee passed Senate Bill 227, clarifying which oil and gas facilities are exempt from ad valorem tax and ensuring flow lines, gathering lines, and injection wells are treated consistently; Senate Bill 2153, directing state agencies to use the terms Judea and Samaria instead of West Bank in official documents; and Senate Bill 2180, a transparency measure on foreign lobbying that was amended before passing 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I'll be happy to answer any questions. required field causes delays in required field causes
• </c> the date of disposition is not required the date of disposition is not required in<00:15:24.240>
• >> So, a death certificate cannot be issued without all of those required fields on there.
• Uh, call the roll. required fields is date of death, manner required fields is date of death, manner
• </c> be issued without all of those required be issued without all of those required fields<00:16:15.680

Bills: SB63 , HB156 , HB289 , SB80 , SB84 , SB63 , HB156 , HB289 , SB80 , SB84

Committee: Senate Healthcare

Keywords: immigration, law enforcement, fingerprints, DNA collection, illegal aliens, Alabama state law, out-of-state warrants, criminal procedure, extradition, Alabama Code, arrest authority, interstate cooperation, Marshall County, TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority, in-lieu-of-taxes, payments distribution, local legislation, school funding, education finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We might need to revisit the requirements for them to provide licensing, ensuring that there are some
• The floor amendment, the original bill included a requirement that any bill that had a health mandate
• It no longer requires that there be an actual Study on any bill to be heard in the legislature.
• There is no requirement that the legislature wait for that actual study to be completed.
• Members, I know we're out of practice, but you're reminded that if you're in the chamber, you are required

Bills: HB2975 , HB3405 , HB3406 , HB3728 , HB3902 , HB3977 , SB397 , HB1161 , HB2938 , HB2939 , HB3306 , HB3722 , HB4113 , HB4123 , HB2293 , HB3176 , HB3545 , HB3546

Keywords: poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• To bonding requirements were so great that a new standard was adopted in 2023 by the NEC via amendment
• This is notice of requirements for certain employers to their employees.
• These appointees were not required to be here today unless they're... ...Retirement Commission.
• We put these same requirements on our students and employees of our school districts, and this. requirements
• The bill would require that they mark the biology that they were born with.

Bills: S0330 , S0526 , S0862 , S1072 , S1078 , S1192 , S1250 , S1296 , S1298 , S1642 , S1698 , S7022

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: firefighter disability, law enforcement disability, correctional officer disability, correctional probation officer, presumptive disability, workers' compensation, line of duty presumption, heart disease presumption, hypertension presumption, tuberculosis presumption, public safety employees, first responders, physical examination, preemployment exam, medical specialist, Medicare reimbursement, employing agency, Florida Statutes 112.18, Florida Statutes 943.13, occupational disease

Summary: The committee heard several bills and confirmations, with most measures reported favorably. Senate Bill 330 clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, codifying the medical definition of heart disease and allowing transferring law enforcement officers to rely on a prior physical if a new agency does not provide one. Support was waived in by the Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Fraternal Order of Police, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 526, as amended by a delete-all amendment, addressed commercial construction contracts, permit standards, fee reductions when private providers are used, floodproofing, product approval categories, and adoption of certain electrical code standards; it drew support from several construction and business groups and one opposing appearance, then was reported favorably. Senate Bill 1192 created a pilot program for callback queues at the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families to reduce hold times for callers seeking re-employment assistance and public benefits, and it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 1078 established transition procedures for a governor-elect, including agency liaisons, briefing materials, office space, and access to records; an amendment shifted IT support to the Department of Management Services, narrowed access to confidential records, and increased penalties for unauthorized disclosure, after which the bill was approved. Senate Bill 7022 extended a public records exemption for classroom examinations and assessment instruments through 2031 and expanded coverage to school district boards and public schools; it was also reported favorably. Senate Bill 862, as amended, set a $60,000 salary goal by 2030 for state correctional officers, probation officers, and institutional security specialists, with annual raises subject to appropriations; members and witnesses emphasized recruitment, retention, and safety, and the bill passed. Senate Bill 1250 removed the requirement that the Commission on Human Relations use registered mail for certain notices under the Florida Civil Rights Act, allowing less expensive notice methods, and it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 1698 allowed certain employers to post required workplace notices electronically instead of physically, and it passed without opposition. The committee also recommended confirmation of 10 appointees to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the State Retirement Commission. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 1072, which created an anti-Semitism task force within the Department of Legal Affairs to review anti-Semitism in Florida, improve community relations, advise on law enforcement training, assess digital media literacy efforts, evaluate hate crime statutes, and recommend policy changes. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address a growing problem and noted that Florida already uses the Holocaust Remembrance definition of anti-Semitism in statute. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it could chill protected speech, especially criticism of Israel, and could be used selectively against students, activists, Muslims, Arabs, and Jewish anti-Zionists; several also said existing hate-crime and civil-rights laws were sufficient and that the task force should include protections against Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate. One member raised concerns about the constitutionality of creating such task forces in light of prior actions by the Attorney General. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote with Senator Bracey Davis voting yes along with the majority. Senate Bill 1642, the Freedom in the Workplace Act, was also heard and drew significant questioning. The bill would bar public employers and contractors from requiring pronoun use, certain gender-identity-related training, or non-binary sex options on forms, and would protect employees and contractors from adverse action based on religious, moral, conscience-based, or biology-based beliefs. Senator Polsky questioned whether the bill could interfere with anti-harassment training and workplace discipline, while the sponsor said the measure was meant to prevent government coercion and extend protections similar to those in school settings. The transcript cuts off before the final disposition of this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• As both the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor have emphasized, this requires appropriate urgency.
• We have more specific requirements about that.
• Real substantive policy requires nuance, investment, and courage.
• That's also something that has to happen, and it's going to require state-federal cooperation.

Bills: SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SB9 , SB42 , SB15 , SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SCR1

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• That's how it's supposed to work and that does require any lobby registration.
• Are they required to file reports? Sorry, I couldn't hear. Are they required to file reports?
• The associations can still do that, it doesn't require you to register.
• government level from having to register. when they're not required to register.
• They're not required to register. There's an exemption.

Bills: SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SB9 , SB42 , SB15 , SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SCR1

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• If you take as federal law requires, and it's outlawed under federal law today, the total THC content
• Department of Agriculture, It required testing for total THC, and as a result, smokable THC-A flour that
• Are there currently any licensing requirements?
• requirements for cannabis product retailers or manufacturers that would help ensure the safety of these
• The consumable market has a license to sell but no real requirement to make sure.

Bills: SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SB9 , SB42 , SB15 , SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SCR1

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• It's in black and white on page 7 of the deed, a private well is required.
• This is a requirement for the application.
• This communication consisted of the application required fee that we paid.
• Uh, the fact is, is that this program does not require any funding upfront.
• This report requires agency programs to close out calendar year activities.

Bills: HB 937 , HB 2078 , HB 2080 , HB 3322 , HB 3350 , HB 4212 , HB 4630 , HB 4896 , HB 4951 , HB 5348 , HB 5675 , SB 565 , SB 971 , SB 1662 , SB 2124

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: special districts, notice requirements, Water Code, government transparency, public meetings, meeting notice, transparency, public engagement, notice, elections, groundwater management, water conservation, joint planning, environmental impact, desired future conditions, groundwater, conservation district, environmental quality, regulatory review, water utility

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the deed, a private well is required. You know, that's what I meant by that if I misspoke.
• This is a requirement for the application.
• This communication consisted of the application and the required fee that we paid.
• Section 16.144 of the Water Code discusses this requirement.
• The fact is that this program does not require any funding up front.

Bills: HB937 , HB2078 , HB2080 , HB3322 , HB3350 , HB4212 , HB4630 , HB4896 , HB4951 , HB5348 , HB5675 , SB565 , SB971 , SB1662 , SB2124

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: special districts, notice requirements, Water Code, government transparency, public meetings, meeting notice, transparency, public engagement, notice, elections, groundwater management, water conservation, joint planning, environmental impact, desired future conditions, groundwater, conservation district, environmental quality, regulatory review, water utility

Bills: SB208 , SB628 , SB777 , SB1042 , SB2354 , SB2477 , SB2521 , SB2523 , SB2608 , SB2703 , SB2778 , SB2835 , SB2965 , SB2367 , SB3044

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: workforce housing, capital investment fund, affordable housing, housing development, Texas housing laws, loan programs, community development, Texas housing, zero-interest loans, low-income housing, nonprofit organizations, construction, economic stability, housing affordability, capital investment, Texas housing policy, county fire code, fire marshal, local government code, interlocal agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• Under Senate Bill 2354, a developer would have the option, not the requirement, to hire a third party
• We're required to have all the certifications for every inspection that we go on, and that's really key
• To also add to your question, ma'am, the insurance that has to be there requires an agreement with the
• We found that 83% of Texas residents support requiring a quick and clear process to make decisions about
• the option to work with qualified third-party professionals who often exceed the qualifications required

Bills: SB208 , SB628 , SB777 , SB1042 , SB2354 , SB2477 , SB2521 , SB2523 , SB2608 , SB2703 , SB2778 , SB2835 , SB2965 , SB2367 , SB3044

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: workforce housing, capital investment fund, affordable housing, housing development, Texas housing laws, loan programs, community development, Texas housing, zero-interest loans, low-income housing, nonprofit organizations, construction, economic stability, housing affordability, capital investment, Texas housing policy, county fire code, fire marshal, local government code, interlocal agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• delegate all or part of the county's authority to enforce the county's fire code, and when doing so require
• What's the requirement? You don't have to have 15 years of experience.
• The roads, water, site prep, all require upfront investments, and in rural communities, that kind of
• But that does obviously require a lot more than just building a home. Absolutely.
• . ...and outside of a municipality's ETJ are protected from platting requirements that could trigger

Bills: SB208 , SB628 , SB777 , SB1042 , SB2354 , SB2477 , SB2521 , SB2523 , SB2608 , SB2703 , SB2778 , SB2835 , SB2965 , SB2367 , SB3044

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: workforce housing, capital investment fund, affordable housing, housing development, Texas housing laws, loan programs, community development, Texas housing, zero-interest loans, low-income housing, nonprofit organizations, construction, economic stability, housing affordability, capital investment, Texas housing policy, county fire code, fire marshal, local government code, interlocal agreement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and limited public testimony to two minutes per person. The committee heard Senate Bill 628 by Senator Zaffirini, which would clarify that counties may enter interlocal agreements with emergency service districts to administer and enforce county fire codes, including for multi-county ESDs in the committee substitute. Witnesses from Travis County ESD-11, the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office, and a member of the public supported the bill as a way to reduce duplication, costs, and jurisdictional confusion. Public testimony was closed and the committee substitute was left pending. The committee then heard several housing-related bills. Senate Bill 208 by Senator West would create a Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund to provide zero-interest loans to nonprofit builders for workforce housing; Habitat for Humanity representatives, a Brownsville nonprofit developer, and housing advocates supported it as a way to finance infrastructure and land development for affordable homes. Senate Bill 2835 by Senator Johnson would allow cities to opt into single-stair apartment buildings for small-scale, multi-story housing; supporters said the design is safe and could expand housing supply, while the Texas APA expressed qualified opposition over code-process concerns and fire-safety questions. Both bills were left pending after testimony. Additional bills heard included SB 1042 updating the Kimble County Hospital District’s enabling law; SB 1708, a committee substitute protecting familial property divisions from platting requirements; SB 2778 raising the ESD expenditure threshold requiring board approval from $2,000 to up to $50,000; SB 2608 expanding LIHTC eligibility for certain public housing projects; SB 3044 adding board representation for Marfa and Presidio on the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District and adjusting an exemption; SB 2367 extending park board authority to Waller County; SB 2523 clarifying ETJ reduction procedures and owner opt-out rights; SB 2521 requiring death-certificate reporting to appraisal districts to help address squatting and homestead exemption issues; and SB 2477 easing office-to-residential conversions in larger cities. In each case, the bills were laid out, testimony was taken, and the measures were left pending subject to call of the chair. The committee then recessed until 15 to 30 minutes after adjournment.