Transcript Highlights:

• Our goal is to conduct professional meetings and to have everybody's voices heard.
• Because in the DE2 amendment, the Compensation Council would make recommendations regarding judicial
• I do want to point out we did conduct survey work that was on land.
• A survey conducted by the Asian American Organizing Project found that over 80% of Asian Americans in
• Hilary Kass to conduct a study released in April 2024 of so-called gender identity services.

Bills: HF1837, HF361, HF2725, HF2566, HF2744, HF1685, HF501, HF1889, HF1389

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• And it authorizes local government to review and audit the conduct of the contractors using a uniform
• have what's called discretionary authority, and that's when legislative actions such as a quasi-judicial
• And under quasi-judicial, we would have examples such as rezoning, special exemptions, and variances.
• It will not interfere with any quasi-judicial practices.
• It undermines local decision-making by prohibiting quasi-judicial review of developments in agricultural

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of bills, mostly local claims and growth-management or permitting measures. SB 16, SB 14, and SB 24 were uncontested claims bills providing relief for injuries or damages involving the City of St. Petersburg and Miami-Dade County; each was described as settled or favorably reported by a special master, and each was reported favorably without debate. SB 288, a negotiated bill on rural electric cooperatives, was presented as a clarification to protect co-op authority over generation and power purchases while preserving consumer protections; it drew support from industry stakeholders and was reported favorably. SB 830 created a public-records exemption for certain local administrators and their families’ personal information, citing threats against city managers, and it also passed favorably. The committee also considered several land-use and permitting bills. SB 1138 would create a registry of qualified professionals to conduct pre-application review for plats and development, aiming to reduce delays and backlogs; local government groups raised concerns about preemption and preserving quasi-judicial authority, but the bill passed favorably with one no vote. SB 168 expanded public nuisance law to include gambling houses, increased penalties, and authorized attorney’s fees and foreclosure of unpaid fees; it was reported favorably. SB 686 revised the agricultural enclave statute to create a public-hearing process for certain residential projects in urban service areas, with a sunset date later amended to June 30, 2026; conservation and planning groups raised concerns about local planning authority and public participation, but the bill passed favorably. SB 548, a growth-management and impact-fee cleanup bill, clarified plan-based methodology, extraordinary circumstances, interlocal agreements, and refund procedures for impact fees. Local government and development stakeholders testified that it would improve predictability while preserving flexibility, though some sought further refinement on fee increases and refunds; the bill was amended and then reported favorably. SB 1234 addressed building permits and inspections, including permit validity, small-project exemptions, temporary hurricane protection, standardized permit forms, and expanded use of private providers; county officials objected to reduced oversight, while builders and private-provider advocates supported the measure. After testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Jones requested to be recorded on several votes, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• CS FOR SB 48 ON JUDICIAL PROCEDURES BY SENATOR GARCIA.
• ALTERNATIVE JUDICIAL SALES RECORDS CAN IMPROVE ALTERNATIVE SALE METHODS IF THEY ARE AND RESULT IN HIGHER
• THE BILL REGARDS SALE AUTHORIZATION, COUNTY CLERKS CAN CONDUCT FORECLOSURE AUCTIONS ONLINE INCLUDING
• Wright: THE DIFFERENCE PRIMARILY IS THE REQUEST BY THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM TO MAKE THIS CHANGE MAKE IT MORE
• SO THIS LANGUAGE WAS CHANGED AT THE REQUEST OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM THAT WE HAD THE WRONG WORDS IN THEIR

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You are so personal in how you conduct your business.
• On behalf of the Judicial Council, I support that. I support that.
• But I do have some of the concerns that Judicial Council brought up.
• I'll go ahead and hand it over to judicial counsel. Was there a... Thank you.
• I'll go ahead and hand it over to Judicial Council.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote. The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces. SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action. Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• custody and um replaces this<00:08:23.479> with<00:08:23.680> the<00:08:23.840> judicial
• <00:08:24.280> appeal<00:08:24.639> panel this with the judicial appeal panel this
• with the judicial appeal panel hearing<00:08:25.159> and<00:08:25.360> review<00:08:25.840
• This expands the professionals who may conduct a substance use disorder comprehensive assessment.
• <00:12:41.199> a professionals who may conduct a professionals who may conduct a substance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, yes, conducted impartially.
• to a judicial finding.
• And would that not be a judicial finding? It's not. It is not. It is not a judicial finding.
• Finding as part of the record, and so that's a judicial finding, wouldn't you agree?
• Speaker, members, this bill addresses an important judicial security concern.

Bills: HB75, HB188, HB199, HB4029, HB330, HB507, HB524, HB1517, HB 1065, HB1375, HB1630, HB1398, HB 1227, HB689, HB1814, HB2160, HB2140, HB4897, HB5600, HB5489, HB4188, HB2881, HB2048, HB3900, HB4074, HB5568, HB5528, HB3811, HB3726, HB3382, HB4507, HB4775, HB3626, HB3569, HB5212, HB5248, HB5178, HB3453, HB3231, HB3941, HB1571, HB1969, HB1865, HB2879, HB2643, HB4799, HB4891, HB5567, HB5549, HB5187, HB5118, HB3191, HB1730, HB1687, HB2192, HB4511, HB4805, HB1863, HB3195, HB3199, HB5562, HB5551, HB5169, HB3290, HB3712, HB3996, HB5098, HB5097, HB5089, HB3897, HB3868, HB3829, HB4840, HB3753, HB4368, HB4142, HB2841, HB3457, HB3784, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10, SB1844, SB1833, SB2284, SB2052, SB1666, SB1265, SB1146, SB1921, SB480, SB1734, SB296, SB2039, SB462, SB1646, SB2173, SB2925, SB682, SB1173, HB4535, HB4520, HB3824, HB3066, HB2442, HB3863, HB4773, HB4327, HB5115, HB5515, HB3372, HB5659, HB 127, HB386, HB 115, HB2868, HB 1249, HB4766, HB3720, HB4879, HB5383, HB4621, HB5431, HB5678, HB5534, HB4212, HB3954, HB3966, HB3918, HB1422, HB4765, HB4732, HB4742, HB4518, HB5084, HB3986, HB4144, HB3976, HB4473, HB3425, HB3641, HB3642, HB3475, HB3424, HB4744, HB4539, HB3159, HB5228, HB5370, HB4359, HB4443, HB4466, HB3849, HB4240, HB5141, HB5686, HB3629, HB3554, HB3567, HB2015, HB3575, HB5381, HB4398, HB3514, HB4614, HB4546, HB5681, HB5663, HB4271, HB4350, HB4035, HB3812, HB3540, HB3715, HB3664, HB4233, HB3333, HB3510, HB4222, HB2070, HB2854, HB2347, HB 113, HJR218, HB5623, HB4921, HB5673, HB5520, HB 105, HB4685, HB5354, HB4683, HB75, HB983, HB4847, HB1449, HB3833, HB5151, HB265, HB1845, HB782, HB 108, HB1960, HB158, HB1954, HB1955, HB2512, HB605, HB2581, HB2803, HB627, HB2667, HB1738, HB636, HB3679, HB2638, HB2655, HB871, HB2438, HB 1107, HB1765, HB1822, HB2153, HB4099, HB3732, HB3171, HB3178, HB3182, HB3749, HB2814, HB3977, HB4204, HB4207, HB4449, HB1820, HB1876, HB1939, HB1347, HB2593, HB2136, HB2132, HB2658, HB2413, HB2757, HB2080, HB3154, HB3063, HB3009, HB3448, HB3006, HB2844, HB3241, HB3680, HB3169, HB2078, HB2507, HB4559, HB3946, HB3460, HB3405, HB475, HB3463, HB3441, HB3441, HB3520, HB2060, HB4731, HB4991, HB1991, HB5596, HB2014, HB2142, HB2673, HB2731, HB2417, HB2399, HB2301, HB2301, HB3335, HB3234, HB3320, HB5573, HB5573, HB4848, HB4848, HB4748, HB4769, HB4795, HB2086, HB2086, HB2234, HB2234, HB2203, HB4916, HB5624, HB4505, HB139, HB5093, HB5302, HB5402, HB5606, HB2333, HB4630, HB4701, HB2583, HB2983, HB4924, HB3339, HB3339, HB3793, HB3631, HB4882, HB5509, HB5499, HB5430, HB5561, HB5561, HB5611, HB5043, HB5064, HB5064, HB3733, HB3733, HB3781, HB3219, HB32, HB4515, HB5348, HB3902, HB4420, HB3269, HB469, HB336, HB316, HB5396, HB993, HB1342, HB1342, HB5216, HB2046, HB2046, HB2188, HB2188, HB2450, HB2813, HB2857, HB4075, HB4075, HB2911, HB4682, HB4682, HB3117, HB3253, HB3442, HB4820, HB4336, HB5356, HB3669, HB3428, HB5465, HB3662, HB2590, HB2288, HB2288, HB1886, HB3458, HB3458, HB5603, HB5620, HB1489, HB1489, HB4101, HB4990, HB5685, HB5685, HB4950, HB4950, HB4980, HB5684, HB3507, HB3507, HB3566, HB4487, HB4487, HB4462, HB4462, HB4876, HB4915, HB4663, HB5570, HB2929, HB5261, HB2920, HB4642, HB4746, HB1609, HB5403, HB5453, HB3844, HB2336, HB1572, HB 1226, HB 1226, HB2806, HB2806, HB2617, HB2617, HB2827, HB3948, HB3948, HB3945, HB4266, HB4542, HB3319, HB1772, HB2496, HB1970, HB3434, HB5545, HB5545, HB5577, HB5577, HB31, HB31, HB279, HB370, HB370, HB4768, HB513, HB875, HB982, HB 1085, HB 1085, HB2677, HB2874, HB5478, HB4880, HB4798, HB4514, HB4958, HB4958, HB4508, HB4508, HB3758, HB3830, HB3744, HB3622, HB741, HB741, HB2204, HB2204, HB2860, HB4659, HB4578, HB813, HB712, HB712, HB1551, HB2790, HB2698, HB3365, HB3504, HB3118, HB3118, HB2959, HB1862, HB1862, HB 1026, HB4401, HB4401, HB4164, HB4164, HB3920, HB4737, HB4966, HB4966, HB4967, HB1958, HB4979, HB4979, HB5459, HB3862, HB1823, HB1823, HB4415, HB4893, HB2343, HB 1228, HB4337, HB188, HB199, HB4029, HB330, HB507, HB524, HB1517, HB 1065, HB1375, HB1630, HB1398, HB 1227, HB689, HB689, HB1814, HB2160, HB2140, HB4897, HB5600, HB5489, HB4188, HB2881, HB2048, HB3900, HB4074, HB5568, HB5528, HB3811, HB3726, HB3382, HB3382, HB4507, HB4775, HB3626, HB3569, HB5212, HB5248, HB5178, HB3453, HB3231, HB3941, HB1571, HB1969, HB1865, HB2879, HB2879, HB2643, HB4799, HB4891, HB5567, HB5549, HB5187, HB5118, HB3191, HB1730, HB1687, HB1687, HB2192, HB4511, HB4805, HB4805, HB1863, HB3195, HB3199, HB5562, HB5562, HB5551, HB5169, HB3290, HB3712, HB3996, HB5098, HB5098, HB5097, HB5089, HB5089, HB3897, HB3868, HB3829, HB4840, HB3753, HB4368, HB4142, HB2841, HB3457, HB3784, HCR76, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40, HCR118, HR559, HCR59, HCR59, HCR135, HCR141, HCR46, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10

Keywords: magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Judicial foreclosure. Do you see that particular section of the law?
• Can you define to me what a judicial foreclosure is?
• So the current law does not mention the word judicial, and words matter in the law.
• Well, are you aware that a judicial foreclosure is explained in Title 12?
• The judicial foreclosure process. Thank you for that observation.

Bills: HB1016, HB1453, HB1992, HB2015, HB2940, HB2959, HB2997, HB3037, HB3045, HB3053, HB3087, HB3267, HB3301, HB3453, HB3495, HB3521, HB3581, HB3584, HB3586, HB3587, HB3662, HB3691, HB3695, HB3697, HB3742, HB3743, HB3845, HB4058, HB4125, HB4198, HB4227, HB4425

Keywords: minors, content creation, trust account, compensation, civil action, digital content, Oklahoma statutes, foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, motor vehicles, towing services, combination vehicles, wrecker fees, possessory lien, landlord

Transcript Highlights:

• We're doing what we can to divert individuals out of the judicial system.
• We're on to the fifth judicial district. We're ready when you are.
• I am District Attorney Diana Luce from the 5th Judicial District.
• January 1st is the CMO for the first judicial district.
• This is about the same amount of cases as the four judicial districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• consider at this time the Committee Senate Bill 2069 relating to the establishment of a work group to conduct
• bill would require the Texas Health... and Human Services Commission to establish a workgroup to conduct
• Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2069 relating to the establishment of a work group to conduct a study
• Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2069 relating to the establishment of a work group to conduct a study

Bills: HB135, HCR64, SCR3, SCR30, SB500, SB739, SB816, SB898, SB1283, SB1351, SB1423, SB1531, SB1540, SB1666, SB1721, SB1886, SB1931, SB2001, SB2075, SB2154, SB2173, SB2217, SB2284, SB2375, SB2383, SB2386, SB2398, SB2448, SB2476, SB2540, SB2580, SB2589, SB2693, SB2707, SB2776, SB2786, SB2801, SB2864, SB2927, SJR84, SCR30, SB243, SB324, SB393, SB457, SB511, SB529, SB547, SB636, SB646, SB659, SB715, SB731, SB735, SB800, SB801, SB904, SB1065, SB1141, SB1181, SB1224, SB1241, SB1242, SB1250, SB1266, SB1285, SB1359, SB1434, SB1442, SB1467, SB1502, SB1524, SB1528, SB1551, SB1585, SB1640, SB1754, SB1757, SB1777, SB1844, SB1863, SB1972, SB2007, SB2035, SB2046, SB2055, SB2069, SB2082, SB2119, SB2139, SB2154, SB2200, SB2201, SB2269, SB2310, SB2330, SB2357, SB2366, SB2401, SB2422, SB2514, SB2530, SB2533, SB2543, SB2544, SB2550, SB2568, SB2589, SB2660, SB2693, SB2695, SB2707, SB2717, SB2721, SB2742, SB2753, SB2807, SB2846, SB2891, SB2925, SB2938, SJR3, SJR18, SB5, SB326, SB767, SB769, SB783, SB914, SB963, SB1035, SB1197, SB1271, SB1415, SB1437, SB1619, SB1637, SB1786, SB1806, SB494, SB530, SB2312, SB1, SB260, HB135, HB1109, HB1392, HB22, HCR64, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SCR30, SCR3, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB1524, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB1863, SB2681, SB2200, SB2199, SB1757, SB2458, SB2201, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1721, SB1013, SB2797, SB2383, SB2119, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB2076, SB2786, SB2876, SB2284, SB1540, SB2929, SB2540, SB2595, SB2217, SB715, SB500, SB1640, SB2001, SB2514, SB2753, SB2398, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB1449, SB2529, SB2846, SB2476, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB1359, SB2386, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB410, SB2776, SB2580, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB456, SB1666, SB2801, SB2055, SB1012, SB2926, SB2138, SB1242, SB2615, SB2310, SB1224, SB2972, SB2841, SB3016, SB2139, SB1856, SB2035, SB1528, SB1141, SB2401, SB2530, SB2375, SB547, SB1266, SB1373, SB1467, SB2069, SB2269, SB2480, SB672, SB904, SB2695, SB2891, SB2422, SB2543, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB2925, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB457, SB2357, SB2721, SB243, SB1285, SB2568, SB1959, SB1442, SB1454, SB2520, SB2541, SB1708, SB1237, SB1844, SB1586, SB1551, SB3039, SB2819, SB66, SB629, SB1015, SB2342, SB2903, SB2933, SB1965, SB2477, SB3029, SB2605, SB2419, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB628, SB2523, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2778, SB3044, SB2965, SB2521, SB865, HB2525, HB3093, SB1032, SB2165, SB2501, SB2675, SB2452, SB2835

Keywords: sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, gifted education, education support, student achievement, academic excellence, Texas education, cowboy culture, Bandera, cultural heritage, historical significance, Texas identity, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature

Bills: HB135, HCR64, SCR3, SCR30, SB500, SB739, SB816, SB898, SB1283, SB1351, SB1423, SB1531, SB1540, SB1666, SB1721, SB1886, SB1931, SB2001, SB2075, SB2154, SB2173, SB2217, SB2284, SB2375, SB2383, SB2386, SB2398, SB2448, SB2476, SB2540, SB2580, SB2589, SB2693, SB2707, SB2776, SB2786, SB2801, SB2864, SB2927, SJR84, SCR30, SB243, SB324, SB393, SB457, SB511, SB529, SB547, SB636, SB646, SB659, SB715, SB731, SB735, SB800, SB801, SB904, SB1065, SB1141, SB1181, SB1224, SB1241, SB1242, SB1250, SB1266, SB1285, SB1359, SB1434, SB1442, SB1467, SB1502, SB1524, SB1528, SB1551, SB1585, SB1640, SB1754, SB1757, SB1777, SB1844, SB1863, SB1972, SB2007, SB2035, SB2046, SB2055, SB2069, SB2082, SB2119, SB2139, SB2154, SB2200, SB2201, SB2269, SB2310, SB2330, SB2357, SB2366, SB2401, SB2422, SB2514, SB2530, SB2533, SB2543, SB2544, SB2550, SB2568, SB2589, SB2660, SB2693, SB2695, SB2707, SB2717, SB2721, SB2742, SB2753, SB2807, SB2846, SB2891, SB2925, SB2938, SJR3, SJR18, SB5, SB326, SB767, SB769, SB783, SB914, SB963, SB1035, SB1197, SB1271, SB1415, SB1437, SB1619, SB1637, SB1786, SB1806, SB494, SB530, SB2312, SB1, SB260, HB135, HB1109, HB1392, HB22, HCR64, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SCR30, SCR3, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB1524, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB1863, SB2681, SB2200, SB2199, SB1757, SB2458, SB2201, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1721, SB1013, SB2797, SB2383, SB2119, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB2076, SB2786, SB2876, SB2284, SB1540, SB2929, SB2540, SB2595, SB2217, SB715, SB500, SB1640, SB2001, SB2514, SB2753, SB2398, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB1449, SB2529, SB2846, SB2476, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB1359, SB2386, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB410, SB2776, SB2580, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB456, SB1666, SB2801, SB2055, SB1012, SB2926, SB2138, SB1242, SB2615, SB2310, SB1224, SB2972, SB2841, SB3016, SB2139, SB1856, SB2035, SB1528, SB1141, SB2401, SB2530, SB2375, SB547, SB1266, SB1373, SB1467, SB2069, SB2269, SB2480, SB672, SB904, SB2695, SB2891, SB2422, SB2543, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB2925, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB457, SB2357, SB2721, SB243, SB1285, SB2568, SB1959, SB1442, SB1454, SB2520, SB2541, SB1708, SB1237, SB1844, SB1586, SB1551, SB3039, SB2819, SB66, SB629, SB1015, SB2342, SB2903, SB2933, SB1965, SB2477, SB3029, SB2605, SB2419, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB628, SB2523, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2778, SB3044, SB2965, SB2521, SB865, HB2525, HB3093, SB1032, SB2165, SB2501, SB2675, SB2452, SB2835

Keywords: sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, gifted education, education support, student achievement, academic excellence, Texas education, cowboy culture, Bandera, cultural heritage, historical significance, Texas identity, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and uh basically judicial review.
• judicial challenge of these extensions. judicial challenge of these extensions.
• or you have the option of judicial or you have the option of judicial review.<01:02:50.319> And
• Um, something ends up in the judicial branch.
• Um, something ends up in the judicial branch.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the six-year term they conduct the six-year term they conduct performance<00:14:22.120> reviews
• we might conduct a survey of employees we might conduct a survey of<00:20:41.240> Grant<00:20
• We conduct program evaluations, and then we conduct special reviews. We do IT audits.
• We conduct program evaluations, and then we conduct special reviews.
• recent audits that we have conducted recent audits that we have conducted that<00:41:22.359>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate File 563, a bill to change the board makeup of the Northern Koochiching Area Sanitary District. Senator Hild said the proposal had been heard the previous year and had broad support from local officials and stakeholders. Cali Briggs, the district’s executive director, explained that the board structure no longer reflected current populations and sewer service patterns: International Falls now holds six of eight seats after earlier consolidations, while East Koochiching has grown through sewer expansions and should receive additional representation. The bill would reduce the board to seven members, with International Falls having three seats, East Koochiching two, Rainier one, and one at-large member chosen by the board. The committee raised no substantive objections, and Senator Gustafson moved the bill to pass and go to general orders; the motion prevailed. Members then briefly joked about the topic and moved on to an overview from the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall described the office as a nonpartisan legislative branch agency serving both chambers, with a mission of strengthening oversight, promoting accountability, and producing objective, useful reports. She outlined the office’s structure, including financial audits, program evaluations, and a growing special reviews unit, and explained the Legislative Audit Commission’s role in appointing the auditor and selecting program evaluation topics. Randall also emphasized the office’s broad access to records and data, its independence, and its responsibility to protect nonpublic information. Randall answered questions about the office’s authority over entities such as the University of Minnesota, explaining that OLA has audit authority there but often relies on the university’s internal audit function and can also conduct special reviews and program evaluations. She noted that public employees are required to cooperate and that subpoenas are available if needed, though the office prefers to maintain cooperative relationships. Special Reviews Director Katherine Tyson then described how her unit handles complaints and allegations involving misuse of public funds, data, or noncompliance with law, including preliminary assessments, communications with complainants and agencies, and deeper reviews when warranted. She said allegations and reports have increased steadily, with 481 received from 2020 through 2024 and nearly 10 per week on average last year, contributing to a heavier workload for her small team.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 437 offers flexibility, protection, and compliance with the judicial process.
• That would be the judicial branch.
• That would be the judicial branch.
• We also will not know if there is a pattern or conduct of these officers.
• Not consultants will rule my behavior and conduct.

Summary: The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to the special order calendar and took up a long series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills before final passage. Among the measures approved were bills creating an expedited DNA testing grant program for local law enforcement, adding aggravating factors in capital cases involving gatherings for religious, school, or government activities, requiring state health coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients, authorizing indemnification for commuter rail providers, prohibiting abandonment of migrant vessels in Florida waters, and creating new specialty license plates. The Senate also passed bills on Alzheimer’s awareness, relocating the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter schools, sex offender registration, utility worker protections, juvenile justice, student mental health reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School, school readiness, sexual images involving children, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county property appraiser employees. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and Brownfields. Debate was especially extensive on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered but failed 13-23 after arguments over election-related communications and the scope of existing law. The certified recovery residences bill also drew notable debate, with supporters emphasizing housing as essential to recovery and opponents raising concerns about implementation and local control. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew dissenting votes, including the capital aggravating factors bill, charter schools, and the Office of Faith and Community measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• enforcement action to enjoin the conduct enforcement action to enjoin the conduct and<03:34:58.359
• The purpose of the bill is to enable the judicial branch to hire an independent contractor to conduct
• <04:59:08.480> B<04:59:09.240> judicial talks about the the judicial B judicial talks
• about the the judicial B judicial branch<04:59:10.360> governance<04:59:10.760> Commission
• regularly faxed to and from the judicial regularly faxed to and from the judicial branch<05:04:32.558

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on CACR 7, a proposed constitutional amendment to explicitly state that defendants are innocent until proven guilty in all cases and suits brought by the state. The prime sponsor argued the amendment would strengthen due process, prevent government overreach, and extend the presumption of innocence beyond criminal cases into civil and administrative matters such as forfeiture and family court proceedings. In testimony and questioning, the sponsor cited New Hampshire constitutional provisions, historical examples, and concerns about courts shifting burdens onto individuals. Committee members raised questions about the amendment’s wording, its relationship to existing law, and whether it would have practical effect if current statutes already place the burden on the state. The hearing was then closed without further witnesses. The committee next moved to executive session on House Bill 480, which establishes a procedure for restoring competency and creates a pilot forensic liaison position in Merrimack or Strafford County to assist with that process. After discussion about prior concerns, including an email from the Disabilities Rights Center and whether enough members were present, the committee voted to adopt Amendment 2025-61H and then voted ought to pass as amended. The amendment passed unanimously, and the bill passed on a 10-1 roll call, with Representative Andrew voting no. The chair noted the bill would not go on consent and that no minority report was planned. Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 666-FN, which would add restitution for violations of library-use confidentiality and expressly include library cards and membership status among confidential records. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen privacy protections after a local dispute and to provide a remedy and deterrent for improper disclosure. Committee questions focused on whether the restitution penalty would apply to accidental disclosures, how the bill interacts with existing exceptions such as court orders or investigations, and whether the language was consistent with current confidentiality law. The hearing remained open at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oftentimes, when a judge makes mistakes, it's judicial error.
• I'm the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court.
• And it causes judicial burnout.
• POST is required to receive Certain prohibited conduct.
• We are an independent agency of the Supreme Judicial Court.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was held in Clinton Town Hall as part of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means’ budget review, with local officials welcoming legislators and noting the long agenda of many panels. The main presentation was from Secretary Terrence Reedy of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s FY26 proposal for the secretariat, including a $1.7 billion budget and a 7% increase over FY25. He described investments in emergency preparedness, hate-crime prevention, reentry programming, technology modernization, internships, and public safety training, while also noting some reductions driven by resource constraints, including cuts to certain grant programs and administrative costs. Committee members also raised concerns about federal uncertainty and how it could affect state budgets and public safety planning. A major portion of the questioning focused on the Department of Correction. Secretary Reedy and Commissioner Sean Jenkins said the biggest challenges are staffing, officer wellness, facility safety, and contraband—especially K2. They described steps taken at MCI Souza and other facilities, including reducing population at the maximum-security unit, changing management, removing metal products and free weights, improving screening and roll calls, adding a rapid response team, and increasing investigative and technological efforts to combat K2. They also discussed the closure of MCI Concord, saying it was driven by high maintenance costs and staffing needs, and explained that savings are being used to improve staffing patterns and address deferred maintenance over time rather than producing immediate large budget reductions. Members also questioned the budget’s impact on police training and community policing. The administration defended the increase in police academy tuition from $3,200 to $6,000 as reflecting true training costs and said it would still be subsidized by the state, while acknowledging the burden on small municipalities. They said the MPTC is expanding regional training and considering proposals such as Greenfield Community College’s. On community policing, officials emphasized uniform statewide training, de-escalation, and communication skills. The State Police also announced an outside review of the academy by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and said the next class will be split into two smaller groups to improve oversight and allow quicker implementation of recommendations. Other topics included ICE and federal immigration enforcement, with Reedy saying state law prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from acting in a civil immigration capacity and that no state dollars were used in the Tufts-related ICE operation mentioned by a member. Senators and representatives also raised the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that it will require significant public safety resources and likely federal funding. Additional discussion covered restorative justice and juvenile diversion, health care costs in DOC, electronic health records, and the need for more diverse and culturally competent public safety staffing. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• To be the presiding judge of the Sixth Administrative Judicial Region: Kirsten B. Cahoon-Burney.
• Members, the Centers of Excellence program is an initiative by the Texas Judicial Council.
• The Texas Judicial Council is for certain justices and judges.
• Amendments to Senate Bill 1924 strike the right balance in how we want conduct on our campuses handled
• sanction plan prior to issuing a citation or criminal referral. ...to a child unless the child's conduct

Bills: SCR46, SB31, SB39, SB227, SB330, SB401, SB407, SB467, SB482, SB500, SB506, SB512, SB527, SB584, SB619, SB636, SB646, SB647, SB648, SB659, SB663, SB715, SB732, SB758, SB801, SB816, SB847, SB870, SB884, SB1020, SB1055, SB1065, SB1137, SB1169, SB1181, SB1283, SB1383, SB1395, SB1410, SB1433, SB1490, SB1558, SB1574, SB1626, SB1666, SB1718, SB1727, SB1756, SB1757, SB1845, SB1924, SB1964, SB1972, SB2018, SB2031, SB2075, SB2076, SB2080, SB2111, SB2117, SB2154, SB2161, SB2173, SB2206, SB2225, SB2253, SB2268, SB2314, SB2322, SB2351, SB2371, SB2476, SB2533, SB2540, SB2570, SB2589, SB2623, SB2658, SB2660, SB2692, SB2693, SB2717, SB2722, SB2753, SB2779, SB2877, SB2880, SB2900, SB2920, SB3031, HJR4, SB5, SB260, SB1786, SJR3, SJR18, SB1, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR46, SCR48, SCR19, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1433, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB529, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1924, SB2253, SB2018, SB2206, SB584, SB1085, SB1490, SB2314, SB2046, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB1524, SB1137, SB636, SB2056, SB1558, SB884, SB227, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1626, SB1845, SB1863, SB2681, SB2200, SB2199, SB1757, SB2050, SB2458, SB2201, SB1055, SB2660, SB2662, SB1065, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB648, SB647, SB512, SB1721, SB2268, SB2366, SB1013, SB2692, SB2570, SB2797, SB2111, SB2371, SB2383, SB646, SB1169, SB1754, SB1718, SB2779, SB2004, SB1756, SB2119, SB527, SB2322, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB407, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB3031, SB2877, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2920, SB2929, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB2742, SB2595, SB2217, SB2117, SB715, SB2330, SB1964, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB2001, SB2080, SB2722, SB506, SB2514, SB2623, SB2658, SB1574, SB2900, SB2753, SB2398, SB401, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB467, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB2031, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB31, SB2880, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB2351, SB410, SB659, SB816, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB482, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SB2843, SB2801, SB800, SB2055, SB784, SB2986, SB735, SB1012, SB324, SB2926, SB2938, SB2007, SB2138, SB1242, HJR4, HB135, HB1109, SCR30, SCR3, SB2615, SB1049, SB2310, SB1224, SB2972, SB1568, SB2841, SB2885, SB3016, SB2858, SB2610, SB2139, SB1856, SB2035, SB2308, SB2306, SB2041, SB1528, SB1681, SB1141, SB2401, SB2530, SB2375, SB547, SB1266, SB1373, SB1467, SB2069, SB2269, SB2480, SB2544, SB672, SB904, SB2695, SB2891, SB2422, SB2543, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB2925, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB457, SB2357, HCR35, HCR64

Keywords: Texas beef, cattle industry, agricultural heritage, Texas strip steak, economic growth, SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, unborn child, abortion exception, abortion ban, physician liability

Transcript Highlights:

• salaries from April regarding judicial salaries from April 1st<00:29:10.080> of<00:29:10.240>
• This would revive the 2025 compensation council to make those judicial salary recommendations in 2026
• This would revive the 2025 compensation council to make those judicial salary recommendations in 2026
• This would revive the 2025 compensation council to make those judicial salary recommendations in 2026
• This would revive the 2025 compensation council to make those judicial salary recommendations in 2026

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:04:28.160> in<00:04:28.320> criminal<00:04:28.759> sexual<00:04:29.199> conduct
• <00:04:30.120> and engage in criminal sexual conduct and engage in criminal sexual conduct
• And then we can conduct follow-up surveillance on that vehicle.
• And then we can conduct follow-up surveillance on that vehicle.
• What I see on page five, related to judicial transparency, and page seven, report on dismissals with

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 7, a broad public safety package that the author said was intended to support law enforcement, keep violent offenders off the street, and increase accountability in the criminal justice system. The bill was described as combining multiple Republican-authored provisions, including tougher penalties for reckless fleeing, making it a crime to be in a stolen vehicle, allowing tracking devices on occupied or fleeing stolen vehicles, increasing penalties for blocking roads and damaging critical infrastructure, raising penalties for assaulting police officers, adding a mandatory minimum for first-degree sex trafficking, and expanding public disclosure around bail, dismissals, sentencing reductions, and sentencing guideline changes. The motion before the committee was to pass the bill and re-refer it to Ways and Means. Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher testified in support, focusing on aggravated fleeing, occupied stolen vehicles, vehicle tracking, and the impact of the state’s raised age of delinquency on younger offenders. He argued that law enforcement needs more tools to pursue and arrest repeat offenders, especially in auto theft and carjacking cases, and said the bill would help officers intervene before stolen vehicles are used in more crimes. He also urged reconsideration of the timeline for the delinquency-age change, warning that it could limit police options with 11- and 12-year-olds involved in stolen cars. Shane Mey of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association also supported the bill, citing rising assaults on officers and the need for stronger penalties for fleeing, stolen-vehicle offenses, and assaults on peace officers and corrections officers. He said the proposed stolen-vehicle and tracking provisions would improve safety and help officers address juvenile auto theft and dangerous pursuits. Jeff Potts of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association likewise supported several sections, especially the transparency provisions, assault-on-officer penalties, fleeing penalties, the stolen-vehicle offense, and the tracking-device exception, saying the measures align with the association’s agenda and would help address rising crime and pursuit risks. No vote or final committee action was stated in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They ensure every election is conducted fairly, securely, and in full compliance with the law.
• I conducted 12 training classes for this new system. 268 commissioners did not attend.
• And on A3, the sentence, “the provisions of this paragraph shall apply to auctions conducted pursuant
• I have Lauren Stelly with me from the 19th Judicial District Court to answer any questions that you may
• So hi, Lauren Stelly, Deputy Judicial Administrator at the 19JDC.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met on May 13, 2026, and reported several bills favorable. HB 27 was approved after testimony that it would delete a constitutional sentence requiring debt payments to be applied to the oldest outstanding amortization, giving retirement boards more flexibility to pay off the most advantageous debt. HB 143 was supported by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association and local law enforcement representatives to raise the statutory per diem for housing state inmates in local facilities from $26.39 to match the current $29.39 rate already being paid in practice. HB 205 drew extensive testimony from clerks of court and election officials who said election commissioners have not had a pay increase in 19 years and are struggling to staff precincts, especially under the new closed party primary system; the bill would let local governing bodies enhance commissioner pay as a stopgap, and it was reported favorable despite concerns that it does not fully solve the staffing problem. The committee also approved HB 308, which would require state stadium and arena facilities to accept cash for smaller transactions or provide a kiosk to convert cash to a prepaid card without extra fee. HB 417 was reported favorable to increase the cap on the hazardous waste site cleanup fund from $6 million to $8 million and tie it to inflation; DEQ staff explained the fund helps pay for Superfund matches and cleanup of abandoned or bankrupt hazardous waste sites, and the increase would not affect the state general fund. HB 12, supported by the Louisiana Assessor Association, would provide 5% annual salary equalization increases for assessors through 2029, with local opt-in and no state general fund impact; members discussed the recurring pay parity issue with clerks of court and the possibility of a study resolution to address future adjustments more systematically, and the bill was reported favorable. Representative Kerner announced HB 311 would be deferred after concerns it could amount to a tax increase. HB 1129, supported by the Louisiana Auctioneers Association, was amended to clarify that the state’s movable-property auctions include internet auctions and to give Louisiana auctioneers preference to bid on those contracts; it was then reported favorable. HB 562, which would update transcript fees for the 19th Judicial District Court, prompted concerns about higher costs for litigants and due process implications, and the committee agreed to defer it to the next meeting for further discussion. The meeting ended with adjournment after brief recognition of visiting cattle industry representatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Punitive damages is a mechanism in tort law that is meant to deter bad conduct, deter reckless conduct
• And so what you see here is an increase in New Mexico for what's being paid out for reckless conduct.
• an operations audit, and that was conducted in early 2025.
• You have to charge the more specific enumerated crime for the conduct, so no.
• You have to charge the more specific enumerated crime for the conduct.

Bills: SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations