Transcript Highlights:

• Commission on the Status of Women in support, Women Voters Hawaii in support, the Hawaii Professional Chapter

Bills: HB1805, HB2110, HB2180, HB2184, HB2219, HB2469

Keywords: child welfare, advocacy, oversight, independent office, foster care, child advocate, child safety, nepotism, ethics, government transparency, accountability, legislative standards, electronic voting, legislative transparency, Hawaii House, voting system, appropriation, lawmaker safety, political violence, confidentiality

Summary: The House Committee on Legislative Management heard testimony on several measures. HB 1805, relating to child welfare, drew support from the University of Hawaii and concerns from the Attorney General about the bill’s definition of state agency and possible separation-of-powers and supremacy clause issues. During decision-making, the committee opted to move the child advocate function to the Attorney General’s office, accepted the Attorney General’s suggested scope and jurisdiction amendments, set the salary at 90% of the Department of Health deputy director’s salary, and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2110, relating to nepotism, received support from the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, which said the bill would apply the rule consistently and noted the existing good-cause exception process. The committee later deferred the bill, saying existing House rules on nepotism were already strict and that the proposal would be duplicative in statute. HB 2180, relating to voting boards, had no oral testimony in the room during the hearing, but the committee later amended it into a blank appropriations vehicle for the House of Representatives and passed it with amendments. HB 2184, relating to lawmaker safety, drew concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the bill would require redaction of address information and could create implementation issues, and the Attorney General noted missing language regarding appointed officials and an internal cross-reference issue. The committee adopted amendments to address those concerns and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2219, relating to disclosure of privileged communications to the Ombudsman, was clarified by the Ombudsman’s office as not requiring disclosure of privileged material, only preserving privilege if such material is voluntarily provided; the bill passed with amendments. HB 2469, relating to a regular session review working group, received testimony from the State Procurement Office, the Legislative Reference Bureau, and others in support and opposition, and the committee passed it with amendments after changing references and funding language.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think the citizens of Texas would be surprised to know that there is a blacklist in Texas that
• You know what that led to nationally with the federal government, and what we do here in Texas does move
• I don't know if the Texas fund is going to...
• 552 of the Government Code.
• This bill requires the creation of those codes.

Bills: SB397, SB481, SB596, SB760, SB855, SB1195, SB1196, SB1233, SB1257, SB1318, SB1368, SB1388, SB1398, SB1524, SB1558, SB1589, SB1677, SB1792, SB2034

Keywords: SB 397, telemedicine, telehealth, teledentistry, remote care, virtual care, consent documentation, patient consent, data collection, data sharing, audio-only telehealth, in-person examination, irreversible medical procedure, health professional regulation, Occupations Code, Texas Health and Human Services, medical records, provider compliance, data privacy, consumer rights

Transcript Highlights:

• It is important to note that the Texas Health and Safety Code 142A states that any entity that claims
• I'm the Director of Government Relations for Texas Values.
• Our fire and life safety code, Chapter 4, is very clear: you have to have an emergency plan.
• Similar language has been in the Texas Administrative Code since 2003.
• And that's not just HIPAA, but that's also our Chapter 181 of the Health and Safety Code.

Bills: SB397, SB481, SB596, SB760, SB855, SB1195, SB1196, SB1233, SB1257, SB1318, SB1368, SB1388, SB1398, SB1524, SB1558, SB1589, SB1677, SB1792, SB2034

Keywords: SB 397, telemedicine, telehealth, teledentistry, remote care, virtual care, consent documentation, patient consent, data collection, data sharing, audio-only telehealth, in-person examination, irreversible medical procedure, health professional regulation, Occupations Code, Texas Health and Human Services, medical records, provider compliance, data privacy, consumer rights

Transcript Highlights:

• This simple bill directs the Texas Workforce Commission, in consultation with the Texas Higher Education
• In Texas, the ripe areas are the Gulf Coast, Far East Texas, and Far West Texas in the Rio Grande Valley
• Council within the Texas Railroad Commission.
• There were many power outages in South Texas.
• Section 3506 seeks to repeal Chapter 132 of the National Resource Code and withdraw its membership from

Bills: HB1647, HB2612, HB3125, HB3158, HB3240, HB3506, HB3516, HB3707

Keywords: carbon sequestration, environmental policy, Texas, energy, climate change, regulatory council, geothermal energy, workforce development, education and training, energy industry, apprenticeship, energy production, energy policy, renewable energy, state council, administrative law, public information, transparency, government accountability, judicial process

Bills: S0774, S7028, S7024, S7026

Keywords: mental health, first responders, employment benefits, 911 telecommunicators, nervous injuries, retirement, elected officials, Deferred Retirement Option Program, DROP, cost-of-living adjustment, trade secret, public records exemption, public meetings exemption, open government, sunset review, agency confidentiality, proprietary business information, proprietary confidential business information, confidential records, Florida public records law

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met and first heard Senate Bill 774, which would extend workers’ compensation medical benefits for employment-related mental or nervous injuries to 911 public safety telecommunicators, even without a physical injury. The sponsor and several dispatchers, a clinician, and communications directors testified in support, describing repeated exposure to traumatic calls, chronic understaffing, and the need for mental health treatment and retention support. Senator DiCeglie and Chair Mayfield praised dispatchers’ work, and the bill was reported favorably by committee vote, with Senator McClain later recorded as voting yes on the bill. The committee then took up SPB 7028, a retirement bill that sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2026, leaves the 3% employee contribution unchanged, allows certain elected officers to receive a DROP payout under specified conditions, and provides a 1.5% alternative cost-of-living adjustment for eligible special risk retirees. Firefighters, police, sheriffs, and chiefs’ groups spoke in support, emphasizing recruitment and retention. The committee voted to submit the proposal as a committee bill and reported it favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7024 and SPB 7026, both open-government-related bills. SPB 7024 would repeal the current public records and public meeting exemption for cybersecurity information and consolidate agency-specific cybersecurity exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. SPB 7026 would repeal the current public records exemption for trade secrets held by an agency and similarly consolidate specific trade secret exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. Neither bill drew testimony or debate, and both were submitted as committee bills and reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we did expand it to where it could include adjoining states like Texas has a Texas State Bullion Depository
• No, I'm talking about other states that have, you know, does Texas have the Texas gold program?
• If you this. by the government to select vendors.
• I see the government seal.
• Sherry Teamer with CONS, Codes, and Standards.

Bills: HCR66, HB387, HB617, HB797, HB950, HB975, HB1186, HB1222, HB1223, HB1228, HB1256

Keywords: economic development, rural communities, infrastructure, workforce training, Louisiana Economic Development, engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on April 20, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a series of bills and resolutions. It first advanced H. CR 66, which directs Louisiana Economic Development, working with the Governor’s Office of Rural Development, to study rural parish economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. The committee also moved HB 387, a clarification allowing the fire marshal to review architectural and engineering plans equally, and HB 1223, which seeks to promote clinical trials in Louisiana by having LED market the state’s research capacity and by adjusting internal review board procedures. HB 1228, a cleanup bill for hearing aid dealers that updates definitions, contracts, testing periods, licensing, and related requirements, was also reported favorably, as was HB 950, which would create an elderly consumer perception program through the Office of Elderly Affairs to help seniors recognize scams and fraud. The committee spent the most time on HB 617, a broad “hidden fees” consumer transparency bill. The author and supporters said it would require mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing so consumers can make informed choices, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups argued the bill was vague, overly broad, and likely to create compliance burdens and litigation risk. Housing advocates objected to the bill’s housing exemption, warning it could weaken renters’ ability to bring claims over undisclosed fees. After extensive debate over variable pricing, sales taxes, enforcement, and the scope of the bill, Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard HB 797, which would create a “Bayou Gold” certification program for certain gold vendors and transactional gold products. The sponsor said the program would encourage vendors to keep gold insured, segregated, and closer to Louisiana consumers, with the Treasury administering the certification through participant fees. Several senators and an outside witness raised concerns that the state seal could be mistaken for an endorsement, could create liability or consumer confusion, and would favor a narrow set of vendors. Despite opposition, the committee reported HB 797 favorably, with members noting it still had to go to Finance. Later, the committee advanced HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, add disciplinary authority, and impose a small permit fee to support the program, and HB 1222, which would let LED develop a grocery initiative to address food deserts and food insecurity. The meeting concluded with the committee hearing HB 1256 on abandoned digital assets, which would require dormant digital assets to be held in original form for three years so owners can reclaim them.

Transcript Highlights:

• it will be designed by those from rural Texas that understand rural Texas.
• You told me as someone who, who loves rural Texas.
• This is also a very practical focus for West Texas.
• And so Texas is divided into five regions.
• Our Texas data shows a concerning gap.

Bills: HB 451, HB 645, HB 1041, HB 1151, HB 1155, HB 1536, HCR 12

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Bills: SB 393, SB 414, SB 472, SB 578, SB 617, SB 710, SB 785, SB 973, SB 1059, SB 1062, SB 1352, SB 1450, SB 1502, SB 1547, SB 1566, SB 1567

Keywords: appraisal, tax code, property ownership, appraisal district, chief appraiser, homelessness, public notice, municipality, conversion of property, local government, housing, community engagement, electronic communications, municipal entities, transparency, public access, government accountability, property tax, reappraisal, data privacy

Bills: SB 393, SB 414, SB 472, SB 578, SB 617, SB 710, SB 785, SB 973, SB 1059, SB 1062, SB 1352, SB 1450, SB 1502, SB 1547, SB 1566, SB 1567

Keywords: appraisal, tax code, property ownership, appraisal district, chief appraiser, homelessness, public notice, municipality, conversion of property, local government, housing, community engagement, electronic communications, municipal entities, transparency, public access, government accountability, property tax, reappraisal, data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not national news because it happens every day in Houston, Texas, Dallas, Texas, San Antonio, Texas
• It doesn't change the code in that respect.
• So there are already laws in the books in Texas penal code. that forbids that action.
• And so to protect it, that's why there's Texas Penal Code. that prohibits racial profiling under the
• The Texas Comptroller's Office manages unclaimed property. property under Title VI of the Texas Property

Bills: HB33, HB298, HB 1024, HB 1234, HB 1261, HB1696, HB298

Keywords: electronic monitoring, parole supervision, law enforcement, warrant execution, public safety, handgun license, judgment evaluation, medical advisory board, application denial, gun law procedures, abandoned property, unclaimed property, disposition, handgun, driver's license, commercial driver's license, weapon carry, gun rights, Texas legislature, legislative attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, in Texas, finding adoptive homes for sibling groups is difficult anyway.
• SB 1266 will amend the Government Code so that the providers are regularly evaluated with clear objectives
• I'm George Lineal, President of Leading Age Texas.
• Out of the 39 CCRCs licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance, 33 are members of Leading Age Texas
• It's important Texas seniors understand what services a community provides.

Bills: SB500, SB1522, SB1137, SB1266

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Transcript Highlights:

• So in Texas.
• So Texas is actually getting a- head of the federal government, not surprising, but the rise of mental
• Texas patients right here in Texas.
• government.
• Deanna Angel with Vocal Texas, you're testifying on behalf of Vocal Texas.

Bills: HB713, HB827, HB932, HB499, HB510, HB163, HB296, HB879, HB913, HB163, HB296

Keywords: healthcare, maternal health, reporting requirements, Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, health provider immunity, workplace violence, nurses, grant program, healthcare facilities, safety measures, safety, nursing, grants, healthcare safety, verbal abuse, physical abuse, nurse empowerment, occupational therapy, licensure, interstate practice

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Local Government will come to order. We'll call the roll in a second.
• This will be the most impactful bill we've ever passed in the Texas Senate.
• So we'll call James Pope, Susan Spatero, and Brandi Winch from Texas Realty.

Bills: SB23, SJR85, SB 23

Keywords: homestead exemption, elderly, disabled, ad valorem taxation, school district funding, Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• It will allow for local governing bodies to coordinate resources during any occasion that poses a threat

Bills: SB68, SB68

Keywords: emergency management, mutual aid, disaster response, local government, political subdivision, public safety, public health, emergency services, first responders, intergovernmental agreements, reciprocal aid, emergency preparedness, local emergency management organization, governing body, liability immunity, Alabama Code 31-9-9, Alabama Code 31-9-11, tribal agreements, federally recognized Indian tribes, state emergency management plan

Transcript Highlights:

• Sub to Chapter A, Chapter 1001 of the Health Safety Code to require health and Human Services Commission
• House Bill 1747 is Vice Chair Compost's bill, which will amend the government code to establish the mental
• I have you listed as testifying on behalf of Texas Medical Association, Texas Pediatric Society, and
• the Texas Pediatrics Society.
• I mean, under the Texas Tort Claims Act, I mean, governmental sanctions. and government-sanctioned employed

Bills: HB 3772, HB 1656, HB 4504, HB 1896, HB 4420, HB 4421, HB 4076, HB 3708, HB 2806, HB 3540, HB 1586, HB 5459, HB 4553, HB 4535, HB 3811, HB 3749, HB 4255, HB 4051, HB 5098, HB 3554, HB 4539, HB 5274

Keywords: e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...are Texas online programs that are affiliated with Texas brick-and-mortar universities.
• Texas Senators, I support the bill.
• I'm from Dallas, Texas. You're from Dallas, Texas. Okay.
• You all have chapters in Texas. "Do No Harm Action is from..." "Registered in Virginia."
• We are one of 39 community centers authorized under Section 534 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.

Bills: SB128, SB640, SB672, SB904, SB1141, SB1263, SB1525, SB1528, SB2041, SB2306, SB2308, SB2357, SB2446, SB2695, SB2857, SB2891, SB2583

Keywords: hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, SB 640, Texas Family Code, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, child welfare, foster care, managing conservatorship, suicide attempt, youth suicide, mental health, child protective services, state custody, annual report, reporting requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• the state of Texas, to be able to push this bill forward and be able to lead. in being able to use government
• but in conjunction with resources and encouragement from Texas and the state government and perhaps of
• And the summaries are confidential and exempt from public disclosure under Chapter 552 of the Government
• Code.
• The bill amends relevant sections of Texas Health and Safety Code that require standardization. of training

Bills: SB128, SB640, SB672, SB904, SB1141, SB1263, SB1525, SB1528, SB2041, SB2306, SB2308, SB2357, SB2446, SB2695, SB2857, SB2891, SB2583

Keywords: hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, SB 640, Texas Family Code, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, child welfare, foster care, managing conservatorship, suicide attempt, youth suicide, mental health, child protective services, state custody, annual report, reporting requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• The newest category of charters to be added to the code governs adult charter high schools.
• Among the specific acts or omissions listed in Texas Family Code 261.001, the existing... example of
• Members, in 2019, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 396, which amended Chapter 5.
• Chapter 31 of the Education Code to transfer all shipping costs to the state's Instructional Material
• Sikh, and others have the right to go about their school day without being reminded that the Texas government

Bills: HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24, HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• I've learned more about the Texas Education Code than I have in the past three decades, and frankly,
• I respectfully ask you to amend the Texas Education Code to make it crystal clear that if detachment
• Education Code.
• Texas is protected by local choice.
• I think it could be resolved by just striking the resolution process side in the Texas Education Code

Bills: HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369, HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24

Keywords: non-human behaviors, education, Texas schools, policy, regulation, funding, teacher salaries, school districts, state budget, non-enrolled students, University Interscholastic League, participation, eligibility standards, school participation, academic standards, Texas education, interscholastic league, extracurricular activities, academic proficiency, AED

Transcript Highlights:

• So One, there's a section dealing with non-compliance under the government codes as failure.
• According to the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, two in five women and one in five men in Texas
• In Texas, data from the FBI shows shows that in 2020, over 13,000 rapes were reported to Texas law enforcement
• I wanted to clarify one common misperception about the Texas Penal Code when the Penal Code references
• This is happening in Texas.

Bills: HB47, HB1552, HB1686, HB1953, HB2151, HB2355, HB2582, HB2697, HB2895, HB3073, HB3418, HB47

Keywords: sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, digital services, reporting requirements, children's protection, sex offender registration, indecent assault, educator-student relationship, criminal justice, legislation, crime victims, compensation fund, information disclosure