Transcript Highlights:

• Those three things done in conjunction will undoubtedly make Texas, assuming obviously funding follows
• Where the Texas Energy Fund had a clear objective of increasing dispatchable generation to benefit Texas
• So you remember last session, we passed the Texas Energy Fund for dispatchable generation.
• For example, just over 91% of Texas public school students are attending inadequately funded schools,
• After deregulation of the Texas electricity retail market in 1999, Texas created the system benefit fund

Bills: HB14 , HB 106 , HB146 , HB267 , HB274 , HB 1127 , HB1359 , HB1393 , HB1584 , HB1640 , HB1710 , HB2152 , HCR101 , HJR8 , HR51 , HB106 , HB146 , HB267 , HB274 , HJR8 , HR51

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• in the Texas Constitution.
• Texas UU? Yeah. You can leave it at that. Texas UU. Yes, UU. Just Texas UU? Yeah.
• I live in Texas House District 42. I'm a retired landscape architect and graduate of Texas Tech.
• You read what the state of Texas says you can read.
• The Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry.

Bills: HB45 , HB45 , HB755 , HB 1232 , HB1555 , HB2460 , HB2702 , HB2973 , HB3120 , HB3225 , HB3314 , HB3356 , HB3371 , HB3634 , HB3638 , HB4247 , HB4283 , HB4290 , HB4302 , HB4503 , HB4511 , HB4565 , HB4581 , HB4627 , HB4632 , HB4660 , HB4668 , HB4960 , HB5042

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: flooding, disaster response, emergency preparedness, state guidance, public safety, housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money

Transcript Highlights:

• We're talking about Texas. I figured you're from Texas, right?
• The legislature passed the Texas Energy Fund in the last session in hopes of spurring the development
• Brent Bennett with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. ...funding in support of House Bill 3356.
• West Texas.
• Texas for governing education, for the success of our students, and Texas is the Texas way.

Bills: HB45 , HB755 , HB 1232 , HB1555 , HB2460 , HB2702 , HB2973 , HB3120 , HB3225 , HB3314 , HB3356 , HB3371 , HB3634 , HB3638 , HB4247 , HB4283 , HB4290 , HB4302 , HB4503 , HB4511 , HB4565 , HB4581 , HB4627 , HB4632 , HB4660 , HB4668 , HB4960 , HB5042 , HB45

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation

Bills: HB1550 , HB1592 , HB1964 , HB2002 , HB2063 , HB2118 , HB2128 , HB2669 , HB2765

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: veterinary, regulation, licensing, practices, board, administration, facilities, pest control, wildlife management, agriculture, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, HB 1964, Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 251, agricultural operations, farmers, ranchers, livestock

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas isn’t perfect, but no place in this life ever will be.
• And I'm only asking that we bring Texas from number 48 to number 31.
• And under this Supreme Court, it is the law in Texas.
• But the State Bar of Texas is a public organization, and every lawyer in Texas is compelled to join.
• And surely He has been with us, as Texas has grown and prospered.

Bills: SB26 , SB28 , SJR36 , SB26 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Summary: The House and Senate met in joint session under HCR 5 to hear an address from Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick introducing him. The session included recognition of the justices, judges, law enforcement officers, and interpreters present, and it also marked the formal completion of the joint session once the address ended. Chief Justice Blacklock said the state of the judiciary is strong, while paying tribute to former Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and thanking Governor Abbott for his appointment. His remarks focused on judicial administration and public safety, including a call for a 30% increase in district judge salaries, which he argued is needed to attract and retain qualified judges. He also urged support for law enforcement, backed efforts to keep violent offenders in custody pending trial, and said the court is gathering data to identify underperforming judges and use constitutional remedies where necessary. Blacklock emphasized that Texas courts should interpret statutes and the constitution according to text and original meaning, rejecting the “living constitution” approach. He highlighted reforms to improve efficiency and reduce litigation costs, including changes to docketing practices, civil procedure, and the regulation of legal services, and he urged the State Bar to remain politically neutral. He also discussed family law and child welfare, arguing for stronger legal representation for parents and suggesting repeal of Family Code subsection O, which he said can unfairly lead to termination of parental rights. The joint session concluded after his remarks, and the House stood at ease as guests departed.

Transcript Highlights:

• economy and Texas citizens.
• , or better known as the Fund.
• It's one of the only retiree health care funds of its kind in Texas, and it's a reason... and it's a
• , which I'll refer to as the Fund.
• The Fund is very much like a pension fund and is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees, funded

Bills: HB3014 , HB3109 , HB3126 , HB3474 , HB3594

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: gift card fraud, counterfeit gift card, gift card tampering, gift card theft, prepaid card, stored value card, retail fraud, financial crimes, consumer protection, organized retail crime, gift card skimming, magnetic stripe, chip card, redemption information, gift card packaging, Penal Code, felony theft, state jail felony, third-degree felony, second-degree felony

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, most of all, we want this great state of Texas to be all that it can be.
• Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas. One state, under God, one indivisible.
• Congressman Turner helped shape this Texas house here.
• has represented. not just here in Texas and in Houston, but also on the national stage in D.C.
• Welcome you to your Texas Capitol. Thank you. 833 834 835

Bills: HR34 , HR36 , HR38 , HR39 , HR41 , HR42 , HR43 , HR67 , HR68 , HR73 , HR77 , HR81 , HR104 , HR166 , HR201 , HR202 , HR223 , HR226 , HR233 , HR234 , HR246 , HR264 , HR266 , HR268 , HR271 , HR280 , HR282 , HR286 , HR291 , HR292 , HR296 , HR298 , HR319 , HR326 , HR329 , HR348 , HR354 , HR373 , HR376 , HR381 , HR385 , HR386 , HR387 , HR391 , HR394 , HR395 , HR396 , HR399 , HR400 , HR402 , HR403 , HR404 , HR408 , HR409 , HR410 , HR413 , HR414 , HR417 , HR418 , HR419 , HR422 , HR424 , HR429 , HR435 , HR439 , HR440 , HR22 , HR88 , HR94 , HR136 , HR194 , HR231 , HR302 , HR397 , HR416 , HR420 , HR421 , HR423 , HR430 , HR431

Keywords: Ramadan, Islam, Muslim community, spiritual observance, cultural recognition, Eid al-Fitr, celebration, Texas legislation, Mother's Day, family, women, honor, Father's Day, gratefulness, recognition, Diwali, festival of lights, Hinduism, unity, Veterans Day

Transcript Highlights:

• employer-based commute strategies can reduce congestion, support employees, and improve regional mobility
• one of the most important pieces is that we know that e-bicycles are actually part of our micro-mobility
• Many older adults and people with disabilities also rely on e-bikes for mobility and access to outdoor
• While these bikes increase mobility, they work more like motorcycles, and kids are simply too young and
• Those tolls are conditioned on full funding being identified in a bi-state agreement on tolling.

Bills: HB2307 , HB2374 , HB2379 , HB1823 , HB2111

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commute trip reduction, definitions, transportation, environmental impact, urban planning, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation, vehicle classification, tolling, emergency suspension, public access, state highways, transportation improvement board, TIB, transportation improvement account, motor vehicle fund, arterial streets, local match, private match

Transcript Highlights:

• session, it's time for our for Texas to lead the nation in supporting our Texas teachers and with this
• Is Texas is 15th in the nation.
• I mean while the state of Texas provides less than $5,000 less per student in funding the the national
• Yeah, never in history, as we look back on the history of Texas. as the Texas legislation ever gave any
• Once again bipartisanship in the Texas Senate for teachers and education in Texas.

Bills: SB26 , SB28 , SJR36 , SB26 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• I am very proud to welcome Texas A&M University and the University of Texas. of Texas to the Texas Senate
• Albertine in Texas program.
• non-profits. across Texas in celebration of Texas Nonprofit Strong and United Way Day at the Texas Capitol
• Thank you for coming to your Texas Capitol and your Texas Senate. Thank You Senator Middleton.
• Texas, the strength of community and the state pride that makes Texas, Texas.

Bills: SB26 , SB28 , SJR36 , SB26 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on the report from the Texas Department of Insurance, it meets the Texas financial liability requirements
• Lastly, the bill creates the Texas Recycling Fund, which may be used by the agency to administer the
• This creates a huge global market opportunity for Texas manufacturers in yet another area where Texas
• Here in Texas, yet we don't have an announced project here in Texas.
• West Texas specifically.

Bills: SB410 , SB795 , SB2510 , SB728 , SB2689 , HB143 , HB143

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: Gulf Coast Protection District, navigation safety, special districts, state governance, Texas legislation, Gulf Coast, flood protection, storm risk management, coastal restoration, natural resources, prescribed burns, self-insurance, fire management, liability protection, rural land management, beverage container recycling, deposit return system, container deposit, bottle bill, recycling refund

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you agree that the people of Texas should know dollar for dollar how those excess funds are being
• transfer of surplus revenue to the county from deposits into the indenture mobility fund.
• That Mobility Fund, that 1070, has never been co-mingled with our general funds.
• So those are some examples of mobility... ...funds and they all go through a process for compliance.
• The distribution of funds within the precincts for mobility—you heard earlier that on Monday...

Bills: HB2065 , HB2462 , HB2621 , HB3187 , HB3539 , HB3563 , HB3726 , HB4164 , HB4207 , HB4368 , HB4706 , HB4916 , HB4950 , HB4967 , HB5177 , HB4429 , HB5597

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Ryan Malcolm: It's in the, they need funding. Ryan Malcolm: Need funding phase. Mr.
• Canales: Oh, they're not even funded yet? Ryan Malcolm: Well, I mean, the dredging isn't funded.
• The Texas Chicken... The Texas Chicken...
• the Texas Chicken?
• So yes, they have done the Texas Chicken.

Bills: HB2065 , HB2462 , HB2621 , HB3187 , HB3539 , HB3563 , HB3726 , HB4164 , HB4207 , HB4368 , HB4706 , HB4916 , HB4950 , HB4967 , HB5177 , HB4429 , HB5597

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Volunteer fire department funding.
• The Texas Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program provides funding to rural volunteer fire
• The Texas ESF emergency...
• The Texas ESF stabilization fund has been around since November of 1988 when it was ratified by the people
• of Texas.

Bills: SB868 , SB1337 , SB1371 , SB1377 , SB1426 , SB1620 , SB2064 , SB2065 , SJR4 , SJR 4

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: SB 868, rural volunteer fire department assistance program, volunteer fire department assistance fund, Texas Government Code, wildfire, wildland fire, high-risk wildfire area, fire suppression, rural fire departments, volunteer firefighters, emergency response, public safety, grant allocation, appropriations, disaster preparedness, tax penalties, interest calculation, overpayment, tax law, refund process

Transcript Highlights:

• by the Texas Property Code.
• in the state of Texas.
• In November of 23, the Texas...
• The legislature appropriates Texas taxpayer money to the Texas Veterans Commission for claims officers
• I ask for your investment in the generational economic mobility of Texas families and support of this

Bills: HB 1087 , HB2504 , HB4113 , HB5144 , HB5146 , HB5377 , HB5543 , SB140 , SB264 , SB1244 , SB1343 , SB2121 , HR868

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: property owners, board vacancy, special election, association governance, community management, property owners' association, resale certificate, fees, real estate regulation, homeowners, HB 4113, Texas Rising Star Program, child care, child-care providers, Texas Workforce Commission, TWC, safety barriers, crash-rated bollards, bollards, playground safety

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Texas Humane Legislation Network.
• years as the Director at SPCA East Texas.
• We employ 50 Texans here in Austin, Texas.
• We have provided $3.5 billion in funding to over 70,000 small businesses nationwide, and here in Texas
• Our average deal in Texas is about...

Bills: HB 12 , HB149 , SB229 , SB1361 , SB1749 , SB1897 , SB2113 , SB2566 , SB2677 , SB1652 , SB2327 , SB2344 , SB2696 , HB12 , HB149

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, automobile sales, finance, retail seller, motor vehicle purchase, motor vehicle sales, pricing restrictions, third-party financing, education, funding, student assessment, accountability, standards, motor vehicle, financing

Transcript Highlights:

• So in closing, the AI development in Texas is currently the Wild West.
• Texas State Chamber, and we are testifying on House Bill 149.
• I've purchased three used vehicles in Texas since 2020 with my son.
• And that's why we have advertising rules in the state of Texas.
• We have Megan LaVoy from the Texas Office of Court Administration.

Bills: HB12 , HB149 , HB 12 , HB149 , SB229 , SB1361 , SB1749 , SB1897 , SB2113 , SB2566 , SB2677 , SB1652 , SB2327 , SB2344 , SB2696

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: election law, attorney general, prosecution, criminal offenses, law enforcement, jurisdiction, voter fraud, local prosecuting attorney, public safety, communication, governor approval, interoperability, political subdivision, radio systems, artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard testimony on HB 149, the Artificial Intelligence Governance Act. Senator Schwertner described the bill as an outcomes-based AI framework that would require disclosure when people interact with AI, prohibit manipulative or social-scoring systems, address biometric capture, discrimination, and deepfake child exploitation, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. It would also create an AI Sandbox and AI Council. Witnesses from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a Houston attorney, TechNet, and the Texas Association of Business strongly supported the bill, praising its stakeholder process and pro-innovation approach, while Texas Appleseed suggested regulators should have more examination authority over sandbox participants. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard SB 229, which would prohibit motor vehicle dealers from conditioning a sale on dealer-offered financing or charging more because a buyer uses outside financing or cash. Senator West said the bill is meant to stop forced financing and bait-and-switch pricing, and he noted the bill passed the committee and Senate in the prior session. The Texas Automobile Dealers Association opposed the bill, arguing it would force dealers to accept any third-party lender or cash transaction on terms they cannot control. The Texas Credit Union Association supported the bill, saying consumers should be able to choose outside financing without hidden fees or pressure. After questions about cash purchases and dealer practices, the bill was left pending. The committee also took up SB 2566, which would clarify legislators’ access to information from executive agencies, including confidential information, by setting response deadlines, limiting confidentiality agreements to statutory terms, requiring a standard AG form, and creating a complaint and penalty process for noncompliance. No witnesses testified, and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 1749, as substituted, would let certain court-related employees and judicial conduct commission personnel keep personal information such as home addresses and phone numbers confidential, with work addresses used in place of home addresses for certain purposes. District clerk and judicial conduct commission witnesses described threats and harassment as the reason for the bill, and a court administration witness answered questions about how the address protections would work with voter registration and precinct records. That bill was also left pending, and the committee recessed without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• funds.
• percent reserve funds.
• trust fund act.
• fund.
• contract value today is already underneath the Texas Trust Fund Act.

Bills: HB2963 , HB3005 , HB3287 , HB3288 , HB3289 , HB3290 , HB3344 , HB3712 , HB3862 , HB3874 , HB4196 , HB4308 , HB4901 , HB4984

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending. The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending. In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• been working uh across the state they've been working uh across the state you know and so they've mobilized
• uh you know and so they've mobilized uh you know and so they've mobilized uh very quickly to try to

Bills: SJR 36 , SJR 2 , SB 4 , SR 45 , SR 47 , SR 63 , SR 66 , SR 70 , SR 85 , SCR 14 , SB 10 , SB 11 , SB 10 , SB 11

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• PRESIDENT TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS, AND WHEREAS THE LEGISLATURE HAS DEEMED IT NECESSARY TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS
• I AM ALSO SUPPORTIVE OF FUNDING FOR DAX TO HIRE ADDITIONAL SWORN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SUPPORT POSITIONS
• I AM ALSO SUPPORTIVE OF FUNDING FOR DAX TO HIRE ADDITIONAL SWORN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SUPPORT POSITIONS

Bills: SJR36 , SJR2 , SB4 , SR45 , SR47 , SR63 , SR66 , SR70 , SR85 , SCR14 , SB10 , SB11 , SB10 , SB11

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means