Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate the optimism of no more specials after this. That's right.
• administration's AI action plan is tailor-made for Texas, where we're the leader in semiconductors and in energy
• done a better job, Republicans and Democrats, of funding key infrastructure—transportation, water, energy

Bills: SB9

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear Senate Bill 9, which would lower the voter-approval tax rate for certain local taxing units from 3.5% to 2.5%. Sen. Bettencourt, the bill author, argued the change would continue the state’s property tax reforms begun in 2019, slow local levy growth, and give voters more say over larger tax increases. He and supporters cited data showing property tax levies have grown faster than population plus inflation, and said the bill would help protect taxpayers while preserving the state’s broader investments in school tax relief, water, rural law enforcement, and ambulance funding. Supporters included the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers. They said the bill would improve transparency, encourage more disciplined budgeting, and create certainty for homeowners and businesses. They argued that lower tax-rate growth would help attract and retain employers and investment, and that voters would still be able to approve higher rates when needed. Local officials and other opponents said the bill would constrain cities and counties facing rapid growth, inflation, infrastructure needs, and public safety costs. Testimony from county judges, city finance officials, firefighters, and urban county representatives emphasized pressures from jail operations, roads, water, EMS, police and fire staffing, and unfunded mandates. Several witnesses asked for carve-outs or exemptions for public safety and disaster-related costs, warning that a one-size-fits-all cap could force service cuts or shift costs elsewhere. The committee heard extensive questioning but no final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:48.800> That use this is optimizing revenues.
• That use this is optimizing revenues.
• And so thinking of it as optimizing<01:26:12.400> it<01:26:12.639> means<01:26:13.120><
• it means yes we want to get optimizing it means yes we want to get dollars<01:26:14.320> today
• and the return to the the optimization and the return to the beneficiaries<01:34:58.639> of<01

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to<00:59:22.800> a<00:59:22.880> decision<00:59:23.640> to<00:59:24.000> optimize
• <00:59:25.320> engagement to a decision to optimize engagement to a decision to optimize engagement
• Again, as it relates back to optimizing engagement over safety, because these are stickier topics that
• Optimizing for engagement over safety. Preventing the training of AI systems on a child's input.
• Optimizing Optimizing Optimizing for<01:09:40.600> engagement<01:09:41.040> over<01:09:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dillon Hoffman on behalf of Advanced Energy United in support.
• I mean, I support our journey to a clean energy economy.
• So it puts energy access and energy service at risk. How will we serve customers in that case?
• And 74% believe that a law is, ...or build clean energy.
• And so we know that not only are they massive, massive users of energy, but... ...massive users of energy

Summary: The committee first heard SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, from Senator Arreguín. He said the bill would designate the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator for intrastate hydrogen pipelines and require hydrogen-specific standards, while not mandating any pipeline construction or bypassing environmental review. Supporters included labor groups, utility employees, and the City of Burbank, while Air Products opposed unless amended, citing concerns about the bill’s specificity, fee structure, and the need for a hydrogen-specific rulemaking process. The committee discussed safety, fees, and regulatory certainty, and later passed SB 804 on a 9-0 vote to Emergency Management with commitment to take amendments. The committee then took up SB 905 by Senator Becker, aimed at reducing electricity rates by changing utility incentives. The bill would tie part of executive compensation to keeping rates below inflation, require more performance metrics, and allow the CPUC to consider lower returns on equity for certain lower-risk investments and alternative financing options. Support came from consumer, environmental, agricultural, and large energy user groups, while Southern California Edison, CalChamber, PG&E, and utility labor groups raised concerns that the bill could reduce investment, create regulatory uncertainty, and raise borrowing costs. After extensive discussion about utility affordability, wildfire costs, and capital markets, the committee passed SB 905 on a 7-1 vote to Appropriations. SB 913, also by Senator Becker, would create a clearer pathway for distributed energy resources such as batteries and smart thermostats to participate in the resource adequacy market and compete with utility-scale resources. Supporters said the bill would better use existing grid capacity, lower costs, and build on the state’s Demand Side Grid Support Program; PG&E opposed unless amended, saying the use case was not yet proven and was already being addressed in other rulemakings. After the committee accepted amendments, one opposition group moved to neutral and another said it might do so after reviewing the changes. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations and was placed on call. Several other measures were heard and advanced, including SB 1196 on faster utility hookups for small energization projects such as ADUs and EV chargers, SB 931 reauthorizing the Diablo Canyon Essential Services Mitigation Fund through 2028, SB 1158 reducing the frequency of joint reliability assessments from quarterly to twice yearly, and SB 1245 directing further study of California’s gasoline market and potential use of non-CARBOB fuel during supply disruptions. SB 1196 and SB 931 both passed with broad support and no opposition after amendments, SB 1158 passed without testimony, and SB 1245 drew strong support from consumer and environmental advocates but opposition from fuel industry and business groups concerned about costs, confidentiality, and fuel standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• Improving energy affordability.
• Alicia Priago, on behalf of San Jose Clean Energy, in support.
• I mean, I support our journey to a clean energy economy.
• So it puts energy access and energy service at risk. How will we serve customers in that case?
• And so we know that not only are they massive, massive users of energy, but... ...massive users of energy

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• dealing with the special needs population, 1000 things that need to and you'll forgive my my my my energy
• maintains rigorous oversight of these efforts through various measures to ensure accountability and optimal

Transcript Highlights:

• a resource standpoint, um, along the Texas Gulf Coast, for example, we've got I-69, rail, water, energy
• I'm very optimistic optimism. I'm in Texas. How can I be optimistic? Members, any other questions?

Bills: HB 186

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Gulf Coast, for example, we've got I-69, rail, water, energy.
• Thank you for your optimism. I'm in Texas. How can I be optimistic? Members, any other questions?

Bills: HB186, HB517, HB 1093, HB 1268, HB1395, HB186

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, property owners' association, residential watering restrictions, vegetation, fine limitations, drought, technology, innovation, economic development, grants, Texas Economic Development, business funding, HB 1395, private passenger vehicle rental, car rental, vehicle rental

Transcript Highlights:

• Our cultures have grown increasingly intertwined and our societies share a spirit of optimism and new
• mutually beneficial. to both the United States and Mexico and focus, at least initially, focus your energy

Keywords: U.S. foreign policy, Mexico relations, Japan relations, border security, trade agreements, drug trafficking, ambassadorial nominations, intergovernmental communication

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on critical discussions concerning U.S. foreign policy, particularly relationships with Mexico and Japan. Notable attention was given to border security, trade agreements, and implications of drug trafficking. Ambassadorial nominees discussed their strategies to strengthen ties with these nations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing mutual challenges, particularly concerning security and trade. The committee engaged in extensive dialogue, highlighting the urgency of improving intergovernmental communications to deter drug trafficking and support democratic governance.

Transcript Highlights:

• A great deal of energy and a great deal of efforts have been spent on this and it seems like the number
• instances where HQ may ask you to do things that in your professional judgment are not the best way to optimize

Keywords: veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight

Summary: The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• natural resources and community health and thanks to funding from this legislature we also operate an energy
• So areas like computational material science. autonomous robotics, healthcare, energy, and cyber-physical
• The computational infrastructure we propose will be specifically optimized for the extremely high-end
• Disaster and Emergency Services, and chair of your Texas Energy Reliability Council, and chair... of

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is the leader in oil and gas and energy production.
• There is no America without Texas energy.
• Energy position.
• Fortunately, America is a net energy exporter. That means energy security.
• LNG as a safe place to get their energy. No comments?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• trained to help manage medications, provide preventative services, and collaborate with physicians to optimize
• pharmacists that work in health systems and clinics, assisting with disease management and medication optimization
• ultimately save lives. with disease management and medication with disease management and medication optimization
• > for<00:29:12.519> uh<00:29:12.679> chronic<00:29:13.159> conditions optimization
• for uh chronic conditions optimization for uh chronic conditions like<00:29:13.840> diabetes<

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:13 HB423 Discussion: 01:38 HB423 Vote: 12:30 HB415 Discussion: 13:50 HB415 Vote: 15:13 HB390 Discussion: 16:30 HB390 Vote: 21:48 HB3 For Discussion Only: 23:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 423, a prior authorization reform measure sponsored by Representative Kim Moser. A committee substitute was adopted to clarify that the bill’s prior authorization exemption program does not apply to Medicaid. Supporters, including the Kentucky Medical Association, said the bill would reduce red tape, improve transparency, and let providers spend more time on patient care. The bill would create a framework for insurers to establish a gold carding or waiver program for certain health services, exclude prescription drugs, prohibit retrospective reviews based solely on an exemption, and require annual reporting by the Department of Insurance and the Department for Medicaid Services. After questions about how exemptions would work and whether the bill addressed repeat prior authorizations, the committee voted to pass HB 423 with favorable expression. The committee then considered House Bill 415, sponsored by Representative Pollock and supported by AFLAC representatives. The bill was described as clarifying that health insurance coverage mandates are generally intended to apply only to primary major medical policies. With no substantive opposition or questions, the committee voted to pass HB 415 with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 390 from Chair Meredith, presented with support from multiple insurance industry representatives and the Department of Insurance. The bill would move motor vehicle insurance verification data from the old system to the CAVIS database and shorten the reporting turnaround from 30 days to a ceiling of seven days, with the possibility of a shorter period by regulation. After brief discussion and no objections, the committee voted to pass HB 390 with favorable expression. The committee also heard House Bill 3 for discussion only, sponsored by Representative Neighbors and supported by the Kentucky Pharmacists Association. The bill would require Kentucky Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for covered clinical services they already provide, aligning Medicaid with existing commercial insurance policy. Supporters argued it would improve access, especially in underserved areas, and could reduce emergency room use and improve outcomes; the bill was not voted on during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So these federal grants could be Department of Energy, Department of Defense, NIST, or any number of
• If I've got a list here, here's an ag researcher, energy research, oil and gas research, computer engineering
• , it's not like secret in the sense that if I've got a list here, here's an ag, an ag researcher, energy
• There are two new riders added in SB 1: capital complex communications and workplace optimization.
• I believe that the rider for the workplace optimization that was added to the Facilities Commission would

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee began with Article I budget items for the Secretary of State. LBB staff outlined recommendations that would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million, including changes to HAVA funding, removal of one-time business system replacement money, and a rider directing the agency to use Fund 5095 first. Secretary Jane Nelson and staff then defended several exceptional items, especially additional staffing for elections and business filings, a new website, digitization of records, cybersecurity tools, and renovation of the James Earl Rudder Building. Members focused heavily on election administration, cross-checking voter rolls, Harris County complaints, call-center response times, and whether online voter registration should be expanded. No votes were taken; the discussion was informational and budget-focused. The committee then heard the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB presented a recommended $2.4 million decrease for the governor’s office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs driven by one-time funding and unexpended balances, while still preserving major border security funding and victim assistance funding. Governor’s staff emphasized Texas’ economic growth, the importance of border security, and efforts to seek federal reimbursement for the roughly $11 billion Texas has spent on border operations. Members discussed whether shifting National Guard deployment to federal control could reduce state costs, and they also reviewed the music incubator program, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and the semiconductor innovation consortium. Staff highlighted a $5 million late-added request for grants to protect nonprofits from violence and terrorism. Again, the exchange was largely explanatory, with no formal action. Finally, the committee took up the Texas Facilities Commission and lease payments for revenue bonds. LBB recommended major reductions overall, including removal of border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, but added money for higher utility costs, renovation of the Rudder Building, and additional facilities staff. George Purcell also noted stable maintenance-and-renewal funding and new riders related to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building, tenant communications, and space utilization. For lease payments, LBB recommended a smaller appropriation tied to revenue-bond costs allocated across agencies. The discussion was informational, with members asking about the Rudder Building renovation, border wall progress, and capital complex construction timelines; no votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were unsuccessful, and I had to let that patient leave my clinic with less than optimal treatment.
• clinic<00:15:09.560> with<00:15:09.800> less<00:15:10.120> than<00:15:10.360> optimal
• clinic with less than optimal treatment. clinic with less than optimal treatment.
• At the same time, she was complaining of depressive symptoms, insomnia, decreased energy, kind of hopeless
• At the same time, she was complaining of depressive symptoms, insomnia, decreased energy, kind of hopeless

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with the restructuring of the Public Utilities Commission and establishment of the Department of Energy
• with the restructuring of the Public Utilities Commission and establishment of the Department of Energy
• :55:46.400> of between the PUC and the Department of between the PUC and the Department of Energy
• as to who's responsible for doing Energy as to who's responsible for doing what.<00:55:49.119> Uh
• were not required department of energy were not required they<01:00:45.760> were<01:00:45.839

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas during her 10 sessions under the dome, Senator Winter chaired the Transportation and Energy
• Faith's relentless optimism would remind all of us that this is just a moment in time and that we're
• > and<01:45:00.239> that<01:45:00.400> she Faith's relentless optimism and that
• she Faith's relentless optimism and that she would<01:45:00.800> remind<01:45:01.119> all
• we served on transportation and energy we served on transportation and energy together<03:58:24.960

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, approval of the February 12, 2026 journal, and reports that several bills were correctly printed or engrossed. Committee reports then moved Senate Bills 7 and 31 from Health and Human Services, Senate Bills 53 and 54 from Local Government and Housing, and Senate Bill 43 from State, Veterans, and Military Affairs to the Committee of the Whole, with some measures recommended for the consent calendar. The chamber also announced substitute prime sponsors for Senate Bills 260008 and 2631 following Senator Michaelson Jenet’s resignation. The Senate then recessed to hold a memorial for former Senator Faith Winter and later voted to proceed out of order for memorials. Senate Joint Memorial 001, honoring Winter, was read at length and adopted. The memorial described her work on transportation, climate, paid family and medical leave, environmental justice, rural health care, and bipartisan legislation, and it was ordered sent to her family members. The Senate also suspended Rule 31A by a two-thirds vote so current and former House members could address the chamber from the well. Several members and family representatives offered remarks remembering Winter as a mentor, organizer, and coalition-builder. Speakers highlighted her advocacy for paid family leave, transportation funding, cleaner air, women’s leadership, and workplace accountability, as well as her personal warmth and support for colleagues and family. No additional legislative votes or bill actions were taken beyond the memorial adoption and procedural motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want clean energy, but we must be wise.
• We want clean energy, but we must be wise.
• And we also know that having food in your stomach gives you energy to be able to think.
• And we also know that having food in your stomach gives you energy to be able to think.
• And we also know that having food in your stomach gives you energy to be able to think.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fluoridation of the optimal level 0.7 parts per million sections. 31 32 of Senate Bill 700 contain a
• It occurs naturally at the optimal levels so they don't have to add or subtract.
• your research, but we have a decades of solid scientific research that says it is very safe at the optimal

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's difficult to spend three to four days a week in a classroom and still have the time and energy,
• just speak to this is a real case study and how it highlights behavior for where adults spend their energy
• To see the reaction and the confidence and the optimism of those students, to have that kind of support
• And then you mentioned optimism on the next...
• And then you mentioned optimism on the next round of, you know, of performance metrics that you'll receive

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.