Transcript Highlights:

• bill. uh, because of population changes and shifts, there's a need for additional courts across the state
• These children are in- the care of the state, and the state should never stop seeking their safe return
• I'm the director of public policy for Texas CASA here. I'm here in support of Senate Bill 2165.
• Jeff Miller, Disability Rights Texas, thank you Mr.
• the state of Texas, allowing individuals that need a little more support. to have someone there to help

Bills: SB66, SB2165, SB2342, SB2878, SB2903

Keywords: disability, supported decision-making, legal assistance, confidentiality, access to justice, autonomy, civil rights, advocacy, Texas Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child welfare, foster care, substitute care, missing child, missing from placement, permanency hearing, parent-child relationship, SAPCR, conservatorship

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• Growth in Texas is not new.
• in this state are now seeking to bring facilities to Texas that consume... unparalleled tremendous amounts
• of the United States.
• We want that business in Texas. in Texas.
• And I would suggest that that is an extreme positive for Texas over other states.

Bills: SB 6, SB6, SB504, SB765, SB815, SB929

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, delta-8, delta-9, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, edibles, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, retailer registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, minor access

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• in Texas.
• The state of Texas has been the benefactor of experience rebates, and we want that.
• State law requires Texas licensed health care professionals to review claims denied.
• We have about 100... 130 patients and counting all over the state of Texas and more than a dozen healthcare
• For example, in the state of Texas, now all the...

Bills: SB 6, SB6, SB504, SB765, SB815, SB929

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, delta-8, delta-9, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, edibles, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, retailer registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, minor access

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• Why should schools use their limited resources for state-sponsored religion, even keep their libraries
• As president of Texas Family Project, I get to travel around the state and expose a significant amount
• What are we raising in the state of Texas?
• Please don't allow that to happen here in the state of Texas, taking this step that you're taking, an
• development standards which were developed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in consultation

Bills: SB 10, SB 11

Keywords: human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights, 1185, senate, all

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• Senate Bill 2440 also required the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to establish a form and
• In our district, we've seen more private water wells drilled than anywhere else in the state.
• where I reside, has drilled more groundwater wells in the last 20 years than any other county in the state
• The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has been very cooperative working with these districts
• The local districts and the State Soil and Water Board provide money for rehabilitation, but we're trying

Bills: SB612, SB1855, SB2568, SB3058, HB49

Keywords: SB 612, Texas Water Code, Section 49.2127, conservation and reclamation district, water district, reclamation district, developer fees, pipeline construction, water pipeline, sewer pipeline, associated infrastructure, subdivision infrastructure, cost recovery, fee cap, actual reasonable documented costs, engineering fees, legal fees, inspection fees, infrastructure relocation, utility connections

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• So the state of Texas has already done the research.
• The state of Texas, the Texas Attorney General, used grant funds to do this research.
• And let me clear up one thing: in your registration, it has your city as Texas and state as Texas.
• of Texas and the state of Kansas wanted to merge the cases.
• Texas is looking to align more with other states.

Bills: HCR16, HB782, HB2159, HB2288, HB3281, HB3819, HB4656, HB4696, HB5494, HCR16

Keywords: fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education

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• Department of Transportation, Texas 811, and the Texas One Call Board.
• Freeman Martin, Texas Department of Public Safety.
• In the state of Texas right now, 80,000 pounds, they can cross anywhere they want with these special
• And that's a tremendous opportunity for Texas.
• of Texas.

Bills: SB290, SB2949

Keywords: LP-gas, property owner notice, natural resources, gas installations, safety notification, motor fuel, fuel transport, fuel export, transloading, export fuel transloading facility, fuel terminal, terminal operator, comptroller, Texas Tax Code, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, Department of Public Safety, DPS, border security, ports of entry

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• The Texas Department of Banking website lists 180 companies that have this type of license in Texas.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Good morning.
• These state and local... ...partnerships save lives and taxpayer dollars.
• And sixth is to comply with state or federal law, rule, or regulation.
• In this state, it's just not going to happen. May I answer any questions?

Bills: SB512, SB1024

Keywords: SB 512, Texas Finance Code, money transmission, money services business, money transmitter, money transmission licensee, terms of service, consumer protection, civil penalty, attorney general enforcement, account closure, refund of balance, financial services regulation, payments industry, fintech, prepaid accounts, remittance, licensee compliance, local government debt, municipal finance

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• There are 842 fire departments and 300 emergency services districts across the state of Texas, and most
• There are 32 standalone emergency medical services across the state of Texas, and the tuition exemption
• Despite being one of the largest states, Texas only has four comprehensive transition programs. or CPTs
• There were states that bordered Texas, and that didn't get anywhere.
• Due to the work of this committee and other leaders in Texas state government, Texas higher education

Bills: SB750, SB2995, SB1716, SB2430, SB203, SB1679, SB2683, SB1414

Keywords: tuition exemption, paramedics, higher education, public institutions, laboratory fees, education code, financial aid, education, student support, scholarships, nontraditional education, student enrollment, financial assistance, Texas students, foreign adversaries, trade secrets, research integrity, security measures, international agreements, student privacy

Bills: SB 614, SB 872, SB 1199, SB 1212, SB 1278, SB 1573, SB 1588, SB 1602, SB 1660, SB 1704, SB 1723, SB 1833, SB 1858, SB 1946, SB 2009, SB 2146, SB 2177, SB 2373, SB 2460, SB 2785

Keywords: forensic science, capital writs, criminal justice, case review, Texas Forensic Science Commission, prisoner death, investigation, county jail, law enforcement, autopsy, trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, coercion, duress, victim rights, child abuse, mandatory reporting, criminal penalties, neglect

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• In 2016, Texas created new educational opportunities for the next generation of Texans by creating the
• Lastly, the program partners with Texas institutions of higher education. and regional businesses and
• Well, we want to make it obviously revenue neutral, so the bill states that.
• Currently, the state of Texas requires school districts to teach students a total of 75,600 minutes,
• Since the pandemic, we've seen a rapid expansion in four-day school weeks across Texas.

Bills: HB 1209, HB4746

Keywords: school funding, instructional days, education, public schools, school performance, four-day school week, performance rating, school governance, school calendar, education funding, emergency closures, school district, school operations, Texas education, public school accountability, academic distinction designation, postsecondary readiness, career and technical education, CTE, P-TECH

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• Article 8, Section 1A of the Texas Constitution. states quote taxation shall be equal in uniform and
• As stated earlier, the Texas Constitution gives taxpayers two separate and independent rights to profit
• But if you talk to the millions of people here in the state of Texas, you'll know that there's a lot
• So what we're doing in this bill is we're trying to say that in the state of Texas we have created two
• I've been in property tax in the state of Texas for 18 years.

Bills: HB1952, HB3258, HB3524, HB3851, HB4478, HB4613, HB4703, HB4742, HB4744, HB4809, HB4864

Keywords: county appraisal district, board of directors, governance, taxing units, public representation, penalty, property report, taxation, timely filing, chief appraiser, appraisal district, ad valorem tax, property appraisal, tax protests, unequal appraisal, property rights, property tax, public employees, protest leave, appraisal review board

Bills: SB 623, SB 1266, SB 1310, SB 1373, SB 1580, SB 1952, SB 2032, SB 2269, SB 2544, SB 2653, SB 2796

Keywords: pharmacist, vaccine administration, COVID-19, exclusive authority, healthcare, Medicaid, provider enrollment, credentialing, administrative burden, Texas Health and Human Services, senior retirement communities, emergency response, residential safety, contract provisions, health and safety regulations, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges

Bills: SB302, SB1335, SB1734, SB1760, SB1975, SB2127

Keywords: probate court, statutory judge, reimbursement, court costs, court proceedings, judicial assignments, judge assignment, cost reimbursement, judicial expenses, estate management, statutory requirement, court expenses, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, real property, deed fraud, title fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• This committee substitute was requested by the Texas Real Estate Improvement Institute.
• the state request it, there is a cost of up to $50,000 per case to be heard.
• This bill as filed states that the estate has to pay it.
• contractors on projects in Texas would require these terms.
• It keeps costs down and ensures that Texas disputes are handled by Texas courts, which should encourage

Bills: SB302, SB1335, SB1734, SB1760, SB1975, SB2127

Keywords: probate court, statutory judge, reimbursement, court costs, court proceedings, judicial assignments, judge assignment, cost reimbursement, judicial expenses, estate management, statutory requirement, court expenses, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, real property, deed fraud, title fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• This committee substitute was requested by the Texas Real Estate and Probate Institute, and that's all
• But if the A state or members representing the state requested, it's a cost of up to $50,000 per per
• It makes clear that the parties in representing of the state can pay that.
• contractors on projects in Texas would require these terms.
• Keeps costs down, makes sure that Texas disputes are handled by Texas courts, should encourage economic

Bills: SB 302, SB 1335, SB 1734, SB 1760, SB 1975, SB 2127

Keywords: probate court, statutory judge, reimbursement, court costs, court proceedings, judicial assignments, judge assignment, cost reimbursement, judicial expenses, estate management, statutory requirement, court expenses, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, real property, deed fraud, title fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• State your public testimony. Thank you. Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops.
• In fact, we know that we have a shortage of about 300. ...homes in the state of Texas.
• and our... ...and my affiliate partners here in the state of Texas.
• I've already said that the first time a homebuyer in the state of Texas is $50.
• Texas is adding more jobs by far than any other state.

Bills: HB24, HB2015, HB2149, HB2559, HB2701, HB2797, HB3172, HB24

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, municipal moratorium, development moratorium, property development, subdivision, site plan

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• Our state is the Texas miracle. We're a business-friendly state. What makes us business-friendly?
• travelers from other states, states that either don't have the capacity or the standards that Texas
• Thirty parks in the state of Texas, I also serve as their legislative liaison.
• The regional water planning group that is set up under the state water plan and the Texas Water Development
• associate members across the state of Texas.

Bills: HB24, HB2015, HB2149, HB2559, HB2701, HB2797, HB3172, HB24

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, municipal moratorium, development moratorium, property development, subdivision, site plan

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• To my knowledge, that is a Texas County, Texas...
• The state of Texas, indeed, through DPS, already goes through these additional security measures to comply
• I can't remember whether Texas is one of them, but I know that there are some other states that are requesting
• Are you aware of whether Texas is one of those states that's pushing that back?
• I know as well, I think, here in the state of Texas.

Bills: HB3484, HCR112, HCR125

Keywords: border municipalities, agreements, funding eligibility, infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, REAL ID, travel document, border crossing, Texas, U.S. citizens, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, defense innovation, national security, U.S. Army Futures Command, military technology, economic growth, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many counties across the state of Texas allow property owners to split-pay their property taxes by paying
• So this bill hits home to many firefighters throughout the region, throughout the state of Texas, throughout
• the United States.
• I'm president of the Texas State Association of Firefighters, representing almost 20,000 professional
• firefighters around the state of Texas.

Bills: HB198, HB303, HB1535, HB2742, HB3305, HB3348, HB3505, HB3711, HB4753, HB2715, HB21, HB30

Keywords: HB 198, Wade Cannon Act, firefighter cancer screening, occupational cancer screening, fire protection personnel, local government, political subdivision, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, National Fire Protection Association, NFPA standards, occupational medical examination, public safety, firefighter health, cancer prevention, annual health screening, confidential medical exam, pulmonary function test, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, blood test

Summary: The Committee on Local Government heard and discussed a series of House bills dealing with municipal structure, tax payment timing, local provider participation funds, firefighter cancer screenings, sunset review of the Trinity River Authority, replacement certificates of occupancy, and open meetings enforcement. HB 303 would remove the 501-resident floor so very small type A and B municipalities can convert to type C cities; HB 2742 would give property owners a later first split-payment deadline when tax bills are mailed after November 30; HB 3305 and HB 3348 were local provider participation fund measures with committee substitutes; HB 198 would require political subdivisions to offer occupational cancer screenings for firefighters; HB 1535 was a sunset bill for the Trinity River Authority; HB 4753 would allow a municipality-issued proof of a certificate of occupancy to substitute for a lost original; and HB 3711 would treat certain Open Meetings Act violations as offenses against public administration and require public explanation when prosecutors decline to act. Testimony was generally supportive or limited, with several witnesses and senators emphasizing practical fixes, firefighter health and cost savings, local government transparency, and administrative cleanup. For HB 198, firefighter representatives gave emotional testimony about cancer deaths and the value of early screening. On HB 3711, a witness supported the bill but urged stronger enforcement and broader application. Several senators raised policy concerns on HB 2715 about routing removal proceedings through a regional presiding judge rather than the local county, arguing it could politicize the process. The committee took no public testimony on most bills and repeatedly left them pending subject to call of the chair before later voting them out. HB 21, HB 30, HB 1535, HB 1520, HB 198, HB 303, HB 2742, and HB 4753 were reported to the full Senate, generally by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, and several were also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. HB 30 passed on a 5-1 vote, while the other reported bills were approved unanimously or with no recorded opposition. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.