Transcript Highlights:

• So in South Texas, Texas tortoises, which is a state-listed species, we give a lot of recommendations
• Our Texas flock winters here in the Texas mid-coast. They are a coastal species.
• We've seen in the Texas Tribune two weeks ago the Texas Pacific land.
• Water Code.”
• We have a case right now under 89044, the Texas Snatcher Resources Code.

Bills: SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Summary: The committee heard and laid out several natural resources and environmental bills, with testimony focused on balancing development, public health, wildlife protection, and regulatory authority. SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to communicate in writing with TCEQ about matters before the commission, with safeguards requiring the communication to be part of the record and allowing other parties to respond; a committee substitute narrowed it to written communications about permits only, limited legislator communications to facilities in their districts, and adjusted conflict-of-interest rules. HB 3556, as substituted, would require notice to Texas Parks and Wildlife for certain very tall structures in specified coastal counties and give TPWD a limited right to seek injunctive relief if mitigation is insufficient to prevent material harm to migratory birds; supporters said it would address ignored wildlife recommendations and protect key flyways, while opponents argued the bill was too broad, singled out wind energy, and gave one agency unusually strong enforcement power. HB 49 would expand liability protections for produced-water recycling and beneficial use; supporters said it would encourage reuse of a large wastewater stream and reduce disposal pressures, while opponents warned it could shield operators from responsibility before the science and standards are mature. HB 4413 would authorize mass-balance accounting for renewable biomass feedstocks, and HB 3866 would regulate intermediate bulk container recycling facilities near homes, with a committee substitute adding a grandfather clause and making implementation contingent on funding. The committee also heard bills affecting air and energy regulation. HB 5033 would create a trigger to end vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes to allow it; the substitute removed a Supreme Court-related trigger, and the lone public witness opposed the bill, warning it would worsen air quality and harm nonattainment areas. HB 4112 would clarify that on-site storage of high-level radioactive waste is allowed at current and future nuclear reactors and university research reactors only for waste generated at that site; the substitute clarified the language and removed an inoperative permit condition, and witnesses from environmental and nuclear groups said the clarification was needed to prevent unintended restrictions while avoiding off-site storage. HB 2440 would prohibit state agencies from using air-quality rules to ban or restrict vehicles based on energy source, including internal combustion vehicles, and no public testimony was offered. HB 4271 would require TCEQ to hold public meetings on request for composting facility authorizations; the substitute limited the requirement to future applications and was presented as a transparency measure after a denied local request and extensive public comments. Additional bills addressed landowner protections and Railroad Commission oversight. HB 3619 would require the Railroad Commission to restore surface land after plugging or replugging operations and indemnify landowners from damages tied to authorized entry; a witness supported the bill but urged fixing a separate statutory loophole that he said allowed operators to enter unrelated tracts without notice. HB 4042 would extend Railroad Commission pipeline safety and fee provisions to propane distribution systems by removing the word “natural” from the relevant definitions. HB 4426 would set a 10-year permit term for commercial surface disposal facilities, allow renewal based on compliance history, and require renewal applications 120 days before expiration. The committee took no votes because a quorum was not initially present, and each bill was left pending after testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Texas Dental Association.
• Texas Dental Association, and CELF4 for SB 527, correct?
• I am representing the Texas Dental Association, the Texas Academy of Dental Surgeons, and the Texas Academy
• I'm the executive director at the Autism Society of Texas.
• No, you can do that here in Texas, too. Both sides do it.

Bills: HB813, HB1680, HB3569, HB4074, HB4635, HB5178, SB527, SB1307, SB1822

Keywords: autism, health insurance, coverage, medical treatment, health benefit plan, HIV prevention, prescription drug, prior authorization, health benefits, insurance coverage, insurance, contract termination, property and casualty, insurance agents, discrimination, appraiser, umpire, licensing requirements, continuing education, admin penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Steve Bresnan here on behalf of Texas.
• Say you would I have been practicing in Texas I've been I've been in Texas since 1986, and I've been
• This is not Texas. That is not freedom.
• I live in Lubbock, Texas, out on my farm. as a working farm.
• Then-Texas Governor John Connally named our cavern a jewel in the crown. of Texas attractions.

Bills: HB170, HB865, HB748, HJR112, HB 1110, HB1495, HB786, HB 1130, HB170

Keywords: civil liability, self-defense, force, deadly force, legal immunity, attorney's fees, criminal justice, firearms, liability, veterans, gun ownership, immunity, firearm hold agreement, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, parental rights, child upbringing

Transcript Highlights:

• And then last, for those of you from West Texas.
• And Texas is higher than the national average. Rep.
• Texas is one of Kannecock's largest. markets.
• My name is Joseph Cleave and I live in Huntsville, Texas.
• I'll also add that I'm a high school teacher here in Texas.

Bills: HB170, HB865, HB748, HJR112, HB 1110, HB1495, HB786, HB 1130, HB170

Keywords: civil liability, self-defense, force, deadly force, legal immunity, attorney's fees, criminal justice, firearms, liability, veterans, gun ownership, immunity, firearm hold agreement, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, parental rights, child upbringing

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of this bill HB 876 is to amend Texas Government Code Section 2054. 0594, enabling DIR to
• to the state of Texas.
• to defend Texas.
• It's fiscal policy for Texas 2036.
• We also have a problem with. code, these old systems, they were all custom code and so you have code

Bills: HB150, HB869, HB876, HB 1043, HB1494, HB1522, HB150

Keywords: cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, information technology, classification officer, job descriptions, state positions, competency-based, information sharing, government efficiency, public sector, private sector, distributed ledger, title registry, real estate, property liens, pilot program, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...behind the Texas Miracle.
• There's no new development of resources in a place like the panhandle or nor, Texas or West Central Texas
• of Texas.
• to give jobs to Texas and provide clean energy to Texas and America as a whole.
• Starbase is just not important just to Texas, it's vital to America.

Bills: SB1150, SB763, SB1061, SB1146, SB1198, HB279, HB310

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Bills: SB1150, SB763, SB1061, SB1146, SB1198, HB279, HB310

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, use tax is still up. Uh, insurance premium tax is up.
• <00:24:29.679> Uh<00:24:30.000> use<00:24:30.240> tax now, good.
• Uh use tax now, good. SSUT is still up.
• Uh use tax is<00:24:30.720> still<00:24:30.960> up.
• Uh insurance premium tax is is still up.

Bills: HB44, HB400, HB444, HB487, SB249, SB252, SB58, HB44, HB400, HB444, HB487, SB249, SB252, SB58

Keywords: teachers retirement, credit purchase, St. Clair County, DAY Program, pension reform, dental insurance, benefit rollover, healthcare, insurance policy, annual maximum, HB444, vaccines, vaccine exemption, religious exemption, religious liberty, private school, church school, faith-based school, parochial school, school immunization

Transcript Highlights:

• out of tax committee unanimously.
• So, I thank members of the tax committee and staff of the tax committee for helping us put what I consider
• So, I thank members of the tax with.
• and staff of the tax committee uh and staff of the tax committee<00:03:56.560> uh<00:03:56.640
• Um, the sales tax exclusions—I'm a big supporter.

Bills: HF2437

Keywords: tax credits, tax increments, housing development, local government, economic aid, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's it's it's it's property tax.
• another 50% of property tax reduction. another 50% of property tax reduction.
• property gets one tax code, um, or one tax mill levy.
• in taxes in taxes um<01:09:14.159> annually.
• property taxes. So, on and in favor. property taxes. So, on and in favor.

Bills: SF0110, SF0044, SF0046

Keywords: property tax, residential real estate, tax assessment, primary residence, tax revenue, gambling, lotteries, raffles, social relationships, charitable gaming, gaming, liquor establishments, skill based amusement games, regulations, age restrictions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , to provide for legislative oversight of the code, to provide for periodic review of the code, to provide
• for mandatory adoption of certain nationally recognized codes, to provide for applicability of codes
• relief for code violations, to provide for it. ...facilities from the code, to provide for injunctive
• relief for code violations, to provide for agreements by public entities relative to code enforcement
• Amendments 11 through 15 amend the list of codes to be adopted as the uniform code.

Bills: HB471, HB798, HB947, HB1140, HB1186, HB1195, HB1222

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, consumer protection, automated decision systems, data privacy, broadband, cable service, price increase, notification, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, telecommunications, spoofing, call authentication

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1195, which updates Louisiana State Athletic Commission rules for contests and exhibitions, increases certain fines, and changes student athlete agent registration fees and terms. Members adopted technical amendments and one amendment tied to a separate Attorney General/NIL bill. After questions about criminal penalties and whether prison athletic events were covered, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up HB 798, which would require broadband and cable providers to give clearer written notice of prices, fees, contract terms, and price increases, and to explain cancellation rights. After a technical amendment package and a conceptual amendment clarifying the bill’s scope and severability, the author said the goal was transparency rather than price regulation. Charter Communications and other industry groups opposed the bill as duplicative of federal notice rules and costly; committee members raised concerns about interstate commerce, private rights of action, and whether notice should be on the bill instead of separate. The bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 1140 followed, targeting robocalls and spoofed calls by requiring telecommunications providers to use authentication and mitigation tools, respond to the Attorney General, and stop illegal spoofing, with penalties for violations. Members discussed federal preemption, the 30-day cure period, and whether the bill should include a private right of action; no opposition was recorded, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 1222, creating a grocery initiative grant and support program through LED to address food deserts, also advanced after a committee amendment changed mandatory language to permissive language to avoid a fiscal note/appropriations issue; it was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 471 on surveillance-based price discrimination, but the author said the bill would be deferred while stakeholders continue working on it. Members adopted a large amendment package narrowing the bill’s focus and adding exemptions for loyalty programs, insurers, and certain discounts, then deferred the bill. HB 947 was also deferred at the author’s request. Finally, HB 1186, a major overhaul of the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission and related inspection/licensing rules, was introduced and a large technical amendment package was presented, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• a tax break.
• a tax break.
• a tax break.
• Tax revenue.
• of income tax. Thank you. of income tax. Thank you.

Bills: HF3611, HF3659, HF3909

Keywords: taxation, income tax, damage awards, sexual harassment, abuse claims, immigration enforcement, taxpayers, file income tax return, Minnesota-source income, tax regulations, detention facilities, gross revenues, private prisons, Minnesota law, 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes and then laid over House File 3611 for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Representative Finke described HF 3611 as creating a state income tax withholding deduction for damages awarded to individuals in lawsuits against federal agents such as ICE or CBP, including emotional and financial awards. There was no public testimony or member discussion on the bill before it was laid over. The committee then took up House File 3909, which Representative Hansen said would impose a 50% tax on the gross receipts of detention centers operated by private nongovernmental entities. Hansen argued the measure would recapture public money, deter what he characterized as misuse of taxpayer dollars, and target profits made by private detention contractors such as GEO Group and CoreCivic. He also cited projected revenues and profits for those companies and said the bill was a response to human rights and civil rights concerns tied to private detention operations. Testimony on HF 3909 included support from Nancy Fitz Simmons, a Minnesota State University, Mankato social work professor, who said social workers see the effects of these issues across the state and that the bill could return money to Minnesotans in need. Representative Swedzinski opposed the bill’s impact on the Appleton facility and emphasized local jobs and economic opportunity, while Representative Lee said Minnesota should seek better economic options than jail-related work. Representative Holland supported the bill as a way to offset costs to families and the state from detentions and deportations. Representative Weiner questioned the bill’s revenue potential and criticized the 50% gross-receipts tax as politicizing taxes. Representative Hansen responded that similar proposals were being explored in Washington and California and that the bill was intended to stand up to large corporate interests. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill.

Bills: HB0120, HB0043, HB0128

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, money laundering, illegal investment, financial institutions, criminal activity, Wyoming legislation, severance tax, oil production, tax exemption, energy sector, economic impact, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• permit processing, providing tax permit processing, providing tax exemptions, exemptions, exemptions
• a $4 billion hydrogen facility in Texas. a $4 billion hydrogen facility in Texas.
• There's not going to be any tax money. There's not going to be any tax money.
• Code, Section 5312.
• Code, Section 5312.

Bills: HB0120, HB0043, HB0128

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, money laundering, illegal investment, financial institutions, criminal activity, Wyoming legislation, severance tax, oil production, tax exemption, energy sector, economic impact, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Texas Insurance Code related to telehealth services, while current law requires health plans to
• So this bill simply amends the Texas government code for the Medicaid managed care... ...section, and
• The bill creates a dangerous and unnecessary carve-out in Texas' child welfare code that directly threatens
• The Texas Family Code does not specify or exempt any specific type of abuse or neglect.
• In the Texas Family Code, abuse is defined as an act of omission that causes harm to a child about their

Bills: HB1106, HB3284, HB541, HB713, HB1403, HB1586, HB1942, HB2070, HB2844, HB2851, HB3151, HB3749, HB3940, HB3963, HB4454, HB4466, HB4795, HB5154, HB5394, SB1357, HB1052, HB4099, HB4638, HB5147

Keywords: child abuse, neglect, gender identity, sexual orientation, child welfare, marriage, family, Texas Commission, family welfare, marriage support, stability, premarital education, child development, strong families, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• Ivy Texas is a business, so you're self-employed there.
• Mobility and prosperity for all Texas families is our goal.
• So they are able to happen here in Texas.
• to go through a Texas adoption process.
• It wasn't a burden on them when they got the child tax credit.

Bills: HB1106, HB3284, HB541, HB713, HB1403, HB1586, HB1942, HB2070, HB2844, HB2851, HB3151, HB3749, HB3940, HB3963, HB4454, HB4466, HB4795, HB5154, HB5394, SB1357, HB1052, HB4099, HB4638, HB5147

Keywords: child abuse, neglect, gender identity, sexual orientation, child welfare, marriage, family, Texas Commission, family welfare, marriage support, stability, premarital education, child development, strong families, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, maternal health

Bills: SB1390

Keywords: gross production tax, oil and gas, natural gas, casinghead gas, oil revenue, tax apportionment, revenue sharing, county highway fund, school funding, average daily attendance, general revenue fund, revenue stabilization fund, county bridge and road improvement, state transportation fund, preserving and advancing county transportation fund, education funding, higher education, student aid, tourism funding, conservation funding

Bills: SB271, HB511

Keywords: SB271, Alabama, municipalities, city fees, town fees, franchise fees, utility franchise, natural gas, manufactured gas, gas utility, public streets, public places, right-of-way, municipal consent, gross receipts tax, license tax, privilege tax, Public Service Commission, PSC, utility regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas Trial Lawyers Association and Texas Lawsuit Reform.
• Texas.
• State of Texas.
• I paid three quarters of a million dollars in taxes to the state of Texas.
• to Texas.

Bills: SB3, SB810, SB965, SB1073, SB1119, SB1505, SB 3

Keywords: Texas Education Code, public schools, school district, open-enrollment charter school, teacher speech, employee speech, biological sex, pronouns, gender identity, retaliation, discipline, workplace protections, school personnel, education policy, LGBTQ, transgender, charter schools, SB 965, religious speech, prayer

Transcript Highlights:

• dollars, without additional subsidies, while we're working to create a lower property tax base and lower
• excess funds to be spent on the stormwater system and to pay for the construction of a building for code
• access funds to be spent on the stormwater system and to pay for the construction of a building for code
• We will continue with the Senator Martin show, and we'll move to tab 8, SB 1320 on tax referendum by
• Across our state, tax dollars have been diverted into diversity offices and administrative positions

Bills: S0484, S0698, S0706, S0968, S1118, S1122, S1134, S1320, S1342, S1548, S1614

Keywords: data centers, large load customer, large-scale data center, electric utility, public utility tariff, Florida Public Service Commission, FPSC, water permit, consumptive use permit, reclaimed water, groundwater, surface water, water management district, DEP, OPPAGA, economic development, land use, comprehensive plan, zoning, ratepayer protection

Summary: The committee heard several housing, local government, utility, and transparency bills. SB 1342 on transportation infrastructure and land development regulations, by Sen. Rouson, was presented as a housing-affordability measure modeled on the Live Local Act for transit corridors. After adopting an amendment that removed the bill’s compelling-governmental-interest language in enforcement provisions, the committee heard testimony from local-government and housing interests both supporting and opposing the bill’s zoning preemption approach. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably CS/SB 1614, by Sen. Leek, which was amended to remove stormwater and code-enforcement spending provisions and to tighten restrictions on local governments seeking state appropriations after audits or without required affirmations. SB 1548, the next Live Local Act iteration by Sen. Claddie Ude, was also reported favorably; it expands where Live Local projects may be located and adds fair-housing protections. SB 968 on home backup power systems, by Sen. McLean, was reported favorably after testimony from builders and energy-related stakeholders, with the sponsor noting he was still working on amendments to refine permit provisions. The committee then approved CS/SB 698, by Sen. Martin, which allows building permits for single-family homes to be issued before septic permits are finalized if application has been made, while still requiring septic approval before occupancy. Builders testified that septic permit delays were causing lengthy project delays and contract cancellations. The committee also reported favorably SB 1320, by Sen. Martin, requiring county tax-increase referenda to include a Department of Financial Services spending analysis if available; the sponsor said the goal was to give voters more standardized fiscal information, while opponents argued existing law already provides similar transparency. SB 484, by Sen. Avila, on data centers, was reported favorably after an amendment adding a knowledge requirement to the foreign-country-of-concern service prohibition; the bill addresses local planning authority, nondisclosure agreements, utility tariff requirements, and water-use limits for large data centers. The committee also reported favorably SB 1118, by Sen. Avila, creating a one-year public-records exemption for data-center location and proprietary information, with testimony split between economic-development supporters and transparency concerns. Finally, the committee took up SB 706, by Sen. Mayfield, preempting naming of major commercial service airports to the state and designating Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to federal and trademark conditions; it was reported favorably after questions about local input and airport naming. The committee then heard extensive public testimony on SB 1134, by Sen. Yarbrough, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to DEI and would create penalties and a private right of action for residents. The sponsor argued the bill was aimed at preventing taxpayer-funded DEI programs and cited examples from Jacksonville and other jurisdictions; opponents said the bill was vague, overbroad, and would chill local programs, public education, and civil-rights-related activities. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on SB 1134, with no final committee action shown in the excerpt.