Video & Transcript Research : 'Secret Service'
Page 66 of 500
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Medicaid school-based services program, Medicaid school-based services program, and<00:08:25.840>
- , loyalty, their hands to larger service, loyalty, their hands to larger service, and<00:14:03.600
- In asking for party or service provider.
- 42:17.359>
service <00:42:17.760>provider <00:42:18.480>from pro prohibit the service - <00:42:26.160>
On On termination of the service provider contract, the service provider may
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal swearing-in and seating of newly appointed Representative Jack Bighgam of St. Albans Town, who was also assigned to the Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry. The chamber then introduced House bills 911 and 912 and referred them to the Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee and the Judiciary Committee, respectively. Several other bills were referred to money committees under House rules, including H.558 and H.775 to Ways and Means and H.632 and H.778 to Appropriations. Members also made announcements recognizing visiting groups, including fire and rescue personnel, community action agencies, 4-H participants, and other guests, along with caucus meeting notices.
The House then took up H.907, a Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee bill to review and repeal outdated reporting requirements. The committee explained that the bill categorizes reports into those repealed, those to be reviewed again in four years, and those retained permanently, with an effective date of July 1, 2026. The committee reported unanimous support, and the House ordered the bill to third reading after agreeing to the committee recommendation.
Next, the House considered H.205, dealing with agreements not to compete and stay-or-pay provisions. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee described the bill as generally prohibiting non-compete agreements, especially for lower-wage workers, while allowing narrow exceptions, and limiting stay-or-pay provisions to voluntary, reasonable, and clearly disclosed arrangements. During questioning, a member raised concern about a specific carveout for teacher contracts, arguing it could be used to restrict teacher mobility; the presenter said the language was intended to clarify that the bill did not conflict with existing teacher-contract law. The House adopted the committee amendment and ordered the bill to third reading.
The House then began second reading of H.639 on genetic data privacy. The committee described the bill as creating strong protections for consumers’ genetic information, requiring express opt-in consent for collection, use, disclosure, transfer, retention, and marketing uses; allowing revocation of consent; requiring deletion of data and biological samples upon request; restricting storage and transfer outside the United States; and prohibiting disclosure to insurers, employers, and most government access without a warrant. The committee also said the bill would impose security requirements and anti-discrimination protections, and the detailed presentation continued as the transcript ended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- His military service was extraordinary.
- If a company is providing a direct service to TDLR, they're not a... direct service to TDLR.
- , pro bono legal services, referral services, supportive services, transportation programs, and veteran
- money service business.
- Purpose of the service agreement?
Bills:
SB6, SB30, SB13, SB2878, SB2501, SB66, SB268, SB331, SB618, SB414, SB1394, SB2425, SB898, SB993, SB442, SB735, SB784, SB2538, SB1919, SB1013, SB2215, SB2322, SB626, SB570, SB747, SB2183, SB673, SB1015, SB1447, SB1370, SB1784, SB1897, SB2873, SB2891, SB2933, SB2540, SB2681, SB2695, SB1965, SB2203, SB872, SB875, SB1030, SB1277, SB1730, SB1681, SB1152, SB2969, SB2747, SB2705, SB2541, SB1708, SB2080, SB2721, SB1986, SB2392, SB2539, SB2857, SB2799, SB2785, SB2782, SB1531, SB1927, SB1263, SB1098, SB835, SB3070, SB22, SJR27, SB25, SB7, SB552, SB1612, SJR87, SJR1, SB6, SB30, SB13, SB2878, SB57, SB127, SB293, SB441, SB3059, SB512, SB241, SB1718, SB140, SB2055, SB2075, SB2018, SB1534, SB1567, SB785, SB1233, SB1580, SB1663, SB413, SB447, SB519, SB467, SB1579, SB1191, SB1021, SB1838, SB2807, SB2835, SB546, SB2121, SB2167, SB2035, SB2024, SB1032, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1302, SB401, SB1596, SB1281, SB1242, SB1343, SB310, SB1346, SB2753, SB2703, SB2221, SB1719, SB2177, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2972, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB961, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1610, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1362, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB973, SB974, SB865, SB506, SB781, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB505, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB3073, SB2920, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB2460, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB2595, SB857, SB2501, SB66, SB268, SB331, SB618, SB414, SB1394, SB2425, SB898, SB993, SB442, SB735, SB784, SB2538, SB1919, SB1013, SB2215, SB2322, SB626, SB570, SB747, SB2183, SB673, SB1015, SB1447, SB1370, SB1784, SB1897, SB2873, SB2891, SB2933, SB2540, SB2681, SB2695, SB1965, SB2203, SB872, SB875, SB1030, SB1277, SB1730, SB1681, SB1152, SB2969, SB2747, SB2705, SB2541, SB1708, SB2080, SB2721, SB1986, SB2392, SB2539, SB2857, SB2799, SB2785, SB2782, SB1531, SB1927, SB1263, SB1098, SCR9, HB5560, HB762, HB 107, HB 114, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323, HB1584, HB4341, HB6, HB171, HB143, HB449, HB3486, HB4263, HB5246, HB2, HB2011, SB17, SB21
Keywords:
electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school libraries, library advisory councils, parental rights, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, judicial branch, court security, expunction, pretrial intervention, youth diversion, record retention
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine research security risks posed by foreign nationals from countries of risk working at the Department of Energy¿s National Laboratories and necessary mitigation steps. Feb 20th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If we fail to protect our scientific leadership, our intellectual property, and our national secrets,
- scientists and students are under we really do them a disservice and we do our own society to the service
- think I got the drift. officials could that derail their access to sensitive Department of Energy secrets
- But as former chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and special operations
- Yes, thank you, Senator, and thank you for your service.
Keywords:
national security, Department of Energy, foreign espionage, security protocols, Chinese Communist Party, national laboratories, research security
Summary:
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened to address pressing issues related to research security risks at the Department of Energy, focusing specifically on foreign nationals' access to sensitive information. The meeting highlighted the increasing threats posed by espionage from the Chinese Communist Party, which has sought to infiltrate U.S. national laboratories and exploit American research for military purposes. Discussions included the importance of tightening security protocols to safeguard national interests and maintain technological advantages. Witnesses provided insight into historical contexts and current vulnerabilities, emphasizing that without proper measures, the gaps could jeopardize national security.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Tuscaloosa County Civil Service Board. Tuscaloosa County Civil Service Board.
- to the Tuscaloosa County Civil Service to the Tuscaloosa County Civil Service Board<00:23:26.559
- Cibil Smith Family Village and service Cibil Smith Family Village and service as<00:35:34.640>
- NDAs are a legal mechanism that were created to protect trade secrets, not trauma secrets.
- NDAs are a legal mechanism that were created to protect trade secrets, not trauma secrets.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 29 senators present. The chamber adopted the previous day’s journal, allowed bill introductions throughout the day, and received multiple House messages referring local bills and proposed constitutional amendments to the Committee on Local Legislation, along with a lieutenant governor’s confirmation referral to the Committee on Confirmations.
Committee reports were then received from several standing committees. The Senate confirmed a series of gubernatorial and other appointments, including Michael Kulovitz and Barbara Maul to the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Board of Trustees, Logan Glass to the Educational Television Commission, Ed Croll and James Harris to the Alabama Committee on Monument Protection, Matt Barnes to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, Scott Moes and Jeffrey Wilson to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Jeffrey L. Cameman to the Tuscaloosa County Civil Service Board. The Senate also received favorable committee reports on numerous bills from Judiciary, State Governmental Affairs, Education Policy, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Health Care, Veterans and Military Affairs, and Local Legislation, with several bills amended or substituted and placed on the next day’s calendar.
On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar from the Rules Committee and passed several bills. Senate Bill 101 extended the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors to October 1, 2028. Senate Bill 93, as amended, allowed certain municipalities with populations of 12,000 or more and even-numbered councils to authorize a mayoral tie-breaking vote by council resolution. Senate Bill 115 created a competitive-bidding exemption for certain expenditures of $15,000 or less involving rolling stock, with quote and approval requirements. Senate Bill 131 on county subdivisions was amended and passed. Senate Bill 30, known as “Trey’s Law,” would make certain nondisclosure provisions unenforceable in cases involving sexual abuse victims; the sponsor described it as protecting survivors from being silenced, while Senator Albritton cautioned about the broader effects on settlements and institutions.
The Senate also adopted two resolutions: Senate Joint Resolution 19 honoring the life and legacy of Anna Smith Bedsole Holmes, and Senate Joint Resolution 20 commending the Alabama Birth Equity Initiative. The Rules Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and the listed bills were taken up and passed or advanced by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We're a municipal civil service agency.
- Thanks for your service, Lieutenant.
- We have about 70 cities who are civil service cities and they, they get the G file, this secret file
- Thank you, Jennifer, for, for your service and for representing Cleve the way you do.
- Thank you again for your service and again, I'm not against law enforcement.
Bills:
SB 15
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Commerce committee hearing on HF2149, the 'Consumer Grocery Pricing Fairness Act' 3/26/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Enforcement of current and services.
- Their service is a little different, though. We stock their shelves.
- Their service is a little different, though. We stock their shelves.
- Their service is a little different, though. We stock their shelves.
- Their service is a little different, though. We stock their shelves.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 3rd, 2025
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health
Transcript Highlights:
- address the healthcare shortage by creating an expedited pathway for the provision of telemedicine services
- HB 1027 is Chair Shaheen's bill to increase access to telepharmacy services by removing certain mileage
- Rita Littlefield Chronic Kidney Disease Centralized Resource Center within the Health and Human Services
- There's billions of dollars in secret.
- Unfortunately, our daughter's doctor involved child protective services.
Bills:
HB46
Keywords:
local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We're a municipal civil service agency.
- Thanks for your service.
- We have about 70 cities that are civil service cities, and they get the G file—this secret file held
- Thank you, Jennifer, for your service and for representing CLEET the way you do.
- Thank you again for your service. And again, I'm not against law enforcement.
Bills:
SB 15
Keywords:
law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, 997, house, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- As these men and women gather in service As these men and women gather in service to<00:06:29.520
- We know that veterans services we're in.
- <00:55:32.640>
program especially in our human services program especially in our human services - Uh, Minnesotans should know that we're not signing agreements and keeping secrets from them.
- Um that is not what secrets from them.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We fulfilling that promise of service.
- And knowing how much is a trade secret.
- That services within that data center.
- How do provide weatherization services.
- director at Natural Resource Services. director at Natural Resource Services.
Keywords:
water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability, 1183, house
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Repealing César Chávez Day in Minnesota 3/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Mexican-American who's standing here as a survivor in solidarity, but also as a child who was born in secret
- , also as a child who was born in secret, also as a child who was born in secret, um<00:05:20.480
- I have kept this secret long enough. My silence ends here."
- I have kept this secret long enough. My silence ends here."
- I have kept this secret long enough. My silence ends here."
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- goods, digital services, or other apps. goods, digital services, or other apps.
- service service following<00:47:09.040>
kind <00:47:09.200>of <00:47:09.359>broad - your service to uh for our kids. your service to uh for our kids.
- It's also a service to those who do serve in that capacity, and it is a service.
- rural health care in rural service. rural health care in rural service.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- America including American Service America including American Service members<00:06:46.840>
who - nonpartisan American Foreign Service nonpartisan American Foreign Service Association<00:09:49.279
- <00:10:38.079>
Randall more than 24 years of service Randall more than 24 years of service - <00:10:58.839>
to provide medical and dental services to provide medical and dental services - <05:16:17.920>
Trump <05:16:18.240>Hotel Secret Service agents at the Trump Hotel Secret
US
Transcript Highlights:
- He's a serious lawyer with a history of non-political service.
- After a long period of government service, Mr.
- One had a history of service of 17 years with the FBI, the other 22 years.
- His character that values public service and his work ethic were evidenced by his service as a paralegal
- And we had to fake it in the Senate chamber as the Secret Service pulled the Vice President out of his
Keywords:
nominations, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, Todd Blanch, Gail Slater, confirmation hearing
Summary:
The meeting focused on the nominations of Todd Blanch and Gail Slater for the positions of Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, respectively. The committee considered the qualifications of both nominees, with opening statements provided by the nominees themselves. There was an evident emphasis on the rigorous vetting process that nominees undergo before their selection, highlighting the importance of the roles within the Department of Justice. Members of the committee engaged in a structured question-and-answer session to further evaluate the nominees' capabilities and fit for the positions they were nominated for, with each member allotted seven minutes to pose questions.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight REVISED: SB640, SB1502 and SB1562 - Added Apr 13th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Health and Human Services Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Call the Oversight for Health and Human Services to order.
- state to provide those services, it is the expectation that those services be provided.
- Again, ...to provide those services, it is the expectation that those services be provided.
- childbirth and what other services are provided by this.
- childbirth and what other services are provided by this.
Bills:
SB206, SB640, SB667, SB1344, SB1380, SB1423, SB1425, SB1436, SB1484, SB1500, SB1502, SB1503, SB1557, SB1562, SB1572, SB1644, SB1645, SB1794, SB1796, SB1806, SB1849, SB1984, SB2007, SB2074
Keywords:
SB206, emergency medical services, EMS, ambulance, 911 response, emergency response, essential services, federal funding, grant funding, public health, health care facility, municipality, county, ambulance service district, tribal entity, public entity, contract ambulance service, Oklahoma, 63 O.S. 2021 Section 1-2502, emergency clause
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Health and Human Services and I think State Affairs are meeting tonight. All right.
- These are supplemental services that are core functions of government, and they're frankly not happening
- Any overhead is money not going to core services, so obviously. What's the cost to collect?
- The limited districts are allowed to continue to exist and provide those services.
- These are important essential services that the limited district provides to the community.
Bills:
HB22, SB250, SB375, SB536, SB845, SB1633, SB1944, SB1957, SB2081, SB2137, SB2262, SB2299, SB2419, SB2452, SB2522, SB2549, SB2594, SB2605, SB2631, SB2639, SB2675, SB3029, SJR60, HB22, HB1392, HB2525
Keywords:
emergency communication, broadband, funding, natural disasters, technology, HB 22, Texas broadband development office, comptroller, emergency communications, early warning systems, disaster alerts, natural disaster notifications, interoperable communications, interoperable emergency radio, public safety communications, 9-1-1, next generation 9-1-1, NG911, broadband grants, low-interest loans
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Eligible professionals include corrections officers, firefighters, and emergency service personnel.
- us to work with our attorneys to prepare for a lawsuit instead of prioritizing problem-solving and service
- Cities can govern without the constant threat of litigation draining resources away from essential services
- It's not a secret. We are below the threshold of what is right. committed threshold is.
- this same neighborhood and would like to be in the city to provide consistency of city planning. services
Bills:
SB250, SB375, SB536, SB845, SB1633, SB1944, SB1957, SB2081, SB2137, SB2262, SB2299, SB2419, SB2452, SB2522, SB2549, SB2594, SB2605, SB2631, SB2639, SB2675, SB3029, SJR60, HB22, HB1392, HB2525, HB22
Keywords:
municipal annexation, railroad, adjacent areas, local government, property rights, healthcare provider, Harris County Hospital District, hospital funding, healthcare services, public health program, home loans, nurses, veterans, public servants, Texas Heroes program, low-interest loans, social workers, housing assistance, SB 1633, Texas Tax Code
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Bills:
HB 2242, HB 2446, HB 2799, HB 4502, HB 2920, HB 2790, HB 5620, HB 5060, HB 5076, HB 5080, HB 5081, HB 5128, HB 5130, HB 3847, HB 5116, HB 2969, HB 4546, HB 4202, HB 5624, HB 3964, HB 4803, HB 872, HB 4775, HB 4777, HB 4961, HB 5570, HB 2988, HB 4260, HB 1375, HB 5009, HB 5411, HB 5134, HB 4388, HB 3095, HB 1387
Keywords:
constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- It applies to not the actual internet service providers, but those websites.
- Is this type of service working? And they like it better than the lawyers, Mr.
- This bill is a safeguard for the judges and attorneys and those seeking legal services.
- I appreciate your important service on this item.
- Of not just customer service, but meeting a constitutional need.
Bills:
HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387
Keywords:
constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 4961, which would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision. The author said the bill is intended to create incentives to maintain insurance and to address what he described as an unfair system for insured drivers. Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Texas Eagle Forum testified in support, while the Texas Trial Lawyers Association opposed it, warning the bill could also affect pedestrians, passengers, children, and others who did not choose whether a vehicle was insured. The bill author clarified that passengers would be included in the bill’s coverage. No vote was taken and the bill was left pending.
House Bill 5570 would extend a legislative attorney CLE exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to boards or commissions. The author said the measure is meant to ease time burdens and encourage service, and a witness supported it as a modest incentive for public service. A committee member noted a discrepancy in the number of affected attorneys, and the author agreed to verify the correct figure. The bill was left pending.
The committee also heard House Bill 2969, which would restrict the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech based on sincerely held beliefs. The author and several witnesses from Texas Values, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Cecilia Wood argued the bill protects lawyers of faith from an ABA model rule they described as a speech code. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 4260, which would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction, drew opposition from the County Judges and Commissioners Association, which argued existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would burden rural officials. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about judges using their office to pressure others. The bill was left pending.
House Bill 5134 would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect actual damages and would allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill is aimed at preventing harassment and fishing expeditions, especially in family-law disputes. Questions focused on how the standard would work and how it differs from current law; the author said the main change is fee-shifting and a clearer legislative directive. The bill was left pending. House Bill 3095, a committee substitute version of a similar uninsured-motorist bill, would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages and limit economic recovery, with several exceptions. Trial lawyers argued it was unconstitutional because it capped economic damages and could unfairly affect innocent drivers, pedestrians, and older people who no longer drive. The author acknowledged constitutional concerns and said the bill would need further work; the committee withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending.
Finally, House Bill 4388 would require all judges, including county judges who perform administrative duties, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct. Supporters said some elected judges avoid accountability by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents argued the bill is too rigid and unnecessary because existing remedies already exist. House Bill 3964 would limit public nuisance claims to their historical role and bar such claims against lawful conduct, conduct already covered by other remedies, and products. The author and supporters said the bill is meant to prevent courts from using public nuisance to make policy, while opponents argued it would eliminate useful remedies and could affect local actions against environmental or product-related harms. The author said the bill would not affect statutory nuisance claims, private nuisance claims, or other causes of action, and would be amended to clarify some provisions. The bill was left pending.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- It applies to not the actual Internet service providers, but those websites.
- Is this type of service working? And they like it better than the lawyers, Mr.
- This bill is a safeguard for the judges and attorneys and those seeking legal services.
- I appreciate your important service on this item.
- We are full service. We'll take care of any health needs that you have. Think about this.
Bills:
HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387
Keywords:
constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers.
HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending.
HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending.
The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.