Transcript Highlights:

• of weapons recovered in Mexico were traced back to the United States, including about 14,000 from Texas
• My intention here is that in having a law for Texas, should future administrations return us to a more
• And I'm Freeman Martin, the colonel of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Mr.
• So with knowledge, that means that's the level of intent, and under the penal code, under knowingly,
• Houston, Texas.

Bills: SB36, SB2202

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security heard Senator Birdwell present SB 2202, which would create a state offense for knowingly transferring a firearm for profit or other remuneration to a member of a foreign terrorist organization. Birdwell argued the bill responds to cartel violence and southbound gun trafficking, and he explained a committee substitute that removed an exemption for federally licensed gun dealers and removed a requirement that DPS coordinate with Mexican law enforcement. He said the goal was to give Texas a state-level tool if federal enforcement is lacking. Invited testimony came from DPS Colonel Freeman Martin and border prosecution unit chair Tanya Ash. Both said the bill could be useful in some organized-crime and cartel cases, but they emphasized that proving a defendant knowingly transferred a gun to a foreign terrorist organization would be difficult and would usually require strong direct or circumstantial evidence, such as recorded statements, informants, or coordinated investigations. They said the measure would be more workable in complex cartel cases than in routine patrol stops, and they noted existing state and federal tools already address straw purchases, firearms trafficking, and related offenses. Members also discussed tracing seized firearms, cooperation with ATF, and the limits of state jurisdiction over international issues. No public testimony was offered, and SB 2202 was left pending. The committee then took up SB 36 as pending business. A committee substitute was adopted without objection, and the substitute bill was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 4-0 vote, with Senators Birdwell, Flores, Hinojosa of Hidalgo, Eckhardt, and Hinojosa of Nueces participating. The committee also accepted a motion in writing and ordered the bill recommended for local and uncontested calendar placement. The chair then announced the committee would recess subject to call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Political member of the political science faculty at Texas University.
• This has been a very common practice among states, including Texas.
• Okay, hi, Cindy Castillo, Texas Eagle Forum. We're opposed to SJR54.
• You expressed concern about the faithfulness of Texas delegates.
• Oglesby both traveled here from northeast Texas. ...beautiful Senate District 1.

Bills: SB312, SB945, SB946, SB1367, SB1861, SB2044, SB2337, SB2403, SB2819, SJR54

Keywords: public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards

Transcript Highlights:

• Right here in Texas, in particular the University of Texas, Texas A&M Investment Management Company,
• No bond work for you in Texas.
• They're working on the Texas Stock Exchange, they're doing some things to help Texas, and we're thankful
• economy, Texas energy, and Texas retirees?
• However, the Texas bond Review Board.

Bills: SB312, SB945, SB946, SB1367, SB1861, SB2044, SB2337, SB2403, SB2819, SJR54

Keywords: public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards

Transcript Highlights:

• And as this committee is aware, testimony before the Texas Senate is important. It matters.
• I move that the State Affairs Committee of the Senate of the State of Texas, under the hand of the Chair
• But when the state of Texas needs testimony from entities and the state of Texas, in this case, is the

Bills: SB312, SB945, SB946, SB1367, SB1861, SB2044, SB2337, SB2403, SB2819, SJR54

Keywords: public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, in 2015 when Senate Bill 202 moved the occupational programs over to the jurisdiction of the Texas
• The Texas Medical Board, the Texas Physician Health Program opened the program to the same services for
• In a hotel in Texas, in this day and age. Where in Texas? Give me that city. Can you?
• It's a Texas story. It's a Texas body. And the primary purpose of...
• I'm a Texas physician, a U.S.

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2015, when Senate Bill 202 moved the occupational programs over to the jurisdiction of the Texas Medical
• And this does. out in a bathtub in a hotel in Texas. In this, where in Texas? Give me that city.
• It's a Texas body.
• I'm a Texas physician, a U.S.
• I'm a Texas physician, a U.S.

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2480, which would clarify that the Texas Medical Board may collect license renewal surcharge fees from all licensees to fund the Texas Physician Health Program and related administrative costs. The bill author explained the funding fix was needed after prior language was found to allow surcharges only for physicians and physician assistants. Witnesses from the Texas Physician Health Program supported the measure and described the program’s confidential monitoring and treatment services; members asked about the fee amount, which was described as capped at $15 per two-year registration cycle. The bill was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bills 1406 and 2721, both authored by Senator Parker, addressing the handling of human remains by non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, willed body programs, and related facilities. Senator Parker and several witnesses described alleged abuses involving unclaimed bodies, consent problems, body leasing, hotel-based dissections, and mishandling of cremains, and argued for strict licensing, inspections, transparency, and criminal penalties. Supporters included families of deceased veterans and other relatives, a biomedical ethicist, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, and some public safety and hotel industry representatives who said legitimate training should continue but bad actors should be shut down. Opponents or cautious witnesses from accredited donation organizations and bioskills labs said they support stronger oversight but warned the bills could unintentionally disrupt legitimate medical education and urged clearer language and implementation of existing law. Both bills were left pending. Senate Bill 1681, by Senator Menendez, would require counties and municipalities that regulate boarding homes to report facility standards and related information to the Health and Human Services Commission. The author said the bill is intended to improve state oversight of boarding homes that serve elderly and disabled residents and to address abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The bill was left pending after brief discussion. After the testimony portion, the committee returned to voting on pending business and unanimously reported Senate Bills 527, 912, 1580, 1952, and 2032 to the Senate with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and each was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 407 and reported the substitute favorably, with six ayes and three nays. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 500 as pending business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Red shirt is Megan Benton on behalf of Texas Values Action.
• Texas Values Action is a Christian statewide policy organization.
• This is the Texas I call home.
• Texas is a rapidly changing, diversifying state.
• I am also a resident of Texas and a proud father of a one-year-old.

Bills: SB12, SB226, SB413, SB1049, SB1191, SB2398, SB571, SB2920, SB 12

Keywords: parental rights, education, social transitioning, diversity, equity, inclusion, school policy, student clubs, residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, school boards, transparency, public meetings, attendance, recording, released time, religious instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• But nothing— It just says functioning pursuant to Section 34-41-24 inclusive code of Alabama 1975 has

Bills: HB25, HB108, HB109, HB111, HB112, HB113, HB117, HB118, HB119, HB120, HB121, HB122, HB124, HB126, HB127, HB128, HB129, HB130, HB131, HB25

Keywords: emergency services, 911, local districts, joint operations, contracting, HB108, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset reauthorization, board continuation, speech-language pathology, audiology, licensing board, professional regulation, healthcare regulation, occupational licensing, speech therapist, speech pathologist, audiologist, Sunset Committee, Code of Alabama 1975

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is maxed, Texas A&M is maxed, Texas TIC.
• These students, our students, have gone to Texas schools, played Texas sports. participated in Texas
• They've gone to Texas schools. played Texas sports, participated in Texas churches, and consider themselves
• I'm representing Texas Immigration Law Council and the. AILA Texas chapter. Thank you.
• and to the future of Texas.

Bills: HB232

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• Promise eligibility requirements to focus on students pursuing programs of study in industries and occupations
• My first question is, as defined in the bill, based on the top 20 industries and occupations with the
• According to DEED's top 20 in-demand occupations, it's home health and PCAs (personal care attendants
• To the extent that those occupations require degrees or certifications, it already covers them.
• We also know that there are various sales occupations that are in high demand.

Bills: HF2634, HF2241, HF2649, HF2520, HF2610

Keywords: North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data

Transcript Highlights:

• demand occupations, in demand occupations, uh,<00:26:38.640> it's<00:26:39.039> it's<00
• But to say that I would condition someone to only these occupations, right?
• I went to these occupations, right?
• In Texas, it's 85%. In Illinois, it's 73%. In Georgia, it's 72%.
• In Texas, it's 85%. In Illinois, it's 73%. In Georgia, it's 72%.

Bills: HF2634, HF2241, HF2649, HF2520, HF2610

Keywords: North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data

Transcript Highlights:

• following: a statewide comprehensive risk and vulnerability assessment and to amend Section 27-23-9, Code
• So we worked with them to make sure that it doesn't have an occupational or a financial burden on them
• You pass along a security key or code to the fraudsters because you think you're doing the right thing
• So you give them the code or the key that gives them the back door into it.
• You give them the code or the key that gives them the back door into it.

Bills: SB8, SB22, SB137, HB295, HB2, HB343, HB220, HB303, HB81, SB8, SB22, SB137, HB295, HB2, HB343, HB220, HB303, HB81

Keywords: emergency management, public funds, educational materials, state legislation, disaster response, uniformity, state laws, legislative commission, appointments, government structure, resilience, natural disasters, risk management, Alabama Resilience Council, Chief Resilience Officer, state planning, environmental protection, community preparedness, Alabama Office of Civic Engagement, Alabama Office of Minority Affairs

Bills: HB150

Keywords: improvement district, special assessment, assessment lien, public infrastructure, bond financing, bond interest rate, county commission, tax assessor, tax collector, judge of probate, ad valorem tax, tax lien, tax sale, foreclosure, delinquent taxes, municipal finance, public improvements, infrastructure financing, collection enforcement, property lien

Transcript Highlights:

• Rescue in Texas rather than traveling to other states.
• It's a project that will save lives and make Texas a better place.
• Texas disasters do not respect county lines.
• Texas 2036 here today in support of Senate Bill 3.
• I was saved by the EMS in Bastrop, Texas. ...and the fire department.

Bills: SB3, SB 3

Keywords: disaster relief, emergency funding, flood management, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power

Bills: HB 148, HB 334, HB 554, HB 762, HB 1520, HB 1593, HB 3526, HB 3810, HB 5092, SB 2215, HB 2607

Keywords: family leave, leave pool, county employee, sick leave, vacation leave, family care, pandemic, guardianship, severance pay, political subdivision, contract termination, misconduct, public funds, suicide prevention, peer support, fire departments, mental health, advisory committee, fiscal transparency, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• senior property taxpayers and disabled property taxpayers of any bill we've ever passed yet in the Texas
• We'll call James Pope, Susan Spittaro, Brandy Winch, Texas Realtors, and Shannon Obrook.
• Texas Realtors supports SB 23 and SJR 85 because we understand that our seniors...
• Mike Taylor, and I am representing the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature.
• Hale here on behalf of the Texas Association of Builders, today in support of Senate Bill 23.

Bills: SB23, SJR85

Keywords: homestead exemption, elderly, disabled, ad valorem taxation, school district funding, Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 23 and its companion constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 85, both by Senator Bettencourt. The bills would increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000, which proponents said would significantly reduce property taxes and help seniors and disabled Texans age in place. Bettencourt and supporters described the measure as part of a broader property tax relief package, estimating combined savings of about $950 for over-65 and disabled homeowners when paired with other recent homestead exemption changes. Witnesses largely supported the proposal. Testimony in favor came from a lawyer, a private citizen, Texas Realtors, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, and the Texas Association of Builders, all emphasizing relief for fixed-income seniors, housing stability, and the ability to remain in their homes. Several witnesses noted rising property taxes, medical costs, and the challenges seniors face in moving or affording home modifications. One witness from Every Texan said a flat homestead exemption is the most equitable way to cut property taxes, but argued against additional tax cuts generally, favoring a circuit-breaker approach and warning that permanent tax cuts could reduce funding for schools and other needs. The committee also discussed data showing many over-65 homeowners already pay no school property taxes in some counties and that the proposed changes would increase that share. After closing public testimony, the committee voted on the measures. Senate Bill 23 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote, and S.J.R. 85 was also reported favorably by a 7-0 vote. The transcript also shows Senate Bill 898 being laid out and passed unanimously earlier in the meeting, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• This has been done here in Austin, Texas, San Marcos, Texas, Denton, Texas, Killeen, Texas, Lockhart,
• Texas, Bastrop, Texas, and Elgin, Texas. ...Harker Heights, Texas.
• In fact, Texas...
• I mean the Major League Baseball Texas Rangers at Texas Live.
• it to Texas. for Texas use.

Bills: HB28, SB3, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• I love Texas dearly.
• I was born and raised in Texas, currently living in Denton, Texas.
• , Texas?
• in Texas.
• We already have testing requirements, QR code transparency, and can easily make age verification Texas

Bills: SB 3, HB28, SB3

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, hemp regulation, consumable products

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here on behalf of the ACLU of Texas against SJR 5.
• Pretrial detention in Texas is not carefully limited.
• Every Texan deserves to feel safe, but SJR 5 would take Texas down the wrong path by undermining Texas
• Last year, 135 people died in Texas county jails. 85.
• SAR 5 enshrines in the Texas Constitution a new provision that would trap thousands of Texas, disproportionately

Bills: SB 9, SB 1047, SB 1048, SJR 17, SJR 49, SB 40, SJR 1, SJR 5

Keywords: bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, criminal procedure, public safety report, victim notification, family violence, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunction, taxpayer rights, violent crimes, sexual offenses, community safety, constitutional amendment, trafficking

Transcript Highlights:

• uh buildings that need fire<00:52:52.760> and<00:52:52.960> safety<00:52:53.280> codes
• <00:52:53.640> there's<00:52:53.839> no fire and safety codes there's no fire and safety
• codes there's no parallel<00:52:54.559> requirement<00:52:54.960> for<00:52:55.440>
• > can<00:53:15.520> use<00:53:15.720> a<00:53:15.960> QR<00:53:16.400> code
• kind of product that can use a QR code kind of product that can use a QR code to<00:53:16.799>

Bills: HF1672, HF1877, HF1735, HF1734, HF1271, HF1634, HF1615

Keywords: medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis, cannabis flower, cannabis products, dispensary, cannabis retail endorsement, patient protections