Video & Transcript Research : 'Civil Code Article 1619'

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 28th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • This all has to do with Article 10.5, and it... ...realtors. This all has to do with Article 10.5.
  • Is Article 10 rule, is that a state rule, or is that, where is that coming from in the article?
  • Or is that, where's that coming from in the article?
  • But if this passes, does it vacate any civil suits?
  • The code of ethics, Article 10, states, and I'm going to paraphrase, that a realtor cannot discriminate
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard several bills, mostly on alcohol regulation, ethics procedures, the Alamo, and free speech in professional associations. SB 2633 would let the City of Garland hold local option elections on alcohol sales within designated zones and use zoning/land-use rules for alcohol-selling businesses; Senator Johnson and Garland officials said it would reduce the burden of the petition process and support economic development. SB 2637 would require social media platforms to disclose when posts are made by bot accounts and allow Attorney General enforcement; supporters framed it as consumer protection against misleading automated content, while members raised questions about how platforms would identify bots and how enforcement would work. SB 2334 would allow airlines with passenger transportation permits to store sealed alcoholic beverages within five miles of an airport in the same county, which the sponsor and an American Airlines witness said would improve logistics without changing permits, taxes, or alcohol sourcing. The committee also heard SB 2781 and SB 2782, both related to Texas Ethics Commission procedures. SB 2781 would cap civil penalties tied to certain campaign contribution violations by former legislators who later lobby, and SB 2782 would require TEC to adopt discovery control plans and align discovery rules more closely with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure to limit costly, open-ended discovery. Both bills were left pending after no public testimony. SB 3059 would transfer oversight of the Alamo from the General Land Office to a new Alamo Commission beginning in 2027; Senator Campbell said it would provide long-term stewardship and transparency, while Senator Birdwell questioned the need for a change and the commission’s structure, and GLO witnesses said they were not aware of any problem prompting the shift. HB 1130, a House companion to a previously passed Senate bill, would provide liability protections for cavern entities that post warning signs, and it was also left pending. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2713, which would bar professional or trade associations from denying membership or access based on protected characteristics or lawful speech and assembly. Senator Middleton and invited witnesses described disciplinary actions by realtor associations against members for social media posts, sermons, or political speech, arguing that the National Association of Realtors’ ethics rules were being used to punish private expression and threaten livelihoods through loss of MLS access. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the bill should be narrowed to avoid affecting religious organizations, how association discipline works, and whether the measure should address existing penalties or only future conduct. The bill was left pending after extensive invited testimony and committee discussion.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And if the code of ethics that you have has an ethical process, And if the code of ethics that you have
  • The Code of Ethics—it’s not that long—has 17 articles, I’m sorry, 16 articles.
  • I was going to add that the Code of Ethics is broader than just this article, I think, that we're talking
  • Article 10 is, again, our own kind of fair housing article, so it's not just speech, it's any sort of
  • Article 10 is, again, is our own kind of fair housing article, so it's not just speech, it's any sort
Summary: The committee first reopened public testimony on Senate Bill 2713, which concerned protections for freedom of conscience in the context of Realtor association discipline. Texas Realtors representatives testified that their organization is a separate Texas legal entity but affiliated with the National Association of Realtors through a charter and code of ethics. They said Texas Realtors is neutral on SB 2713, that their ethics process is focused on fair housing and equal professional service, and that they have not suspended or terminated anyone in Texas for religious or political speech. Senators pressed them on whether national standards could override Texas law and on examples from other states; the witnesses said state and federal law control and that they would comply with Texas law if the bill passed. Public testimony then closed and SB 2713 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1698 on e-cigarettes. Senator Parker explained a committee substitute that tightened enforcement, required distributor registration, expanded regulation to nicotine from any source, added restrictions on child-appealing packaging, authorized inspections and audits, and set compliance deadlines later in 2025 and 2026. After questions, the substitute was adopted and SB 1698, as substituted, was reported favorably to the full Senate on a 6-0 vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 2487 on crisis and mental health facilities. Senator Parker described a substitute that renamed the program a crisis service model, allowed multiple county facilities, added local siting limits, expanded staffing options, shortened clinical timelines, required discharge referrals, directed law enforcement and EMS to transport people there first, and created local boards and expanded reporting. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-0 vote, also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2819, dealing with political activities of county elections administrators, was then reported favorably on a 6-0 vote and likewise sent to the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2043 was withdrawn. The committee spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2101, which would require municipal public libraries to move sexually explicit materials out of minors’ sections and impose age-verification and review requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect children from explicit material in public libraries and that libraries should not be left to self-regulate. Opponents, including librarians, parents, authors, and ACLU representatives, argued the definitions were vague, the bill would be costly and burdensome for small libraries, could function as a book ban, and would restrict teens’ access to classics, research materials, and other books. Several witnesses said parents should make those decisions, not the state. The bill’s author said the committee substitute was still being worked on and asked witnesses to review it; public testimony remained open in the portion provided, with no final action on SB 2101 shown.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Apr 10th, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • The main purpose of this bill, the changes in this bill to the property code, are to allow electronic
  • , but the property code is inconsistent and so there...
  • , it's inconsistent in the Property Code, and this aligns both parts of the code.
  • Code, a separate part of the code, a separate statute, to make sure that it's clear because it's inconsistent
  • in the Property Code.
Summary: The meeting of the committee commenced with the establishment of a quorum, where members discussed and voted on five significant bills related to energy efficiency, insurance regulation, and public utility governance. Notably, Senate Bill 2717 was presented, incorporating feedback to foster collaboration among various state agencies for improved energy efficiency performance. This was followed by a detailed discussion on Senate Bill 1642, which proposed changes to the Texas Department of Insurance's executive structure to optimize management and consumer focus. Each bill saw active participation from senators who moved to adopt committee substitutes for clarity and responsiveness to stakeholder concerns, indicating a proactive approach to legislative issues.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • , but the Property Code is inconsistent, and so there is a hesitation by a lot of these...
  • , it's inconsistent in the Property Code.
  • But again, it's already allowed in code and statute.
  • Property Code, a separate part of the code, a separate statute, to make sure that it's clear because
  • it's inconsistent in the Property Code.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up several pending bills, voting favorably on SB 1612, SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789. SB 1612 was reported favorably with objections to the local and contested calendar, while SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789 were reported favorably, with SB 1642 and SB 1789 sent to the floor. SB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council; SB 1642 would add an executive director to the Texas Department of Insurance structure; and SB 1789 would establish pole standards and clarify PUC authority and remedies. The committee also heard an ERCOT update from CEO Pablo Vegas on the updated long-term load forecast, which showed a much higher unadjusted growth projection driven largely by data centers. ERCOT described an adjusted forecast using historical delays and lower realized build rates, and members discussed reliability, generation timelines, and the importance of SB 6 for demand response and flexibility. The committee then heard and left pending SB 2629, which would allow condominium and property owners’ association meetings and voting by electronic means; SB 2702, which would let nationally certified professionals test backflow prevention assemblies without a separate TCEQ license; SB 2167, which would let TDLR pause new license applications tied to human trafficking emergency orders or pending SOAH cases; SB 2349, which would exempt short-term leases and certain leasebacks from flood disclosure requirements; SB 2121, which would tighten the data broker registry law; and SB 2443, which would authorize TDLR electronic delivery of notices and other documents. Testimony generally supported these bills as cleanup, modernization, or workforce-streamlining measures, with some members expressing caution about electronic meetings and emphasizing in-person accountability. The committee also heard SB 2902 on coerced debt and identity theft, with testimony from a law professor and family violence advocates supporting stronger protections for survivors and suggesting a police report as an additional proof option. SB 512, a refiled bill restricting money transmission license holders from fining users for terms-of-service violations, also received supportive testimony and was left pending. Later, the committee heard SB 2145 on allowing certain TIF boards to meet virtually in narrow circumstances, SB 2268 on extending Texas Energy Fund loan deadlines in some cases, SB 1495 creating an EV supply equipment advisory board, SB 2154 regulating delivery network companies under a statewide framework, SB 2184 lowering the age for pyrotechnic operator and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18, SB 2211 on combining data centers, power generation, and produced-water desalination projects, and SB 647 on title theft protections and clerk authority to refuse fraudulent filings. Most of these bills were left pending after brief testimony and questions, with members focusing on reliability, regulation, and safeguards against fraud.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Business and Commerce Apr 10th, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • , but the Property Code is inconsistent, and so there is a hesitation by a lot of these...
  • , it's inconsistent in the Property Code.
  • But again, it's already allowed in code and statute.
  • Property Code, a separate part of the code, a separate statute, to make sure that it's clear because
  • it's inconsistent in the Property Code.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and first voted out several pending bills. Senate Bill 1612 was reported favorably to the full Senate with objections sent to the local and contested calendar. The committee then adopted committee substitutes and favorably reported Senate Bills 2717, 1468, 1642, and 1789, with 1642 and 1789 sent to the floor. SB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council and add agencies to it; SB 1468 and SB 1642 were discussed as changes affecting utility and insurance-related structures; and SB 1789 would establish pole standards, with the author saying it would clarify PUC authority and create more practical statewide standards. The committee also heard an ERCOT update from Pablo Vegas, who said Texas load growth remains strong but ERCOT is adjusting its large-load forecast downward using historical delays and realization rates for data centers and other large loads. He said the adjusted forecast is still very high, but more realistic for planning, and members discussed reliability, generation timelines, demand response, and the role of Senate Bill 6 in helping model large data centers as flexible load. The committee then took testimony on a series of bills and left most pending after public comment. SB 2629 would allow condominium and property owners associations to hold meetings and vote electronically; testimony supported it as a way to improve access, though some members expressed concern about overuse of virtual meetings. SB 2702 would let nationally certified professionals test backflow prevention assemblies instead of requiring a separate TCEQ license, and was supported as a workforce and public health measure. SB 2167 would let TDLR pause new massage-establishment license applications when an applicant is subject to a human trafficking emergency order or pending SOAH case. SB 2349 would exempt short-term residential leases and certain leasebacks from floodplain disclosure requirements while allowing the notice to be included in the lease packet. SB 2121 would tighten the data broker registry law from the prior session, and SB 2443 would allow TDLR to use electronic delivery for notices and contested-case documents. Additional bills focused on consumer protection, housing, and regulatory administration. SB 2902 would help victims of coerced debt and identity theft stop collection efforts by requiring proof such as a court order or FTC report; advocates said it would protect survivors while still preventing fraud. SB 512 would bar money transmission license holders from fining users for terms-of-service violations in a way that forfeits account funds, and supporters framed it as a protection against private financial penalties. SB 2145 would allow public improvement districts and tax increment finance districts to meet virtually with at least one member physically present, while SB 2268 would give the PUC flexibility to extend Texas Energy Fund loan deadlines in certain cases. SB 1495 would create an advisory board for electric vehicle supply equipment standards, SB 2154 would extend statewide regulation to delivery network companies, SB 2184 would lower the age for pyrotechnic operator and fireworks display licenses from 21 to 18, SB 438 would expand confidentiality protections for SOAH administrative law judges, SB 2211 would treat digital products and desalinated water as industrial products to support combined energy-water projects, and SB 647 would strengthen title-theft protections by improving notice and clerk authority to reject fraudulent filings. Most of these bills were left pending after testimony, and several drew support from industry, consumer, or advocacy witnesses along with some member concerns about electronic meetings, licensing, and data accuracy.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 21st, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice will now come to order.
  • code inspectors are obviously very non-threatening.
  • And also waving in support is Andrew Kallel, Florida Association of Code Enforcement.
  • Under current law, those victims often have no avenue for civil protection.
  • Under current law, those victims often have no avenue for civil protection.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and considered several bills. The committee heard and approved SB 504, allowing local governments to adopt standardized policies for code enforcement officers to use body cameras, and SB 506, which creates a related public records exemption for certain body camera recordings, including protections for minors and private information. Senator Smith raised questions about notice to property owners and use limitations, and Senator Osgood asked whether cameras must be on at all times; the sponsor said he would follow up on specifics. Both bills had support from local government and code enforcement groups and were reported favorably after adoption of an amendment to SB 504 clarifying training and familiarity with camera rules. The committee also approved CS/SB 32, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person, and SB 210, the companion public records exemption for petitions involving that injunction. Senator Sharif said the bills fill a gap for victims who do not qualify under existing injunction categories, and supporters waived in favor. SB 676, by Senator Arrington, was also reported favorably; it creates a graduated penalty structure for contributing to the delinquency of a minor when the underlying conduct involves certain animal cruelty offenses, and increases penalties for fighting or baiting animals. Senator Osgood spoke in support, tying the bill to protecting children and animals, and several law enforcement and animal welfare groups waived in support. The committee further approved SB 432, which adds certain concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I, exempts FDA-approved veterinary xylazine products, creates a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum for certain candy-like xylazine products, and establishes trafficking penalties for xylazine. Senator Osgood spoke at length in support, emphasizing overdose risks and the impact on people with substance use disorder. Finally, the committee passed SB 524, which revises duties and appointments related to the Medical Examiners Commission and district medical examiners, clarifies responsibilities within Chapter 943, and changes notification and curriculum approval provisions for criminal justice standards. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 557 amends the Texas Family Code to create reasonable safeguards.
  • This bill proposes several changes to the estate code in Texas.
  • This bill is designed to fill a void in the estates code.
  • Yes, as Representative Schoolcraft, this does fill a void in the Estates Code.
  • and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • And how is it not a legally appropriate change to the code?
  • they hit the bank account, it specifically is different than the state exemptions under the property code
  • your savings in the extra bank, your other one, and... there they get to have to follow the property code
  • This legislation would bring the Texas Penal Code into line with the state bar's regulations, targeting
  • In 2011, the legislature passed Senate Bill 1760. which introduced a civil penalty of $10,000 for those
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Elections May 15th, 2025 at 08:05 am

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Code Chapter 87, and go to page six.
  • So if you go to page two, there's a section in the code, 85.5.
  • There's a section in the code, 85.032.
  • Where is that in the code? Paper code?
  • Is there a paper code about wanting to be too emphatic about wanting paper?
Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills. SB 447 would let the City of Mission in Hidalgo County permanently move its municipal elections from May to the uniform November election date if it chooses. The bill was described as permissive and intended to increase turnout and reduce costs. Mission’s mayor testified in support, saying voters had already approved the change by a wide margin in a charter amendment election. The bill was left pending after no objection. SB 2217 focused on standardizing election data reporting and reconciliation across counties to improve transparency and comparability. Testimony was generally supportive of the goal, but Dr. Laura Presley and others flagged technical issues, including a discrepancy between a three-ballot mismatch threshold in existing law and a 1% threshold in part of the bill, plus a definition issue involving central accumulators. Supporters said consistent auditing and reconciliation would help election integrity, while the bill was also left pending. The committee then took up SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period that would combine early voting and Election Day into one uninterrupted process, with precinct consolidation and other changes. Supporters said it could simplify administration, reduce equipment changes, and improve security by using one set of machines. Opponents and neutral witnesses raised concerns about cost, staffing, ballot security, reporting changes, weekend voting, and whether the bill was ready for implementation; several urged a pilot or study instead. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. SB 505 would create a process for election workers, candidates, party officials, and measure proponents or opponents to request explanations of election irregularities, with escalation to the Secretary of State for audit or enforcement if responses were unsatisfactory. Supporters said it would provide a way to resolve irregularities and restore confidence, while opponents argued it was too broad, lacked guardrails against abuse, and could be used by partisan actors to pressure counties. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 311 would expand Texas’s online voter registration system to first-time registrants and others, with supporters citing efficiency, lower costs, and broader access, and opponents raising concerns about signature verification and implementation details. Testimony was cut short because of the session deadline, and the bill had not been disposed of in the excerpt.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Elections May 15th, 2025 at 08:05 am

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Code chapter 87, and go to page six.
  • So if you go to page two, there's a section in the code, 85.5...
  • There's a section in the code, 85.032.
  • Where is that in the code, paper code?
  • So it's like anybody working in elections, including poll workers, ...violate this code.
Summary: The House Committee on Elections met with a quorum present and heard several election-related bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The first measure, SB 447, would allow the City of Mission to move its municipal elections from May to November on a one-time, permanent basis. Supporters, including Mission’s mayor, said voters had already approved the change by a wide margin and argued it would improve turnout and reduce costs. The bill was left pending after no objection. The committee then heard SB 2217, which was described as a transparency measure to standardize election data reporting and reconciliation across counties. Testimony focused on a technical issue involving discrepancy thresholds for electronic voting system reconciliation, with one witness urging the bill be aligned with existing law’s “more than 3” standard rather than a 1% threshold, and another suggesting a definition fix. The bill was left pending. Members also heard SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period by combining early voting and election day into one uninterrupted period, with a committee substitute making it a pilot and permissive. Supporters said it could simplify administration and improve security, while opponents warned it would increase costs, require more staffing and equipment, delay results, and create logistical problems for counties. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 505 would let certain election stakeholders request explanations of irregularities from election officials and, if unresolved, escalate the matter to the Secretary of State for audit or possible conservatorship. Supporters framed it as a tool for accountability and transparency, while opponents called it overly broad and vulnerable to abuse. The bill was left pending. The committee also took up HB 311, which would expand online voter registration to first-time registrants and direct state agencies to develop a pathway for Texans without a driver’s license to register online. Supporters argued it would modernize the process, reduce errors, and save money, while opponents said first-time applicants still need a wet signature and raised concerns about signature verification and implementation. Due to the late hour and floor deadline, testimony was cut off, the names of remaining witnesses were read into the record, and the bill was left pending before the committee adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have the criminal and we have the civil.
  • But it left open civil suits.
  • So, current law, what we have under Chapter 83 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code is there is immunity
  • It allowed municipalities to enact a civil penalty.
  • Commissions on Civil Rights.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • However, this changed the Code of Criminal Procedures.
  • The procedure was not accompanied by a corresponding update to the Texas Family Code.
  • by referencing section 2204. for the penal code aligning the definition with disabled individual.
  • The family code to allow for outcry witnesses to be utilized in juvenile court when our victims are.
  • code is the proof of force, fraud, and coercion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects employees and job applicants from discrimination.
  • I would say that is wholly lacking under Texas code. And who had to bear the fine?
  • Let me see, that's under the Texas Medical Code under 159.
  • What we do is go to a requested amendment to Texas Administrative Code 90.8(a).
  • Nations with a minimum $5,000 civil penalty.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Apr 1st, 2025

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh because you said provide civil Uh because you said provide civil Uh because you said provide civil
  • Section 1, section 9-12-125, code of Alabama 1960 9-12-125, code of Alabama 1960 9-12-125, code of Alabama
  • Recently I read an article at graduate. Recently I read an article at graduate.
  • I will tell you the article indicated that students you the article indicated that students you the article
  • I mean, this is not just about coding. I mean, this is not just about coding.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 1st, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Over half of our state revenue comes from sales taxes, making our tax code one of the most regressive
  • A future where we preserve flexibility and fairness in our tax code.
  • Will be conducted publicly in accordance with Chapters 551 and 2001 of the Government Code.
  • Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
  • HB 4290 by Drew Darby, relating to the qualifying code generator that serves a large load.
Bills: HJR4, HJR6, HB195, HB 13, HB143, HB135
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 8th, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bigamy, Section 25.01 of the Penal Code; bestiality, Section 21.09 of the Penal Code.
  • Penal Code; pedophilia, Section 21.11 of the Penal Code; and incest, Section 25.02 of the Penal Code.
  • Because it's in the transportation code and not in the penal code.
  • To make that protection enforceable, the bill amends Article 62.053A of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
  • Courts already have this discretion under Article 4309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to wait... .
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We recognize that the Constitution, Article I, Section 10, allows the states to make gold and silver
  • Under Article I, Section 10, and the U.S.
  • At the outset, I would like to say that maybe just point our non-lawyers in the... ...room to Article
  • Kevin Freeman wrote an article for our publication, The Torch, and it is our most... issue in my six
  • This, on the other hand, is not Article I, Section 8.