Transcript Highlights:

• I was reviewing the definition of foreign adversary, which is on page three...” “...the definition of
• I have not done a thorough review of this.

Bills: HB1245 , HB2588 , HB3024 , HB3172 , HB3279 , HB3919 , HB3306 , HB3383 , HB3431 , HB3435 , HB4352 , HB3883 , HB3942 , HB4193 , HB4203 , HB4303 , HB4311 , HB4484

Committee: House Government Oversight

Keywords: retirement, pension, public employees, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, benefits, survivorship, contribution rates, disability retirement, owners associations, membership requirements, property ownership, board governance, residency requirements, salary increase, state employees, public finance, bonus limits, job performance, Fair Banking Act, financial institutions

Summary: The Government Oversight Committee met with a quorum and heard a series of bills, beginning with HB 3942, which tightens the state’s incentive evaluation process; it passed 11-0. HB 4203, allowing the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission to explore guidelines for small multifamily housing of eight units or fewer and four stories or less, passed 10-1. HB 2588, which requires HOA board members to own and live in the HOA, passed 12-0, and HB 3024, limiting large agency pay raises/stipends to 10% unless reported through OMES, passed 12-0. HB 3383, limiting state employees to 14-hour shifts in a 24-hour period with emergency exceptions, passed 10-2, and HB 3279, a cleanup bill related to last year’s government corruption legislation, passed 12-0. The committee also advanced HB 3919, reducing county fair board size from nine to five members at county option to address quorum problems, and HB 3883, which imposes utility-system inspection, notice, and backflow-preventer-related requirements on governing bodies in exchange for reducing litigation exposure; both passed 12-0. HB 4193, as amended, would restrict state contracts and taxpayer funds from going to foreign adversaries or related entities, with exceptions and purchasing-director discretion; it passed 9-3. HB 3431 expanded foreign-adversary property restrictions to critical rare earth minerals and passed 13-0. HB 3435, a municipal bond single-subject bill, passed 12-0, and HB 4352, a Uniform Law Commission mortgage refinance update, passed 13-0. Later, HB 4484, allowing Corporation Commission employees to take state vehicles home for travel purposes under existing-style oversight, passed 13-0. Committee members then presented HB 1245, moving certain DHS Inspector General law enforcement officers into hazardous pay retirement coverage; it passed 13-0. HB 3172, the Fair Banking Act, would limit adverse banking actions against lawful economic activity at large banks and create a complaint/reason-request process; after extensive questions about thresholds, exceptions, and constitutional issues, it passed 11-3. HB 3306, increasing transparency requirements for campaign statement-of-organization reporting with a $400 threshold and a delayed effective date, passed 14-0. The committee laid over HB 4303 and HB 4311 until the next meeting and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• amounts, in relation to... ...accountability to review attendance records, reimbursement amounts in
• I've sat there, talked about the reviews, looking at findings, usually minor, but the whole... ...talked
• about the reviews, looking at findings, usually minor.
• But the whole point of any audit and review is one is to find things that you're not aware of.
• Problems. 28A.320.235 actually facilitates the policies and procedures for this review, as well as for

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , HB2711 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• I've sat there, talked about the reviews, looking at findings, usually minor, but the whole... ...talked
• about the reviews, looking at findings, usually minor.
• But the whole point of any audit and review is, one, to find things that you're not aware of.
• level complaints against the school district about curriculum, to raise questions, to be able to review
• RCW 28A.32.0235 actually facilitates the policies and procedures for this review, as well as for the

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , HB2711 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then moved through caucuses and a series of transportation, elections, energy, historical records, cannabis, abortion-access, and fiscal bills. Members repeatedly emphasized that several measures were supplemental or technical updates to existing law, while others involved larger policy disputes over taxes, fees, clean energy, election security, and reproductive health. The chamber also received Senate messages on other bills and briefly recessed for caucus during the day. The most prominent action was final passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget, after adopting a technical amendment and a larger striker amendment. Supporters highlighted preservation and maintenance funding, rail investments, ferry maintenance, road safety, and continued work on major projects statewide; opponents largely reserved comments or noted concerns about future needs. The House passed the bill 93-0 with five excused. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711 on transportation resources, after adopting a technical amendment that removed the aircraft tax and delayed an RV-related tax change; supporters said it protected businesses and jobs, while opponents objected to trade-in treatment and other tax changes. That bill passed 83-10. On elections, the House considered Senate Bill 5892 to protect the voter registration database. An amendment to reduce penalties from a felony to a civil infraction and remove the emergency clause failed, while the committee amendment passed 50-34. Supporters said the bill was needed to safeguard sensitive voter data and clarify access; opponents argued it created conflicts with federal law and imposed excessive penalties on local election officials. The bill then passed 57-36. On energy, Substitute Senate Bill 5982 updating consumer-owned utility provisions drew debate over carbon capture, resource adequacy, data centers, and clean energy policy. Amendments on carbon capture and blackout-triggered termination failed, while an amendment preserving cogeneration exceptions passed; the bill then passed 57-37. The House also passed Senate Bill 5863 on preservation and inspection of state historical records, after rejecting an amendment to require longer retention but adopting the committee amendment; supporters stressed preserving the history of residential habilitation centers and the value to families seeking records. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing the Employment Security Department to waive penalties for minor employer reporting errors, passed unanimously. Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising cannabis license fees while removing an escalator, passed 52-42. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5917 on access to abortion medications saw several failed amendments from opponents seeking to narrow, reframe, or add fiscal limits to the bill; supporters said it preserved flexibility to ensure access and avoid waste, and the bill passed 57-36.

Transcript Highlights:

• they're almost impossible to get, and obtain agency data and outcomes are not routinely audited or reviewed
• So many states require pension review boards to look at the cost implications of benefit changes before
• Those carefully negotiated reforms did not create a pension review board, but they did require future
• Those reforms did not create a pension review board, but they did require future benefit changes to be
• Lastly, it establishes the program fund and requires an annual review and administration of the program

Bills: SB1046 , SB1317 , SB1376 , SB1416 , SB1448 , SB1471 , SB1493 , SB1498 , SB1502 , SB1504 , SB1538 , SB1544 , SB1550 , SB1579 , SB1581 , SB1584 , SB1624 , SB1673

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, that's why we have just concerns because we need to review the bill a little bit more, the relationship
• because<01:03:33.680><c> we</c><01:03:33.920><c> need</c><01:03:34.000><c> to</c><01:03:34.160><c> review
• </c><01:03:34.400><c> the</c><01:03:34.559><c> bill</c><01:03:34.720><c> a</c> because we need to review
• the bill a because we need to review the bill a little<01:03:35.039><c> bit</c><01:03:35.119><c> more
• Right now, that mortality rate is very high because the vehicles are being built higher with higher mass

Bills: HB2392 , HB2462 , HB2423 , HB1771 , HB2081 , HB2334 , HB2336 , HB1666 , HB2375 , HB2415 , HB2451 , HB2373 , HB1641 , HB1694 , HB1695 , HB1986 , HB1797 , HB1879 , HB2034

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: transportation, tax credit, employer incentives, commuting, environmental impact, flexible work arrangements, carpooling, bicycling, public transportation, consumer protection, subscription services, motor vehicles, ownership expectations, transparency, biodiesel, renewable diesel, diesel blend, B5, blending mandate, clean energy

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 2356, relating to parking, drew support from the Office of Planning, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Appleseed Center, Realtors, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. Members discussed the bill in the context of the planned stadium-area mixed-use development, with questions about whether parking would be built in structures rather than as large surface lots. Senators expressed support and noted the measure’s broader housing and parking-reduction goals, but no vote was taken during the hearing. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2699, which would create a fare-free youth transit program, a special fund, annual evaluations, and appropriations tied to the environmental, energy, and food security tax. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about whether the special fund met statutory requirements. The Department of Education and Department of Health supported the bill, as did the City and County of Honolulu DOT, Appleseed Center, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Hawaii Bicycling League, Our Children’s Trust, and numerous youth testifiers. Supporters emphasized reduced family transportation costs, better school attendance, improved health and mobility, and environmental benefits. One senator raised emergency-planning concerns about how children using free transit would be handled during events like tsunamis; DOT and DOE responded that emergency procedures are being developed. The chair said the committee would work on language changes, including a delayed effective date to July 2027, and defer decision-making until the 12th. The final measure discussed was SB 2470, which would require leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and other safety improvements at state-controlled intersections, and create a process for community requests for accessible pedestrian signals. Appleseed Center, the Hawaii Association of the Blind, and the Disability Rights Center supported the bill, citing pedestrian safety, reduced collisions, and the need for audible cues for blind and low-vision pedestrians. Testifiers urged a phased-in approach that prioritizes high-traffic intersections. The hearing ended with the bill still under consideration and no final vote announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs is required to review the model
• The reason that I'm putting forward this amendment is a peer-reviewed study from Stanford found that
• Lark to conduct a review of the economic impact of this policy by... Requires J.
• So what I'm asking for here is just basically a sunset review.
• We don't define any kind of demonstrated harm, any peer-reviewed scientific demonstrated harm.

Bills: HB2073 , HB2403 , HB2587 , HB2607 , HB1170 , HB1570 , HB1710 , HB1750 , HB1834 , HB2441

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: health insurance, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, failure to register, criminal justice, registration requirements, public safety, law enforcement, nonprofit, grant funding, pilot program, financial support, community development, child care, childcare, subsidy rates, rate regions, market rate survey

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I know, I haven't had a real great time to review this bill, but I was curious, it provides to
• Getting this balance right requires thoughtful review, medical judgment, and flexibility, not removing
• Utilization review... ...utilization review: if there should be a pause of that 10-day period, if L&I
• ...have a program at Labor and Industries to look at complex cases that need that individualized review
• when we, instead of doing a lot of these piecemeal changes to our system, let's do a more thorough review

Bills: SB5847 , SB6067 , SB6136 , SB6014 , SB5972 , SB5869 , SB5874 , SB6058 , SB6039 , SB5944 , SB6188

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: workers' compensation, industrial insurance, injured workers, medical provider network, occupational health, occupational medicine, medical care access, L&I, Department of Labor and Industries, self-insured employers, state fund claims, utilization review, provider credentialing, provider network, treatment guidelines, evidence-based medicine, claims management, claims managers, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability

Bills: HB407 , HB871 , HB882 , HB2011 , HB3572 , HB3578 , HB4038 , HB4866 , HB4897 , HB4978 , HB5380 , HB5555 , HB5668 , HB5670 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5679 , HB5688 , SB673

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Bills: HB407 , HB871 , HB882 , HB2011 , HB3572 , HB3578 , HB4038 , HB4866 , HB4897 , HB4978 , HB5380 , HB5555 , HB5668 , HB5670 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5679 , HB5688 , SB673

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Transcript Highlights:

• At the federal level, there's already an act called Foreign Investment Risk Review of Modernization Act
• It already provides a strong framework for reviewing and addressing foreign acquisitions that could pose
• This commission would also study and review the economic, the legal, cultural and educational impacts
• This bill amends Chapter 12 to allow court review of requests for documents as required by the Supreme
• Empowering the Attorney General with such broad and unchecked authority to access and review private

Bills: HB 256 , HB 1308 , HB 1554 , HB 1743 , HB 2308 , HB 2351 , HB 2858 , HB 3676 , HB 3784 , HB 4312 , HB 4552 , HB 4823 , HB 4852 , HB 5007 , HB 5010 , HB 5520 , HB 5524 , HCR 19

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, illegal employment, state contracts, government entities, license suspension, immigration compliance, state grant funding, E-Verify, compliance, penalties, immigration, government contracts, employee status, state contractors, E-verify program, legally present, employment practices, legal services, public money

Transcript Highlights:

• As a matter of fact, um, as part of our periodic review, San Marcos Utilities is undergoing a fee and
• rate review this year.
• that's what we'll have 6 months from now when we finish that process and go back through our rate reviews
• The TCEQ's bond review process is aimed at reviewing and approving tax, primarily tax secured bonds,
• SUD bonds must still be reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General for legal compliance, uh, and

Bills: HB 1520 , HB 1525 , HB 1530 , HB 1535 , HB 2068 , HB 2091 , HB 2347 , HB 2372 , HB 2805 , HB 2815 , HB 2867 , HB 3154 , HB 3482 , HB 3483 , HB 3663 , HB 3781 , HB 3901 , HB 3915 , HB 4135 , HB 4153 , HB 4158 , HB 4329 , HB 4331

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• San Marcos Utilities is undergoing a fee and rate review. this year.
• Six months from now when we finish that process and go back through our rate reviews and take it back
• The TCEQ's bond review process is aimed at reviewing and approving primarily tax-secure bonds issued
• We're back in a technical review process.
• I mean, we can't do all the things that folks would like us to review, like air, noise, etc. Yeah.

Bills: HB1520 , HB1525 , HB1530 , HB1535 , HB2068 , HB2091 , HB2347 , HB2372 , HB2805 , HB2815 , HB2867 , HB3154 , HB3482 , HB3483 , HB3663 , HB3781 , HB3901 , HB3915 , HB4135 , HB4153 , HB4158 , HB4329 , HB4331

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• Robin, I think that in reviewing the language of the committee substitute further, that there is still
• We have a wage and pay committee that's reviewing every year our positions within the county, including
• We need to focus on requiring rate review requirements, requiring...
• I need some extra time to review that. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it. You got it. Thank you.
• I need some extra time to review that. Thank you. Appreciate it. You got it. Thank you.

Bills: HB4011 , HB2680 , HB4325 , HB4327 , HB4944 , HB1761 , HB4688 , HB3453 , HB40 , HB1707 , HB4749 , HB2322 , HB3647 , HB4139 , HB4081 , HB2203 , HB2100 , HB4170 , HB3104 , HB4623 , HB40

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death

Transcript Highlights:

• Each agency under review.
• Review is rigorously researched by Sunset Review staff who then create a list of recommendations that
• Each agency under review is rigorously researched by the Sunset Commission. review staff who then creates
• the agency each agency under review is rigorously searched by Sunset Review staff who then creates a
• Each agency under review is rigorously researched by the Sunset Review staff who then create a list of

Bills: HB1520 , HB1525 , HB1530 , HB1535 , HB2068 , HB2091 , HB2347 , HB2372 , HB2805 , HB2815 , HB2867 , HB3154 , HB3482 , HB3483 , HB3663 , HB3781 , HB3901 , HB3915 , HB4135 , HB4153 , HB4158 , HB4329 , HB4331

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope all of you've had a brief chance to review it.
• testify on the original version of House Bill 1761, the committee substitute is available for your review
• We update the review and the suspension process for when a sworn complaint is filed regarding substance
• judgment motions, agreed judgments, and other dispositive motions that generally happen through a judge reviewing
• a record, reviewing a proposed order, and ensuring. that it complies with the law and entering that

Bills: HB4011 , HB2680 , HB4325 , HB4327 , HB4944 , HB1761 , HB4688 , HB3453 , HB40 , HB1707 , HB4749 , HB2322 , HB3647 , HB4139 , HB4081 , HB2203 , HB2100 , HB4170 , HB3104 , HB4623 , HB40

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, additional time for the industry to review the reports in order to be prepared to testify in front
• of commissions and councils. ...to review the reports in order to be prepared to testify in front of
• We have seen where, when there's ample time for review, there's a benefit to it.
• And when we had time to review it with our members, we found a couple of odd calculations inside the
• For us, it's just the ability to have time to review. Well, I mean, and that's reasonable.

Bills: SB32 , SB464 , SB996 , SB1163 , SB1173 , SB1277 , SB1452 , SB1453 , SB1548 , SB1882 , SB1883 , SB2016

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee heard several bills by Senator Bettencourt focused on property tax and local government accountability. SB 32 would provide about $700 million in business tax relief by raising the business personal property exemption from $2,500 to $25,000 and continuing a 20% franchise tax credit for inventory taxes paid. Witnesses from NFIB, the Texas Retailers Association, and Texas Realtors supported the bill, saying business personal property and inventory taxes are burdensome and especially hard on small businesses. After no opposition testimony, SB 32 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 1453, which would change how interest and sinking tax rates are calculated by using only the minimum debt service required under bond schedules, while still allowing a higher rate with a 60% governing body vote and a public explanation. A witness from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association supported the bill as a way to keep debt rates from rising as property values increase and to preserve tax relief. The bill was left pending after testimony. SB 1883 would tighten rules on local impact fees by requiring 60 days of public availability for capital improvement plans and land use assumptions, raising the approval threshold for adopting impact fees from a simple majority to two-thirds, limiting how often fees can be increased, and expanding notice requirements. Builders and developers testified in support, arguing that impact fees are often poorly reviewed, lack accountability, and are passed on to homebuyers, worsening housing affordability. Committee members discussed adding audit provisions and questioned the lack of city testimony. The bill was left pending with subcommittee action. SB 1452 would require a voter election to decide whether a municipal management district continues to exist, with dissolution if voters reject it; supporters said it would add accountability, while others noted some districts provide essential services and infrastructure. The committee heard testimony from district representatives and builders, then left SB 1452 pending before recessing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we sincerely appreciate this committee's attention to this issue and look forward to reviewing the
• VA appreciates that Senate Bill 1882 improves transparency, provides a reasonable time frame for review
• code provides certain protections to property owners during the hearing process before appraisal review

Bills: SB 32 , SB 464 , SB 996 , SB 1163 , SB 1173 , SB 1277 , SB 1452 , SB 1453 , SB 1548 , SB 1882 , SB 1883 , SB 2016

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Transcript Highlights:

• precisely why this rule garnered bipartisan, bicameral disapproval in the form of a congressional review
• preventable diseases, and that more children will get sick, more children will have morbidity and mortality
• 18:25.120><c> and</c> more children will have morbidity and more children will have morbidity and mortality
• </c> mortality as a result. It's shameful. mortality as a result. It's shameful.
• What we need is a comprehensive review to see just how staggering the problem is, just how many tens

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:26.960><c> these</c> separate court um to review these separate court um to review these guardianship
• support the other areas in which the area agencies support the department—things such as quality review
• </c><01:55:33.480><c> um</c> department things as quality review um department things as quality review
• I'm on the New Hampshire maternal mortality committee and New Hampshire perinatal quality collaborative
• </c> New Hampshire maternal mortality New Hampshire maternal mortality committee<03:18:44.800><c> and

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• grave concerns about it as it stands, and I want to highlight some things for you to consider as you review
• Um, and I have not had an opportunity to review or analyze the language in the substitute, um, but I,
• the bill, but I am happy to provide additional analysis and follow up after doing a more detailed review
• for preventative healthcare for women, babies, and families in Texas, including issues of maternal mortality

Bills: HB259

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: redistricting, Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, Texas Legislature, elections, district boundaries, voter representation