Transcript Highlights:

• new limitation on claims and causes of action against appraisal professionals and companies from Chapter
• 18.140, which is the Real Estate Appraiser Act, and from the chapter of law regulating appraisal management
• companies into Chapter 4.16, which is the chapter of law that includes a number of other statutes of

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee met in executive session to review several bills and amendments. Staff briefed House Bill 2483 on creating a data broker registry, House Bill 2477 on limiting claims arising from appraisal reports, House Bill 2274 on the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act, House Bill 2394 on insurance fraud enforcement, House Bill 2624 on consumer protections for unsolicited real estate transactions, and House Bill 2240 on self-service storage rental agreements. Members discussed proposed amendments on narrowing the data broker definition, delaying registration dates, expanding exemptions, clarifying appraisal-related limitations, and revising email and insurance fraud language, but action on HB 2483 and HB 2477 was deferred. The committee then moved HB 2274 forward. Supporters said it was a needed fix after litigation involving misleading commercial emails, while some members noted remaining concerns but wanted to advance the bill before policy cutoff. The committee adopted the proposed substitute and reported it out with a due pass recommendation by a 12-3 vote. HB 2394 was also deferred without action. HB 2624 was reported out with a due pass recommendation after debate over whether the bill’s carve-out for public entities, tribes, and nonprofit nature conservancies was too broad; the vote was 9-6. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2240, requiring both email and first-class mail delivery of rental agreements when an email address is provided and extending notice for termination or nonrenewal to 25 days. As amended, HB 2240 was reported out with a due pass recommendation by voice vote, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, I think it's important to know that many of our local chapters partner with nonprofits and other
• legislation, and one of the barriers to getting approved or qualifying for the projects with our local chapters
• which they're either getting remodeled or built, and so this will be a huge step for our local... ...chapters
• And like I said before, we have 26 local chapters across the state, and every single one of them has

Bills: SB23 , SJR85 , SB 23

Committee: Senate Local Government

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:

• durness, and there's new language on lines 11.8 and 11.9 that provides that propositions that amend a chapter
• </c><00:02:01.119><c> that</c><00:02:01.280><c> amend</c><00:02:01.560><c> a</c><00:02:01.719><c> chapter
• </c> that propositions that amend a chapter that propositions that amend a chapter of<00:02:02.200><c

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• As she prepares to leave the Assembly and begin our next chapter in public service, are you crazy or
• Can't wait for your next chapter.
• Go before them into the next chapter.
• Tom, as you prepare for this next chapter and as your family prepares for the wonderful milestone of
• Look forward to continue to stay in touch, not sure what is next in the next chapter of my life.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and prayer, then proceeded to a ceremonial floor session honoring departing members. After the roll was called and a quorum established, the body moved through tributes to members leaving the Assembly, with remarks focused on their service, district priorities, and personal relationships built across party lines. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on in the portion provided, though the Majority Leader gave notice to remove SB 259 from the inactive file and the chamber suspended Rule 118A to allow guests on the floor and at members’ desks. Members were recognized in turn, with colleagues praising Stan Ellis for his science-based approach and work on water issues; Damon Connolly for environmental, housing, labor, and transportation work; Jackie Irwin for technology, cybersecurity, gun violence prevention, and implementation tracking; Jasmine Baines for her medical background, rural health advocacy, and work on fentanyl and emergency response; Esmeralda Soria for Central Valley agriculture, housing, water, and hospital recovery efforts; Avelino Valencia for tribal issues, cryptocurrency, and cultural advocacy; Diane Dixon for bipartisan work on public safety, e-bike safety, foster youth, and coastal protection; and Tom Lackey for his public safety record, CHP background, and reputation for honesty and bipartisanship. In their own remarks, the departing members reflected on the honor of service, thanked staff and family, and emphasized relationships, constituent service, and the importance of continuing public service in new roles. Several noted upcoming transitions to the Senate or other offices, while others said they would continue serving their communities outside the Assembly. The tone throughout was celebratory and reflective, with repeated emphasis on collaboration, district advocacy, and the personal bonds formed during their time in the Legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• As she prepares to leave the Assembly and begin our next chapter in public service, are you crazy or
• Can't wait for your next chapter.
• Go before them into the next chapter.
• Tom, as you prepare for this next chapter and as your family prepares for the wonderful milestone of
• dream and to no longer feel ashamed, but to write a new chapter close to home in his district where

Transcript Highlights:

• Section five provides a definition of expert witness for chapter 10A.
• chapter chapter 10A.<00:05:06.160><c> Section</c><00:05:06.639><c> six</c><00:05:06.960><c> comes</c
• On page 19, section 21 comes from Senator Marty's 1996 and defines campaign disbursements for chapter
• On page 19, section 21 comes from Senator Marty's 1996 and defines campaign disbursements for chapter
• chapter chapter 10A.<00:08:32.320><c> The</c><00:08:32.640><c> next</c><00:08:32.880><c> several</c>

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• It also has the responsibility to periodically review and recommend changes to Chapter 57-40.6.
• It also has the responsibility to periodically review and recommend changes to Chapter 57-40.6.
• It establishes guidelines regarding the I want. amend changes to Chapter 57-40.6.
• In large part, the chapter was written during a time when copper line wireline services were the only
• There's a long history of why the chapter is structured the way it is, why the ESC3 has, in statute,

Committee: Joint Information Technology Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• to carry concealed firearms. ...the Chapter 5 provisions that allow Attorney General investigators to
• 44 relating to guardians and Chapter 49 relating to abuse and neglect proceedings.
• , it probably makes more sense to start conceptually from the Chapter 49 process.
• After a Chapter 49 abuse and neglect petition is filed, but at least five days prior to the next step
• A Chapter 49 abuse and neglect petition is filed, but at least five days prior to the next step, which

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• 21b and this is not uh parts of chapter 21b and this is not one<00:32:01.519><c> of</c><00:32:01.679
• So if you look through the current chapter 10, 09 subdivision 5, you know, we're required obviously to
• So if you look through the current chapter 10, 09 subdivision 5, you know, we're required obviously to
• 10 uh current chapter 10 uh 09<00:42:59.359><c> subdivision</c><00:43:00.480><c> 5</c><00:43:01.480>
• Chapter 10A does define securities to mean stocks, shares, bonds, warrants, options...

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1172, amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, relating to Section 41-1971 and
• Senate Bill 1172, amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, relating to Section 41-1971 and
• Senate Bill 1214, amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 2.1, relating
• Senate Bill 1400, amending Title 38, Chapter 8, Article 1.
• Senate Bill 1400, amending Title 38, Chapter 8, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to public

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation honoring the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Members also welcomed the Doctor of the Day and several guest groups, including Alzheimer’s Association advocates. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several Senate bills. In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced SB 1037, SB 1233, SB 1290, and SB 1445, adopting committee amendments where offered and giving each a do pass recommendation; SB 1814 was retained. Members discussed SB 1055, which would require reporting certain unlawfully present individuals arrested for crimes to federal immigration authorities, with Democrats raising concerns about profiling and civil liberties and Republicans arguing it simply enforces federal law; it also received a do pass recommendation. SB 1274, relating to transportation and infrastructure, was amended and recommended do pass, SB 1502 also advanced, and SB 1573, concerning foreign or religious sectarian law in state courts, prompted debate over whether it was necessary or duplicative but was likewise recommended do pass. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the measures were assigned accordingly. The House then took up third-reading votes. SB 1168 and SB 1172 passed overwhelmingly, SB 1290 passed after debate about HOA meeting openness, SB 1221 passed on a 32-24 vote after supporters said it would improve tax transparency, and SB 1400 passed 47-9 despite concerns about peer support and counseling protections. SB 1214, a medical practice bill involving stem cell regenerative therapies, failed 25-31 after some members said they were not comfortable with the measure; afterward, a motion to reconsider its failure was adopted, placing it back on the third-reading calendar. The House also granted the Senate permission to adjourn until April 27, and then adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Acknowledged as an advice statute, amending Title 36, Chapter 7, Article 9, sections 36-9-0-10, 36-9-
• Title 36, Chapter 6, Article 10, Arizona vice statute, 8, 799-9-5-4-4-4, kratom.
• House Bill 2950, an act amending Title 40, Arizona Revised Statutes, to add Chapter 38 relating to special
• House Bill 2573, an act amending Title 19, Chapter 1, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, adding section
• Amending Title 41, Chapter 203, Article 3, advice. Section 4,125, linking to the procurement code.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the journal. The body then extended the session under Rule 27 and agreed to request House consent to adjourn until April 27, 2026. It moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House bills, including HB 2170 (procurement code-related), HB 2415 (kratom regulation), HB 2700 (housing technology study committee), and HB 2950 (special districts/tourism improvement areas). Amendments were adopted on HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2950, and the committee reported HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2700 do pass; HB 2950 was later defeated on third read. The Senate also heard a brief welcome for visiting students and a personal privilege statement on Earth Day and environmental issues. The Senate then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for HB 2035 (child welfare and placement), HB 2249 (parental bill of rights), and HB 2573 (DUI/local referendum-related language). HB 2035 received a Warner amendment expanding the definition of extended family to include adoptive family members; HB 2249 received a Mesnard amendment adding liability and technical changes; and HB 2573 received a Rogers technical amendment. All three were reported out do pass as amended. On third read, HB 2573 passed 20-9, with several senators explaining opposition based on referendum and emergency-clause concerns tied to a Marana data center dispute; HB 2170 passed 17-12; HB 2415 passed 22-7; HB 2035 passed 26-3; and HB 2249 passed 17-12. HB 2950 failed 10-19. The Senate also considered House Concurrent Resolution 2043, substituting it for the Senate version and sending it to third read. The resolution, which calls for a convention to propose a federal constitutional amendment limiting congressional terms, passed 16-13 after several senators warned about the risks of a constitutional convention and the lack of limits on its scope. The House’s message on adjournment was read, committee meetings for April 27 were announced, and members made personal privilege remarks, including birthday wishes and an announcement about the annual legislative charity softball game. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, April 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1172, amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, relating to Section 41-1971 and
• Senate Bill 1172, amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, by Section 41-1971, relating to
• Senate Bill 1214, amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 2.1, relating
• Senate Bill 1400, amending Title 38, Chapter 8, Article 1.
• Senate Bill 1400, amending Title 38, Chapter 8, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to public

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1131, an act amending Title 15, Chapter 1, Article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by amending
• Senate Bill 1140, an act amending Title 13, Chapter 9, Arizona Revised Statutes, by amending Section
• Senate Bill 1249, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 1, Article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by amending
• Next bill, Senate Bill 1275, an act amending Title 13, Chapter 7, Arizona Revised Statutes, by amending
• Senate Bill 1249, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 1, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call showing 25 members present. The journal was approved, and several guests were introduced, including Pastor Caden Metcalf as Pastor of the Day and Dr. Jane Peterson as Doctor of the Day. The chamber also took up a motion to reconsider SB 1827, which passed on a division vote, and then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider bills on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate considered and advanced several bills, generally by adopting committee strike-everything amendments and then recommending each bill do pass. Measures included SB 1041 (Arizona Trail Fund), SB 1131 (cardiac emergency response plans in schools), SB 1140 (expungement of misdemeanor records), SB 1249 (Alzheimer’s disease/state brain appropriation), SB 1275 (sentencing and imprisonment), SB 1517 (Barbering and Cosmetology Board), and SB 1673 (Crime Victim Notification Fund). SB 1275 drew the most debate: Senator Ortiz argued a floor amendment would gut judicial discretion and preserve prosecutorial power, while Senator Gowan said the amendment preserved a veterans diversion program; the amendment was adopted on a 15-13 division vote. The Committee of the Whole then reported the bills back to the Senate, which adopted the report. The Senate then took up third-reading votes on multiple bills. SB 1161, SB 1209, SB 1598, SB 1118, SB 1399, SB 1563, SB 1564, SB 1629, SB 1754, SB 1041, SB 1131, SB 1140, SB 1249, SB 1517, and SB 1673 all passed, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to more divided outcomes. Several members explained votes, especially on SB 1598 and SB 1754, which involved community garden funding and special education/parent complaint issues, respectively. The Senate then recessed, received a large batch of House bills for first reading and committee referral, announced upcoming committee meetings, and adjourned until Monday, March 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And 1 John chapter 3, verse 18, says, 'Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with
• House Bill 784, by the Education Committee, is an act relating to education, amending Chapter 16, Title
• House Bill 785, by the Education Committee, is an act relating to education, amending Chapter 5, Title
• Household number 784 by Education Committee and Act relating to Education, amending Chapter 16, Title
• Houseball number 75 by Education Committee and Act relating to Education, amending Chapter 5, Title 33

Transcript Highlights:

• And because it violates an act, a statute of Idaho, if this becomes law, Chapter 41, Title 18, then they
• Representative Haas: Well, in the RS itself, this is a new chapter, Chapter 48, protecting privacy and
• edification of the committee, the chair has noted on page four, starting on line 27, you'll see a new chapter
• , Chapter 40.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• So no need for the additional administrative rule chapter.
• It's an older chapter that's been there for quite some time.
• Obviously, as we look at it in today's lens of trying to not have excessive administrative rules chapters
• Now to dive into the pending rules, this is a zero-based rulemaking chapter rewrite.
• So those numbers are protected in our public records law in Title 25, Chapter 2 of Idaho Code.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• considered a deposit establishing a debtor-creditor relationship are obligations subject to Finance Code Chapter
• 152 rather than Chapter 151.
• In Chapter 551, there are three references to business days.
• Thank you for the record, Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, very much in support.
• Thank you for the record, Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, very much in support of the

Bills: HB431 , HB1522 , HB1922 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB3228 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3805 , HB3806 , HB4219 , HB4238 , HB4344 , HB4386 , HB4739

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and favorably reported several House bills without opposition, including HB 11, HB 132, HB 1041, HB 1606, HB 2286, and HB 5061. Each was moved out of committee with a recommendation that it do pass and be printed, and several were also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard HB 3306, which would extend existing construction-contract indemnity exceptions to electric infrastructure construction, maintenance, and vegetation management work for electric utilities and transmission and distribution utilities. The sponsor said the bill would reduce litigation and insurance costs for ratepayers, while construction industry witnesses argued it would shift liability onto subcontractors and create broad-form indemnity in a way Texas law has generally prohibited since 2011. HB 3306 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4739, a Comptroller-requested cleanup bill to repeal an outdated Finance Code provision requiring remittance of a portion of certain delinquency charges to the state, and HB 3803, HB 3804, and HB 3806, all Department of Banking-requested cleanup bills dealing with confidentiality and supervision rules for perpetual care funds, state banks, and trust companies. Those bills were briefly explained and left pending without testimony. HB 4219, aimed at improving Public Information Act compliance by requiring timely notice when records do not exist or are being withheld, allowing complaints to the Attorney General, and imposing training and fee consequences for noncompliance, drew support from a journalist and a policy analyst and was also left pending. The committee then heard HB 4238 on coerced debt and identity theft. The sponsor explained that the committee substitute narrows the bill to court-ordered findings of identity theft/coerced debt, gives collectors seven business days to stop collection activity, and removes a section to avoid litigation over court orders. A law professor and a family violence advocate testified in strong support, describing coerced debt as a barrier for domestic violence and elder abuse survivors trying to rebuild credit and access housing, jobs, and utilities. The bill was left pending. HB 1522, which would require local governments to post meeting notices three business days in advance and make budget materials more accessible online and in physical form, also drew support, though a school business officials representative raised concerns about the timing language, proposed-budget wording, and taxpayer impact statements for school districts; the bill was left pending after discussion. Later, the committee heard additional pending bills, including a PUC background-check bill that would expand the commission’s authority to check current employees and contractors and obtain FBI criminal history information, HB 3805 updating money services business regulation, HB 431 extending HOA solar-panel protections to solar tiles, and HB 3228 and HB 3229 on wind and solar recycling financial assurance and recycler solvency. HB 3228 received support from a Sierra Club witness who said recycling and disposal plans are needed for end-of-life renewable energy equipment, and HB 3229 was described as requiring recyclers to show financial resources at 125 percent through a letter of credit or bond. These bills were heard and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• support to follow the child with an authorization agreement for non-parent adult caregivers under Chapter
• would help these informal kinship caregivers. caregivers who are caring for a child through that chapter
• And also let me just... to specify, normally, so let's say a Chapter 34 agreement is not in place, they
• But what What this is doing is adding those Chapter 34 agreements, so they would have to show proof that
• In keeping with this principle, Texas Family Code Chapter 153 requires courts to prioritize the best

Bills: SB387 , SB1335 , HB1671 , SB1760 , SB1839 , SB1923 , HB1928 , HB4942 , HB5628 , HB5642 , HB1980

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, retroactive child support, parentage, genetic testing, family code, child's conception, incapacitated persons, court proceedings, guardianship fees, estate management, probate

Transcript Highlights:

• technically, the agency should already be doing this, and they should already be reviewing under Chapter
• So what we've examined and what we've seen, this particular chapter has not been updated in a multitude
• of years, Chapter 120, which is where we're focused.
• With that lack of focus on this particular chapter, various provisions have not necessarily either been
• This particular updating of Chapter 120 will accomplish that by rolling out over the next five years.

Summary: The Budget Committee took up six bills. HB 313 passed unanimously and was reported favorably; it exempts vehicles or motorcycles displaying the Purple Heart specialty license plate from paying tolls on Florida facilities. HB 749 also passed and was reported favorably; it extends benefits to firefighters injured during training exercises. CS/HB 1103 passed and was reported favorably; it addresses APD’s developmental disability waitlist by increasing transparency, creating statewide family care councils, expanding the existing pilot program statewide on a phased timeline, and improving coordination for young adults transitioning out of foster care. Testimony on HB 1103 focused on the long waitlist, the need for more provider capacity and support coordinators, and concerns from Disability Rights Florida about moving too quickly without enough data, while supporters argued the current system is not working and families need access to services now. HB 1097 passed after a unanimous amendment removing an appropriation; it creates a premier academic insurance research center at Florida State University to conduct applied insurance and catastrophic risk research, with members discussing the transition from FIU and noting continued collaboration. HB 1309 passed and was reported favorably; it requires evidence-based reading interventions for K-2 students with reading deficiencies and creates a reading coaches program for grades 4-12. Supporters from education and business groups appeared in favor. CS/HB 433 also passed and was reported favorably, though it drew the most debate. The bill requires agencies to review existing rules and guidance documents for consistency with legislative intent, repromulgate rules over time, and report licensing metrics. Members raised concerns about possible duplication of work, staffing needs, and cost, while the sponsor and supporters argued agencies should already be doing this and that the bill would reduce unnecessary regulation and improve accountability. The committee then adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• mandatory and voluntary reporting is subject to open records disclosure as outlined in Government Code Chapter
• I'm Matt Wagner, Executive Director of the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society.
• We are the nation's largest chapter in the nation, an international organization.
• Formed in 1937, the Texas chapter supports Senate Bill 1248.
• would like to thank Chairman Perry. for being proactive in proposing this legislation and the Texas chapter

Bills: SCR13 , SB1248

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs