Transcript Highlights:

• Public utilities or electric utilities, as defined in state statutes; entities formed under 163.01 that
• generate or transmit electrical energy; natural gas utilities and transmission companies; Category 1
• A bill to be entitled, an act relating to condominium and cooperative associations.
• Is it the electric chair? Senator Martin: ... Senator Martin: Thank you.
• One is lethal injection and one is the electric chair. Senator Smith: Thank you, Mr. President.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including remarks from Senator Berman on Democratic priorities and introductions of military leaders and an intern. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with many bills substituted to House companions, amended, and passed, while several others were temporarily postponed. Major measures approved included the dangerous dogs/Pam Rock Act (SB 572/HB 593), which tightened penalties and procedures for dog attacks and passed 36-0; local government land regulation (SB 1080), which was amended to remove agricultural enclave language and passed 26-8; vessel/freedom-related legislation (SB 1388/HB 1137), which passed 35-0; blood clot screening and treatment (SB 890/HB 1421), which added registry and training provisions and passed 36-0; fleeing or eluding law enforcement (SB 468/HB 113), which increased offense levels and passed 36-0; concealed carry/licensing for certain officers and service members (SB 490/HB 383), which passed 33-3; timeshare management (SB 496/HB 897), which clarified governance and annual meeting requirements and passed 36-0; background screening education (SB 614/HB 531), which created a public webpage and passed 36-0; utility service restrictions (SB 1002/HB 1137), which preempted local energy-source restrictions and passed 36-0; Medicaid oversight (SB 1060), which created a joint oversight committee and passed 35-0; health facilities authorities (SB 68), amended to make fentanyl urine screening more discretionary, and passed 36-0; and veterans’ nursing home beds (SB 78/HB 797), which authorized veteran- and spouse-designated beds and passed 36-0. The chamber also passed disability history and awareness instruction (SB 540/HB 447), a highly personal bill honoring Evan Hartzell that drew extended debate about disability language, inclusion, and education; it passed 35-0 after 35 co-sponsors were added. Manufacturing policy bills SB 600 and SB 602 were approved after amendments to add reporting, ranking metrics, and fee-use restrictions, both passing 35-0. Educational opportunities for military children (SB 1528) passed 36-0 after testimony from student sponsors and senators praising the bill’s origin. Several other bills, including Medicaid oversight, mammograms, Parkinson’s disease, condominium/cooperative associations, waste management, human trafficking, and Bright Futures, were postponed or not taken up during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Director of the Public Utility Commission.
• The PUC coordinated with the electric utilities to restore power to Kerr County residents after the flood
• Was that their municipal utility alone, or was that multiple utilities?
• In addition, electric generation, public utilities, environmental interests, and small businesses are
• When we're generating electricity, yes, when there is electricity.

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bikes, e-bikes, and electric motorcycles.
• And currently, there isn't a good classification for an electric motorcycle.
• And so, what this bill does is it addresses the electric bicycle classification and the electric motorcycle
• </c> bicycles that are electric. So. bicycles that are electric. So.
• </c> carry children on and need that electric carry children on and need that electric assist.<00:48:

Bills: HF3489 , HF3393 , HF3785 , SF856 , HF4006 , HF4615 , HF3919 , HF4591 , HF3682 , HF4240

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> plumbing systems and our electrical plumbing systems and our electrical systems<02:11:25.199><c>
• > really</c> electric electrical codes that really electric electrical codes that really provide<02:13
• </c> electrical and plumbing. very much. electrical and plumbing. very much.
• </c><02:24:43.920><c> PUC</c> here we have public utilities PUC here we have public utilities PUC in<
• That's all the Electric in support.

Bills: HB1846 , HB2205 , HB1802 , HB1571 , HB2047 , HB2434 , HB2426 , HB2361 , HB2395 , HB1712 , HB2544 , HB1619

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: coastal erosion, shoreline properties, regional planning, mitigation districts, sediment management, environmental impact, public access, community financing, shoreline erosion, emergency permits, coastal management, erosion control, Hawaii Revised Statutes, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed. Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Bills: SB 35 , SB 1113 , SB 1365 , SB 1394 , SB 2243 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2199 , SB 2200

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County

Bills: HB 2065 , HB 2462 , HB 2621 , HB 3187 , HB 3539 , HB 3563 , HB 3726 , HB 4164 , HB 4207 , HB 4368 , HB 4706 , HB 4916 , HB 4950 , HB 4967 , HB 5177 , HB 4429 , HB 5597

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, small vehicles like bicycles, electric bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, Segways, and
• The four top reasons to utilize this delivery method are… control, aggressive delivery, innovation on
• It's funded by municipalities, municipal utility districts across unincorporated Harris County.
• And it's a symbol of what regional cooperation can achieve.
• They utilize the DART buses probably more than anyone.

Bills: HB2065 , HB2462 , HB2621 , HB3187 , HB3539 , HB3563 , HB3726 , HB4164 , HB4207 , HB4368 , HB4706 , HB4916 , HB4950 , HB4967 , HB5177 , HB4429 , HB5597

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Bills: HB2065 , HB2462 , HB2621 , HB3187 , HB3539 , HB3563 , HB3726 , HB4164 , HB4207 , HB4368 , HB4706 , HB4916 , HB4950 , HB4967 , HB5177 , HB4429 , HB5597

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• That text was out a number of years ago for some of the counties that had trouble moving utilities and
• They had to go through some of these counties where they have to provide some right-of-way and utility
• Many small vehicles... and devices, such as bicycles, electric bicycles, skateboards, roller skaters,
• users to comply with pedestrian control signals and other traffic control devices when they are utilizing
• sidewalks and crosswalks. to further enhance public safety by ensuring all sidewalks and traffic utilize

Bills: SB 1493 , SB 1598 , SB 1895 , SB 1919 , SB 2039 , SB 2226 , SB 2243 , SB 2425

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident

Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills, SB1598 and SB1493. SB1598, introduced by Senator Hagen Booth, addresses the clarity of collision report information access for law enforcement, aiming to enhance the tools available to police agencies across Texas for solving crimes. The meeting featured strong support from police representatives, including Sheriff Brian Hawthorne of Chambers County, who emphasized the significance of the CARFAX program for police in facilitating access to vital vehicle information, free of charge. Public testimony reflected a consensus on the necessity of the bill for improved investigatory processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• say we did that at TxDOT a number of years ago for some of the counties that had trouble moving utilities
• projects had to go through some of these counties where they had to provide some right-of-way and utility
• Many small vehicles and devices, such as bicycles, electric bicycles, skateboards, roller skaters, Segways
• They do not meet the definition of a pedestrian when they are utilizing crosswalks.
• users to comply with pedestrian control signals and other traffic control devices when they are utilizing

Bills: SB1493 , SB1598 , SB1895 , SB1919 , SB2039 , SB2226 , SB2243 , SB2425

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation-related bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1598 by Senator Hagenbuch was heard on allowing collision report information to be used and shared more clearly for law enforcement investigations, including through records-management partners and nonconfidential VIN data; the bill drew support from the Sheriff’s Association and Carfax for Police and was left pending before later being reported favorably. SB 1493 by Senator Parker, which would codify DPS’s position on flashing/pulsing stop lamps as compliant with federal standards, also received supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1895 by Senator Perry would designate Loop 88 in Lubbock as a First Responders Memorial Loop and was reported favorably, and SB 1919 and SB 2243 by Senator West, dealing with TxDOT liability claim settlements and TxDMV authority to require VIN inspections for certain trailers, were likewise heard without opposition and later reported favorably. SB 2039, concerning right-of-way and traffic rules for sidewalk users such as bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters, was heard and left pending before being reported favorably later in the meeting. SB 2226 by Senator Nichols, reducing the local match requirement for aviation grants in economically disadvantaged counties from 10% to 5%, was discussed with TxDOT testimony explaining how federal and state airport funding interact; it was reported favorably. SB 2499 by Senator Flores, involving memorial markers and an account for donations, and SB 1394 by Senator Hall, concerning concrete truck axle rules, were also reported favorably. The committee recessed after handling the pending items and leaving some additional matters for a later hearing. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2425 by Senator Nichols, a comprehensive bill on commercial autonomous vehicles. The author said the bill was developed through extensive stakeholder meetings with industry, agencies, insurers, and lawyers, and it would require AV companies to provide information to TxDMV, submit first-responder interaction plans to DPS, and allow DPS and DMV to suspend or revoke operations in certain circumstances. The committee substitute also updated definitions, addressed Level 3 systems, clarified commercial use and fleet penalties, and created an expedited process for reinstating operating authority after disputes. Supporters included the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Tesla, GM Cruise, Bot Auto, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, who said the bill balances innovation and safety and helps Texas remain a leader in AV deployment. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that it would improperly shield manufacturers from liability, but committee members and the industry witnesses said liability would continue to be governed by state law and that the bill was intended to clarify, not eliminate, responsibility. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and reported SB 2425 favorably on a 6-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members asked questions about practical effects and funding. On SB 2226, TxDOT’s aviation director explained that some airports already receive federal and state support and that the bill would mainly help state-only airports in disadvantaged counties that struggle to meet local match requirements. On SB 2425, members asked about reliability metrics, commercialization, and liability; industry witnesses said the technology is still being refined but that Texas’s framework has attracted investment and could improve road safety over time. Several bills were recommended to the local and uncontested calendar after favorable votes, and the committee also agreed to keep motions in writing open briefly for members who were absent, so long as doing so would not change any bill outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:46:58.240><c> from</c> utilities from utilities from acquiring acquiring acquiring electricity<00
• </c> electricity rates. electricity rates.
• </c> on on the company, on the utility. on on the company, on the utility.
• </c> the utility to go into the market. the utility to go into the market.
• But,<01:56:18.400><c> with</c><01:56:18.960><c> electricity,</c> But, with electricity, But, with electricity

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><05:33:29.520><c> is</c> electric utility in this section is electric utility in this section is
• 34:50.558><c> utility</c><05:34:50.798><c> which</c><05:34:50.958><c> is</c> apply to an electric utility
• So they are utilities and cooperatives.
• </c><05:38:07.760><c> utilities</c> there surrounding electric utilities there surrounding electric utilities
• utilities who are puts on electric utilities who are tasked<05:40:42.400><c> with</c><05:40:42.558><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And utilize what time they have back there to the fullest.
• So with the current capability, if you're able to utilize transmitting trail cameras, you check the trap
• Technology can be your friend, and we can utilize it appropriately, and this is one of those instances
• The people that might know the best are the ones that utilize these cameras and track the movement.
• There was no underground electricity. You were happy to have electricity in your house.

Summary: The committee first heard House Joint Memorial 13, which urges Congress and the Trump administration to codify and follow the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision and remove pre-Sackett guidance on federal wetland jurisdiction. Senator Lakey, attorney Damien Schiff, and Mike and Chantelle Sackett testified in support, describing the EPA’s enforcement actions against the Sacketts and arguing the decision should be fully implemented. The memorial was moved to the floor with a do pass recommendation and passed on voice vote. The committee then heard House Bill 678, which would allow the use of transmitting trail cameras to help wolf trappers comply with trap-check requirements. The sponsor and supporters from the Idaho Farm Bureau, Idaho Wildlife Federation, Fish and Game Commission, Idaho Trappers Association, and livestock groups said the bill would improve efficiency and humane treatment while helping manage wolf populations. The Idaho Conservation League asked for amendments, arguing the bill removed a clear minimum standard for how long an animal may remain trapped. The motion to send the bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation passed. Next, the committee approved several DOGE Task Force cleanup bills: House Bill 566, repealing the unused STORE outdoor recreation enhancement fund; House Bill 568, repealing obsolete code on floating timber and townsite claims; and House Bill 774, repealing minimum fines for certain illegal hunting offenses because those penalties are covered elsewhere in code. Each bill was moved to the floor with a do pass recommendation and approved by voice vote. The committee also approved minutes from February 16, 18, and 23, 2026. After a recess, the committee received a presentation from the Idaho Water Users Association on North Idaho water issues. Presenters from Hayden Lake Irrigation District, Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District, and East Green Acres Irrigation District discussed aging infrastructure, urban growth, aquifer conditions, workforce training, and water supply challenges in North Idaho. They described recent and planned projects supported by state funding, concerns about future demand, and the need for continued investment and coordination. No formal action was taken on the water presentation, and the meeting adjourned after questions about a forthcoming Coeur d’Alene tribal water rights settlement bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with the current capability, if you're able to utilize transmitting trail cameras, you check the trap
• So with the current capability, if you're able to utilize transmitting trail cameras, you check the trap
• Technology can be your friend, and we can utilize it appropriately, and this is one of those instances
• The people that might know the best are the ones that utilize these cameras and track the movement.
• There was no putting electricity underground. You were happy to have electricity in your house.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Richard Markson, for the Western Electrical Contractors Association.
• And importantly, this allowance cannot be utilized for more than five consecutive years.
• I believe that planning can and should be cooperative at the local level.
• We have a long history of working cooperatively with municipalities on issues such as utility relocation
• Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard a full agenda of bills covering port procurement, housing litigation, special district audits, cemetery district governance, county discretionary funding transparency, labor standards in density bonus projects, transit planning, and homeowner code enforcement. SB 983 would let the Port of San Diego use job order contracting for smaller repair and maintenance work; supporters said it would speed repairs and reduce costs, while opponents raised concerns about construction definitions and project labor agreement language. SB 1256 sought to limit repeated litigation against the Harmony Grove Village South housing project; supporters framed it as a response to duplicative lawsuits delaying housing, while opponents argued it could weaken wildfire and subdivision-map review. SB 992 would make permanent and expand a small special district audit flexibility, and SB 1115 would give Tulare County a narrower way to remove dysfunctional cemetery district trustees rather than taking over the district entirely. Both drew support from county and district representatives, with CSDA opposing SB 1115 but continuing talks on amendments. The committee also considered SB 1193, which would impose transparency and conflict-of-interest guardrails on Alameda County discretionary funding. The author and supporters said the bill responds to grand jury findings and would require clearer public reporting and board approval, while Alameda County argued it already has strong public processes and that the bill is overly restrictive. SB 1383 would clarify that density bonus projects cannot use incentives and concessions to waive locally adopted labor standards; labor groups supported it as protecting worker safety and wages, while housing interests were not present in opposition during the hearing. SB 1361 would prevent local governments from undermining planned transit projects to avoid SB 79 density requirements; LA Metro and labor supported it as protecting transit investment, and the Bay Area Council withdrew opposition. SB 1272, the CASH Act, would give homeowners more time to cure certain non-safety code violations tied to prior owners’ work, with counties and code enforcement groups opposing the introduced version but saying they were working on amendments. Several bills were voted out of committee, many on amended or consent motions, with some remaining on call before later final votes were recorded. SB 983, SB 992, SB 1115, SB 1193, SB 1256, SB 1383, SB 1361, and SB 1272 all ultimately received committee approval, while the consent calendar bills SB 1187 and SB 1388 were also adopted. The chair repeatedly noted ongoing negotiations on several measures, especially SB 983, SB 1193, and SB 1272, and members emphasized wildfire safety, transparency, and labor protections as key issues during debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Richard Markson, for the Western Electrical Contractors Association.
• And importantly, this allowance cannot be utilized for more than five consecutive years.
• I believe that planning can and should be cooperative at the local level.
• We have a long history of working cooperatively with municipalities on issues such as utility relocation
• Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ninety years is a testament not only to a successful electric cooperative, but to the enduring power
• </c> today its oldest rural electric today its oldest rural electric cooperative.<01:21:06.159><c> Within
• </c><01:21:06.480><c> a</c><01:21:06.640><c> year,</c><01:21:06.880><c> electricity</c> cooperative.
• Within a year, electricity cooperative.
• cooperative, but to successful electric cooperative, but to the<01:21:34.159><c> enduring</c><01:21:

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• utility in order to largest electric utility in order to achieve<02:40:51.760><c> our</c><02:40:52.160
• generating unit that is owned or operated by an electric utility. we maintain pollution controls um
• generating unit that is owned or operated by an electric utility.
• So with that, I electric uh utilities.
• such electric generation technologies utilized<03:12:48.319><c> in</c><03:12:48.640><c> an</c><03:12

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• their service which who rely and utilize their service which is<00:14:59.079><c> is</c><00:14:59.360
• </c><00:18:21.080><c> Workers</c><00:18:21.559><c> from</c> uh over 15,000 Electrical Workers from uh
• over 15,000 Electrical Workers from around<00:18:22.120><c> the</c><00:18:22.320><c> state</c><00:18
• </c><00:19:40.919><c> demand</c> governments the 247 electrical demand governments the 247 electrical
• </c><01:06:12.119><c> encourages</c> Public trust and cooperation encourages Public trust and cooperation

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But in the South Gallery from House District 16 and thereabouts, East Central Electric and their employees
• I was just making clarification that this is strictly for this agency because they utilize 100% of this
• I was just making clarification that this is strictly for this agency because they utilize 100% of this
• Members, House Bill 4057 authorizes the Oklahoma Capital Improvement Authority to utilize $25 million
• from the Legacy Capital Financing Fund for the Oklahoma... ...to utilize $25 million from the Legacy

Bills: SB1290 , SB1530 , SB1847 , HR1050 , SB169 , SB1377 , SB1990 , SB1991 , SB1778 , SB1579 , SB1992 , SB3 , SB2028 , SB1928 , SB2127 , SB2117 , SB1439 , SB1930 , SB330 , SB1191 , SB2110 , SB2134 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB1613 , SB1246 , SB1976 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB2071 , SB259 , SB1314

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship