Transcript Highlights:

• that there was no explanation provided when that action was taken, and, in addition, there was no ethical
• I asked, ...taken, and, in addition, there was no ethical process that was followed.
• I ask and wonder, why was there not an ethics complaint submitted?

Transcript Highlights:

• Up next, HB 139, adverse personnel actions and ethics complaints.
• I think, you know, accountability already exists around elections and ethics complaints and other things
• I'm just wondering, like, Elections and ethics complaints and other things like that.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a large slate of bills, beginning with HB 1405, which would reestablish a pilot program at four state universities to screen people with special needs who are at risk of elopement and provide families with tracking devices. Members spoke in support, citing real-life incidents involving missing children and adults, and the bill passed 18-0. HB 4037, a Pasco County mosquito control cleanup bill, also passed unanimously, as did PCS for HB 639, which expands eligibility for an existing Fraternal Order of Police specialty license plate to all Floridians and adds nonprofit and financial reporting requirements for specialty plate organizations. HB 667, brought by Rep. Valdés with Freedom High School students through the Ought to Be a Law program, would raise the helmet requirement for electric personal assisted mobility devices from under 16 to under 18; the students testified about e-bike and e-scooter injuries and fatalities, and the bill passed 18-0. The committee also approved PCS for HB 975, which clarifies management and security authority for the Capitol Center and Complex, and HB 695, a public records exemption tied to a health care interstate compact, by a 17-1 vote. HB 181, expanding a pawnbroker transaction records exemption to FDLE, and HB 1087, making Florida Retirement System pension-plan member and payee information confidential, both passed unanimously. HB 1515, a public records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database, also passed unanimously after the sponsor explained the Department of Health had been unable to implement the database because of data-identification problems. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1283, which would allow anonymous complaints against law enforcement officers only when accompanied by corroborating evidence and would bar non-disciplinary investigative outcomes from being used in promotions and other personnel decisions. Police chiefs and sheriffs opposed the bill as amended, arguing the corroboration standard should include evidence developed by agencies and warning about personnel-management consequences, while law enforcement supporters said the bill protects officers from malicious complaints. Civil rights and advocacy groups opposed it, warning it would chill reporting and harm victims, especially in sexual misconduct cases. After extensive debate, the committee adopted an amendment to align the bill with the Senate companion and then passed HB 1283 18-0. The committee also passed HB 139, expanding whistleblower protections to adverse actions by individuals and placing investigations with the Florida Commission on Human Relations, and HB 953, which gives county tax collectors authority to partner with DHSMV in overseeing commercial driving schools and combating fraud; both passed unanimously. The meeting also included HB 627, which directs officers in the field to refer public records requesters to the proper custodian rather than processing requests during active incidents; despite opposition from protest and civil liberties advocates, it passed 18-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 1473, a public records exemption for portions of domestic-terrorism designation materials. Supporters said it was needed to protect sensitive security information, while opponents argued it was vague and could be used to hide executive decision-making and target protesters or Muslim communities. After an amendment and lengthy debate, the bill passed 13-4.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not something that is ethical. It is not something that is appropriate.
• It's not something that is ethical. It is not something that is appropriate.
• They are basically putting ethical, it is not something that is appropriate.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not something that is ethical. It is not something that is appropriate.
• It's not something that is ethical. It is not something that is appropriate.
• They are basically putting ethical, it is not something that is appropriate.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The committee first heard House Bills 2365, 2490, and 2249, a bipartisan version of Elijah’s Law, which would require child care facilities to receive training and guidance on recognizing and responding to food allergies and anaphylaxis. Sponsors described the bill as a response to the death of Elijah, whose daycare did not administer epinephrine quickly enough after a food exposure. Witnesses in support, including a parent and food allergy advocate, said the measure would improve preparedness and save lives. Committee members asked about whether the bill should use broader epinephrine terminology, whether the requirements could also be handled through child care licensing rules, and whether the bill was already included in a larger measure. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on those bills was closed. The committee then heard House Bill 1965, which would require insurers to reimburse athletic trainers for covered services and add athletic trainers to the practitioner definition for billing purposes. The sponsor and athletic training witnesses said the bill would recognize athletic trainers as licensed health care providers, improve access in rural and underserved areas, and allow reimbursement when trainers work in clinics, hospitals, or other non-school settings. Committee members raised repeated questions about the difference between athletic trainers and physical therapists, whether school-based services were already paid through contracts, whether the bill would increase costs or create double payment, and how diagnosis and billing would work under the current scope of practice. Opponents from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and the Missouri Insurance Coalition argued the bill would create a mandate, increase costs, and expand billing before clarifying the underlying scope of practice. No vote was taken in public hearing. The committee then moved into executive session and voted several bills do pass. A substitute was adopted for House Bill 1826 and the committee substitute for House Bills 1826, 2560, 2349, and 2194 passed 17-0. House Bill 1783 also passed 17-0. House Bill 2372, which incorporated multiple related provisions including changes to epinephrine terminology and other committee items, passed 17-1 after a substitute and amendment were adopted. House Bill 1827, the occupational therapy bill related to disabled placards and license plates, passed 18-0. The committee then returned to public hearing and heard House Bills 1941 and 2279, which would prohibit copay accumulator programs for fully insured plans so that third-party assistance counts toward a patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Sponsors and a rheumatologist testified that the bills would prevent patients with serious illnesses from being forced to pay the same deductible twice and said similar laws have been enacted in many other states. Opponents from America’s Health Insurance Plans argued the measure would affect only a minority of plans, raise costs in the individual and small-group market, and could worsen affordability for remaining enrollees. The hearing ended without a vote on those bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• explaining to you and reminding you that we have lawyers, and the staff and lawyers have a certain ethical
• We also have rising workloads, as you see, and we have our ethics that we must provide effective representation
• I'll lose so much money just doing an ethical job representing people. It's absurd.

Bills: SB48 , SB64 , SB100

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• I teach writing, speaking, and ethics to engineering undergraduates.
• Our ethical and accreditation standards require instruction in systemic inequality. cultural competence
• the time of fulfilling the language, philosophy, and culture requirement, I took Introduction to Ethics

Bills: SB 37

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: fetal development, education, public health curriculum, middle school, age-appropriate instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• question for the Department of Finance: it was not unnoticed that there was not any budget line item for ethics
• Legislature passed AB 101 with the plan... ...and the intention of starting all school districts to start ethics
• Why does the Governor's January budget proposal not provide for an appropriation for ethics studies implementation

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was President Gates, sitting in on the Ethics Commission, who took it upon himself when I had hand-delivered
• and prepackaged to investigators an Ethics Commission complaint that took three and a half years. to
• investigators and an Ethics Commission complaint that took three and a half years to see the light of

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator and Judge Thomas Gallen. The chamber then moved to special order items focused on immigration and related enforcement measures. Senate Memorial 6C, urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements, passed by voice vote. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration measure that would impose a mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies and create state crimes for illegal entry and re-entry. Senators Pizzo, Polsky, and Sharief raised concerns about constitutional issues, plea bargaining, trial and penalty-phase procedures, prosecutorial discretion, and the effect on victims’ families. Supporters, including Senators Fine and Gruters, argued the bill was a strong deterrent and a response to serious crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill passed 25-11. The chamber next debated Senate Bill 2C, a broader immigration enforcement package. The bill would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expand local-federal cooperation, fund detention and enforcement efforts, strengthen pretrial detention rules for unauthorized aliens, and end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Davis and Pizzo questioned enforcement mechanics, jurisdiction, bond procedures, and whether local agencies were actually mandated to participate; supporters said the bill was designed to maximize cooperation with federal authorities and the Trump administration. A late-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo to preserve tuition waivers for current students failed 14-22, and a second amendment was withdrawn after discussion. Debate then continued on the bill, with opponents arguing it was costly, federal in nature, and harmful to Dreamers and other students, while supporters said it was necessary to crack down on illegal immigration and align state policy with federal enforcement priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, assessors are also licensed and held to professional code of ethics by the State Board of Assessors
• Uh, assessors are also licensed and held to professional code of ethics by the State Board of Assessors
• Uh, assessors are also licensed and held to professional code of ethics by the State Board of Assessors
• Uh, assessors are also licensed and held to professional code of ethics by the State Board of Assessors
• 48:49.240><c> professional</c><00:48:49.720><c> code</c><00:48:49.920><c> of</c><00:48:50.040><c> ethics

Bills: HF4906 , HF3971 , HF4777 , HF2109 , HF2988

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: property tax, tax refund, taxpayer relief, Minnesota taxation, one-time payment, taxation, property valuation, Tax Court, evidentiary standards, Minnesota Statutes, disparity reduction, aid payments, local government, funding, Fillmore County, education funding, managed forest land, classification, forest management plan, agricultural land

Bills: SB1636 , SB1584 , SB1730 , SB1255 , SB1627 , SB137 , SB2062 , SB1470 , SB1284 , SB1632 , SB1594 , SB2045 , SB1251 , SB1884 , SB1250 , SB1630 , SB1262 , SB1374 , SB1292 , SB1432 , SB1199 , SB1790 , SB1481 , SB1614 , SB1734 , SB1437 , SB1489 , SB1718 , SB1778 , SB1327 , SB1372 , SB1403 , SB1937 , SB277 , SB2131 , SB1749 , SB1348 , SB1469 , SB2018 , SB1931 , SB1530 , SB2155 , SB2030 , SB1926 , SB2170 , SB2151 , SB2166 , SB1213 , SB1381 , SB1824 , SB1876 , SB1728 , SB1582 , SB1286 , SB1386 , SB1708 , SB1618 , SB2106 , SB1471 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB1619 , SCR15 , HB2786 , HB2787 , SB1525 , SB2011 , SB2159

Keywords: cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing

Bills: SB2901 , SB2902 , SB2903 , SB2904 , SB2905 , SB2906 , SB2907 , SB2908 , SB2909 , SB2910 , SB2911 , SB2912 , SB2913 , SB2914 , SB2915 , SB2916 , SB2917 , SB2918 , SB2919 , SB2920 , SB2921 , SB2922 , SB2923 , SB2924 , SB2925 , SB2926 , SB2927 , SB2928 , SB2929 , SB2930 , SB2931 , SB2932 , SB2933 , SB2934 , SB2935 , SB2936 , SB2937 , SB2938 , SB2939 , SB2940 , SB2941 , SB2942 , SB2943 , SB2944 , SB2945 , SB2946 , SB2947 , SB2948 , SB2949 , SB2950 , SB2951 , SB2952 , SB2953 , SB2954 , SB2955 , SB2956 , SB2957 , SB2958 , SB2959 , SB2960 , SB2961 , SB2962 , SB2963 , SB2964 , SB2965 , SB2966 , SB2967 , SB2968 , SB2969 , SB2970 , SB2971 , SB2972 , SB2973 , SB2974 , SB2975 , SB2976 , SB2977 , SB2978 , SB2979 , SB2980 , SB2981 , SB2982 , SB2983 , SB2984 , SB2985 , SB2986 , SB2987 , SB2988 , SB2989 , SB2990 , SB2991 , SB2992 , SB2993 , SB2994 , SB2995 , SB2996 , SB2997 , SB2998 , SB2999 , SB3000

Keywords: geological subsurface characterization, groundwater, geothermal resources, environmental review, Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center, scientific research, non-extractive, public trust doctrine, clean energy, greenhouse gas, carbon sequestration, climate change, energy policy, Hawaii state energy office, emissions reduction, sustainable development, fare-free transportation, greenhouse gas emissions, public transit, tax on petroleum

Bills: SJR27 , SJR39 , SB22 , SB33 , SB34 , SB37 , SB209 , SB310 , SB326 , SB505 , SB605 , SB618 , SB732 , SB762 , SB769 , SB783 , SB819 , SB825 , SB870 , SB964 , SB1030 , SB1080 , SB1085 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1233 , SB1314 , SB1320 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1405 , SB1541 , SB1567 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1625 , SB1646 , SB1662 , SB1750 , SB1758 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1810 , SB1818 , SB1838 , SB1855 , SB1869 , SB1951 , SB2024 , SB2077 , SB2078 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2368 , SB2411 , SB2420 , SB2425 , SB2569

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 458 by Senator McMath, local ethics entities to provide for the use of taxes imposed for

Bills: HR192 , HR193 , HR194 , HCR80 , HCR81 , HCR82 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR85 , HR188 , HR189 , HR190 , HR191 , SB134 , SB140 , SB281 , SB331 , SB384 , SB389 , SB415 , SB451 , SB458 , SB479 , SB504 , SB523 , HR38 , HR96 , HR160 , HCR31 , HCR61 , SCR19 , HB316 , HB549 , HB578 , HB646 , HB748 , HB798 , HB824 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1032 , HB1081 , HB1108 , HB1129 , HB1140 , HB1157 , HB1186 , HB1192 , HB1195 , HB1198 , HB1222 , HB1244 , SB73 , SB89 , SB128 , SB149 , SB191 , SB196 , SB238 , SB318 , SB340 , HB225 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HCR32 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HB12 , HB42 , HB205 , HB222 , HB267 , HB324 , HB325 , HB350 , HB478 , HB610 , HB617 , HB745 , HB749 , HB752 , HB797 , HB807 , HB821 , HB896 , HB979 , HB992 , HB1000 , HB1024 , HB1050 , HB1166 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1207 , HB1218 , HB1223 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , SB256 , HB911 , HB306 , HB366 , HB1161 , HB1230 , HB59 , HB481 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1003 , HB1008 , HB1112 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB181 , HB1118 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB458 , HB459 , HB525 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB864 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1058 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234 , HB1240

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened in prayer, and adopted the journal. Members received messages from the Senate on several House bills and Senate bills, and a number of House resolutions were introduced or laid over. The chamber also suspended rules to allow committees to continue meeting while the House was in session. Several local and ceremonial resolutions were taken up, including measures on public health data, carbon sequestration property rights, declining school enrollment, and commendations and condolences. The floor then considered a series of local bills and Senate bills, many of which passed with little or no opposition. Among the House bills approved were measures creating or adjusting local districts and utility-related authorities in Orleans and Jefferson parishes, including bills on the Regency Park Town Home Crime Prevention Security District, Sewage and Water Board procurement and lien authority, the Foulberg-New neighborhood improvement district, and temporary parish burn bans. The House also passed bills on broadband cable price notices, state finance limits, toll exemptions for school board-owned leased vehicles, prestige license plates, and a brain injury designation on driver’s licenses. Senate bills passed included measures on workers’ compensation evidence rules, recreation of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, a soybean grain research board name change, incumbent worker training, interdict estate planning, and recreational alligator hunting. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 256, which would consolidate Orleans Parish’s separate civil and criminal clerk of court offices into a single Orleans clerk. Supporters argued the change would align Orleans with the rest of the state, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, while preserving employees and services. Opponents raised concerns about the timing, the lack of broader legislative and public involvement, the impact on the recently elected criminal clerk, and possible disruption to court operations and constitutional rights. After lengthy questioning, the bill passed 89-8. The House also heard a personal privilege statement recognizing a school choir visiting the Capitol and later continued with additional Senate bills, including one on workers’ compensation medical review evidence and another on the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Transcript Highlights:

• they can engage with companies that will want to service their needs in a safe and transparent and ethical

Committee: House Commerce and Human Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Beyond her strong work ethic, Rachel's Enthusiasm and determination have inspired those around her, embodying

Bills: HJR34 , HB6 , HB18 , HB39 , HB 107 , HB 114 , HB138 , HB247 , HB300 , HB647 , HB748 , HB762 , HB793 , HB 1240 , HB 1275 , HB1397 , HB1584 , HB1700 , HB1875 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB2071 , HB2254 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB2516 , HB2712 , HB2713 , HB2715 , HB2760 , HB2842 , HB3088 , HB3104 , HB3260 , HB3479 , HB3575 , HB3687 , HB3788 , HB4163 , HB4187 , HB4205 , HB4370 , HB4384 , HB4655 , HB4753 , HB4809 , HB4850 , HB5195 , HCR90 , HCR98 , SJR60 , SB203 , SB317 , SB719 , SB801 , SB867 , SB1071 , SB1232 , SB1319 , SB1483 , SB1633 , SB1798 , SB1978 , SB2233 , SB2363 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2717 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2928 , SB3038 , SJR5 , SB4 , SB9 , SB21 , SB23 , SB27 , SB34 , SB40 , SB75 , SB213 , SB458 , SB482 , SB493 , SB840 , SB841 , SB843 , SB912 , SB1241 , SB1253 , SB1350 , SB1388 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1559 , SB1789 , SB1951 , SB2037 , SB2143 , SB2155 , SB2544 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2308 , HB2525 , HJR34 , HB1393 , HB26 , HB388 , HB2712 , HB1633 , HB685 , HB762 , HB2286 , HB1606 , HB1458 , HB 1240 , HB2791 , HB3146 , HB1397 , HB2061 , HB647 , HB4738 , HB2563 , HB 128 , HB581 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2358 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB793 , HB1734 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB3104 , HB5180 , HB1584 , HB3806 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB1522 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB1314 , HB2254 , HB 1237 , HB3126 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3505 , HB4205 , HB5652 , HB3687 , HB2025 , HB3395 , HB2495 , HB138 , HB18 , HB1700 , HB4655 , HB2516 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB300 , HB2713 , HB39 , HB 114 , HB24 , HB3088 , HB4163 , HB3479 , HB2842 , HB519 , HB609 , HB 1275 , HB1592 , HB3348 , HB 120 , HB6 , HB247 , HB1533 , HB2421 , HB2273 , HB2464 , HB2011 , HB3575 , HB3788 , HB4370 , HB4809 , HB5057 , HB5084 , HB5534 , HB5668 , HB3424 , HB2715 , HB2564 , HB2760 , HB2765 , HB2898 , HB3260 , HB3800 , HB4396 , HB5195 , HB4341 , HB43 , HB5686 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2518 , HB4310 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB180 , HB5323 , HB2 , HB149 , HB4945 , HB2434 , HB2529 , HB3161 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB5155 , HB5667 , HB4996 , HB2697 , HB2492 , HB2355 , HB2282 , HB2001 , HB1902 , HB1866 , HB1445 , HB1443 , HB 1306 , HB 1024 , HB908 , HB305 , HB285 , HB449 , HB171 , HB47 , HB3464 , HB2637 , HB4263 , HB5436 , HB4429 , HB3986 , HB3966 , HB3510 , HB2560 , HB2026 , HB2688 , HB4076 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB1978 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3038 , SB3045 , SB1538 , SB719 , SB3071 , SB3065 , SB823 , SB3062 , SB719 , HB39 , HB 114 , HB138 , HB247 , HB300 , HB762 , HB793 , HB 1275 , HB1584 , HB1700 , HB1894 , HB1965 , HB2254 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB2760 , HB2842 , HB3088 , HB3104 , HB3260 , HB3479 , HB3575 , HB3687 , HB3788 , HB4163 , HB4205 , HB4370 , HB4655 , HB4809 , HB5195 , SB1978 , SR508 , HJR34 , SB963 , SB1383 , SB1883 , SB1968 , HB2525 , HB 112 , HB 117 , HB557 , HB783 , HB869 , HB876 , HB 1039 , HB 1201 , HB1347 , HB1359 , HB1650 , HB1788 , HB1904 , HB1955 , HB2370 , HB2849 , HB2853 , HB3066 , HB3169 , HB3178 , HB3179 , HB3196 , HB3241 , HB3567 , HB3672 , HB3715 , HB3720 , HB3883 , HB3954 , HB3976 , HB4070 , HB4098 , HB4222 , HB4327 , HB4359 , HB4412 , HB4683 , HB4755 , HB4894 , HB4926 , HB5115 , HB5165 , HB5320 , HB5437 , HB5499 , HB5596 , HB5650 , HB5651 , HB5654 , HB5656 , HB5658 , HB5659 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5665 , HB5666 , HB5670 , HB5671 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5677 , HB5678 , HB5679 , HB5680 , HB5681 , HB5682 , HB5688 , HB5694 , HB5695 , HB5696 , HB5699 , HCR46 , HCR59 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR111 , HCR142 , HB 112 , HB 117 , HB557 , HB783 , HB869 , HB876 , HB 1039 , HB 1201 , HB1347 , HB1359 , HB1650 , HB1788 , HB1904 , HB1955 , HB2370 , HB2849 , HB2853 , HB3066 , HB3169 , HB3178 , HB3179 , HB3196 , HB3241 , HB3567 , HB3672 , HB3715 , HB3720 , HB3883 , HB3954 , HB3976 , HB4070 , HB4098 , HB4222 , HB4327 , HB4359 , HB4412 , HB4683 , HB4755 , HB4894 , HB4926 , HB5115 , HB5165 , HB5320 , HB5437 , HB5499 , HB5596 , HB5650 , HB5651 , HB5654 , HB5656 , HB5658 , HB5659 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5665 , HB5666 , HB5670 , HB5671 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5677 , HB5678 , HB5679 , HB5680 , HB5681 , HB5682 , HB5688 , HB5694 , HB5695 , HB5696 , HB5699 , HCR46 , HCR59 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR111 , HCR142

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Birdwell's bill about discovery requirements on sworn complaints before the Texas Ethics Commission

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs met with a quorum present and took up a series of pending bills, most of them election, ethics, political communications, alcohol, or business-regulation measures. Several bills were amended with committee substitutes before being voted out, including SB 2363 on unlawful publishing of another person’s vote, SB 2044 on political communications/electioneering, SB 2713 on discrimination and membership in professional or trade associations, SB 2337 on proxy advisor transparency, SB 946 on credit discrimination/social credit scores, SB 2334 on storage of alcoholic beverages by an airline permittee, and HB 1130 on cavern-entity liability. Authors generally described the substitutes as clarifying or narrowing changes, such as removing exceptions, adding an affirmative defense, striking the word “organization,” or making technical and definitional revisions. The committee also advanced SB 2633 on a local option alcohol election, SB 2637 on bots and automated social media posts, SB 2781 on civil penalties related to political contributions and lobbying, SB 2782 on discovery requirements for sworn complaints before the Texas Ethics Commission, SB 3059 concerning the Alamo, SB 1861, SB 1367, SB 945, and SB 2043. In several instances, members recommended bills for the local and uncontested calendars after favorable action. The discussion was largely procedural, with brief bill descriptions and substitute explanations; no extended public testimony is reflected in the transcript. Most measures were reported favorably to the full Senate, typically by recorded roll call votes of nine or ten ayes and zero or one nay. SB 2363, SB 2713, SB 1861, SB 946, SB 1367, and SB 945 each received one negative vote, while SB 2781, SB 2782, SB 3059, HB 1130, SB 2334, SB 2337, and SB 2043 were reported out unanimously or near-unanimously. After completing the agenda, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is ethics. This is a moral issue. And the children cannot stand up for themselves.
• This is ethics. This is a moral issue. And the children cannot stand up for themselves.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The hearing focused on the Safe Communities Act, House 2580 and Senate 1681, along with related proposals to limit local and state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, prohibit 287(g) agreements, and expand legal defense for immigrants. Most testimony came from advocates, attorneys, labor leaders, health care professionals, educators, and community members who argued that fear of ICE discourages immigrants from reporting crimes, seeking medical care, attending school, or cooperating with courts, and that a clear statewide policy would improve public safety, due process, and trust in institutions. Several speakers described personal or client experiences involving domestic violence, trafficking, workplace abuse, or children affected by deportation, and many emphasized economic harms to workers, families, and small businesses. Health care witnesses said immigration enforcement is causing patients to miss appointments, avoid emergency rooms, and delay preventive care, with resulting public health consequences. Labor and education representatives said immigrant workers and students are increasingly fearful, and that the state should not allow local police to act as ICE agents or enter 287(g) agreements. ACLU and coalition witnesses cited examples they said showed existing or recent collaboration between local agencies and ICE, including courthouse alerts, vehicle stops, and use of municipal spaces, while also arguing that the bill would still allow cooperation on criminal matters and public safety emergencies. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that serious criminal offenders should be deported and defending ICE’s role. Committee members asked several questions about whether the harms described were widespread or anecdotal, and about the distinction between assisting ICE in civil immigration arrests versus responding to violent or public safety emergencies. Witnesses said the bill was aimed at civil immigration enforcement, not criminal investigations or emergency situations. At the end of the hearing, a committee member requested a study on immigration enforcement’s effect on emergency room wait times, and the committee then adjourned without taking a vote on the legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• practices and practical and effective legislation that ensures businesses have access to fair and ethical
• Access to fair and ethical services and capital.

Summary: The committee heard AB 801, which would require the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct fair lending examinations of lenders on a regular schedule. The author and supporters, including the Greenlining Institute and several housing and consumer groups, argued the bill was needed because federal fair lending enforcement has weakened and California borrowers of color continue to face lending disparities. Banking and credit union representatives opposed the bill as duplicative and costly, though they acknowledged the author’s amendments and continued negotiations. The bill was approved on a vote and re-referred to Judiciary, with some members voting no or not voting at first and later the measure passing on a fuller roll call. The committee then heard AB 871, which would strengthen elder fraud protections by requiring financial institutions to report suspected financial abuse to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and notify customers of the report. The author and county and adult protective services supporters said the bill would improve pattern detection and help stop or reverse scams more quickly. Bankers opposed the customer-notification requirement, warning it could alarm seniors and that the reporting process would add operational burden, but the author and supporters said victim information is important for investigations. The bill passed with committee support and was re-referred to Judiciary. AB 1842 and AB 1847, both related to mortgage forbearance after major disasters and the Eaton and Palisades fires, were also heard. AB 1842 would create a statewide framework for forbearance after federally declared major disasters, and AB 1847 would extend relief for wildfire survivors; both bills were amended to narrow triggers, clarify repayment and documentation issues, and remove some reporting requirements. Supporters included local officials, consumer groups, and housing advocates, while mortgage and banking groups remained in opposition on some implementation points but said they were working toward compromise. Both bills were approved and re-referred to Judiciary. Finally, AB 2116, dealing with merchant cash advances and small business financing transparency, was heard with broad support from small business and consumer advocates and partial support from some industry representatives after amendments; opponents still raised concerns about disclosure authority and unconscionability standards. The bill was also approved and sent to Judiciary. The committee additionally adopted a consent calendar of unrelated bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, I took an oath to adhere to a code of ethics
• Pursuing the American dream, they worked in factories, had a strong work ethic, and little familiarity

Committee: Senate Senate Budget and Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• That bill provides relative to the 2024 Regular Session and retroactivity of certain ethics code provisions
• That bill provides relative to the 2024 Regular Session and retroactivity of certain ethics code provisions

Bills: HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HR275 , HR276 , HR279 , HR282 , HR286 , HR289 , HR292 , HR295 , HR302 , HR319 , HCR112 , HR307 , SCR59 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR70 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR64 , SCR75 , HCR79 , HCR104 , HB75 , HB410 , HB719 , HB750 , HB944 , HB1098 , HB1220 , HB1252 , HB359 , HB210 , HB468 , HB1117 , SB382 , HB368 , HB552 , HB732 , HB870 , HB1236 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB149 , SB208 , SB274 , SB300 , SB312 , SB387 , SB389 , SB401 , HR74 , HB998 , HB901 , HR20 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB123 , SB237 , HB36 , HB42 , HB74 , HB119 , HB159 , HB258 , HB259 , HB302 , HB414 , HB459 , HB848 , HB956 , HB1017 , HB1028 , HB1095 , SB217 , SB283 , SB469

Keywords: oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding, taxpayer liability, public liability, offshore wells, onshore wells, coastal erosion, Department of Conservation and Energy, natural resources